From BCB... http://bestofbcb.org/wu-099-mochi-tsuki-at-islandwood/

On Sunday, January 4, everyone is invited to celebrate the new year at Islandwood with the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community. Listen here as Lily Kodama tells BCB host Ellen Miyasato about the upcoming mochi tsuki (moe-chee sue-key) or mochi-making festival. Mochi, a sweet Japanese rice treat, is a New Yearʻs tradition in Japan. 

Making mochi involves a centuries-old method of steaming sweet rice over an open fire, and placing it in a stone bowl called an usu. Using large wooden mallets, participants rhythmically pound the rice while another reaches in to turn the rice between mallet crashes. After several minutes of vigorous pounding, the rice becomes a thick, smooth dough. The hot dough is then hand-formed into small cakes, either plain or filled with a sweet bean paste. Guests can eat their mochi on the spot, or bring them home to be roasted and dipped in sweetened soy sauce.

At the mochi tsuki festival, participants can learn about the history of Bainbridge Islandʻs Japanese American community and hear the latest on the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, a National Historic Site located at Pritchard Park. Free tickets will be distributed for stirring taiko drumming performances by Seattle Kokon Taiko prior to each of three performances. Participants can also tour the Islandwood trails. Due to limited parking, car pooling is encouraged.

Visit http://bijac.org/index.php?p=EVENTSMochiTsuki to learn more about this exciting annual event.

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Ellen Miyasato; audio editor: Chris Walker; social media publisher Diane Walker. 

In this 16-minute interview, Alice and Craig Skipton tell us how they transitioned from professional careers to get back to the land and become farm managers. They describe a journey toward appreciating Heyday Farm as more than a place to grow livestock and other fresh foods.

They write:  “All food has a story. We farm so that the story of our food is rich and savory, healthy and satisfying. It’s a historic, environmental, neighborhood and family story that expresses our deep commitment to this place we call home and a healthy future for us all.

As they say: "Our vision for Heyday Farm is finite: we grow and sell farm fresh food at our farm store and offer authentic farm experiences, cooking classes, field to table events, and professional and family retreats for our island community, and visitors near and far who want to understand, experience and celebrate our region and the food we produce."

Alice and Craig explain:  "Our 25-acre family farm includes a farmhouse, farm kitchen, micro-creamery, gardens, greenhouses, and pastures for animals. We are not an 'event center' but rather an authentic working farm that strives to increase the number of people who honor the land and the sustenance it provides. We are people powered. We would never be able to produce the delicious and nutrient rich food that we do without the support of our staff members and our wonderful Bainbridge community.”

Learn more at the Heyday Farm website.

Credits: BCB host: Sonia Scaer; BCB studio tech and social media publisher: Barry Peters; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird.

From BCB...http://bestofbcb.org/wu-098-january-library-events/

In January the Bainbridge Public Library will again sponsor its Great Decisions series: 8 lively discussions on the most important foreign policy issues facing the US today. Now in its tenth year, Great Decisions at the Library is part of a nationwide, non-partisan program of the Foreign Policy Association intended to broaden public involvement in foreign affairs.  

This year's topics will be: Human Trafficking in the 21st Century, Russia and its Neighbors,  Privacy in the Digital Age, Sectarianism in the Middle East, India Changes Course, U.S. Policy toward Africa, Syria’s Refugee Crisis, and Brazil’s Metamorphosis.

While enjoying coffee and pastries, participants first view a 30-minute Foreign Policy Association DVD on the topic under consideration and then engage in a discussion led by an informed moderator. A Briefing Book, published by the FPA, is also available. 

This year's series will begin with Human Trafficking in the 21st Century on Saturday, January 10 from 9:30-11a.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. The moderator for this discussion will be Elizabeth M. Petras, retired professor of Economic Sociology. To be added to the mailing list for suggested background readings on the topics and other information about Great Decisions at the Library, email GreatDecisionsBainbridge@gmail.com . 

Also on offer through the library starting in January is a new series called "What Do You Know," which features knowledge explorations led by community experts from Parks & Rec, the Historical Society, Squeaky Wheels, and the Battle Point Astronomy Association. The inaugural program, entitled "Snowshoeing with Jeff," will feature Jeff Ozimek, Outside Programs Manager for Bainbridge Island Parks & Recreation Department. He'll offer a how-to presentation on snowshoeing, including where to go, what to do, and what you’ll need to enjoy the wilderness.

The library is also offering training sessions for tablet and ebook users!  Tablet users can call to schedule an hour of one-on-one training, and for ebook users there will be two separate presentations, each followed by hands-on time.  Ebook sessions will be offered Saturday Jan 3 from 10am-12pm and Tuesday Jan. 13 from 1-3pm.

And the easiest thing to remember -- Every Wednesday there’s a Bainbridge Library Program:

1st Wednesday = Books on Tap at the Treehouse

2nd Wednesday = Movie at the library

3rd Wednesday = Travelogue with Travel Store

4th Wednesday = What Do You Know

So come on down and enjoy the fun: you'll be glad you did!

Credits:  BCB host and audio tech: Joanna Pyle; BCB audio editor: Jon Cooney; BCB social media publisher: Diane Walker.

From BCB...http://bestofbcb.org/wu-097-bodhi-center-wellness-series/

We all want to be healthy and “well.”  But what does that mean?  Elizabeth Turner, founder of the Bainbridge Bodhi Center, tells BCB’s Channie Peters that wellness includes much more than not being sick.  And optimal wellness includes multiple modalities that address our entire selves.  

Elizabeth describes the upcoming series of six classes beginning Tuesday, January 13th. The classes, which cover meditation and visualization, Qigong, EFT (psychological acupuncture), acupressure, toning, and nutrition, are taught by experienced practitioners in their fields, all from Bainbridge Island. Each class provides an introduction to the particular modality which, if the participant finds it particularly helpful, can be pursued further.

To register for the entire series, sign up at www.bainbridgebodhicenter.com .  It is recommended that participants attend all the classes because, together, they form a holistic approach to wellness.  

Credits:  BCB host, producer and text author: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird; BCB social media publishers: Diane and Chris Walker.

In this podcast, Island Theater board member and co-director Rozzella Kolbeggar tells the story of this weekend’s production of “What Women Have to Say”.

The script-in-hand dramatizations take place at the public meeting room of the Bainbridge Public Library, on Saturday December 20th and Sunday December 21st at 7:30pm.

The Island Theater show is an evening of scenes and monologues by, for, and about women. Adapted and directed by Diane Bankart and Rozzella Kolbegger, the offerings range from a very different kind of crazy cat lady to a human resources staffer with some wild stories; from a park ranger giving an unusual tour of Mount Rushmore to an actress who finds a sneaky way to score at an audition; and some Holiday funnies thrown in for good measure.

The cast includes Ruth Urbach, Diane Bankart, Paula Elliot, Carolyn Goad, Mikaela Karter, Christiana Bannister, and Tressa Johnson.

Rozzella also invites you to save the date - the third weekend in February - for a revisiting of one of Island Theater’s widely recognized shows: “Dear Editor”.  It consists of dramatic readings of actual letters sent to the editor of the Bainbridge Review, including during the days of World War II when the Review editor took courageous positions condemning the internship of Japanese-Americans.

Island Theater shows are performed for no charge, but a donation is gratefully accepted. More information can be found on the Island Theater website.

Credits: BCB host, editor and publisher: Barry Peters. Photos courtesy of Island Theater.

Get your head out -- and way above -- the clouds with this podcast of What’s Up Bainbridge.

In this episode, BCB host Jason Goyette speaks with Steve Ruhl, the president of the Battle Point Astronomical Association.

On Saturday, December 13th at 7pm Steve will be presenting “Jupiter as a Star” -- a 90-minute show at the planetarium at the Ritchie Observatory.

Afterwards, if the skies are reasonably clear, there will be a Star Party where adults and kids can look through the telescopes of astronomy club enthusiasts.

During the planetarium show, Steve will explore the role of the largest planet in our solar system. And he'll ask, hypothetically, if Jupiter had evolved into a star, what might have happened to Earth?

In this episode, Steve also mentions other activities - such as astronomy courses - that the Astronomical Association provides to residents of the island and beyond.

Past planetarium shows included “Did the Dinosaurs see Orion in their Night Sky?” and “Killer Rocks”.

As well as being the president of the BPAA, Steve also enjoys Astrophotography when weather and lighting conditions are in his favor.

Planetarium shows are held once a month and are open to the public. A $2.00 donation is suggested for nonmembers, $5.00 for families.

More information on astronomy club activities and events can be found at the BPAA website at http://www.bpastro.org/

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Jason Goyette; BCB audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters.

Stories of the Buddha’s previous lives, told by master storyteller Margo McLoughlin, will be featured at the island's Bodhi Center on Monday, December 15th from 7 to 8:30 pm.

In this interview, Margo tells BCB host Channie Peters about this unique event of storytelling accompanied by world musician Doug MacKenzie. He plays an astonishing variety of instruments from Indian and other cultures around the globe.

These delightful stories from the Buddha’s time and place feature the Buddha in many animal and human forms.The Jataka Tales reflect the truth that daily life offers us countless opportunities to develop wisdom and compassion, generosity and loving-kindness. The stories are beautifully told by an accomplished storyteller who has translated many of the stories from their original Pali or Sanskrit language. The tales provide a window into an ancient culture, as well as wisdom from traditional Buddhist teachings on kindness and generosity.

Margo McLoughlin, a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, has studied Pali, the ancient language of the Buddha. Margo has been telling the Buddhist tales since 1991. She is a consultant with the Fetzer Institute for whom she has been gathering world tales of generosity for the past four years. The material is being used as tools for reflection and dialogue with several professional groups. Margo’s stories can be found in CD and video formats on her website.

The Bodhi Center is located at 6717 Marshall Road. Admission is by donation at the door to cover costs. Registration is encouraged at the Bodhi Center website since space is limited. Children are welcome.

Credits: BCB host: Channie Peters; BCB studio tech, editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters.

Hey, what’s up, Bainbridge?  Monty Python is returning to Bainbridge Island!

"Spamalot" will be performed at the Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA) playhouse from December 5th to 21st.

In this podcast, director Ken Michels talks with BCB host Channie Peters about what it feels like to be asked to direct a Monty Python musical. He tells how this 19-member cast will make this show their own and have us laughing all the way to the curtain calls. Monty Python’s iconic unique humor is well known, but Michels believes the actors’ challenge and excitement is performing it with their own passion.

An actor and director in Seattle, Michels has been called to Bainbridge Island over the last five years, at first to help make shows funnier, then to direct well-known comedies, such as "The Full Monty".

Tickets are on sale now at the box office (200 Madison Ave. N) and online at the BPA website.

Credits: BCB host Channie Peters; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird; BCB media publisher: Barry Peters.

From BCB... http://bestofbcb.org/wu-092-winter-studio-tour/

Looking for beautiful hand-crafted gifts?  Here's your perfect solution: the 31st annual Bainbridge Island Winter Studio Tour!  From December 5th through December 7th the tour will feature hand-crafted artwork displayed by 62 local artists in nine studios and community halls around the island. An impressive selection of locally-made, original artwork will include paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, glass, fiber, metal, sculpture, and fine woodworking.

In this episode of “What’s Up Bainbridge,” BCB host Annie Osburn interviews local furniture makers Robert Spangler and Birgit Josenhans, whose West Blakely woodworking studio is one of the nine locations on the tour. For more than 35 years, Spangler has devoted himself to the craft of fine woodworking. Josenhans assists in the process of designing and building, and also creates a line of boxes, boards and benches appropriately called the “B-Line,” made from locally harvested woods and sustainable materials.

A twice-annual island art show tradition, the Studio Tour welcomes patrons into local artist studios, providing an opportunity to meet the artists and learn about their craft. The Studio Tour can be enjoyed all in one day, or spread out over a leisurely three days. Studios are open 10 to 6 on Friday and Saturday, December 5^th and 6^th, and 10 to 5 on Sunday, December 7^th.

The nine locations on this year's tour include: the Robert Spangler Studio, the American Legion Hall, the Filipino American Hall, Strawberry Hill Mini Gym, the Waterfront Park Community Center, the Grange Hall, Siebert Pottery Studio, Hidden Cove Pottery & Tile, and Seabold Hall.

Visit www.bistudiotour.com to download a brochure and map of the tour venues and learn more about this winter's tour.

Credits:  BCB host, producer and text author: Annie Osburn; BCB field tech and audio editor: Tim Bird; BCB social media publisher: Diane Walker.

In this 15-minute podcast interview, Bainbridge Island Farmers Market manager Tim O'Brien provides highlights of what's at the market as the holiday season draws near.

Starting Saturday November 22nd -- from 9am to 1pm -- the Farmers Market moves from its summer location between City Hall and the BPA theater to its Autumn location.

Starting on the 22nd, it will be found in the open space in front of the Eagle Harbor Congregational Church.  EHCC is the church with the white steeple in the center of Winslow at the intersection of Winslow Way and Madison Avenue.  And inside the church on Saturdays between 9am and 1pm you'll find additional local vendors with crafts, desserts and other goodies.

In addition to managing the market, Tim O'Brien is just completing his two-year term as President of the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association. BIDA is the association of Winslow businesses working to keep the downtown an inviting place to stroll, window shop, gather for treats or a meal, and shop local.

Because of our mild climate and the use of some greenhouses, the Farmers Market will continue to offer a variety of locally grown and harvested foods through most of December.

For more information, see the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market website. 

Credits: BCB host, editor and publisher: Barry Peters.

From BCB..."http://bestofbcb.org/wu-091-bainbridge-public-library-events-in-december/

December at the Bainbridge Island Library begins with the First Friday Artwalk, Friday December 5th, featuring Dorothy Matthews' exquisite watercolors of Nutcracker images.  But that's only the beginning!

On Saturday, December 6, from 11 am to noon, talented Bushwick Book Club musicians will perform original music inspired by Dickens' Christmas Carol.

The Island Film Group will bring Jimmy Stewart's classic comedy, The Shop around the Corner, to the library at 7 pm on December 10th, and the Ferry Tales meeting on the 4:40 boat from Seattle December 11th will discuss Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson.  Be sure to join them as they discuss this beautifully written chronicle of one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the south for northern and western cities, in search of a better life.

The Waterfront Book Group will meet Tuesday, December 16, at the Waterfront Park Community Center to discuss Lois Lowry's The Giver.  For a special pre-Christmas treat: on Tuesday December 23rd you can schedule a free half-hour appointment with human resources consultant and leadership coach Josy Koumans to review your resume, improve your interview techniques, or discuss your future career plans.

All this and more -- including storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and the ever-popular Book-a-Computer-Trainer -- available for you this month at the Bainbridge Island Library: don't miss it!

And a special note: the Library will be closed December 24th and 25th, and will close at 5 December 31st.  Happy Holidays from your Bainbridge Island Library! 

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Joanna Pyle; audio editor: Jon Coonan. 

In this podcast, we meet Andrea Addington, who has founded a new business on Bainbridge to educate and coach clients on finding their way to more nourishing -- and often locally sourced -- foods.

She describes the upcoming educational event on Saturday, November 22nd at 2pm, which is an introduction to warming raw foods.  This is the first is a series of such events that are intended to feature foods of the season.

Another part of Andrea's business is offering a service called the "Roaming Farm-to-Table Dining Experience". These are classes in the cooking of healthy foods in the comfort of your own home. You invite the guests and Andrea does the rest. All recipes include instruction and techniques that can be replicated easily and quickly by each participant. The emphasis is on shopping locally, buying organic and seasonally fresh foods that have been sustainably farmed as close to home as possible. She also invites a special guest speaker to keep the classes interactive and fun.

Andrea Addington is a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

See more about Andrea's business offerings at her Nourish with Andrea website.

Credits: BCB host, editor and publisher: Barry Peters.

On Campus Host Charlie Hanacek sits down with Ashley Alnwick, Leah Potter, Claire Fowler, and Sophie Carson, who are all leaders of Biomedical Engineering Club at BHS, to talk about the club, it's future, and an Ebola poster made in apparently poor taste. Biomedical Engineering's advisor is BHS Biology teacher Charisa Moore. Be sure to stop by their meetings on Thursday afternoons!

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art executive director and curator Greg Robinson, and museum founder Cynthia Sears, talk about artist Rachel Feferman, who died in 2010.

Feferman’s life’s work lives on at the art museum in an expansive retrospective in the gallery bearing her name. The exhibition will continue through February 15, 2015.

Greg Robinson and Cynthia Sears tell BCB host Channie Peters about Feferman’s life, her art, and how they intersect.  A sensitive person, deeply affected by events in the world, particularly the Holocaust, Feferman’s drawings progress from starkly portrayed images to ones that balance dark elements with beauty and comfort.  The artist needed to hold onto beauty to remain sane amidst the horrors in the world around us, and this is reflected in Feferman’s “Golden Hands” series of drawings.  Listening to this conversation with Greg and Cynthia gives us a personal and aesthetic sense of who the artist, Rachel Feferman, is.

Both the retrospective exhibit and this episode of Who’s on Bainbridge are unusual in featuring a person no longer living. But she lives on in the body of her art work that is now on display in the museum on Bainbridge Island, and through the museum's gallery that bears her name.

Credits: BCB host: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters; images of Rachel Feferman's artwork is courtesy of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and is also found on BIMA's website.

In this podcast, the City of Bainbridge Island Community Engagement Specialist Kellie Stickney describes the meetings that will start the next phase of the "Navigate Bainbridge" process to update the City's Comprehensive Plan.

The City is offering two different days and times for community members to choose from. You can either attend on Wednesday, Nov 12th from 6:00 to 9:30pm, or attend on Monday, Nov 17th from 10am to 1:30pm.  The agenda will be the same at each meeting.

The City's Comprehensive Plan update project - known as Navigate Bainbridge - is described in the Comp Plan update section of the City's website.

The first half hour of the meeting will be devoted to welcomes and introductions. After that, the meeting turns to exercises for participants to discuss their visions for the future planning goals for the City.

In addition to participating in meetings for the comp plan update process, the City has set up other ways for you to be involved in the process.  For example, you can visit the portion of the City's website called "Community Voice" in order to post and comment on ideas.

The Navigate Bainbridge comprehensive plan update is a two-year process that concludes in summer 2016 with the City Council approval of the updated plan.

Credits: BCB host, editor and publisher: Barry Peters.

From BCB...http://bestofbcb.org/wu-089-thomas-jefferson-comes-to-visit-november-19th/

Thomas Jefferson is coming to Bainbridge Island! In this podcast Everett Du'Bois of the Bainbridge Island Historical Society talks with BCB host Ellen Miyasato about the upcoming visit of Thomas Jefferson scholar Clay Jenkinson. On Wednesday November 19th at 7 pm Jenkinson will perform as Jefferson at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Auditorium, offering a monologue in character, Q&A in character, and then answering questions as himself.

Jenkinson, who is considered one of the most entertaining public speakers in the United States, has lectured about and portrayed Jefferson in 49 states over the last 15 years. He is host of the nationally syndicated National Public Radio show “The Thomas Jefferson Hour,” a program dedicated to the traditions of Thomas Jefferson: civil discourse, critical thinking, and good citizenship. 

Mr. Jenkinson has also appeared as himself in films by Ken Burns, most recently as an authority on Theodore Roosevelt in “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History,” and is the  author of “Becoming Jefferson’s People: Re-Inventing the American Republic in the Twenty-first Century.”

Come to this event to experience living history and interact with the author of the Declaration of Independence. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at http://www.bainbridgehistory.org/events.aspx, by phone at 206-842-2773, or in person at the museum (215 Ericksen Ave. NE). The cost is $100 per person. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served at 6:15 pm.

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Ellen Miyasato; audio editor: Tim Bird; social media publisher Diane Walker. 

In this podcast, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Executive Director and Curator Greg Robinson, and museum founder Cynthia Sears, talk about the current show at the art museum and about featured artist Rachel Feferman. They are interviewed by BCB host Channie Peters.

Exhibits in this current show, which opened October 11th, include Children’s Book Illustrators Woodleigh Marx Hubbard, Jennifer K. Mann, Nikki McClure, and Julie Paschkis; Harry Longstreet photography; Karen Hackenberg; and featured artists Larry “Ulaaq” Ahvakana; and a retrospective of Rachel Feferman in the 2nd floor gallery that bears her name.

Cynthia Sears tells us about Rachel Feferman’s life and how it influenced her art, especially the “Golden Hands” in this exhibit, which is titled “Hole in the Heart.”  Greg Robinson describes this very moving exhibit, unusual for the art museum because it is the first exhibit of an artist who is no longer living.

The current show will continue until February 15, 2015 at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, which is located at the corner of Highway 305 and Winslow Way.

Credits: BCB host and text author: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters.

After reading an article about filmmaker Courtney Jones in the Bainbridge Review, BCB host Barbara Golden interviewed him to learn more about this young man’s film career.

Originally from southern California, Courtney and his family recently moved to Bainbridge Island from New Mexico -- where he had shot his latest short film, The Courier. Although filmed in New Mexico, The Courier takes place in 2027 and has little resemblance, in place or time, to the present — except the plot.  Watch the video to find out what that connection is.

In this interview, Courtney tells us about his beginnings in the film industry as a “key grip” (a job only vaguely related to the job title), his change in direction after the death of Aliya (a young singer whose music video he was working on), and the events of September 11th.

What sounds like a glamorous job was not what he wanted to do for the rest of his career.  So, with best friend, Reno Wilson — who is also a co-star of  the television series Mike and Molly — Courtney jumped into film making. Eventually he started his own company, Pod Intermedia, and teamed up with others to write and direct films.

If, like many of us, the most you know about filmmaking is paying the admission fee, this podcast should shed some light on the whole process -- and explain the “key grip” job. From venture funding to the use of a concept video, Courtney gives us a short primer on the business. And even though it’s not all glamour, he enjoys the work and creativity.

Credits: BCB host and text: Barbara Golden; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird; BCB social media publisher: Barry Peters. Photos are courtesy of Pod Intermedia.

If you have ever wondered what happens at the West Sound Wildlife Shelter, BCB host Annie Osburn takes you inside in this episode of “Bainbridge Outdoors” for a look at Western Puget Sound’s only wildlife hospital and education center.

Joining Osburn are executive director Lisa Horn, operations manager and wildlife rehabilitation specialist Lynne Weber, and hospital manager Brandy Stier, on location inside the hospital and on the grounds.

The main focus of the West Sound Wildlife Shelter (WSWS) is to rescue and rehabilitate wild animals located throughout Washington State who have either been injured, orphaned or have fallen sick.

As Horn notes, “Our goal is to bring them into our veterinary hospital and give them the best possible medical care we can, so we can get them back out in the wild for a second chance on life. Our second goal is to educate the public and provide outreach programs. Our education programs reach about 15,000 adults and children each year.”

Six staff and approximately 80 hard-working volunteers, including support and care stewards who work directly with the animals, keep the shelter running smoothly. The costs of running the WSWS hospital and providing food for shelter patients is steep. Annually, the shelter feeds patients more than two tons of food, including salmon, quail, rats, mice, chicks, rabbit, elk and deer. “We do our best to feed a mimicking natural diet,” adds Stier. “We try to mimic what animals would find in the wild here in Washington, which is a really varied diet.”

In 2013, WSWS finished the year having treated 1,118 patients, which amounted to 15,000 patient days. By the end of August 2014, WSWS had treated more than 1,250 animals and is expecting that number to reach 1,350 by the end of 2014, with patient days close to 20,000.

Among the non-human guests joining this episode are Athena, the barred owl and WSWS educational ambassador, who came to the shelter after having been hit by a car. Remington, the turkey vulture with a six-foot wing span, was found near Shelton by a hunter after being shot. Weighing about four pounds, DNA tests proved Remington to be female – much to the delight of Weber, who knew “he” was a she, all along.

Finally, we’ll meet Luna, the Virginia opossum, the first mammal educational ambassador at the shelter. As an omnivore, Luna enjoys a varied diet, which works to her advantage as she reportedly gets bored easily. Luna came to the shelter after having been attacked twice by a dog. She is blind in one eye and a portion of her tail had to be amputated. Still, she looks pretty darn cute waddling through the pine needles in her pink harness on daily walks around the grounds.

For further information about the work of WSWS and volunteer opportunities, visit the Wildlife Shelter website. They are located adjacent to Bloedel Reserve (map).

Credits:  BCB host and text author Annie Osburn; BCB field tech and audio editor Tim Bird; BCB social media publisher: Barry Peters; photos by Dottie Tison, courtesy of West Sound Wildlife Shelter.

In this podcast, BCB volunteer Barbara Golden interviews Linda Phillips, who is the author of "Crazy", a young adult (YA) novel written in free verse.

Ms. Phillips will be talking about her debut novel at Eagle Harbor Books on Sunday, October 26th at 3pm.

Linda  grew up in an idyllic Oregon community, but like the heroine of her novel, her home life was less than ideal.  The novel is set in 1963, during a tumultuous time in American history, when Linda  Phillips, like her main character, Laura, was a high school girl with a secret.

Whether we or someone we know has been touched by mental illness, we can all appreciate how societal attitudes toward mental diseases have changed in a positive way.

In the book "Crazy," Laura’s mother is frequently hospitalized. But she is never diagnosed with what was then called manic depression and is now labeled bipolar disorder. The family is at the mercy of the mother’s illness, with Laura seeking refuge in her art, a passion she shares with her mother.  Their shared passion for art also scares her. What if she, too, begins to exhibit signs of being “crazy”?

Of her childhood, Linda Phillips writes: “I was born and raised in Oregon, something I will never get over. I grew up in Klamath Falls, a mill town with an elevation of just over 4,000 feet on the east side of the Cascades, touting an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Humidity is nonexistent, there are no household bugs that needed exterminating…”

And she could not wait to leave.

This is a brave debut novel by a writer who uses her own life to tell a story of despair and ultimately, hope.  Listen to the podcast to learn more about Linda, to hear her read an excerpt from the novel, and her explanation of the controversial title.

For more information about Linda Phillips, the author of "Crazy", visit her website

Credits: BCB host and text author: Barbara Golden; BCB audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters.

John Fossett and Tressa Johnson, two of our adult service librarians, discuss what’s up at the Bainbridge Public Library during November with BCB's Joanna Pyle.

1. A Series on the History of the Vietnam War

On three Saturday mornings -- November 1, 8 and 22 -- “Library U” offers a three-part lecture series on the Vietnam War presented by Laurence Kerr. He will sample topics from the French return to Indochina to the My Lai Massacre and the crisis of conscience.

Larry Kerr served as an Army officer from 1964 to 1974. Later he joined the U.S. State Department, where his postings included Mexico, Chile, Guatemala, and the Republic of Georgia. His teaching experience includes three years in Washington DC as Associate Professor of History at the National Defense University, where he taught about the history of empires and strategic thought.  He also served as Distinguished Lecturer at the Inter-American Defense College with a course on the history of terrorism.

Since moving to Bainbridge Island in 2006, Larry served on the board of Bainbridge Chorale and Bainbridge Youth Services, and he has been a frequent moderator for the Great Decisions series at the Bainbridge Library.

2. Assistance with Health Benefit Enrollment

On November 15, the Washington Benefits Health Exchange open enrollment period begins.  The Bainbridge Library is working with Peninsula Community Health Services to provide free, confidential assistance with annual re-enrollment from trained, certified specialists.  At the Bainbridge Library, assistance is available every Wednesday starting November 26th. Check the Library website for times and an occasional Saturday session.

3. Ideas for the Holidays

The Library has books on entertaining, decorating, food, crafts and more.  And, if you’ll be on the road, consider audio books or DVDs to take with you.  They are free with your library card.

Credits: BCB host: Joanna Pyle; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird; BCB social media publisher: Barry Peters.

Are you interested in joining Radio Club, or maybe just want some cool podcasts to follow on the bus to school or work? Ryan Cox interviews Charlie Hanacek as the up and coming BHS Radio Club. Highlights include future live streaming, and sweet shows, and why now is the time to get involved! For the aspiring student radio broadcaster, the club meets Thursday mornings at 7:45 in Mr. Dunn’s room. Also visit us at www.bestofbcb.org

Organic & locally grown? At a gas station?? Really???

Who ever heard of organic, locally grown, healthy nutritious fast-ish food at a ... gas station??  Meet Jake Angel, Executive Chef of Jake’s Pickup, a restaurant / diner / dive at the Chevron gas station at the corner of highway 305 and High School Rd.

In this mouth-watering interview, Jake tells BCB host Channie Peters how and why he has brought this new paradigm of healthy wholesome cuisine to a gas station food store on Bainbridge Island.

He describes what healthy delicious fare he offers up six days a week to everyone from the ferry traveler, to local regulars at the counter, to those of us needing a break from cooking. Jake’s kitchen sources their ingredients from local farms, local breweries and even local hens.  The pizza dough, buns and bread for his signature pulled pork sandwiches and hamburgers are baked fresh by Jake and his mother every morning with organic flour and local eggs.  And beware the sconut, a cross between a scone and a donut, invented by Jake and baked daily with organic flour and eggs laid by local hens.

This is truly a family business. Working at Jake’s Pickup are Jake’s mother, his sister, Roxanne, and occasionally his nieces (who are still too young to wield a knife in the kitchen).

Learn more about Jake and Jake’s Pickup at his website where you’ll also find menus for eating in or picking up.

And, for more conversations on local dining -- plus stories of local foods, farming and gardening -- tune in for additional episodes of Tastes of Bainbridge on BCB.

Credits:  BCB host and text: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters.

From BCB...http://bestofbcb.org/wu-085-new-treatments-for-eye-disease-november-1/

Some groundbreaking advances in vision research are offering new hope for the visually impaired, according to an upcoming talk to be given at the Senior Center by Dr. Russell Van Gelder.  Van Gelder serves as Director of the University of Washington Eye Institute and Chair of the UW Opthalmology Department.  

In his talk, entitled The Promise of Vision Restoration, Dr. Van Gelder will describe how blinding eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are not an inevitable part of aging.  Now that we understand that these causes of blindness are not age-related but actually diseases, the UW Eye institute, in collaboration with other universities, is exploring how technologies like stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and drug therapy might be used to restore vision.

In this podcast BCB host Joanna Pyle talks with Katherine Hayner, a member of the Bainbridge Island Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Support Group. Diagnosed 15 years ago with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Hayner gradually became involved with the Library's VIP support program and began exploring available resources for the group. 

After attending a talk given by Dr. Van Gelder at the library in 2012, Hayner became intrigued by the work of the Eye Institute, and now serves on the Outreach Committee of the Community Action Board of the Institute. Hayner believes that the work of the institute will help to ensure that the next generation will not suffer the blinding effects of retinal diseases.

Please join us Saturday, November 1, from 10:30 to noon at the Waterfront Park Community Center to hear Dr. Gelder speak on "The Promise of Vision Restoration." 

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Joanna Pyle; BCB audio editor and music intro: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative. 

In this podcast, Barbara Clarke from Field's End and bestselling author and editor Ann Hood talk with BCB host Channie Peters about Ann’s upcoming lecture on “How to Be Your Own Best Editor”.

One of the hardest things for writers to do is judge their own work in progress. Commonly called revision, it produces groans from most of us working on a manuscript.

This Saturday, October 18th lecture on revision by Ann Hood will not only teach us to “cast a cold eye on our own work” but provide advice and tips.

Ann is the author of the just-released novel "An Italian Wife" and many other best-selling novels and essays. She is the editor of "Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting", which will be featured in an evening event (see prior podcast WU-081). She’s received two Pushcart Prizes and is on the faculty of the MFA in Creative Writing program at The New School in New York City and is a frequent instructor at various conferences.

The venue for this Saturday October 18th 1-3pm event is the auditorium at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art at 550 Winslow Way E (the corner of SR 305 & Winslow Way — a short walk from the ferry).

Register now online at the Field's End website for the event that includes a Q&A and book signing. Or pay at the door, but BIMA auditorium seating is limited. Tickets: $25.

Credits: BCB host and text author: Channie Peters; BCB studio tech, audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters.

Is your novel in need of a good editor? Get some first-hand advice at the upcoming Field’s End presentation, “Working with an Editor: Taking Your Book to the Next Level.”

In this episode, BCB host Annie Osburn speaks with developmental editor Jennifer Hager and author Dave Richards, who will share highlights of their collaboration on Richards’ 2014 novel, If I Could Give You a Day. Hager and Richards will headline the Field’s End event at 7pm on Tuesday October 21 at the Bainbridge Public Library.

Richards shares advice for writers on how to be best prepared to work with an editor, while Hager offers insights on what to look for when searching for one.

A member of the Northwest Independent Editors Guild, Hager works on book-length projects with an eye on the “big picture” aspects of the story. She can be contacted through the Editors Guild website. Richards has sold numerous options for scripts, but when the idea for his book came, he dropped everything to write his first novel. Look for the Kindle Edition of If I Could Give You a Day at Amazon.

Learn more about “Working with an Editor: Taking Your Book to the Next Level,” and other Field’s End events at the Field's End website.

Credits:  BCB host and text author Annie Osburn; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird.

Fields End organizer Barbara Clarke and bestselling author Ann Hood tell BCB host Channie Peters about a multi-faceted event in the auditorium of Bainbridge Island Museum of Art on the evening of Saturday, October 18.

Ann Hood will fly in from her East Coast home to lead a troupe of actors in reading excerpts from "Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting".  The book, which she edited, is a collection of essays by well-known authors on their knitting experiences.  Selections from the book will be read by Bainbridge’s finest actors: Dinah Manoff, George Shannon, Barbara Deering and Liz Ellis. The readings are directed by Kate Carruthers.

Ann Hood is the author of the just-released novel "An Italian Wife" and editor of the bestselling collection of essays on knitting. Ann became an avid knitter in 2002 to help get through the grief of losing her daughter, Grace. Through knitting, she was able to pick up her craft again and share her painful journey with readers. Knitting Yarns is a testament to the power of craft to sustain us through human survival and triumph alike.

Barbara Clarke describes Ann as a fine novelist, essayist, in-demand teacher, mother, and for this event – Knitting the Arts Together – an ardent knitter.

She is here for one weekend – October 17th and 18th -- and will also meet and greet customers at Churchmouse Yarns and Teas on Friday night from 7 to 8:00 PM.

Barbara discovered Knitting Yarns through one of the essays in the book by Barbara Kingsolver. She thought it would be wonderful to bring Ann to Bainbridge and have a troupe of actors provide the extra benefit of their dramatic readings. This is NOT a lady’s-only evening or just for knitters. The readings will cover a wide spectrum of experiences and insights, and will end with Ann reading from her own essay.

This event is co-sponsored by Fields End, Churchmouse Yarns and Teas, and Eagle Harbor Book Co.

Making the evening even more special is a "goody bag” waiting for you at the door. A book signing and reception will follow. Purchase a Fields End ticket online, or at the door (if tickets remain): $30.00. Seating is limited.

Credits: BCB host: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird; BCB social media publisher: Barry Peters.

In this podcast, we meet Morgan Terry and Cortney Wollaston, who are two founders of Spacecraft -- an innovative venue for music and arts in Rolling Bay on Bainbridge Island.

Spacecraft is a nonprofit arts organization on a mission to bring new art and energy to Bainbridge Island. Visit Spacecraft on Facebook

On their Facebook page, they describe their mission as being “a collaborative nonprofit where artists of all ages and backgrounds can explore meaning in new and authentic ways” with a space that is “ideal for experiencing fresh craft, as well as witnessing established artists in an intimate setting.”

In their conversation with BCB host Stuart Stranahan, Morgan and Cortney describe several upcoming music events at Spacecraft from October through December -- including something special for Halloween.

The next music event is Friday, October 17th at 7pm. The main performer that night will be Lemolo.

Here’s what Spacecraft, on their Facebook event page, has to say about Lemolo:

"Lemolo is the dream pop brainchild of Seattle musician Meagan Grandall. Grandall grew up in the sleepy town of Poulsbo, WA and spent her childhood meandering along the town’s most scenic road, Lemolo Shore Drive. After graduating from Seattle University in 2009, Grandall decided to turn her passion of writing and performing music into a career and has been performing her music with Lemolo ever since. The band’s debut full length album, The Kaleidoscope, was self-released in 2012. The album was included in KEXP’s “Top Listener Voted Albums of 2012″ list, was a number one best seller at Sonic Boom Records and was also voted as the “Best New Music” of 2013 by City Arts Magazine. Grandall is currently recording the sophomore Lemolo album."

To attend the October 17th event, visit Brown Paper Tickets

Credits: BCB host and audio editor: Stuart Stranahan; BCB social media publisher: Barry Peters.

In this podcast, Maurie Louis of the League of Women Voters of Kitsap describes the October 15th candidate forum at Bainbridge Island City Hall.

On Wednesday evening, October 15th, from 6:30 to 7:45pm, you can attend the City Hall forum with the candidates for the two State Legislature positions that represent Bainbridge Island and our 23rd Legislative District.

Speaking that evening will be our Position 1 incumbent Representative Sherry Appleton (a Democrat), and her challenger Scott Henden (a Republican).

At the same forum, our Position 2 incumbent Representative Drew Hansen (a Democrat) will face his challenger James Olsen (a Republican).

Cable Channel 12 will carry that forum on Thursday the 16th at 8pm. 

The League is also sponsoring other candidate forums that will be televised on the Comcast Channel 12 -- the public access cable channel serving Bainbridge.  For example:

Incumbent County Commissioner Linda Streissguth (a Democrat) will present remarks at the League's forum at Poulsbo City Hall on Monday October 13th at 7:30pm with her challenger Edward Wolfe (a Republican). See it on cable Channel 12 on Tuesday the 14th at 7:30pm. 

Earlier that evening, at 6:30, the County Auditor Candidates -- Dolores Gilmore (D) and Kelly Emerson (R) -- will appear, as will County Assessor candidates -- Paul Andrews (D) and Phil Cook (R).  See Channel 12 on the same day and time.

Our incumbent Congressman Derek Kilmer (D) will face challenger Marty McClendon (R) at the League's forum in Bremerton on October 14th.  See Channel 12 at 11pm on Wednesday the 15th.

A link to the videos will also be posted on the website of the League of Women Voters of Kitsap.

Credits:  BCB host and publisher, Barry Peters; BCB editor Stuart Stranahan.

From BCB:

In this podcast episode, Bainbridge Island City Finance Director Ellen Schroer explains to BCB host Barry Peters the highlights of the City’s proposed budget for the next two-year biennium (2015-2016). 

Public meetings on the budget occur on Tuesdays in October. The Council must approve the budget by December.

Topics discussed by the Finance Director during this interview are the following:

- What’s new about this budget exercise for the City?  0:38

- How does this budget identify City Department performance measures: accomplishments and goals?  1:33

- Is a good example of a performance measure how many days it takes to obtain a planning or building approval?  3:43

- How do you compare City staffing in pre-recession years (when there were as many as 152 full-time equivalent employees) versus a recent year (when staffed dropped to 104)?  4:16

- What are examples of key goals and priorities for 2015-16?  5:54

- What is the size of the City’s operating budget, and its capital budget?  7:43

- What capital projects are shaping up as priorities for the next two years?  8:17

- What are examples of capital projects accomplished recently? 9:08

- For the preservation and resurfacing of roads, is the budgeted $600,000 sufficient?  9:42

- Does the Council contemplate issuing debt to tackle major capital projects? 10:56

- The budget exercise, for the first time, uses an approach called “Priority-Based Budgeting”. What is that? 12:02

- One priority is “Reliable Infrastructure and Connected Mobility”. What is ‘connected mobility’? 13:36

- Another priority is a “Healthy and Attractive Community”?  How does the budget address that? 14:46

- Another priority is “Vibrant Economy”? How does the budget address that? 15:40

- Has the Council asked for the budget to address the need for improvements in cellular service? 16:22

- Does the budget address the needs for improved parking in Winslow in connection with the goal of Vibrant Economy?  16:58

- How does the budget define the sixth priority: “Good Governance”? 17:18

- Do you have a comment on the awards recently received by Bainbridge Island for active citizen engagement?  17:44

- Is the City looking for ways to improve citizen engagement for groups like daily ferry commuters; young busy families; and youth in the 18-25 age group? 18:26

- What does the budget have to say about maintaining opportunities for local residents to volunteer? 20:17

- Do you have a final thought about the openness of the budget process to Bainbridge residents? 20:52

The City Council is conducting public meetings for budget review on Tuesday evenings in October in City Hall. Meetings typically begin at 7pm with a public comment period being at the beginning of a business meeting, or occurring in response to topics raised at a Study Session.

Credits: BCB host, editor and publisher: Barry Peters; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

From BCB...

In this 22-minute interview, Bainbridge Island City Manager Doug Schulze shares his thoughts on local economic vitality and development of our island, as the City starts the two-year public process to update the City’s multi-faceted Comprehensive Plan.

Doug Schulze became our City Manager almost two years ago and he’s made himself accessible to community members, local organizations and the media. Amidst controversy about the Visconsi development, he recently published 3 articles to the community offering his views on local economic development.

Questions answered by the City Manager in this podcast are:

• What were the two recent awards from the international city management association to Bainbridge Island?    1:04
• Can you compare and contrast the character of Bainbridge, and our approach to growth, to other Washington cities?    2:25
• What are your goals for both the process and the outcomes of the current public process to update the City Comprehensive Plan?  3:50
• In your three recent reports to residents about local economic development, what was your main message to the community?  4:30
• Is the main purpose of the tree ordinance to regulate homeowners or development land clearing?   5:25
• The City’s 2004 Comprehensive Plan amendments focused growth on Winslow rather than our more rural areas. Has that strategy been working?  6:35
• What do you make of fast 6% per year growth in the 1990s and slow ½% per year growth in 2004 to 2011?   8:10
• Has the Comp Plan emphasis on channeling the growth in housing into Winslow been working? 9:20
• Is the City committed to improving the availability of parking in downtown Winslow? 10:15
• Is City Hall taking a balanced position toward development? Did the City provide a balanced review of the Visconsi proposal?  12:57
• Do property tax or sales tax considerations bias the City toward favoring property development?  15:00
• What are examples of the City’s focus on sustainability? 17:25
• Is the City balancing local development with the goal of conserving our fresh water aquifers? 18:52
• What are some of the priorities for economic vitality that are embodied in the 2015-16 Priority Based Budget?  20:40
• Any final thoughts on the type of growth and development that’s appropriate for our island?  22:02
• You can listen to podcasts on other City issues in the BCB series of Community Cafe conversations about community needs and issues, including with City Planner Kathy Cook, City Chief of Police Matt Hamner, and our next episode with City Finance Director Ellen Schroer.

Credits: BCB host, audio editor and publisher: Barry Peters; BCB music intro: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

From BCB...

In this episode of “Bainbridge Outdoors,” BCB host Annie Osburn joins Bainbridge Island birder George Gerdts at Fort Ward Park to talk about fall bird migration on the island. A passionate birder since childhood, Gerdts is a virtual storehouse of knowledge when it comes to our local birds, their habitat, behaviors, songs, calls, and more.

On this misty fall morning, Gerdts and Osburn meet at the southern end of Fort Ward Park, near the fish pens, to take a closer look at the migrating waterfowl that come to winter on this stretch of saltwater shoreline. Many of the birds who've been absent all summer are now returning from their Arctic breeding grounds.  Look for Surf Scoters, White-winged Scoters and the occasional Black Scoter; Double-crested Cormorants, California Gulls, ducks, geese, and more. 

Waterfowl migration is not just one single event, but rather a long and complex movement that starts around July 1st and continues as late as mid-November, and Bainbridge is the perfect place to observe. The National Audubon Society has named Fort Ward Park, which is actually part of the Puget Loop section of the over 3,000-mile Great Washington State Birding Trail, one of seven key sites on the Kitsap Peninsula for migrating birds. 

Gerdts, who leads private birding tours as well as for the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, points out the obvious reasons why this spot on Bainbridge is so attractive: “The waters around Bainbridge are incredibly rich in bait fish. We’re blessed with waters that have a lot of phytoplankton and some upwelling that happens, which feeds the bait fish and the birds that come to feed on those. We don’t ever get freezing conditions in the water and the food supply is abundant.”

So whether you're a novice birder or a passionate hobbyist, Bainbridge Island has plenty to offer. Get out now to see what’s happening with birds on the island. Gerdts’ parting advice: “There are so many ways to enjoy birding. Choose one.”

This is the first in a four-part series about birding on Bainbridge. Next up: the Christmas Bird Count. Stay tuned.

Credits: BCB host and text author: Annie Osburn; BCB field tech and audio editor: Tim Bird; BCB social media publisher: Diane Walker; BCB assistant publisher: Chris Walker; “Bainbridge Outdoors” intro and BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative. 

From BestofBCB.org...

Meet the leaders of One Call for All who send the annual red envelope that gives you one easy way to donate to all of your favorite local nonprofits.

On this podcast, the board president of One Call, Bruce Weiland, and Executive Director Holly Rohrbacher, tell the story about this 54th year of the Red Envelope campaign.

The papers in the Red Envelope give you an easy way to mark your choices for your annual gifts to your favorite local charities.  Every penny you designate to the organizations of your choice will go to those designated organizations.  One Call for All does not take any share of the dollars you designate.

With just one part-time staff member and an all-volunteer working board, One Call for All is a lean running organization. And the annual stuffing and stamping of about 10,000 red envelopes is performed generously by about 100 community volunteers.

For this current campaign ending December 31st, the benefits will flow to 96 nonprofits that serve Bainbridge Island needs.

Last year, your Red Envelope gifts to Sustainable Bainbridge provided funds for all the radio equipment for our BCB studio and the rent for BCB's 2014 start-up year at the Marge Williams Center.

This campaign saves you and local nonprofits from getting involved in duplicative and repeated solicitations.  It's so simple to engage in just one consolidated call per year for all the essential nonprofits of the community.

Further information is available at the One Call for All website, here.

Credits: BCB host: Barry Peters; BCB audio editor and music intro: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: wrtopia creative.

From BestofBCB.org...

In this 5-minute podcast interview, instructor Nancy Lewars entertainingly describes how she originated her Liberation Laughter Class after studying improv and improvisational exercises.

You are invited to join her beginning class at the Senior Center in Waterfront Park, in Winslow, on October 6 at 2pm.  There's also an ongoing class that you can join starting Friday October 3 at the same location. Her original class has been popular for three years.

In this podcast interview with BCB volunteer radio host Joanna Pyle, Nancy describes what goes on in class. Liberation Laughter is not about competing or being eliminated or winning or performing.

Nancy's teaching skills create an atmosphere wherein the group activates play and laughter that enlivens and enlightens participants and observers. The group becomes their own audience appreciating and supporting each other's uniqueness in a totally non-judgmental play for grownups!

Classes are free, but donations for the Senior Center are accepted. Register at the 50+ Center by calling 206 842-1616 or visiting the website at http://www.biseniorcenter.org/

Membership in Senior Center, for individuals over age 50 costs only $12 per year, and it includes, at no extra charge, a periodic newsletter describing a large range of events and activities.

By email, inquire at info@biseniorcentr.org or stop in at the Waterfront Park Center on any weekday.

Credits: BCB host: Joanna Pyle; BCB audio editor: Barry Peters; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative

From BestofBCB.org...

Open Mic Science is a monthly "science cafe" presentation -- in an informal pub atmosphere -- on an interesting topic in science by a local scientist who is carrying out work in that field.

In this podcast, we meet retired oceanographer Michael Dagg, who is the organizer of Open Mic Science on Bainbridge Island, and who describes the topics for the next two first-Monday-of-the-month 8pm sessions of October 6th and November 3rd.

The Treehouse Cafe in Lynwood Center makes a pleasant room available for these free public gatherings that typically attract 30 to 50 folks. You can come a few minutes before the 8pm event, purchase your favorite beverage from the bar and enjoy it during the informal talk and Q&A.  No advance booking is required.

The October presentation will be given by Dr. Phyllis Stabeno, a Physical Oceanographer at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) in Seattle. She is co-leader of NOAA's Ecosystems and Fisheries Oceanography Coordinated Investigations (EcoFOCI).

For the past 25 years, she has worked on physical oceanographic, climate and ecosystem projects in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. The Bering Sea is one of the most abundant and economically significant fisheries in the world, and is therefore studied extensively.

She is the lead investigator for a mooring array that has monitored important biological, chemical and physical properties of Bering Sea water for about 20 years.

Recently she has focused on climate change impacts on the subarctic seas around Alaska.

On November 3rd, the presenter will be Dr. Jeremy Mathis, a Marine Chemist at the Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Jeremy is currently located at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) in Seattle working on aspects of carbon dioxide flux from the atmosphere to the ocean, and he is a leader of various professional groups in his field. That evening he will talk about how the intrusion of human-generated carbon dioxide into the ocean (Ocean Acidification) affects marine life, ocean biochemistry and ecosystems.

Open Mic Science is based on the principles of Cafe Scientifique -- and is committed to the public understanding of science. As the Bainbridge group’s website says, “Intellectual curiosity required. No specific science knowledge needed.”

Credits:  BCB host: Barry Peters; BCB audio editor: Stuart Stranahan; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

This October you'll be traveling with the stars at the Bainbridge Island Public Library!  

 On October 4 from 3-4pm, meet Judy Rantz Willman and Kris Day, daughters of Boys in the Boat Joe Rantz and Chuck Day, for some reminiscing about that 1936 Olympic crew. And on October 8 at 7pm, join vacationers Richard Benjamin, James Brolin and Yul Brynner at a futuristic amusement park in the movie Westworld.

This month's Ferry Tales will feature NYT Notable Book winner Tatiana Soli's novel, The Lotus Eaters, and Norm Hollingshead will preview the opera Don Giovanni on October 14.

... which is not to say the library has nothing to offer on a more earthy level: John Barutt will be giving a 60 minute workshop on Composting Basics at 1 pm on October 10th.

Listen here as the library's Tressa Johnson and John Fossett offer BCB host Joanna Pyle more tidbits about these and other October library events, or visit http://www.bainbridgepubliclibrary.org/events-calendar.aspx for more information.

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Joanna Pyle; BCB audio editor and composer of “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative. 

For a Sunday out on the farm, enjoy the 27th annual Harvest Fair.  In this podcast episode, Wendy Johnson, the executive director of the Fair’s organizer -- Friends of the Farms -- is here to tell us about it.

It’s on Sunday September 28 from 11am to 5pm at the Johnson Farm, on Miller Bay Rd south of High School Rd.

Imagine an event with treats like these:

 - Listen to six live local bands

 - Enjoy apple cider fresh from the fair orchard

 - Shop at the farm stand for fresh, local produce

 - Attend a seminar on local food topics

 - Enjoy yummy food with a focus on “local”

 - Talk with local master gardeners

 - Sample local beverages at the beer and wine garden

 - Take a tractor or horse-drawn wagon ride

 - Enter the pie contest (enter by 11:30 pm)

 - For children: Enjoy pony rides, face painting, and ride the land slide

 - Join in the Friends of the Farms raffle to win great prizes

 - Or simply take in seven hours of sumptuous local food and music while sitting on a hay bale, enjoying a beautiful day in the country

Think about the history of this Johnson Farm event.  In 1888, Andrew Johnson purchased 80 acres of farmland on Island Center Hill that produced vegetables, fruit and butter for local residents. Mr. Johnson successfully operated the farm from through the early-20th century. After World War II, his son Harvey introduced grapes, fruits, nut orchards and beekeeping. When Harvey died, neighbors collaborated with the City of Bainbridge Island and the Trust for Public Land to purchase nearly 15 of those acres to preserve them for public agricultural purposes.

Sponsors for the event include: Mercury Michael - Bainbridge Homes; Brown Bear Car Wash; Island Cool Frozen Yogurt; Riddell Williams; Ace Hardware; Bainbridge Gardens; Guy Dunn; and local farms: Bainbridge Vineyards, Butler Green Farms, Laughing Crow Farm, and Heyday Farm.

Diane Landry and the team from the Sustainable Bainbridge Zero Waste project will be on hand to help everyone compost and recycle, to keep the farmland attractive.

The Johnson Farm is at the intersection of Miller Bay Road and Johnsonville Road, one-quarter mile south of the western end of High School Road.  See: https://www.google.com/maps/@47.632297,-122.554227,18z   For more information, viist the Friends of the Farms website at http://friendsofthefarms.org/what-we-do/harvest-fair-2

Credits: BCB host and editor: Barry Peters; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative

It’s your story and you’re sticking to it (maybe)! In this podcast, Field's End Story Slam creator/organizer Wendy Wallace tells BCB host Channie Peters about the plans for this year's slam. The fourth edition of this popular Bainbridge Island event will take place this coming Tuesday, September 23rd, 7 pm at the Treehouse Cafe in Lynwood Center.

Ten island storytellers will be telling 5-minute personal stories based on the theme of Vice. Panels of volunteer judges from the audience will then rate the storytellers on story structure, performance and format (e.g., that pesky 5-minute limit).  

The storytellers draw numbers to determine their speaking order, and the judges don't know the stories in advance, so there is a lot of unpredictability -- which is, of course, part of the fun -- and prizes will be given to the three winners with the highest points. 

If you have a story to tell, sign up by sending an email to info@fieldsend.org. And even if you don't, come join the audience at Treehouse Cafe for what promises to be a very entertaining community event. 

No reservations are needed, and there is no charge, but a $5 donation (benefit to Field's End) is recommended. Attendees must be over 21, as the storytelling happens in the Treehouse Bar.  And warning: get there early, as the seats go fast!  

For more information, visit http://www.fieldsend.org/events.aspx

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor: Barry Peters; composer of “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative. 

Imagine a place where artisans, crafts people, and creative folks with diverse forms of expression all share a well-equipped physical space.  And imagine calling that space a BARN -- which also stands for Bainbridge Artisans Resource Network.

You needn’t imagine for long, because you can see it for real this Saturday Sept 20th from 1-4pm.

As you’ll hear in this podcast, BARN board member Catherine Camp describes this Saturday’s free open house -- called a “Saturday sampler” -- at the BARN’s large interim facility. It's a bright yellow building near the corner of Valley Road and Sunrise Drive, just north of Bay Hay and Feed, in Rolling Bay.

Even though the BARN organization is relatively new (about 2 years old), its activities are already quite diverse. They have furnished their well-equipped artisan work center and are supporting open studio time. They are also performing community service projects with creative craft work, and conducting classes, tutoring and mentoring.

As a community center for artisans, the BARN in Rolling Bay is offering a very wide range of artisan and craft pursuits, including:

- fiber arts and weaving

- glass work

- jewelry making

- print making

- a writing studio

- electronic and technical arts (such as 3D printing and laser carving)

- kitchen arts

- metalworking, and

- woodworking

The BARN financially sustains itself through memberships, but it also offers occasional drop-in events and special events with a per-visit charge.  It offers classes for the public, guest speakers and workshops.

The BARN's collaboration space in Rolling Bay is an interim location. BARN has recently purchased two acres of land just off 305 and Madison Avenue, near the Christmas tree farm north of New Brooklyn. Nationally recognized architect Johnpaul Jones (who was lead designer of the The Waypoint in Winslow) is designing a purpose-built new quarters for the BARN, for Asani to bring into reality.  Asani is known for the green-built Grow Community, and the new building cluster that includes the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

Bring your curiosity and creative energies to the BARN this Saturday from 1-4pm in Rolling Bay.

Credits: BCB host: Annie Osburn; BCB editor and intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

Fifteen months ago, the City of Bainbridge Island swore in new Police Chief Matt Hamner.

In this 29-minute podcast interview, BCB’s Barry Peters explores in detail with the Chief the policing needs of our community, and how the Chief sees the issues that pertain to community policing for Bainbridge Island.

The interview is an open, personable and candid conversation with Chief Hamner and explores many current issues facing the City, the Chief and the police department.

The questions answered by Chief Hamner in this Community Cafe conversation are:

• Looking back on 15 months as Chief in Bainbridge, what is a typical favorite experience  :45

• How are you doing on your goal of building community trust for the police department 1:30

• When you applied for the job, what were your initial impressions of Bainbridge as a community 2:44

• Do you see a sense of community among Bainbridge residents 3:50

• What are your comments on Officer Ziemba’s nomination for a crisis intervention award 5:28

• How did you cope with staffing challenges — 4 retirements and two injured officers with limited duty 7:45

• What do you look for in an applicant for the Bainbridge police department  9:01

• What does “community policing”mean for your department 11:56

• Is it about officers being on bike and on foot? 13:45

• How do Bainbridge policing and crime rates compare to Mercer Island 15:36

• What are the factors that shape how many police are needed for Bainbridge 17:58

• Do we have an officer specializing in relationships with the schools?  19:22

• How many police officers should Bainbridge have?  20:54

• What is the status of the effort to create a more adequate police headquarters building 22:02

• What is a good model for citizen feedback, oversight and citizen advice?  23:54

• What were the goals when hiring a Deputy and a front desk person for the public 27:30

• If a resident wants to give feedback to the Chief, how should they contact you ?  28:10

• Thanks and extro 28:38

Credits: BCB host and editor: Barry Peters; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

If you're a budding author and have been considering self-publishing your work, you'll definitely want to attend the upcoming Fields End presentation on independent publishing.  

At 7pm on Tuesday, September 16th, three successful local authors will be sharing their experiences in the world of independent publishing at the Bainbridge Island Public Library.

In this episode, BCB host Annie Osburn speaks with Caroline Flohr, Bainbridge Island author of Heaven’s Child, about her experiences with independent publishing.

Flohr, along with fellow authors Wendy Hinman and Benay Nordby, will share “The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Independent Publishing.”  Wendy Hinman is the author of Tightwads on the Loose: A Seven-Year Pacific Odyssey. She is an inspiring speaker on following our dreams wherever they lead. Benay Nordby is an active community volunteer and author of The Full Ripened Grain: A Memoir of Healing and Hope.

Learn more about “The Pleasures and Pitfalls of Independent Publishing,” and other Field’s End events, at www.fieldsend.org.

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Annie Osburn; BCB audio editor and composer of “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative.

To age - or not to age? Well, actually, we have no choice.  But we do have many choices in how and where we age. To find the right fit for each individual is a matter of balancing personality, environment and other considerations.

In this interview, Dr. Jeannette Franks, gerontologist and retired University of Washington professor of social work, tells BCB host Channie Peters about the talk she will give on September 20th in downtown Winslow.

The talk is intended to help us understand and navigate the many complex choices that are available in later life. It's entitled, “Making Your Last Move: Changing Homes or Not,” and is an offering of the Bainbridge Island Parks and Recreation District’s "50+ Programs".

From the BI Parks & Recreation District’s catalog: “This talk will inform you of your options, choices, and possibilities you may not otherwise consider. It will give you tools & checklists for improving your choices about where to spend the last decade or two of your life, highlight affordable options, suggest thoughtful downsizing, help with hiring help, finding resources, & getting your ducks in a row for your last years.”

Dr. Franks’ talk will be based on her latest, soon-to-be-published book, "To Move or Stay Put". Once it is released, the book will be available at the Bainbridge Public Library, at Eagle Harbor Book Co., and from the University of Washington bookstore.

There is no charge for the talk, which will be 10 am to noon on Saturday, September 20th at the Waterfront Park Community Center, 370 Brien Drive, off of Bjune Drive.

For more information and to register, call 842-1616.  While registration is encouraged, it is not essential.

Credits: BCB host: Channie Peters; BCB editor: Tim Bird; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

Playwrights, quilters, musicians, dancers, artists -- come join the fun! Listen here as Sue Barrington, Manager of the Bainbridge Island Waterfront Park Community Center tells BCB host Joanna Pyle about her plan to offer two courses in creativity for seniors this fall.

Building on her 25 years as an arts educator at the high school and college level, and her work with senior center nonprofits in Sedona, AZ, Barrington has melded her teaching experience and passion for the arts with her intense interest in the aging process and cultural gerontology to create two exciting programs: Creative Crones, and The Wabi-Sabi Artist.

Creative Crones will provide a weekly gathering for women to celebrate their creative spirits and support one another in the arts. This class is about viewing women of advancing years as both powerful and fertile--albeit in new ways. Whatever your artistic passion, you'll find the group becomes a wonderfully supportive opportunity to share your life and work with other like-minded souls. 

The class will run Fridays from 9-11am for 12 weeks, beginning September 19. Cost for the course is $60.00.

Unlike Creative Crones, The Wabi-Sabi Artist will be open to men as well as women, and will offer readings and art projects to practice creativity in a variety of ways while exploring our nature, our interests, and our spirituality.

Wabi-Sabi has to do with recognizing things as they age and reflect the passage of time -- a lovely metaphor for the aging artist in each of us. The class will run Thursdays from 9 - 10:30am for 12 weeks beginning September 18th. Cost for the course is $60.

"The Senior Center here is remarkable," says Barrington. "Thanks to the collective commitment of resources between the City of Bainbridge Island, the Park District, and BISCC, the quality of life for our community¹s seniors is inspiring."

To learn more about the Senior Center and these classes, visit http://www.biseniorcenter.org

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Joanna Pyle; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird; "What's Up" music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative.  

In this episode of What’s Up Bainbridge, BCB host Sonia Scaer interviews Reed Price, the communications director and past president of Bainbridge Island / North Kitsap Interfaith Council. The subject is the upcoming Compassion Games event from September 11th to 21st.

Our local Interfaith Council is an association of many different faith groups in the Bainbridge Island / North Kitsap area, sharing, respecting and celebrating different religious traditions 
and seeking common, faith-based ground to work together for the good of our community and beyond.

The Compassion Games are a worldwide celebration aimed at turning the Golden Rule into the Golden Reality. The annual event, which is practiced in countries around the world, celebrates ongoing compassionate activities and is intended to inspire more everyday instances of caring activities. It's called a "coopetition" - part competition, mostly cooperation - because helping each other is the best way to win!

During the event. participants might engage in activities such as performing a Random Act of Kindness or become a “Secret Agent of Compassion” and receive a secret mission for each of the eleven days of the event.

The Compassion Games are motivated by the same spirit as the Charter for Compassion, which was founded by UK religious scholar Karen Armstrong to encourage cities, schools, communities and faith organizations to restore compassionate thinking and action to religious, moral and political life.

The Charter for Compassion was given a widely publicized start when Karen Armstrong was awarded a major prize for her powerful 2008 TED Talk: "My Wish - A Charter of Compassion" https://www.ted.com/talks/karen_armstrong_makes_her_ted_prize_wish_the_charter_for_compassion

Here in Bainbridge, the closing ceremonies for the 11-day Compassion Games will be held at the Waterfront Park in downtown Winslow on Sunday, September 21st at 5pm. There will be music, fun and awards!

To learn more about how you can participate in this year's September 11-21 games, visit http://binkinterfaith.org/compassion-games

Credits: BCB studio tech and editor: Barry Peters; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative

In this podcast, we learn about an upcoming September 17th evening meeting at City Hall. The purpose is to discuss plans for a cycling and walking trail along Route 305 north of Winslow Way, and a potential east-west connection across Route 305 by footbridge or tunnel.

In this interview with the City’s Engineering Manager Chris Hammer -- and with the citizen volunteer Chair of the Sound to Olympics Trail Committee, Don Willott -- the goals of the new grant-funded project are explained.  For years, citizen volunteers on the Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Committee, like Don, have worked with the City to develop proposals and grant applications.  In this case, a design and construction grant has been federally funded, and the options for the trail design will be explained at the September 17th public meeting.

As Don Willott says, some people think that non-motorized transportation projects are solely about cycling routes. In fact, the safety of walking routes is also part of this project. An important part of the strategy is to construct portions of the trail in a separate area parallel to the road -- and a crossing under or over the highway -- thereby creating a safer off-road walking or cycling experience for adults and children.

One long-term goal is to build a south-to-north route that connects Pugel Sound (at the ferry terminal) with the the Olympics.  This early phase of that project covers the stretch from Winslow Way to High School Road, past the Vineyard Lane residential community.

Another long-term goal -- identified 10 years ago in a transportation study of Winslow -- is to provide an east-west connection across Route 305 for pedestrians and cyclists. That connection could take the form of a tunnel on the north side of the Winslow ravine just south of the Vineyard Lane community.  Another alternative would be an elevated foot and cycle bridge over the highway in the vicinity of Winslow’s Knechtel Way.

At the meeting, attendees will have a chance to hear from the design teams that have been developing alternative designs for the south-to-north and the east-west elements.

This project is made possible by a federal grant under the Transportation Alternatives Program that addresses alternatives to conventional transportation projects for vehicle traffic. The funding is for both design and construction of a segment of the south-to-north trail from Winslow Way to Vineyard Lane.

The public meeting is at City Hall at 7pm on Wednesday September 17th.

Credits: BCB host and editor: Barry Peters; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

In this episode of What’s Up Bainbridge, BCB host Sonia Scaer interviews Ann Strickland, Music & Art Director of Grace Episcopal Church, about the 2014 Fall Concert Series in September and November.

The Fall Concert Series is held in the Grace Church sanctuary. And, as most musicians who have played there can attest, it’s an amazing space to play and hear music.  The concert series is promoting local musicians and is a celebration of the work Rector Bill Harper has done on Bainbridge. He will be retiring in spring 2015.

Here's the lineup: 

 - September 12: St. Paul de Vence  (stpaulband.com)

 - September 28: Eli West (cahalenandeli.com)

 - November 14: Zach Fleury (ziibra.com/zach-fleury)

All of the musicians are from the Pacific Northwest. The Bainbridge Island locals are Benjamin Doerr and Zach Fleury.

Concert tickets are on sale online. Tickets can be purchased individually per concert or as a set. In addition there is a no-host bar with special wines; light bar snacks are included in the ticket price.

Tickets and information are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/798995

All concerts are at Grace Church: 8595 NE Day Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA.

Doors open at 6:30pm with a cocktail hour. The shows begin at 8:00pm. All ages are welcome.

For this and other events at Grace Church visit their website at http://gracehere.org

Credits: BCB host: Sonia Scaer; BCB audio editor: Barry Peters; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: DogFish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

In this podcast, our guest is Autumn Strong of PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap. She describes Wagfest 2014 -- a fun day for families and canines at Battlepoint Park on Sunday Sept 7th from 11am to 6pm.

This year is the fifth for Wagfest and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Local celebrity judges will cast their votes for waggiest tail, pet-owner lookalike, milkbone stacking, best costumes, and fastest weiner racing dog.

At "Adoption Alley" you can peruse a number of adoptable dogs who are currently being cared for by area rescue groups. New events this year include a parade of dogs, agility courses and loads of children’s activities.

Also new this year is the “Go-Dog-Go 5-K Fun Run.” This is a casual, pet-friendly run. Runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and levels are welcome. If you like, you can register online in advance to start a team ... or join one.

And there's food. Crepes, BBQ and other items from local vendors will be located throughout the park, so you can plan to stay all day.

PAWS hopes to raise $10,000 this year. Funds from the day’s activities are used to spay or neuter and provide veterinary assistance for dogs whose owners can’t afford it.

By attending this fun event, you can help seniors and low-income families retain their pets and be responsible pet owners.

More information about the event is found at https://www.crowdrise.com/WagFest2014

Credits: BCB host: Cristie Thuren; BCB studio tech: Channie Peters; BCB editor and intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: DogFish Bay Studios; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

In this podcast radio interview, we meet Leslie Schneider, a co-owner of the OfficeXpats business in Pavilion movie theater building in Winslow.

She invites community members to gather on Sunday September 7th at OfficeXpats to watch the one-hour video about the behind-the-scenes preparations for the massive historic September rally in New York City to call for action on climate change.

Doors open at 6:30pm at OfficeXpats that Sunday evening, for a 7pm showing, followed by an open conversation at 8pm.

There is no charge for the event.  Free popcorn will be provided, and beverages can be obtained; a modest donation would be accepted. Attendees are invited to bring modest informal snacks to share.

“Disruption. Climate. Change.” is the name of the video.  See the movie trailer and find further details at http://watchdisruption.com/

Scores of video-watching parties are being organized around the country on September 7th by 350.org.  That is the organization founded by Bill McKibben, one of the most passionate voices of the climate change activist movement in this country and worldwide.

350.org is one of the prime organizers of a massive public rally in New York City which is expected to occur on or about Sunday September 21st. The rally is intended to coincide with President Obama’s planned attendance, with hundreds of world leaders, at the UN Climate Change Summit at the United Nations building on Tuesday September 23rd.

In this 5-minute interview, Leslie discusses some of the issues that face a person such as herself -- trying to decide what she can do in the face of the challenges of climate change.  She talks about the importance of taking whatever step you can as an individual. For example, if it’s impractical to get to New York for the big rally, can you at least offer a space in your own community for people to gather together for a video, and to discuss the issues. She talks about facing those questions as an individual, as a parent, and as a community member.

Apart from this special no-charge event, OfficeXpats is generally in the business of offering co-working space -- offices and deskspace, meeting rooms and tele-conferencing  -- and educational events and activities for residents and business people.

Please RSVP at http://events.watchdisruption.com/event/disruption/search/ and enter Zip Code 98110. This will help for planning of refreshments and seating.

Credits: BCB host and audio editor: Barry Peters; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: DogFish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative.

Can you spell Fun-Raiser? If you're into spelling, you'll want to be sure to check out  “BPL Buzz,” the Bainbridge Island Public Libraryʻs Second Annual Adult Spelling Bee.

You can be part of the friendly -- and sometimes zany -- competition by forming a team and putting your spelling skills to the test. Defending champions, The Bonnets, will be there to defend their crown.

Or, buy a ticket to sip wine, taste cheese and dessert, and spell along from the audience. You will be regaled and hosted by George Shannon, noted author, actor, and Island Treasure, and “Queen Bee” Rebecca Judd, also known as the Library Branch Manager.

Either way, the Bainbridge Public Library wins. As the library's Teri Weldy explains to BCB Host Ellen Miyasoto in this podcast, the library building and grounds are owned by our community, and its operation and maintenance are solely supported by the generosity of volunteers and donors.  So this is a perfect opportunity to be entertained and support your local library at the same time!

For more information, buzz on over to
http://www.bainbridgepubliclibrary.org/spelling-bee.aspx 

"Take care that you never spell a word wrong. Always before you write a word, consider how it is spelt, and, if you do not remember it, turn to a dictionary. It produces great praise to a lady to spell well…"

Letter from Thomas Jefferson to his daughter Martha, 1783.

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Ellen Miyasato; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird; “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative. 

If you thought libraries were just for books, think again: whether you're into trivia games, sharing music, cooking Mexican food or just looking for a place to hang out after school, the Bainbridge Island Library has an opportunity for you! Listen here as Tressa Johnson, KRL Adult Services Librarian for the Bainbridge Branch, shares the library's activity plans for September.

Start your month with literary trivia at the Treehouse Cafe in Lynwood on September 3rd.  Books on Tap starts at 7:30, with fun questions about 50 books, including best sellers and classics. Read up in advance by picking up the list at the library today!

Eat Your Words is a cookbook book group: this month we'll be studying Mexican Everyday by Rick Bayless. Come to the Intentional Table on Madrona Lane at 11 am on September 9 to learn some tricks and sample some treats.

If you're riding the 4:40 ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge on September 11, come join the Ferry Tales group to discuss Olympia Author Jim Lynch's book, Truth like the Sun, which is set in Seattle in 1962 and 2001.

Into ebooks? Come to classes on downloading free ebooks and audio from the library! The presentations, to be held Tuesday, September 9 and Saturday, September 13 at 10 am, will be followed by a hands-on lab.

There are also activities for high school students every Monday afternoon starting at 2 pm. For more about these and other fun programs sponsored by the Bainbridge Library, visit http://www.krl.org the Kitsap Regional Library Website. 

Credits: BCB host: Joanna Pyle; BCB studio tech: Diane Landry; audio editor: Tim Bird; “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative. 

This episode of the “Who’s On Bainbridge” podcast show features two islanders -- Frank Buxton and John Ellis -- who are known and loved by many in our community.

John and Frank are the two founding members of the Edge Improv comedy troupe that entertains local audiences at the BPA’s Playhouse theater on the first Saturday of each month.

This 20-minute interview tells the story of the founding of the Edge Improv, and it also reveals Frank Buxton’s fascinating career history in the classic days of radio and television.

Frank describes his early fascination with the production of radio shows -- when he realized at age 8 that he wanted to grow up to be the sound effects guy.  Needless to say, his actual professional career in radio and TV went far beyond that. He recounts his early experiences watching the making of radio shows in the top broadcast studios in New York City.  And we also follow Frank through his career in television.

Both John and Frank reveal how they were each inspired by the legendary Jonathan Winters and Robin Williams.  Frank describes his experiences serving as the Director of the Mork and Mindy TV show, in which those two comic icons teamed up.

In this interview of Frank Buxton by guest host John Ellis, Frank and John talk about the meaning of improv in their lives.  Frank reflects on the value of a technique commonly used in the Improv world -- that is, responding to conversational openings with “yes, and…” Frank wonders out loud whether the world would be a better place if political leaders looked for ways to get to “yes, and…” rather than “no way.”

This light-hearted interview reveals the personalities of two long-time friends who are co-creators on stage and collaborators in the wider community.

Credits:  BCB host and editor: Barry Peters, with guest host John Ellis; BCB intro music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative.

Looking for a Sunday afternoon adventure?  Come explore the Schel-Chelb Estuary in the Pleasant Beach Watershed on Sunday, September 14, from 2-4pm with volunteers from the Bainbridge Island Watershed Council!

In this episode, Bainbridge Island Watershed Council chair Deb Rudnick talks with BCB host Diane Landry about the Council's plans for the Sunday walk.

You might ask, what is a watershed? All water runs downhill and eventually ends up in some body of water. The area of land that sheds water all to the same place is called a watershed. For example, the whole west coast of the United States lies in the Pacific Ocean Watershed. 

On a smaller scale, everyone on Bainbridge lives in the Puget Sound Watershed. And, on our island, there are actually twelve different watersheds, including Fletcher Bay, Eagle Harbor, and more.  For more about Bainbridge watersheds, visit http://www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/497

The Schel-Chelb Estuary is a pool of fresh and saltwater in the Pleasant Beach Watershed, and is located approximately 100 meters west of Lynwood Center on Point White Drive. This man-made sanctuary was created in 1997 as a mitigation project to compensate for tidal wetland filling at the Wyckoff Superfund site. 

Habitat restoration included installing a bottomless box culvert under the road to improve tidal connectivity and salmon passage. In 2003, the Open Space Commission purchased the land to the east and established the Camas East Loop trail.

As with last year’s walk, which featured the Murden Cove Watershed and drew 30 curious visitors, this year’s one-mile route will highlight beach and stream aquatic life, invasive and native plants, rain gardens and stormwater runoff, and estuary functions.

Volunteer guides from various science fields will be posted at different stations along the route. Show up at the Sunday Lynwood Farmers’ Market lot any time between 2 and 4 pm, and complete the walk within that timeframe. Participants are encouraged to bike down, but parking is available in the Lynwood Center lots or on the street. Visit www.biwatershedcouncil.org for more information.

Credits: BCB host: Diane Landry; BCB studio tech: Joanna Pyle; audio editor: Tim Bird; “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative. 

A children’s book has given rise to a collaboration on two events jointly sponsored by the Historical Museum and Eagle Harbor Books. The book -- and the Thursday August 28th events -- highlight the strength of friendship and community in times of war and upheaval.

Author Kirby Larson, a Newberry Honor recipient, will launch the release of her new book, Dash, on Bainbridge Island on August 28th.  The book is about a young girl removed from her beloved community and friends to an internment camp during the tumultuous times following Pearl Harbor.

In this podcast episode, BCB host Channie Peters interviews Katy Curtis, Education Outreach Coordinator at the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, and Victoria Irwin, Events Coordinator at Eagle Harbor Books. They discuss the two related August 28th events.

The first event will occur at 3:30 pm at the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Internment Memorial located at Pritchard Park, 4192 Eagle Harbor Drive. Here, Kirby Larson will talk with three pairs of friends who were children at the time of the internment about their experiences of being removed from their communities, and of losing their dear friends to the internment camps. Those events were, of course, particularly traumatic for children.  These members of our BI community have remained friends here on the island.  Their stories are of acts of kindness and lasting friendships that have strengthened over the years, and contribute to the fabric of community.

The second event will be at the Eagle Harbor Books at 7 pm, located at 157 Winslow Way East.  This will be a family book event with Kirby Larson reading, signing and talking about Dash and it’s context.

Credits: BCB host: Channie Peters; BCB editor: Barry Peters; What's Up music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative.

On Thursday, August 21st, at 6:30 pm, BIMA featured artist, Romson Regarde Bustillo, will present a lively talk about his work, process and inspiration.

In this podcast interview of Kristin Tollefson, BIMA’s Education Director, by BCB’s Channie Peters, Kristin tells us about the Eye On Artist series of presentations by exhibiting artists.

The presentations consist of talks that provide valuable context for viewing and understanding the artists’ works. In particular, the upcoming presentation by Romson Regarde Bustillo, will give the audience fascinating insights into his artistic journey and travels that have uniquely influenced his intricately patterned prints and mixed media on paper.

Bustillo’s title piece, “Dugay na” is a black and white collograph and relief print which hangs high in the Museum lobby and can also be seen from the Rachel Feferman Gallery on the second floor. The dramatic and whimsical long banners of paper cutouts can be seen through the second floor windows of the museum from the street.

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) will be open to the public before and after the presentation.

There will be a reception with light refreshments after the presentation in the bistro where the artist will be available for informal conversation.

It is recommended that tickets be purchased in advance of the event from the museum’s website at http://www.biartmuseum.org/

Credits: BCB host: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor: Barry Peters; BCB music intro: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative

Lilly Kodama remembers her brother, Dr. Frank Kitamoto -- a 2002 recipient of the distinguished "Island Treasure" award.

Dr. Frank Kitamoto was a dentist, social activist and leader in the Japanese American community on Bainbridge Island until his death in March 2014.

As Lilly Kodama’s younger brother, the two of them walked with their mother and other siblings onto the ferry as the family was evacuated from the island in 1942.

Bainbridge Island was the home of the first Americans of Japanese descent who were incarcerated by the US government during WWll. In this episode Lilly Kodama talks about the family’s evacuation , their stay in the camps and their return home 4 years later.

Lilly is committed to keeping those wartime human stories alive for new generations of adults and school children who make the journey “across the pond,” as Lilly says. As a member of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community group, she, like her brother, Frank, continues to work with others to insure that what happened to them does not happen again.

The topics in this podcast complement the stories that Donna Harui tells in the previous episode in this series. Donna's father, Junkoh Harui, worked with Frank Kitamoto and Don Nakata to keep their Japanese American history on the island alive and well known.

If you are wondering why the memorial to the internment is located in Eagledale, listen to Lilly’s story. And to find out more about the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community go to their web site at http://bijac.org and to the remarkable archive of meticulously curated and beautifully rendered audio and video interviews at http://www.densho.org

“It shows the importance of getting to know one another, regardless of our differences.” -Lilly Kodama

Credits: BCB host: Barbara Golden; BCB studio tech and audio editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; “Who’s On Bainbridge” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative.

In this episode of Who’s On Bainbridge, Donna Harui, third generation owner of Bainbridge Gardens, talks about her family and the history of the Gardens.

Donna’s grandfather, Zenhichi Harui came to Bainbridge Island over 100 years ago, and like many others who immigrated from Japan, worked in the lumber industry. The elder Mr. Harui left mill work to become a farmer, grocer and florist, operating a general store in the area where the current nursery stands.

Donna talks about customers coming in to the nursery with tales of visiting the general store as children. We are reminded that transportation on the island was not as it is today. Out of necessity, residents tended to shop within walking distance of their homes.

Donna’s father, Junkoh Harui was a child during WWll and spent his adult life educating islanders and others about the internment of Japanese Americans during the war. Although other residents of Japanese ancestry were sent to camps, the Haruis, along with two other families, spent the duration of the war in Moses Lake.

Their isolation was just as severe as those interned. Some of Junkoh’s siblings were in Japan at the outbreak of war and cut off from the family for those years. It is a hardship that Donna says is still difficult for some family members to discuss.

Junkoh Harui married his wife Chris in 1958 and established Town and country flowers at the location of the T&C store in Winslow.

After tremendous growth and many moves, Junkoh and Chris Harui reestablished Bainbridge Gardens in its original location, that chosen by Junkoh’s father, Zenhichi, on Miller Road.

Junkoh and Chris Harui celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2008, the year of Junkoh’s death. Donna Harui, their eldest child, speaks with pride of her parents’ legacy which she carries on.

You can find out more about the business at www.bainbridgegardens.org

To learn more about the humanitarian work of Junkoh Harui on behalf of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community, listen to the next "Who’s On Bainbridge" podcast -- with Lilly Kodama. The Historical Museum and the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community (www.bijac.org) are also good sources for those who would like to learn more about this history.

Credit: BCB host: Barbara Golden; Studio tech and audio editor: Barry Peters; Music intro: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studio; Podcast art: artopia creative.

In this episode of "On Campus", BCB high school volunteer Hayden Tutty interviews graduating High School senior Catherine Edwards, in a 7-minute recording made in early June 2014.

The interview occurred at a time when Catherine was preparing for her senior cello recital on June 13th. In this podcast, we briefly meet Catherine. Then, a little less than 3 minutes into this recording, Catherine performs a 4-minute excerpt from her recital on her cello.

About the BCB-Supported Bainbridge High School Radio Club:

The Club was formed in collaboration with BCB, and with financial support from Sustainable Bainbridge, the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, and a start-up grant from Bainbridge Community Foundation.

One member says the Club envisions producing podcasts about "cool and exciting things and people around Bainbridge."

In spring 2014, a studio was furnished and equipped at the High School with a generous grant to Sustainable Bainbridge from the Rotary Club, along with support and cooperation from BCB and the Bainbridge Island School District.

During the school year, the Club generally meets weekly with occasional training from BCB volunteers and guidance from faculty adviser Charles Dunn.

The BHS Radio Club welcomes new members.

Credits: BCB-BHS Host: Hayden Tutty; BCB-BHS production manager and audio editor: Charlie Hanacek; Podcast art: artopia creative.

In this first podcast episode from the BCB studio of the Bainbridge High School Radio Club, Ryan Cox interviews 2014 BHS Senior and outstanding violinist Sophia Stoyanavich. At the time of this recording in early June, she was preparing for her senior violin recital on June 29th in connection with graduation events that month.

Listen to the last 2-3 minutes of this 15-minute podcast to hear Sophia perform live a small portion of her musical program for June 29th.

The new series of On Campus podcast radio episodes are intended to present glimpses of the community from the BHS campus.

Introducing the BCB-Supported BHS Radio Club:  

In the spring of 2014, after too many years without a student led radio program, the void was filled by a few students at BHS by starting the BHS Radio Club.

The Club was formed in collaboration with BCB, and with financial support from Sustainable Bainbridge, the Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, and a start-up grant from Bainbridge Community Foundation.

One member says the Club envisions producing podcasts about "cool and exciting things and people around Bainbridge."

In spring 2014, a studio was furnished and equipped at the High School with a generous grant to Sustainable Bainbridge from the Rotary Club, along with support and cooperation from BCB and the Bainbridge Island School District.

During the school year, the Club generally meets weekly with occasional training from BCB volunteers and guidance from faculty adviser Charles Dunn.

The BHS Radio Club welcomes new members.

Credits: BCB-BHS Host: Ryan Cox; BCB-BHS production manager and audio editor: Charlie Hanacek; Podcast art: artopia creative.

On August 23^rd and 24^th Island Theatre will present its third annual Ten-Minute Play Festival. Sixteen works by local playwrights will be performed, eight each evening. Festival goers will be invited to vote for an audience choice award for each night, and an overall festival favorite, determined by the judges, will be awarded a cash prize at the close of Sunday night’s performance.

In this podcast Island Theatre’s Kate Carruthers, who is the producing director of the festival, tells BCB host Lyssa Danehy deHart the story behind the plays, which were selected from 57 submissions from Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County playwrights.  Eight directors are working with 32 local actors to produce two fabulous evenings of thought-provoking drama and comedy.

This year’s featured playwrights include eleven returning winners from the 2012 and 2013 festivals – James Anderson, Connie Bennett, Robert Dalton, Jeff Fraga, Charlie Hamilton, Paul Lewis, Steven Lee Palay, Miller Shor, Ulla Solberg, Ned Thorne, and Wendy Wallace - plus five newcomers: Gwen Adams, Trish Bittman, John Ellis, John Ratterman, and Diane Walker.

The festival is only recommended for ages 13 and above as some plays include strong language and adult subject matter. Check the Island Theatre website, www.IslandTheatre.org, for the final schedule.

Admission is FREE, though donations are of course welcome – and be sure to get there early, as previous festivals have sold out!

Credits: BCB host and audio editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB studio tech: Joanna Pyle; “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative. Island Theatre photos and poster by Steve Stolee.

Bloedel Reserve has something for everybody this August: Listen here as the Reserve's Erin Jennings tells BCB Host Kayla Black about their August event lineup.

Outdoor Concert Friday, 7 pm August 22

Your summer night is about to get a whole lot hotter when The Dusty 45s perform an outdoor concert on the Reserve’s grounds. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and dance under the evening sky to their swingin’ Rockabilly sound. Visit www.dusty45s.com to learn more about this exciting band.

Out(side)rageous Family Day Saturday August 23 from 10 to 3

Load up the kids and spend an unforgettable child-centered day at Bloedel Reserve. Our first-ever Out(side)rageous Family Day will feature live music by Johnny Bregar and Recess Monkey, and activities spread across the grounds led by our friends at Islandwood, KiDiMu, B.I.M.A., West Sound Wildlife Shelter, and the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island. Kids are free all day and adult admission will be reduced to $10 for the event. Picnicking will be allowed in designated areas, so grab your picnic basket and have a family fun day at the Reserve!

2nd Annual Community Picnic Saturday August 30 from 5:30 to dusk

Come together for a perfect, end-of-summer night -- an old-fashioned outdoor party. Bring your own picnic food and a blanket, and Bloedel Reserve will provide an unforgettable night of Cuban-influenced music by Si Limon; croquet, bocce ball and badminton; or simply basking in the summer breeze with your fellow islanders.  And, since no picnic is complete without a frozen treat, a complimentary dessert will be provided. 

See http://www.bloedelreserve.org for more information.

Host: Kayla Black; Tech and Editing: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB Music by Tim Bird; BCB ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; What’s Up music splash: Dave Bristow; podcast art: artopia creative.

With BCB host Kayla Black, we meet Jeffrey Bales -- a landscape artist who designed a stone-surface labyrinth for a small contemplative Bainbridge park that is unique for having a Tibetan prayer wheel.

In this episode of Bainbridge Outdoors, we hear about a Bainbridge Island outdoor destination that is cherished by many -- especially walkers and cyclists who are careful not to spoil the solitude.  The quiet spot is on the wooded north slope above and overlooking Blakely Harbor, in southern Bainbridge Island.

Labyrinths have a very ancient history with some of the earliest examples being labyrinth paintings dating back 3000 years. The ancient Greeks created many labyrinths, and Jeffrey visited the labyrinth on the island of Crete at Knossos. One of the best known labyrinths in the world is the 800-year-old eleven circuit labyrinth at Chartre Cathedral in France. Jeffrey made a point of studying the extensive history, the mythos and the structure, and then applied that knowledge to this project.

In modern times, people have begun to re-embrace labyrinths for their use in mindfulness and meditation. Labyrinths offer a walking meditation to those who walk them. Offering solace and calm to our distracted and overactive minds. Labyrinths are also used as a pathway and as a metaphorical journey to ponder life’s great mysteries -- connecting us to the universe.

In this interview Jeffrey talks about his intention and the process of building the labyrinth. He carried stone from several beaches around Bainbridge. Many of those stones came from around the world to our shores as ballast for ships coming to load wood.

Each of the circuits of this labyrinth have meaning and each circuit has ties to the larger universe. If you would like more information about the labyrinth, please visit the Jeffrey Bales Website.

Credits: BCB host: Kayla Black; BCB production manager, studio tech and editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB nature music: Jeffrey Powel; BCB podcast art: artopia creative.

In this debut episode of “Bainbridge Outdoors,” BCB host Annie Osburn walks with Dan Hamlin, park services superintendent of the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, through the heart of the Grand Forest.

They begin their adventure at the Miller Road trailhead in the Grand Forest West. Together, they wind their way along the main loop trail to waypoint 17, where they turn left and head toward east side creek and the Grand Forest bridge, which was refurbished in 2012.

Listen to the sounds of deep forest and the soft crunch under foot. They then cross the bridge, merge onto the Ron Williamson Trillium Trail and head up to the open meadow at Hilltop, which connects to the Hilltop Trail and the Grand Forest East.

Covering more than 200 acres, the Grand Forest is comprised of the Grand Forest North, East and West, with the east and west sides now joined at the Hilltop meadow—creating the first east-to-west trail connection across the island. And all of it is on public land or public easements.

The Grand Forest offers six miles of trails (three miles on the east side, and three on the west), which are open to walking, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.

Six trailheads and three parking areas make the Grand Forest East and West easily accessible from several directions. Rich in Pacific Northwest native plants, the Grand Forest offers plenty of Douglas fir and cedar trees, bracken fern, salal plants and evergreen huckleberry. Visitors to the forest also may see deer, raccoon and coyotes, as well as mallards and the occasional barred owl or great blue heron.

Hamlin notes that the creation of the Grand Forest trails strongly relies on the ongoing support of volunteers.

“These trails are here because of the many hours and dedicated passion that volunteers have offered on the island. When we build a trail, we don’t want anyone to know that it wasn’t there already. Later, when we walk away from the trail and somebody comes across it and says, ‘When did that happen?’, that’s exactly the way we want it.”

Whether you are a novice hiker to the Grand Forest or a regular visitor, there is always something new to experience. Recent enhancements to the Grand Forest mapping system include waypoint signs with QR codes that can be scanned with a smartphone to access a trail map along the way.

Correction:  During the recording of this episode, Dan Hamlin incorrectly stated that it’s possible to walk from the Veterane trail all the way to Manitou Beach. He meant to say the Fairy Dell trail. The Veterane trail is currently under construction.

Credits:  BCB host: Annie Osburn; BCB production manager, field recording tech and audio editor: Tim Bird; BCB Outdoors music and nature splash: Jeffrey Powel; Podcast art: artopia creative.

Dog lovers unite! The much-awaited Strawberry Hill Dog Park celebrates its grand opening this Saturday August 9^th at 10am.

In this episode, BCB host Annie Osburn talks with Dan Hamlin, park services superintendent of the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, about this unique 2.35 acre, off-leash forest park. Completely fenced in, the park is designed for large and small dogs—and their owners—to meet and socialize with other dogs.

Located in the northwest portion of Strawberry Hill Park, the new dog park features double-gated separate entries for the large and small dog areas. Inside each area is a wash and water station. The park is surrounded by a leisurely loop trail so owners can keep their feet dry, if needed. Also featured is a special area for small, shy or recuperating dogs. The park is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Park rules and useful information are clearly posted on a kiosk inside the park.

Several years in the making, the creation of the Strawberry Hill Dog Park was a group effort involving local residents, Park District board members and employees and volunteers, including members of the Dog Advisory Work Group (DAWG), the Dog Owner Education Committee, and the Dog Advisory Committee.

“We’ve been working for the last four years to find a solution for the off-leash issue in our parks,” notes Hamlin. “We formed a committee after another round of public comments and, after looking into options for off-leash fenced in areas, the committee put together the design and construction of the park. It’s open and being used now. We’re holding our grand opening event this weekend to kick it off officially. Hopefully, we’ll see a lot of dogs show up.”

To learn more about the Strawberry Hill Dog Park, go to www.biparks.org or call 206-842-2306.

Credits: BCB host Annie Osburn; audio editor and What’s Up music splash: Tim Bird; FerryMusic: Dogfish Bay Studios; podcast art: artopia creative.

On Saturday, August 16th, an all-star cast of local actors will bring six Raymond Carver stories to life at Bainbridge Performing Arts. 

Directed by Dinah Manoff of the Northwest Actors Lab, the performance will be a benefit for Fields End.  Carver's widow, renowned poet and prose writer Tess Gallagher, will be a special guest for the evening. Doors will open at 6pm; show starts at 7. 

In this interview with BCB host Barbara Golden, Dinah Manoff talks about the importance of Raymond Carver to the artistic world and to the Pacific Northwest. Born in Yakima, Washington, Carver made his mark writing about colorful characters who often inhabited dark places.

A colorful character himself— an alcoholic who married his first wife when she was sixteen and only found sobriety after partnering with poet Tess Gallagher 12 years before his death -- Carver is credited with almost singlehandedly resurrecting the short story as an art form.

Whether you are already familiar with the short stories of Raymond Carver, or are new to his work, this event promises to be every bit as entertaining as the writer was in his day. 

Go to www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org for tickets.  See www.fieldsend.org for  more information about the event.

Credits: BCB host: Barbara Golden; BCB studio tech and audio editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; What’s Up music splash: Tim Bird; ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; podcast art: artopia creative.  

Sound Food began in 2007 with a Sustainable Bainbridge farm-mapping project designed to answer the question: “How do I find local food in this community?” An updated version of the resulting interactive online map can still be found on the Sound Food website at http://SoundFood.org

In this podcast episode, two co-founders of Sound Food - Sallie Maron and Carolyn Goodwin - discuss the various past and current activities of Sound Food -- connecting local residents to local food.

In this podcast episode, Sallie and Carolyn describe the innovative ideas that have been introduced by Sound Food over the years -- such as the ferry terminal farm stand, which was a big hit.

Over the years, Sound Food organizers found their vision expanding to include the whole food system including production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste/compost.

Sallie and Carolyn note that Sound Food and the BARN are collaborating on the goal of forming a BARN Kitchen Arts group. In late July, the first session of the group attracted about 20 people, who had fun making spring rolls from local ingredients. Find out more at www.bainbridgebarn.org

Sallie and Carolyn emphasize that a lot of talented people have helped Sound Food and contributed to the organization's success. They express gratitude for friendships that have blossomed and experiences and expertise that have been shared by many volunteers who brought energy and ideas to Sound Food.

You can access this information by signing up for the Sound Food News, or by visiting the Sound Food website at http://SoundFood.org

Save the date for this year's Harvest Fair!  Sound Food is organizing a Farmstand as part of the annual Harvest Fair at the Johnson Farm on Saturday September 28.

Credits: BCB host and editor: Barry Peters; Intro music: Tim Bird; Ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative.

Come celebrate a Bainbridge Island summer at Islandwood!  In this podcast Islandwood's Christina Doherty tells BCB host Ellen Miyasato what's in store for the folks who participate in the center's Afternoon on the Trails, August 17th from 2-6pm. 

Put on your hiking shoes and explore the forest floor as you wend your way through over 6 miles of trails on Islandwood's 255 acre campus. Cross the suspension bridge high above a ravine, and view the bog from a treehouse perched around a Douglas fir. 

Enjoy birds and dragonflies flitting around the pond and the cattail marsh. Inspect the forest understory by climbing a fire tower perched in the woods, and break out above the tree canopy. Or, go further afield and explore the less-travelled Lower Loop Trail. 

And if you're curious about what you find, budding naturalists are encouraged to bring in found objects such as small stones, shells, feathers, bones or tree cones. Islandwood staff can guide you through some steps to help you discover more about your object. Be sensitive to Mother Earth, please: no live plants or animals!

Top off your afternoon with a banana slug sundae -- a chocolate-dipped banana shaped like a slug sitting in vanilla ice cream. Sundaes can be pre-ordered or purchased at the event.

Visit www.islandwood.org to learn more about Islandwood and Afternoon on the Trails.

Credits: BCB host and studio tech: Ellen Miyasato; BCB audio editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; Podcast art: artopia creative.  

In this episode, Linda McCarty interviews Wendy Tyner about the annual farm-to-table dinner hosted by Friends of the Farms.

Wendy is the executive director of Friends of the Farms and she describes the annual event that benefits Friends of the Farms.

The dinner is scheduled for Thursday evening August 14th, from 6pm to 9pm on the Town Square by City Hall, in Winslow.

The event will include food, wine, beer and live music.

There will be food from over 10 local restaurants, bakeries and wineries, plus a no host beer and wine garden.

In prior years, there has been a turnout in the hundreds for this popular event.

Tickets are available on the Friends of the Farms website at http://friendsofthefarms.org/whats-happening/farm-to-table-dinner

For further information, contact Wendy Tyner by email at wendy.tyner@friendsofthefarms.org

Credits: BCB host: Linda McCarty; BCB studio tech and editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; Music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; podcast art: artopia creative. 

Biking the island, eating pie, listening to live music -- if this all sounds good to you, you'll want to listen here as Demi Allen of Squeaky Wheels tells BCB host Kayla Black about this year's Bike for Pie.

Squeaky Wheels is  a  bicycle  advocacy  organization founded  in  1994  by  a  group of  Bainbridge Island bicyclists.  Concerned  about  bicycle  safety  and  access  on  the  island, Squeaky Wheels is an all-volunteer non-profit organization whose purpose is to educate, promote, and support all aspects of bicycle usage on the island.

Their signature event, held annually in August, is Bike for Pie.  This laid back family-friendly ride is open to all ages: just sign up, come to Waterfront Park, then travel your assigned route out and back to Waterfront Park for an afternoon of pie-eating and listening to the stirring sounds of Mud Junket.

There are two bike routes: a 32-mile Challenge Course and an 8-mile Family Course.  The Challenge route includes a savory pie stop provided by Friends of the Farm, and there will be sweet pies for all at the end of both rides.

Visit www.squeakywheels.org/events/bike-for-pie.html for more information and to register for the event.  If you'd like to volunteer to help with this or other events, come to a meeting: Squeaky Wheels meets every 3rd Thursday, 6:30 pm at the Marge Williams Center, 221 Winslow Way W. #307.

Credits: Host: Kayla Black; Studio Tech/Editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; What’s Up music splash: Dave Bristow; podcast art: artopia creative.

Bainbridge Island Parks and Rec is again sponsoring its popular Movies in the Park program this August. On Friday evenings, August 8, 15, and 22, bring your family, blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to Waterfront Park for a delightful evening of family, food, fun and films. 

This summer's featured movies will be:

Aug 8 - Littlest Rebel

Aug 15 - You’ve Got Mail

August 22 - Finding Nemo

Listen as Sue Barrington, Manager of the Waterfront Park Community Center, talks with BCB host Joanna Pyle about Bainbridge Island Parks & Rec department plans for these exciting evenings. There will be games, prizes, and contests, as well as food & drink provided by local vendors.  The family fun begins at 7:30; movies start at dusk.

Visit the BI Parks & Rec Events page -- http://www.biparks.org/programsandclasses/special_events.html -- for more information about movie plots and planned activities.

Credits: BCB Host: Joanna Pyle; StudioTechnician & Editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; podcast art: artopia creative.

The 14^th annual Bainbridge Island Summer Studio Tour will be in full swing August 8^th through August 10^th. Hand-crafted artwork displayed by 48 local artists will include paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, glass, fiber, metal, sculpture, and garden art.

In this episode of “What’s Up Bainbridge,” Dinah Satterwhite, tour manager of the Bainbridge Island Studio Tour, tells BCB host Annie Osburn what’s in store from our vibrant artistic community.

Carrying on a 31-year island tradition of opening local artist studios to the public, the Studio Tour can be experienced by car or bike. Enjoy them all in a single day or spread the fun out over the weekend: studios are open 10 to 6 on Friday, August 8^th, and 10 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday.

This is a terrific opportunity to visit the participating studios: Dancing Spirit Studio in Fletcher Bay, Sylvia Carlton’s studio on Grow Avenue, Oho Design Studio on Ferncliff Avenue, Siebert Pottery Studio on NE Valley Road and Hidden Cove Pottery & Tile on Hidden Cove Road. 

To learn more about the Bainbridge Island Summer Studio Tour, visit www. bistudiotour.com and download a brochure and map of the artist studio locations.

Credits:  BCB host Annie Osburn; BCB audio editor and composer of “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; podcast art: artopia creative.

“Yarn bombing” has its origins in street art, where fiber is used to adorn public objects in unexpected places, such as posts, street lights and statues.

Now, picture this -- "yarn bombing" happening inside of Bainbridge Public Library!

In this episode, BCB host Annie Osburn interviews Carmen Rau, youth services librarian, about the "Yarn Bomb the Library" event and art opening, coming up on August 1st.

The August 1st art opening at the Library, which will coincide with the Bainbridge "First Friday Artwalk" from 5pm to 7pm, will showcase the colorful and creative results from the week-long yarn art event.

Meanwhile, from July 28th to August 1st, patrons of all ages are welcome to “yarn bomb” Bainbridge Public Library’s youth services department, each day from 1pm to 3pm.

“Some people see yarn bombing as graffiti done with fiber instead of paint,” notes Carmine. “For our purposes, yarn bombing is any sort of yarn art—knitting, crocheting, wrapping, macramé or pom-poms—that adorns the library in unexpected places for the amusement of others. Imagine knit-covered book carts or yarn-embellished library furniture and fixtures.”

The "Yarn Bomb the Library" event is designed to surprise and delight people, create a space for multigenerational mixing and socializing and to encourage creativity and craft.

Learn more about the "Yarn Bomb the Library" event at www.bainbridgepubliclibrary.org.

Credits: BCB host Annie Osburn; BCB audio editor and composer of “What’s Up” music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; podcast art: artopia creative. Bainbridge Public Library sketch by Kristin Tollefson.

In this podcast episode, Jonathan Garfunkel of EduCulture talks with BCB host Ellen Miyasato about EduCultureʻs community and fundraising dinner.

EduCulture brings together classrooms and farms to give children an edible education. Children apply their core curriculum skills -- math, science, social studies and the humanities --  to learn about the food sources of our bioregion and to develop an appreciation for local farms and food communities.

This learning process also fosters scholarship, stewardship, citizenship and sustainability. EduCulture also educates educators, and has a heritage component to teach about community exclusion and inclusion through the study of World War II, the Japanese-American internment, and its impact on Bainbridge Island.

Join EduCulture on Saturday, August 2  for an authentic farm to table experience, and have the pleasure of connecting place and taste.

This meal is an opportunity for the community to come together around the wild and cultivated foods of our bioregion while also seeding and supporting EduCultureʻs programming.

Diners will be able tour the farm fields and vineyards of the Day Road area. They will sit down al fresco to a four-course meal prepared and presented by The Food Shed of Kingston, using produce grown on Bainbridge Island farms.

Each course will be paired with a wine from Bainbridge Vineyards, the islandʻs only vineyard with locally-produced wine from locally-grown grapes.

Farmer and winemaker Betsey Wittick will be at the table to discuss her farm and her wine.

Seating is limited, but spaces are still available. For more information, go to educultureproject.org or call 206-780-5797.

As stated on the EduCulture website: "Know where your food has come from through knowing those who produced it for you . . . Know where your food has come from by the very way it tastes: its freshness telling you how far it may have traveled . . . so that you can stand up for the land that has offered it to you." --By Gary Nathan.

Credits: Host: Ellen Miyasato; Studio tech and audio editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; What’s Up music splash: Tim Bird.

In this podcast, Bainbridge Island Police Officer Carla Sias describes the department's annual National Night Out event. Carla is the annual organizer of the event.

It takes place Tuesday, August 5th, from 5 to 8pm, outdoors at the Sakai Intermediate School, and its free for the whole family.

Here's some of what you'll find at this year's Night Out:

• a Fire Dept vehicle - use the hose!
• Police cars to explore
• a Coast Guard boat, and a canine officer
• the BI Police boat to explore
• a dunk tank (with Chief Hamner, City Manager Doug Schulze, journalist Sarah Lane, BHS Assistant Principal Tina Lemmon, and many more
• a water balloon toss
• face painting with Kidimu
• a bomb truck from a Federal agency
• Westsound Wildlife, with a rescued animal
• Child ID kits
• live music

There's also free food (such as hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, sno-cones, cotton candy.

And there will be free prize giveaways such as: an iPod; an ADT security installation; a Best Western overnight stay; some BonBon candy; and more.

The underlying theme of these celebrations is crime-prevention. It occurs in 16,000+ communities in 50 states and military bases worldwide.

It provides an important opportunity for citizens to send a powerful message about neighborhood unity, safety, awareness, and police-community partnerships.

Credits: BCB host and editor: Barry Peters; BCB music splash: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studio; podcast art: artopia creative

On August 9, 2014, the practice of coworking turns 9 years old and Bainbridge Island's OfficeXpats turns 3!   

Deskmag.com reports that in the last three years the number of coworking spaces worldwide has more than tripled, growing to more than 3,000. In this podcast, Neal Cresswell and Judy Whitehead of OfficeXpats tell BCB host Lyssa Danehy deHart about some free events and services OfficeXpats will be offering to celebrate Coworking Week, August 4-8.

•  FREE COWORKING ALL WEEK

Stop in and get work done; just sign in when you arrive and get a quick tour from one of our host ambassadors. You don't need to give us an RSVP, but an RSVP will guarantee you a desk. Then look for desks with a FREE COWORKING sign, set up your laptop and hook up to our Wi-Fi (you’ll get the code when you sign in). NOTE: Bring headphones in case it gets noisy!

• FREE PRODUCTIVITY CHECK-IN

On Monday August 4th 9:30am you can learn how to set your priorities for the week and get some public accountability by joining the Monday Morning Check-in.

• FREE BUSINESS SKILLS WORKSHOP

On Tuesday August 5th from 12-1pm, attend a Business Skills Workshop, featuring tips from a lawyer on the top 10 things you need to know in the early years of your business.

• FREE LINUX INSTALL

On Wednesday, August 6th, a team of tech geeks will help give your cranky slow laptop a new life. They'll  wipe the contents of your laptop and install an Open Source operating system, Web browser, and even free Open Office software for word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation documents.

OfficeXpats is upstairs in the Pavilion, 403 Madison Ave. N.  See their website at  http://www.officexpats.com to learn more about coworking and Coworking Week.

Credits: Host and Audio Editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; What's Up music splash: Dave Bristow.

In this 5-minute preview of a July 30th public meeting, BCB's Lyssa Danehy deHart speaks about ferry issues for cyclists and pedestrians with two knowledgeable sources.

This podcast episode features Chris Hammer, who is the Engineer Manager with the Public Works Department of the City of Bainbridge Island, and Don Willott, who is a long-time active citizen-volunteer member of the City's Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Committee.

They discuss the upcoming public meeting addressing the proposed project for roadway, bike lane, shallow lane, walkway, lighting, landscaping and safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians near the Ferry terminal on Olympic Drive.

The project is in its design phase, so the City is welcoming interested citizens to provide community input at this early phase of the project.

The City will present conceptual drawings of alternative designs for improvements, and will seek public input prior to developing the final design.

For further information about the project, visit the City's webpage for the project at http://www.bainbridgewa.gov/505/Olympic-Drive-Non-Motorized-Improvements

Credits: BCB Host, studio tech and editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart;  BCB What’s Up music: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; podcast art: artopia creative.

Connie Waddington of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust talks with BCB host Lyssa Danehy de Hart about the Trust’s upcoming 25^th anniversary celebration. Dedicated to preserving natural, open Island spaces, BILT has acquired much of the land for some of our most popular parks and trails as well as preserving privately held natural landscapes for future generations. 

Celebration for the Land Trust’s 25 Years of Island People Protecting Island Places will include a community picnic and a community photo album. Bring your own food to the community picnic, which will be held (weather permitting) from 4-7pm on August 10^th.  Hike in to the  Hilltop Meadow using one of the Grand Forest trails: for maps, see http://www.hilltopnow.org/pdfs/Hilltop_Trails_1-9-13_lrg.pdf . 

Beverages, cake and entertainment will be provided, but no smoking, alcohol, or off-leash dogs will be permitted. In the event of rain the picnic will be canceled.

The Land Trust is also looking for photographers to help create a community photo album to celebrate this exciting anniversary. Photographers of all types and ages are welcome to contribute their favorite shots of landscapes and details of Land Trust-related properties. Photos taken on professional equipment and amateur smart phone shots are equally welcome. Digitally altered pictures are also fine so long as they still convey something about the real appearance of the landscape. Especially welcome are pictures of people enjoying these spaces. Shots of individual plants, birds, and other animals are also encouraged.

The locales to be featured in this scrapbook are accessible through the trails at Gazzam Lake, the Peters Property, the Close Property, the Grand Forest West, Grand Forest East, the Hilltop, Pritchard Park, Meigs Farm Park, Hawley Cove Park, Ted Olsen Park, Rockaway Beach Park, and Blakely Harbor Park. Individual landowners with BILT conservation easements may also submit photographs of their own properties if they wish. 

Submissions should be in JPEG format, but not otherwise compressed or shrunk. Send your images using the Photo Album form on the BILT Web site:bi-landtrust.org/photos/. On that page is a list of the properties and a map showing their locations. All acceptable photos will be mounted soon after they are submitted on the BILT Photo Album page at www.facebook.com/biltphotos.

The Bainbridge Island Land Trust’s mission is to preserve and steward the diverse natural environment of Bainbridge Island for the benefit of all. To achieve this goal, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust acquires interests in land having significant or potentially significant conservation values such as scenic vistas, wetlands, open spaces, tidelands, forest, unique plant and animal habitats and stream and wildlife corridors. The trust works with private landowners to protect their land using conservation easements, and also works with a variety of partners to acquire land for parks, trails and public use.

See http://bi-landtrust.org/events.aspfor more about the Land Trust’s 25^th anniversary celebration.

Credits: Host: Lyssa Danehy deHart; Studio Technician& Editor: Kayla Black; BCB ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; What’s Up music splash: Tim Bird.

George and David Lewis are internationally celebrated artists, sculptors, garden masters and Renaissance men who thrive among the flora and fountains planted and carved by their own hands on Bainbridge Island.

They have been honored in 2007 with the Island Treasure Award by the Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council in acknowledgement for their excellence in garden art and sculpture.

In this episode of “Who’s On Bainbridge,” BCB host Annie Osburn interviews George and David Lewis (formerly known as Little and Lewis) about their multi-faceted and fascinating lives on Bainbridge. 

Perhaps best-known for their unique concrete sculptures of giant gunnera leaves, rustic columns and fountains, the Lewis’s began their magical garden gallery in 1992. Quickly, the garden became renowned for its art, water features, naturally evolving “rooms” and compelling mix of plants—from English garden to Tropicalismo. The garden gallery was open to thousands of visitors for nearly two decades.

In their early days, George (formerly Little) and David Lewis joined artistic and life forces over the installation of one simple thing – a fountain designed by George and purchased by David for his home. Their effort inspired the creation of a water-gardening business and years of creative collaboration punctuated by vibrant color, big nature and Mexican flourishes.

In 2005, the Lewis’s published a book about their magnificent garden, A Garden Gallery: The Plants, Art and Hardscape of Little and Lewis, which was awarded the Silver Medal for Best Garden Book of 2006 by the Garden Writer’s Association.

Today, George and David devote their time to giving back to the community and philanthropic efforts with local non-profit organizations. David serves on the boards of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and Bloedel Reserve. 

Credits:  BCB interviewer Annie Osburn; BCB audio editor and composer of "Who's On" music, Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; logo art: artopia creative.

Community Cafe is BCB's newest podcast radio show for Bainbridge Island.  Each episode is like a 15 to 25-minute conversation over coffee with a friend describing a community need or issue that matters.

On this first episode of Community Cafe Bainbridge, Kathy Cook, the very experienced Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Bainbridge Island explains the City's Comprehensive Plan and the 2-year public process that is now starting to update the Comp Plan for the first time since 2004.

The City has named the Comp Plan long-term update process: "Navigate Bainbridge: Charting our Future Together".  The title emphasizes the City's view that the process will benefit from many constituencies working together, including island residents, the Planning Commission, City staff and the City Council.

Kathy describes the two public meetings that will mark the start of the process:

 - Tuesday, July 22, 7-9pm, an open public meeting called "Comprehensive Plan 101", located at Bainbridge High School Commons

 - Thursday, Aug 28 (tentative date): Planning Commission public meeting to determine how the public process for the Comp Plan update should work, located at City Hall

In this 22-minute interview with BCB host Barry Peters, Kathy Cook also describes the range and scope of the existing Comp Plan -- element by element.

Credits: BCB host and editor: Barry Peters; Theme music: Tim Bird; Ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studio; Logo art: artopia creative

In this podcast, Mary Anne Moorman, an event coordinator for the Bainbridge Island Bluegrass Festival, talks with BCB host Linda McCarty.

The event offers a day of bluegrass music, children’s activities, food, beverages and fun for the whole family on Saturday, July 26, at Battle Point Park.

There is a great line-up of bluegrass musicians performing throughout the day, including: The Warren G Hardings, Me and the Boys, The 1 Uppers, North Country, Water Tower Band, Top String, and the Crichton Family Band.

This is the 9th year for this event, and proceeds will benefit the local nonprofit Friends of the Farm.

Food will include fresh and local favorites, with a variety of foods aimed at pleasing adults as well as children. There will be hearth-baked pizzas and hand-made ginger ale from Bon Fire Ovenworks. Grillside Mobile Barbecue will offer pulled pork, ribs, collard greens and other treats, and Emmy’s Vege House, Rooster’s Cafe and Viking Feast Ice Cream will be on site.

There will be local wines and a beer garden from Commuter Comforts, plus locally-made spirits will be offered by Bainbridge Distilleries.

Feel free to bring your own picnic and beverage and spread your blanket under a tree, and enjoy!

This year the Festival has expanded their activities for children. Keeping with the musical theme of the day, there will be qualified teachers instructing children how to make a musical instrument out of recycled materials. By the end of the class they will be taught, and be able to play, a simple song on their instruments. There will also be an instrument petting zoo, and musical face painting and more.

Parking is plentiful and free and parking attendants will be on hand to guide you. It is sure to be a beautiful, hot day, so bring a sun hat, sunscreen, picnic blanket or chair … and enjoy!

For more information on this event, go to their website: bainbridgebluegrassfestival.com

Credits: BCB host: Linda McCarty; BCB audio editor: Tim Bird; Ukulele riff: Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studio.

Local color is perhaps nowhere more in bloom than at a "Lives & Lies" event on Bainbridge Island. This year, "Lives & Lies" highlights the community of Rolling Bay on July 26th with a garden party and catered buffet dinner program at Bay Hay & Feed.

Don't miss this historic party. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll eat, drink and be treated to rich storytelling (and possibly a few fish tales) by Rolling Bay locals and "old-timers," some of whom are returning just for this special event.

Long-time Bainbridge Island teacher and coach, Bob Olsen, well known for his state-championship basketball team in 1948, as well as Hank Helm, executive director of the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, will be on hand to celebrate Rolling Bay's unique and colorful history. Historic photos and other memorabilia will be on display and presented in conjunction with the Friends of Rolling Bay.

In this episode of "What's Up Bainbridge," BCB host Annie Osburn interviews Tom Thatcher, board member, volunteer and teacher docent of the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. "These events become great reunions with people coming back to the area to celebrate our unique history," notes Thatcher. "The storytelling will start in the garden party, but won't end there. Guests will probably still be outside in the parking lot telling stories long after the program has ended."

This event is a fundraiser for Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. Learn more at www. bainbridgehistory.org. Live music will be performed by the Anne Pell Trio.

Credits:  BCB Interviewer Annie Osburn. Audio Editor: Tim Bird. Ferry/Music Intro: Dogfish Bay Studios. Music splash: Dave Bristow.

Ever been to an oyster harvest? Here's your chance! On August 8 and September 5 the Puget Sound Restoration Fund is inviting volunteers  to participate in a Community Oyster Harvest at the Port Madison Community Shellfish Farm (PMCSF).

In this podcast, BCB host Kayla Black speaks with Betsy Peabody, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, about the history of the Restoration Fund and the important role shellfish can play in improving the environmental health of Puget Sound. Growing shellfish can help improve water quality, increase species diversity and foster eelgrass growth. In fact, a single oyster can filter 20 gallons of water a day. 

Through the Port Madison Farm and others like it, the Restoration Fund seeks to connect community members directly with the benefits of a healthy watershed by growing, harvesting, selling and eating community-grown clams and oysters. They believe this positive connection between you, your environment and your dinner plate is the key to active and enjoyable environmental stewardship. 

The Port Madison Community Shellfish Farm, newest of the Restoration Fund farms, is located on the Bloedel Reserve tidelands on Bainbridge Island. There are still two Oyster Harvests left this season, to be held on Saturday mornings -- August 8th and September 5th. Come out and volunteer, eat a few oysters on the beach, and be a part of the health of the island.

For more information about the Port Madison farm, how to purchase shellfish memberships or participate in future harvests, visit the restoration fund website at http://www.restorationfund.org/projects/csf/portmadison

Credits: Host: Kayla Black; Studio Technician & Editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; What's Up music splash: Dave Bristow.

On Thursday July 17th (note this revised date), you can attend an informational meeting about opportunities for improved high-speed internet connectivity for your neighborhood on Bainbridge Island. The meeting is at the Bainbridge Library, starting at 7:15pm.

If you think that Comcast and CenturyLink are the only choices on our island for wired internet for home or office, here's some good news. There's a third choice -- and it's a local public-service nonprofit called Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD).

For more than a decade, KPUD has successfully and economically provided high-speed broadband fiber optic internet service to our Bainbridge schools, Fire Department, Police Department, City Hall and Bainbridge Library, and a few businesses, in cooperation with a retail partner.

Now they're ready to work with us to fund, construct and maintain fast competitive internet service to Bainbridge residential neighborhoods and business districts. They can either replace existing unsatisfactory slow service, or they can construct wired or other effective service to neighborhoods not currently served by high-speed internet. And, besides ISP business retailers, they are willing to work with a cost-effective nonprofit co-op to retail that service to you and your neighbors.

At the July 17th public meeting, the main speaker will be Dave Siburg, General Manager of KPUD. Also meet some Bainbridge residents who are currently actively considering a fiber optic internet installation project with KPUD and a nonprofit retailer.

KPUD has the ability to finance fiber optic infrastructure with low-interest municipal bonds repayable over 20 years.  That's a sharp contrast to corporate internet providers that are reluctant to bring new or improved service to a neighborhood unless it can financially repay them with profits within a few years.

Credits:  BCB host and editor: Maradel Gale.  BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios. Music splash: Dave Bristow.

In this podcast Georgia Browne, Cultural Events and Public Relations Coordinator for the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation Department talks with BCB host Lyssa Danehy deHart about several exciting performances planned for Battle Point Park this summer.

The Sounds of Summer concert series will begin July 9th with jazz group Pearl Django, and run Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm. Scheduled performances include:

   •July 9 – Pearl Django – Jazz

   •July 16 – Matuto – Brazilian backbeats with Bluesy riffs

   •July 23 – John Reischman and the Jaybirds – stylish Bluegrass

   •July 30 – Laura Love Trio – Folk/Funk Singer Songwriter

   •Aug 6 – The Senate – Acoustic Rock

   •Aug 13 – Jessica Lynne – Country

   •Aug 20 – Shaggy Sweet – Classic rock with a twist

As a special treat, Seattle’s Greenstage Production Company will bring a performance of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost to the park on the afternoon of August 3rd.

For more information, check the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks and Recreation Department website at www.biparks.org

Credits: Host and Audio Editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; What’s Up music splash: Dave Bristow.

In this podcast episode, we meet Chris Soldevilla -- a local actor, acting coach, and comic.

Chris speaks with BCB’s Lyssa Danehy deHart about the very first Bainbridge Island Comedy Festival, which is set for 7:30 pm on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, July 11th and 12th. The venue is the Spacecraft Theatre in Rolling Bay Hall, at 10598 Valley RD NE, on Bainbridge Island.

The two-evening festival is aimed at bringing together the best local comedic talent that Bainbridge Island has to offer. They’ll be showcasing their ability in stand-up, sketch comedy, musical comedy, improv and much more. There will be a unique and different program on each of the two nights of the festival.

The festival is the first of its kind on Bainbridge Island and for its debut year has gotten some of the best local performing groups to headline the event. This year, “The Edge” improv group and the “Not Applicable” student improv will be featured. Each evening will be hosted by Edge member, Chris Soldevilla, our guest for this episode of What’s Up Bainbridge.

You can get more information at Chris Soldevilla’s website -- http://www.csoldi.com/ -- or at Brown Paper Tickets -- http://bicomedyfestival.brownpapertickets.com

Credits: BCB Host and Audio Editor Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; music splash: Dave Bristow.

Get ready to be wowed by the creative range of Bainbridge Island’s young artists in July when the Bainbridge Public Library hosts its first Teen Art Show in July. More than 15 young artists from middle to high school grades will exhibit their original artwork in the show. Among the inspiring works to be featured are color and black and white photography, ceramics, pastel and pen and ink drawings, jewelry and even sock monkeys.

On July 12^th from 5pm to 7pm, the Library will host an artist reception which also will feature live performances from student musicians, including performances on cello and bagpipes. Don’t miss it!

In this episode of “What’s Up Bainbridge,” BCB host Annie Osburn interviews Stefanie Graen, teen services librarian and youth advocate of the Bainbridge Public Library. Also joining this episode are two student artists who will be exhibiting their artwork in the show. Fiona Morrison, who will enter 8^th grade in the fall, will exhibit a one-of-a-kind hand-forged red brass necklace with Bainbridge Island beach glass, and Ana Bucy, who will enter 11^th grade in the fall, will exhibit color photography of the Grand Canyon and a ceramic vessel inspired by her lifelong piano studies. Listen as Graen, Morrison and Bucy discuss the art show and what inspires them to create.  

Learn more about the Teen Art Show at www. bainbridgepubliclibrary.org.

Credits:  BCB Interviewer Annie Osburn; BCB Audio Editor Tim Bird; BCB Ferry/Music Intro by Dogfish Bay Studios; BCB What’s Up music splash: Dave Bristow.

Kristin Tollefson, Education Director of Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA), and Katie Walters, BIMA's Development and Community Relations Manager, talk with BCB host Channie Peters about the art museum’s summer education programs and the July 19th Family Art Day.

The art museum’s commitment to art education is evident in the many education programs it offers. Among them are: “Meet the Artist” gallery talks; artist lectures; workshops with exhibiting artists; and hands-on artist demonstrations.

These many programs will continue this summer with exhibiting artists, Jenny Anderson, Max Grover, Fred Lisaius and Romson Regarde Bustillo.

Most education programs are free.

Katie Walters describes a fun-filled Family Art Day, which will be on July 19 from 10am to 4pm. The event venue will be on the outdoor plaza between BIMA and Kidimu. Event cosponsors are Kidimu and Bainbridge Community Foundation, with support from many local businesses making it a true community event.

Bainbridge Performing Arts Theatre School Summer Camp will kick off the Family Art Day festivities at 10am, followed by Storymaker’s Studio performing “Caps for Sale” from 1 to 2pm in the auditorium.  There will be hands-on art activities and artist demonstrations, including with Max Grover, a featured artist in the current show at the art museum.

On Family Art Day, the art museum and Bainbridge Bakers will serve up family-friendly menus so families can spend the day enjoying art, music and fun activities for everyone.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is located at the corner of Winslow Way and Hwy 305, just a short walk from the ferry.

For more information about the art museum’s exhibits, programs and artists go to biartmuseum.org.

Credits: BCB Host: Channie Peters; Audio Editor: Tim Bird; Ferry music intro: Dogfish Bay Studios; music splash: Dave Bristow.

Local artist and naturalist Heather Griffin will facilitate a series of interactive Children’s Workshops at Bainbridge Island’s Bloedel Reserve on July 9th, 10th, and 11th.  The workshops, on Papermaking, Bookbinding, and Nature Mandalas, will be divided into two classes each day: one for children 6-8 and the other for children 9-12. 

Prentice Bloedel has said that the stated purpose of  the Bloedel Reserve is to provide “a place to experience the bond between people and nature.”   In this podcast Heather Griffin explains how the children’s workshops reflect Bloedel’s philosophy to BCB host Lyssa Danehy deHart.  

Griffin also describes the specific activities and how each will help children connect art and nature.  Youthful participants in the Bloedel workshops will learn creative ways to respond to the natural world while at the same time having fun exploring the Reserve’s amazing environment.

The Workshops are fully explained and easily registered for on the Bloedel Reserve website: www.bloedelreserve.org/event-calendar/workshops/childrens-workshops

Credits: Host and Audio Editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; What’s Up music splash: Dave Bristow.

BCB host Lyssa Danehy deHart talks with Rex Oliver and Mickey Molnaire of the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce about plans for this year’s Grand Old 4th of July Parade and Celebration.

Now in its 47th Year, the Grand Old 4th includes an all-day street fair, foot races (benefiting Bainbridge Youth Services), a classic car show, and a baseball game. The day's amusements also include music, food, entertainment, a Beer and Wine Garden, and a Kid Zone, with ponies, puppets, bouncy houses and more.

Fuel up for the Fourth with a Pancake breakfast starting at 7am in the Town & Country Parking area. Then, if you are so inclined, put on your running shoes and join the Bainbridge Youth Services Family Fun Run. Registration starts at 7:30 am at Winslow Green or you can register in advance at  http://www.bifunrun.com/register/ .

The Classic Car Show runs from 9 to 1, the mile-long “Best Small Town Parade in America begins at 1 sharp, and you can end your day watching fabulous fireworks over Eagle Harbor.

Visit www.GrandOld4th.com for more information on the day.

Credits: BCB Host and Audio Editor Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; music splash: Dave Bristow.

On June 29 Eagle Harbor Books will host Tina Gilbertson, author of Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings By Letting Yourself Have Them.  The event will begin at 3pm in the back room of the book store, which is located at 157 Winslow Way,  Bainbridge Island.

Gilbertson, whose book offers helpful guidelines on how to practice loving kindness and self compassion, is a former actress and now a practicing psychotherapist in Portland, Oregon. In this interview with Victoria Irwin, the bookstore events coordinator, we learn that Gilbertson’s book is very reader-friendly, with work sheets and quotes by notable personalities. Victoria also reads from one of the book’s essays, a memorable piece by author/anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston.  Ms. Hurston, like Gilbertson, urges readers to embrace every aspect of ourselves, even including questionable behaviors. 

According to Gilbertson, most people heal and grow in the presence of compassion, caring and understanding. Those who are familiar with Buddhism and/or other meditation practices may already be aware of this principle.  But even if you’re not inclined to embrace Eastern philosophies Victoria  believes listening to Gilbertson can help reduce destructive self-criticism.

The well informed staff at Eagle Harbor Books can also help you identify other books in this genre.  Call 206-842-5332 or visit their website at http://www.eagleharborbooks.com. For more information about Tina Gilbertson go to http://www.goodtherapy.org/tina-gilbertson-therapist.php .

Credits: BCB Host: Barbara Golden; Audio Editor Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; music splash: Dave Bristow.

In this episode of What’s Up Bainbridge, BCB host Sonia Scaer interviews Kerrie Sanson, Kitchen Manager of Heyday Farm, about the upcoming “Share Our Table” events.

Since 2011, Heyday Farm has offered subscriptions for eggs, vegetables, chicken, and meat products. They’ve expanded to include honey, yogurt, cheeses, cooked and baked items. Their farm-fresh foods are also available at the storefront in Lynnwood Center on the south end of Bainbridge Island and at a stall in the Bainbridge Island Farmer’s Market in Winslow.

Heyday Farm is now branching into additional farmhouse and kitchen activities.

This podcast focuses on the Farm's "Share Our Table" events, which are now starting. On June 23rd the farm is hosting an instructional class “Learn How To Make Authentic Paella” and on July 10th a participatory class “Sauces, Condiments and Relishes”.  The events are held from 6–9pm at the Farmhouse and Kitchen on Old Mill Road.

In this interview Kerrie describes the 3 ways that the farm offers community participation in the kitchen, and describes the upcoming classes and how they include fresh produce and meats from the farm.

Learn more about the “Share Our Table” events and classes at heydayfarm.com.

Credits:  BCB Host: Sonia Scaer; Studio Tech and Editor: Barry Peters; BCB ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; music splash: Dave Bristow.

Island Theatre at the Bainbridge Library will present "Circle Mirror Transformation" by playwright Annie Baker, on June 21 and 22 at 7:30 pm.  There is no charge for the event.

The dramatic reading is directed by Rozzella Kolbegger, who is interviewed in this podcast by BCB's Lyssa Danehy deHart.

Island Theatre at the Library is a performance series held bi-monthly on the third Saturday and Sunday of the performance months of February, April, June, October and December.

These performances are presented in a stripped down staging with script in hand and a minimum of production (i.e., costumes, sets, props) to concentrate on the literature of the dramatic canon, both modern and classic. The contained space and immediacy of the drama has an intensity that rivals fully produced presentations.

In this podcast, Rozella Kolbeggar explains that Circle Mirror Transformation takes place in an artsy small town. There, an unlikely collection of four strangers sign up for Marty's "Adult Creative Drama" class -- a recently divorced carpenter, a high school junior, a former actress, and Marty's husband. Unfolding like a charmingly funny indie film, the group plays Marty's imaginative (and sometimes awkward) theatre games. But as their relationships develop over the course of the summer, the seemingly silly games generate some real-life drama.

This delightful play from new playwright Annie Baker landed on Top Ten lists of The New York Times and The New Yorker for 2010.

Credits: Host: Lyssa Danehy deHart; Studio Tech: Kayla Black; Editor: Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; Music splash: Dave Bristow.

The Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council is celebrating creativity at the 2014 Bainbridge in Bloom garden tour.  From 9am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, July 11^th and 12^th, this highly anticipated event will feature five exquisite gardens and live music throughout the tour. Visitors may journey to the gardens by bike or car or ride a bus arranged through Agate Pass Transportation.

In this episode of “What’s Up Bainbridge,” BCB host Lyssa Danehy deHart interviews Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council Executive Director Barbara Sacerdote to learn about the plans and traditions surrounding this 26^th year of the celebrated garden tour, which brings in attendees from around the globe.

Garden aficionados may choose Preview Day, Friday, July 11^th, for a quieter opportunity to view the beautiful gardens of several Bainbridge Island homes. One of the homes on the tour is that of artist Gayle Bard, who, on Friday, will open her studio for the occasion. Or come on General Admission Day, Saturday, for the more lively and widely attended event.  This year, for a special additional fee, there will also be a Bloom Garden Party hosted by Debbi and Paul Brainerd at their beautiful Bainbridge Island waterfront home starting Sunday at noon.

Ticket Sales

Tickets for Bainbridge in Bloom events are available on the Arts & Humanities website: www.BainbridgeArtsHumanities.org or at their office at 221 Winslow Way West, as well as at Bainbridge Gardens and Bay Hay & Feed. Tickets will also be available at the Tour Hub (the Filipino American Community Center on High School Road) during the event. Preview Day tickets are good for both Friday and Saturday admission. Bike the Bloom tickets are also good for both days.

Call the Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council with any questions at: 206.842.9982

Credits: BCB Host and Audio Editor Lyssa Danehy deHart; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; music splash: Dave Bristow.

In this podcast, Rotary member Tom McCloskey, who is the Chair of this year's Rotary Auction and Rummage Sale, recounts the history, scale and scope of this remarkable annual event, now in its 54th year.

Tom points out that -- while the event is managed and maintained by the Rotary Club - it has become a true community-wide event.

During the upcoming 11-day period, 116 Rotarians and about 1,100 other volunteers will prepare, physically work, manage, clean up and follow up. 

Five to ten thousand customers are expected at the six-hour event from 8am to 2pm on Saturday June 28th.  Purchased goods may be picked up that day by vehicle between 10am and 3pm.

To plan your Saturday shopping, attend the open preview night on Friday the 27th from 5-8pm.

Meanwhile, starting on Friday, June 20th, you can drop off your donated goods at the Woodward Middle School.  Use the south entrance on Sportsmen Club Road between 8am and 8pm during the six days through Wednesday June 25th.

Approximately 150,000 items -- some as small as toothpicks and others as large as donated cars and boats -- are expected.

Proceeds of the event will fund the Rotary's annual community grants to nonprofits, plus large-scale community grants (like the Waypoint project that transformed the corner of Winslow Way and route 305).

In addition, the proceeds will fund scholarships to High School students, donations to international humanitarian projects, and other worthy causes.

Our BCB radio project itself was a benefactor of a $7,000 portion of last year's nearly $445,000 in Rotary proceeds in the form of a grant to our local nonprofit parent, Sustainable Bainbridge.

The cumulative proceeds from 54 years of Rotary Auctions is likely to pass the $6 million level this year.  Tom points out that the first of those auctions generated dollars that helped acquire land for the Bainbridge Library.

In this podcast, Tom McCloskey points out that many Bainbridge Islanders consider the Rotary Auction to be a way of taking care of their household "Spring Cleaning" while truly benefiting their community.

Credits:  BCB host and editor: Barry Peters.  BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios. Music splash: Dave Bristow.

Do you have an idea for a must-have product or service, but need help with what comes next?

On four Tuesdays in July, OfficeXpats at the Pavilion in Winslow is offering a lunchtime course to take your business or nonprofit idea to the next step.

Michael “Luni” Libes, author of The Next Step, provides a simple, understandable path through the stages of business planning. Each stage includes a set of key questions which, when answered, provide you with the materials needed for your formal business plan and pitch.

For four Tuesdays in July, Luni will take participants through the essential steps:

July 8: Sharing your idea.  Problem/Solution/Customer

July 15: Market research, Opportunity size, and Competitive analysis

July 22: Financial planning and fundraising

July 29: How to create and deliver a great pitch

Note: Kitsap Bank is currently running a contest called the Edg3 Fund, and offering a $20,000 prize to the business with the best pitch, so Luni will be discussing this opportunity as part of the class!

Get the most from the class by reading the book first.  “The Next Step: Guiding you from idea to startup.” See http://lunarmobiscuit.com/the-next-step.

Luni is a serial entrepreneur, mentor, advisor, and educator. Over the past two decades, he has helped build six start-ups, five of which he founded: Ground Truth (mobile analytics), Medio Systems (mobile search), Mforma (mobile gaming and applications), 2WAY (enterprise collaboration), and Nimble (pen computing).

Luni is an Entrepreneur in Residence and Instructor at Pinchot (pinchot.edu), a University for the Common Good.

Most recently, Luni is the founder of Fledge LLC, the “conscious company” accelerator, at http://fledge.co, and creator of Kick, “our” incubator, at http://kickincubator.com.

Luni says: “If you are going to take the crazy step of starting a company, make it one that matters.”

Credits:  BCB Host: Barry Peters.  BCB audio editor: Jeffrey Powel. Ferry/music: Dogfish Bay Studios. Synthetic music splash: Dave Bristow.

Back by popular demand, the Virginia V – the last of the Mosquito Fleet steamships – will cruise around Bainbridge Island on July 20th from 3 to 6pm. 

Fully-restored, pipes and whistles prepped and shined and her engine ready to roll, the Virginia V will leave from City Dock in Winslow, directly south of Waterfront Park. Take a gentle cruise around the island as the steamer passes by more than 30 former ferry landings that served Bainbridge at different times in the community’s development. Suquamish Historic Preservation Officer Dennis Lewarch will be on board to highlight the shoreline areas frequented by indigenous people and discuss the geology and archaeology of Bainbridge.

In this episode of “What’s Up Bainbridge,” BCB host Annie Osburn interviews Karen Beierle, board member and volunteer of the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. Listen to Beierle highlight fun facts about the 125-foot Virginia V (a National Historical Landmark Steamship built in 1922) and the famed Mosquito Fleet, a predecessor to the Washington State Ferries system.  

This event is a fundraiser for Bainbridge Island Historical Museum and includes a box dinner, ferry landing map and cruise program, bottled water and no host bar (operated by the Virginia V Foundation – www.virginiav.org).

Learn about the Virginia V Cruise around Bainbridge Island at www.bainbridgehistory.org.

Credits:  BCB Host Annie Osburn; BCB Audio Editor Tim Bird; BCB Ferry Music: Dogfish Bay Studios; music splash: Dave Bristow.

Margaret Chang of Field’s End returns to the BCB studio for an interview with Channie Peters about an event featuring award-winning writer, Suzanne Fisher Staples. Her event will be an illustrated talk about how she has used the power of story to inform her readers of the Islamic culture, especially the lives of women and girls.

As a former journalist and USAID representative in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Staples immersed herself in the culture of those countries.  She has been a tireless advocate for literacy for women and girls in the region.  Her first three novels are set in the Cholistan Desert between Pakistan and India, and give us a realistic view of the life of women and girls in Islamic culture.

Her talk will be on Thursday, June 19, from 7 to 8 PM at the auditorium of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art at the corner of Winslow Way West and Hwy 305. It will be followed by a reception next door at the Bainbridge Bakers cafe.  Eagle Harbor Books will have available for sale several of her books, including Shabanu, her first novel, which won a Newberry Honor.

Credits: BCB Host: Channie Peters; Audio Editor: Tim Bird.  Ferry/music intro: Dogfish Bay Studios. Music splash: Dave Bristow.

The Bainbridge Island Police Department is celebrating Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day on Saturday, June 14 from 11 am to 4 pm. The event is free and will include fun activities for water and boating enthusiasts of all ages.

In this podcast, BCB’s Barry Peters interviews Tami Allen of the Bainbridge Island Police Department about the Marina Day and Boater’s Fair celebrations on June 14. Tami is the City’s Harbormaster.

Matthew Hamner, Chief of Police, says: “I encourage families to participate in this fun outdoor activity and give boating a try.” He adds, “We hope you will visit Waterfront Park to learn about boating, and enjoy the events we have planned.”

The City of Bainbridge Island’s Welcome to the Water on National Marina Day activities include:

• Free demonstrations of Current Design Kayaks and Wenonah Canoes 
• Tours on a 45-foot US Coast Guard Cutter,
• Tours of a Bainbridge Island Police Boat and a research vessel
• Flare demonstration
• Meet local boating clubs and aquatic program leaders
• Learn about underwater repair for docks and moorings
• Race a remote controlled sailboat
• Bring your own boat and get your annual vessel safety inspection
• Bring your own boat and “anchor with a local” (by appointment)
• Learn about docking, cruise planning, navigation, fueling, pumping-out, knot tying taught by the USCG Auxiliary volunteers
• “Water N’ Kids” activities
• Meet your Harbormaster and Marine Officer
• Come for a free boat ride and BBQ hot dog (while supplies last)

National Marina Day is presented on Bainbridge in cooperation with the Association of Marina Industries, and Discover Boating. For more information visit www.nationalmarinaday.org, or call Tami Allen, Harbormaster at 206.780.3733.

Credits: BCB Host and Audio Editor: Barry Peters.  Ferry/music intro: Dogfish Bay Studios. Music splash: Dave Bristow.

In this episode of What’s Up Bainbridge, BCB host Sonia Scaer interviews Ann Strickland, Art & Music Director of Grace Episcopal Church, about the monthly musical event “First Thursday Kirtan”.

The public is welcome to join Ann and the Island Kirtan group on the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. This is a musical event where participants sing with a call and response chant. This music is said to be good for settling the mind and also to focus on healing and wellness.

Here is some interesting background about Kirtan:

•   It began in India centuries ago as a spiritual practice, and was known as the layman’s way to connect with the divine.

•   In the last ten years, Kirtan has been introduced in the United States, and has transformed musically to appeal to the ears of American audiences.

•   Kirtan is a new kind of concert experience in the West.  It’s not so much a performance as a journey into the self through the practice of listening and singing.  The leaders at a Kirtan concert are called wallahs, and all participants become part of the music.

In this episode, Ann Strickland came to the BCB studio to explain several elements of Kirtan, and to perform a short example of Kirtan chanting accompanied by her harmonium. The harmonium is a table-top reed organ with a keyboard and hand-activated bellows.

For more information on Island Kirtan, visit their Facebook page at https://facebook.com/pages/Island-Kirtan/149408395149453

For this and other events at Grace Church visit their website at http://gracehere.org/index.php

Credits:  BCB Host: Sonia Scaer; BCB Studio Techs: Jenn Round and Barry Peters; BCB Audio Editor: Jeffrey Powel; ferry music by Dogfish Bay Studios; music splash: Dave Bristow.

BCB host Channie Peters interviews Margaret Chang, the coordinator of the Field’s End Speakers Series. Fields End is an organization within the Bainbridge Public Library that focuses on the art and craft of writing.

This episode of What's Up Bainbridge discusses the upcoming June 17th talk by Suzanne Fisher Staples, a former journalist in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and now an award winning writer of seven novels. Most of her novels are set in the Cholistan Desert between Pakistan and India. Her first novel, Shabanu, published in 1989, won a Newberry Honor.

Suzanne Staples is an advocate for fiction as a way to understand foreign cultures, in this case, Afghanistan and Pakistan, especially the role of women and girls in this culture.

At this Library event, an offering of the Speakers Series, Ms. Staples will lecture on the craft of writing – “Writing Your Way: Take a Voyage of Literary Self-Discovery.” Afterwards, guests are invited to stay for refreshments and conversation.

This Speakers Series event will be at the Bainbridge Public Library (corner of Madison Ave and High School Rd) on Tuesday, June 17, from 7- 8:30 pm.  It is free and open to all writers, would-be writers, and anyone interested in the craft of writing.

Credits:  BCB Host: Channie Peters; BCB Audio Editor: Tim Bird.  Synthetic music splash: Dave Bristow. BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios.

Get your baskets and appetites ready.

On June 7th, Intentional Table will kick off a 10-week culinary journey with its Farmers’ Market Tour & Cooking Class.

The event takes place on Saturdays, from 9.45am to 12 noon, and features a tour of the Bainbridge Island Farmers’ Market, just a short walk up Madrone Lane from the Table. Afterward, participants in the cooking class will return and work together to create a fresh brunch from their market finds.

In this podcast episode, BCB host Annie Osburn interviews Zoe Bartlett, founder of Intentional Table cooking school and specialty store on Bainbridge Island.

Listen to Bartlett share her insights on building relationships with our local farmers, selecting the right vegetables and fruits of the season to suit your cooking, using lesser known varieties, choosing “whole foods” for more flavorful and healthy cuisine, and more.

Learn about the Farmers’ Market Tour & Cooking Class offered by Intentional Table at www.intentionaltable.com.

Credits:  BCB host Annie Osburn; BCB audio editor Tim Bird; BCB ferry music: Dogfish Bay Studios; What's Up music splash: Dave Bristow.