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.