WU-608 The Battle Point Astronomical Association

Frank Petrie, President of The Battle Point Astronomical Association (BPAA), joins us on What’s Up Bainbridge to discuss the impressive and very accessible observatory at Battle Point Park.   Housing the 27-inch Ritchie Telescope, the largest accessible to the public in the Pacific Northwest, the complex also includes a planetarium, workshop, library and meeting room.

Frank talks about the history of the association and observatory, and the mission which is to observe, discover and share the universe through hands-on activities.

For more information about BPAA, go to: https://bpastro.org

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

WU-607 Bainbridge Prepares: Emergency Medical Responders & the Community Response Team

In our last in this six-part series about Bainbridge Prepares, we talk with four key players in the organization that lead and manage disaster response programs and teams that are ready and able to go in emergency situations.

Executive Director for Bainbridge Prepares, Loren Best, Roxanne Corff, BI Medical Response Corps, Andrea Chymiy, Medical Reserve Corp and Victor Cheng, CERT Lead (Community Emergency Response Team) join us on What’s Up Bainbridge to discuss these vital programs.

For more information about Bainbridge Prepares, the Emergency Response Team, CERT and the Bainbridge Island Medical Reserve Corps, go to: https://bainbridgeprepares.org

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

If you’re thinking of planting a tree or replacing one on your property, you will want to attend the upcoming Zoom webinar hosted by Autumn Salamack, Bainbridge Island Climate Officer, and Drue Morris, City Arborist. The topic is Right Plant, Right Place: Choosing Appropriate Trees for the Urban Environment, on Wednesday September 14th at 6pm.

In this episode of What’s Up Bainbridge, Autumn tells us about the Climate Smart Bainbridge Challenge and the City’s Climate Action Plan and tree-related considerations.  Drue explains that choosing the right tree species for the right space will maximize the success of that tree and help it thrive. And she’ll tell us what you can expect to learn at their webinar.

You may visit the city website calendar here:

https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/calendar.aspx?eid=4104

You may register for Right Plant, Right Place online here: https://bainbridgewa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BCrLOT14QKu3PRjksFULaw

To learn more about Climate Smart Bainbridge go to:

https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/1359/Climate-Smart-Bainbridge

Credits: Podcast Host Sonia Scaer; Audio editor Keith Doughty; Publisher Robert Ross

In this episode of What’s Up Bainbridge, we talk with four more leaders from  Bainbridge Prepares to discuss caring for vulnerable populations and planning for access and functional needs for the elderly and domestic pets in a natural disaster situation.

Reed Price, Rita Elsberry, Suzanne Ferguson and Yasuyo Sousa lead us in a broad ranging discussion that highlights many aspects for all of us to be aware of and thoughtful about.

For more information about Bainbridge Prepares and vulnerable populations, including planning for animal care,  please go to: https://bainbridgeprepares.org

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

Steve Stolee, a key player in the Island Theatre 10-Minute Play Festival joins us today on What’s Up Bainbridge to discuss the return of the event after a 2-year covid hiatus. 

He shares some interesting background and perspective about the Island Theatre, its origins and how it operates.  You’ll also hear about how the Festival is organized and how to reserve your free tickets.

Steve also discusses the upcoming August 2 Meet the Playwrights event at the Bainbridge Public Library. At this session, you will have the opportunity to meet the ten local authors of the plays selected for this year’s Festival and engage in conversation about their own processes for writing and their motivations and inspirations.

For more information about the Ten-Minute Play Festival, please go to www.islandtheatre.org

In this episode of What’s Up Bainbridge, we talk with Bainbridge Prepares leaders Colleen Huck, Susan James and Mary O’Leary about the many aspects and considerations of dealing with mental well-being issues in a disaster situation.  They offer insights and perspectives that are helpful, important and significant as we continue to expand our knowledge base in how to deal with all aspects of life in a difficult and challenging environment.

For more information about this Bainbridge Prepares Emergency Response Team and the many others, please go to: https://bainbridgeprepares.org

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

In this episode of our series on Bainbridge Prepares, we talk with food and water leaders, John Fossett and Christian Berg who share their many stories and perspectives regarding these vital aspects of planning for potential disasters.

They each have suggestions and ideas on what to think about in planning a system that can withstand and recover from disruptions yet ensures an adequate supply of food and water for all.

For more information about Bainbridge Prepares, please go to: https://bainbridgeprepares.org

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

In this third episode of our 7-part series about Bainbridge Prepares, we explore the concepts of the Emergency Flotilla and Family Reunification that are key elements in the face of any natural disaster.

City of Bainbridge Harbormaster, Tami Allen and Kari Seybolt-Murphy, a key spokesperson for Family Reunification Planning for Bainbridge Prepares join us today on What’s Up Bainbridge to discuss these vital and vey connected aspects that become vitally important in emergency situations.

For more information about Bainbridge Prepares, and learning more about the Emergency Flotilla and Family Reunification, please go to: https://bainbridgeprepares.org

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

Kiwanis Club of Bainbridge Island members Jim Copen, Elizabeth Ozimek and Paul Benton join us today on What’s Up Bainbridge to discuss the return of the very popular All-Comers Track Meet.  Not held since 2019 due to the pandemic, the 20-year tradition draws dozens of kids and their parents Monday evenings for six weeks in July and August.

In addition to the many age group races, this year there will be two kid-friendly field events, the standing long jump into a sand pit and a safely organized shot put using soft exercise balls.

The meets take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Woodward Middle School track July 11, 18 & 25 and August 1, 8 &  15

For more information about the All-Comers Track Meet and the Kiwanis Club of Bainbridge Island, go to: https://www.bikiwanis.org.

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

In this second episode of our 7-part series about Bainbridge Prepares, we explore the process of ‘Map Your Neighborhood’ to teach neighbors how to prepare for a disaster.  We also explore the importance of faith-based organizations and the important and pivotal roles they always play following disasters.

Anne LeSage, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Bainbridge Island and Laura Samant, a leader in the Ready Congregations part of the Bainbridge Prepares organization tell us about these important aspects.

For more about Bainbridge Prepares, how to organize to Map Your Neighborhood and more information about Ready Congregations, go to: https://bainbridgeprepares.org

Be sure to look for this important series every other Thursday.

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

Join us today in this first of a 7-part series about Bainbridge Prepares, an educational nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our community through communication and awareness and helping to assure the island will be resilient in the face of natural disasters and other calamities.

Founder and Board Chair Scott James and 2 key associates, Alice Ostdiek and Phil Fergusson lead us in a discussion about Disaster Hubs, what they are and the very significant role they play in the emergency response team environment. They also explain how you can find the Hub closest to your home.  In addition, the important ‘Map Your Neighborhood’ program is touched upon and its key relationship to Disaster Hubs.

Be sure to look for this important series every other Thursday.

For more information about Bainbridge Prepares, how to view a map of the Disaster Hubs and so much more, go to: https://bainbridgeprepares.org

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

Mary Meier, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation joins us today on What’s Up Bainbridge to discuss the significant and important role the Foundation plays in improving the island’s parks and trails and expanding recreational opportunities.

Funded by private donors, grant resources and One Call for All, the Foundation, often in partnership with the BI Metropolitan Park & Recreation District and others has become an essential force for parks and trails projects, stewardship programs and supporting fundraising campaigns.

We also learn about Mary and her background that led her to this position. She discusses her commitment to environmental education, working with nonprofits and her passion for public lands and what they can do for people.

To learn more about the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation, go to: https://biparksfoundation.org/parks/

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

Merilee Mostov, Director of Exhibits & Engagement for the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, joins us today on What’s Up Bainbridge to discuss a new and exciting exhibit opening this coming Friday, May 6.

Merilee explains the various parts of the new installation that reflect the Island’s diversity of cultures and important events that have happened here.  She also discusses the importance of designing the exhibit so that it can be easily updated and changed.

For more information about the Bainbridge Historical Museum, please go to https://www.bainbridgehistory.org

Diane Landry of BI Zero Waste, Barb Trafton of the Parks Foundation and Morgan Houk from the Metro Parks District join us today on What’s Up Bainbridge to discuss the many events planned in April as we celebrate Earth Month Bainbridge Island.  With the strong leadership and direction from Sustainable Bainbridge, over 30 events are planned in partnership with many non-profits to raise awareness and encourage involvement to protect our trees, our island and our planet.

Diane, Barb and Morgan, all well-spoken local environmental leaders enthusiastically share many aspects of the month, designed to appeal to the entire Bainbridge Community.

For more information about these and many more events, please go to https://www.sustainablebainbridge.org

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

WU-594 The FANTASTIC Recreation Programs at BI Metro Parks

Bryan Garoutte, Recreation Director for Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District joins us today in the What’s Up Bainbridge Studio to discuss his very large and multifaceted job.  Along with Park District Commissioner, Dawn Janow, they discuss this very significant and important aspect of the Park District and how it reaches the many members of Bainbridge Island.

Bryan shares with us how he got involved in this work that led to the principal position of Recreation Director. Listening to him and the passion for his work, one begins to realize what a stunning resource the BI Park District is for this community.  From numerous special events throughout the year, to Sports & Fitness, Arts & Culture, Aquatics, Active Adult and Gymnastics, the list goes on and on. Check it out . . . it’s breathtaking!

For more information about these many recreation opportunities in the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks System, go to: https://biparks.org, scroll down the Recreation heading and learn of the many, many possibilities and how to sign up.  You can also call 206-842-2302 to get more information.

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

In this edition of What’s Up Bainbridge, chef, cook, artisan, entrepreneur, and teacher Erik Peterson joins us to discuss his upcoming three-part series on cooking with Fresh Sea Kelp.  The classes are being held at BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network) in the Kitchen Arts Studio and can be found by going to https://bainbridgebarn.org and looking under Classes/Events.

Each class will be co-hosted by sea kelp farmer Markos Scheer and his wife Hillary Scheer, giving students an opportunity to learn about this quickly evolving aquaculture industry. 

The series is organized by technique and is intended to be a playful introduction to an ingredient that you will find easy to work with in a wide variety of flavor profiles and applications.  Fresh alaria ribbon kelp is a mildly flavored sea green with a thin and pleasing crunch.  Many unique sea greens exist but this is the kelp that will be focused on in each class.

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

Morgan Houk, Volunteer Coordinator for Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District joins us today in the What’s Up Bainbridge Studio to discuss her challenging and very rewarding job.  Along with Park District Commissioner, Dawn Janow, they discuss the important roles volunteers play to make the parks enjoyable for everyone.

We learn of the numerous opportunities to volunteer from helping to maintain over forty miles of island trails, removing noxious weeds and planting native species to helping with special events, coaching sports and being a summer camp assistant.

In this series, we continue to examine many aspects of the parks, why and how they were formed, the many changes that have occurred over the years and the several unique and varied experiences they provide for island residents of all ages.

For more information about how to volunteer in the parks, go to: https://biparks.org, scroll down the ‘Get Involved’ heading to VOLUNTEERS, read more about the many opportunities and even fill out the Volunteer Application.  You can also call 206-842-2302 to get more information.

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross

Bainbridge Island Park Board Member Ken DeWitt returns to this episode of What’s Up Bainbridge to share more of the colorful history and events of this exceptional parks system. Along with another commissioner, Dawn Janow, they explore the rich record of names, individuals and actions that form the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks system.

In this series, we continue to examine many aspects of the parks why and how they were formed, many changes that have occurred over the years and the several unique and varied experiences they provide for island residents of all ages.

Asaph Glosser joins us in this edition of What’s Up Bainbridge to discuss the important role he played this past year as an Interim Commissioner on the Board for the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District.

In this thoughtful and reflective discussion along with Commissioner Dawn Janow, Asaph speaks about his passion for recreation and some of the important things he learned and found himself engaged in during this time.  The two of them also discuss the substantial duties of the commissioners, the importance of the twice monthly meetings and the well-defined guidelines for Commissioner participation.

For more information about Bainbridge Island Metro Parks go to: https://biparks.org or call 206-842-2302

Credits: BCB host, Bob Ross; audio editor, Keith Doughty; publisher, Bob Ross