Community Cafe Bainbridge

Curious about the new playground at Battle Point Park? Hear what's in store for the children of Bainbridge, and how you can help it come to pass.

In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet sits down with Barbara Trafton, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation, and two members of the Parks District Advisory Committee and KidsUp Campaign, Curt Thomas and Stephanie Page.

Together, they talk about why the existing playground needs updating. We also learn about the new design elements being considered, including a large “ferry boat” play structure that speaks to our Pacific Northwest and Bainbridge roots.

This project is a collaborative effort between the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District, the Parks Foundation and a citizen’s advisory committee.

It is also a community effort. There are many ways to get involved. If interested, you can join the campaign committee, submit design ideas, and donate. For more information, please visit the BI Parks Foundation website or the Park District website.

Credits: BCB host Christina Hulet; publisher: Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

Over 40 defibrillators have been installed around our island since Islander Jack Sutherland's cardiac arrest at a Rotary meeting. Listen here as BIFD Fire Chief Hank Teran, Rotary president Robin Goldston, and Jack Sutherland describe this remarkable project: a heartwarming story for American Heart Month.

Chief Teran was attending a rotary meeting when Rotarian Jack Sutherland suddenly collapsed in full cardiac arrest. Chief Teran assessed the situation, immediately began CPR with the help of Rotarian Sean Marcella, and called for a defibrillator. Aid cars arrived carrying the vital equipment, and three shocks and a helicopter transport to Harborview later, Jack was able to survive with no repercussions.

But survival wasn't enough for Jack. Realizing that without the quick actions of Teran, Marcella, and the defibrillator he would not be here today, Jack spearheaded a Rotary project to spend $25,000 of auction moneys installing AEDs -- Automated External Defibrillators -- in police cars, at Parks District locations, and throughout the island, to ensure that these life-saving devices would be more readily available to anyone in need.

Jack, who negotiated the sale of the units, installs them himself with the help of Rotarians Tom Lindsley and Tom McCloskey. He also trains people at each installation on how to use the units, and photographs the units for BIFD to add to the PulsePoint app so they're easier to locate.

Curious about AED's and CPR? BIFD offers monthly hands-on training classes in both. To sign up, visit the BIFD website at https://www.bifd.org/classes-and-registration. And to get instant access to AED locations on the island, be sure to install the PulsePoint app on your mobile device.

Credits: BCB  host and editor: Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

Curious about our upcoming EMS levy? In this podcast BCB host Diane Walker invites Fire Chief Hank Teran, BIFD Finance Manager Ed Kaufman and Fire Commissioner Tim Carey to explain why the levy is needed, why it's set to be permanent, and what will happen if the levy fails.

The levy, which is set to replace a previous levy that expires in December of this year, will fund not only EMS staff but also medical supplies, equipment, community risk reduction work, and training for our increasingly busy EMS squad.

Partly because island population is aging, and partly because BIFD is the only organization on the Island that provides 24 hour emergency services, total BIFD call volume has increased 35% since 2012. 70% of those calls are for EMS and rescue services, and 30% of those calls are concurrent, so any reduction in staff could seriously impact the current response times.

BIFD already has a permanent fire levy, but ours is the last district in Kitsap county to institute a permanent EMS levy. Though the department is legally allowed to collect at 50¢ per $1,000 property value, they are only asking for 40¢, based on the BIFD strategic plan and current financial projections.

For more information and to view copies of the BIFD strategic plan, financial reports, community offerings and more, visit the Fire Department's website at BIFD.org. 

Credits: BCB  host and editor: Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

The population of older adults is growing at an unprecedented pace here on Bainbridge Island. Approximately 1/4 of the people living on Bainbridge Island are 65 or older.

Recognizing this, it was decided that the next five years are crucial for the development of the Senior Center at Waterfront Park.  The Board of Directors therefore embarked on a strategic planning effort to address current and emerging needs and to build organizational capacity to support and sustain the Center’s growth and success.

Based on the input from a series of five community listening sessions, the plan was completed and approved by the Board at its annual meeting on January 8, 2019.

In this podcast Reed Price, Executive Director of the Senior Center; Nancy Lewars, a long time board member; Ann Lovejoy, a new board member; and guest host John McKenzie, a volunteer and supporter of the strategic planning effort, talk about why a 5 year strategic plan is necessary for the Senior Center, how it was created, what has already been accomplished as a result of the plan, and what is expected from it in the future.

For more about the Senior Center, its many and varied program offerings, and the new strategic plan, visit https://biseniorcenter.org/.

Credits: BCB guest host: John McKenzie; audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

Curious about how our police department works? Participate in the Bainbridge Island Police Department (BIPD) Citizens’ Academy, beginning this February. This free 12-week program lets you meet police officers and see their work first-hand; listen here to learn more.

In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet sits down with Carla Sias, BIPD’s Community Resource Officer, and three community members who went through the Academy: Loren Bast, Kaylie Chinn, and former Mayor Anne Blair.

Together, they talk about what it was like to visit the Kitsap County Jail and participate in a mock trial at the courthouse. Participants also get to ride with an on-duty patrol officer, go to the 911 dispatch center and Coroner’s Office, and talk about a range of topics such as traffic enforcement, investigations, narcotics, criminal law, defensive tactics and identity theft.

It’s a great way to increase communication between residents and police officers and, in the case of Kaylie Chinn, confirmed her decision to go into law enforcement.

Classes begin in early February and are held Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with two additional Saturday sessions.

Apply now! Class size is limited to 20 participants and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You can learn more at:  http://www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us/789/Citizens-Academy

Credits: BCB host: Christina Hulet; audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

What is it like for people of color to live on Bainbridge? What is race equity? And, how do we create a community where all feel a sense of belonging and inclusion? The Bainbridge City Council is setting up a Race Equity Task Force to explore these issues, and you could join.

In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet sits down with Sal DeRosalia of CrossFit gym, Erin Phillips of We Live Here Too, City Councilmember Matt Tirman and Karen Vargas, Co-Chair of the Multicultural Advisory Council to discuss these complex questions -- questions that the city's newly formed Race Equity Task Force will consider when it convenes in February.

The City Council approved a motion during the December 4 Study Session to form a Race Equity Task Force to provide advice and counsel to the Council to ensure that Bainbridge Island serves as an open and welcoming community for all. The City is seeking seven volunteers to serve on the Task Force, which will meet once a month at City Hall. The day and time of the meetings will be decided at a future date. Councilmembers Matt Tirman, Rasham Nassar and Joe Deets will also serve on the Task Force.

If you're interested in serving on the Race Equity Task Force, applications can be found on the City’s website, and must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25. Task Force interviews will take place Jan. 28 – Jan. 31.

 More information on the Race Equity Task Force and how to apply is available on the city’s website: visit https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=548  to learn more.

Credits: BCB host: Christina Hulet; audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

Many of us know IslandWood for its beautiful 250-acre campus and environmental learning programs for children and adults alike. What you may not know is that this local nonprofit is also trying to address structural racism and embed equity in its operations.

In this podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet sits down with three members of IslandWood’s team to talk about how this work is going: John Haskin is Senior Vice President for Education, Kristine Jimenez is Director of Communications, and Theresa Song Ichien is Coordinator of IslandWood’s Education for Environment and Community Graduate Program.

Together, they discuss recent efforts to use a racial equity lens across the organization, from hiring and training to curriculum and fundraising materials. They speak candidly about what has been challenging, the lessons they are learning, and even some mistakes made along the way.

As Jimenez says, this work is “helping us see what we couldn’t see.” IslandWood hopes that in sharing their journey our whole community might be inspired both to support that journey and to explore its own challenges in the areas of racial bias, equity, and inclusion.

Credits: BCB host: Christina Hulet; audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

Wondering how to vote on our upcoming SAFE Mobility levy? Listen here as Herb Hethcote and Doug Rauh, the men who helped draft the pro and con statements for the voters pamphlet, share their thoughts with COBI's Mark Epstein and BCB's Christina Hulet.

This November, Bainbridge Islanders will vote on a $15 million Safe Access for Everyone (SAFE) Mobility Levy. If approved, it would fund shoulder improvements, better connected sidewalks, trails with a focus on safe routes to schools, and other improvements to support walking and biking.

The cost of the levy for an owner of a $660,000 home -- the median value on Bainbridge -- would come to an estimated $185 in additional property taxes per year over a seven year period.

In this podcast, Mark Epstein, Engineering Project Manager for the City of Bainbridge, shares how the levy came about and what the process would be for selecting and implementing projects, if approved.

Also joining us are Herb Hethcote, who helped draft the “pro statement” and Doug Rauh, who helped draft  the “con statement.” Together, we discuss the levy’s pros and cons and offer different perspectives for voters to consider as they cast their ballots.

There are many opportunities to learn more about the levy. City staff are hosting a workshop on Thursday, October 11 from 6:30-8:30 at Island Center Hall. Information will also be available on your ferry commute and at the farmer’s market. Additional details can be found at the city’s website: https://bainbridgesafemobilitylevy.participate.online/

Credits: BCB host: Christina Hulet; audio editor and publisher: Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

Fabulous fall colors, a fungi Walk, a floral arranging demo, a moss garden walk, a zen garden demo, Jazz with Jenny Maybee, and of course the annual Squash Scavenger Hunt: it's all part of Founders Weekend at the Bloedel Reserve, which celebrates its 30th anniversary October 20-21.

Listen here as Bloedel's Executive Director Ed Moydell shares highlights from the fascinating history of this award-winning island treasure. You'll learn some little-known facts about the garden's history, Prentice Bloedel’s vision, the Reserve's plans for the future, and -- just for fun -- how the first Annual October Squash Scavenger Hunt came to be!

Recently named one of the top ten public gardens in the U.S., Bloedel offers peace, well-being, exercise and entertainment for visitors of all ages.  To learn more about Founder's Weekend and about Bloedel’s activities and visiting hours, visit their website at https://bloedelreserve.org/

Credits: BCB host, Betsy Lydle Smith; audio editor and publisher, Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.

What is the level of homelessness on Bainbridge and in Kitsap County? What's driving the problem, what kind of assistance is available, how effective is it, and what can you do to help? Listen here to learn more...

In this 45 minute podcast, BCB host Christina Hulet talks with Kirsten Jewell, Kitsap County’s Housing and Homelessness Program Division Coordinator, and Maria Metzler, Executive Director of Helpline House, about local statistics, issues, services and misconceptions around homelessness.

According to data from Kitsap County’s Department of Human Services and Housing Solutions Center, 530 people were without a home in Kitsap County during the 2018 “point-in-time” count. In 2017, approximately 3,200 households in Kitsap needed housing assistance and 1,200 households were classified as homeless.

Here on Bainbridge, 116 households needed housing assistance and 25 households were classified as homeless in 2017. Forty of these households included children, impacting a total of 68 kids. The Bainbridge Island School District also counted 18 homeless children in the 2016-2017 school year.

One of the organizations making a difference is Helpline House, a local nonprofit that served 1 in 10, or approximately 2,500, Bainbridge residents in 2017. It provides a range of social services including a food bank, mental health counseling, housing assistance, medical equipment, and case management, among others.

You can support and learn more about Helpline House at https://www.helplinehouse.org/. Come join their 50th Celebration on Saturday September 29th from 11am to 4pm. This is a free community event, including live music, kid activities, food trucks and more.

You can learn more about Kitsap County’s housing and homelessness programs and county-level data on its website.

The County is also hosting a community forum on Bainbridge about tiny houses, as one tool to address homelessness and housing instability. This event will be on Thursday, September 27th from 6:30-8:30pm at Bainbridge’s Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church.  

Credits: BCB host, Christina Hulet; audio editor and publisher, Diane Walker; social media: Jen St. Louis.