Today we welcome Blair King The City Manager of Bainbridge Island Background

Blair King was appointed City Manager May 2021.  Prior to serving the City of Bainbridge Island, King served as city manager for a variety of small to medium sized cities, including coastal and island communities.  

His background includes experience with budget and finance; growth control and land use; public works and infrastructure; "Main Street;" and public safety.  Mr. King has spent a career working for cities and is committed to ethical effective high quality local government.  

He is a member of the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) and the International Network of Asian Public Administrators (I-NAPA).  King holds a Master of Public Administration and bachelor's degree from Fresno State University.

The B.I.STANDER Podcast is a conversational podcast unique to Bainbridge Island and Seattle Washington, that covers the Arts, Society & Culture told through Human Interest stories.

The intent is to introduce interesting people, ideas, and conversations. We are not perfect and that's OK!

Thank you for your support! The B.I.Stander Podcast is a listener supported show, please consider subscribing.  

BE A FRIEND OF PODCASTVILLE AND TELL A FRIEND 

The BISTANDER Podcast!

Blue Canary Auto NOW ALSO in Bremerton!

Sound Reprographics

Song "Fly on the Wall by LeRoy Bell and available at: 

Tower Records!

Additional sound effects by: https://www.zapsplat.com/

Support the Show on PATREON

"Be a friend, tell a friend!"

Today we welcome author Anisa Ashabi

“If my life were a TV show, Chaz Humbert would be the bad guy.”

Roxie Nazari’s had it. She’s been subjected to Chaz Humbert’s creepy come-ons and inappropriate antics for three years—and she’s not his only victim. With teachers, guidance counselors, and school administration unwilling to end the harassment, Roxie exacts revenge on an anger-fueled impulse. What she doesn’t realize is how her actions will completely change her life--and her worldview. Turns out, revenge is not so sweet, not just because of the guilt she feels, but because her sentence is an in-school suspension…with the perp himself! Trapped in close quarters with Chaz, Roxie is determined not to be fooled by the sudden drastic change in his behavior. But when Chaz reveals an unexpected truth, both he and Roxie hurtle down an entirely new path of self-discovery. Meanwhile, they aren’t the only ones in their school—or town—with problems. Old friends, new friends, and family are all struggling with their own first steps into adulthood. Roxie’s eyes are opened to the narrow-mindedness and limitations of her hometown. Will things ever improve? And can a girl who just started high school make a difference? An American coming-of-age story set against the social backdrop of the 2000s, Finding Chaz illustrates the pitfalls of adolescence with raw humor, honesty, and heart.

The B.I.STANDER Podcast is a conversational podcast unique to Bainbridge Island and Seattle Washington, that covers the Arts, Society & Culture told through Human Interest stories.

The intent is to introduce interesting people, ideas, and conversations. We are not perfect and that's OK!

Thank you for your support! The B.I.Stander Podcast is a listener supported show, please consider subscribing.  

BE A FRIEND OF PODCASTVILLE AND TELL A FRIEND 

The BISTANDER Podcast!

Blue Canary Auto NOW ALSO in Bremerton!

Sound Reprographics

Song "Fly on the Wall by LeRoy Bell and available at: 

Tower Records!

Additional sound effects by: https://www.zapsplat.com/

Support the Show on PATREON

"Be a friend, tell a friend!"

Finding Cha by Anisa Ashabi:

 

Today we welcome author John Van Dyke

As a storyteller I am taking you along with me in my new book. Discovering people and places as I traveled around the country meeting people, having random conversations. History books will talk about us — and this time— long after we are gone. It will be a complicated history of technology, generations, finance, power, politics, media, and humanity.

 

The B.I.STANDER Podcast is a conversational podcast unique to Bainbridge Island and Seattle Washington, that covers the Arts, Society & Culture told through Human Interest stories.

The intent is to introduce interesting people, ideas, and conversations. We are not perfect and that's OK!

Thank you for your support! The B.I.Stander Podcast is a listener supported show, please consider subscribing.  

BE A FRIEND OF PODCASTVILLE AND TELL A FRIEND 

The BISTANDER Podcast!

Blue Canary Auto NOW ALSO in Bremerton!

Sound Reprographics

Song "Fly on the Wall by LeRoy Bell and available at: 

Tower Records!

Additional sound effects by: https://www.zapsplat.com/

Support the Show on PATREON

"Be a friend, tell a friend!"

Today we welcome Mike Cox and Kevin Thomas to talk all things electric and the upcoming expo The B.I.STANDER Podcast is a conversational podcast unique to Bainbridge Island and Seattle Washington, that covers the Arts, Society & Culture told through Human Interest stories.

The intent is to introduce interesting people, ideas, and conversations. We are not perfect and that's OK!

Thank you for your support! The B.I.Stander Podcast is a listener supported show, please consider subscribing.  

BE A FRIEND OF PODCASTVILLE AND TELL A FRIEND 

The BISTANDER Podcast!

Blue Canary Auto NOW ALSO in Bremerton!

Sound Reprographics

Song "Fly on the Wall by LeRoy Bell and available at: 

Tower Records!

Additional sound effects by: https://www.zapsplat.com/

Support the Show on PATREON

"Be a friend, tell a friend!"

Today we welcome Alanna Imbach    Vibe Coworks CEO Vibe Coworks is a Co-Working space in Poulsbo and Bremerton.

ALANNA IMBACH BIO

A fierce champion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful social impact, Alanna Imbach is a weaver of people, and a builder of authentic, purpose-driven communities. Her vision is simple: drive innovation through authentic human connection.

As a boomerang Kitsapian with a storied background in international development, Alanna is most known locally for her work as Founder and CEO of Vibe Coworks—a shared workspace and coworking community that provides world-class workspace, community and programming for startups, scaleups, corporations, nonprofits and public entities in and beyond the Kitsap Peninsula. Since first opening in 2017, Vibe Coworks has become a widely recognized center of gravity for authentic community, connection, and happier, healthier ways of working in and beyond the Kitsap Peninsula. Vibe Coworks is proudly woman- and immigrant-owned, with a diverse membership base and professional network that spans the county. In addition to providing access by the hour and by the day, Vibe counts with over 200 members, serving hundreds of area businesses and organizations as the destination of choice for meetings and events.

 

Most recently, Alanna founded Matchstick Lab, a new initiative to promote and support successful startup and business development in Kitsap that celebrates our heritage, resources, and talents. Alanna has served on the Board of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, where she formed part of the inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, and led the work of the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Working Group. She is also a graduate of Leadership Kitsap (‘17), has been named a 40 Under 40 Honoree (2021) by the South Sound Business Journal, and 20 Under 40 Honoree (2019) by Leadership Kitsap. Vibe Coworks was named Business of the Year by the Greater Kitsap Chamber in 2022, and is a proud member off the League of Extraordinary Coworking Spaces (LExC), which provides members with free, reciprocal access to a network of high-end, boutique coworking spaces globally.  

Web: vibecoworks.com Upcoming Events Calendar: https://members.vibecoworks.com/events Instagram: www.instagram.com/vibe_coworks LinkedIn - Vibe Coworks: www.linkedin.com/company/vibe-coworks LinkedIn - Alanna Imbach: www.linkedin.com/in/alannaimbach

The B.I.STANDER Podcast is a conversational podcast unique to Bainbridge Island and Seattle Washington, that covers the Arts, Society & Culture told through Human Interest stories.

The intent is to introduce interesting people, ideas, and conversations. We are not perfect and that's OK!

Thank you for your support! The B.I.Stander Podcast is a listener supported show, please consider subscribing.  

BE A FRIEND OF PODCASTVILLE AND TELL A FRIEND 

The BISTANDER Podcast!

Blue Canary Auto NOW ALSO in Bremerton!

Sound Reprographics

Song "Fly on the Wall by LeRoy Bell and available at: 

Tower Records!

Additional sound effects by: https://www.zapsplat.com/

Support the Show on PATREON

"Be a friend, tell a friend!"

Today we welcome Dawn Janow & Frank with their statements on why we should vote NO on the upcoming Aquatics Bond Measure.  This is a two part podcast, please join me for both episodes. Ray Williamson Pool Bond Informational Meetings July 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm  Event Series (See All)

If you would like to learn more about the proposed Ray Williamson Pool Bond Measure that will be on the August 6th ballot, join us at an upcoming public meeting:

Monday, July 15, 6:30 pm

Meeting location: Don Nakata Pool 8521 Madison Ave. Bainbridge Island

Built in 1970, the Ray Williamson Pool has been in continual operation for 54 years. Due to aging infrastructure, the Park District began investigating options for renovation or replacement of the Ray Williamson pool in 2016. In 2022, the District engaged Stemper Architectural Collaborative to complete a comprehensive assessment of the pool. The study concluded that renovation was the most fiscally responsible option. Renovation did not include increasing capacity, which was one of the goals identified over the past decade. In December of 2023, an idea was presented to the District to add two additional lanes and change the tank depth while completing the renovation. This idea has been vetted and found to be a feasible option by Stemper. The funding plan for the original project will be a combination of district reserves, fundraising, grants and loans, committing the District to extended loan payments for a minimum of 15 years. The funding plan for the expansion project is only possible with a bond measure, which would eliminate the need for a loan. The use of District reserves and fundraising is anticipated to be less. To complete the project, the District will need to secure a loan and commit up to $2.5 M in reserves. Passage of the bond eliminates the need for a loan and reduces the burden on reserves. Fundraising in either scenario could further reduce the impact on District resources.

If passed, the bond measure would:

• Expand the existing pool, adding two additional swimming lanes.
• Create a consistent pool depth to increase safety and meet user needs.

What would the proposed bond measure cost if it passes?

• Estimated bond tax rate of $0.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
• The owner of a home assessed at $1,000,000 would pay $60 per year or $5 per month.

What will happen if the proposed bond measure does not pass?

• The Ray Williamson Pool will be renovated in its current configuration.

For more information on the Ray Williamson Pool Project, please visit our Current Projects page. 

 Add to calendar  DETAILS Date: July 15 Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Series: Ray Williamson Pool Bond Informational Meetings ORGANIZER Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District Phone 2068422302 Email [email protected] View Organizer Website VENUE Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center 8521 Madison Avenue Bainbridge Island, Wa 98110 + Google Map

Today we welcome Joy Archer & Tom Goodlin with their statements on why we should vote yes on the upcoming Aquatics Bond Measure.  This is a two part podcast, please join me for the second episode. Ray Williamson Pool Bond Informational Meetings July 15 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm  Event Series (See All)

If you would like to learn more about the proposed Ray Williamson Pool Bond Measure that will be on the August 6th ballot, join us at an upcoming public meeting:

Monday, July 15, 6:30 pm

Meeting location: Don Nakata Pool 8521 Madison Ave. Bainbridge Island

Built in 1970, the Ray Williamson Pool has been in continual operation for 54 years. Due to aging infrastructure, the Park District began investigating options for renovation or replacement of the Ray Williamson pool in 2016. In 2022, the District engaged Stemper Architectural Collaborative to complete a comprehensive assessment of the pool. The study concluded that renovation was the most fiscally responsible option. Renovation did not include increasing capacity, which was one of the goals identified over the past decade. In December of 2023, an idea was presented to the District to add two additional lanes and change the tank depth while completing the renovation. This idea has been vetted and found to be a feasible option by Stemper. The funding plan for the original project will be a combination of district reserves, fundraising, grants and loans, committing the District to extended loan payments for a minimum of 15 years. The funding plan for the expansion project is only possible with a bond measure, which would eliminate the need for a loan. The use of District reserves and fundraising is anticipated to be less. To complete the project, the District will need to secure a loan and commit up to $2.5 M in reserves. Passage of the bond eliminates the need for a loan and reduces the burden on reserves. Fundraising in either scenario could further reduce the impact on District resources.

If passed, the bond measure would:

• Expand the existing pool, adding two additional swimming lanes.
• Create a consistent pool depth to increase safety and meet user needs.

What would the proposed bond measure cost if it passes?

• Estimated bond tax rate of $0.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
• The owner of a home assessed at $1,000,000 would pay $60 per year or $5 per month.

What will happen if the proposed bond measure does not pass?

• The Ray Williamson Pool will be renovated in its current configuration.

For more information on the Ray Williamson Pool Project, please visit our Current Projects page. 

 Add to calendar  DETAILS Date: July 15 Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Series: Ray Williamson Pool Bond Informational Meetings ORGANIZER Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District Phone 2068422302 Email [email protected] View Organizer Website VENUE Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center 8521 Madison Avenue Bainbridge Island, Wa 98110 + Google Map

Meet Greg Nance  

Greg Nance grew up in Kitsap and is on a mission to pay it forward for the next generation of Kitsap kids. He is a youth mentor, distance runner, and nonprofit leader recognized by President Obama.

Greg grew up in a middle class union family on Bainbridge Island and worked as a landscaper, house painter, and firewood splitter. The son of a social worker and public defender, Greg learned the value of hard work and community service around the dinner table. His Mom spent over 20 years as a nursing home social worker ensuring seniors across Kitsap have access to quality care and are treated with dignity. His Dad was a Seattle Seahawks beer vendor before helping unionize the Seattle Public Defender to ensure everyone, including the poor and marginalized, are provided effective legal representation as guaranteed by our constitution.

He grew up idolizing his grandfathers: Grandpa Charlie, a Marine who fought at Iwo Jima; and Grandpa Kick, a Navy Seabee who fought at Okinawa. WWII cut both their educations short so they stressed the gift of public education and the importance of lifelong learning.

Greg attended Kitsap K-12 public schools and graduated from Bainbridge High. He played baseball, basketball, and football across the peninsula and excelled in track and debate. During his senior year at BHS, he was the 3A Washington State Debate Champion and proudly represented Team USA as 1 of 5 All-American debaters at the 2007 World Championships in Seoul, South Korea. Following competition, Greg loved telling debaters from Pakistan, Scotland, and Japan about the peninsula west of Seattle that he was lucky to call home.

   

Congressman Jay Inslee nominated Greg to the United States Military Academy at West Point in December 2006, but he decided to attend UChicago after earning a scholarship. He was elected Student Government President at UChicago and was named Washington State’s 2010 Harry S Truman Scholar — the Presidential Memorial to Public Service. In 2011 he earned a full ride to Cambridge University where he studied Management and innovation as a Gates Scholar.

Despite early successes, Greg also struggled. Following the loss of his beloved Grandpa Charlie, Greg battled depression and began self-medicating with alcohol at age 16. He tried to quit drinking a hundred times before finally getting sober on December 29, 2011. Now sober for over 4300 days, Greg loves sharing lessons learned while working to help young people build resilience and compassion.

Greg recently completed a 3,156 mile run from the Atlantic to the Pacific for youth mental health (read the Seattle Times recap). He is the CEO of Run Far Foundation, a nonprofit building youth resilience coast-to-coast. He founded Dyad Mentorship and Moneythink, organizations that helped students earn over $27 million in university scholarships. President Obama recognized Moneythink as a “Champion of Change” at the White House on March 15, 2012.

He has been working to protect Puget Sound since 1995. His 6th grade science class raised and released salmon eggs (the chum salmon now returning from the Pacific are 7th generation). He represents Kitsap on the Citizens Advisory Group for the Hood Canal Coordinating Council, our region’s Lead Entity on salmon recovery. He is working to mobilize the next generation of environmentalists to save our salmon and protect Puget Sound.

Greg is a frequent speaker at Kitsap public schools because he loves inspiring kids with adventure stories like running 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents. He became the first person to ever run 86 miles — and climb 14,410ft. — from Puget Sound to the summit of Mt. Rainier. Greg’s running career peaked in 2016 when his beloved Seattle Seahawks named him “12 Ambassador” and featured his ultrarunning in TV commercials (watch here).

Greg now proudly represents Kitsap as State Rep — he’s working for working families, like the one he grew up in.

Let’s work together to Fix our Ferries, Protect Puget Sound, and fully fund public schools so the next generation of Kitsap kids can grow up happy and healthy!

www.LeRoyBell.com is an American singer and songwriter. He and friend Casey James formed the duo Bell and James, composing songs that were hits for other artists most notably two charting hit singles for Elton John. Later Bell with bassist Terry Morgan formed the group, LeRoy Bell & his Only Friends. In 2011, Bell auditioned for the American The X Factor and was chosen for the Final 16 and went on to the live shows being mentored by Nicole Scherzinger. He was eliminated after the fifth live show finishing 8th overall in the inaugural season of the American The X Factor.

BELL AND JAMES

Bell and James was a duo soul group formed by LeRoy Bell (on drums and guitar) and Casey James (on guitar, bass and keyboards). They both had played in other bands together before they decided to team up as Bell & James. The duo released three albums: Bell & James (1978), Only Make Believe (1979) and In Black and White (1980), and had a number of singles, the most successful and well-known being “Livin’ It Up (Friday Night)” released on A&M Records. It reached #15 on the U.S. Hot 100.

SONGWRITING

LeRoy Bell also co-wrote many songs for others in partnership with Casey James. They were encouraged by LeRoy’s uncle Thom Bell who owned Mighty Three Music, a music publishing and production company along with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The latter were a famous composing duo collaboration Gamble and Huff to whom Bell and James provided some of their compositions. Their songs were recorded by a number of groups including:

The Spinners

The O’Jays (notably in “This Time Baby”) The Temptations

Rita Marley

Gladys Knight & the Pips

Freda Payne

The Three Degrees

WITH ELTON JOHN

Most notably, two of the LeRoy Bell songs were recorded by Elton John. One was “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” and the other “Are You Ready for Love”. The songs, a LeRoy Bell-Casey James co-composition appeared in the The Thom Bell Sessions in 1977. Elton John’s song version of “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” went to the Top 10 in the general charts and #1 the Adult/Contemporary chart and in the fall of 1979, earning Elton a Grammy Nomination for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance”. His song “Are You Ready for Love” was even a bigger hit.

Tracklist of Elton John singles:

Side 1: “Are You Ready for Love” (LeRoy Bell, Thom Bell, Casey James) (8:31) Side 2.1: “Three Way Love Affair” (LeRoy Bell, Casey James) (5:31)

Side 2.2: “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” (LeRoy Bell, Casey James) (4:03)

In February 1989, The Complete Thom Bell Sessions was released by MCA Records, although it had been recorded in 1977. In addition to “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” and “Are You Ready for Love”, it featured three additional songs, including “Country Love Song” also co-written by LeRoy Bell.

1. “Nice and Slow” (Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Thom Bell)

2. “Country Love Song” (LeRoy Bell, Casey James)

3. “Shine on Through” (Elton John, G. Osborne)

4. “Mama Can’t Buy You Love” (LeRoy Bell, Casey James)

5. “Are You Ready for Love” (LeRoy Bell, Casey James)

6. “Three Way Love Affair” (LeRoy Bell, Casey James)

In 2003, Fat Boy Slim mixed Elton John’s single version making it to the British Singles Chart. The song also charted in many European charts.

WITH TEDDY PENDERGRASS

LeRoy Bell had a long-running cooperation with Teddy Pendergrass for whom he wrote 5 songs in three different albums:

1979: “I’ll Never See Heaven Again” on the album Teddy

1979: “Set Me Free”, also on album Teddy

1982: “Loving You Was Good” on album This One’s for You

1983: “Heaven Only Knows” from the album Heaven Only Knows (lead song) Pendergrass album

1990: “Glad to Be Alive” from the album Truly Blessed

OTHERS

1979: Lou Rawls: “Bark, Bite (Fight All Night)” on the album Let Me Be Good to You

1980: Lou Rawls: “Heartache (Just When You Think You’re Loved)” and “You Are” on album Sit Down and Talk to Me

1988: Kimiko Kasai: “Love Talk” from album Love Talk (lead song)

2001: Me and You: “You Never Know What You Got (Til It’s Gone)”

2002: Jennifer Lopez: “Still” cowritten with James and Jennifer Lopez herself in the latter’s album This Is Me… Then

2005: The Freemasons: “Love on My Mind” that appears on albums Shakedown, Unmixed and Shakedown 2

He has also written for Phyllis Hyman

SOLO CAREER

Starting in the 2000s, he worked solo and toured extensively. In the process, he released various albums including his debut solo EP Spending Time (on his own

The B.I.STANDER Podcast is a conversational podcast unique to Bainbridge Island and Seattle Washington, that covers the Arts, Society & Culture told through Human Interest stories.

The intent is to introduce interesting people, ideas, and conversations. We are not perfect and that's OK!

Thank you for your support! The B.I.Stander Podcast is a listener supported show, please consider subscribing.  

BE A FRIEND OF PODCASTVILLE AND TELL A FRIEND 

The BISTANDER Podcast!

Today we welcome back Dan Rosenberg

Dan Rosenberg is a versatile comedian, writer, emcee, and radio host with over 30 years of experience. He has performed at some of the top comedy clubs across the country, such as the Laugh Factory and the Improv, and at comedy festivals including the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, Las Vegas, Boston, and New Orleans. Dan has also hosted radio shows for CBS Radio in Los Angeles and Seattle, and for National Lampoon Radio on SiriusXM. He is also a car enthusiast, basketball coach, and entrepreneur with an array of unrelated and sometimes useless talents. Dan's debut comedy album, "Dan Rosenberg: Overexposed," debuted at number one on the Amazon comedy charts in December 2020. His comedy special, "Dan Rosenberg: Overexposed," is available on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. He is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Book on Hosting: How Not to Suck as an Emcee," and has conducted workshops nationwide to help comedians improve their skills. Currently, Dan is in post-production of a sitcom pilot called "It's A Lot," which he wrote and co-stars in with Rick Springfield. The sitcom is executive produced by industry veteran Barry Katz and promises to be a hilarious addition to Dan's already impressive body of work.

 

Blue Canary Auto NOW ALSO in Bremerton!

Sound Reprographics

Song "Fly on the Wall by LeRoy Bell and available at: 

Tower Records!

Additional sound effects by: https://www.zapsplat.com/

Support the Show on PATREON

"Be a friend, tell a friend!"