Something to Talk About

Sustainable Bainbridge, the Park District, Islandwood, and other organizations combine for a series of events during the month of April to celebrate our planet and learn more about how to be good stewards. The calendar of events: https://www.sustainablebainbridge.org/programs/earth-month/

We chat with Raffi Minasian, active in Bainbridge Island’s Cars and Coffee — a group of auto aficionados that meets year ’round. Raffi shares his love of automobiles and his perspective as a noted professor, writer, and industrial and transportation designer.

We meet Stephen Richardson — BP’s newly announced executive director — and Devin James, co-chair of the Bainbridge Prepares Board of Directors. Related link: https://bainbridgeprepares.org

Mira Rosenkotz joins us to talk about her two-year-old community dream: a pay-what-you-can farm-to-table meal in downtown Winslow.

Indivisible Bainbridge and other local groups are planning a big event on Saturday, March 28 from 9-noon and Jamelle Perreira and Pam Churchill join us to talk about the location and guidance on how to make this community event safe and congenial for participants.

Are you thinking about how solar power pencils out? Are you interested in getting help with installers, funding, and legal issues? Here are some answers. Related links: https://solarizebainbridge.org

Eileen O'Grady updates us on a newly formed interest group -- Bainbridge Irish -- which celebrates all thing Irish for all comers. A big community event for all ages is coming up Sunday April 12.

Seniors Taking Action is a grassroots organization that mobilizes senior citizens to engage in political activism and protect human service programs. It was founded in 2019 by senior citizens determined not to be left on the sidelines of political debate. Meet Founder Mary Mulvhill and President Judy Loeb and learn about how you can connect with their growing network. Related link: https://seniors...

The Bainbridge Island Photo Club has meetings every other month where images are shared and critiqued by fellow members. After each meeting, members vote online about which were their favorite 2 images from the evening.

Bainbridge Islander Lance Garland is a firefighter, climber, and outdoorsperson. He talks about his book "Out There: Dispatches from my personal wilderness" about the challenges and gifts of coming out as an openly gay man -- first in the Navy and then at a Seattle firehouse. For more: https://www.lancegarland.com/

We check in with Alexa and Michael at Island Fitness and Marie at B.I. Parks to explore programming options for seniors who are interested in exercise support. You can contact Alexa at alexar@island-fitness.com and Marie Figgins at marief@biparks.org. You can also check out the Center's programs at https://biseniorcenter.org/activities/#fitness

Anne Smart and Stephanie Reese describe the myriad ways that AHB undergirds the creative community on Bainbridge Island and you'll get a preview of who will be performing at the organization's March gala. Website: https://bainbridgecurrents.com

Our local nonprofits are joining in this national celebration of handcraft art. Learn about all that's happening from Greg Robinson, Chief Curator at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and from BARN, Betsy Hagestedt, Program Manager and Abby Wyatt, Marketing Manager. Related links: https://www.biartmuseum.org/exhibitions/#future-exhibitions; https://bainbridgebarn.org/about/annual-events/handwork202...

Retired history educator Peggy Muir and current educational leader Chasity Malatesta discuss with BISCC director Reed Price how Black American history is American history.

Jessica Dubey, on the Arms Around Bainbridge board, talks about how the organization has helped Bainbridge Islanders facing illness since 2007. And, how you can get involved with this island neighbors project. https://armsaroundbainbridge.org Sign up for Bingo Night: https://armsaroundbainbridge.ejoinme.org/bingo2026

Tom Hansen joins us to show images and videos from a recent trip to Ireland. Our monthly featured presentation from the BI Photo Club!

We catch up with Squeaky Wheels, an island nonprofit that advocates for safety and accommodations for people who bike and walk. And we talk about new traffic programs in the works. City Survey on Bucklin Hill project https://cityofbainbridgeisland.civilspace.io/en/projects/bucklin-hill-non-motorized-improvements-project Squeaky Wheels https://squeakywheels.org

Islander Nancy Soulé is a singer, wardrobe designer — with experience entertaining cruise ship passengers since 2011. And now she’s sharing that experience with others as a writer — with three books to her name to help demystify the world afloat for folks who might want to get involved. Related links: Contact: http://Nancysoule.net for all book info and free downloads; https://NotesThatFloat.net f...

Stacy Hemingway, founder of the Conscious Classroom, on simple focus on balance, breathing, and movement can improve your life today.

John Vezina, assistant secretary at the Washington State Ferries, joins us to talk about the pressure on our ferry system, efforts underway to build more boats, and how to express your frustrations. Related link: https://apps.wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/contact-us

Landscaper Charles Schafer took a bee class several years ago, and it changed his life. We learn why, as well as how we can support the bees in our midst. Related link: https://www.westsoundbees.org/

Ryan Dakota Farris, conductor of the Bainbridge Symphony, and orchestra members join us to talk about the history of our community’s symphony, the aims of the organization, how you can participate, and a preview of the upcoming season. The symphony‘s next concerts are February 13, 14, & 15, which will include members of the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra. Link: https://www.bainbridgeperform...

The Bainbridge Island Photo Club (a BISCC activity) has had a banner year in the regional competitions sponsored by the Northwest Council of Photo Clubs. Photographers describe their images, which are posted online here: https://biseniorcenter.org/art-gallery/bi-photo-january-2026/. Don't miss the video compilations at the end of the program!

Joanne Maher, the executive director of Island Volunteer Caregivers, joins us to talk about the nonprofit organization, its history, how its mission has grown, how IVC works with other organizations including BISCC, and what she sees as the future for IVC. Related link: https://ivcbainbridge.org/

Brynn Wheatley of the nonprofit organization CARS describes how easy it is to donate your car, truck, boat, motorcycle, or ... helicopter to benefit a charity. BISCC has recently joined this program, and you can begin the process of donating to benefit the Center at https://biseniorcenter.careasy.org/home