Bainbridge Islanders,
“Look for the helpers. You will always
find people who are helping.”
- Mr. Rogers, host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
April is National Volunteer Month. The City of Bainbridge Island, along with other island organizations, is recognizing and thanking our volunteers, our helpers. At Tuesday’s Council Meeting, the City Council proclaimed April 16 – 22 as Volunteer Week on Bainbridge Island in appreciation and recognition of the generous volunteer efforts of many Islanders.
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The City of Bainbridge Island has an extensive network of volunteers. We have 720 registered emergency volunteers. Emergency volunteers are a collection of citizens with a wide variety of skills that have agreed to be available if called upon to prepare and respond to emergencies. These are our reserve of helpers who stand ready to help when the community needs help the most. (emergency volunteers accepting the Proclamation left)
We also have 120 residents who volunteer for service on City body, boards, and commissions. This includes the City’s eight to nine standing commissions, plus several other special purpose ad hoc commissions that provide recommendations on the disbursement of funds such as social services funding or Lodging Tax. These are citizens who are willing to give their personal time to improve our community in a variety of subject matters areas.
There are many volunteer opportunities in our community. Volunteers serve as readers in schools, youth sports organizations, volunteers for seniors, service clubs, and non-profit organizations. This is one of those instances where thank you does not seem enough. Thank you to the helpers. We always need you.
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
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On this week's
City Update
funds for Helpline House, WA opioid settlement,
year-end fund balance for non-motorized improvements,
and more!
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Volunteer for a Citizen Advisory Group |
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Make a difference in the community by volunteering for a Citizen Advisory Group. There are 32 openings to new applicants and existing members who may reapply.
More information and an online application can be found HERE.
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Wed., May 17. Applicants must be available in late May for interviews. Terms begin July 1, 2023.
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April is Earth Month and April 22 is Earth Day! |
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This week in a Proclamation, City Council declared April 22, 2023 as Earth Day on Bainbridge Island in tradition with the Earth Day around the world. The Climate Smart students of Ordway Elementary accepted the proclamation and shared their knowledge and concerns about Climate Change. |
Sustainable Bainbridge and partners present Earth Month Bainbridge Island, raising awareness and encouraging involvement in Arbor Day and Earth Day events that inspire everyone to protect our trees, our environment, and our planet all month and throughout the year.
There are so many activities to be involved with that include, but are not limited to,:
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Island wide Litter Cleanup, April 1-30
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Moritani Preserve Work Party, April 20, 10a.m.-12 p.m., at Moritani Preserve
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Earth Day Expo, Saturday, April 22 at Battle Point Park
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Free Invasive Weed Disposal, April 23 and 30, 10a.m.-4p.m., at the Bainbridge Disposal Transfer Station
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Spring Skills of a Naturalist: Intermediate Birding by Ear, April 27 at IslandWood
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And SO MANY more! Click on the button below to see all the activities.
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Vegetation Projects Underway Next Week |
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Our contractor will begin work in three areas next week. The native plant landscaping will take place in the buffer zone between the roadway and the northbound bike lane on Eagle Harbor Drive near Windsong Lane, as well as on the upslope of Halls Hill Road near the intersection with Seaborn Road. The latter area, which will be low native shrubbery to protect views, will contribute to absorption of surface and groundwater that impacts the lower neighborhood. Native vegetation will also be planted on the slope below Rockaway Beach Road near Pritchard Park. The plantings in this location will contribute to soil stabilization on the steep slope. |
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Make Healthy Choices for Your Yard, Family and Environment |
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By choosing lawn care products that are labeled Natural or Organic, you'll reduce harmful chemical exposure to your family, our streams and seas.
Why go natural? Much of the pollution in water occurs from polluted rain runoff. Rain washes the pesticides and chemicals from fertilizers off of your yard into nearby streets and storm drains. The water that flows into these storm systems is often untreated and goes directly into our local creeks and streams.
Learn how to grow a healthy, beautiful lawn using natural yard techniques with the events below.
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Ask a Master Gardener at a Clinic - Bremerton City Nursery
Master Gardeners offer free expert advice on understanding how best to use natural products to make your lawn healthy.
Sat., April 15 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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FREE Webinar - Grow a healthier lawn for your kids and pets
Learn tips for natural lawn care at one of these webinars. Click on any date to register.
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About the events
The West Sound Stormwater Outreach Group (WSSOG) is a multijurisdictional partnership between Kitsap County, the cities of Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Gig Harbor, Port Angeles, Port Orchard and Poulsbo. These agencies work together on improving water quality by reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff, which are a major source of pollution to local waterways and Puget Sound. These webinars and discount program are being jointly coordinated by WSSOG.
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Calling All Photographers and Videographers |
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Do you have a passion for story telling? A compelling eye? Do you bring fresh ideas and a creative edge? We are seeking qualified candidates to submit Statements of Qualifications (RFQ) for photography and/OR video production services.
The RFQ will be followed by a Request for Proposal for those chosen in the RFQ process where candidates will submit their quotes/rates for services. This is not for direct employment with the City - this is for contract services. You may submit for just photography or video services or both.
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Give Input for the Sound to Olympic Trail by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT |
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Give your input for the Sound to Olympic (STO) trail project on the trail extension from the Sakai Pond Connector to Madison Avenue, and the route planning along State Route 305 to Agate Pass Bridge.
The input will be used to help refine the trail segment planning to be completed this summer.
Submit your feedback online until April 14 by midnight. Click on the button below.
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Now Open 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. |
We are faced with a dilemma of how to provide public restrooms and prevent undesirable activity from occurring at night and after hours. We have decided to lock the restrooms between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the next morning. |
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month |
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On April 11, the Bainbridge Island Police Department and Bainbridge Youth Services accepted the Proclamation by the City Council declaring the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Courtney Oliver, Executive Director of Bainbridge Youth Services, and the police department’s Community Health Navigator Kelsey Lynch were honored to accept this proclamation that acknowledges awareness and education as essential for building a community free from sexual harassment, abuse, and assault.
Though this year marks the 22nd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, our community recognizes that sexual assault continues to be one of the most underreported crimes in the United States. The Bainbridge Island Police Department is committed to continuing its collaboration with Bainbridge Youth Services and other resources throughout Kitsap County to find innovative ways to support individuals, families, and communities impacted by sexual assault.
If you have questions about the reporting process or court resources for sexual assault survivors, please contact:
BIPD at (206)842-5211 and ask to speak with
the Community Health Navigator
If you are looking for local youth or parent support services you can also visit:
www.askbys.org
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National Prescription Drug Take Back April 22 |
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April 22 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Where? Current Bainbridge Island Police Station (625 Winslow Way E)
When? April 22 from 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Members of the department will be on hand to collect your unused, unneeded, or expired prescription and nonprescription medicines.
Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment. Improper disposal of prescription medications can lead to accidental poisoning, misuse, or overdose. Twice each year, the Drug Enforcement Administration sponsors the Drug Take Back Day to provide a safe, convenient, and environmentally responsible means of disposing unwanted medicines. At the last event in April, over 9,000 pounds of unwanted medicines were collected in Washington State alone!
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Climate Smart Actions for Earth Month |
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Celebrate Earth Month in April by signing up for the Climate Smart Challenge and completing actions to reduce energy use. This week, “Line Dry Clothes.”
Did you know? Line drying clothes is one of the simplest ways to reduce your energy use. It also saves money and extends the life of your clothes.
Take Action: With longer, dryer, warmer days on the way, now is a great time to try line drying clothes! If line drying is new, you can start by simply hang drying some of the quick-drying items in your wardrobe, such as athletic clothes made from synthetic materials. Complete the “Line Dry Clothes” action in the Challenge today.
Earn points and you could win! Everyone who earns at least 10,000 points in the Challenge by the end of May will be entered to win one of five outdoor or indoor composting bins. Learn more about the Challenge and upcoming community events by visiting the City’s website.
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The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on April 25. Key topics include:
- Consider Resolution Establishing a Steering Committee for the Winslow Subarea Plan and the Comprehensive Plan and Appoint Three Councilmembers
- Consider Four Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- 2022 Annual Report and Consider 2023 Annual Work Plan for the Climate Change Advisory Committee
- Proclamations
Ways to Watch
- In-person at the City Hall City Council Chambers
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City website livestream (visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on "In Progress" when the meeting starts)
- BKAT (Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE)
The public is invited to contact members of the City Council to express concerns, questions and praise. Some council members are holding virtual office hours and others are available to meet upon request.
Please visit the City Council page for more information on individual City Council members.
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