PNW Bainbridge Fall 2024

A FEAST OF FALL

As we approach the start of the NFL season, I’ll admit my feelings around it are a mixed bag. The positives: I grew up on the Denver Broncos circa John Elway. Plus, I like that Seattle traded Russell Wilson to them and then he turned out to be super bad at football, which makes my brother really mad and brings me so much joy. Also, I went to Alabama for college, so obviously Roll Tide. I really enjoy watching the Seahawks and I love their costumes. (It delights my husband when I say that, which in turn delights me.) Our dogs tell me they enjoy wearing their jerseys and kerchiefs, and I really like football-day food—queso and chili and wings—and having friends over to watch the game.

I’m not as crazy for Fantasy Football, which has somehow tricked everyone into not just watching their team’s games but having a stake in every match-up and every player across the country. The sheer permutations are ridiculous. The Sunday Ticket costs as much as college tuition and the Red Zone is schizophrenic and confuses me. I’m also not a fan of the added days into which pro football has gradually crept. Sunday, OK. Occasionally a Monday night. Also, OK. But Thursday and sometimes Saturday as well? This week in London? It’s simply too much, especially when you consider that the season stretches from late summer to darn near the cusp of springtime.

But by far the thing that I most adore about football (besides Taylor Swift), the thing that keeps me coming back week after week, is the accompanying jargon. By birth and by trade I am a freak for lexicon and the sweet, sweet flow of the color commentary lingo makes my heart genuinely happy. I even have a running list of jargon on my phone, with every new football-inspired line bringing a pure shot of adrenaline. I then make a goal of working the vernacular into other corners of my life.

In the spirit of autumn, and my love for this island, I leave you with a small sampling of my favorites: He stole his lunch money; he made a business decision; he’s throwing mortgages; that’s just clean living; he won that with his feet; that’s what I call that’s more like it; he said no twice; he picked up the loose change; hit him on the dime; he left a dent; and finally, this one’s articulate.

Happy fall and go Hawks!

Allison

Allison Schuchman Editor in Chief

OWNER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Allison Schuchman

D IRECTOR OF SALES & COMMUNITY RELATIONS Stephanie Reese

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Christy Carley, Jeff Fraga, Isabelle Haines, Kerrie Houston Reightley, Elle Schuchman, Sophia Soltes, Bajda Welty, Anne Willhoit PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amanda Aude, Anna Carson, Keith Brofsky, David W. Cohen, Annie Graebner, Dinah Satterwhite

(206) 486-4097 • pnwbainbridge@gmail.com Instagram @pnwbainbridge Facebook at PNW Bainbridge

Keep your yard waste local

high notes

Letters From Stephanie Reese

My phone pinged at 7 a.m. A text from a dear friend: “Would you be interested in being in a Filipino opera here in LA?” An opera? Playing a princess? I was barely awake, but already felt the yes pulsing through my system.

A sleepy phone call minutes later and I agreed to take it on.

Then I read the fine print. I was replacing someone at the last minute. The opera opened in three weeks and was in Tagalog (the Filipino language), which I do not speak. Panic ensued. I backtracked. I called back and said that I could not do justice to the role, but they would not take no for an answer. I was finally worn down to a hesitant yes.

I jumped without a parachute. I lived and breathed the Filipino lyrics day and night and through my fear I played Princess Rajita with all my heart and soul. I played her like it was the first performance of my life, and I felt alive on stage in a way I hadn’t felt in years.

Saying yes to this opera humbled me, scared me and ultimately reinvigorated my passion. It brought me back to that place of excitement and growth I was in when I first started performing as a little girl. It felt less like a job and more like a gift.

The beginnings we have when learning something new are always similar. We’re all faced with scary things and often decide not to take the risk. Sometimes no is OK—but why not try for the big scary YES?

You may just find yourself taking a bow to an unexpected standing ovation.

departments

Editor’s Letter 4

High Notes 5

Contributors 9

From Unity, Strength 31

Alexa and Michael Rosenthal aim to personalize your workout at Island Fitness

RECIPES

Soup’s On! 38

Stir up a tasty pot to take the edge off fall’s chill.

38

AND ANOTHER THING

Now & Then 14

The Bainbridge Island Fire Department stirs admiration.

Magic Moments 56

Along for the Ride - Carts whisk visitors from the ferry to Winslow.

In Focus 64

Leader of the Pack—Tina Redmond gives dog-walking a fresh leash on life.

FEAST ON THIS 59

Bruciato Bene Commuter Comforts

ABOUT THE COVER

Colleen Parker’s photography graces our cover once again with this cozy autumnal picture. She said this fella is “one of many squirrels and birds who feast on the bounty of our crabapple tree every year, affording us much viewing pleasure from our tea room!”

| EPILOGUE |

In the Summer 2024 issue, we met Lee Nathan, co-founder of Fort Ward parkrun, who first learned of the weekly 5k events during a work assignment in Northern Ireland (Getting the Runaround, page 30).

Nathan, along with wife, Amanda, and daughter, Aila, recently returned to Bangor, Northern Ireland, where it all started, after a 5-year absence.

“It was great coming full circle,” Nathan said. “It was where Aila was born and where we discovered parkrun, so it felt like family.”

Nathan ran the Bangor parkrun course and helped clean up afterward, marking his 100th volunteer shift and earning the coveted black T-shirt that goes with the achievement. (Amanda recently

Meanwhile 5-year-old Aila, inspired by her parents’ new swag, got busy back home on Bainbridge, recently collecting enough volunteer credits for her own purple 25th milestone shirt.

Luciano Marano

Luciano Marano, an award-winning writer and photographer, is the author of a trilogy of werewolf novellas, The Ambush Moon Cycle, as well as numerous works of short fiction, which have appeared in anthologies, magazines and podcasts. A former editorial staff member at both the Bainbridge Island Review and Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader, his written and photographic reporting has earned a number of industry accolades, including being twice named a Feature Writer of the Year by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. A U.S. Navy veteran, originally from rural western Pennsylvania, he now resides on Bainbridge Island.

Dinah Satterwhite

Dinah Satterwhite has enjoyed living on Bainbridge for 27 years, working in high tech and marketing management before that. Dinah enjoys living on the water and gardening with a view and is constantly inspired by the Pacific Northwest. As a piano teacher since she was 16, she is now composing pop, country, and inspirational solos. Her photography includes both commercial and fine art, and she participates in regional art shows like the BI Studio Tour which she manages. Tennis has always been a big part of her life, and she currently plays on local leagues. Other loves include family, writing screenplays, cooking, and dogs!

Omitted from the summer issue’s article about Hidden Gem (Into the Mystic on page 12), specific photo credit should have been given to Sarah Dawn King Photography, whose beautiful pictures perfectly illustrated the stones and crystals’ allure.

Christy Carley

Christy Carley grew up on Bainbridge Island and now divides her time between the Pacific Northwest and the northwest corner of Spain where she teaches English. She graduated from Whitman College with a degree in history and, in addition to teaching, has worked as a writer and fact-checker for a handful of publications in the U.S. When she’s not working, she’s probably reading, taking photos or (slowly) teaching herself French and Galician.

2024 1 st Place and Grand Prize Winner of The InStore Magazine Design Competition

Valencia ring in 14K white gold with 12.5-carat Pakistani-origin peridot cut by Tom Munsteiner with G-color, VS-clarity diamonds (2.53 TCW) and rhodolite garnets (0.014 TCW)

ANDREA RISO: Masterfully cut punk rock peridot and purple gives me deeply loving vibes.

RICHA GOYAL SIKRI: The electric hue and contemporary cut of the peridot is amplified by the setting and diamonds. Pure energy.

CARTER MALOUF: Here’s a perfect fit of a puzzle that works well with color and stone cutting.

HAPPY TRAILS

It’s never too early to start a happy childhood. Nor a happy parenthood for that matter.

Enter Bainbridge Island’s Tots on the Trail, for caregivers and their little ones, ages 4 and under. The free, constantly evolving program is the brainchild of Amanda Aude, professional photographer and owner of Shutter Pine Photography.

“When I was a new mom, I was so lonely,” said Aude, whose daughter, Lily, is now 2-1/2. “It was tough. I needed people. I’d take Lily to the park, but she was too little to play. I now want moms, dads and nannies to come out and walk and talk with us. It doesn’t matter if your baby isn’t walking or talking. Come talk to adults!”

Tots on the Trail meets every Tuesday, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and communicates and coordinates via Facebook, Instagram, a newsletter and email. The group includes participants ranging from newcomers from San Francisco and Sydney, Australia, to nannies and families who grew up on Bainbridge Island.

Aude, a competitive runner, test-walks local trails in advance to ensure baby stroller friendliness and safety as well as ample parking and bathrooms. She then provides a detailed map of the following week’s meeting point and route. Past adventures included the trails surrounding Pia the Peacekeeper and meeting at Pegasus Coffee for a walk along the waterfront trail to the playground.

Aude’s main trail-traversing goal is to “introduce kids to the outdoors, so they grow up with an appreciation for nature and develop a love for adventure.” For parents and caregivers, she wants everyone to feel they have a safe place to come every Tuesday to build community, exercise and make new friends.

“I don’t want people who are caring for children to ever feel alone,” Aude said.

PHOTO BY AMANDA AUDE BY KERRIE HOUSTON REIGHTLEY

All Over the Map

Islander’s Legacy Charting of Bainbridge’s Lanes, Roads and Streets

In the early 1990s, Jim Dow set out to drive down every road (and driveway) on Bainbridge Island. A longtime local (BHS class of 1967) and high school chemistry teacher at the time, Dow also worked as a volunteer firefighter on the island.

BY CHRISTY CARLEY

PHOTOS BY GEORGE SOLTES

For 32 years, Dow responded to emergency calls with a crew composed mostly of islanders. In the years prior to dependable GPS, firefighters used old maps of the island—but these were often unreliable, showing streets that no longer existed or connecting roads that didn’t actually connect. When maps failed, the department could rely on familiarity with the island to get around. But Bainbridge’s winding roads and seemingly endless driveways can be tough to navigate— even for someone who has lived here for decades.

Dow recalled one incident in the late 1980s when he responded to a fire on Arrow Point Drive. Firefighters came to a place where the road branched off into three long driveways, which weren’t clearly marked.

“We could see the house burning down by the bay, but we couldn’t tell which driveway led to the house. So, we all parked on the road and sent teams down each driveway until they got to the right house. That turned out to be a fatal house fire.”

He remembered another time from the early 1990s. “We were on Sunrise Drive trying to find a heart attack patient, and we couldn’t find the address because nothing was marked.” Luckily, in this instance, the man having the heart attack survived. But for Dow, that call was a turning point.

“I was so frustrated by the whole thing—it was at 2 in the morning—and I said, ‘You know what, I’m gonna map the entire island.’”

That year, Dow spent evenings and weekends (when he wasn’t teaching, coaching football or responding to emergency calls) driving around Bainbridge. He brought a notebook and recorded how to access certain houses—including whether a driveway might be too narrow for a truck, or too long for a

hose lay. Some homes, he noted, were more easily reached from behind (by a road not listed on the official address).

After the fieldwork, he’d return home and use an early Mac program called HyperCard to map what he had seen. Eventually, the program evolved into a printed book. The first installment of the “Bainbridge Island Road Book” took about a year to complete. Dow made sure to update the computer program every couple of months with any changes in roads and addresses, then print new pages for the book. One year, he hired a student (she was looking to make some money to buy a prom dress) to help input data.

Creating a detailed map of the island was anything but simple. Not only were some addresses poorly displayed, but some homes didn’t have addresses. For years, Dow knocked on doors to explain his project, then worked to assign missing addresses. Another concern was split roads. “We’d try to get one section or the other renamed,” Dow said, in order to avoid confusion.

Eventually, Dow joined forces with friend and fellow volunteer firefighter Gary Nolta. The pair took to assigning addresses for new homes––a task that was officially the domain of the city, but was eventually contracted out to Dow and Nolta. Dow published new editions of the book for 20 years. They were used by the fire department as well as some UPS drivers, Dow recalled. The “Road Book” was even for sale at Eagle Harbor Book Co. In the winter, the department used the book to help plan the holiday music truck route.

One fun part of the project, Dow recalled, was meeting some of his students’ parents as he surveyed the island. He might catch them out gardening or meet a new family building a home. “In the fall I got all sorts of produce,” he said.

In 2012, Dow published the last edition. As mapping technology has improved, the department no longer uses the book, but Dow is proud of its legacy.

“What I enjoyed most about the book is I know that it saved lives and really helped people in their time of need,” he said. “That was the most satisfying part.”

now and then

RIGGING OUT 1950s

The Bainbridge Island Fire Department has been serving our community since 1942. Though firefighting technology has changed, the crews’ bravery, dedication—and widespread islander admiration— has not. Each year—pictured here in the 1950s, 1984 and 2023—we get a chance to cheer on the troops during the Grand Old 4th Parade. Don’t want to wait until next summer? Then be sure to swing by the department’s annual pancake breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon on October 12, to see the engines up close and meet firefighters and staff.

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

Inaugural Festivals

Kick off on Bainbridge and in Poulsbo

Suzanne Selfors, owner of Liberty Bay Books, and Jane Danielson, owner of Eagle Harbor Book Co.

Readers, rejoice! New festivals this fall—one on Bainbridge, the other in Poulsbo—will put booklovers in touch with dozens of authors.

BY CONNIE BYE PHOTOS BY DINAH SATTERWHITE

Envision “a day of literature, love and books,” said Jane Danielson, one of the organizers.

The Bainbridge Book Festival is focused on adult genres, while the Poulsbo Kids Book Festival is aimed at children and their families. Most events are free.

Nancy Goll, founder of the Bainbridge celebration, was inspired by the venerable Printers Row Lit Fest, which she attended two years ago while visiting Chicago. She loved the feeling of community, strolling the streets, popping into readings and hearing authors talk about their craft.

“I thought, ‘This would be so great on Bainbridge’,” Goll said. “We have a wonderful cultural and arts scene, but we didn’t have a big literary event. If you think of something like this, you have to do it.”

So, she did. She invited Danielson, co-owner of Eagle Harbor Book Co., to partner on the project, and they began networking. They applied for nonprofit status and assembled a board of directors. Danielson told her friend, Suzanne Selfors, noted children’s author, Bainbridge resident and owner of Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo, about their plans. Selfors embraced the idea and began putting together her own team to support a child-focused event.

“Even before I owned a bookstore, I had been thinking we needed a book festival on this side of the water,” said Selfors, who purchased Liberty Bay Books in 2020. “I felt this was the year to do it—and they were thinking the same thing.”

To give each event its due, the Bainbridge Book Festival will be October 4 and 5, while the Poulsbo Kids Book Festival will run November 15 and 16.

The Bainbridge fest will launch on a Friday with a ticketed keynote speaker, and food and drinks at the Stan Pocock Rowing Center. The next day, festival goers can enjoy free sessions with 25 or so authors, including book signings, panel discussions and readings, all split between the rowing center and the Bainbridge Island Senior/Community Center.

Danielson said a variety of genres will be represented: romance, fiction, memoir, history, horror and more. Expect some noted names but also authors “who are just under the radar but touring nationally,” she said.

Publishers will be on hand to sell books, and the festival will offer T-shirts, stickers and other merchandise, Goll said.

The children’s fair also starts on a Friday, with visits by authors and illustrators to schools throughout Kitsap County as well as an event for librarians. The following day, the festival will set up its Hall of Authors and Illustrators upstairs at the Sons of Norway Lodge. Besides the author and illustrator encounters, organizers are planning activities for children. Selfors hopes to enlist at least 30 kids authors and illustrators for this inaugural event. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will help support the Sons of Norway scholarship fund.

As a children’s author, Selfors has visited schools and festivals all over the country. “It’s an honor to meet your readers. They’ve shared the world you created. There’s nothing better than having an 8-year-old come up, hugging a book, with love in their eyes.”

With both festivals in their infancy, there are plenty of unknowns. They each welcome volunteers to help the events

run smoothly, as well as sponsors and donations to help pay for facilities; food, lodging and travel for the authors; and other expenses. Selfors hopes sponsors also will step forward to cover the cost of giving books to children at some of the school visits, especially Title I schools.

Danielson expects plenty of interest from Bainbridge, Seattle, greater Kitsap County and maybe beyond.

“When we have a big author come (to Eagle Harbor), it’s standing-room-only,”

Danielson noted. One goal is to grow the base. “When someone meets an author and has a great experience, they’re a fan for life.”

Celebrating Books

For more information: Bainbridge Book Festival –bainbridgebookfestival.org

Poulsbo Kids Book Festival –poulsbokidsbookfest.com

shorts TELL ME LORE

BY SOPHIA SOLTES

Imagine a place where people earnestly debate the best method to move a mountain one stone at a time, or how to most effectively capture the reflection of the moon in a barrel of water. The city of Chelm in southern Poland—made famous in Jewish folklore for its inhabitants’ legendary foolishness—is rich with such tales of absurdity and misguided antics.

Another story altogether is how 5,000 miles away, islander Audrey Barbakoff found herself caught up in the whimsy and allure of Chelm’s celebrated yarns, culminating in her new children’s picture book, “The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon.”

Originally interested in theater design, Barbakoff found a passion for the library soon after graduating college. “I love stories and I love community,” she explained, “and where’s another place that you find all of those? It’s the library.”

Barbakoff worked as a librarian for more than a decade, later moving into library management and consulting. “I did a little bit of everything,” she said, but during the pandemic, amidst writing a dissertation and raising a newborn, “I needed something creative to do.”

This new drive led Barbakoff to children’s writing. As she pursued the idea, she recalled the stories of Chelm from her childhood. “I loved these as a kid,” she said. “I still remember the essence of humor in these stories.”

In “The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon,” Barbakoff brings the world of Chelm to life

PHOTOS BY ANNIE GRAEBNER

I love stories and I love community.”

through bright, young eyes. In contrast to the often adult themes of the traditional tales, such as marriage, courtship and money, she took a different approach. “There’re two kids who live in Chelm,” she said of the plot. “And they’re really, really smart.”

In Barbakoff’s take on a modern-day Chelm, the clever Schlemiel siblings must convince the bewildered adults of the city that the moon has not fallen into a lake. Barbakoff explained that the book’s

use of wit was inspired by her own Jewish background. “This very unique Jewish sense of humor is central to my identity,” she said. “Bringing that sense of humor was really important to me.”

“It was also really important to me to show the diversity of the Jewish people,” Barbakoff added. She explained that while much of the Jewish population in the United States is of Eastern European descent, “that’s not all Jews in the world. It’s not even most of the Jews in the world.”

This notion is reflected in many of the book’s characters, including the Shlemiel siblings. Barbakoff hopes her depiction of Chelm will serve as a microcosm of modern Jewish diversity.

Above all, though, she hopes the book brings a smile to her readers. “I want people to laugh. It’s a funny story. And I think, especially with the state of the world right now, all of us—kids especially, but really all of us—need some joy and need some humor.”

While nothing is official, Barbakoff said, “I do anticipate there may be another Schlemiel adventure.” Find “The Schlemiel Kids Save the Moon” at Eagle Harbor Book Co. or other bookstores.

HOW TO HELP NEURODIVERGENT KIDS? Coach Their Parents.

Island Behaviorist Works to Pave a Path into Adulthood

Dr. Narinder K. Dhaliwal doesn’t do one-size-fits-all solutions. In her work with neurodivergent youth—meaning kids diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who may also have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)—it’s all about finding the individualized pathway and services that help her clients succeed. “It’s my geeky area,” she said.

BY ISABELLE HAINES PHOTOS BY ANNIE GRAEBNER

Earlier this year, Dhaliwal launched her new educational consulting business, K-College Ed Consulting, which coaches the parents of neurodivergent kids. Dhaliwal advises parents on everything from sleep schedules and feeding to noise sensitivity to the transition from high school to higher education. The consulting business has been in the works since she began a PhD program in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Washington. Even

back then, the goal was always to work with parents.

“Parents are the captains of the ship—their voice is so important,” she said. “Even if your child goes to therapy for a few hours every week, it can take 900 hours of practice for them to learn and generalize a new skill set. And most of that time is spent with parents.”

Dhaliwal also wanted to focus her efforts on the Kitsap Peninsula, a largely underserved region compared to King and Pierce Counties. “I didn’t want to live in a tower where parents can’t access care and don’t know what to do after their child receives a diagnosis,” she said.

Many of the parents she meets are wading through the long list of recommendations that follow an ASD or ADD diagnosis. Others are in the Googling phase, or maybe reading books, and

When a child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, many parents don’t know the next step. Dr. Narinder K. Dhaliwal wants to help them put their best foot forward.

find themselves adrift in a sea of information. Dhaliwal said that the whole process can be pretty immobilizing.

“We all have anxiety and worry for our children, but after an autism diagnosis, parents have to absorb so much new information,” said Dhaliwal. “When they come to me, it sends me a huge signal immediately that they are trying.”

Although her doctorate is new— Dhaliwal completed it in 2023—she has deep roots in the field of children’s developmental and behavioral health. Early in her research career, she assessed toddlers from ages 1 to 3, collecting data on gross and fine motor skills, language, secure attachment and IQ.

The lesson from those years? No two children are the same. She’s carried

that truth with her ever since, even as her work has expanded beyond a child’s youngest years.

More recently, Dhaliwal has turned her focus to the transition to higher education and the preconceived notions therein. Dhaliwal explained that many autistic kids are overachievers in school, leading the adults in their lives to expect a smooth transition to college and career. But the research tells another story: Many autistic young adults struggle with finishing degrees and finding employment in a world that doesn’t accommodate their differences.

“All these academically bright students are going to college and struggling early on,” she said.

Those struggles could be social, such as feeling lonely or having roommate issues. There are also the living skills challenges that come with leaving the built-in structure of home and high school.

These challenges can lead young adults to pursue a diagnosis in the first place, or to seek out a neurodivergent community that affirms and advocates for them. Regardless of whether followup services are needed, parents may suddenly learn that their child is autistic, 18 years in.

As with any of her clients, Dhaliwal knows that these parents can help their children succeed in college—and everything that comes after. “College preparedness underlies certain skill sets, like self-determination, including selfadvocacy, what we call the soft skills,” she said. “That means social adaptability, social connectivity, communication, living skills and family support systems.”

Whether parents are preparing their kids for college or for the first day of kindergarten, Dhaliwal is continuously blown away by their commitment. She sees it in everyday conversations with clients—and in their follow-up emails.

“These parents are so invested. There’s so much love there,” she said. “I mean, what could be a bigger blessing than that?”

More at kcollegeedconsultingasdef.com

A Comfortable Icon:

The story behind BI’s most recognizable attire

One store.

Nearly 50 years.

And almost too many shirts to count.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LUCIANO MARANO

The elements behind the iconic Bay Hay & Feed pattern—which, in addition to shirts, is found on aprons, hats and cups—are more involved than the deceptively simple design might suggest.

Five rows of neatly spaced horses—or llamas, fish, tractors, dogs, etc.—stamped in a vibrant color. That’s it. The concept isn’t difficult.

And yet, contained in that uncomplicated motif, perhaps the most easily identified and instantly recognizable symbol of Bainbridge Island, is the story of the local Rolling Bay institution and a testament to the importance of community.

“We have people come in and say, ‘I need to get a shirt!’ and when they walk away with it, they say, ‘Now I feel like I belong here,’” said Els Heyne.

Heyne, a longtime employee, purchased Bay Hay & Feed in January 2022, along with her husband, Jeff Groman, their daughter Devin Groman and son-in-law Nick Snyder.

“Since I’d been with the business for so long, it was an easy changeover for the employees, and the customers were relieved because they felt Bay Hay & Feed would not change,” Heyne said. “Bainbridge is very supportive of local businesses and it always has been.”

Opened in 1979 by Howard Block and Ce-Ann Parker, Bay Hay & Feed has become a paragon of island culture. It was Block who first masterminded the soon-to-be beloved shirts sometime around 1990, according to Heyne. “It started with just horses, I’m pretty sure,” she said. “We continue because the demand is there.”

Demand enough for about 30 different designs in total, not counting the many custom jobs the store regularly supplies for schools, clubs, businesses and even some events. Recently, an island-based bachelorette party decided to commemorate the occasion with an order of Bay Hay shirts made especially for the bride-to-be.

“We’re trying to work on new ones all the time,” said Devin Groman, who, along with her duties in the Market and Card sections of the store, is in charge of all things Bay Hay apparel. “Everyone has a great idea—and there are so many great ideas!” she said. “Customers come to us constantly, and some of their suggestions are so fun, but you just can’t do them all because for every design you have to have them in X, Y, Z styles and several colors and many sizes. It takes a long time.”

The shirt’s influence has spread far beyond the boundaries of Bainbridge Island. Many customers have sent the store photos, posed in the renowned garb in some shockingly far-flung locales.

COMMUNITY

We believe that staying active and connected is key to a fulfilling life. Whether you’re embarking on a new chapter or supporting a loved one in their journey, we’re here for you.

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! 206-842-2500 | bainbridgeseniorliving.com

“We used to post on the website the pictures people sent us, but I just couldn’t keep up,” Heyne said. And the world map in which she used to pin pictures essentially disintegrated under the strain.

“Nowadays,” she said, “a lot of people post them on Instagram, so I just repost them.”

And it’s not just for the sake of pleasing folks back home that intrepid travelers bring along a shirt. “I often bring a Bay Hay T-shirt with me when I travel for the express purpose of finding those other people who will be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I know that place!’” Groman said. “And then you say, ‘How do you know Bainbridge?’ and you can have a fun conversation. In Italy, I was walking in a square and some people came up to me because I was wearing a shirt.”

Even as the stylish shirts have gained international fame and a new group of owners has assumed command, the core mission of the store remains unchanged, Groman said, focusing on seasonal offerings, local-centric thinking and old-fashioned customer satisfaction.

“It’s a one-stop shop,” she explained. “You can bring your kids, you can spend some time and there’s a little bit for everyone. It’s just a pleasant place to be. The café is right there, so there’s a little bit of just hanging out in the garden that happens, too.”

Bay Hay & Feed is located at 10355 NE Valley Road. More information is available by calling 206-842-2813 or visiting bayhayandfeed.com

Photo: Keith Brofsky

Madrona House | Wyatt House | Madison House | Winslow Manor

Weaving Wellbeing

Robust summer energy is waning. The sunlight is a little paler. Harvest time is the grand finale, and the cool foggy morning air of fall whispers the change. Fall is the transformation of warm, bursting, and outgoing energy to a cooler, steadier and accumulating state.

For many, summer is an easier season. Fruits, vegetables, berries, honey, herbs and flowers have all been in abundance, along with physical and mental health. The job of fall is to wind down, consolidate and preserve the overflow of summer. Planning for the winter season, where cold and death reign, may dominate daily thoughts and shape daily tasks. The fall season is ruled by the element of earth and is all about accumulating nourishment to sustain our muscle, bone and fat tissue during the months ahead.

This can mean the actual process of jamming, drying, freezing, canning and dehydrating. This can also mean changing the mental landscape to more moderation, greater structure and less carefree use of time, and physically preparing your body for the change of season.

BY BAJDA WELTY

Acupuncture is a great tool for seasonal changes. I see many patients who come for a visit just four times a year, exactly for this reason. Common afflictions during the summer to fall transition are fatigue, sore throat or cold, allergy symptoms, sinus issues, lower limb pain and swelling or water retention. Many also report feeling emotionally stuck, stressed, moody or worried.

While acupuncture is often used as a treatment for a particular symptom that is interfering with a person’s ability to function, its best, highest use is for prevention. Letting your body, mind and spirit be prepared can prevent symptoms from arising or greatly decrease the amount of time they affect you. As a provider, I listen to symptoms, but I also look and feel for many more subtle signs: a patient’s pulse, tongue, eyes, breath patterns and the color and temperature of the skin each have their own story to tell.

When I think of fall, I can’t help but picture gray, damp mornings, sunny afternoons and lots of spider webs between plants and trees and in the corners of windows in the house. The web itself is a strategic tool engineered by the spider. It is fine yet strong, imperfect yet effective, requires labor and preparation—but what it catches sustains the spider. The web embodies the qualities of the fall season.

What must you prepare for? How can you catch and collect what you need? How will you prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally to be sustained all winter long?

With a little preparation and strategy, you can optimize your health and well-being not only to prevent and minimize illness and emotional hardship during seasonal changes, but also to set up a structure—a web—that will continue to provide what you need for months and seasons to come.

In The Abstract

BAINBRIDGE PAINTER MERGES ART AND FASHION

As an artist, CR Rousseau always thought big. At age 4, encouraged by grandparents who indulged her artistic ambitions, the budding painter took up her brush and transformed her bedroom wall into another world.

BY GEORGE SOLTES

“I created a whole neighborhood,” she recalled. “A house with window boxes, a sidewalk that curved around, trees, clouds, kites and birds. I can still remember being so pleased. I didn’t think about the repercussions at all.”

Even the outsized dreams of that ambitious preschooler might not have been large enough to envision that one day her artwork would be displayed on a giant billboard in Times Square.

PHOTOS BY ANNIE GRAEBNER AND COURTESY

THE ARTIST, CR ROUSSEAU

Raised in rural Auburn by her grandmother, an aerospace engineer, and her grandfather, the local sheriff, Rousseau was allowed to let her imagination run free, whether by painting or taking wire cutters to the old phones, flashlights, telegraphs and electrical transformers that were found around the house. Once in school, she could usually be found in the art room while the rest of the students were at lunch.

As an adult, Rousseau wore many hats, working in graphic design, marketing and real estate, doing communications for an environmental science company and dabbling in haute couture in the fashion house of renowned Seattle designer Luly Yang. Through it all, she never stopped feeling the pull to create her own art.

“Did I think I could ever leave the arts?” she mused. “I have left, but then I had to come back. Otherwise, I would fall into pieces. It’s like coming back to yourself.”

She designed greeting cards and found a niche painting California coastal landscapes, building a following in art galleries in the state. “I was able to produce and create meaningful things,” she said, “because those were places that I loved.”

Finally, in 2019, she took the plunge and became a full-time artist. By then, she had developed her own aesthetic, interpreting colorful West Coast landscapes through an abstract lens. Rousseau described her style as abstract expressionism, a genre known for its freewheeling approach and dramatic use of color. She compares her paintings to “the morning after a great dream, where you dreamt of a place, but can’t really feel the edges. It’s the emotional aftertaste of it.”

After plans to relocate to the south of France were sidetracked by the pandemic, Rousseau and husband Christopher moved to Bainbridge Island, where she settled into a sunny studio in the heart of the Bainbridge Creative District.

A chance conversation with a friend took her work in a completely new direction. Carson Lovett, just finishing

the fashion program at Central Saint Martins school in London, invited her to virtually attend his graduation catwalk. While viewing the show, Rousseau had an epiphany. “I love fashion,” she said, “and I thought I would love to interpret what I feel and experience through abstract expressionism.”

She began a collaboration with Lovett and four other young designers with origins ranging from Sardinia to Hong Kong to Cameroon and visions just as diverse. Over the next five months, she spent long hours in the studio creating paintings inspired by each collection, building toward a four-day show at the 2023 New York Fashion Week. “It was like 21 hours a day,” she said. “I was literally going home to shower, sleep for 45 minutes and go back.”

Rousseau left for New York with paintings in tow and no clue what people would make of her idea. She needn’t have worried. “The Art of Couture” was a sensation. Over 500 guests from around the world visited the show and Time Out New York named it one of the “top 10 NYFW events you

can actually attend.” The experience culminated with a rotating display of her work on a massive digital board above the runway in Times Square.

How does Rousseau plan to follow up? With an extreme reduction in scale and much closer to home. Her next exhibit, “Postcards,” showing at Blackbird Bakery this January or February, will feature miniature California landscapes, some painted with tiny four-hair brushes, that she hopes will provide “a little baby escape” from the dark Bainbridge winter.

“It’s kind of cheeky but also really fun,” she said, “And if I’m not having fun, what am I doing?”

IN UNITY, STRENGTH

A Couple’s Dedication to Health & Community

When Alexa and Michael Rosenthal first looked at the building more than two decades ago, they might have been discouraged. But they saw promise in the old bowling-alley-turned-outdatedgym in Winslow. And in the intervening years, their dream, Island Fitness, took shape, grew stronger and became a community icon.

BY CONNIE BYE

“We knew we wanted to do something together,” Alexa said.

“And we knew we would work well together,” Michael added. “It’s a good thing we didn’t know the realities of running a business. We didn’t allow ourselves to think we wouldn’t succeed.”

PHOTOS BY ANNIE GRAEBNER

After operating the gym for four years, the Rosenthals bought the property in 2006. They reconfigured and added to it, creating bigger locker rooms and expanded training facilities. Expensive but highly efficient air scrubbers, installed during the pandemic, make clean air “our

biggest asset,” Michael said. Still, they preserved part of the floor from the old bowling alley lanes, a quirky homage to the building’s beginnings.

The gym’s philosophy and approach, however, are far more important to its devotees than any building improvements.

Alexa said her goal, regardless of skill level, is for people to leave feeling better than when they arrived. “Our membership wants to keep learning,” she said. “Everyone can enter in their own way.”

Among recent converts is Rod Arakaki. “When a friend invited me to be his gym accountability buddy last year, it was just the nudge I needed to join a gym for the first time since I was 20,” he said in an email interview.

“Before my first visit, I was intimidated by a gym. But the vibe at Island Fitness put me at ease—young and old, beginners and the super fit—all doing their thing,” said Arakaki, who noted that the three-session assessment, training and workout plan that came with his membership “made it easier to get started with confidence.”

Members range in age from 14 to 94, Michael said, with an average of about 49. “When people under the age of 18 join, we strongly encourage them to work with a personal trainer in the beginning to understand the importance of proper form on the growing body,” he said. ”Youthful exuberance can sometimes lead to young exercisers improperly

using too much weight and possibly injuring themselves.”

Island Fitness employs trainers certified in Ortho-Kinetics, Michael said. The program is designed to evaluate an individual’s posture, range of motion, muscle development and movement patterns, then use that information to recommend the best ways to enhance fitness.

Classes also have changed and expanded over the years. Current offerings include Pilates, Zumba, yoga, strength and conditioning, cycling, meditation and more. People can opt to participate via Zoom, in person or a combination of the two. Nonmembers can buy passes; class fees are included in membership plans. The Rosenthals realized during the pandemic that people didn’t want a contract at the gym, so members can now choose from a variety of month-to-month membership plans with no long-term commitments.

Zoom sessions also started during COVID, Michael said, and continue to be popular.

Karen West, who’s been a member for more than 20 years, said live-streamed classes made it easy to stick with Island Fitness after moving to Port Ludlow more than a year ago. “I am still able to see my gym friends and take my favorite classes without ever getting in my car,” she said via email.

With an eye toward improving both body and mind, Island Fitness also holds off-site retreats. Alexa led the Tranquility Mindfulness event in June at Port Ludlow with another retreat scheduled for October.

West said when she joined Island Fitness, she quickly recognized that it was more than a place to work out. “Michael and Alexa are mind, body and spirit gurus,” she said, “and they treat their members like family.”

More at island-fitness.com

Elizabeth Allum

spotlight IS STAGE RIGHT

BY GEORGE SOLTES

PHOTOS BY KEITH BROFSKY

ELIZABETH ALLUM, a native of Oxford, England, has had a performing and teaching career that’s spanned the globe. In late 2023, coinciding with the opening of the new Buxton Center, she took up the reins as executive director of Bainbridge Performing Arts.

How did you find your way from Great Britain to Bainbridge Island?

I and my young family moved to the states from the UK in 2019. We were in the Bay Area and moved around a little bit for a few years. We were living a fairly nomadic existence and decided that it was time to stop and let the grass grow beneath our feet. We missed the English climate, so we were looking at places that felt a little bit more like home. We came to Bainbridge on a daytrip and I remember, as soon as I stepped foot on this little rock, being absolutely taken by the place. I’ve lived all over the world and I’ve never known anything quite so magical as the spirit on this island. It’s incredible, it’s infectious and I wanted to be a part of it.

How did you become interested in the performing arts?

Growing up, my world was classical ballet. When I was 16, I had my first professional experience of the ballet world, a tour of “Cinderella” with the European Dance Company. I hated it. I loved dancing, but I really didn’t like the industry. I realized that pursuing one single art form was

not for me. I discovered Shakespeare and a love for Greek theater and my horizons completely expanded. I studied at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, which was founded by Sir Paul McCartney. I worked for years as a touring performer. I ran away with the circus, I performed in cabarets and I lived in Spain for a couple of years with a touring theater company there. I said no to very few opportunities. When I had children, I went into teaching and arts research.

Was it daunting taking on the role of executive director at BPA from Dominique Cantwell?

If you know Dominique, if you know the extent to which she applies herself, you know that one year of Dominique’s time is worth about five of most people’s. When she called me up to say that she was planning to move on, it was hard then to imagine BPA without her. But she filled me with confidence to take the step. I’m forever grateful for her mentorship.

What’s your vision for BPA?

When we imagined the Buxton Center, when the vision was painted for the community, we promised a brave space for creative exploration. That’s our North Star. We really have climbed a mountain through the history of this organization. And it feels like now we’re at the top of that mountain and now is the time to learn to fly.

What do you think it is about Bainbridge that supports such an ambitious organization that always seems to punch above its weight?

There’s a community spirit here that is unique and rare. People here don’t just want to be entertained. They want to be challenged.

I have to ask about your stint with the circus. I had two months with nothing to do

and I was asked to go and sub for a performer in a circus in Ireland. I was flown over and picked up by one of the clowns. My sleeping quarters was an old Royal Mail van. I woke up the following morning and there was the same clown who had picked me up from the airport, riding around in circles on a Harley Davidson motorbike in full clown makeup. And I was like, yeah, all right, I’m in the circus. I did aerial work and I was a magician’s

assistant to this terrible magic act. It was fun and terrifying and wonderful in equal measure.

Any take-home lessons from that experience?

Say yes to things, no matter how weird, because at the end of the day that’s what we are. Our bodies are a vehicle for the stories that we’ve lived. And stories are the best bread that we can break with one another.

Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades

recipes Soup’s On!

Pair a Pot With Waffles for a New Fall Favorite

Whether having friends in to brighten up a rainy evening or just in need of something to warm you up, fall is a great time to make a big pot of soup. Serve a big batch or enjoy it yourself over a long while. Soup is always there for you as an easy, makeahead option.

BY ANNE WILLHOIT

PHOTO BY ANNE WILLHOIT

How about whipping up a soup buffet? Make a pot (or two!) and present a lot of toppings, a complement that feels deluxe and generous without a lot of investment. For starters, try this simple tomato soup recipe that uses pantry ingredients and spices from the bulk aisle. Paired with savory waffles, it’s a twist on the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup that’s both familiar and fun. Keep the pot on low so guests can help themselves whenever they like and make it their way with mix-and-match toppings.

Both recipes take little time, but can be made ahead. For the soup, simply refrigerate and reheat when needed, adding the cream at the end. The waffles can even be frozen and heated in the oven day-of. Undercook them just a bit and then re-crisp them right on the oven rack at about 350 degrees.

Savory Cornmeal Waffles

8 tbsp. butter

1-1/2 cups flour

1 cup coarse yellow cornmeal

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. sweet paprika

3 tsp. cheese powder, optional

1-3/4 cups buttermilk

2 large eggs

1. Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small pot over low. Set aside to cool.

2. Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.

3. Whisk together the buttermilk and eggs in a measuring cup.

4. Mix the dry ingredients, egg mixture and butter together.

5. Cook in a waffle iron until the waffles look golden and delicious.

6. If needed, reheat directly on a rack in a 350 degree oven for just a few minutes.

Big Pot Tomato Soup

Serves 6-8, scale up or down as needed

3 tbsp. unsalted butter

Large yellow onion

4 cloves garlic

1/2 tsp. celery seed

Approximately 1/2-1 tsp. crushed red pepper to taste preference 2 28-ounce cans of crushed or whole tomatoes 6-inch rosemary or oregano sprig

3 cups water

2 tsp. kosher salt

2/3 cup heavy cream, optional

1. Coarsely chop the onion.

2. Peel the garlic, leave whole and set aside.

3. Heat a large pot over medium and melt the butter.

4. Add the onion to the butter and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.

5. Add the garlic, celery seed, red pepper and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Add the tomatoes and the liquid in the can. Stir. Let cook for 1 minute.

7. Add water and herb sprig. Stir. Simmer on low for a half hour.

8. Remove the herb sprig. Puree the soup until smooth with an immersion blender or standing blender. (Watch out - it’s hot! If using a blender, work in batches and fill it only about halfway to avoid hot overspill.)

9. Cook on low, covered, for 15 minutes. Add the salt. Taste and adjust.

10. Right before serving, add the cream, if using, and stir.

11. Keep on very low heat until ready to serve.

Great toppings for a tomato soup buffet: crispy, baked chickpeas bold raw greens, such as arugula pesto sour cream

grated cheddar cheese goat cheese

chopped green onions croutons

MATTERS OF THE HART

Home Renovation Confirms Adage that Nothing Can be Easy

By Alli Schuchman

In late 2019, Bill and Stacy Austin heard that a neighbor’s house—just around the corner from their own on the southwest side of the Meadowmeer golf community—was about to come onto the market. A flurry of activity at the property preparing for its sale piqued Bill’s curiosity, so he decided to drop by. »

Photos by David White Cohen

“I drove up the driveway to the center tree and stopped,” he said. “I thought, oh my god, Stacy’s got to see this house.”

It was love at first sight for her, too, just as Bill had predicted. “I mean, it needed a lot of work, but look at it,” she said. “The beams, the woodwork, the layout. It was just amazing.”

Plus, the house was in the neighborhood Stacy cherished. “Because of the way Hart Lane bends, our old backyard looks through this backyard,” she explained. “You can see the green. It’s just lovely. It feels like there’s no one back there.”

Bill said that Stacy went as far as writing a letter to the former owner promising to honor the property’s essence should their offer be accepted. And despite the home attracting throngs of

“I drove up the driveway to the center tree and stopped. I thought, oh my god, Stacy’s got to see this house.”

interested buyers, the Austins’ bid, and sentiments, won out.

The idea of a renovation project didn’t concern the Austins, both of whom had spent their careers in the homebuilding industry, Bill in carpentry and Stacy in project management, including her current role with Clark Construction. Their gameplan was straightforward. “We were going to add a bathroom, turn the room upstairs into our bedroom, and the rest of it was just going to be interior finishes. Easy enough,” said Stacy. “And then we started getting into some things.”

One of the first undertakings was to create more room in the home’s upper level. “We basically took off the second story to change the pitch of the roof and

reframe it all. We tore off the roof on January 2, 2020,” said Stacy, “and then it rained every single day in January. Every. Single. Day.”

“We still have the 50-foot by 50-foot tarp,” said Bill.

Rain was just the beginning. Over the next several months, the Austins’ biblical plague bingo card would continue to be impressively filled.

While moving some furniture left behind by the previous owner, the couple’s next hurdle turned out to be beady-eyed. “Rats had been living under a dresser. It was disgusting,” said Stacy, who explained that it wasn’t until they started removing the kitchen cabinetry that they grasped the full scope of the

rodent problem. “Every hole in the wall, had ‘that’ smell. They were absolutely everywhere. So, we were down to studs.” The infestation necessitated removing all but one of the interior walls, all the insulation and rewiring the entire home.

Next, while looking into why the crawlspace was flooding, the Austins discovered that instead of being properly placed next to the footer, the footing drain had been incorrectly placed on top of it. “Water was just pouring into the foundation,” said Stacy. “We ended up having to tear the deck off the back to put in the footing drain. It was just one thing after another.”

And then COVID hit.

“Of course we were living next door,”

said Stacy. “I’m panicking because now we have two houses. We were doing everything we could—working day and night—just to get the house to a point where we could move in.” While Stacy laid flooring, Bill laid tile. “So, we moved very early into a construction zone,” said Stacy.

Thankfully, their former home sold immediately and the Austins were in— albeit in less-than-ideal fashion—by April 2020. They were then able to turn their attention back to their original, more esthetic list of renovations.

The signature fir beams that crisscross the open design were stripped of their orangey paint and the focal point floating stairway’s dated wooden balusters were replaced with sleek black steel newels and wire. The staircase was also reconfigured to have a single run, square to the front door, instead of its previous configuration that jogged 90 degrees into the family room.

The signature fir beams that crisscross the open design were stripped of orangey paint.

The kitchen got all new cabinets and quartz countertops, stainless appliances and lighting. The Austins also installed new maple flooring, new trim and doors throughout, and a granite slab floor at the entry to match the fireplace hearth. The fireplace is surrounded by built-in bookcases that Bill made and sits under a bright clerestory window, which brings much-welcomed light from their forested homesite.

Off the main living area is teenage son, Grayson’s, domain—a modest bedroom connected to a generously sized rec room for gaming, homework and hanging with friends.

The fresh upper level—complete with its new higher ceilings—is home to the Austins’ bright primary bedroom suite, which looks out onto the golf course’s 5th fairway. Also on the upper level is Stacy’s office. An adjacent storage nook does double duty as a retreat for their golden

retriever, Briggan, named after a wolf from fantasy literature despite lacking his namesake’s storied luxurious coarse graywhite fur, keen claws and savage teeth.

For the exterior’s refresh, the Austins extended the tigerwood deck and even unearthed a pond just off the entry. The removal of a couple of trees, along with loads of fallen limbs and brush, made way for lush plants and a walkway now complemented by the gentle sound of trickling water.

Next to the home is (mostly) Bill’s workshop, where in addition to doing carpentry, he painstakingly handmakes the guitars that adorn the home’s walls. Though he’s prolific—his attention is currently focused on a bouzouki, a cousin to the bass mandolin—he doesn’t sell

the stunning instruments, but uses them himself, noting that he’s “played a little for 45 years.” In a back corner of the shop, Stacy makes glass beads with a torch and colored rods. She’s given some away as gifts. “I’m aspiring,” she said, modestly brushing off any compliments.

Down the road, Stacy can envision turning the shop into a mother-inlaw apartment, where they could potentially live if their son comes back to live on Bainbridge after college. “Eventually in time, when you’ve stopped building guitars.”

Would they have taken the project on if they knew what they were getting into? Tough to say. But at least for today, the Austins are content in the notion of never, ever again.

FACES BEHIND THE FERRIES:

A Portrait

of the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility in five workers

Manufacturing operations are not extinct on Bainbridge, but the concept of a “working waterfront” is usually not the first idea that leaps to mind when contemplating the island.

Even longtime residents might be surprised to learn the extent of the work happening every day at Washington State Ferries’ Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility, the command center of the nutsand-bolts necessities that keep the nation’s largest ferry system seaworthy. Bainbridge’s last working shipyard is situated between the terminal and Waypoint Park, near the heart of downtown.

When fully staffed (which, currently, it is not), the facility employs nearly 200 workers across various shifts and shops, and it falls on their shoulders to ensure Washington’s fleet of not-getting-any-younger boats stands ready and able to ensure safe and punctual passage for millions of passengers each year.

Some days are better than others.

In a February article, “WA’s farcical ferry fleet,” the Seattle Times recounted the confluence of problems facing WSF today (years of insufficient funding, mismanagement, overdue maintenance, a shortage of boats and also people to crew and maintain them), which led to rampant delays and cancellations. Given the scope of the operation and issues, it can be easy to get lost in the numbers: vessel capacity, ridership data, performance reports, etc. But the system is made of people. Lots of people. People who are are doing their best with limited resources. People like…

By Luciano Marano

Photos by David White Cohen

Scott Blymyer

Position: Electric Shop

Time on the job: 3 years

After more than 30 years working at a Boeing maintenance facility (“I didn’t tighten door plugs or anything”), Scott Blymyer, who grew up on Bainbridge, tired of his commute from Kingston and began hunting for something closer to home, but still in the field he’s loved for so long.

“[My dad] brought me to a pulp and paper mill and took me into the control room and that’s where it all came together. They opened up the back of the panel, I saw the wires and the instruments and everything, and I thought, ‘Wow! I’d love to do this!’”

He’s been doing it ever since. In addition to his technical experience, he brought to his latest gig the hard-earned insight of a true local.

“I used to commute to Everett, so I know how important those boats are, because when they don’t run, now I’m late to work,” he said. “People don’t realize how important they are until they don’t have them as conveniently. Waiting two or three hours in line is just ridiculous.”

Blymyer works in the controls department of the electric shop, calibrating, maintaining and repairing the boats’ many controls and indicators. When not busy doing his part for the ferries, he dedicates himself to projects and repairs at home.

“I’m inundated with fixing things and that’s what I love to do,” he said.

What was meant to be a short stop has become a special experience with no immediate end in sight. “I came here thinking I was just going to kind of slide into retirement in about five years, but I really enjoy working here,” Blymyer said. “It turned out to be wonderful.”

“We don’t just work on [ferries] here. We do the maintenance for every terminal. Every wire and cable you see, we’re installing and maintaining. We wear a lot of hats.”

— Rick Caldwell

Rick Caldwell

Position: Shore Maintenance

Time on the job: 5 years

The purview of the so-called “Shore Gang” is extensive and Rick Caldwell likes it that way.

“The big thing for us is vessel preservation,” he said. “If they come in here and they’ve got failed coatings, we take it down to bare metal and basically build it back up.”

Even beyond boats, the concerns of the only department at the maintenance facility that pulls its members directly from the fleet are many.

“We don’t just work on [ferries] here,” Caldwell explained. “We do the maintenance for every terminal. Every wire and cable you see, we’re installing and maintaining. We wear a lot of hats.”

An especially crucial cap sported by Caldwell, who lives in Bremerton, is that of a parent. It was the impending birth of his son and the appeal of a more stable schedule and better health insurance than his construction job could offer that lead him to seek employment with WSF more than a decade ago.

“I started at the terminals for about eight months, then I transferred over to the deck side,” he said. “It actually worked

out perfectly because my son was born prematurely. He was in the NICU for like 71 days. Before insurance the bill was over a million dollars.”

Of the many issues facing the ferries, Caldwell thinks one takes precedence. “I hate to say it, but I think we’re kind of our own worst enemy. Ridership, so much depends on that, and if we can’t be reliable? I know people who are avoiding the ferries. They’ll drive the commute because that’s consistent. We’re so short on boats that if one goes down it has a massive impact.”

Even so, Caldwell said the public is often more sympathetic than one might imagine. “Everybody seems to know somebody who either works here or in some capacity for the ferries, so the more people talk, they get a pretty good understanding,” he said.

“I think the quick, easy joke is, ‘Oh, you guys can’t keep them running.’ But it only takes 2 minutes of explaining the day-today and they’re like, ‘I get it.’”

Buddy Dupuis

Position: Electric Shop Time on the job: 2 years

Innovation and teamwork are Buddy Dupuis’ favorite parts of his job. The former U.S. Navy submariner-turned-electrician specializes in security and safety systems, including badge readers and cameras. But his latest victory was installing solar-powered lights in the facility’s formerly treacherous parking lot, since it’s

Rick Caldwell

Buddy Dupuis

located on a Superfund site and running power to the area was not possible.

“One of the things I made sure of when I was looking for products was that we had something that would not impact our neighbors,” he said. “They’re all on timers, they’re all very directed light beams. That was a big consideration for me.”

“I’m stable here,” he said. “I love the fact that I can come in here and work a solid 40 hours a week. As opposed to my previous employment, I don’t have to worry about getting shipped off to San Diego or Virginia or anywhere else.”

The average person, he said, doesn’t understand what it takes to keep the ferries afloat—and neither did he before coming to work at Eagle Harbor.

“A lot of what we do here is on the fly, trying to keep these systems live,” he explained. “We manufacture parts in-house. We manufacture things that can’t be made anywhere else. We make systems work that don’t have any support. Their end-of-life was a decade ago. Sometimes we’re working with materials or equipment that the company that made that part or that system, they’re gone now.”

But when it works, the gratification is equal to the labor. “The day-to-day interface and getting our jobs done and seeing the vessels work properly, that’s a really cool thing and really, really rewarding,” Dupuis said. “What I enjoy is the fact that I can make suggestions and they’ll actually be taken seriously.”

Seamus Courtney

Position: Weld Shop

Time on the job: Less than a year

For one of the few facility workers who lives on Bainbridge, Seamus Courtney’s decision to forgo college was something of a youthful rebellion.

“I wanted to be a diesel mechanic in high school. Both of my parents are first-time college graduates in their families and they

weren’t super thrilled about the idea of their only son not going to college,” he said. “So I compromised and [studied] mechanical engineering and it was so much harder than I expected!”

Eventually, Courtney found his way to welding during a drinking session with a childhood friend. “Everything good happens after 2 a.m.,” he laughed. “At like 2 in the morning, he fired up the welder on the back of his truck and I was like, ‘What is this thing?’ ”

From such a seemingly inauspicious start a career was born. “It’s really satisfying to see a project from start to finish and being a part of it and being considered in the modifications of the plan,” Courtney said. “It’s immediate gratification—but it’s also immediate heartbreak, too. If you really screw it up, it’s pretty easy to see.”

Seamus Courtney

The strict technical requirements of the welding trade, Courtney explained, and the associated costs and potential harm if done incorrectly, tend to encourage a certain baseline confidence. “Welding promotes an ego,” he said. “We’re the only shop where if you fail a test you’re fired, and we test regularly. No one wants to pay you to put in failed welds. No one wants to have stuff cracking or splitting.”

Courtney believes that most islanders are not overly curious about what goes on at the shipyard. “That’s the goal, though,” he added. “if we do our job right, if we’re quiet and out of the way and the ferries move as they’re supposed to. It’s good to not be known sometimes.”

In addition to the obvious issues facing the fleet, Courtney was quick to add one that is, from the outside at least, perhaps less apparent: overly complicated bureaucracy.

“A lot of these ships, they’re tired. And there are a lot of ideas about how to fix them,” he said, “and I kind of wish there were a lot less people in the kitchen.”

Rick Northon

Position: Carpentry Shop

Time on the job: About 11 years

Having ascended to the role of vessel lead in the carpentry shop several years ago, Rick Northon found his own duties changing right along with condition of the overall ferry system, including sometimes finding himself in front of a computer “It’s a different set of responsibilities,” he said. “I was a carpenter, so my background was not in computer work. So that’s my struggle. There are

You are invited to celebrate the High Holidays in Bainbridge Island

Y O U W I L L L O V E I T .

Shalom!

S o m e t i m e s , p e o p l e a s k u s : w o u l d I b e c o m f o r t a b l e

c o m i n g t o C h a b a d i f I a m n o t o r t h o d o x ?

W e s m i l e a n d s a y : l a b e l s a r e f o r s h i r t s !

C h a b a d i s a w e l c o m i n g p l a c e f o r e v e r y J e w ,

r e g a r d l e s s o f y o u r b a c k g r o u n d o r a f f i l i a t i o n . W e

k n o w y o u w i l l f e e l c o m f o r t a b l e .

Rabbi Mendy and Shaina Goldshmid Co-Directors

H i g h H o l i d a y s s e r v i c e s a t C h a b a d : N o m e m b e r s h i p r e q u i r e d

V i e w t h e s c h e d u l e & R S V P a t : J e w i s h B I . c o m / H H 2 3

C o n t a c t u s a t R a b b i @ J e w i s h B I . c o m o r a t 2 0 6 - 3 9 7 - 7 6 7 9

“Each day brings

a little different; it’s not the same monotonous thing over and over.”

— Rick Northon

classes and stuff like that, but it wasn’t an interest to me. I knew enough to do my job, but it was not my strong point.”

A longtime area resident and a graduate of North Kitsap High School, Northon came to the Eagle Harbor facility after a successful career as a carpenter and well understands the give-and-take required to draw qualified workers from the private sector. Comparatively lowerer pay for those in the employ of WSF means fewer skilled carpenters apply for positions. “We’ve got

to go through a lot of guys to find some who are in the ballpark and then we have a six-month probation period,” Northon said. “I dropped quite a bit coming here, but I took that knowing I was losing the money. It makes up for it because you have holidays and vacations—you’ve got perks that I didn’t have in the field.”

Although he’s not as often the one swinging a hammer these days, the appeal of the job remains the same. “Each day brings something a little different; it’s not the same monotonous thing over and over,” he said. “There are a lot of different jobs the carpenter shop actually gets involved in.” A mix of carpenters and shipwrights, the shop is responsible for, among other things, the vessels’ floors, tiling, windows and cabinetry. Often, repair work being done by other shops will require the removal of or result in damaging of, parts of the boat the carpenter shop must come in afterward to fix.

The job has greatly changed Northon’s perspective when he’s a ferry passenger.

“I walk through and go, ‘Well, that’s going to wear out. We’ll be seeing that soon,’” he said. “I end up analyzing things on my day off. It’s a never-ending list, and I’ll try to just close my eyes or sit in the galley and have a beer or something and not look. But I’ll see stuff coming or stuff we weren’t able to get to because of time restraints and manpower and I’ll keep a note in my head.”

Trust, knowledge and outstanding service - always.

M a u r e e n D a n i e l s B r o k e r | R E A L T O R ® | R E N E ® 2 0 6 . 4 0 9 . 4 8 7 5

Consider me an advocate, advisor and partner who puts you first. Empowering you with the resources, motivation and winning strategies to achieve your real estate goals.

Along for the Ride

Passengers stepping off the ferry from Seattle are now greeted by more than just a salty breeze. Jack Flash, a free shuttle service—electric golf carts driven by local high school students—awaits to transport riders to downtown Winslow. During the short trip, the drivers share information about local businesses and island history. Supported by sponsorships from local businesses, Jack Flash serves as a green initiative that helps keep Bainbridge bustling while serving as a rolling classroom, where students learn the ropes of entrepreneurship.

Although the shuttles are complimentary, riders can tip drivers for great service. The carts run consistently from July 4 through Labor Day, and after school gets back in session, on weekends in September and into October, weather permitting. The service can also be reserved for private parties and events year-round.

Jack Flash is named in honor of Jack Niehaus, who created a similar service from the ferry to Winslow. Sadly, he recently died in an accident, but a local family and enterprising high school students stepped up. “We saw a great opportunity to support our community, help kids get entrepreneurial experience, and continue on the legacy of an impactful young man,” said Nicole Williams. “The support from the businesses, the greater community has been so great. I’m hopeful that we can continue to build something that is beneficial to everyone.”

“I was given the opportunity to help start the business, and it’s been incredibly rewarding,” said Nic McGill, one of Jack Flash’s young drivers. Student Maia Greiwe concurred: “Business ownership is accessible. Seeing little ideas grow into something big has been inspiring.”

Holley McFadden, another driver, recalled how rewarding it was to give a ride to a gentleman who required wheelchair assistance. “I’ve learned a lot about promoting new businesses and the cost of operations—it’s been a real eye-opener,” she said. “This is more than just a shuttle. It’s a growing symbol of what happens when a community comes together to support its youth, its businesses and its shared future.”

Plus, it’s fun.

“I feel a little bit like a parade float making people’s days a little bit brighter.”

BY ELLE SCHUCHMAN

PHOTO BY ANNA CARSON

We’re all beautiful.

INJECTOR

|

I’m here to help you rediscover you . . . with a focus on enhancing your natural beauty.

Teri Scott Nurse Practitioner

Injector | Educator | Trainer

Trusted and locally-grown, providing care since 2016. Offering a conservative approach to treatment.

injectables | laser resurfacing | skin revision bioidentical hormone optimization

kristi.nelson@rsir.com |

BY JEFF FRAGA

Bruciato

Why are you cutting pizza with scissors?

The simple answer: That’s how they do it in Naples. The more complicated answer? That’s how they do it in Naples.

Brendan McGill, who owns the Neapolitan-style Bruciato on Winslow Way, knows this because he and his pizzaiolo—a chef who specializes in making pizzas—each spent two weeks at Dal Presidente, arguably Naples’ most famous pizzeria, learning from the masters. “We really got to see how they make the world’s best Neapolitan pizzas,” said McGill. “And we’ve translated that to Bruciato.”

McGill and James Reithmeier, Bruciato’s chef de cuisine, also got thorough workouts with Dal Presidente’s Stefano Ferrara pizza ovens—the same kind that’s used at Bruciato. “It’s pretty well established that Stefano is the world’s

premier pizza oven maker,” noted McGill. The ovens are made by hand according to the ancient Neapolitan artisan tradition and can withstand the temperatures typical of Neapolitan pizza—from 700 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks to this extremely hot oven, it only takes 90 seconds to cook a perfect Neapolitan pizza.

It doesn’t take much longer than that to eat one— especially the Margherita, with its simple but flavorful combination of pomodoro, mozzarella, olive oil, basil and grana padano. It’s Bruciato’s most-ordered pizza. Now about those scissors. “Neapolitans really do use them to cut their pizzas,” said McGill. And, thanks to Bruciato, so can you.

Bruciato, 236 Winslow Way East 206-201-3462

PHOTOS BY DINAH SATTERWHITE

feast on this

Bene

It’s all about creating that magic

Drew Bateman learned the restaurant business from the inside out. “I worked at Mor Mor in Poulsbo, Greenliglht Diner and Agate Pass Café,” he said. “Among others.” Then he and a business partner moved Agate to Bainbridge Island. That partnership didn’t work out and Bateman and his wife, Jillian, took over Bene in 2017.

He said that in each of those different restaurants, he learned the importance of the staff in creating a memorable experience. “If that first experience is exciting and amazing and incredible, then you’re going back there every time, hoping that you can get a little bit of that magic again,” said Bateman.

Even though Bene can be thought of as a pizza place, it’s really more of a restaurant that serves pizza. “We offer pastas, salads, small plates, and desserts—in addition to more than 15 pizzas,” he said. Two of those pizzas are unique to Bene. “Our gorgonzola & pear pizza combines olive oil, mozzarella, caramelized onion, pear,

candied walnuts and gorgonzola cheese,” said Bateman, “while our vegetarian pizza was a true collaboration between a server and the chef.”

The result is Steph’s Veg, which features olive oil, roasted garlic, caramelized onion, portobello mushrooms, spinach, grape tomatoes, balsamic drizzle and fresh basil (with or without cheese).

Bene doesn’t have inside seating—“which is fine for most of spring and summer through early fall,” said Bateman. “And of course, you can always get it to go.”

Either way, that special feeling you’re experiencing?

That’s the magic of Bene.

Bene, 937 Hildebrand Lane NE, Suite 104 206-855-2895

Commuter Comforts

Making commuters comfortable since 1992.

There’s nothing like settling in on the ferry with your favorite beverage and a delicious snack as gulls wheel outside the window and the Seattle skyline comes into view.

Commuter Comforts understands that feeling. “Our business is built on three core values;” said co-owner Lisa Alfieri, “serving exceptional coffee and food, providing excellent customer service, and doing it all as fast as possible.”

“We now have three ways to deliver on those core values: the Original Coffee Stand, just outside the terminal, Commuter Comforts Express across from the car lanes, and now Commuter Comforts Terminal Takeaway & Bar inside the ferry terminal,” said Alfieri, who has owned the company with Carol Jelinek and

Don Riddell since 2018. “This newest location offers a full bar and an all-day menu of fresh, in-house specialties for dine-in or takeaway.”

These locations have one thing in common besides coffee. “We are constantly watching the ferry schedule to make sure we can get our customers on their boat,” said Alfieri. “We have customers who have their commute planned down to the second, knowing they can get their coffee from us quickly.”

But there are times when a customer’s plans go awry and they don’t have time to stop. “We have been known to run their coffee to them on the walkway and tell them to pay for it next time so they can catch the ferry,” said Alfieri.

Now that’s Commuter Comforts’ core values in action.

Commuter Comforts,

fall

1. After Party: Warren Dunes

Seattle trio Warren Dunes’ debut EP was featured as one of KEXP’s top 20 albums of the year in 2021. Now, the beach rock group is on tour for their latest album, Aquamarine. Playful, hopeful and quirky, their music promises a fitting farewell to a PNW summer. September 6, 8 p.m. biartmuseum.org

2. Psycho Sushi at Fletcher Bay Winery

One of the Rock’s grooviest, most danceable acts will be wrapping up Fletcher Bay Winery’s rooftop summer concert series. Enjoy wine, beer, views and funky tunes. September 8, 5-7 p.m. fletcherbaywinery.com

3. That Ribbon of Highway: Woody Guthrie in the Pacific Northwest”

Dive into Pacific Northwest musical history with Joel Underwood. A former high school history teacher turned Woody Guthrie scholar, Underwood tours the U.S. as a musician, actor and educator sharing Guthrie’s songs and the stories behind them. Underwood’s performance at BPA will focus on Guthrie’s time on the Columbia River.

September 13, 7:30 p.m., BPA Cynthia Sears Studio bainbridgeperformingarts.org

4. Roundabout Trio at Marketplace

The Roundabout Trio offers a variety of styles, including swing, blues, bossa and a little bit of rock. Check your opinions on BI’s most recent traffic circle at the door and enjoy a pleasant, dynamic evening of music.

September 13, 7-9 p.m pleasantbeachvillage.com

5. Winney Farm Fall festival

Winney Farm’s Fall Festival is back this year with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, farm animals and live music. Food will also be available as well as kid-friendly activities and an adultfriendly beer garden.

September 28, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. winneyfarm.com

6. Manhattan Short Film Festival

7. Mindfulness Meditation & Poetry at Bloedel

Visitors to Bloedel have marveled at the property’s peaceful and picturesque Japanese Guesthouse. Now, a meditation and mindfulness program allows guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the house’s tranquil interior. Sessions have included seated mindfulness meditation as well as poetry, and tickets can be purchased 3 to 4 weeks in advance.

First Wednesdays of the month, 10:15-11 a.m. biparks.org

8. Wednesday Pinball Tournament

Looking for a new indoor sport?

All ages and experience levels are welcome at Bainbridge Brewing’s weekly pinball tournaments. Games will follow IFPA—that is, International Flipper Pinball Association—rules.

Weekly on Wednesday, sign-up at 6:15 p.m. bainbridgepinball.com

9.

Farmers’ Market

Bask in the bounty of Bainbridge’s fall harvest at the local farmers’ market. With a bevy of food vendors, you can also make it a lunch date (weather permitting). Area artisans’ wares make for unique, thoughtful gifts.

No need to travel all the way to a major metropolitan hub to see some of this year’s most captivating short films. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art will screen Manhattan Short Film Festival’s 2024 selection, and attendees will get a chance to vote on their favorites. Tickets available online.

September 27 - September 29, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. biartmuseum.org

Saturdays through the end of November, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. bainbridgeislandfarmersmarket.com

10. Pumpkin Walk

The Bainbridge Gardens Pumpkin Walk will last the entire month of October. Wander along the charming forest trail lined with painted, festive pumpkins (and even add a pumpkin of your own). Some Saturdays will feature fare from local food trucks, such as Uncle Sassy’s Rollin’ Fire, Sauced and Puget Sound Pizza. October, Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m.5:30 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. bainbridgegardens.com

Well Heeled in focus

Tina Raymond, founder of the aptly named South End Dog Walker, accidently fell into the business when she agreed to foster Hendrix the Doberman for a couple of days. Her kids fell in love with Hendrix, cementing his presence in the family, but, like many of us, Hendrix had some behavioral issues. To work on his manners (and to burn off a bit of his excess energy) Raymond began taking him for a daily walk. Neighbors took notice and asked Raymond to walk their dogs, too. Before she knew it, her dog walking gig had snowballed into sauntering around the rock with a seemingly unmanageable 14 to 16 dogs.

Raymond and her charges find the scenic, loopy walks to be transformative and calming. She pointed out that dogs are pack animals and described herself as their leader. “Walking isn’t something that’s super exciting. It is kind of meditative,” she said. “Even though they’re looking at different animals and every once in a while we have the excitement of a coyote, deer, otter or

bird, I’m the one leading, so they don’t have to worry about that. They’re off duty and they get to just walk along.”

BY ELLE SCHUCHMAN

BY AMY PINKER

As demand grew, Raymond transitioned from just walking to providing a full-fledged doggy daycare, offering the dogs not just exercise, but also a structured environment for socialization and play. Their day begins around 9 a.m., with a three-hour walk, following which they return to Raymond’s yard for shaded relaxation and play, which she stated is especially important during hot summer days.

Raymond said that walking with her pack is a great ice-breaker and has sparked brief but meaningful conversations with a wide spectrum of passersby, ranging from kids in strollers to older residents out and about with their caregivers.

“Instead of going to the coffee shop,” she said, “I’m in the park meeting people.”

PHOTO

{weissinger}