REVIEW BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
AMONG THE BEST: Bainbridge rowers make their mark at Nationals. A13
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013 | Vol. 113, No. 24 | WWW.BAINBRIDGEREVIEW.COM | 75¢
HATS OFF TO THE SPARTANS Class of 2013 says farewell to Bainbridge High
BY BRIAN KELLY Bainbridge Island Review
Incoming Bainbridge Island Police Chief Matthew Hamner has already learned one big lesson about the island. There’s no such thing as a quick trip to the grocery store. Hamner arrived on Bainbridge late last week with his family, and said he was expecting to use this week easing into his new role as the city’s top cop. Monday marked Hamner’s first day on the job, and his official swearingin ceremony has been planned for June 20 at city hall. Bainbridge has been very hospitable, Hamner said last week. He discovered that during his first visit to the island — when he came to interview for the vacant post and was selected from a field of five finalists — it was
BY RICHARD D. OXLEY Bainbridge Island Review
Bainbridge High School senior Nate Greason looked over an audience of fellow graduates, family members and a sea of other friendly faces and began a history lesson. “In 1533 Catherine de’ Medici traveled to France to marry King Henry II,” he More inside began. “In Turn to A18her youthful A19 for more ignorance she scenes from had no idea she graduation. was stepping into a life of cutthroat political intrigue and brutal betrayal.” The crowd draped in blue gowns slightly giggled, yet wore a variety of perplexed expressions as Greason continued to note other past misfortunes; Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s political blunder of declaring peace with Germany before World War II, Elvis Presley dying on a toilet, the 1999 riot in Seattle at the World Trade Organization’s millennial meeting. “Finally, on June 8, 2013, over 350 high school seniors along with family and community members gather at Bainbridge High School,” Greason said with a grin. “They gathered to celebrate graduation and the beginning of their lives after high school.” The audience erupted into laugh-
New chief takes over on Bainbridge underscored during a subsequent visit to Bainbridge last month. “Bainbridge Island has been so welcoming; everybody, from the city government, to the citizens, to the officers and everybody I meet,” he said. Hamner recalled a visit to Town & Country, where a clerk at the Winslow grocery noticed his outof-state identification. That inspired a discusM. Hamner sion about Bainbridge, and it was just what the city’s new chief wanted to hear. Hamner said he’s eager to listen, and hopes to have SEE CHIEF, A8
Art museum opens with events galore Richard D. Oxley / Bainbridge Island Review
With his diploma in hand, Paimon Jaberi gives a high-five to fellow Spartan graduate Spencer Hogger at Bainbridge High School’s graduation ceremony on Saturday. At top and below, graduates show their creativity atop their caps. ter at the association. But Greason’s message wasn’t one of a bleak, dismal outlook. Rather, he turned the spirit around stating that
even in the worst times in history, “relentless, burning passion” makes an impact. SEE SPARTANS, A25
BY CECILIA GARZA Bainbridge Island Review
The grand opening of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art promises to be an allday celebration with music, speakers, and of course, art. It all starts Friday, June 14. The day’s open house will feature eight musical performances starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 7 p.m. Speakers at the ribbon-cutting will include such figures as the building’s architect Matthew Coates and State Rep. Drew Hansen. “There is something about
a museum that lends respect and importance to what’s in it,” said islander and artist Barbara Helen Berger. Berger’s 40-year collection of art and sculptures, which has been titled “Vision Revealed” by the museum, is just one of the exhibits that will be featured on opening day. “(The museum) will shine light on the wonderful artists (in the West Sound),” she said. And to begin the celebration of the art and artists SEE MUSEUM, A20