Something to Talk About

Amy Brooks, a local historical preservationist and active member of the Elizabeth Ellington Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution based in Bremerton, shares the story of Nathaniel Sargent—a man born into slavery in Kentucky who later moved to Kitsap County in 1882, where he built a life as a rancher and logger, and became one of Kitsap’s first Black elected officials.

Misty Mountford completes her weeklong visit with us with a discussion of an advisory group that’s part of Bainbridge Prepares. Misty is chairing BP’s “Access and Functional Needs” working group. The group works to ensure that vulnerable populations – including the elderly, individuals with low income, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness – are considered in the planning for disaster preparedness. BP website: https://www.bainbridgeprepares.org/afn

Misty Mountford, our guest this week, talks about her involvement in a group called "Dementia Friends," which supports people with memory loss. She's joined by Lena Wilson of BISCC, to also discuss "Memory Cafes," a new collaborative outreach that starts May 15!

The Independent Living at Home program works with older adults, people with disabilities, and those coming home to rehab to maintain their independence. Misty Mountford, who directs the program, explains how she assesses the home environment and perform modifications and repairs to make it more functional and safe. Related link: https://www.housingresourcesbi.org/

The city of Bainbridge Island's public works director joins us for a valedictory chat as he prepares to leave his role with the city for a job with Sound Transit.

Doug Pagitt, an author, social activist, pastor, and executive director of Vote Common Good talks about how the political scene, Christian Nationalism, and the importance of reclaiming the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Related links: https://votecommongood.com Goodness, a journal: https://www.votecommongood.com/goodness/

Dana Lyons, most famous for his novelty hit “Cows With Guns,” actually has an amazing career of environmental justice and social activism. He’ll be headlining a gathering at the Historic Lynwood Theatre on May 16 at noon. We learn about Dana’s life’s work, and what to expect in the upcoming get-together with Standing Together B.I. organizer Kathryn Lafond. Related links https://www.youtube.com/@cowswithgunsguy https://standingtogetherbi.org

April is National Poetry Month, and the Bainbridge Island Photo Club is celebrating by participating in Ars Poetica Washington. Poems and accompanying photographs are on display during April and May in the Senior Center lobby. In this podcast we hear from some of the poets and photographers. (Part Two is coming May 20). Related link to online gallery: https://biseniorcenter.org/art-gallery/bi-photo-april-2026/

Amy Brooks of the Kitsap chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) talks about the group and its project to restore the Seabeck Cemetery. If you would like to follow the Seabeck Cemetery page, search for "Seabeck Cemetery Restoration Project" on Facebook. Here is the DAR commercial on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RfZGhhBtiQI?si=SJQpI5rwwZgsW0KE

The Islander Mobile Home Park is a resident-owned co-op tucked behind City Hall and Bainbridge Performing Arts. The “Trailer Park” is a group of longtime locals, fixed-income seniors, and working families. Learn about the park, and about its current funding challenge, in this podcast. Related link: https://savethetrailerpark.com

David served as executive director for the Northwest Policy Center at the University of Washington and, as senior lecturer, taught policy analysis for many years at the Evans School. This month: the war in Iran, a look at state legislatures and the US Congress, and the status of the upcoming midterms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our local nonprofits are joining in this national celebration of handcraft art. Learn about all that's happening from Greg Robinson, Chief Curator at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and from BARN, Betsy Hagestedt, Program Manager and Abby Wyatt, Marketing Manager. Related links: https://www.biartmuseum.org/exhibitions/#future-exhibitions; https://bainbridgebarn.org/about/annual-events/handwork2026/

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

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

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

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

Islander Nancy Soulé is a singer, wardrobe designer — with experience entertaining cruise ship passengers since 2011. And now she’s sharing that experience with others as a writer — with three books to her name to help demystify the world afloat for folks who might want to get involved. Related links: Contact: http://Nancysoule.net for all book info and free downloads; https://NotesThatFloat.net for musician contact info and free downloads Direct email: 1nancysoule [at] gmail [dot]com for questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Director Michael Murphy and Producer Cilista Eberle join us to preview a special showing of “Up From the Streets” set for Jan. 9 at the Historic Lynwood Theatre, to be followed by a Jan. 10 New Orleans-inspired performance from The Real Lady A. http https://www.farawayentertainment.com/

The founder and executive director of the Northwest Policy Center at the University of Washington analyzes the current political scene. Follow David's blog at https://ourunfinishedwork.blogspot.com/

Multifaceted performer and philanthropic producer Stephanie Reese, vice president of Bainbridge Arts & Humanities, shares stories of her career, her interest in stepping beyond culturally limiting roles, and her charitable work. Her annual Gift of Giving is coming up Dec. 19. Register here: https://givebutter.com/c/74PvVU

Many families find considering hospice at the end of life to be one of their hardest decisions to make. Candace Meadows of Shalom Hospice of Puget Sound talks to us about what hospice is and why it's an important health care option.

The Talking Book library provides audiobooks and braille materials for Washington residents who cannot read standard print. Librarian and Director Danielle Miller tells us how we can access these valuable services. Phone: 206-615-0400 Email: [email protected]

Stella Ley and Len Beil ... and some members of the Wacky Nut Community Garden ... share insights about the community that's grown in this special property above Rockaway Beach. Related links: https://wackynutgarden.com

The city recently received a peer review of the Groundwater Management Plan. We check in with some scientists who’ve been watching the assessment of groundwater to learn what the report found, what questions are still open. Related: City documentation https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/1320/Groundwater-Management-Plan

Learn about KC Help, a program that offers free use of hospital equipment. With distribution centers in Bremerton and Bainbridge Island, this service from Knights of Columbus provides support for people in need—and there’s no income qualification. Related link: https://kchelpkitsap.org

David Harrison, founder of the Evans School of Public Policy at the University of Washington, analyzes politics monthly. In this session, a review of the recent elections and discussion of cases before the US Supreme Court. David's blog: https://ourunfinishedwork.blogspot.com

Paul Brians shares close-up photographs of the smaller plants and flowers of one of Bainbridge Island's most popular parks. Slideshow posted here: https://biseniorcenter.org/art-gallery/biphoto-november-2025/

Washington state became the first place in the world to legalize this form of environmental end of life care in 2019. We learn about this natural soil transformation process and why families are choosing this option for final disposition of human remains.

Island resident Stacy Hemingway talks with us about her awareness of her body and movement led her to develop what she's termed the Conscious Classroom curriculum. https://consciousclassroom.com

Jim Hopper, the director of the Bainbridge Community Foundation, walks through Donor-Advised Funds, Qualified Charitable Distributions for IRAs, and "Above the Line" donations. More info: https://bainbridgecf.org

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) community celebration is coming up Nov. 1. We get an update from Alice Mendoza, Araceli Cruz, and Jenna d'Anna.