Farmers’Market opens for 2010 season
The community’s perennial favorite, Bainbridge Island Farmers’ Market, reopens for the 2010 season from 9 a.m-1 p.m. Saturday, April 10 in Town Square between City Hall and BPA.
Festivities are planned to kick off the new season, including the traditional toss of the Ceremonial Goat Cheese from Port Madison Farm, free horse-and-wagon rides, drawings for goods from the market and live music.
As always, the market will have an abundance of locally grown produce, plants, flowers, eggs, honey and wine, as well as artisan crafts, including wearables and jewelry, art glass, woodcraft, metalcraft and garden art, paintings and pottery from more than 40 vendors.
BITV’s John Haydon, aka Police Blotter Guy, will throw the first pitch, er, batch of goat cheese. Whoever catches the cheese will win a market basket and coupons redeemable for goods donated by market vendors.
Chele’s Kitchen will provide live music — and at noon, animal trainer Jeannie Passmore, Icey-the-miniature-horse and JJ-the-Scottie will put on a show of amazing pet tricks.
Copies of the colorful 2010 poster, designed by islander artist, photographer, musician and market vendor Ian Turner, will be available for sale at the market.
Short and sweet
Bring your single very best haiku about the Farmers’ Market to the market on April 24 and receive a market buck coupon redeemable for $2 in goods from any market vendor. Your poem may even be printed in an upcoming market e-newsletter.
For more information abou the Farmers’ Market, visit www.bainbridgefarmersmarket.com.
Old friend of Bainbridge farms gets a new name
You are probably familiar with the Bainbridge nonprofit Trust for Working Landscapes. What you might not know is the advocate for local agriculture is changing its name to something a little easier on the tongue: Friends of the Farms.
Though the name is changing, the group’s mission is not, said board vice-president Christy Carr. It’s still ensuring availability of farmland on Bainbridge.
The 10-year-old nonprofit manages the 60 acres of the island’s public farmland, puts on the annual Harvest Fair at Johnson Farm and works with Global Source Education to ensure the next generation understands the connections between food, farming and culture.
For Betsey Wittick, owner of Laughing Crow Farms and Friends board member, a diverse, resilient food system is a counter to corporate agriculture.
“To become of a place one has to eat of it. Most people are from California or South America, on a cellular level. Even their water is shipped in from somewhere,” she said.
“People are missing that connection to their place; they are yearning for rootedness,” she said.
Over the last few years, the group has seen an increase in people interested in eating local, and even being part of growing their own food as part of P-patches sprouting up on the island.
A tour of Morales Farm is available at 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays. For more information, visit www.friendsofthefarms.org.
Get your hands dirty
Friends of the Farms, formerly Trust for Working Landscapes, will be hosting a volunteer work party from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 10 at the Morales Farm. Work continues on reconstruction of the public greenhouse. This is a fun way to get out on the farm, learn about local food and farming, and lend a hand in making a community project happen. Morales Farm is on the northeast corner of State Route 305 and Lovgreen Road. For more information, call Bart Berg at 380-5327 or visit www.friendsofthefarms.org.
Garden Fair
Anne Lovejoy and Kathy Morse will share garden information at the Garden Fair from noon to 3 p.m. April 11 at the Bainbridge Island Grange, 10340 Madison Ave. For more information, call 842-4051 or email steins@bainbridge.net.
Garden Fair cultivates Grange renewal
The Bainbridge Island Grange is doing a little more than spring cleaning this April. The new board of the 80-year-old landmark on Madison Avenue is “eager to refurbish the historic building, clean up the grounds and plant a community garden,” according to Sallie Maron.
Ann Lovejoy and Kathy Morse are headlining a Garden Fair at the Bainbridge Island Grange from noon to 3 p.m. April 11 which doubles as a pass-the-hat benefit for the Grange.
Each of these well-known local gardeners will present information about getting a vegetable garden started, and will be available for questions throughout the Fair. Lovejoy and Morse will discuss beginning gardening, planning a garden, building raised beds, and planting vegetables.
This is the first event sponsored by a new board that is intent on fostering a ‘progressive’ Grange organization on Bainbridge, said Maron. The barn-like Grange Hall is a landmark on Madison Avenue and has long been used for meetings and other events. Established in 1930, the Bainbridge Island Grange is part of The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, a fraternal organization for American farmers and community service.
The new board is excited about reclaiming the Grange’s “history of dedication to agriculture while recognizing locally grown foods at its heart,” said John Steiner, board secretary.
Bainbridge vintners pop their corks
Bainbridge Island winemakers open their gates this weekend from noon to 5 p.m. as a preview for the Bainbridge Uncorked event on April 24.
April 10-11 is one of the select weekends throughout the year the associated wineries of Bainbridge Island open their doors to the public. Learn from the winemakers themselves. Taste classic wines from Eastern Washington grapes, as well as new island favorites.
This opening is a preview to the winetasting event, “Bainbridge Uncorked!” which will be from 5-8 p.m. April 24 in a waterfront wine tent at the end of Madison Avenue, just south of Winslow Way (close to Doc’s Marina Grill).
Celebrate new releases from the winemakers of Bainbridge Island, including wine from seven local wineries, good things to eat, live music, and, according to organizers, possible mermaid appearances.
Admission includes eight pours, food from Doc’s, and the chance to talk shop with local winemakers.
No one under 21 years old will be admitted.
This is the preview event of the fall Island Wine Weekend festival. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association.
Price is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information, visit www.islandwineweekend.com or call (206) 679-0680.
For a complete list of Bainbridge Island Earth Day events, visit www.sustainablebainbridge.org.
(*=Events geared to young children.)
Sustainable First Monday
“Waste Is a Resource Out Of Place” is 7-9 p.m. April 5 at Bainbridge Commons, 370 Brien Drive (next to Senior Center. Information: info@sustainablebainbridge.net.
Bainbridge Island Farmers’ Market
Celebrate the kick-off of the 2010 season from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 10 at Town Square/City Hall Park. Buy fresh, locally grown vegetables, flowers and plants, and locally made specialty foods, arts and crafts. Info: www.bainbridgefarmersmarket.com.
* Grange Garden Fair
The Garden Fair, from noon – 3 p.m. April 11 at the Bainbridge Island Grange, 10340 Madison Ave., features Ann Lovejoy and Kathy Morse. Exhibits and demonstrations, including a worm-bin composting demonstration at 1 p.m. Kids very welcome. Info: Call John at 842-4051.
“Paths Less Traveled” by Ian Bentryn
Local writer and naturalist, Ian Bentryn will read selected essays originally published in the Bainbridge Review, at 6:45 p.m. April 13 at Grace Church, 8595 NE Day Rd. Before the presentation, enjoy a taste of wine, courtesy of Bainbridge Island Vineyard and Winery, crackers and cheese. Info: mlagerloef@seanet.com or www.gracehere.org.
Community Energy Forum
Community Energy Solutions brings together educators, clean energy professionals, energy efficiency service providers, policy makers, and the general public to explore opportunities and discuss positive power solutions from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 17 at Bainbridge High School Commons. Presentations, discussions, and exhibits. Info: www.cenergysolutions.org.
Sunday Earth Service
Service starts at 9:30 a.m. April 18 at Grace Episcopal Church, 8595 NE Day Rd. All are welcome! Info: mlagerloef@seanet.com or www.gracehere.org.
*Enviropalooza
The third annual celebration of National Environmental Education Week and Earth Day is from noon- 4 p.m. April 18 at IslandWood, 4450 Blakely Ave. An afternoon of family fun focused on the wonderful natural world we live in. Pacific Science Center’s Science On Wheels program joins us for the day and families can participate in The Dow Live Earth Walk for Water. Free; suggested donation – $5 per family. Info: and registration: www.islandwood.org.
* Recycled Crafts
Transform trash into treasure from 3:30-4:30 p.m. April 22 at the library. Ages 8 and up. Info: www.krl.org or 842-4162.
Bainbridge Island Green Drinks
What happens when people from nonprofits, business, education, government, faith groups and the community, who care about the environment and creating sustainable, vibrant community, get together? We’ll find out! Join us for a very informal gathering with local snacks and wine from 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 23 at the library. Email kmgjovik@aol.com. For information about this international phenomenon called Green Drinks: www.greendrinks.org.
BI Land Trust Native Plant Sale
Join this Earth Day tradition from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 24 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, 105 Winslow Way W. Pre-order native trees, shrubs, and groundcovers by April 7th or come by the day of sale. Whether you pre-order for pick-up on the 24th or buy directly the day of sale, your purchase supports the work of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust. Info: www.bi-landtrust.org or 842-1216.
T&C 11th Annual Earth Day Fair
Join Town & Country for its annual Earth Day Community Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 24 in the market’s north parking lot, featuring exhibits from numerous local environmental groups, activities for kids, a Zero Waste grilled salmon lunch and more. Info: Call 842-3848 or visit www.townandcountrymarkets.com.
West Sound Wildlife Shelter auction
The sixth annual West Sound Wildlife Shelter Gala Auction and Earth Day Celebration “Call To the Wild,” is from 5-9:30 p.m. April 24 at the Kiana Lodge, Suquamish. Join the fun and benefit the Wildlife Shelter by bidding on experiences, artwork, certificates and more, the auction also offers wildlife and eco-adventures. Info: www.westsoundwildlife.org or elsa@westsoundwildlife.org or call 855-9057 ext 5.
