Great Give
The Kitsap Great Give is April 11, but early donations are underway.
Kitsap Community Foundation and United Way of Kitsap County are putting on the 10th annual event, which has raised more than $14 million in community support from nearly 70,000 donations since 2014.
Donations support county nonprofits. Go to kitsapgreatgive.org and you can choose a cause to donate to or make a general donation. The average donation is $170, but any amount is accepted.
Causes include: Animals, arts and culture, basic needs, community improvement, education, environment, health, human services and youth development.
Bonus funds are given by sponsors on donations given on April 11.
Climate Smart
Climate Smart Bainbridge events will take place this spring. The events support Bainbridge Island’s Climate Action Plan.
April 12: Climate Smart Cooking Demo, 6-7:30 p.m., BARN: Join Nancy Travis, vegan consultant, at this free “Climate Smart in the Kitchen” cooking demonstration.
May 11: Saving Energy, 5-6 p.m. May 11: Puget Sound Energy will explain how to reduce home energy use, and a new energy-efficiency program called Peak Energy Rewards where participants receive $75 annually and will be eligible for higher rebates on heating equipment, weatherization and more.
May 20: Kitsap Electric Vehicle and Bike Expo, May 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Woodward Middle School: Learn about electric transportation options. Hear presentations by experts, talk with owners of electric vehicles and bikes, take a test drive, enjoy live music and more.
Styrofoam recycle
It’s always a struggle trying to find a way to get rid of styrofoam. And the more we use Amazon the more it piles up.
Kitsap County Solid Waste Division and DTG Recycle are having a Styrofoam and Mattress Recycling event April 15. It will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kitsap Fairgrounds, 1200 Fairgrounds Road NW in Silverdale.
BI charging stations
Bainbridge Island plans in April to put two electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot at City Hall.
Two of the ports will be available for the public, with the other two available for a new vehicle share program.
Cost to the city is about $40,000, city manager Blair King said in his weekly video. A ribbon cutting will take place in May.
Substation work
Upgrades to the Port Madison Substation will begin in late April, a Puget Sound Energy news release says.
All three substations on Bainbridge Island will be upgraded over the next few years. The goal is to improve electric reliability and capacity. Aging equipment also will be replaced.
Work at the substation in Port Madison will continue until fall. Traffic will be impacted at times. And some trees will be trimmed along existing power lines that feed the substation from across Agate Bridge.
Earth Day Expo
Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation District is hosting an Earth Day Expo April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Battle Point Park.
Learn to identify and pull invasive weeds, and take part in dozens of nature-focused activities. Visit with local businesses and organizations to learn what earth-friendly offerings they have. There will be food vendors, live music and an owl.
Admission is free, and parking is available onsite.
Solar grants
The Suquamish Tribe and Fishline Food Bank and Comprehensive Services each have received solar installation grants from Puget Sound Energy.
PSE granted almost $754,000 to 10 recipients, including nonprofits and tribal entities serving low-income and Black, Indigenous and People of Color community members. The grants will help recipients save money on utilities, along with providing clean energy for the future.
BI storm ready
The National Weather Service has recognized Bainbridge Island as being a “StormReady Community.”
That is a nationwide program designed to help communities develop plans to handle all types of severe weather.
To qualify, BI has to have: a 24/7 warning point and Emergency Operations Center; ways to receive warnings and alert employees; a system to monitor local weather; a plan to promote weather awareness through seminars; and a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training employees and holding emergency exercises.
“Preparedness saves lives,” said Anne LeSage, the city’s emergency management coordinator.
City manager Blair King added BI also has a goal of becoming TsunamiReady, “to help minimize our losses.”
Farmers market
The Bainbridge Island Farmers Market is back in business Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Now in its 44th year, the market between City Hall and the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center features farmers, crafters, processors and concessionaires.
The market opened recently with 25 vendors in the 40 spots available, along with mountain music performed by Mick Radichel of Grit City Pickers. Participants included Raquels Farmstand, Foggy Hog Farm, Finnriver Farm and Cidery, Farmhouse Organics, Central Valley Nursery, Butler Green Organics and Bainbridge Vineyards.
For details email bainbridgefarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Weed pull
Volunteers are sought for a Strawberry Plant Weed Pull from 2-4 p.m. April 7 at Eagle Harbor Road at the end of Weaver Road.
Bring gloves, pruners, loppers and/or a shovel if you have them. Some will be available. Park on Shepherd Way Northwest, a Weed Warriors news release says.
RSVP to jfranks1@comcast.net
Weed Warriors is a volunteer coalition of amateur and professional gardeners and environmental activists. Its goal is to participate in at least one action and/or educational event a month focused on removal of noxious weeds and restoration of native plants.
