Filipino officers are installed

The Filipino American Community of Bainbridge Island has announced new officers for 2004-06. Officers include:

Rudy Rimando, president; Felix Narte, first vice-president; Virgil Valdez, second vice-president; Myrna Nelson, secretary; Monina Hernandez, treasurer; Feling Berganio, assistant treasurer.

An installation dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Filipino American Community Hall on High School Road. The dinner is open to the public, and there is no charge. Information: Anita C. Marquez, 842-1538.

Post offers Blue Star Banners

About a dozen homes now have a Blue Star Service Banner displayed in their front windows.

Created in 1917, Blue Star Service Banners were a common sight during both world wars.

Resurrected by the American Legion in 2001, the banner is displayed to show that a family member is currently serving in the U.S. armed forces. Each star on a banner represents one family member.

Colin Hyde Post No. 172 of the American Legion has been providing families on Bainbridge Island with banners if they have a family member on active duty.

The post is presenting the banners to island families at no cost, but will accept any donations to offset the $8 cost.

Families with members on active duty can get a banner by calling at 842-5000, and leaving a contact name and phone number.

“The response from families has been really touching,” said Bill Beck, banner chairman for the post. “To see and hear the pride in their service member when they come back and tell me they have hung the banner in their window is incredibly moving.”

‘Academy’ is filling up

Spaces are going fast in the first-ever “Citizen Academy” sponsored by Bainbridge Police.

The 10-week course will give the average citizen a better understanding of policing, and build rapport between the community and the department, police say. Classes will examine SWAT tactics, narcotics investigations, criminal law, firearms and traffic enforcement.

Participants will tour the Kitsap County Jail and Cencom 911 dispatch center, and do a “ridealong” with a Bainbridge Police officer.

Class size is limited to 20 persons; applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a minor background check. Classes will run 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday beginning March 16 through the end of May.

Brochures and applications are available at the department, and are due by Feb. 13. Information: Officer Carla Masotti, 842-5211.