Ferries meet bikers, walkers

Top ferry system officials will discuss bicycle and pedestrian issues at a forum sponsored by Squeaky Wheels on Thursday.

Washington State Ferries’ chief Mike Anderson, and WSF Port Captain Pete Williams will discuss a broad range of issues related to non-motorized transportation access and service.

“Bike usage on the ferries continues to rise each year, even as the number of walk-on passengers and cars using the ferries decline, as they have recently,” said Squeaky Wheels president Dana Berg. “On peak-hour services it is often difficult to for bicyclists to properly and safely store their bikes on the ferries. As the ferry service moves forward with its revamping of the Bainbridge Island terminal there are also important decisions being made that could have long-term effects on ease of access and egress from the ferry terminal.”

Berg said Thursday’s forum is rare opportunity for residents to talk directly with ferry officials about non-motorized transportation issues and see a prototype onboard ferry bike rack.

The forum, which will be moderated by Squeaky Wheels board member Gordon Black, is at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church. Details are on the Squeaky Wheels website, www.squeakywheels.org.

Sportsmen help relief

The annual Seafood Dinner at the Bainbridge Island Sportsmen’s Club is known for having good food. This year, it was for a good cause.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, members were looking for a way to help out with the recovery effort. Using the dinner as a fundraiser, nearly $1,000 was collected for the Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Employee Assistance Fund. This fund will help aid state Fish and Game agents and employees who lost their homes to the hurricane.

The dinner was held Oct. 8, with more than 50 sportsmen in attendance.

Frame earns business award

Carolyn Frame of CFA NW Mortgage Professionals has been awarded the Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year Award winner for 2005.

The Cashman Award, first presented 23 years ago, is given annually to a Puget Sound-area woman entrepreneur who shows leadership in business and in her community.

The award is named for a 19th century pioneer “whose hard work alongside her male counterparts and determined spirit during early gold rush days helped forge Seattle into the thriving city it has become.”