March General Meeting

Thursday 20th

Mary Lou Sanelli

IN SO MANY WORDS

After having to cancel our October meeting, we are so fortunate our beloved local author, Mary Lou Sanelli, was able to reschedule her visit to March. In her latest book, In So Many Words: Three Years, Two Months, One Me, she explores the ups and downs of daily life in the Pacific Northwest. These essays about situations and topics familiar to us all are compelling, boldly honest, deeply compassionate and often humorous. Mary Lou’s humanity, authenticity and the warmth of her style make her experiences so relatable they become our own.

Mary Lou’s previous books include poetry, fiction, non-fiction and a children’s book, Bella Likes to Try. Every Little Thing, published in 2021, was nominated for the 2022 Washington State Book Award, and In So Many Words has been nominated for a 2025 Pacific Northwest Book Award. Her essays have aired on Weekend Edition, NPR and other public radio stations. Mary Lou also works as a journalist, speaker and master dance teacher.

She is a delightful, enthusiastic and entertaining presenter you won’t want to miss!

ACTIVITIES

Join the Fun !!!

Our selection of activities continues to grow.

Members have shown interest in starting 3 NEW ACTIVITY GROUPS:

Writing Group
Poetry Group
Art Group

If you are interested in participating in any of these groups, please let us know!

Our newest book club is already full, but we have started taking names on a wait list. Once we have enough interested members, we will start another book club.

To get on the Book Club Waiting List,

Bainbridge Island Women’s Club has a wide variety of Activity Groups. Check them out to see what might interest you.

COVID 19 POLICY

The board unanimously approved the following Covid 19 policy on August 31, 2021.

All BIWC General Meetings, program presentations, activity groups, and any other BIWC-affiliated event shall follow the mandates and recommendations of regulatory agencies as they pertain to Covid 19 current to the specific date of each event. This may result in cancellations, venue changes, social distancing, masks, and/or other safety measures.
We respect the decisions of members to participate or not within their comfort zone.
We ask that members or guests who have not been vaccinated or are feeling unwell not participate in in-person indoor or outdoor events.

Focus on the positives and practice gratitude.

DENISE STOUGHTON

aka The Mailbox Lady

Did you know Bainbridge Island residents have created nearly a hundred unique, artistic, quirky mailboxes, each with its own backstory? Have you been sweetly surprised and uplifted when noticing one of them while walking in your neighborhood? Perhaps it was the Sinking Ferry, the Watering Can or Pinky the Pandemic Pig.

Our island’s mailboxes have been featured in The Seattle Times Pacific NW Magazine, the Evening show on KING 5, and in The Kitsap Sun, which also produced a video.

This celebrity was inspired by the tireless efforts of our February speaker, Denise Stoughton, who appreciated these mailboxes as vehicles of expression, communication and connection. When she delved deeper, interviewing the home-owners, she found their stories humorous, fascinating, compelling, and always relatable. These stories and more will be told in her upcoming book, Meet me at the Mailbox, Roadside Creativity and the Culture of Kindness 98110.

Denise is passionate in her belief we are united by shared feelings and emotions, and is committed to working within our community to foster greater kinship.. Trained in design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Denise has established a successful interior design firm on Bainbridge and has volunteered for the Public Art Committee, the Creative Arts District Committee and the Editorial Board of Arts & Humanities Bainbridge. Using her considerable talent in design, writing and promotion she has immersed herself in projects melding creativity and human connection.

Happy Hour

Tuesday, February 18th

3-5 pm

Plate and Pint

321 High School Rd NE

Bainbridge Island

We had a very nice turnout at FB Coppertop last month and would love for you to join us for February's Happy Hour. You can stay for as long as you like and even join a few members for dinner. Even if you're extending Dry January, P&P has a great selection of non-alcoholic libations plus some pretty yummy food items.

Come and join the fun. Stay for as long, or short a time, as you like! See you there.

Michele Bombardier

Bainbridge Island's Inaugural Poet Lauriat

Join us to hear award winning Poet Laureate, Michele Bombardier, talk about women and poetry and how poetry can be a force for change: a way to build compassion and empowerment, and foster deeper connection and community. A highlight of her presentation will be readings from her new book.

As our poet laureate her mission is to advocate for the art of poetry through writing, poetry readings, teaching, hosting workshops and providing platforms for novice as well as experienced poets to develop their craft and share their words.

GENERAL MEETING - Thursday, November 21st

Speaker - Bainbridge Prepares Executive Director, Loren Bast

Are You BAINBRIDGE PREPARED?

There are so many reasons to love living on Bainbridge Island, but one valuable advantage you may not know much about is Bainbridge Prepares (BP), a non-profit organization dedicated to individual, neighborhood and community preparedness and resilience in the face of a natural disaster. Through their work, BainbridgeIsland is the most prepared community in Washington! In partnership with the City of Bainbridge Island (COBI) and the BI Fire Department, Bainbridge Prepares focuses not only on individual and household preparedness but emphasizes the critical role of neighborhoods.

We regret that, due to circumstances beyond our control, we were forced to cancel this month's General Meeting scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 17th.

We know everyone was looking forward to Mary Lou Sanelli's presentation and hope to schedule her for a later date. Thanks for your understanding

Mary Lou Sanelli

IN SO MANY WORDS

Popular and beloved local author, Mary Lou Sanelli, to present her newest title, In So Many Words: Three Years, Two Months, One Me, a collection of essays about living in the Northwest. In exploring the ups and downs of daily life, Mary Lou writes with compassion, humor, and a deep sense of humanity that fosters a strong connection with her readers.

A Bainbridge Tradition.......... from Inspiration to Reality

Our own Barbara Kirk will be the first speaker this year, talking about her inspiration to start the now-yearly quilt festival. Barbara owned Esther's Fabrics and will tell us about her love of the sewing industry and where it has led her. Even if you don't sew, you will be very interested in learning how the festival has evolved, to become a focal point on Bainbridge, drawing to the island countless viewers of these works of art. One idea became a movement through the strength of one woman.

Hats and Flats

The BIWC June Garden Party Luncheon

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

IslandWood: 4450 Blakely Ave. NE, Bainbridge Island

Come in your garden hat and flat shoes

Festivities & Beverages start at 11:30am

Lunch from 12:00pm to 2:00pm

(at 10:30 there is an optional Complimentary docent led Forest Walk)

Family Style Lunch includes:

Warm Turkey Focaccia, Salmon Cakes, Veggie Wraps, Salads, Desserts, Coffee and Tea

BIWC Members: $45 per person

Non-Member guests: $65 per person*

Price includes tax/gratuity AND mimosa or orange juice

Happy Hour

Wed. June 19th from 3:00 to 5:00

Fletcher Bay Winery

500 Winslow Way, Bainbridge Island

Join us as we celebrate each other and have a bunch of laughs

up on the rooftop at Fletcher Bay Winery on Winslow Way.

If the wind co-operates, we can gaze out at beautiful Puget Sound and be reminded how darn fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place! Otherwise, we will be downstairs enjoying each other’s company and some wine.

The winery has charcuterie platters, but we can bring our own veggies, fruits or appetizers to share.

THURSDAY, MAY 16th

Judith Caldwell

Award-winning Public Artist

We are happy to finally welcome Judith Caldwell as our May speaker. She was scheduled to be with us earlier in the year; however, that meeting was canceled due to the flood in the church hall. Judith and her husband are extremely well-known and accomplished metal workers, with installations of their art in myriad locations. A new piece is being installed in a park in California this May. Her journey in this field will be a riveting and uplifting story.

Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society

Why Genealogy

"Genealogy," noun: a record of the descent of a person or family from an ancestor; lineage. "Genealogist," noun: one who traces that descent.

On March 21, Betty Wiese, a member of our group, and her colleagues will speak about "Why Genealogy?" They are part of the Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society, which holds classes and has speakers concerning ancestor searches. Join us to learn why we should be interested in this topic and, perhaps, get hooked on the search for our own history. Frequently, who each of us is, and what we have become and achieved, is based on the accomplishments and lives of our ancestors.

We are lucky to have this society here on Bainbridge Island. The members are highly educated about the nuances of family searches and have access to websites, speakers, tips, and programs to facilitate investigations. Searching family history is not only fun and enlightening, but, at times, crucial when medical problems arise. This lively and intelligent group is easy and fun to join. Learn more at our next meeting. And remember, if not for our ancestors, we would not exist.

DAYS FOR GIRLS

Guest Speaker - Shirley Wilder

When Celeste Mergens was on an international trip many years ago, she learned that young girls starting puberty couldn't attend school until their periods were over because they lacked the sanitary supplies necessary to help them.

In 2008 she founded Days for Girls to help provide these basic needs that we take for granted. The organization now has over 400 chapters worldwide and has reached more than 3 million women and girls.

Shirley Wilder will tell us how women have empowered women to overcome this lack of supplies. This is a happy tale of using ingenuity and education about the female body to allow girls to attend school full time.

This is a story of victory and inspiration that Shirley will unfold for us. It is an intriguing story that you will want to learn more about.

What is the POP-UP Group ????

Spontaneous, unpredictable, and fun!

Join others for impromptu events.

Here is how it works …………..

Anyone in the group who is planning to do something fun, can send out the details so that others may join them. It’s as easy as that.

Absolutely no obligation to attend anything;

just a chance to hear about something that may interest you.

If you’re not interested, just ignore the email. Couldn’t be easier!

Past Pop-Ups have included Movies, Concerts, Theater Trips, Book Events, Museum Visits, Coffee Dates, Meet for Drinks, etc.

Have an idea??? Click "Join" to make suggestions and get notifications.

Interested in Joining a Book Club?

We are happy to announce that a new book club is being formed. Thank you to those individuals who have already reached out. If you are interested in helping to organize and participate in a book club, please click the button below and your name will be added to the list. We will soon be setting up an organizational meeting to nail down the details as to how you want your book club to operate.

In the meantime, all interested book lovers are encouraged to consider the No Book Book Club.

No required reading. Instead, participants share book titles that they have enjoyed and recommend.

As always, check out our other activity offerings by clicking the red "Camaraderie" button at the top.

Thursday, November 16th

It is our privilege to welcome as our November Speaker, Barbara Lawrence, Suquamish Tribal Elder and traditional storyteller. Suquamish storytelling is a traditional way of teaching for all ages. Barbara has a passion for and a depth of knowledge of Suquamish and Coast Salish history, culture politics, archeology, social justice, environmental racism, and contemporary tribal issues. She received a BA from Evergreen College and an MBA in Sustainable Business from the Bainbridge Graduate Institute.

Lawrence has served on many Washington State Advisory Boards, bridging tribal and state governmental interests, including helping establish the Canoe Journeys program. She is the Education Outreach Specialist for the Suquamish Tribal Education Administration Department and a curriculum staff member for the Since Time Immemorial project.

The kick-off meeting on September, 21st was amazing. Approximately 40 members enjoyed the program by Melissa Arias, Executive Director and CEO for The Washington and Alaska Make-A-Wish Foundation. Melissa spoke to us about the Make-A-Wish Foundation's history and the undeniable impact it has on children, their families, and their medical outcomes. Bainbridge Island volunteer Robin Warsaw explained the role of local volunteers and shared stories close to home. Thank you, our programs committee, for bringing her and her heartwarming presentation.

Thursday, August 17th at 10:00 AM

Join the Pop-Up Activity Group for Bainbridge Island Museum of Art’s Spotlight, a juried exhibition of work by 150 artists from the Puget Sound region. You will recognize several artists from Kitsap County including two paintings from one of our own BIWC members. The diversity of media is an absolute “WOW!”

There should be plenty of parking in the lower BIMA lot, as well as in garage under the building

**Meet at BIMA Bistro for a morning beverage and socializing at 10 AM on Thursday August 17, followed by an independent stroll through the art museum about 11 AM.**

"Creativity is never a straight predictable road"

Susan Wiggs

Photo by Susan Doupe

Our May speaker is Bainbridge Island’s own Susan Wiggs, a New York Times Best Selling author who is known for her novels that are inspired by her stubbornly held belief in the robustness of the human spirit in the face of adversity. She will share her latest novel, “Sugar and Salt” with us. Since 1987, she has written about two books a year. On becoming a writer, she admits “It was never something I wanted. It’s just something that I knew I was.” Don’t miss this fascinating presentation by one of the country’s favorite authors. Bring your favorite Wiggs' book to be autographed, and a guest to share this last speaker of the BIWC year with.

It’s our annual Pot Luck Luncheon April 20th at 11am

Plan to join us on April 20th as we present our club’s monetary donation to two of the charities that presented to our club this year.

Please bring a dish that you love to make and eat, along with a list of its ingredients.

Make sure that it’s in a ready-to-serve container along with the utensils needed to serve it and a trivet if the dish is hot.

NOTE: We will not have any way to either heat up or keep warm the food.

Looking forward to seeing everyone and their delicious treats!!

Dr. Jeannette Franks

Intentional Aging

Jeannette Franks, Ph.D, shares decision-making strategies on how to age well, with purpose and joy! Dr. Franks is a passionate activist, author, and gerontologist who taught courses on geriatrics and gerontology at the University of Washington for 25 years.

Stock up your personal toolbox with practical tips for living your best life! Check out her website, where you will learn more about Jeannette and her new book Intentional Aging: 7 Practical Actions to Live Well and Minimize the Risk of Dementia which is available at EH Books. https://jeannettefranks.org

Kitsap Animal Rescue and Education (KARE)

Dianne Cannafax is co-founder of Kitsap Animal Rescue and Education (KARE), a non-profit organization offering a wide range of services: animal rescue, fostering, adoption; grants for medical and educational needs, and an annual chicken camp for owners and their chickens! KARE collaborates with other agencies, including a new partnership with local law enforcement to provide emergency shelter for homeless persons and their pets. Dianne is bringing another trainer, plus a four-legged friend.

Over $2,000 donated to Helpline House

Members arrived early with time to enjoy a spot of tea, some baked goods & friendly conversations.

Then the shopping began, making fun purchases; the proceeds of which were delivered to Helpline House on Thursday afternoon.

Items for sale included:

Baked Goods
Handmade Items– Glass Art, Wooden Ornaments & Knitwear
Gently used donated items– Women's Accessories, Scarves, Hats, Jewelry, Small Purses and Books.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered and participated in this event.

Special thanks to Sandy for coming up with the idea, and for all her hard work making this event a success

This month's speakers, Jackie Fabbri and Ben Upsell, were from Arms Around Bainbridge, a wonderful organization that was started in 2007 by friends of Olivia Carey who came down with ovarian cancer.

This organization provides emotional and monetary support for people on Bainbridge who are faced with medical difficulties. To date the organization has disbursed over $1 million to our neighbors who are caught in financial crisis as a result of serious illness.We heard how the group was formed and all the incredible things this organization does. Amazing how many services we are fortunate to have here on our Island.

Afterwards, many members enjoyed lunch at Wing Point.

We were fortunate to have Becky Bryan, from the Kathleen Sutton Fund, as in-house speaker for our March meeting.

The organization reimburses transportation costs for women undergoing treatment for cancer, living in Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson, and Mason Counties; providing aid to those going through a dramatic and often costly period in their lives.

EVERYONE was IRISH on St. Patrick's Day - wearing a bit of the green.

Afterwards, many members continued socializing while enjoying lunch at Wing Point.

The November meeting included a fun presentation by this local boy and cool author.

Jonathan Evison is the New York Times Bestselling author of seven novels, including:

All About Lulu, West of Here, The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving (also a movie), This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!, Lawn Boy, Legends of the North Cascades, and Small World.

As a teen, Evison, was the founding member of the punk band March of Crimes, which included future members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. He lives on Bainbridge Island with his family.

On Thursday Oct. 21 we were joined by local author, Mary Lou Sanelli, will inspire strength and resilience in your human spirit!

“Mary Lou is an awesome speaker. She spoke to the General Federation of Women's Conferences, Western State Region meeting and you could hear a pin drop at one time and the laughter was contagious at another. She was a highlight of the four-day conference for many attendees. Her message was perfect for a group of women ranging in age from 40-90.”

Bonnie Walden, WSR President

Oct. 14th from 4 PM - 6 PM

at Heart and Soul Art Studio

Winslow Green, Bainbridge Island

We will be given step-by-step instructions on how to paint an awesome picture on canvas. The cost is $32.00 and all supplies will be provided.

Email Sandy at: sandy7nt@gmail.com for more info
Very limited spaces as we will be social distancing inside the studio.
Please RSVP to Sandy by Oct. 11 at noon.
Vaccinated members only and a Face Mask is required.

Come and have some fun and leave with a masterpiece.

Fifty-two members and guests basked in the sunshine, sipped beverages, and socialized over lunch at Eleven Winery in June. Thank you! What a joy to re-connect! We never expected to “sell out” the venue, and sadly could not accommodate inquiries after the deadline. Much appreciation to “Our Friendly BIWC Board Members” who volunteered and organized.

Outreach: Thanks to All
The wonderful turnout at our June luncheon also resulted in an impressive amount of donations for Helpline House: 42 pounds of food and a total of $95 in cash and checks. Thanks to everyone!

If you did not have an opportunity to participate in our October Program, we have posted a link to the pre-recorded presentation by the Ascend Fund. Click on the link below to learn about the challenges facing women who choose to run for office, the strategies for promoting gender parity and the other organizations working in coordination with the Ascend Fund.

Our Program Committee Chair, Karla Sammons, (highroadevents@msn.com) will be contacting the Ascend Fund with follow-up questions and comments from our members, and we invite you to contact Karla if you would like your feedback included.

Golf activity group enjoying the sunny weather
Members and guests have ample time to chat and network during the coffee time prior to the monthly meeting
The Spicy Ladies having fun together
Members of our golfing group
Having fun at our monthly meeting
Having fun with our "In Home Dining Group"
Wine and Garden Party
HIking/Walking Group
Sip & Shop Auction Items
Sip and Shop - Music and Dancing
Holiday Party - IslandWood
Holiday Party - Members Celebrating
Holiday Party
Raffle Items at June Luncheon
June Luncheon - Members wiho won the table hat decor