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Meetings and membership details

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Camaraderie

Social activity groups meet throughout the month

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Community Service

Working hand in hand in our communities

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Past Events & Speakers

See what we've been doing

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Third Thursdays Programs & General Meetings

First Baptist Church
8100 N. Madison Ave. NE
9:30 AM - Social
10:00 AM  - Program
11:00 AM-11:30 AM  - General Meeting
11:45 AM - optional post-meeting luncheon
Location TBD

 

 

September Monthly Meeting

Thursday, September 21st

Our September speaker will be Melissa Arias, the executive director for the

Alaska/Washington Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Here is their mission statement;  The mission of the Make-a-Wish Foundation is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The children we serve are fighting for their lives, and their families are doing everything that they can to help them in their battle.  One of our Bainbridge Island volunteers will share her last Make-a-Wish project which was shown on TV!.

 


 

BIWC Renewals Deadline October 20th! 

The BIWC renewal deadline is October 20, 2022. Your renewal is important to us, so please renew now! 

Thank you to the many members who have already renewed.

To pay now, Click on the AUTUMN LEAVES button on top. 

Please Note ..........
Your BIWC Board plans, pivots, and proceeds thoughtfully during pandemic periods, respecting the personal preferences of each member.  
Watch your email for any updates for upcoming events. 

Sharon VandenBerg
Linda Navage
Megan Ledoux
Maureen Gannon

 

 

 

HELPLINE HOUSE

Thank you everyone for your support of Helpline House during our September general meeting! Together, we contributed $351 and 32 pounds of food/household supplies. 

Here are ways to support Helpline House at our October meeting:

Purchase raffle tickets for a local women-owned/run business gift card! (cash or check accepted). 100% of ticket sales go to Helpline House.

Bring a check payable to Helpline House or non-perishable food/household items to the meeting--we'll deliver for you!

Here are the items most needed:

cat food

bars of soap

canned chicken or salmon

jam/jelly

non-dairy milk

dry milk

We look forward to seeing you at the Outreach table on October 19.

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events

October Happy Hour

 

 

Wednesday, Oct 11th at 3:00 PM

Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse

500 Winslow Way E.

Wine, beer, cider, and soft drinks are available for purchase and outside food may be brought into the Alehouse.

There is a parking lot below BIMA. Come and visit with new friends and old friends.

We hope to see you there!

 


COVID 19 POLICY

The board unanimously approved the following Covid 19 policy on August 31, 2021.
  1. 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.
  2. We respect the decisions of members to participate or not within their comfort zone.
  3. We ask that members or guests who have not been vaccinated or are feeling unwell not participate in in-person indoor or outdoor events.
Contact us with questions/concerns on this policy.
Focus on the positives and practice gratitude.

Recent Events

General Meeting - September 21st

 

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.

Some Golf Activity Group members enjoying a beautiful day

 

The Spicy Ladies Activity Group dining out in September

 

 

Special Pop-Up Event - SEPTEMBER 19th

On Tuesday, September 19th at 4:00 PM, our very own fiber artist, Roberta Nelson, was showcased throughout the tasting room at Fletcher Bay Winery in Winslow. Roberta invited the group to explore her creations of fiber, fabric, and metal, sip a beverage, and share conversation.

 

 

Soil Sisters Activity Group - Private Tour of Fern Garden - SEPTEMBER 15th

John van den Meerendonk, iconic BI horticulturist and fern specialist gave us a fascinating tour and answered questions about many of the different ferns on show in the Bainbridge Library’s newly revamped fern garden.  The collection includes 700 ferns representing more than 70 species and varieties.

    .

 

 

September Coffee

Join us for Coffee

Tuesday, September 5th at 10:00 AM

Please join us at Coquette, on Tuesday, September 5th for a morning of coffee and pastries, and meeting new and old friends. Hopefully, we’ll have a beautiful morning with lots of sunshine. See you at about 10:00 am.

 

 

SUMMER SOIRÈE - Thursday August 24th

 

BIWC's Annual Summer Soirée

Thursday, August 24th    3:00-5:00 PM

 

Coffee & ART at BIMA

                                                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. 

 

August Coffee

Thursday, August 3rd at 10:00 AM

Join us for Coffee

Outside Tables @ Town & Country

 

Wine HAPPY HOUR - Tuesday July 25th

 

Fletcher Bay Coppertop

Tuesday, July 25th from 3:30 to 5:00 pm

 A great way to keep up with friends, old and new, this summer. 

 

JUNE LUNCHEON - Wednesday, June 14th

 

Sail Into Summer 

JUNE LUNCHEON

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

11:30 AM

Wing Point Golf & Country Club

 

 

General Meeting - Thursday May 18th

"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.

 

May Coffee

Wednesday, May 3rd at 10:30 AM

COQUETTE BAKE SHOP is now open! Let’s all meet for coffee and catch up!

Its New Location is 140 Winslow Way West.

See you all there.

 

 

Wednesday Walkers meet up with BIWC coffee social at Coquette Bake Shop

Wednesday Walkers meet up with BIWC coffee social at Coquette Bake Shop

April Coffee

Thursday, April 6th at 10:00 AM

IMPORTANT - Please Note there has been a CHANGE of VENUE.

We will meet at PEGASUS to  enjoy the coffee, pastries, and our friends.

 

Potluck Luncheon - Thursday April 20th

 

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!!

 

March General Meeting - March 16th

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

 

February General Meeting - February 16th

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.

February Coffee Time

Thursday, February 9th at 10:00 AM

Join us at T&C Market - Inside Upstairs

343 Winslow Way E

Bainbridge Island

 

Winter Social at Sisters' Cider House - Wednesday, January 25th @ 3:30pm

Good turnout.  Lots of fun warming up a bleak winter afternoon with our BIWC sisters at Sisters’ Cider House.
Sipping cider (with or without alcohol), socializing and enjoying BIWC provided snacks,  Skee-Ball, surprises, and silliness.

January General Meeting - January 19th

Langley Gace, Senior VP of Business Development for Innovasea systems, which designs the most
technologically advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture in the world. Innovasea is part of a critical solution to meet the growing protein demand for an increasing global population and is very serious about global stewardship and making things better for our planet and its people. He is looking forward to sharing the story of modern aquaculture.

Wreath-making, December 6th

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The BIWC Soil Sisters invite you to our Annual Wreath-Making

    BAINBRIDGE GARDENS Tuesday, December 6, 10am-noon

New Activity Group KICK OFF EVENT - December 4th

New Rotating

Wine Tasting Group

Couples and Singles are welcome. 

Sign up on the website or at our meetings. 

Tastings in 2023 will be held in small groups at different members’ homes on the second Sunday of each month. 

More details will be shared at our first tasting for all wine members.  

Kick Off Event -- Sunday, December 4th at 5:00 PM

 

 

November General Meeting, November 17th

 

Our November
Jumble Sale was a great success!

 

Over $2,000 raised and 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

October General Meeting, October 20

Phedra Elliot, the Executive Director of Housing Resources Bainbridge was our speaker for October. Phedra moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2002 just in time to buy an affordable home just before housing prices began to rise. She believes communities should have a variety of housing options and that being able to live where you work should not be a matter of luck.

October Coffee Time

Thursday, October 6th at 10:00 AM

Join us at Cups Espresso
123 Bijune Dr SE #105

Bainbridge Island

 

Decorating Pumpkins at Bainbridge Gardens, September 30

 

Soil Sisters and Pop-Up Group had fun helping Donna Harui launch the Annual Bainbridge Gardens Pumpkin Walk by painting pumpkins.  This year's pumpkin walk benefits the BI Boys' and Girls' Club.

September General Meeting, September 15th

Merilee Mostav from Bainbridge Historical Society

 

September Coffee Time

Thursday, September 8th at 10:00 AM

Join us outside Town & Country Market
343 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island

If raining, we will meet inside - downstairs

Summer Soiree

What a wonderful way to end the summer.  About forty members and guests enjoyed our Summer Soiree at Patti Frank's House with friendly conversation, nibbles and a beautiful view of Eagle Harbor.  An array of appetizers and beverages left everyone smiling.  Thanks for hosting this event Patti.

August Coffee Time

Thursday, August 4th at 10:00 AM

Join us at COQUETTE in the outdoor Winslow Mall
278 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island

June Luncheon - WEDNESDAY June 14th

Click the picture to register!

Sail Into Summer 

JUNE LUNCHEON

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

11:30 AM

Wing Point Golf & Country Club

811 Cherry Avenue NE, Bainbridge Island 98110

Festivities begin at 11:30 AM with a glass of sparkling wine, followed by the luncheon at 12 noon.

You will have an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for door prizes. (Cash/Checks only)

We will be having a Vintage Fashion Show put on by the Bargain Boutique.

Donations for Helpline House accepted with gratitude!

 

MENU

Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Bread Basket and Butter

North West Chicken 

Seasoned Vegetables

Roasted Potatoes

or

Vegetarian Mushroom Risotto

————

Lemon Tart with Rosemary

Coffee, Tea & Soft Drinks

 

$43 per person includes tax/gratuity AND a glass of sparkling wine or nonalcoholic beverage.

 Guests welcome.

 

Reservation Deadline: Tuesday, May 29th  with name(s), entrée choice, and payment. 

3 Ways to Reserve & Pay

 

- CREDIT CARDClick on the SAILBOATS above. Fill out your info & hit "Submit."

Note: You DO NOT need a PayPal account. Just skip over the PayPal box & scroll down to the bottom to choose "Pay with Credit Card"

- BRING YOUR CHECK or CASH to the General Meeting on Thursday, May 18th

 

- MAIL CHECK by May 25th$43 per person Payable to:

BIWC

PO Box 10855

Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

** Indicate chicken, or vegetarian entrée directly on your check memo line.

Please -- no separate notes. 

Carpooling encouraged.          Need a ride?  Contact: Judy Grossman

Luncheon Questions? Contact: Tracie Waxman

 

June Coffee Hour

Thursday, June 9th - 10:00-11:00am

Coquette
in the outdoor Winslow Mall
278 Winslow Way E

May General Meeting, May 19th

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.

Trip to Whitney Gardens May 17th

Soil Sisters day trip to Brinnon

Outing to Whitney Gardens was a success. Magnificent blooms, weather & company. Lovely meal with a view at Geoduck Restaurant.

May Coffee Hour

Friday, May 6th - 10:00-11:00am

Bay Hay & Feed
Carly's Cafe
10355 NE Valley Road

March General Meeting, March 17th

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.

February General Meeting & White Elephant Exchange | Feb 17th

What an enjoyable meeting we had in February.  Socializing, learning more about each other, games, candy & gifts ......

 

**Happy New Year Coffee Hour**

Please join the fun, catch up and savor an outrageously good cup of coffee…

Thursday, February 3 at 10:00 am

Pegasus Coffee House
131 Parfitt Way

We plan to meet on the covered patio, so dress warmly!

Jan Weber

November General Meeting

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.

November Coffee Circle
Monday, November 8th at 10:00 AM
This fun event will be held at Coquette Bakery in Winslow Mall.
Dress warmly as it is covered but not enclosed.
Feel free to bring a prospective member/friend.
Jan Weber

October General Meeting

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

Join Us for Paint Nite Happy Hour

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

Come and have some fun and leave with a masterpiece.

Coffee Social - PNW Style

Kick-off October in your finest attire
(toque, scarf, gloves)
Meet for a no-host cuppa outside the deli/bakery under the awning at Town and Country
Monday, October 4th, 10-11:00 AM 
Rain or Shine
Come/go as your schedule allows!

Lytle Beach Coffee & Cinnabons

We had a lovely time at the beach!
         

 

Wednesday Walkers

Patti's Porch Party

August 13
We Kept Calm, Partied On!
Despite a warm and smoky day, the Women In Need of Sisters carried on with an abundance of good cheer, fueled by chilled wine and delicious, homemade appetizers. The most amazing edible centerpiece, pictured above, was an explosion of fruit and chilled shrimp. Thanks to the more than 20 ladies who attended and to the event host, Patti Frank, for a great end-of-summer gathering.

Hostess with the Mostess

Fletcher Bay Winery - July 29th

Around 30 newer and long-time members celebrated summer socializing

June Luncheon and General Meeting

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October’s Afternoon of Fun in the Park

Back by popular demand, October featured another round of Drive-in Games! Lots of laughter and honking horns were heard, as members were able to participate in The Price is Right and Name that Tune from the comfort of their cars. Some just couldn’t resist putting on their dancing shoes. Prizes awarded to our lucky winners included Gift Cards from Local Restaurants.

Recap of October's Zoom Program

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.

Fun Times at September Drive-In Games

Kudos to Joanna Lyon for our wonderful Parking Lot Bingo and Trivia!  Some members opted to stay in their cars while others brought lawn chairs to sit outside.  Congratulations to the Bingo and Trivia winners!  We hope to hold one other parking lot activity while the weather permits. It’s such fun to actually be able to visit with each other, even if at a distance.

  • Golf activity group enjoying the sunny weather