Derek Kilmer Not Seeking Re-election, Hilary Franz Running To Replace Him In Congress

U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that he will not seek re-election in 2024. The Port Angeles native, who worked in economic development and served in the Washington State Legislature before being elected to Congress in 2012, closes a 'chapter' of his life to spend more time with his family.

Some of Rep. Kilmer's recent achievements include a pay raise and housing allowance increase for service members and families, an effort to create a fairer wage system at PSNS, money for the new breakwater in the Port Orchard marina, and a major grant to expand the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial.

In related news, Hilary Franz (Washington state Commissioner of Public Lands) announced Friday that she is dropping out of the 2024 governor’s race and will instead run to replace Kilmer's seat in Congress.

Read more about the switch and why Derek Kilmer has already endorsed Hilary Franz for the position.

The Bainbridge Chamber thanks Rep. Kilmer and his team for all their hard work and positive impact on our community and region.

Ted Spearman Justice Center Grand Opening Tomorrow

Wed Nov 15, 12pm

After years of preparation, the City of Bainbridge Island invites islanders to celebrate the opening of its new police and municipal court building.

Named after Theodore “Ted” Spearman, a former Kitsap County Superior Court Judge and long-time resident of Bainbridge Island, the “Ted Spearman Justice Center” will house the City’s police department, municipal court and emergency management services center.

The grand opening event at 8804 Madison Ave N. will be followed by educational tours of the new facility as a community open house.

Local Election Winners: Hytopoulos, Saint Clair, & Goodlin

Even with only 3 contested races on the ballot, almost 10,000 Bainbridge Island voters (more than 50% turnout) cast their vote in this year's General Election.

At City Council, incumbent Kirsten Hytopoulos won against Dick Haugan with 66% of the vote.

Additionally, Evan Saint Clair won against Thomas R. Greene for School District Director #4 and Tom Goodlin beat out Melissa Timme for BI Metro Park & Rec. District #5 - and both received over 75% of the vote.

Incumbent Council Members Leslie Schneider, Brenda Fantroy-Johnson, and new Candidate Ashley Mathews were also elected, unopposed.

City Council Regular Business Meeting

Tue Nov 13, 6pm

Tonight's City Council meeting will mark the final chance for local business owners and residents to weigh in on changes to the Waste Reduction Ordinance due to go into effect in January.

Also on a packed agenda at Council's only November Regular Business Meeting:

• Item 3A: City proclaims Nov 25 as "Small Business Saturday"
• 5D: Formal vote to repeal Moratorium on Building Inns in Neighborhood Centers
• 8A: Approve Budget Modifications, with a total of $8.5 million being requested.
• 8C: Review State Legislative Priorities with new City Lobbyist Briahna Murray
• 8D: Status Report on Winslow Subarea Plan and Comprehensive Plan
• 8E: Consider $20k funding request from Kitsap Economic Development Alliance

Navy Seeks Local Properties To Lease Through Support Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Northwest, in support of the Department of the Navy (“DON”), is seeking information on available warehouse, Industrial, and office properties to meet size requirements ranging from 6,000 square feet to 5 acres.

Responders within 40 miles of Naval Base Kitsap (ie all of Bainbridge) are encouraged to submit a response to this Request for Interest (“RFI”) in support of their proposed facility, land, project renovation, redevelopment, and/or other ideas/concepts no later than Nov. 24, 2023.

Walter Keys Memorial Dedicated at Bainbridge Ferry Terminal

From 1918-1957, Walter Keys led Bainbridge Island's transformation from remote, mosquito-fleet accessible settlements to the integrated, road and bridge-accessible community it is today.

After Walter’s death in 1957, islanders banded together and made donations to build the ferry terminal plaza and raise a flagpole in honor of his remarkable service.

BARN member & instructor Jeff Oens unveiled the Walter Keys Memorial with help from his daughter, Mandy Oens, who designed the plaque on Friday Nov 10.

This memorial was created thanks to Eagle Scout Brad Staniewicz and BSA Troop 1496.

Less than 5 Spaces Remain for After Hours at First Fed Bank

Nov 16, 5:30-7:30pm

Join the Chamber this Thursday, November 16 at 5:30pm and help First Fed Bank celebrate an amazing milestone: Their 100th Anniversary.

Complimentary wine is provided by our event partners and sponsors at Eleven Winery alongside delicious tacos from Miguelitos Cocina Mexicana.

After Hours tickets are always free for Chamber members and invited guests, with a very limited number available to non-members for $20 each.

Chamber Roundtable with Representative Greg Nance

Fri Dec 1, 11am

Chamber Members are invited to join us in the Chamber Conference Room to meet with new 23rd District State Representative Greg Nance.

Greg is born and raised on the island and graduated from BHS in 2007 and reaching out to local businesses as part of his ongoing listening tour (and search for the best local burger).

He was just in Washington DC advocating for more federal investments for electric ferries, advanced manufacturing, and mental health facilities and will provide updates and take questions from the local community. 

Seattle Times Recommends Sauce Novelle as Top Restaurant to Visit

The Seattle Times food writer Bethany Jean Clement took a day exploring the Island's food scene during one recent autumn day.

Chef-owner Nicolas Ganea and his restaurant Sauce Novelle (located in Winslow Mall) was highlighted as one of the top restaurants to visit while traveling the Rock.

She reviewed the "chicken salad sandwich featured notably tender chicken-hunks... with local crabapple sauce, a restrained allspice-ginger aioli and pickled radish for contrast, all on a warm, cushy bolo roll."

Visit Sauce Novelle to sample one of their delectable soups, salads, or sandwiches.

Their Voice, Their Club, Their Community - The Boys & Girls Club of BI

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGC) dates back to 1860, when four women from Connecticut wanted to help boys have a positive alternative to roaming the streets. 

Our Club—which is affiliated with the King County BGC due to the financial needs of the charter—started small in the basement of St. Barnabas Church on Wyatt Way and then moved to the Aquatic Center before relocating to their current facility on Coppertop Loop NE during the 2013/14 school year.

Today they have 70 K-4th graders and 15 5th-12th graders in attendance each week, and an overall membership of 250 kids.

"Santa's Here!" at

The Manor House

'Tis the season to start your wish list, as the most magical time of the year is just around the corner! Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are thrilled to announce their enchanting visits to The Manor House, spreading joy and festive cheer to all from 11am - 3pm.

Mark your calendars for these special dates:

🎅 Friday, November 24

🤶 Saturday, November 25

🎅 Saturday, December 2

🤶 Saturday, December 16

Rotary Announces 2024 Auction & Rummage Sale

It's official: The 2024 Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale will happen on July 6 at Woodward Middle School. 

If you would like to donate, volunteer, shop or just visit the region's largest charity Auction and Rummage Sale, please save these dates.

● Donations: June 29 - July 2

● CAMPUS CLOSED: July 4

● Preview Night: July 5

● Sale Day: July 6

Bainbridge Youth Services Seeks Development & Communication Director

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Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District Seeks Marketing Coordinator

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IVC & Helpline House & Helpline House Seek Volunteers for Community Meals

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Helpline House Seeks Volunteers for their Turkey Trot Event

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