News Roundup — Ferries going smoke-free/A new way to fund arts/Bicycles light up the night/Shop-n-dine to help schools/Dulac Dance raises $3,000

Published 12:00 pm Wednesday, December 7, 2005

Ferries going smoke-free

Smokers who travel on board Washington State Ferries or spend time at a ferry terminal will need to find somewhere else to smoke beginning Thursday. All ferry facilities, including vessels and terminals, will be smoke-free.

“We appreciate how hard this will be on our passengers and our employees especially on the longer routes,” said Director of Operations Traci Brewer-Rogstad. “But with the passage of Initiative 901, it is clear that the people of Washington want their public facilities smoke-free.”

Instead of banning smoking within 25 feet of the terminal doorway, vents or windows, WSF is banning smoking at the entire terminal, including holding lanes.

“There are a number of practical issues with Initiative 901,” Brewer-Rogstad said. “We have concern for both employees and customers being subjected to second-hand smoke.

Guidance from the state Attorney General’s Office indicates that the only practical way for WSF to fully comply with the new law is to implement a full smoking ban, ferry officials said.

Fines for smoking could be as high as $10,000 for smoking on the car deck.

A new way to fund arts

The City Council will consider a new process to allocate funding for cultural organizations during tonight’s council meeting.

The council decided during last year’s budget process to pass authority of designating community group funding to the Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council, a local community arts organizer. Councilors said that organization is better qualified to disperse city funds than the council.

Councilors hope the new process will help them avoid having to weigh the merits of various cultural groups’ financial requests.

Nancy Frey, BIAHC’s executive director, predicts the changes will bring about a “clearer process” for cultural groups to request funding.

“It won’t be the Bainbridge Historical Society going to the council for money one week and then Bainbridge Performing Arts another week,” she said. “It will all go by one budget process.”

Earlier this year, a committee of local cultural group leaders was convened to discuss the advantages of a new city funding process.

A consultant was then hired in September to work with island groups to review the history of cultural funding, assess their needs and recommend a funding process.

A presentation of the consultant’s analysis will be heard tonight at City Hall, starting at 6 p.m.

– Tristan Baurick

Bicycles light up the night

The Squeaky Wheels bicycle advocacy group is offering free bike lights and an after-sundown riding event to raise awareness about nighttime road safety.

“With the increase in students biking to school and the dark days of winter has come the problem of many non-lit riders,” said Dana Berg, Squeaky Wheels’ president. “It is just plain smart to be as bright as possible when cycling both day and night.”

Squeaky Wheels purchased 100 bike for residents who may not be able to afford them. They are available at the Bainbridge Island Police Department and Helpline House.

The purchase of bike lights was made possible through a Washington Traffic Safety Commission grant and with the help of the B.I. Cycle and Classic Cycle shops.

Berg reminds bicyclists that state law requires bikes to have a front light and rear reflector.

Squeaky Wheels will also celebrate the winter solstice with its first “Light Up the Night Bike Ride” on Dec. 15.

Bicyclists are encouraged to put as many lights and holiday decorations as possible on their bikes and cycle through Winslow after sundown.

The ride will start at the ferry dock bicycle waiting area and will join cyclists leaving the 5:30 p.m. ferry from Seattle. The ride will roll up Olympic Drive, head west on Winslow Way and then north on Madison Avenue.

The ride will end with hot cider and cookies at the Marge Williams Center at 6:45 p.m.

Shop-n-dine to help schools

Whether it’s a cup of coffee, knitting things, bicycle accessories, shoes, books or CDs, Dec. 8 is the BEST night for shopping or dining out on the island.

The Bainbridge Education Support Team sponsors its sixth annual BEST Night Out, Dec. 8.

A portion of proceeds from sales at specific local merchants and restaurants will be donated to BEST in support of programs for Bainbridge Island public school teachers.

These programs include a week-long summer institute for teachers and teacher grant program, as well as funds for each school’s staff development program.

Islanders can shop from 4 to 7 p.m. at participating local merchants – BI Cycle, Blackbird Bakery (2 to 6 p.m.), Calico Cat Toys, Churchmouse Yarns & Teas, Classic Cycle, Dana’s Showhouse, Eagle Harbor Books, Fox Paw, Glass Onion, Island Sports, Paper Products, Radio Shack, Sole Mates Shoes and The Traveler.

And then it’s time to dine or snack from 5 to 9 p.m. at participating businesses – Bainbridge Cinema Concessions, Casa Rojas, Doc’s Marina Grill, Four Swallows, Pizza Factory, San Carlos and Shima.

In past years, the event has raised as much as $5,000 for local school programs, organizer Ellen Bush said.

– Rhona Schwartz

Dulac Dance raises $3,000

The recent “Simply Instru­mental” concert and Dulac Dance netted more than $3,000 and a collection of donated instruments for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the town of Dulac, La.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the Filipino American Community for the use of their hall and to all of the (performers),” said Barbara Deering, who helped coordinate the event.

She said thanks also go to the local sponsors – Hales Brewery, Winslow Way Café, Lumbermen’s and Pegasus Coffee House – and “the generous folks who donated services and valuable auction items for the silent auction, as well as the numerous volunteers who cooked, cleaned, served, sold tickets, decorated, ran sound and generally provided the party for this event.”

Plans already have begun for the next event in February, Deering said.

– Rhona Schwartz