Briefs
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Blood needed
Bloodworks Northwest is having a blood drive at Village Green Community Center Thursday and Friday.
Blood donations are desperately needed, especially “O positive,” which is at emergency levels, BNW officials said Wednesday.
“It’s critical we get these appointments filled,” BNW representative Jeannie Larson said.
The Pop-Up Donor Center is at 26159 Dulay Road NE in Kingston. Masks are required, along with social distancing. No walk-ins, guests or people under age 16 are allowed onsite.
Schedule an appointment at 1-800-398-7888 or online at schedule.bloodworks.kingston
Distracted emphasis
From April 1-19, more than 130 law enforcement agencies statewide will add extra distracted driving patrols looking for drivers who are distracted by their electronic devices.
Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo and Suquamish police departments, state patrol and the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office are part of that effort.
Drivers can also receive a “dangerously distracted” citation for committing other traffic violations due to any type of distraction.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission funds the annual enhanced enforcement activity. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the state experienced increases in distracted driving in 2020 from 6.8% to 9.4%.
Shelly Baldwin, WTSC director, said, “If you’re behind the wheel, put your phone away. If you’re a passenger, speak up politely to encourage the driver to remain focused. As a parent, set rules and be a good example. If we all do our part, we can prevent crashes that result from distracted driving.”
Heronswood opens
Heronswood, the iconic botanical garden in Kingston, will open its gates to visitors beginning April 1.
Heronswood is expanding its open days to five days a week—Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“The garden is in glorious display and will delight our visitors with a set of new exhibits that have allowed us to increase the collection and connections to our S’Klallam History,” said Patrick McMillan, garden director.
In 2020, due to COVID-19, Heronswood canceled its Plant Sale & Garden Open events, but it did have limited activities.
Along with longer hours, McMillan and his team are planning a broadened class and lecture schedule, which offers in-garden and online options.
More information about Heronswood can be found at HeronswoodGarden.org.
Walk with Carr
Join Councilmember Christy Carr for the second “Walk the Ward” event April 3 at 10 a.m.
Rain or shine participants will walk island roads and/or trails and talk city business.
Email (ccarr@bainbridgewa.gov) or check Instagram (@councilmembercarr) on Thursday for walk location and details.
