Preparedness award

The International Association of Emergency Managers has awarded the 2025 IAEM-USA Preparedness Award to the city of Bainbridge Island and Bainbridge Prepares WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Team.

The award was formally presented at the 73rd IAEM Annual Conference & EMEX in Louisville, KY Nov. 19.

This national recognition highlights the WASH Team’s leadership in elevating community preparedness through education, hands-on training, and public awareness. Their work brings attention to essential components of emergency readiness, including access to clean water, sanitation solutions, and safe hygiene practices that are critical to maintaining public health during and after disasters, per a news release.

Band boosters event

The Bainbridge Band Boosters are spreading holiday cheer by offering hand-crafted, music-themed ornaments, cosmetic bags, and jewelry at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art’s Winter Night Market Dec. 5 & 6, from 4-8 p.m. each evening.

The booth will feature a raffle for two decorated trees, including a “Pink Flamingo” tree, per a news release.

“Every purchase helps ensure our students have access to quality instruments, music, and instruction,” said Nancy Treder, president of the Bainbridge Band Boosters. “We’re excited to share the great music our band program is creating across Bainbridge Island School District and to promote our upcoming Winter Concert on Dec. 18.”

All proceeds support instrumental music programs serving 250+ students in grades 6-12. These programs—including concert band, jazz band, and the award-winning Spartan Marching Band—are 100% funded by the Band Boosters, the release concludes.

Planetarium shows

Planetarium shows at Battle Point Observatory will take place Dec. 6, 13 and 27. Shows are offered at 12:30 pm and again at 2:30 pm on each of those days.

Drop by Battle Point Observatory (10800 Battle Point Drive NE, Bainbridge Island) for an all-ages short planetarium show. Learn what’s up in the night sky and get a peek inside the observatory.

Limited seating, tickets available at the door before each show, $10/adult and $5/child ($5 discount for Battle Point Astronomical Association members). Visit bpastro.org for info.

AWC scholarships

The city of Bainbridge Island is now accepting applications for the Association of Washington Cities Center for Quality Communities scholarship. The scholarship is available through a statewide competitive process for high school seniors who are active in leadership in their city government, community, or school and plan to pursue post-secondary education in fall of 2026.

CQC is awarding up to four $3,000 scholarships in 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year. Scholarship recipients also receive a travel stipend to attend AWC’s Annual Conference in Spokane in June 2026.

To be eligible, a student must be:

• Active in community leadership and civic service through city government, community groups, or school.
• Eligible to earn a high school diploma, homeschool diploma, or GED in spring/summer of 2026.
• Planning to continue education in the 2026-27 academic year at an accredited college or trade school at least half-time.
• Be a Washington state resident.

Completed applications are due to the city no later than Jan. 4, 2026. Information and application materials can be found at wacities.org/cqc-home/scholarships.

Submit completed applications, materials, and questions to: Anshu Wahi, COBI equity & inclusion manager at awahi@bainbridgewa.gov.

Holiday social

The Bainbridge Island Visually Impaired Persons Support Group will be meeting Dec. 10 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the BI Senior/Community Center and on Zoom.

Attendees will share a holiday poem/story or memory, and a white elephant gift, per a news release. The event will also include musical guests, carols and a potluck.

To RSVP, call 206-780-2835 or email myhawgood@gmail.com

Meet Councilmember Deets

Bainbridge Island Councilmember Joe Deets is having his office hours Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at CUPS Espresso on 123 Bjune Drive SE in Winslow.

Everyone is welcome to come and meet with him to talk about city business.

BI crime log

11/23 FOUND PROPERTY, 8804 MADISON AVE N

11/23 AGENCY ASSIST, 9456 NE LOVGREEN RD

11/24 THEFT, 481 MADISON AVE N

11/25 MALICIOUS MISCHIEF, 8521 MADISON AVE

11/26 FRAUD, 4655 NE WOODSON LN

11/27 VIOLATION COURT ORDER, 10895 SKINNER RD NE

11/27 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, 13539 MANZANITA RD NE

11/28 LOST PROPERTY, 231 PARFITT WAY SW

11/28 MALICIOUS MISCHIEF, 1270 MADISON AVE N

11/29 INFO ONLY, 1257 PATMOS LN NW

12/01 THEFT, 738 HANAMI LN NE

Nutcracker performances

Peninsula Dance Theatre will be holding performances of The Nutcracker Dec. 5-7 at Bremerton High School’s Performing Arts Center.

On Dec. 5, a free student matinee will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a free sensory-friendly performance at 12:30 p.m. More than 1,600 local students are expected to attend. The sensory-friendly performance includes reduced lighting intensity, moderated sound, flexible seating, and a calming corner available for anyone who may need a quiet break during the performance, per a news release Free performances Dec. 5 require advance registration through Peninsula Dance Theatre; tickets are not available at the door.

Public performances featuring the Peninsula Ballet Orchestra, conducted by Alan Futterman, music director of the Bremerton Westsound Symphony and the Academy Chamber Orchestra, will be held Dec. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.

‘Be a Santa to a Senior’

As the festivities of the holiday season begin, local in-home senior care company Home Instead encourages Kitsap County residents to share the joy of giving through the annual Be a Santa to a Senior program to an older adult in the community who may not have anyone to celebrate with.

“The holidays can be especially difficult for many older adults, especially those who are alone,” said Todd O’Neill, owner of Home Instead in Bremerton. “Be a Santa to a Senior gives our community a chance to show these aging adults that they are remembered, valued and loved.”

This year, program coordinators hope to collect over 1,000 gifts for older adults in the area. Things such as slippers, pajamas, socks, lap blankets, puzzles, bath towels, cooking utensils, coffee mugs, boxed candy, and more are accepted.

How to participate:

• Pick up a wish list: contact the Home Instead Office in Bremerton to receive a wish list from a local senior.
• Purchase gifts: choose commonly requested items such as slippers, pajamas, socks, lap blankets, large format puzzles, large print word finds, adult coloring books, markers, towels/wash cloths or snacks/candy.
• Return Gifts by Dec. 12: deliver your wrapped and labeled gifts to Home Instead at 840 Callahan Dr, Bremerton, WA 98310. (open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.).