1st mayor dies
Sam Granato, the first mayor of Bainbridge Island elected in 1990, died Jan. 24 at age 87.
The BI chamber of commerce newsletter says in 1997 he and business partner Jeff Brein opened Bainbridge Cinemas. He was president of Bainbridge Entertainment Enterprises, parent company of that cinema, along with Historic Lynwood Theatre.
Granato also developed the Pavilion on Madison Avenue, was a chamber board member and remained active in the business community until his death.
A celebration of life, along with a screening of Granato’s favorite movie, is being planned for late March at the Lynwood theatre.
Black history month
A Black History Month Soiree will take place from 6-10 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
There will be eight live performances, vendors and a bistro takeover by internationally classically trained chef and author Isaiah Ruffin.
Attendees will be able to meet with 20 featured Black artists, four local artisans and the stylish designers behind the brand Self Made Couture.
A BIMA news release says by incorporating elements of Afrocentric aesthetics, fashion, music and lifestyle, the event encourages attendees to expand their perception of luxury. “It is a powerful and captivating combination that challenges traditional stereotypes and celebrates the richness and diversity of black experiences,” the release says.
The event also will note the end of the black and Boujee art exhibit at BIMA.
Local film
Bainbridge Island filmmaker Rachel Noll James has a one-night showing of her latest film Ingress at the Kingston Firehouse Theater Feb. 29 at 7 p.m.
It will also be running March 1-7 at Bainbridge Cinemas. Monday through Thursday showings are at 3:30 p.m., the Friday showing is at 7 p.m., the Saturday showing at 1 p.m. and the Sunday showing at 7 p.m.
Noll James will be attending the Kingston showing and the Friday night showing on Bainbridge for a Q&A session.
A news release describes the film as “a woman who can move between parallel realities loses her husband tragically and must overcome past trauma to travel the multiverse once again and find her way into a reality where he is still alive.”
The film stars Noll James, Tim DeKay (Oppenhemier), and Johnny Ferro.
For tickets to the Kingstown showing, visit ticketing.uswest.veezi.com/purchase/17736?siteToken=prw4gpbedmrmewmgpbgjj19x4w. For tickets to the BI showings, visit www.farawayentertainment.com/movie/ingress.
New college degree
Olympic College has announced the Fall 2024 launch of a new bachelor’s degree that the school characterizes as a response to the “critical demand for skilled mental health professionals.”
The priority application was opened for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Behavioral Healthcare, now the school’s sixth bachelor’s degree program, a Feb. 1 news release says. The program will also address the need for substance abuse treatment in Kitsap as well as the state. The priority application deadline is April 14.
Mirelle Cohen, interim dean of OC’s Social Sciences & Humanities division, said the degree builds on the associate-level Human Services & Substance Abuse Disorder Professional program, equipping students with advanced skills. Cohen said the program is staffed by a number of practicing clinicians with ties to local employers. “Our instructors are very well connected, and that’s important for helping our graduates secure employment,” she said.
Poetry sought
The Bainbridge Island Poet Laureate Program seeks poetry submissions for the 2024 Poetry Corners exhibition. This year’s theme is “ecopoetry.”
Since 1999, Poetry Corners has been showcasing original works by local poets during April, which is National Poetry Month. Selected poems adorn the windows of Winslow businesses and community spaces from April 1-30. Poets whose works are selected can present their poems at Poetry Corners LIVE May 4 at BI Museum of Art.
Submit poems by Feb. 29 to BIPoetryCorners@gmail.com. For details go to www.bainbridgeislandpoetlaureate.org/poetry-corners.
BI police log
2-4: Theft, 10400 block of NE Yaquina Ave
2-5: Theft, 600 block Landmark Ct NE
2-5: Malicious mischief, 7900 block NE Day Road W
2-5: Theft, 300 block High School Road NE
2-5: Motor vehicle theft, 5600 block NE Tolo Road
2-8; Theft, 5100 block Lynwood Center Road SE
2-9: Fraud, 6400 block NE Monte Vista Dr
2-9: Burglary, 1000 block Madison Ave N
2-9: Assault, 8500 block Madison Ave N
2-10: Theft, 15200 block Alma Place NE
2-10: Theft, 5200 block Lynwood Center Road NE
