Testify online
This might be the most accessible Legislative session in history, thanks to online tools provided by the state.
McKenna Troje, 22, a student at the University of Washington, participated in a one-person experiment this weekend to see how difficult registering to testify remotely on a bill would be during this year’s legislative session, which will be run mostly online in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines.
Troje started by Googling how to testify on Washington legislation, and the first result took her to a page on the Legislature’s website that provides detailed instructions on what to do before, during and after testimony, as well as what participants can expect.
Rep. Shelley Kloba, D-Kirkland, said a bonus to this year’s session might be that a larger number of residents statewide will participate in the process.
“It [remote testimony] has enabled us to enhance openness, access and transparency,” Kloba said. “Not only will this make participation more equitable for those who cannot take a day off of work but also for Washingtonians who live farther from Olympia.”
For details go to https://leg.wa.gov/legislature/Pages/Testify.aspx.
MLK events
The 3rd Annual Bainbridge Island Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration, #Journey for Justice, takes place Jan. 16-18.
Events include an In the Steps of MLK virtual walk, and virtual programs of performances and art.
The Bainbridge Island School District’s Multicultural Advisory Council (MAC) is sponsoring In the Steps of MLK virtual walks Jan. 16-18. People can go to the MAC website www.bisd303.org/Page/16241 and declare what they are walking for and then take an individual walk at any time and any distance.
A virtual #Journey for Justice program of music, performances, speakers, poetry, art, dance and community connection will take place from 1-4 p.m. The program includes two new Bainbridge Island Museum of Art exhibitions that will be available for an extended period. The exhibits highlight injustices, stories of survival and civil rights martyrs. For details, go to www.biartmuseum.org.
BYS leader
After a regional search, Bainbridge Youth Services announces that Courtney Oliver has been named the new executive director of the nonprofit that focuses on the social and emotional health of local teens ages 13-21.
BYS provides free and confidential counseling and a variety of other programs to help young people.
A BYS news release says Oliver is a thoughtful and strategic leader, having served as director of Youth Services at BYS. She started at BYS in 2016 as a counselor and has since held various leadership roles within the organization. Oliver has more than 15 years experience as a licensed mental health counselor working in a variety of nonprofit agencies and positions.
“Courtney has both the head and the heart to lead Bainbridge Youth Services into the future. She brings a wealth of knowledge about the struggles young people face and what allows them to thrive, ” said Tina Gilbert, BYS board president.
Wyatt Way
The wet weather the last couple weeks has slowed progress on the Wyatt Way Reconstruction project, but the city is hopeful the contractor will complete storm drainage improvements near the Madison Avenue intersection by the end of the week.
The decision to start the demolition of streets and sidewalks for construction of the new facilities, including the roundabout, is centered on the upcoming weather forecast and the ability to maintain proper erosion control measures.
The project schedule still proposes that the project will be substantially complete in March. Wyatt Way will likely remain open in both directions through next week, and any revisions to the detour routes will be communicated as far in advance as possible.
Upper Grow Avenue remains closed while staff works through the design and implementation of traffic calming measures, which will be implemented later this month in a phased approach along the entire corridor from Winslow Way to High School Road.
Assault awareness
Raising Resilience has a two-part event on sexual assault awareness as part of its next Connections Cafe.
Watch the 50-minute movie “Nevertheless” between Jan. 22-24 for children age 13 and older, with adults present. Hear powerful stories of survivors and use them as a conversation starters in your family.
Tickets are $15 per household. Scholarship tickets available at info@raisingresilience.org.
A free follow-up session will take place Jan. 25 at noon on Zoom.
Join Raising Resilience guest speakers Helen Burke from Bainbridge Youth Services and Bainbridge High School student advocate Zoe Pellegrino for practical tips on how to: Normalize the conversation; Define and identify abuse, assault and harassment; Support survivors; Talk to boys and girls about consent.
Registration required. Details at raisingresilience.org.
Climate meeting
Members of the Climate Change Advisory Committee will host a live online presentation Jan. 23 on the Climate Action Plan to help the city and community begin implementation of the plan.
The CAP includes more than 180 actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The event on Zoom from 10-11:30 a.m. at https://bainbridgewa.zoom.us/j/99423159102.
BI vaccines
The city’s Emergency Management coordinator Anne LeSage, in partnership with Bainbridge Prepares and the BI Fire Department, is supporting Bainbridge Island Community Pharmacy with vaccine distribution efforts.
They have activated other emergency management volunteers to assist.
A few highlights:
• Initial doses of the Moderna vaccine were provided to 307 Priority 1A participants the week of Dec. 21
• An additional 500 doses of the vaccine were distributed Jan. 6-9.
• Priority 1A participants are healthcare workers, high-risk first responders, resident, and staff of long-term care facilities, and individuals working at COVID test sites and vaccine clinics.
Additional updates will be provided as vaccine distribution continues.
