ONGOING

Hollydays Art: Submissions are now being accepted for the cover of the 2008 downtown Bainbridge “Hollydays Guide” and holiday poster. Artwork must be two-dimensional with a winter and/or holiday theme. Submit up to five digital images along with a resume or bio by e-mail to office@bainbridgedowntown.org, or mail on disk to: Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, 120 Madrone Lane N, Suite 203, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Deadline: 5 p.m. Sept. 19. Info: 842-2982 or www.bainbridgedowntown.org.

Theatre School: Register now for fall Theatre School, which starts Sept. 16-17 at Bainbridge Performing Arts. Performances will include “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,” “Broadway Musical Adventures,” and “Saving Juliet” by island author Suzanne Selfors. Also explore adult classes, which begin Oct. 6 – find your voice through song with the class “Rainbow Room West” – Female Songbirds with Style! Download registration forms at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org or call 842-8578.

Drum Workshop: Come drum at 7 p.m. on the third Monday evening of each month in classroom 2 at Island Music Guild. Cost: $5 donation per session requested. Info: Micah Harding, 818-5859.

Chess Club: Join Henry Aguilar and friends for a challenging game of chess from 9-10:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Kallgren Room at the Bainbridge Commons. All experience levels are welcome.

Walk in the Park: A walking group meets at 10 a.m. every Thursday at the Senior Community Center and carpools to one of the Island’s parks. Walks are rated on a scale (1 is the easiest, 5 is the most difficult). Call the center, 842-1616, to add your name and phone number to the call list.

Jazz Ensemble: Anyone wishing to play jazz standards is invited to come to a jazz workshop from 7:30-9:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of every month. Requested donation: $5. Info/current tune list: Mike Sellman, msellman@att.com.

PREVENTIVE DENTAL CARE FOR SENIORS: Preventive dental care is now available to any Kitsap County resident age 60 and older at the Bainbridge Island Senior Center in Winslow. The program, called Smiles for Life, is offered by Washington State Smile Partners, a local non-profit. Licensed dental hygienists screen for dental disease, clean teeth, apply fluoride sealants, and provide gum care. All insurance is accepted, including Medicaid. For low-income clients without insurance, fees are reduced below already-low rates. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays at 370 Brien Dr. Appointments: (206) 909-1365 or (360) 689-3338. Info: www.smilepartners.org.

Fiddle Jam: Come to an old-time fiddle tune jam, led by Stuart Williams, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every third Thursday at Island Music Guild. Cost: $5 donation per session requested. Info: (206) 323-8004.

Kitsap Composers: Island Music Guild hosts the Kitsap Composers Forum monthly. Info: Bruce Galloway, bruce@bainbridge.net.

Bicycle Club: Join the Senior Community Center’s bicycle club for fun adventures with other senior cyclists. There will be rides for various skill levels and the opportunity to meet up with others and go on informal rides together. Cost: $10. Signup: 842-1616.

Project Backpack: It’s time for Project Backpack registration! Call Helpline House 842-7621 for assistance with back to school needs. Donation drop-off is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri at Helpline House, 282 Knechtel Way.

Barkitecture: Benefitting PAWS of Bainbridge Island, Barkitecture, first held in 1999, returns bigger and better. The gala dinner/auction features locally designed and built doghouses and fine feline furniture, as well as many silent and live auction items. The event will be held on Oct. 25 at Kiana Lodge. Tickets, $95, are now on sale at www.pawsbainbridge.org.

Library Storytime: Join us in August for storytimes at the Bainbridge Public Library. Toddler storytime, ages 18 mos. to 3 years, is 10:30-11 a.m. Aug. 25; preschool storytime, ages 3-6 years, is from 10:30-11 a.m. Aug. 27. Info: 842-4162.

BLAZERS XC: Join the Bainbridge Blazers Cross Country Running Team for boys and girls in grades 6, 7, and 8. Practices Mon, Wed and Thurs, 3:15-4:30 p.m., starting Sept. 8. at Woodward Middle School Track. Focus on fun and fitness and compete against other area teams. Cost $180. Some scholarships available. Sign-up at www.biparks.org or call the Park District Office at 842-2306. Information: Jim Whiting, jimruns3@gmail.com.

BAC in August: Remember playing with clay as a kid? It was cool because it did anything you asked of it. At Bainbridge Arts and Crafts this month, artists Wally Bivins, John Ellefson, Larry Halvorsen, Liza Halvorsen, and Laurel Lukaszewski take clay and carve it, flatten it, squeeze it, fold it, shape it, mold it, and extrude it (think pasta machine). Info: www.bacart.org.

Jewish Sunday School: Chavurat Shir Hayam is currently accepting applications for September enrollment. Pre-K through teen. B’nai Mitzvah tutoring also available. Info: 855-7924 or www.shirhayam.org.

Art On the Trail: Every August, thanks to the Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts offers workshops taught on the trail. Aug. 24 is Elizabeth Smith, Patterns in Nature. Tuition: $45 members/$50 non-members. Workshops are from 1-4 p.m. Sign-up/info: 842-3132.

All-Comers: Bainbridge All-Comers track meets will be held at 6:30 p.m. every Monday through Aug. 25, at the Woodward Intermediate School track. We’ll have 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 meters, 4×100 meter relay and the joggers’ mile. Shorter races are divided into heats by age and sex. Free. Info: Jim Whiting, www.jimwhiting.com.

‘Magic’ club: A Magic: The Gathering Club is forming for kids and teens to provide opportunity for fun tournaments. Beginners welcome. Information: contact Walker Ranson at walkerranson@yahoo.com.

Music at the Market: Town and Country Market and Music Community Resources presents a free outdoor concert series, “Music at the Market.” Concerts are from 5-7 p.m. Fridays on the deck above the flower shop. Info: www.musiccommunityresources.com/t&c.htm.

Youth Soccer: Registration is now open for Bainbridge Island Youth Soccer this fall. Registration: www.biysc.com.

Reading Friends: Preschoolers and their families are invited to drop by the Bainbridge Public Library to hear stories presented by our Reading Friends volunteers. Story times are 10:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 19 and 26. Info: 842-4162.

Berit Ringo: The Gallery at Grace Church hosts Berit Ringo’s “My Many Houses” through Aug. 31. Ringo’s artwork incorporates colors, faces, figures, sacred texts, creation, snatches of hymns and poems, and the imagination. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 8 a.m. to noon. Contact: Ann Strickland, 842-9997.

Chinese Lessons: Fall classes are forming for youth and adults, starting Sept. 7. For registration information and fees, visit www.bainbridgemandarinlc.org or call 842-3928. Private lessons are also available.

Bainbridge Arts and Crafts: From Aug. 2–Sept. 23, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts will display art by Amy Roberts, Karin Schminke, and Sharon Strauss. A reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 5, and Schminke and Strauss will speak at 2 p.m. Sept. 6. Roberts’ sculptures contain light in fractured plate glass, laminated plate glass, Plexiglas, wood, copper, and wire. Schminke makes her art using digital imagery, laser cutting, and inkjet printing on aluminum. Part grid, part garden, Strauss’s large oil paintings also include the mark of her hand at work.

Saturday 23

Auction and Bake Sale: From 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Aug. 23, come to the David Ortiz / Salmon Canyon Cafe Silent Auction & Bake Sale at Lynwood Commons. Proceeds will help to support owner and chef Ortiz, who was seriously injured recently in a car accident. To donate items or volunteer, call Sativa Brown at (206) 473-8117.

Great Cross Sound RAce: Join Sound Rowers Open Water Rowing & Paddling Club for the annual Great Cross Sound Race at 9 a.m. Aug. 23. This race is open to all human powered boats. Mass start; 7.6 mile course begins and ends at the Alki swimming Beach, proceeds west towards and around Blakely Rocks off of Bainbridge Island, then south to the Decatur Reef Buoy, then back east to Alki Beach. Mandatory pre-race meeting at 8:15 a.m. Directions/info: www.soundrowers.org.

Farmers Market: Fresh, local, corn is at the Bainbridge Farmers Market, so bring an extra bag! And if you haven’t tried heirloom tomatoes, fresh from the farm, now is your chance. Different varieties are available and these are tomatoes as they’re supposed to taste. Beans, potatoes, onions and peppers and squash are in abundance as well as the usual greens and flowers. And if you’ve got visitors in town, the craft booths are perfrct. The market runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 23 and every Saturday at the green by City Hall. Info: www.bainbridgefarmersmarket.com.

Olympic Musical Festival: Come to the Olympic Musical Festival at the Bainbridge Commons on Aug. 23. Hear Turina’s Piano Quartet in A minor, Op. 67, Brahms’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in D minor, Op. 108, and Beethoven’s Piano Trio in E flat, Op.1, No. 1. Cost: $45.

Tribal Art: From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 23, George Sterling will publicly display his private art collection from Africa, the Philippines, Indonesia, and native America for the first time. Funds raised will benefit the Mongolian Quilt Center in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The Quilt Center offers unemployed and low-income women the opportunity to learn quilting to earn money. The center also will offer classes in health and nutrition and low cost or free legal assistance. Cost: $10 for adults. Info: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 842-5601.

Here comes the Band: Celebrate the art of music and sound at 2 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Kids Discovery Museum. Award-winning songwriter, guitarist and composer Stephen Cohen will give an interactive performance of songs from his critically acclaimed children’s album “Here Comes the Band.” Perfect for the whole family. Info: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Tango Workshop: Educated Feet presents an Argentine tango workshop from 4:30-6 p.m. Aug. 23 at Island Fitness, 190 Nadison Ave. Geared toward beginning to intermediate level dancers. Pre-registration necessary; minimum number required. Registration: 842-5720.

Rolling Bay Luau: Come to Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church from 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 23 for an evening of traditional Hawaiian food, music and storytelling with Hawaiian entertainer Keale. His heartwarming music is loved and appreciated by adults and children in Hawaii. Information: 842-4288 or www.islandchurch.org.

New to Bainbridge Group: Looking to make new friends and have fun on Bainbridge? A “New to Bainbridge Island” group was recently formed and will meet at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at Pegasus Coffee House. Information: http://groups.google.com/group/new-to-bainbridge-island or email newtobainbridgeisland@gmail.com.

Movies in the Park: Catch the Bainbridge Downtown Association’s showing of “The Wizard of Oz” at 9 p.m. Aug. 23 at Waterfront Park. The evening starts with entertainment and themed costume and trivia contests with prizes. Arrive at 8:30 p.m. with your favorite lawn chair or blanket. Info: www.bainbridgedowntown.org.

Sunday 24

Pegasus Tunes: Enjoy a special Sunday afternoon matinee concert with The Blackberry Bushes, playing bluegrass/indie/acoustic strings at 2 p.m. Aug. 24 at Pegasus Coffee House. Suggested donation: $5. Information: 842-6725.

St. Cecilia Recital: As part of preparations for the St. Cecilia Festival, St. Cecilia Catholic Church will present a recital series culminating in the May 2011 performance of “Magnificate” by Patrick Stoyanovich. The next recital is at 3 p.m. Aug. 24 at the church. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Recommended donation: $10/$5. Info: 842-3594 or through the St. Cecilia Festival artistic director Elizabeth Stoyanovich, metrocitymusic@qwest.net.

Benefit Cruise: An around-the-island cruise from 3-6 p.m. Aug. 24 aboard the steamboat Virginia V benefits the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. Early-day steamer landing sites of historical interest will be noted. Each passenger will receive a commemorative copy of “Bainbridge Landings.” Cost includes a box lunch, silent auction, commuter card table and a no-host bar. Tickets: $85. Info: 842-2773.

Open Mic: All ages and styles welcome for songs, instrumentals, poems, and readings at MCR Open Mic, 7-9:30 p.m. Aug. 24 and every Sunday at Pegasus Coffee House. A piano is available. Hosted by Rick Barrenger. Information: www.pegasuscoffeehouse.com.

Monday 25

Super Suppers: Do you find yourself dining alone, but wishing you had company? Would you like to meet some of your neighbors? Is the money tight towards the end of the month? Come to Super Suppers Aug. 25-29 at Eagle Harbor Church for wonderful meals. Call 842-4657 for times and information.

Larry Cooney Meeting: Candidate Larry Cooney, who is running for State House Position 1 in the 23rd Legislative District against incumbent Sherry Appleton, will meet Bainbridge Island residents at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at the private residence located at 10254Lafayette Ave. There will be ample refreshments including “Aren’t You Sick of It?” water bottles; Cooney will dare to explain the orange and black “Aren’t You Sick of It?” signs popping up around the county. No RSVP’s necessary, however, please come prepared to discuss those items that make you most sick. Info: (206) 856-8950.

Tuesday 26

Book Sale: Friends of the Library will hold a book sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Info: 842-4162.

Kidimu Pinwheel: Join us at the Kids Discovery Museum at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 26 for the last Tuesday craft presentation this summer. Create a craft which might come in handy in September. This guided activity is presented by staff and volunteers. All ages welcome. Reserve a spot: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Capital Facilities: The City Council will continue its workshop on the 2009-2014 Capital Facilities Plan at a Special Council Meeting from 1-5 p.m. Aug. 26 in Council Chambers, City Hall. A second reading and public hearing on the plan are scheduled for Nov. 12. Info: Roz Lassoff, city clerk, 780-8624.

Mini Cheer Camp: The Bainbridge High School cheerleading squad will host a mini cheer camp Aug. 26-28 in the blue room at BHS. Registration is from 3-3:30 p.m. Aug. 26; camp meets from 3:30-5:30 Aug. 26-28. Cost: $50. Info: Coach Kerrie Agosta, (206) 245-9644.

Cruise-In: Stop by the classic car and cycle cruise-in, from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 25. This is an official drop spot for Project Backpack. Info: Jim Peek, (206) 817-5879.

Wednesday 27

Spa Day Benefit: Get some pampering while you support an Island family. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 27, Stellar Skin and Chris Kelly will host a spa day benefit for Alyssa Chamberlin, injured in a bicycle accident earlier this month. You’ll have six 15-minute services to choose from including brow shaping, spray tan, bikini wax, polish, tropical foot soak or chair massage, with a donation of $25 or more per service. We’re located at 241A Ericksen Ave., next to the Bainbridge Historical Museum. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to help Alyssa and her family. Appointments: 780-2381.

Boardwalk art: Kids ages 8-12, join Pegge Ashcroft at Eagle Harbor Book Co. at 10 a.m. Aug. 27 for art on the boardwalk. Prepare to get slightly messy! All materials will be supplied. Information: www.eagleharborbooks.com.

Ice Cream Social: From 2-4 p.m. Aug. 27, bring the grandkids, family, friends and neighbors for a good old fashioned Ice Cream Social at the Bainbridge Commons.  We’ll have sundaes, root beer floats and banana splits.  If the weather cooperates, we’ll gather on the back patio. Cost: $3 adults, $1.40 children under 13. Info: 842-1616.

Ferry Farm Stand: Pick up some locally-grown veggies right at the ferry terminal! From 4:20 pm to 6:20 p.m. every Wednesday, the Sound Food Ferry Farm Stand offers produce from several local farms in convenient $5 bags. Tomatoes, corn, potatoes, basil, berries and more! Located between the ferry terminal and the buses. Info: www.soundfood.org.

Weed Warriors: All are invited to a Weed Warrior planning meeting at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at Viking Bank on Hildebrand Ave. No brawn work involved – just brainwork! If you have an item for the agenda, or an event or work site to promote, call Jeannette: 855-0911.

City Council: The City Council will meet from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 27 in Council Chambers, City Hall. Agenda items include re-appointments of Michael Piraino and Susan Buckles to the Ethics Board; Second Reading and Public Comment on Ord. 08-25, 2008 Limited Tax General Obligation Bond for Multiple Capital Projects; and Interlocal Agreement with Kitsap County regarding revisions to the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan. Info: Roz Lassoff, city clerk, 780-8624 or rlassoff@ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us.

Thursday 28

Estate Planning: The Bainbridge Public Library presents “Basic Estate Planning for Modest Estates” from 9-11 a.m. Aug. 28 at the library. This is the second in a series of six free esate planning programs. Information: 842-4162.

School Stories: At 10 a.m. Aug. 28, island author and delightful storyteller George Shannon returns to Eagle Harbor Book Co. with a selection of back-to-school stories for children ages 3 and up. Information: www.eagleharborbooks.com.

Kidimu Thursdays: On the last Thursday of each month you can enjoy all the fun of the Kids Discovery Museum for a whole 60 minutes longer than usual! From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. August 28, explore Blue Man Group – Making Waves and Dino Dig exhibits before they leave on September 1. At 10:30 a.m. join educator Linda Slater for a free demonstrational music and movement class. Information: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

After Hours: Chamber of Commerce After Hours will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Blue Ocean Café, 360 Knechtel Way (by the Meridian Condos). Enjoy the new facility, nosh food and beverage and network with business friends and associates. No reservations, free and open to the public. Info: 842-3700.

Plann Comm: The Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at City Hall. Agenda items include a review of new and old business and a study session on affordable housing. Info: 842-2552.

Susan Wiggs: Bainbridge fave Susan Wiggs will launch her latest novel, “Just Breathe,” in style at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at Eagle Harbor Book Co. Wiggs events are always packed with fun; in addition to a reading, book signing and refreshments, there will be a drawing for a lavish Just Breathe spa gift basket including an oxygen facial; another drawing entitles the winner to free admission to the Oct. 11 Field’s End event with storytelling master Michael Hauge. Also learn how you can win a trip to Point Reyes, Calif., simply by reading “Just Breathe.” Information: www.eagleharborbooks.com or www.susanwiggs.com.

Bluefish Tango: Bainbridge Island’s own Bluefish Tango will perform from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Kitsap Golf & Country Club in Bremerton. The show will include a short lesson. This is a great opportunity to listen to some of the best tango music by Astor Piazzolla, and to watch some incredible tango dancing by Julio and Mirabai, who are professional dancers and instructors from Buenas Aires staying in Indianola for a month.

Friday 29

Popsicle Party: Celebrate the end of another summer of reading with a cool treat in the garden behind the library. Meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Info: 842-4162.

Coming Up

Bubble Festival: Get “blown away”! At 11 a.m. Aug. 30, celebrate the end of the summer season at KiDiMu with award-winning children’s performer Garry Golightly and his magic. Bring the whole family to enjoy his fun and interactive one-man bubble festival. After the show experiment with bubble and face painting, and make a rain stick in the Art Studio. All ages welcome. Included with all-day admission or membership. Plan ahead for parking as space is limited. Info: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Kidimu Exhibits: Aug. 30 from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. is your last chance to explore one of the most popular traveling children’s exhibits featuring sound and music, and to enjoy outdoor fun with the dinosaur excavation site. Art Studio presents bubble and face painting, and rain stick project. All-day admission: $5 per person. Free for members and children 12 months old or younger. Info: 855-4650.

Ranger and the Re-Arrangers: At 7:30 Aug. 30, the Island Gallery presents the fifth concert in its new Summer Jazz Series with a performance by Ranger and the Re-Arrangers. Fiddling phenomenon Ranger Sciacca fronts this sizzling hot fivesome of violin, mandolin, bass, percussion and rhythm guitar as they play their award-winning originals, swing standards, and traditional Gypsy tunes. Cost: $20 adults, $10 students/seniors.

Operation Filmmaker: Celluloid Bainbridge presents a special free screening of, “Operation Filmmaker” from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Historic Lynwood Theatre. The film will be followed by a Q & A with documentary filmmakers Lucy Ostrander, John Jeffcoat, and John Sinno on the challenges of documentary filmmaking. Free; donations benefit the Celluloid Bainbridge Filmmakers Finishing Fund. Info: Kathleen Thorne, dthorne@ix.netcom.com or 842-0985.

Family to Family: The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a 12-week course for families of individuals with severe brain disorders. Classes begin Sept. 2 at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church Education Center, 18943 Caldart Ave., Poulsbo. Classes, which run 7-9:30 p.m., are structured to help caregivers understand and support those with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well being. Contact: Co-teachers Jim Decker, (360) 779-4291 and Jane Cartmell, (206) 898-6092.

BSO Auditions: On Sept. 3, Bainbridge Performing Arts’ Classical Music Program will hold auditions Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra. Strings, woodwinds, brass players and percussionists are encouraged to apply. Info and scheduling: call 855-9774 or email Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra’s Manager at bainbridgeso@gmail.com. Submit name, phone number, instrument, mailing address and email address to receive an audition form.

Blood Drive: Puget Sound Blood Center will hold a final Bainbridge blood drive at St. Cecilia Catholic Church from 12-6 p.m. Sept. 3. Meet in Conger Hall. Info: www.psbc.org.

Boating Class: “Introduction to Boating” starts Sept. 3 at Martha & Mary, 19160 Front St., in Poulsbo. The first class will start at 6:30 p.m., but the remaining classes will run from 7-9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks. Info: http://www.usps.org/localusps/agatepass/ or contact Marty Schwartz at apsnps@yahoo.com or (360) 697-5008. Pre-registration is not required but it is requested.

Quilt Guild: The Bainbridge Island Quilt Guild meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 and the first Thursday of each month at The Wyatt House. Quilters of all levels welcome. Info: 842-7358.

Evening Healing Prayer: This quiet service blends song, prayer and ritual to invite a healing presence. Designed and led by Kathie McCarthy and Ann Strickland. The next service will be at 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at Grace Episcopal Church. Info: www.gracehere.org.

Historic Bainbridge: Reid Hansen takes you down memory lane on Sept. 5.  As you see it today, he will have pictures and stories as it was “back then.”  A stop at Fay Bainbridge State Park for a box lunch (price included in the cost).  Don’t miss this.  Last year we did two trips because of the waiting list, so sign up early. Cost: $25 (includes lunch).

The EDGE: Edge Improv will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at Bainbridge Performing Arts. Tickets: $15/$10, at 842-8569. Info: www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

Blessing of Students: On Sept. 7, we will be blessing all students and teachers from the community at our 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services at Seabold United Methodist Church, 894 Seabold Church Rd. Please join us to receive a blessing. Info: 842-3622.

First Sundays Concert: The John Hansen Jazz Quartet will perform at 4 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Bainbridge Commons. John Hansen is regarded as one of the most in-demand jazz pianists in the Northwest. He will be performing with Alexy Nikolaev on tenor saxophone, Jon Hamar on bass and Phil Parisot on drums. Cost: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. Info: www.firstsundaysconcerts.org.

Bainbridge Chorale: The chorale will hold new member vocal assessments on Sept. 8. Call 780-CHOR or email kaywatkins3@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

BIYO Auditions: The Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra will hold auditions from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 8 at Island Music Guild Hall. String players in grades 3-12 and high school wind players are invited to audition. Rehearsals are on Mondays with concerts in the fall and spring. To audition, contact Priscilla Jones: info@biyo.us or 842-0124. Info: www.biyo.us.

T’ai Chi: Come to the Senior Center from 10:15-11 a.m. Wednesday mornings Sept. 10-Oct. 29 to learn the 20 easy moves from instructor and long time practitioner, Donna Moore. Sign up bySept. 3. Cost: $30. Info: 842-1616.

Scenic Drive: On Sept. 10, the Senior Center offers a leisurely drive through the forests of Mount Rainier to Paradise. Stop at several viewpoints along the way for photos. An optional 1.2 mile hike at Paradise is available after lunch on your own. Cost: $34. Info: 842-1616.

Arts auction: This year’s Auction for the Arts will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. Sept. 13 from at Wing Point Country Club. The annual benefit, including dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, and dessert, supports four nonprofit cultural organizations: Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, Bainbridge Performing Arts, Bainbridge Chorale, and Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council. Info: Susan Sivitz, 842-4560.

Dance Faculty Showcase: On Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 14 at 3 p.m., Bainbridge Dance Center presents its second Fall Faculty Showcase at Bainbridge Performing Arts. The diverse and entertaining production features choreography and performance by BDC faculty as well as companies they direct. Tickets, $18/$10, at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

‘Mattress’ Tryouts: Bainbridge Performing Arts is pleased to hold auditions for Once Upon a Mattress from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 15 and 16. This beloved Broadway Musical. Info: www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

Chamber Lunch: The next Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 17 at Wing Point Golf & Country Club. Topic: “State of Our Schools” with keynote speaker Faith Chapel, new school superintendent. The talk will be preceded by a small panel of other local education professionals. Cost: $15. RSVP and info: 842-3700.

PET PHOTO CONTEST: PAWS of Bainbridge Island will hold the third annual “Picture Your Pet” photo contest on Sept. 20, in conjunction with Town & Country’s annual mustard tasting and hot dog barbecue benefit for PAWS. Deadline for entries is Sept. 15. Rules and forms are at www.pawsbainbridge.org or by calling 842-2451.

Music All Around: Parents (or caregivers) and their children (1-3 year-olds) can learn songs and rhymes in a fun, relaxed atmosphere every Tuesday from 11-11:30 a.m. at Grace Church. We’ll sit together in a circle singing, clapping and moving to old and new favorites like Little Liza Jane, Peace Like a River and Three Little Birds. The 10-week session begins Sept. 16th and is designed and led by Ann Strickland. Cost: $125. Info: annie@gracehere.org

Night in Cuba: Bainbridge Travel presents A Night in Cuba – a festive evening with music, food, and dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Bainbridge Performing Arts. The evening’s enticements include the nine-piece Salsa band Trombanga and Salsa lessons provided by Sheila Phillips. Tickets, $30, are at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org or 842-8569.

Oliver! Auditions: Ovation! Musical Theatre Bainbridge will hold auditions for the musical “Oliver!” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Bainbridge Commons. An appointment is required. Email info@ovationmtb.com or call 842-0472. Prepare a song (musical theatre preferred, no pop or acapella) and bring piano music in your key. Info: www.ovationmtb.com.

Edible Garden Tour: Visit three Bainbridge Island “gardens with a purpose” from noon-3 p.m. Sept. 20. Sponsored by Sustainable Bainbridge, BI Watershed Council and Natural Landscapes Project. Optional farm dinner at Manzanita Creek Farm will follow. Reservations required; $5, or $25.00 for tour and dinner. Space is limited. Dress for the weather. Transportation provided by Kitsap Transit. Info and reservation: Sustainable Bainbridge, 842-4439.

Hail and Reign: Bainbridge Performing Arts is pleased to host the world premiere of “Hail and Reign,” a new musical by writer Colin Speer Crowley and Bainbridge Island composer Paul Lewis. Performances are Sept. 25-28, at 7:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat and 3 p.m. Sunday. Directed by Steven Fogell. Tickets, $18/$15, are at 842-8569. Info: www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

Antique Affair: The Children’s Hospital Bargain Boutique presents “An Antique Affair,” an antique and collectible evaluation event from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 27 at teh Bainbridge Public Library. Ticket holders are invited to bring an antique or collectible object for a verbal, general market evaluation and enjoy an afternon of informative commentary by certified appraiser Kathleen Victor. Tickets, $15, are available at Bargain Boutique, 572 Winslow Way. Info: 842-5567.

Cabaret Singing: Starting Oct. 6, Judi Roth leads students aged 18 and over in “Rainbow Room” West: Female Songbirds with Style! Students will be encouraged and supported to discover their voice through song, and style a song with spirit in this introductory class. Download the Adult Class registration form online at http://www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org/Education/SecondStage.html or call 842-8578.

Hot Springs: On Oct. 7, we at the Senior Center are bringing back this popular trip to Sol Duc Hot Springs. Enjoy the great views, the hot springs and an optional hike to the waterfalls. There is a deli or bring your own lunch.  Bring your Golden Pass, if you have one. Be sure to bring a water bottle and a bathing suit. Cost: $38 (includes entrance to the spa). Info: 842-1616.