Proposed Gift Card Legislation Worries WA Business Leaders

Lawmakers in the House and Senate have introduced legislation related to gift cards that would significantly impact Washington business owners.

HB 2095/SB 5988 require businesses to transfer unspent gift card funds to the state as unclaimed property after three years, report consumer data to the Department of Revenue related to gift cards, and honor gift cards even after funds have been turned over to the state.

HB 2094/SB 5987 require businesses to cash out gift cards to customers when the balance is below $50 (raising the threshold from $5) - essentially forcing businesses to act as ATMs, attracting criminals and potential fraud.

The Association of Washington Business is urging business owners and consumers to take a moment to contact their legislators and ask them to oppose these bills.

BI Review Celebrates 100 Years Of Community Reporting

In the January 26 issue of the Bainbridge Review highlights and celebrates 100 years of reporting on the Island.

Featuring stories from community members, photos of historical events, it details decade by decade how far the Bainbridge Review has come and the vital role it has played in our local history.

Check out all the articles, stories, and photos:

Readers share their favorite memories of BI Review

Review’s epic moment: Supporting Japanese Americans in WWII

BIR archives: 1929 to 1946

Bainbridge Selects Public Defender as New City Judge

The city's public defender for the past 30 years is set to be sworn in as the new judge for Bainbridge Island Municipal Court.

Bainbridge Island resident Thomas S. Alpaugh has been selected to replace Judge Sara McCulloch, who resigned last fall, according to an announcement from the city.

Alpaugh is familiar with the city's court, having been the city's public defender since 1992.

He has also served as a public defender for the city of Poulsbo, and as a judge pro-tem in Bremerton and Poulsbo Municipal Court.

Kids' Pantry: Youth Meal Bags Available Mid Winter Break

Helpline House, in partnership with Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, is offering Youth Meal Bags during Mid Winter Break—February 18-23.

Youth(ages 0-18) or households experiencing unexpected financial stress may benefit from the Kids' Pantry bags and bridge the food gap so no one goes hungry. 

They can be picked up at Helpline House on February 20, 22 and 23 between 10am and 4 pm. 

Event Photo Gallery: After Hours at HomeStreet Bank

Kicking off the Bainbridge Chamber’s 2024 season of After Hours, a capacity crowd of 50+ members filled the island’s branch of HomeStreet Bank on Thursday January 25.

Guests enjoyed delicious bites from Bainbridge Thai Cuisine, and sipped complementary beverages from event sponsors Eleven Winery and Bainbridge Brewing.

Bainbridge Learning Resources

Bainbridge Learning Resources provides individualized academic tutoring in all subjects for preschool-8th grade with a specialty in reading.

For 5th-12th grade, BLR offers personalized lessons and resources in order to strengthen learning strategies such as organizational, note taking, study, and time management skills.

BPA Announces 2024/2025 Mainstage Season

From the satirical to the historical, the whimsical to the classic, the new BPA lineup offers a unique blend of narratives that will have you laughing and perhaps even crying along the way.

BPA is thrilled to announce the lineup of their 2024/2025 Mainstage season:

• Urinetown
• Anastasia
• Eurydice
• Spongebob Squarepants
• Macbeth

Season tickets will launch in spring and single show tickets later in June.

Fletcher Bay's 2021 Tempranillo Wins Gold

Fletcher Bay Winery's 2021 Tempranillo took Gold in the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of American wines in the world!

Congratulations Jim Wilford & team! 

This winning vintage is 100% Tempranillo, sourced from Les Collines Vineyards in Walla Walla, Washington.

Headshot Mini Marathon

Fiona Margo Photography is hosting headshot mini marathon days now through mid-March.

This 20 minute shoot, includes 5 images for $375+tax.

Chamber Members get 10% off with code CHAMBER10.

Island Fitness: Join in January & Get $100

Become a member at Island Fitness by January 31 and they will give you a $100* Credit with purchase.

Activated once your purchase is complete. Good for 6 months from purchase date.

Plus Receive $400 in services* to get started.

Online sign up below!

Retailer Churchmouse Yarns & Teas Heads to Kingston 

Churchmouse Yarns & Teas, the once iconic knitting store in Downtown Winslow, is on the move again, adding a new off-island address and adopting an innovative business concept to serve its loyal customer base, says the 24-year-old store’s chief operations officer and co-founder John Koval.

Come March, Churchmouse will open its new home in Kingston, at 6810 NE State Hwy 101.

Kitsap Great Give Registration is Open

Your Kitsap Great Give 2024 campaign is on its way!

Registration closes for nonprofit participation at midnight on Wednesday, January 31.

Click below to check all the requirements and submit your organization's registration form...