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How Helpline House Strengthens Our Community
Founded in 1968, Helpline House on Bainbridge Island provides social services to individuals and families in need. Helpline offers housing and utility assistance, social work and counseling services, a food bank, medical supplies, and senior services. Additionally Helpline has many great programs for children, including Project Backpack and Project Happy Birthday.
Here at Windermere Bainbridge Island, we are proud supporters of Helpline House. Their work is vital and strengthens are community in many ways. We recently spoke to Executive Director Maria Metzler to learn more.
Maria Metzler, Executive Director
Maria has been the Executive Director at Helpline House for the last seven years, she shared her story of getting involved.
“I was living on the Island, but commuting to Seattle for work every day. My whole career has been in social services and nonprofits, and as such, I was aware of the amazing work of Helpline House in my community. My kids were young at the time and I wanted them to grow up understanding what a healthy, connected, intentional community looks like, specifically, their own community. When the opportunity arose to become a part of Helpline House, I jumped.”
Helpline House’s Inspiring Mission
When we asked Maria about how Helpline inspires her, she said, “‘Becoming a part of the circle of giving and receiving.’ We are all in that circle, in various places, all the time. There are moments in our lives when we are the givers and equally as many moments in our lives when we are the receivers. We give and receive daily – love, affection, guidance, lessons. Helpline House exemplifies this in our community. It is one of the most generous, philanthropic, giving communities out there. Helpline House is lucky enough to be the face of that on Bainbridge Island. However, I would be remiss not to add that I’m inspired not just by the ‘givers,’ but by the receivers, too. It takes courage to ask for help. We are a better, stronger, healthier community because of their bravery and willingness to come to Helpline House. Ultimately, I truly believe we are all givers and receivers, and being at Helpline House is just one example of how we live that every day. We would not and could not exist without our community. In 2023, we distributed 68,000 pounds of food a month.”
Helpline is making an incredible impact, and we’re so grateful for Maria’s efforts and the rest of the Helpline House team. Additionally, they have a new mental health program for kids. Maria informed us that “Helpline House is the only provider of free mental health therapy for kids ages 5-12 in the area.”
How You Can Help
A great way to support Helpline House is through participating in a food drive. Also, you can donate food in the designated bins at Town & Country or Safeway. Financial support is wonderful, too. By making a monetary donation, Helpline has more purchasing power due to partnerships. Your dollars go further to purchase more food because staff can buy needed items through other, larger, food systems.
Giving events are also an easy, rewarding way to show your support. The Kitsap Great Give is a fantastic time to donate. April 16th is the big day this year, with early giving starting on April 1st. Also, you can round up or give directly at the registers at Town & Country any time you shop. In the fall, the annual Turkey Trot is a wonderful fundraiser.
If you’d like to help more regularly, there are weekly shifts available for volunteers. You can greet shoppers, stock and sort food, pick up food in the morning from local grocery stores, and more. Additionally, Helpline needs substitutes who can be available with a day or two’s notice when regular volunteers are unable to make it. Maria says, “Ultimately, one of the best ways of supporting our organization is to be an ambassador. Tell your family and friends about Helpline House and how you think Bainbridge Island is a better community because of it. Your support could inspire more giving, more volunteering, but also perhaps inspire a neighbor to seek help if previously they were unsure about it.”
For questions about getting involved, email: helpline@helplinehouse.org
Our Office’s Involvement
Windermere Bainbridge Island has long supported programs at Helpline House, namely Project Backpack. “We love Windermere,” Maria commented. “You make it possible for households who get brand new backpacks and school supplies for their children to also have a gift card to purchase the necessary items that are not included in the backpack pick up.”
Last year, our office also helped provide Thanksgiving meals by supporting Helpline’s Thanksgiving program with grocery store gift cards. This supplemented the Thanksgiving items Helpline offers in their food bank.
As Maria said, “It takes all of us” to improve our community. We’re so grateful for Helpline House!
Downsize With These Helpful Tips
Downsizing may sound scary, but it can help you start fresh as you begin the next chapter of your life. From retiring to simplifying your life, there are many reasons to downsize. If you’re considering a move to a smaller house or condo but feel overwhelmed by it, here are some useful tips to get you started.
Decluttering and Reorganizing
After deciding that downsizing is right for you, it is time to declutter and reorganize. Start small and start as soon as possible. You don’t necessarily need a large block of time to tackle it all at once. Instead, pick a drawer to go through today, and then maybe pick two tomorrow, and so on. Or, if you prefer time-based tasks, set a timer and spend just 30 minutes a day shredding old documents you don’t need and reorganizing items you do need.
As difficult as it is to determine whether your sentimental items go into the “yes” or “no” pile, it is vital during this process. In Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Kondo teaches a decluttering method that has gained popularity worldwide. You can also learn more about the KonMari Method in our article, Tips and Tricks to Get (and Stay) Organized.
Ways to Finance Downsizing
Downsizing comes with both buying and selling a home, so here are some loan options to help you achieve your goals if you need to finance your move. From Bridge Loans to a HELOC (Home Equity Line Of Credit), there are different options to consider. Doing your research and managing expectations will go a long way. This includes getting an accurate estimate of what your current home is really worth. Our local experts can provide a free market analysis.
Saying Goodbye
If downsizing will mean moving away from your community, saying goodbye will be the most challenging step. Spend as much time as possible with your local friends and family before it’s time to say goodbye. Though it can be difficult to break the news, telling loved ones as early as possible can help everyone process and prioritize as much time together as possible.
Starting Anew
If you’re moving from a large house to a smaller townhome or a cozy condo, you may want to start fresh with some space-saving, multifunctional furniture. Sofa beds like this one from Pottery Barn are an excellent option for when you have guests. A bench like this one from Crate and Barrel gives you extra storage space. Coffee tables like this one from Wayfair can turn into desks. We recommend buying furniture that fits your lifestyle and maximizes the space in your new home.
Community Spotlight: Bainbridge’s Boys & Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Club of Bainbridge Island has persevered through the pandemic and has enriched the minds of countless youth. Since 2001, our Windermere Bainbridge Island office has proudly supported the Club by donating $250 per month, or $60,000 to date. Read on to learn more about the important work that this wonderful nonprofit does right here in our community.
Boys & Girls Club During the Pandemic
Our local Boys & Girls Club provides academic, engaging, and supportive out-of-school care for Bainbridge Island youth from kindergarten through 8th grade. This organization has also been an integral part of our community’s response to COVID-19. They, along with other local organizations, provided discounted rates and extended out-of-school programming.
Not even the pandemic could stop children from safely having fun and learning at the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island. The Club implemented remote learning programs to support children during stressful times. And, peer connection, adult mentorship, and engaging activities are still part of the curriculum. As part of their new virtual initiatives, they started offering Free Youth Force Job Readiness workshops.
This past year and a half, our Boys & Girls Club transformed from an after-school care center to a full-time, safe, and reliable place for kids to learn. Additionally, they’ve provided free childcare for frontline workers’ children. They continue to innovate by working with the Bainbridge Island School District and adapting their programs to meet the changing environment.
School Year Programs
Bainbridge’s Boys & Girls Club provides fun programs throughout the school year. There’s a program for K – 4th grade and a separate middle school program for 5th – 8th grade. Club members enjoy healthy snacks and choose from three to four program options. Kids can choose anything from cooking to sports, Minecraft to drone club. There is also a PowerHour to complete homework. 5th – 8th graders participate in PowerHour every day as well as a variety of program offerings from filmmaking to learning how to play the ukulele.
Get Involved
If you have a child or children who would like to get involved with our local Boys & Girls Club, the cost varies based on the program. You can find out more on their school year programs page. They also offer full-day camps during school breaks (winter, mid-winter, and summer). To see what the Club has been up to lately, check out their Facebook page.
Whether you have young children or not, it’s easy to see the long-lasting benefits of a nonprofit organization like this. The Club’s programs give students opportunities to try new things, gain confidence, make new friends, and learn in a safe, supportive environment. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Boys and Girls Club’s mission is to continue to uplift youth and help them reach their goals. If you would like to contribute to our local Club, you can easily donate online.
4 Tips for Buying a House in Our Strong Seller’s Market
Many buyers are scrambling to secure their dream homes, especially since we have such a strong seller’s market here on Bainbridge Island. Multiple offer situations have become very common. Additionally, our agents know of many situations in which buyers are waiving inspections or are outbid by price or by all-cash offers. Not to worry, our local experts are here to help. Here are four tips and insights.
1. Make Sure You Can View Homes Right Away
“Be ready to view homes ASAP so you don’t miss out on getting a showing appointment,” says Broker Diane Sugden.
Many homes are only on the market for a matter of days. They come and go quickly, so there is little time to debate. Make sure you are prepared to adjust your schedule as needed before you start looking at listings. Make a list of all of the neighborhoods/areas you are open to, as well as any must-haves and deal-breakers for you. This will save you time and help you view the right homes quickly with a focused approach.
2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Local Experts
“Work with local experts! From your lender to your realtor to your closing escrow team. Professional history and work ethic are critical in crafting a strong offer where the seller can take comfort knowing their home will close on time, with no surprises,” says Susan Grosten, Managing Broker.
Undoubtedly, a real estate agent who knows the local market, the community, and the right vendors will be a tremendous help. They also have an established track record and are skilled negotiators. It’s not uncommon for experienced local agents to have worked with the agent representing the seller, which can be to your advantage. From lenders to home inspectors, home repair crews to community resources, local agents’ connections can help you in many ways.
3. Get Pre-Approved Locally
“Get yourself pre-approved with a LOCAL lender. This will serve you well as the listing broker will want to assure their sellers that the buyer can close. Most agents prefer to work with a local lender who has a proven track record and is easily accessible,” advises Broker Diane Sugden.
Getting pre-approved with a local lender will help the sellers feel great about your offer. Taking this step can make a difference, especially since they’ll want to close as quickly as possible.
4. Do Your Due Diligence
Make sure to really analyze different aspects of a property that you’re looking to buy. It shows you’re really ready to buy and can help distinguish you in a multiple offer situation. “In one instance, the sellers chose my clients because of the due diligence they did before placing their offer on the house. This pre-inspection gave my clients information on the condition and functionality of the home. Additionally, it gave the sellers confidence that my clients were serious, did their due diligence, and presented a solid offer,” says Broker Jenn Herrmann. Sellers do not want to waste any time. Anything you can do to prove that you won’t pull your offer at the last minute will give them peace of mind.
To learn more about our current market, watch our video below with stats from this year’s first quarter. For more in-depth information, read our First Quarter Market Review.
Start the New Year Off Right With These Fun Activities
Each new year brings hope and the chance to start fresh. Here are some activities to help you feel rejuvenated and more connected to this incredible place we call home.
New Year, New View
We all get caught up in our daily lives and sometimes we take this gorgeous area for granted. Grab your coat and visit a trail you haven’t been to in months or ever. There are many great trails here on Bainbridge like Grand Forest, which is made up of 240 acres with approximately eight miles of trails. Kitsap Peninsula offers many wonderful places to enjoy. Another peaceful spot is Point No Point Park and Lighthouse in Hansville. There’s a short nature trail, a beautiful beach, and the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound. While you’re taking it all in, try to remember what it felt like to experience this place for the first time. Or, if you grew up here, remember the joy of sharing this place with a visitor. Tapping into that can help you see your surroundings with fresh eyes.
Unplug For One Day
If your routine involves a lot of time in front of a computer or on your phone, take a day to fully unplug. Turn off all of your electronics. Yes, even your phone. It can be challenging yet rewarding. Play a board game with your family, write good ol’ fashioned letters or thank you cards, bake cookies for a neighbor. You may be surprised how often you automatically reach for your phone. In just one day, you can see where you really are on the usage spectrum. And, you may decide you want to limit your screen time as a new year’s resolution. Even if you are fine with how much time you spend in front of screens, a day off from electronics can help you appreciate them more.
Share Your Love of Books, New and Old
Whether you’re a voracious reader or have fond childhood memories of reading some of the classics, start the new year off by sharing your love of books. Donate a few of your books to your nearest Little Free Library so that others can enjoy them. If there isn’t a Little Free Library near you, start your own! Either way, it’s a great way to connect with neighbors, friends, and family over beloved books.
After you add to or start your own Little Free Library, you’ll have the perfect excuse to visit your local bookstore. After all, you’ll have gaps on your bookshelf that you’ll need to fill. You can find an array of excellent books at Eagle Harbor Book Co. here on Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay Books.
If you never seem to have the time to sit down with a good book, try downloading a free app called Libby. You can borrow audiobooks by connecting the app to your Kitsap Regional Library card. It’s user-friendly and offers tons of bestsellers and classics for free.
Create a Gratitude Jar
Want a simple yet meaningful activity that gets the whole family involved? Get a large jar and decorate it with the word “gratitude” on it or purchase a gratitude jar like this one. Every week, your family members can put little notes in it, describing what you’re thankful for and memorable moments. To establish this new habit, pick a day that you’ll each add one note to the jar, like on Sundays after dinner. That way, it quickly becomes part of your routine. Also, make sure your gratitude jar is in a prominent place so anyone can jot down a note whenever they want. At the end of the year, you’ll get to go through all of these little notes together. It’s an easy way to regularly practice gratitude and an enjoyable way to reflect on the year’s highlights.
We wish you a happy, healthy 2021!
Best Summer Activities on Bainbridge Island
There’s something magical about Bainbridge Island in the summer. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular tourist destination. While it’s nice to know what tourists enjoyed about the area, it’s even better to get the inside scoop from locals. And, many of our real estate agents are 2nd and 3rd generation islanders. So we are happy to share our agents’ favorite Bainbridge Island summer activities.
If you are planning on visiting or partaking in these activities, please make sure to brush up on the most recent Bainbridge Island Covid-19 rules to make sure you are prepared. Also, look at businesses’ websites or Facebook pages before visiting in person so that you have all the latest information regarding their current operating hours and the protocol they’re following.
Enjoy the Island by Water
What better way to experience island life than by water? After all, we are surrounded by it. Many of our agents are avid kayakers and sailors.
Our very own Patti Shannon loves kayaking. Catch her if you can!
Kayaking
If you are itching for some classic summer fun, Kayaking in the Puget Sound is a wonderful activity. Our local SCUBA and kayaking center, Exotic Aquatics has kayak rentals and guided tours at their kayak dock at Waterfront park. Exotic Aquatic will also deliver kayaks to your location, and they also have kayaks for purchase at their store on Madison.
Our Managing Broker, Patti Shannon is an avid kayaker. Keep your eye on the water for a chance to say hi!
Sailing
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- Looking for a chartered sailing adventure? Check out Sail Bainbridge or Dreamboat Adventure Sailing. If you have children who want to learn how to sail,
Bainbridge has a great sailing camp. Courses are taught by certified instructors. For more information, check out the sailing section on Bainbridge Island Parks’ website.
- Looking for a chartered sailing adventure? Check out Sail Bainbridge or Dreamboat Adventure Sailing. If you have children who want to learn how to sail,
.
Low Tide Beachcombing
If you aren’t familiar with our area, we have incredible swing tides. The beaches double and triple in size, showing off all the wonders hidden by the Puget Sound. Seaglass, shells, and hidden secrets hide beneath our high tides. Don’t forget to skip a rock or two.
Fishing and Crabbing
There’s nothing like a feast of crab and freshly caught fish to show you’re savoring summer on Bainbridge Island. Whether you want to fish or crab with or without a boat is up to you, but always make sure you have a license. Check out more about the optimal times and places to go.
Explore on Your Own Two Feet
Bloedel Reserve
The Bloedel Reserve’s mission is “To enrich people’s lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes.” With 150 acres and beautiful trails that weave through forests, meadows, sculpted gardens, this will not disappoint. “Walking in Bloedel is special! It’s gorgeous and full of nature’s best and local history!” Says Broker, Diane Sugden.
Fort Ward Park
Looking to go on a nice stroll with a wide, open path free of cars? Fort Ward Park is an excellent spot. “I love the closed road at Fort Ward Park,” says Managing Broker, Susan Grosten. “No cars are allowed in and it is a level road. A lot of young kids practice their new bike riding skills there without fear of traffic. It is like ‘training wheels lane’!” Diane Sugden also recommends a visit to the park. “Walking or biking at Fort Ward is great. It’s fun because there are old wartime bunkers there and the kids love to explore. The beach there is rocky so it’s fun to turn the rocks over and find crabs.”
The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial/Pritchard Park
“Our family, grandkids, and dogs especially like visiting Pritchard Park during the summer,” says Managing Brokers Maureen and Ed Buckley. “You can swim, sit on a sandy beach or a log, and have a beach fire or barbecue.”
“The Japanese Exclusion memorial at Pritchard Park is a beautiful tribute to the first Japanese American families removed from their homes and put into camps in World War II. In this time of inclusion awareness, this is a good reminder for everyone. It needs to be age-appropriate for the kids, as it is a difficult time in our history, but it is important,” says Susan Grosten.
Have Fun with the Kids
Kids Discovery Museum
There’s no better place for young children than Bainbridge Island’s museum for kids. The Kids Discovery Museum aims to spark children’s curiosity through experiential learning. Right now, they’re offering summer camps and a virtual art room to feature kids’ creations online. They also have at-home activities that promote STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math). 
Pick Fresh Berries
If you’re not from the PNW then you may be surprised to find that there are blackberries all over our island. Enjoy some free fun with the family by seeing who can pick the most and then use them to make delicious pies or jam.
There are also opportunities to pick other types of berries on the island like the strawberry patches at Suyematsu Farms. For the blueberry lovers in your family, visit Bainbridge Island Blueberry Company.
Inspire the Artist in You
BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network)
BARN’s mission is to “build and support an open, intergenerational community of artisans and makers who are dedicated to learning, teaching, sharing, and inspiring one another with creativity, craftsmanship and community service”. They are now offering a series of online classes and will be reopening when Kitsap County has entered into Phase 3 of Covid-19. Susan Grosten enjoys BARN and what it offers. “It is such a cool and creative place for artists and woodworkers. It was built with community funds. They have great classes including jewelry making, woodworking, writing, creating fabric arts, and using 3D printers.”
Eagledale Pottery Studio
Bainbridge Island is home to one of the best-kept secrets: the Eagledale Pottery Studio. A simple, WWII-era cinderblock building, this pottery studio houses a vibrant community of ceramic hobbyists of all ages and skill levels. They have classes for kids and adults, individuals, and school groups.
There are so many great summer activities here on Bainbridge Island. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to wear your mask, follow the Bainbridge Island COVID-19 rules, and take pictures of all the fun you’re sure to have. We hope you have a healthy, happy summer!
