Fresh Connections – The Parfitt Way Blog

Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, based in Washington, DC, advocates for clean energy solutions mostly on the federal level.  They recently filmed Congressman Reichert in his office about clean energy and its importance in Washington state.  He specifically mentioned Impact Bioenergy and used part of PSE‘s Pub HORSE video in their video as well.  Click below to watch.

In a touching and warm remembrance to local artist, Ruth Carr who died of cancer last year, a new sculpture has been dedicated on the grounds of the Harbour Public House overlooking the Harbour Marina. Ms. Carr was the inspiration and leader of what became known as the Wednesday Watercolors. Meeting in her studio and often on the grounds of the Pub and Marina the group became known regionally for their style and abilities. A group show at the Bainbridge Public Library was a recent tribute to Ms Carr.

The sculpture designed and crafted by Dave Myers and Kelly Asordian, is now in place and is a fine memorial. A tour of the design and crafting process is online More watercolors are on display through August at the Harbour Public House showing scenes of local life and the vision of this talented and inspired group of local artists.

This group of Bainbridge Island artists, including watercolorists, sculptors, mixed media artists and painters continue to meet regularly on these grounds to work and share ideas and inspirations. One of the driving forces among this group is watercolorist and copper sculptor Ted Hoppin. Well known locally for his gates and for his expertise as a Master Gardener his work is much in demand.

The gates Mr. Hoppin creates are as practical as they are beautiful and sometimes whimsical. Scaling each gate and recognizing that gates don’t always have to shut out the world they are inviting and often include painted flowers as well as the copper metal work for which he is so well known. It is certainly not uncommon to find references in the gates to the proud owners. This includes the needle and spool of thread, in copper, in the corner of the gate for a seamstress and fiber artist. Look also in the Pacific Northwest Magazine of July 13, 2008 to see more of his work and to read of his vision for creating the works of art that flow from his interaction with the natural world around us.

Tonight’s Snackdown Menu includes Whole Roasted & Smoked Kapowsin Pig with North Carolina BBQ Sauce & Slaw mini-sandwiches; Baywater Shellfish Salish Blue Clams steamed  with Chef Jeff’s homemade Chorizo; Taylor Shellfish Winterbrook Oyster Shooters with a Bainbridge Organic Legacy Vodka Float, NW Farro and Veggie Salad, & Pegasus Delectable Sweet Tarts

Samples from Bainbridge Organic Distillers & Bainbridge Island Brewery!

After Hours Absinthe Lounge begins a 8PM

Happy Friday!

Seattle Business magazine announced its annual Family Business Award winners on Thursday, Nov. 29. Parfitt Way Management Corporation was awarded the Silver in the Small Companies category by the panel of judges which included business leaders and educators from the Seattle area. The award is based on a number of criteria including on-going business success, participation and value of family leadership and contribution to the community.

Parfitt Way Management is not only a family-run business; it is a family of businesses itself. Made up of three separate entities – The Harbour Marina, Harbour Public House and Pegasus Coffee House, Parfitt Way Management is a defining presence on the waterfront of Bainbridge Island.

The company began in 1982 when  Jim and Judy Evans designed and built the Harbour Marina. By 1991 the Harbour Public House was opened just up the hill from the marina. In 2007 Jeff and Jocelyn, in full control of the family business,  purchased the premier espresso house of the Northwest, Pegasus Coffee House, which rounded out the trio of businesses owned and operated by the family. The Pub is housed in the original dwelling of Ambrose and Amanda Grow, who settled in Bainbridge in 1881. As early pioneers, the Grows helped build the town into a bustling center of logging and shipbuilding. The Grows donated the land for the first school and church in the Madrone settlement which later became Winslow.

Currently, Parfitt Way Management Co. (PWMC)  is run by Jocelyn (daughter of Jim and Judy) and her husband Jeff Waite who feel strongly about building on the roots of the community. While applying for permits in early 2003, Jeff realized that there was little understanding of the historical value of the commercial properties along the waterfront. The city proper had moved up the hill away from the waterfront.  PWMC’s efforts have not only brought continued business and life to the waterfront, it is helping to preserve the history of Bainbridge Island through its website, blog and even on their unique menus. Jeff related that local school teachers stop in to pick up the menus for use in teaching local history. Laid out like an old-time newspaper, the quarterly changing menus feature articles ranging from current trends in farming to the history of the island. The Waite’s dedication to preserving the past was recognized in May by the Bainbridge Island Historic Preservation with a Blakely Award, which honors community members who are successful in preserving the Island’s past.

The Waite’s excellent business practices are evidenced by the loyalty of both customers and employees. Most of their employees are long term – including the executive chef who has been with them for over 10 years. The Waites are also committed to establishing relationships and fostering the growth of area farms and local enterprises. Jeff’s working theory is that in today’s cookie-cutter world, it is worth celebrating authenticity and uniqueness. Jeff and Jocelyn’s two children (aged 12 and 15) are already shareholders in the family business. As to whether or not they will someday take the reins, Jeff takes a “wait and see” attitude. In the meantime, the Waite’s dedication to preserving the past while building a future gives the Bainbridge community an award winning family business.

Jocelyn Waite at the podium making her acceptance remarks on stage with members of her family

The award was presented at the Historic Preservation Annual Meeting June 18th. To read more see http://www.bainbridgereview.com/news/153819125.html

20th Anniversary Bag Makes an appearance at the Summit at Snoqualmie

Our traveling correspondent took a quick pic of our anniversary bag at the East Summit (Hyak) Lodge at the Snoqulamie Summit this weekend….no doubt holding some intrepid cross-country skiers gear while he/she was traversing the 120 inches of snow in the mountain pass. See it at http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/Mountains/Summit-East

Cheers!

You can see the article and pictures here:

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/dec/25/business-spotlight-bainbridges-iconic-watering/

Summer, and the SUPing is easy...

Our Twentieth Anniversary Tote makes an appearance at the Beach with our field correspondent, “Swim Lynn”.

The Hyla Middle School’s 14th annual Chili Cook-Off turned out to be a wonderful day and the chili was delicious. Some 200 people gathered for great food, foot-stomping music by Oxygen Tank, and carnival games designed by Hyla’s seventh grade students. Winners of the Chili Cook-Off: • Harbour Public House – Best chili in the judged competition. • Cafe Nola – Second place in the judged competition. • Salmon Canyon Cafe – Third place in the judged competition. • Cafe Nola – Best chili in the popular vote. • Harbour Public House – Second place in the popular vote.

Harbour Pub has participated all 14 years of the event often receiving one or both of the first place awards. While the Pub’s submitted recipe changes from year to year, the participants’ enthusiasm has not waned – nor has the level of competition. Congrats Chef McClelland!

Bainbridge’s Original Neighbourhood Pub, Harbour Public House, has begun its 2oth consecutive year of service this year. Begun in December of 1991, the Grow homestead, rebuilt and restored by the Evans’,  has chugged along serving the best of Washington’s microbrews along with its famous fish & chips and burgers. The owners and staff are still considering how to commemorate the occasion in December. If you have any ideas be sure to share them here.

In addition, today the pub initiated a survey via email to check in with many of its most valued customers. If you received it, be sure to return it to us as soon as possible. If you did not receive one and would like to participate click on this link: http://eepurl.com/chtZz