Fresh Connections – The Parfitt Way Blog

Among other sights and scenes of Bainbridge Island the Bloedel Reserve is a standout. Begun as the home and estate of the Prentice and Virginia Bloedel family in 1950 the 150 acre site is now a crown jewel of gardens open to the public.

First time visitors will want to follow the trails throughout the Preserve using the self guided tour booklet available at the visitor center. In places such as this we always know many return visits will be required to fully appreciate the gardens as a whole or separately. Make time for lots of photography. This is a marvelous place for watching the seasons change and observing the ebb and flow of nature.

Our personal favorites for return visits include the Rock Garden, the Moss Garden, the Meadow, the Woods, the Japanese Garden and the Bird Refuge, all in no particular order. For us, as compulsive photographers, the gardens provide infinite opportunities to not just look but to see, what surrounds us in nature. Everyone who visits will find their own favorite quiet place to take in the essence of the garden. Among the vast array of plants are Birch trees, Red Alders and Japanese Maples. Well represented are species of Rhododendron, Huckleberry, Camellias and Oxalis. The moss garden has too many species to list. Throughout are plants and trees native to the Northwest.

The French Country style home overlooking Port Madison Bay near Agate Pass is now the Visitor Center and includes a large library for on site research. An eagle nest is visible from the house.

Garden Etiquette asks that cell phones be turned off to better take in the aura of peace. Also, picnicking and food is not allowed. Artists and amateur photographers are welcome. Please stay out of flower and moss beds.

Current events scheduled include an exhibition of sculpture by Julie Speidel through October 13. Ongoing exhibition of Botanical Artworks Exhibition by local chapter members of the American Botanical Artists.

September 14 enjoy a concert by the Bainbridge Symphony Brass and on September 29 American Flute Music by Gary Stroutsos. For current information and events visit

Parfitt Way Mgmt Corp Seeking Office Manager

Full-time (32 hours/week) or Part-time (24 hours/week) office manager job available in our Bainbridge Island office.

The role of the office manager is to support the staff in a variety of areas such as facilities management, money handling, supply ordering, book keeping and administration. This position reports to the General Manager and works closely with all staff to ensure an efficient, positive, and enjoyable workplace.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages cash receipts and vendor payments
• Manages all office systems and procedures, including supply ordering, mailing, cleaning coordination, and filing
• Provides excellent customer service to our employees and customers (both on the phone, in correspondence and in the physical office)
• Manages all aspects of the physical office, including office equipment, facility maintenance, utilities & furniture
• Manages facility rental agreements
• Maintains updates on website and internet sales fulfillment
• Coordinates various meetings & events

Core Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Positive, energetic, and outgoing
• Diplomacy
• Multi-tasking capabilities
• Ability to prioritize

Skills and/or Knowledge:

• Strong desire to support the staff in achieving goals
• Well organized, able to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Strong customer service orientation and excellent phone manner
• Flexible team player with ability to exercise own initiative
• Strong computer skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Enthusiastic about service industry
• Ability to work independently and see projects to completion
• Office/business management experience
• Sense of humor

Desired Qualifications:

• Competent with MS Word and Excel
• Mac and PC experience

Compensation:

$14-$19/hr DOE.

Must work an average of 30 hours per week to qualify for health benefits including medical and dental.

How to Apply:

No paper applications or phone calls, please. We prefer the cover letter in the email body; the resume can be an attachment. Email applications to booking@parfittway.com with “Office Manager Search” in the subject line. Include a cover letter and resume.

Applications close on August 26, 2013, however we will be evaluating applications on a rolling basis. Start date will be mid-September.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application.

Set aside Saturday August 24th for the wine, food and music event of the summer. What can make a better summer day than sipping the fine wines of all seven of Bainbridge Island’s wines, eating one’s way through a festival all the while listening to the great musical talents playing from noon to 6:00 PM on the streets of Winslow?

Music includes artist Zach Fleury who is well known locally for his vocals and guitar playing accompaniment. He’ll be at the Harbor Square Wine Shop and Tasting Room with Lean Davidson from 12 to 2 pm. Taste the pressings from Rolling Bay Winery as well as Result of a Crush Winery by former Islanders Amanda and Angela Reynvaan. Get current details here.

From 2:30 to 4 Bainbridge Island Radio and Benjamin Doerr rock the Winslow Mall so come and taste the offerings by Sleight of Hand and Balboa Wineries.

From 1 to 3 Beads of Bainbridge will be offering instruction of creating your own wine accessories. Be creative, sip fine wine and enjoy learning a new craft. Cost of materials only.

From 2 to 4 pm join  Soup’ r Burger and sample local beers with your burger or pair a meal with your favorite wine at several locations in downtown. Follow your nose and your appetite for great food and adult beverages.

The day winds up with the Bainbridge Island History Museum Charity Gala ($75). Starting at 6 pm. Rub elbows, and bend a few, with winemakers, musicians and islanders while sampling the best wines, live music and tales from the Island.

The event is just a short walk, drive or cycle from the Seattle ferry and is an annual event for wine, music, food and summer lovers from everywhere.

Heronswood Gardens

While most events are centered around weekends there are still lots of places to visit, explore and enjoy during the week.

Mom always said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, whether you’re at home in Bainbridge or are arriving by ferry this is the place to tank up for the start of the trip. Begin with coffee and pastries or sandwiches in Winslow at Pegasus Coffee or any of the local bakeries and restaurants around the ferry terminal or downtown.

After you are fueled up, drive north on SR 305 to begin your adventure. A must see stop is just crossing Agate Pass at the new Suquamish Museum. Learn the story of the Suquamish people through displays and exhibits. Central to the learning process is the integration of Lushootseed, the language of the Salish Peoples into the displays. The language is vital to understand the people and the world in which they live.

Not long after leaving Suquamish you soon arrive in Colorful Poulsbo which is filled with shops, galleries, antique stores and, of course, restaurants. Indulge your fancies here or drive on and keep exploring. While driving on a stop at the Port Gamble, S’Klallam Indian Reservation to visit the stunning Heronswood Gardens will add color and delight to your trip. This classic formal garden setting is available for tours and events, and is especially popular for weddings.

Cross the Hood Canal Floating Bridge and then, more decisions present themselves. Turn off onto SR 19 and head to Port Townsend, a Victorian gem along the coast or continue US Highway 101 to Port Angeles. Both have much to see and do. From Port Townsend take the ferry to Whidbey Island and all that is on offer there or Port Angeles and a ferry to Victoria, BC.

Let your mood, available time and whims take you as far as you wish. It’s possible to make theme road trips to see wildlife refuges, old coast forts, lighthouses and mountains to rain forests. Later this month we will give you more ideas of places to see and visit.