Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/303138
Arboretum Kiwi Forest Tour Saturday, May 31 You may be surprised to find that New Zealand is as close as the Washington Park Arboretum's New Zealand Focal Forest. Opened this past September, it's consid- ered to be the largest single collection of New Zealand plants outside of their homeland. Our guide from UW Botanic Gardens will take us through the 2.5-acre site, rich in color and texture with 10,000 exotic plantings. ough in its infancy, the forest will provide inspiration for your own garden, and educational opportunities for many years to come. Our take-away menu, prepared by WAC Executive Chef Eric Floyd, includes your choice of roasted lamb baguette or grilled vegetable baguette, sweet potato and roasted vegetable salad, mini pavlova with kiwi and pineapple, grilled shrimp skewer, smoked salmon, and scones with raspberry jam and wildflower honey. Specify your menu selection when reserving. Meet at the Washington Park Arboretum. 5–8 pm; $32; Cancel by May 20 N E W Historic Bainbridge Island Friday, June 20 Bainbridge Island is known for being a quaint getaway, rich with history and beau- tiful scenery. A wide variety of people have impacted its course in the past few hundred years, and its history is well preserved by the locals, as evidenced by their many museums, historical sites, and monuments. rough visiting the sights, you'll explore the story of how ancient tribal inhabitants, English explorers, American settlers, and Asian immigrants converged to form its unique culture. Join us for a day of discovery, as local historian and tour guide Les Bagley shares stories and sites of Bainbridge Island's past and present. Walk onto the 9:35 am ferry to Winslow (fare not included), where Les and a private coach will meet us. en, it's a short drive to downtown Winslow and the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. Here, begin learning about the island's his- tory and culture before Les narrates our drive through southern Bainbridge Island. Stops and discussion include the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, Port Blakely (once the site of the world's largest sawmill), Fort Ward's military importance, and the Lynwood Center, site of Bainbridge's first theater. At Lynwood Center, enjoy lunch at the Treehouse Café, then check out some of the center's shops. Upon our return to Winslow, disembark at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. is small, compli- mentary museum opened in 2013 and showcases art and handmade books by local and regional contemporary artists. Visit the museum, explore downtown Winslow, or return to the ferry, just a few blocks away. Day tour includes narrated coach tour, admission fees, and lunch. 9:20 am–3:50 pm; $48; cancel by June 13 N E W Plug in and Test Drive a Tesla Monday, June 30 Electric mobility, and lessening dependence on petroleum-based transportation are a radically different approach to car building. Out of the Silicon Valley, where the game is innovation, comes this fun and sporty, glob- ally responsible electric car. Join us at Tesla Motor's South Lake Union showroom for a closer look to learn more about this envi- ronmental wonder. You'll get the chance to be behind the wheel as you take it out for a spin. We've invited Volunteer Outreach Director Chad Schwitters from Plug In America, a non-profit committed to finding alternatives to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Schwitters, who has spent 20 years using various forms of alternative transportation himself, will answer questions about energy conservation, dispel myths, and get you excited about the personal and societal benefits of driving electric. Light appetizers and mock-tails available. 6–8 pm; $35; cancel by June 20 N E W The Lighthouse for the Blind Inc. Thursday, July 17 Located in the Rainier District, e Lighthouse for the Blind Inc. is an important training and education center for the legally blind. Founded in 1914, e Lighthouse is one of Seattle's oldest nonprofit organizations. eir mission is to create and enhance opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency for people who are blind, deaf-blind, and MAY 2014 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 37 CLUB PROGRAMS 206.464.3060 • clubprograms@wac.net