The Value of a Brain BoxI moved to Bainbridge Island, WA from Chicago, IL. To say that it was more than a geographic change is an understatement. I had relocated from one of the country’s largest cities, to a small island, from living in the heart of the city, to taking up residence in one of the island’s oldest homes, a former nursery and organic orchard. What was I thinking? It didn’t take long to know I had made a huge cultural shift. Just a few days into my getting settled, as I was driving into our four-block town, I saw a very tall, muscular man, wearing an unusual outfit of either a farmer or fisherman—heavy serge material, a dimpled long-sleeved shirt with thick leather suspenders. He had an unusual steady gait, close-cropped hair, and carried a canvas bag. He looked determined and at the time I didn’t know he was an Island fixture. His name was Dave Ullin. Dave lived on a tugboat in Eagle Harbor. He was locally known as a “live aboard.” He frequented local meetings and as I learned, had a reputation for helping everyone: the harbor master, local school teachers, farmers, and anyone who he knew needed a helping hand. A book by island photographer and author, Joel Sackett, an island treasure, as in my mind is Dave, captured Dave’s life in a book called, Dave’s Brain Box. [...]
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