Barters Island Community Association (BICA) welcomed its new president, Kim Brauer, this year after the retirement of longtime chair Evelyn Shahan.  

“It's an honor to move into Evelyn’s space. It’s big shoes to fill,” said Brauer. 

Brauer, originally from eastern New York, first became involved with the organization in 2000 as a summer resident. It began as a way to get to know her neighbors she’d see during her walks around the island, and Brauer quickly realized how much she appreciated the community togetherness BICA fostered through its monthly potlucks and fundraisers. 

“I wouldn’t know half of the people on the island if it weren’t for (BICA),” Brauer said. She said the association has also allowed her to reach a deeper level of companionship with her neighbors, beyond token greetings. “You get to really know them, and they're interested in your life, and you're interested in theirs. It's very rewarding.”  

Brauer became a permanent resident in 2019 and has received her fair share of community support since. Two years ago, she broke her foot and was immediately met with people offering to walk her dog, buy her groceries, or do anything else she needed. It was a level of neighborly care she had never experienced anywhere else.  

“Everybody was right there to help, and that's how it is on Barters Island. If someone needs help, somebody's there,” she said.  

The small community also allows the association to do projects that would be more difficult on a larger scale. For instance, each winter, BICA hands out donated Christmas presents to children on the island to make sure everyone receives something for the holidays, no matter their financial status. This year, the group gave gifts to about 45 children. However, Brauer’s favorite activity is “Clean Up the Island” day in April, where community members come together and pick up the trash accumulated over the winter.

One of Brauer’s plans is to introduce more programming, including summer activities for local children. She also wants to entice summer residents to get involved, as well as other year-round community members who may not know what BICA does. She’s even prepared to go door to door if she has to.  

But Brauer plans to take her time settling into her presidency as she waits for BICA’s real season to begin in April. Until then, Brauer keeps herself occupied by walking her dogs, hiking the local trails, and swimming in the winter waters (but only for 15 minutes at a time).