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October 26, 2016
Our Homestead

Our great-grandparents came from Denmark in 1892 and moved from Wisconsin to Portage in 1906 where Nels Mattson bought 300 acres that extended from the Portage store to the towers at KIRO and down to Luana beach.  Over the years this property has shrunk to a couple of lots and a house on the beach. 

Our great-grandparents came from Denmark in 1892 and moved from Wisconsin to Portage in 1906 where Nels Mattson bought 300 acres that extended from the Portage store to the towers at KIRO and down to Luana beach.  Over the years this property has shrunk to a couple of lots and a house on the beach.  

October 26, 2016
Permaculture Workshop

This fall on Vashon, Luke Currier, a Permaculture designer and educator from Duluth, MN will be leading a workshop on permaculture. This workshop will be helpful to people at any level of permaculture knowledge, from beginners to well-read certified designers, the theme of this workshop will revolve specifically around fruit-tree production and will be hosted by The All-Merciful Saviour Monastery south of Dockton.

This fall on Vashon, Luke Currier, a Permaculture designer and educator from Duluth, MN will be leading a workshop on permaculture. This workshop will be helpful to people at any level of permaculture knowledge, from beginners to well-read certified designers, the theme of this workshop will revolve specifically around fruit-tree production and will be hosted by The All-Merciful Saviour Monastery south of Dockton.

October 26, 2016
The “Spaciest” Fur Ball Ever

Calling all Vashon Island pet lovers to sip, dine and bid your way through an “out of this world” evening that will entertain and inspire.

Calling all Vashon Island pet lovers to sip, dine and bid your way through an “out of this world” evening that will entertain and inspire.

Blast off with sparkling wine followed by a spectacular silent auction, entertainment, live auction and dinner.
Our inter-stellar auctioneer Laura Michalek will be helping us soar to new fundraising heights during our live auction with her trusted co-pilot and Master of Ceremonies Geoff Fletcher.

October 26, 2016
Vashon Wilderness Programs

Coyote Mentoring: Raising Nature-Smart Kids in a Modern World, A 3-Part Workshop Series for parents, educators, and caregivers who care who deeply about the health of the children in their lives and the restorative power of nature in building healthy communities.

Coyote Mentoring: Raising Nature-Smart Kids in a Modern World, A 3-Part Workshop Series for parents, educators, and caregivers who care who deeply about the health of the children in their lives and the restorative power of nature in building healthy communities. Learn powerful, heart-centered, time-tested tools for natural learning and growth. Meets October 20th, November 17th, December 15th, from 5:30-8:30pm at Vashon Island Cohousing.  $135 covers the cost of all three workshops in the series.

October 12, 2016
PIE fall fundraising

Vashon Partners in Education (lovingly known as P.I.E), will kick off its fall fundraising campaign in October.  Teachers across the school district are busy dreaming about how they can make our children’s learning experience rich and exciting.  And thanks to P.I.E. they can dream big!

Vashon Partners in Education (lovingly known as P.I.E), will kick off its fall fundraising campaign in October.  Teachers across the school district are busy dreaming about how they can make our children’s learning experience rich and exciting.  And thanks to P.I.E. they can dream big!

September 28, 2016
Quartermaster Yacht Club “Tech Talk” series announced

Quartermaster Yacht Club is developing a series of recreational boating “Tech Talks” available to the Vashon-Maury Island community.  The 2016 / 2017 Tech Talk Series, ten meetings scheduled from October through June, are offered free to community members who either have or would like to gain boating skills and experience.

Quartermaster Yacht Club is developing a series of recreational boating “Tech Talks” available to the Vashon-Maury Island community.  The 2016 / 2017 Tech Talk Series, ten meetings scheduled from October through June, are offered free to community members who either have or would like to gain boating skills and experience.

September 28, 2016
VHS Field Forum! Grass or Artificial Turf

The Vashon Island School District Board of Directors and I would like to invite you to a very important discussion about the future of the Vashon Island High School (VHS) track and field. The forum will be held in the VHS Theatre on Thursday, October 6th from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

The Vashon Island School District Board of Directors and I would like to invite you to a very important discussion about the future of the Vashon Island High School (VHS) track and field. The forum will be held in the VHS Theatre on Thursday, October 6th from 6:30 to 8:30pm. The forum will include a presentation followed by plenty of time for questions and discussion. We will provide a thorough analysis of the pros and cons of natural and synthetic turf fields, and options for running track surfaces. Mr. Dave Anderson, principal engineer, of D.A.

September 27, 2016
Celebrate all Things Cider at Ciderfest!

Cider has deep roots in American history. In colonial times, hard cider was by far the most popular alcoholic beverage, far more than whiskey, wine, or beer. Apple orchards were planted throughout the states, not for eating but for making cider. Many small farms grew cider apples and produced cider, sometimes supplementing farm worker wages with the fermented product.

Cider has deep roots in American history. In colonial times, hard cider was by far the most popular alcoholic beverage, far more than whiskey, wine, or beer. Apple orchards were planted throughout the states, not for eating but for making cider. Many small farms grew cider apples and produced cider, sometimes supplementing farm worker wages with the fermented product.

September 27, 2016
How we Learned to Drive on Vashon

“Push Mike, push harder or we’re not going to make it.” My little brother and I were pushing Mom’s 1941 Chev up the gravel road beside our peach orchard to get it away from the house before we could start it, so Mom and Dad couldn’t hear the engine.

“Push Mike, push harder or we’re not going to make it.” My little brother and I were pushing Mom’s 1941 Chev up the gravel road beside our peach orchard to get it away from the house before we could start it, so Mom and Dad couldn’t hear the engine.

We started the engine and headed for Wax Orchards, the longest straight stretch on Vashon and empty of cars at 3:00 AM.

September 27, 2016
Intersection PerpleX-tion

It was Monday. I was trying to drive through town. There were tourists everywhere and for crying out loud most of the shops were closed. Nonetheless, the tourists were clogging up the intersection.

It was Monday. I was trying to drive through town. There were tourists everywhere and for crying out loud most of the shops were closed. Nonetheless, the tourists were clogging up the intersection.  It used to be just Saturday but now it has expanded to every day during  the  spring, summer and early fall - gridlock or should I say “tourist inertia”.

September 27, 2016
Limited Deer-hunting Season

King County Parks will open Island Center Forest to deer hunting for a fifth-annual limited season, Oct. 15-31, when no other access will be permitted on 200 acres of forestland.

King County Parks will open Island Center Forest to deer hunting for a fifth-annual limited season, Oct. 15-31, when no other access will be permitted on 200 acres of forestland.

The hunting season coincides with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s designated hunting season in which all firearms can be used, except rifles. The two-week-long season replaces the state’s established four-month-long hunting season in Island Center Forest, which is popular for hiking, walking and other recreational uses.

September 14, 2016
4-Way Stop

I think that Bob Marley said it best way back in 1979:  “So much trouble in the world…”  Racism and war, poverty and famine, police brutality and injustice, religious intolerance and terrorism.  And we have so many of the same troubles in our world 37 years later.

I think that Bob Marley said it best way back in 1979:  “So much trouble in the world…”  Racism and war, poverty and famine, police brutality and injustice, religious intolerance and terrorism.  And we have so many of the same troubles in our world 37 years later.
 

September 14, 2016
Getting New Shoes

“The light is green, I can see my toes and all the bones”. Sister Molly was looking down into a four-foot box, called an X-Ray Shoe Fitter and could see the bones of her toes wiggle in the eerie green light.

“The light is green, I can see my toes and all the bones”. Sister Molly was looking down into a four-foot box, called an X-Ray Shoe Fitter and could see the bones of her toes wiggle in the eerie green light.

We didn’t get off the island much as many of our classmates in the 1940’s would tell you. Helen Puz lived to be a hundred and hadn’t left the island until she was 18 years old to go to Tacoma to have her high school pictures taken, so the trip to Nordstrom’s for new shoes was a big occasion.

September 14, 2016
Harbor School Welcomes New Faculty

 Harbor School is pleased to announce the addition of two new faculty members to our campus for the start of the 2016-17 school year and the launch of a new K-8 Spanish program. Please welcome Russell Ray as our new K-8 Spanish Teacher and Todd Wooster as our Middle School English Teacher.

 Harbor School is pleased to announce the addition of two new faculty members to our campus for the start of the 2016-17 school year and the launch of a new K-8 Spanish program. Please welcome Russell Ray as our new K-8 Spanish Teacher and Todd Wooster as our Middle School English Teacher.

Russell Ray and our new K-8 Spanish Program

September 14, 2016
My Life as a Park District Commissioner

Today, the population is angry at politicians. Neither of the likely candidates for President is widely trusted, in some cases even by their supporters. In one respect, the Vashon Park District got a jump on the rest of the country. A little over two years ago, Islanders were very angry with the Park District, defeating an incumbent commissioner and narrowly re-electing another.

Today, the population is angry at politicians. Neither of the likely candidates for President is widely trusted, in some cases even by their supporters. In one respect, the Vashon Park District got a jump on the rest of the country. A little over two years ago, Islanders were very angry with the Park District, defeating an incumbent commissioner and narrowly re-electing another. Voters elected me at that time to an open seat. There were those who thought I was crazy to run. The upside to this controversy has been a surge in citizen participation. Board meetings were packed for a while.

August 31, 2016
VFW Essay Contest

 The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) distributed details of the VFW sponsored Essay Contest to Vashon Schools, prior to September 1, to provide students in grades from 3rd through High School an opportunity to participate in the contests that provides recognition and cash awards.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) distributed details of the VFW sponsored Essay Contest to Vashon Schools, prior to September 1, to provide students in grades from 3rd through High School an opportunity to participate in the contests that provides recognition and cash awards.  The Washington State VFW sponsored Youth Essay Program include the 3rd through 5th Grades; the National Patriot’s Pen Program includes 6th through 8th Grades and the National Voice of Democracy includes 9th through 12th Grades.

August 17, 2016
Preserving on Vashon

I’ll always remember Mom’s cinnamon  apple sauce, darker than the rest and haunting in flavor on a cold Fall day.  Most everyone canned or preserved their food in some way.  It was during WWII, when we were using ration cards and sugar was hard to get.

I’ll always remember Mom’s cinnamon  apple sauce, darker than the rest and haunting in flavor on a cold Fall day.  Most everyone canned or preserved their food in some way.  It was during WWII, when we were using ration cards and sugar was hard to get.

August 3, 2016
A new photo book about The Roasterie!

Coffee and Community – The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie is a new book featuring the photographs of island photographer Terry Donnelly along with stories from ten fellow islanders who frequent The Roasterie.

Coffee and Community – The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie is a new book featuring the photographs of island photographer Terry Donnelly along with stories from ten fellow islanders who frequent The Roasterie.  This collection of 62 black and white photographs and 10 essays offers a look into the rich connection of community that is unique and emblematic to the island.

August 3, 2016
Running for the Ferry

We were Dad’s rear view mirror coming down Fauntleroy Avenue.  On our knees, in the back seat of our 1949 Oldsmobile Super 88, only the 98 had a bigger engine.  Our Olds had a “whirl-a- way” gear that was triggered by a hidden button under the gas pedal.  When Dad tromped it, to pass or run a yellow light, our heads would snap back from the power of “whirl-a-way.”

We were Dad’s rear view mirror coming down Fauntleroy Avenue.  On our knees, in the back seat of our 1949 Oldsmobile Super 88, only the 98 had a bigger engine.  Our Olds had a “whirl-a- way” gear that was triggered by a hidden button under the gas pedal.  When Dad tromped it, to pass or run a yellow light, our heads would snap back from the power of “whirl-a-way.”

July 20, 2016
The Big Log at Portage

“Can we make it to the big log”, I asked my brother Mike. He was four years younger. I was the better swimmer. Mike never liked the water and like myself, had barely made it through swimming lessons.

“Can we make it to the big log”, I asked my brother Mike. He was four years younger. I was the better swimmer. Mike never liked the water and like myself, had barely made it through swimming lessons.

July 20, 2016
Voice of Vashon’s Challenge

Just four months ago, Voice of Vashon opened its Storefront Studio in uptown Vashon. Today, there are twenty-two new live shows on the air, each with its own unique reflection of life here on Vashon and hosted by Island residents.
 

Just four months ago, Voice of Vashon opened its Storefront Studio in uptown Vashon. Today, there are twenty-two new live shows on the air, each with its own unique reflection of life here on Vashon and hosted by Island residents.  It’s a showcase for the incredible depth of creative talent on this island. If you miss the live versions of any show, you can stream it at your convenience through the free KVSH mobile web app. Thus, KVSH is on its way to becoming one of the most compelling and eclectic community FM stations in the country.

July 6, 2016
Shorty’s Worms

I saw a lot of long faces at the landfill today.  It didn’t appear that people wanted to be where they were.  It was as if going to the landfill was something they would rather pay someone else to do.

I saw a lot of long faces at the landfill today.  It didn’t appear that people wanted to be where they were.  It was as if going to the landfill was something they would rather pay someone else to do.

July 6, 2016
Vashon Intuitive Arts Hosts a Summer Kirtan on Vashon

Jonathan Burgess and Tim Hulley will co-lead this Kirtan, along with talented and enthusiastic friends, including Scott Wurtz on tabla (Indian drums) and Solana Chavez on response vocals.

Jonathan Burgess and Tim Hulley will co-lead this Kirtan, along with talented and enthusiastic friends, including Scott Wurtz on tabla (Indian drums) and Solana Chavez on response vocals.
 

June 22, 2016
Have A Safe 4th

Last year’s fireworks season was during a record breaking heat wave, the fire danger was extreme, but people used the most important piece of safety equipment – good judgement. Fireworks sales were down more than 50% and that was a good thing

Last year’s fireworks season was during a record breaking heat wave, the fire danger was extreme, but people used the most important piece of safety equipment – good judgement. Fireworks sales were down more than 50% and that was a good thing, people were showing a lot of restraint and it paid off with Vashon having an extremely low incident rate – no injuries and one small fire that was possibly caused by fireworks.

June 22, 2016
Sunrise Ridge Tailgate Sale

Want a great way to have a garage sale without inviting people to your own garage or to tap into the popular estate sale market on Vashon?  Or even to sell new items or other things like fresh produce or arts and crafts?  Booths are available for Vashon residents, non-profit organizations and other commercial vendor.  Judging from registrants so far, there will be a great variety interesting sale items for buyers.

Want a great way to have a garage sale without inviting people to your own garage or to tap into the popular estate sale market on Vashon?  Or even to sell new items or other things like fresh produce or arts and crafts?  Booths are available for Vashon residents, non-profit organizations and other commercial vendor.  Judging from registrants so far, there will be a great variety interesting sale items for buyers.