This is your Official Unofficial Mayor Tink and Co-Mayor Millie J. Stearns wishing you peace, love, joy and laughter in the coming year.

Last month, our friends, who were visiting from out of state, remarked, “You do know you live in a Hallmark movie, right?”

I have to agree with them and am glad it is our forever home.

What a wonderful experience it has been being your trusted servant these past five months. As mayor, I have had the honor of opening numerous businesses, including Maven Mercantile and Le Ouistiti’s French Immersion School as well as participating in anniversary celebrations for Orca Eats and Lucy’s Table. Another lovely event was the rare closing and gratitude party thrown by the President of Me. In December, I joined Janet McAlpin, David Godsey and Amanda Westbrooke in celebrating the re-opening of the extraordinarily renovated Open Space for Arts & Community. On Jan. 3, we will mark the opening of the student-led Vashon High School all-gender restrooms.

I have witnessed much more over the past months than I could ever have hoped. The unity of our island people stands out. Some examples of our island community in action are the hundreds of volunteer hours devoted to making Vashon a safe, supportive and sustainable place to live; the generosity of islanders as they support our 48 local nonprofits; the support offered to those suffering from an illness; the assistance to friends and neighbors who have lost homes and belongings by fire and the embrace extended to those who have lost loved ones. During these times of uncertainty, I am inspired by our island and find relief in being of service and rallying with others.

If you haven’t already, I invite you to jump into our island community with both feet (or wings as the case may be) and make our island home a brighter place to be. There are so many opportunities for individuals, couples and families to participate in. Become part of the fabric that makes our community so magnificent. The multitude of artists and musicians add dimensions of flavor and beauty all islanders and visitors get to enjoy. The Farmers Market, with its entertainment, crafts and fabulously fresh foods, not only supports local commerce, but provides a magnificent opportunity to socialize and interact on a weekly basis much of the year.. The First Friday art walk and gallery tours offer a window into the island’s creative minds, a chance to support their talents and to see one another out and about monthly in a wonderfully unique way.

A healthy community is one where people come together to support, inspire and learn from each other. It encourages an ongoing dialogue, generates leadership opportunities and embraces diversity. A healthy community also seeks to connect people with resources, foster a sense of fellowship and provides safety to all its members. The avenues to get involved are endless; acting, singing, creating, protesting, coaching and volunteering are a few. With so many nonprofits on our island, there are many ways to make a difference. What we have on Vashon is exceptional. We are shaping the future of something that is greater than each of us as individuals.

One of my campaign promises was to commemorate an individual who contributed sweat, heart and soul to the good of our community. Accordingly, I am taking a moment to proclaim Jan. 11 as Jean Bosch Day in perpetuity. Jean was an excellent model of community-minded engagement. She was extremely generous with her time, money and experience. She was a woman of action and an island activist. Jean Bosch was once succinctly described as having “broad shoulders and a big heart.” To further honor Jean and her contributions, a commemorative Jean Bosch bench is being created by an island artist. We are currently seeking just the right spot to place it, hopefully overlooking water where she found so much peace, solace and joy. Once the bench and site are ready, we will hold a dedication ceremony in her honor.

Thank you for allowing me to serve our island community. I look forward to seeing all of you about town.

With faith, trust and pixie dust all things are possible.

— Tink (Colleen Carette) lives on Vashon with her wife Sue Carette. While not on unofficial mayor duty, she is a physician assistant at the University of Puget Sound, where she is currently studying for her master’s in education.