LETTER: Community support for possible teen center needed

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, March 7, 2017

I am writing this in support of the teen center, Vashon Spot, that Michele McBride is working hard to create. Unfortunately, there is only a little bit of time left for her to demonstrate to the bank the ongoing support of the Vashon community.

For so many years, there has been no structured place on Vashon for teens to gather. This venue makes a lot of sense, as it is a large building with many options for activities throughout the building. The mission that this is a place “by and for teens” should dispel the notion of adults running the place. Of course, there will be an adult presence, but because the center will be teen driven, it should, for that very reason, be an appealing place for Vashon’s young people to hang out.

It would be sad, indeed, if this incredible project fell by the wayside due to lack of financial support. Vashon has saved the theatre and built a multi-million dollar performing arts space. Vashon regularly augments school funding, makes the community care center auction a success and assists with senior center projects. Now it is time to support the island’s young people.

Go to vashonspot.weebly.com and find out what you can do to support this wonderful vision for Vashon’s youth. Sign up your kids, become a sponsor, check out what the venue needs in the way of supplies. But most of all, do something now. Time is of the essence to make this a reality. Let’s give Vashon’s amazing young people a place of their own.

— Katie Bunnell