Happenings | July 27 edition
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Learn to row
Learn to row in Quartermaster Harbor under the tutelage of an experienced coach. Vashon Island Rowing Club is offering its last summer adult (ages 19+) Learn-to-Row class from August 2-26. The class takes place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, at 9-11 a.m. Saturdays. The cost for the 16 sessions is $300.
The class is an opportunity for brand-new rowers, or rusty rowers from the past, to get on the water. Register here.
Meet the Candidates
Vashon voters can learn more about the four school candidates appearing on the Aug. 1 primary ballot by viewing an hour-long forum with the candidates here.
The primary will decide which two candidates in the group advance to the general election in November.
The candidates, who are seeking to fill the school board’s Position #3, are Gator Lanphear, River Branch, Angela Marshall, and Martha Woodard.
At the forum, which took place on July 20 at the Voice of Vashon’s Jean Bosch Studio, they were questioned by Amy Drayer, executive director of the Vashon Chamber of Commerce, sharing their approaches to governance and detailing what they believe are the most important priorities for Vashon Island School District.
Assistance with services
Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services’ van will be on Vashon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at Vashon United Methodist Church. In the van, islanders can apply for cash assistance, basic food assistance (EBT cards), medical assistance and the Medicare Savings Program.
Islanders can also drop off paperwork, complete an eligibility review, mid-certification review or make changes to an existing case.
Presbyterian Yard Sale
Vashon Presbyterian Church will host its annual yard sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, on the front lawn of the church. The sale will feature kitchen items, household goods, gardening supplies, books, toys, puzzles, games, sports equipment, holiday items, collectibles, and furniture.
This year, items will not be priced, with attendees encouraged to “take what you want, donate what you are comfortable with.” A few larger items will be part of a silent auction, which will end at 2 pm.
Proceeds will be donated to several local non-profits including Vashon Food Bank and the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.
The church office is open to receive donated items from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Please deliver large items to the church on the morning of the sale, before 9 am. No clothing or electronics, please.
NAMI Support Group
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Friends and Family Support Group will meet in person at 7 p.m. at the Vashon Presbyterian Church, 17708 Vashon Highway SW, and on Zoom on Thursday, Aug. 3. Join the meeting online.
This support group meets monthly and is intended to be of help to islanders who have a loved one in their life with a mental health condition. For more information, call 425-221-1142 or email pastorleigh@comcast.net.
Introduction to Zen
An informal and free one-hour Introduction to Zen takes place on the first Saturday of each month at the Puget Sound Zen Center. A couple of members will provide a brief introduction to Zen Buddhism as it is practiced on Vashon. Members will go over a few key points – what brings islanders to Zen, how to sit in meditation, and what to expect at a Zen Center service. There will be plenty of time for questions.
The next introduction will take place 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Puget Sound Zen Center, 18005 Vashon Highway SW. Visit pszc.org for more information.
Water District 19
Water District 19’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, in the district’s board room at 17630 100th Ave SW.
All aboard Virginia V
Islanders are invited to circumnavigate Vashon and Maury Islands aboard the historic steamship, The Virginia V, on Saturday, Aug. 19.
The three-and-a-half hour sailing — a fundraiser for Vashon Heritage Museum — will embark from Vashon’s north-end passenger ferry dock, with boarding taking place at 11 a.m.
The sailing includes a tour guide, complete with maps, written by island historian Bruce Haulman, hearty snacks, a cash bar, and historic accounts by the steamship’s captain and other local experts. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit vashonheritagemuseum.org.
VIFR Announces New CPR Classes
Vashon Island Fire & Rescue has opened registration for three new dates for the department’s popular two-hour CPR and basic first aid class.
The non-certificate community classes include CPR training, practice using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and Stop the Bleed training. The three new dates are Sept. 18, Oct. 23, and Nov. 27.
The previous classes quickly filled, so it’s important to register soon before the slots are all taken. Sign up online at vifr.org/cpr-classes.
