Letters to the editor | Nov. 27 edition

Published 11:10 am Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Finding community

As we enter the dark, gloomy days of winter, having social connection is vital to our mental health and wellbeing. If you are new to Vashon, making connections, whether it means finding new friendships or activities, is daunting to say the least. I moved to Vashon nearly 5 years ago without family or local friends. I loved the beach, the views and the laid-back island life, just close enough to Seattle but far enough from the big city stresses. I met people at local coffee shops and joined activity-based clubs, but I was looking for a deeper connection and wanted to contribute to the local community.

I walked into the Senior Center and was met with a warm greeting and cheerful smile and knew I had found home. I volunteered to join a committee, continue to volunteer and now serve on the Board of Directors. I have watched this extraordinary organization take a leading role in bringing much needed services to island seniors through collaboration with the VIFD, the Vashon Health Care District and Vashon Social Service Network. The Senior Center offers dozens of activities and programs enhancing opportunities for social connection, well-being, continued learning, and physical and creative outlet. With a median age of 55, the Senior Center truly is our community center.

If you’re new to Vashon or finding yourself isolated from family and friends, I encourage you to walk into the Vashon Senior Center and find your connections. You won’t regret it.

Leslie Minch

Giving credit to my creative collaborators

Thanks for the nice article about Backbone Campaign in last week’s paper. However, I wanted to acknowledge that 2 of my amazing co-conspirators, Clare Dohna and Evan Simmons, were both equally essential in creating The LICE agents and Giant Trump Chain Gang. We all worked together throughout the summer to create these wonderfully satyrical characters.

Bill Jarcho