Cheers to writing project

On Monday, April 14, Margie Butcher’s third grade class took a field trip to the Vashon Library to celebrate the culmination of their writers’ projects. Each child wrote and illustrated a book, from six to seven chapters long. These books become a permanent part of the library’s collection.

Ms. Butcher has done a marvelous job of teaching the children how to write dialogue, edit their work, and share it with the community.

Woven into this project is a lesson in how to take the Metro bus on island. The class will make two more trips via public transit, one to Lincoln Park and the other to Seattle via the passenger ferry.

Thanks to our library, our schools, our free public transit system for youth and the vision of Margie Butcher, our children are learning so much. What a delight to see.

Martha Woodard

Where does Rep. Jayapal stand?

Last week, our congressional Representative, Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), did not directly respond to questions from Citizen’s Impeachment — a group calling on Congressmembers directly — about whether she supports impeaching Trump from office. I am unhappy seeing this lack of foresight and leadership from my district’s representative.

As a concerned citizen and voter from Vashon Island, it’s obvious that Trump is leading the country into authoritarianism. He and his cabinet are lawless, unaccountable to our justice system, and have committed a multitude of crimes. If we don’t impeach him now, American democracy may not survive his path of destruction.

I am encouraging Congresswoman Jayapal to publicly commit to upholding her most fundamental democratic role — removing tyrants from office. Commitment to these basic facts — that Trump is a tyrant, and Congress needs to act now to get him out of the White House — will be a major litmus test for any 2026 candidate.

I hope we get a response from her on this critical issue soon.

Anna Shomsky

ICE activity

What can we do if ICE invades Vashon?

I hope our police would arrest lawless, mask wearing, unidentified brutes that attempt to snatch and steal our neighbors. I am also hoping we can establish a phone network to warn our international community if ICE is seen on the Island. We should be prepared.

Elizabeth Nye

First time protestor

When I was about to arrive in Olympia for the “Hands Off!” protest, I’ll be honest, I was nervous. This was the first time I’d ever been to something like this, and I wondered if everything I’d been worrying about would come true.

Would there be risks? Could there be violence? Could I even be arrested? As I pulled up and searched for parking, I was relieved and truly amazed by my experience.

Alongside the leaders and fellow volunteers of Indivisible Vashon, we passionately expressed our dissatisfaction with the Donald Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE in a setting that was safe and full of camaraderie, and even joy! The grounds and event staff at the Capitol created and maintained such a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Even among thousands of strangers, there was a clear bond between us — a cohesive message and feeling that felt so good to connect with in a public, powerful setting. I cannot wait for the next chance to get out there!

Bryan Cardillo