What is meant by “strengthening island health care?” From my general understanding, it means more Medicare and Medicaid providers and more services. When I grew up on Vashon, we had approximately 10,000 residents and two health care facilities. No imaging, no urgent care. We are surrounded by water, but also by two cities with excellent medical care very close by. I tried to find rural towns in Washington that currently have more health care options than we do, but was unable to do so.
When I leave my apartment and drive west on Bank Road, knowing that I’m heading for Vashon Cemetery, something begins to happen deep inside — a sense of peace and of beauty. I drive on; the feeling intensifies.
Reading the news from the past weeks, I have been struck by the relevance of what Senator Bernie Sanders is saying. Here’s a fellow who actually says what he means and means what he says. And when I’ve spoken with others about his message, folks have been enthusiastic for many of the same reasons I am.
I joke that on Vashon, we all get dressed out of the same closet: Granny’s. Granny’s Attic is the greatest common denominator of island life, one of the strongest threads that binds our community together.
Two points in your recent article on the work of the Vashon-Maury Health Collective deserve clarification (“Attempts to support island health care unsuccessful so far,” July 8).
We have a lot of bicycle traffic on Vashon. We have signs beseeching us to share the road. I am happy to share the road. Driving my car, I am glad to wait behind a line of cyclists as we all approach a blind curve or a steep hill with no visibility of oncoming traffic. I think of these folks as reducing the carbon footprint for all of us.
Europe falling apart, ISIS beheading folks, Donald Trump running for president, Congress totally incompetent.
Hiway Haiku brings joy and thought to islanders cruising downhill to the ferry. It’s time to buy more placards, paint and ties. The previous request for Hiway Haiku donations was in 2008. With that money, the sturdy posts were installed and years’ worth of supplies were bought.
Although our community was informed that Vashon Island Fire & Rescue’s (VIFR) paramedic program is being absorbed into South King County, we have not received any updates on this move or what the actual impact to our community will be.
For many years Vashon has enjoyed the benefits of responsible fireworks usage — we have had four years of no fireworks injuries and fires.
I just heard the news that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of equal marriage rights. Although I had expected it, I felt a visceral reaction to the announcement. It will not end discrimination or bigotry, but it moves our country one step closer to true equal rights.
Somehow one of our brand new sandwich boards went missing sometime between June 12 and 14. It was placed on the northwest corner of the Sound Food intersection (Vashon Highway and SW 204th Street).
We were very sorry to hear that Howard, the beloved guide dog of Lost Lake, is no longer with us (Paid obituary, June 17).