Quilt guild meets

Vashon Island Quilt Guild will meet at the Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19. Guests are welcome. The featured speaker will be the director of the La Conner Quilt Museum.

For questions or information, call Myrtle Walls at 463-4978.

— Jo Ann Bardeen

Wilderness program grows

The Vashon Wilderness Program is expanding its programming this year to include a session for 4-to 6-year-olds. Meeting on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Camp Sealth, this new class is designed to meet the learning needs of the younger person, engaging the whole child, body and mind.

Recognizing that children learn about their world primarily through the medium of sensation and imagination, we will incorporate movement, imaginative play, songs and stories as well as nature awareness education in a way that enhances learning in the budding young naturalist. Class size is limited to 12 children, so call now to register or for more information.

We are also seeking people to serve as apprentices for this program and for our continuing program for 7 to 12 year olds. If you have an interest in serving our youth community while also gaining naturalist skills and mentoring experience, we would love to talk to you. Apprentices will have the benefit of support and training from our director, who has a wealth of experience working with Jon Young and Wilderness Awareness School and their mentoring techniques and approaches.

To speak to us about either of these opportunities, please contact me at 919-7190 or jessazimmerman@hotmail.com.

— Jessa Zimmerman

Cool Company meets at pool

The Cool Community Company will hold its annual pool party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. The King County Pool, located at 9426 S.W. 204th Street, holds up to 60 swimmers, so at least that many can swim, and others can watch.

This party is free to all Islanders and Island families, but donations are welcome. Just bring your suit and a snack potluck to share.

The Cool Community Company is a group of Islanders — diverse in challenges, diverse in ages, backgrounds and philosophies — who meet regularly to celebrate their friendship. In addition to their annual King County Pool Party, they get together to eat, play games, see movies or plays, watch football or baseball. Sometimes they dance or go to art galleries or museums. They are usually at the Wednesday night dinner at the Episcopal Church and at the library on one Saturday of the month for snacks and games. They either march in the Strawberry Festival Parade or bring chairs to watch.

The group was founded in 2003 by Jamie Nelson as the Starbright Social. Jane McNabb, Kathy Turner and others joined; the group grew and eventually became the Cool Community Company. New members are always welcome.

Call Kathy Turner at 463-2381 for directions to the pool or for general information.

— Dorothy Hall-Bauer

Youth bring parks to life

“Enjoy Vashon Parks — Dig the Beach,” an event organized by Vashon youth Nelle Horsley with support from Vashon Youth Council (VYC) and the Vashon Park District, was another great example of the opportunities youth are providing for their community.

On Aug. 2 , Islanders and visitors were drawn to Point Robinson, some for the promise of a Saturday lighthouse tour and others for the wide array of entertainment that spanned the park. Nelle worked tirelessly in coordinating this event while rallying support from her family, friends and community members. The result was a spot where many came to enjoy food by The Monkey Tree, music by Island artists, face painting, beading, origami and games along with a little education about the delicate environment we occupy.

The program received accolades from Point Robinson’s lighthouse keeper Captain Joe Wubbold and many others who were in attendance. This event was meant to remind us of the beauty that surrounds us throughout our Vashon parks. Prior to coordinating the event, Nelle herself admitted to not spending much time at Point Robinson and agreed that it is a beautiful location of which we can all use a reminder. So while Nelle and the many who supported her may not be spending every weekend filling the park with music, art, crafts and games, we hope that Dig the Beach encouraged others to enjoy Vashon parks.

Vashon Youth Council would also like to thank all of the individuals who helped make this day an eventful one. Youth and adults are always encouraged to bring their dreams for programs to VYC and can learn more about upcoming happenings at www.vashonyouthcouncil.org.

— Amy Ezzo

Sea life on Comcast 21

Voice of Vashon’s television programming on Comcast Channel 21 next week will feature a new underwater video from Sea-Inside Northwest. This locally produced video explores the waters of Puget Sound with underwater cameras. It will be shown every morning at 9:02 a.m., replacing the Strawberry Festival Parade video on Friday, Aug. 15. The Strawberry Festival video will still show on Tuesday evenings at 7:02 p.m.

For the full broadcast schedule including both audio and video schedules, see www. voiceofvashon.org. If you have been creating your own video, especially video from this year’s Strawberry Festival, that you would like to share with your Vashon/Maury neighbors, please e-mail dans@islandimage.net.

— Dan Schueler

Dems raise funds

Get your appetite ready for food, conversation and fun. On Saturday, Aug. 16, the Vashon Democratic Club will hold its 2008 Annual Potluck Picnic, and you’re invited. This year will be special: Our gathering has been combined with a benefit to support Rep. Jim McDermott.

As he did last year, Ron Irvine, owner of Vashon Winery, has generously offered us the use of his winery. His outstanding wine will be available by the bottle or glass, and Irvine has arranged live musical entertainment.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with fellow Democrats and to support and talk to Rep. McDermott.

The gathering will meet from 5:30 p.m. until dusk. The winery is located at 10317 S.W. 156th St., Vashon Island. For directions, see www.vashonwinery.com.

Bring something to grill on our barbecue, a salad or a dessert — enough to feed all those in your party. Please help us accomplish our goal of a low-trash picnic by bringing your own, non-disposable dinnerware. Condiments will be provided. Bring an outdoor chair or blanket if desired.

For more information, contact me at 463-0079, vdcpicnic@

capturingmemories.com.

We hope to see you there.

— Roger Fulton

Amonsdon teachers art

Gene Amondson’s basic oil painting class at the Vashon senior center on Bank Road has been rescheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20. The class is free; preregister by calling the senior center at 463-5173.

Amondson is a well-known Vashon artist and wood carver. No experience is necessary for the class; it’s a just a way of getting new artists started in creating beautiful paintings.

Students should wear painting clothes and bring brushes, newspapers and a tube of black and a tube of white oil paint, but if you don’t have supplies, the senior center will have some to use.

A show of oil paintings and water colors by older artists, as well as painted wood carvings, titled “By the Sea,” will be displayed in the senior center through August.

— Deirdre Petree