Washington Wildlife First

Washington Wildlife First, a Vashon-led organization that has brought important changes to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Commission, and is continuing its work to reform the policy-making group, will hold an event, “Conservation, Conversation & Cocktails,” from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Vashon Center for the Arts.

At the gathering, islanders can earn more about the nonprofit’s work to “transform the management of Washington’s fish and wildlife from an approach that emphasizes consumptive use into a model that values science, respects nature, and prioritizes the protection and preservation of wildlife and wild fish on behalf of all Washingtonians.”

The need for reform is great, according to the organization’s website, wawildlifefirst.org, which states the DFW has “betrayed its solemn trust responsibilities” to preserve and protect Washington’s “diverse wildlife, spectacular waterways, and magnificent wild spaces.” (See page 6.)

At the event on Dec. 6, at VCA, islanders can find out more about the organization’s successes in the past year — including its successful advocacy for Gov. Jay Inslee to fill vacant seats on the DFW Commission — and how they can be involved in the work of Washington Wildlife First. Islander Claire Loebs Davis, president of the organization, and other representatives of the group will be on hand at the event at VCA.

Register to attend at wawildonvashon.org, or contact cldavis@wawildlifefirst.org with questions.

Recycling

Bring your styrofoam and plastic waste to the next First (and Third) Sunday Styrofoam and Plastics Recycling Event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Sheffield Building, 18850 103rd Ave SW. More info at zerowastevashon.org, or email nadine@nadine@nadineedelstein.com.

NAMI Support Group

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Friends and Family Support Group will meet in person at the Vashon Presbyterian Church 17708 Vashon Highway SW, and also on Zoom, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1.

Those attending by Zoom should join at zoom.us/j/442169680.

This support group meets monthly and is intended to be of help to our friends and neighbors who have a loved one in their life with a mental health condition.

For further information, contact 425-221-1142 or pastorleigh@comcast.net.

Land Acknowledgment

The Equity, Social Justice and Inclusion Committee (an advisory committee of the Vashon-Maury Community Council) is seeking wide input into the creation of a Land Acknowledgement statement for potential use by the Council. A Zoom meeting on this subject will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

A link to attend the meeting can be found at v-mcc.org/event. Islanders who are unable to attend the meeting are urged to write to jessicaanaker@gmail.com or jhrickardiii@gmail.com by Dec. 9.

Water District 19

Water District 19’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, in the district’s board room, at 17630 100th Ave. SW.