Happenings features community, cultural and nonprofit events; notices are free and printed as space permits. Due to the volume of entries received, we edit submissions and cannot always confirm if a submission will run. Send submissions to editor@vashonbeachcomber.com; include the who, what, where and when. The deadline is noon Thursday for subsequent Thursday publication; The Beachcomber cannot guarantee late submissions will be included.

EVENTS

End of life conversations: Two free sessions of “Traveling With Grief Through the Winter Months,” facilitated by island therapist Kenny Alton, will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18, at Women Hold the Key, 9822 SW Gorsuch Rd. The series, funded by Judith Neary and RJ’s Kids, is open to all genders. Sessions will focus on both sharing and witnessing grief, with Alton leading participants through questions including, How can we be present in the world with grief?” Registration is requested, but drop-ins are welcome. To find out more, contact Susan Pitiger at 206-818-4232.

Santa’s Cottage will be open for visitors and photographs from 12-3 p.m. Dec. 13-14, in the cottage located behind in the Village Green.

Sing along to favorite holiday carols and songs at Vashon Theatre’s free, annual holiday sing-a-long at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16.

DSHS mobile van visit: With some Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) program rules changing in 2026, residents are encouraged to review their accounts and ensure information is up to date. The DSHS mobile van will visit the Vashon Food Bank from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, to assist with paperwork, benefit applications and questions.

Heritage Museum family day: The Vashon Heritage Museum will hold its final Family Day of the year from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. The winter solstice–themed event will feature warm drinks, cookies, ornament weaving with Barbara Gustafson, a winter lantern craft, and story times with the winter elf at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Caregivers are invited to explore the exhibits while kids enjoy crafts and play. The event is free at the museum, 10105 SW Bank Road.

Jingle Bell Run: The annual Jingle Bell Run will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, starting from the Recess Lab parking lot. The free, family-friendly event invites islanders and visitors to wear holiday attire or ugly sweaters for a festive road run of just under 5K through town. For updates, follow @vashon.distance on Instagram.

Chanukah Party: Vashon Havurah will hold its annual Chanukah Party from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Common House of Vashon Cohousing, 10421 SW Bank Rd. From 5-7 p.m. there will be candlelighting, Havdalah and dinner with latkes made by Darryl Shannon. Applesauce and sour cream will be provided by the Havurah — bring other potluck dishes to share. At 7 p.m., there will be a special Chanukah storytelling performance by Merna Ann Hecht. All are welcome.

Free community dinners: Free community dinners are served Mondays through Fridays from 5 to 5:30 p.m. at Vashon Presbyterian Church, 17708 Vashon Hwy SW, hosted by the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.

VASHON LIBRARY

Teen Hangout: Teens in grades 6–12 can drop in for crafts, games and Nintendo Switch play most Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the library. Snacks provided.

King County resource assistance: The King County Department of Community and Human Services’ Resource Access Team will be available from 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 12, at the Vashon Library. Staff can help residents access employment support, emergency financial aid, transportation services, shelter, housing, food assistance and disability services. No registration is required.

Teen Crafternoon: Teens in grades 6–12 are invited to make bath salts, lip balm and bath bombs from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Vashon Library. The free crafting session includes snacks and all materials. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/4zbf8xbd.

Public Health program assistance: King County Public Health staff will offer help with health insurance, Metro reduced-fare programs and EBT cards from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Vashon Library. No registration is needed.

SENIOR CENTER

Enjoy a hot lunch at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the following activities throughout the week at the Vashon Senior Center, 10004 SW Bank Road, unless noted otherwise.

Watercolor class: A watercolor painting session will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. All are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of creative expression.

Vashon history Q&A: Bruce Haulman of the Vashon Heritage Museum will host a “What Do You Want to Know About Vashon?” question-and-answer session at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. He’ll begin with the story of Candy Canes and Santa’s Cottage before opening the floor to audience questions.

Threshold Choir song bath: The Vashon Threshold Choir will offer a soothing “song bath” from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. The choir provides comfort through gentle singing for those at life’s thresholds.

Ukulele holiday music: The Vashon Island Ukulele Society will perform festive holiday music at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. The longtime local ensemble — known for appearances in the Strawberry Festival Parade and around town — will share a mix of seasonal favorites and island-inspired tunes. Singing along is encouraged.

GRANNY’S ATTIC

Holiday fun Fridays: Granny’s Attic will host three Holiday Fun Fridays in December, each from noon to 5 p.m.: hat day on Dec. 12 (special items, free gifts and giveaways) and ugly sweater day on Dec. 19 (sales and specials throughout the store).

Gift card Saturday: On Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon to 5 p.m., receive a free $10 gift card with every $50 gift card purchase.

Last-minute shopping: Shop the final day of the season from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23. Wear something sparkly or fancy for 10% off. Granny’s Attic will then close until Saturday, Jan. 3.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Vashon-Maury Community Council: The council holds regular meetings on the third Thursday of the month. Find out more at v-mcc.org.

Water District 19: Usually holds regular board meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at the district’s board room at 17630 100th Ave SW. Visit water19.com. Water District 19’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec 16, in the district’s board room at 17630 100th Ave SW.

Vashon Health Care District: Holds regular meetings the fourth Thursday of the month at Vashon Presbyterian Church, 17708 Vashon Hwy SW, and on Zoom. Visit vashonhealthcare.org for more information.

Vashon Island School District: The board holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, at Chautauqua Elementary School, Room 302, 9309 SW Cemetery Road. The board will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 (see story, page 1). All meetings are recorded and posted online at youtube.com/@visdpublicmeetings6034/videos. Visit vashonsd.org.

Vashon Island Fire & Rescue: VIFR’s board typically meets on the fourth Wednesday evening of each month. Visit vifr.org for more information.

King County Cemetery District #1: Meetings are typically held at 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month, at the cemetery office at 19631 Singer Rd SW. Visit vashoncemetery.org.