February Fix-a-Cat

For decades, Vashon Island Pet Protectors has sponsored Fix-A-Cat, a low or no-cost spay/neuter program to diminish the number of unwanted cats on the island. In the past, VIPP has partnered with vet clinics on the island, but due to the closing of one clinic and staffing shortages in the other, VIPP is doing something different this year.

This February, VIPP will offer free spay or neuter for your cats and transportation and microchip (if requested) at Northwest Spay/Neuter Clinic in Tacoma. Slots will fill fast, so sign up at Fixacat@vipp.org, or send an email to cats@vipp.org.

Levy forum

Vashon Island School District (VISD) invites islanders to participate in its upcoming Safety, Security, and Technology Improvement Levy (Prop. No. 1) community forum. February Election Ballots with Proposition No. 1 will arrive in mailboxes later this month and this event aims to provide valuable information about the identified projects, tax impacts, and address any questions you may have. The election date is February 13.

The community forum will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 1, in the district’s board room at Chautauqua Elementary School.

During the forum, VISD representatives will discuss the key aspects of the proposed levy, outlining the safety, security, and technology enhancements planned for our school district. This is an excellent opportunity for you to gain insights into the initiatives that will contribute to the well-being and advancement of our island community.

The forum will be live-streamed at tinyurl.com/yw99krxj, where it will also be available for future viewing.

The forum will include a dedicated Q&A session to address community concerns. Questions from remote viewers must be submitted to pwoodbrook@vashonsd.org by 12 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Expand your consciousness

Join fellow Vashonites at the Vashon OM Center (Oneness Meditation), who gather from 5-6 p.m. every Monday, at the Vashon United Methodist Church’s sanctuary, 17928 Vashon Hwy SW, to chant, meditate, practice Oneness Yoga, and share. The event is by optional donation.

And from 8:30-9:30 a.m. January 27, Saturday, there will be a special event at the same place, but at a different time. This will be a live-streamed event from India, with the spiritual master, Sri Krishnaji, giving a blessing for the New Year. All ages are welcome.

Woodworking classes

Vashon MakerSpace will offer two six-week, 15-hour woodworking classes beginning the last week of January. Learn Introductory Woodworking skills, or build a Wooden Tool Tote. Classes are on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. For more information visit vashonMakerspace.org, and click on “Events and Classes.”

Parkour, anyone?

UMO School, located at Open Space for Arts & Community, has announced expanded offerings in its Parkour program — an exciting speed sport that emphasizes agility and overcoming physical obstacles.

Abraham McBride, as lead instructor, will offer sequential classes in Parkour Games, Parkour Basics 1 & 2, Parkour Strength and Tricks, and two special workshops. The current winter session, which started Jan. 8 and will run until April 4, will be followed by a spring session from April 15-July 6. Find out more and sign up at umo.org/school. Scholarships are available; inquire at school@umo.org.

Talk on Health Care Directives

Start the year by learning more about an essential document — a healthcare advanced directive to communicate your wishes for healthcare to family, friends and medical providers.

Join Jane Neubauer and Sheila Brown at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 at Vashon Senior Center, when they will review what is included in an advanced care directive, talk about new burial options on Vashon, and discuss what to expect from a death doula. Blank forms will be available at the event.

Attendees are also urged to bring their current health care directive to the event, for review, and/or will be able to sign up for support at a later date to complete a directive. Islanders can also contact Sheila Brown for a referral, at 206-463-0811.

Poetry Open Mic

Vashon’s next poetry open mic, hosted by Vashon’s poet laureate, Margaret Rancone, will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Coop, at 15245 115th Ave. SW. Sign up at 5:45 p.m.

What to do about plastics

Join Zero Waste Vashon’s Choose Plastic Free campaign for a community meetup on Sunday, Jan. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Land Trust Building. There will be a screening of the movie “The Story of Plastic”, which gives up-to-date information on how plastics are affecting our health and environment and what can be done about it. There will also be refreshments and a chance to chat and share ideas with other concerned Vashonites. You’re encouraged to bring your best plastic hack or biggest challenge or question.

Grief Ritual

Vashon’s monthly “first Sunday” Grief Ritual will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at Tree of Life Wellness Center, 17331 Vashon Hwy SW. Express your grief, out loud or in silence, for loved ones, pets, lost relationships, the climate, war, or any other cause. The event is by donation and hosted by Susan Pitiger, Brad Davis and Colleen Carrette.

Lacrosse season

Save the date for Vashon Lacrosse Club’s annual kickoff event and general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at McMurray Middle School’s gym.

Registration is also now open for boys and girls ages 7-18. No lacrosse experience is necessary. Sign up at vashonlacrosse.net or send questions to info@vashonlacrosse.net.

Film screening and discussion

Join VARSA, a nonprofit aimed at reducing youth substance use, for a free community screening of “Screenagers: Under the Influence,” from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Vashon Theatre. The film provides a concise look at the impact of alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other substances on adolescent health today, and how teens’ decision-making is influenced by online and digital media. This is not an alarmist “phones are bad” film, according to organizers, but rather, filled with accurate and up-to-date information that comes from authoritative sources. A panel discussion will follow the film screening.

For more information about VARSA and this event, connect to VARSAconnect on Facebook and Instagram.

Water District 19

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