Polar Express

Vashon Park District will present a free screening of the family classic holiday film, “The Polar Express,” at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Vashon Theatre. The film takes audiences on an enchanting journey to the North Pole.

Volunteer firefighter information

Vashon Island Fire & Rescue is currently recruiting island residents as volunteer firefighters. Learn more at a meeting for those who are interested, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at VIFR Training Center, 10019 SW Bank Rd. Find out more at vifr.org.

Winterfest is here

Take to the streets on Saturday, Dec. 2, to celebrate WinterFest, presented by the Vashon Chamber of Commerce.

WinterFest activities take place from 4:30-6:30, in the town center of Vashon. Vashon Highway will be closed at 4 p.m. for the event. A parade, including lighted tractors, walking groups, and of course, the arrival of Santa on Vashon, will begin at 5 p.m. at Vashon Village, across the street from Ober Park, and will conclude at the south end of the town center. Come out to sing, dance, take photos with Santa, and cheer as Vashon’s tree is lit.

Pre-parade fun for all ages will be hosted at Vashon Village, and a Grinch’s Gratitude Market, in the outdoor pavilion of Vashon Theatre, will take place from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Vashon Theatre will also host a free screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” immediately after WinterFest’s tree lighting ceremony.

Find out more more about WinterFest at thisisvashon.com, and activities at the movie theatre at vashontheatre.com.

Senior Center fundraiser

Vashon Senior Center will hold its “Rainbow BLINGO” fundraiser, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at Camp Burton.

The event, hosted by celebrated Seattle drag queen and chanteuse Louvel, will include tasty treats from Camp Burton’s chef, teriyaki skewers from Pop Pop Bottle Shop, and a dessert auction with offerings from a host of island businesses and bakers. There will also be wine, beer and jello shots aplenty. A handmade quilt, from Andrea Avni, will be auctioned off. Visit vashoncenter.org for more information, or call 206-463-5173 with questions.

Santa’s Cottage

Kids can visit Santa in Santa’s Cottage, located in the Village Green behind US Bank, from 12-3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Parents should bring their own cameras; there will not be a professional photographer on-site. Santa will return to his cottage at the same time on Dec. 10.

Santa at Point Robinson

The Keepers of Point Robinson and Vashon Park District will welcome islanders to the annual open house at Point Robinson Park from 12-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Santa will be at Quarters A from 1-3 p.m. to greet kids of all ages. Visitors can tour the lighthouse with Captain Joe Wubbold, U.S.C.G. (Ret.), and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and sugary treats in Quarters A. The Ship’s Store will be open for those with nautical-themed gift needs.

Inclusion Island

Inclusion Island, a program supported by Hershey Housing, offers social and recreational opportunities on Vashon for adults and older teens with disabilities with their families and caregivers. The program’s next event will be a holiday party on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 2-4 p.m., at Vashon Lutheran Church. There will be cookie decorating, snacks, gift-making and music. For questions, or to be added to the group’s mailing list please, contact hersheyhousing@gmail.com.

Youth cardiac health event

The Sam Yates Community Foundation will bring the Nick of Time Foundation to Vashon High School from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6 for a free heart screening event.

The event will feature EKG heart screenings for young people between the ages of 12 and 24. The process includes a survey about family health history and an EKG to analyze the person’s electrical heart signals. The screening is non-invasive and doesn’t involve needles or X-rays.

The screenings can identify serious heart conditions that a stethoscope can’t detect and can give families knowledge to prevent a future cardiac event. Sudden cardiac arrest can affect anyone, including young people who are exercising, playing, or competing in sports.

The event will bring a total of 80 volunteers to screen island youth, including some of the best cardiologists in the Seattle area, said organizers, who hope to register up to 300 youth between 12 and 24. Appointments are open to anyone in that age range who is a student, no matter where they attend school. Students must pre-register for the event here. Return completed forms to the VHS main office or email them to nickoftime@vashonsd.org. Questions? Call 206-463-9171.

Get PSE discount

Maria Dozeman, outreach manager for Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will help islanders sign up for PSE’s new discount program, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Vashon Food Bank. Those who qualify will receive monthly discounts from 5-45% of their bills. Those signing up should bring their PSE bill or account number, as well as state their gross monthly household income (no proof needed). Also sign up online.

Sign up for services

The Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) van will be on Vashon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Methodist Church. Islanders can apply for cash and medical assistance, food stamps, and the Medicare Savings Program at the van, and/or drop off paperwork or review their eligibility for services.

Find support

NAMI friends and family support group, for those who support a loved one experiencing mental illness, will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in the library at Vashon Presbyterian Church, at 17708 Vashon Highway SW, and also on Zoom. Find the Zoom link to the meeting at vashonpreschurch@comcast.net.

Plant and Play

King County Parks invites islanders to celebrate the reopening of the new playground at Dockton Park and Marina, at 9500 SW Dock Street, and help plant some of the new native plants in the playground’s landscape, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.

Come rain or shine, suit up in your warm gear to have fun, improve the local environment, play some lawn games with the Park’s Mobile Engagement Team, and enjoy hot beverages and refreshments.

Arrive at 10 a.m. sharp to sign in and attend the planting and safety tutorial at 10:15 a.m., and feel free to bring a favorite shovel or garden trowel. Planting will begin at 10:30 a.m. Registration for the event is recommended, at tinyurl.com/4p8ah3jc. Please RSVP by Tuesday, Dec. 12.

This event, originally scheduled for Dec. 9, was delayed for one week due to delivery issues for the new slide for the playground.

Celebrate Chanukah

Vashon Havurah will host a Chanukah party at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Vashon Havurah, at ​​15401 Westside Hwy SW. A potluck dinner with latkes will be served. At 7 p.m., island author and educator Merna Hecht will tell Chanukah stories, accompanied by Michelle Dodson on cello.

Portage Fill Concert

Vashon’s venerable and beloved big band, the Portage Fill Harmonic, will play a holiday concert filled with jazz and swing favorites, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at Vashon Theatre. The concert, presented by Vashon Island Community Church, has a suggested donation of $10, with all proceeds going to support the work of the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.

Mukai Open House

Mukai Farm & Garden, located at 18017 107th St SW, will hold a holiday open house and Japanese scroll sale from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Light refreshments and drinks will be served.

Health Insurance

Everyone who lives in Washington state now has the opportunity to buy health and dental insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder, regardless of immigration status. People with no documentation will be able to sign up for health insurance coverage that begins on Jan. 1, 2024. Miguel Urquiza, from King County, will be on Vashon to help islanders sign up from 1-3 p.m. on both Saturday, Dec. 16, and Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Vashon Library.

Corrections:

An incorrect time was previously listed for the Portage Fill Concert on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Vashon Theatre. The concert starts at 7 p.m., not 7:30.

An incorrect date was previously listed for the reopening of Dockton Park’s playground. This event, originally scheduled for Dec. 9, was delayed for one week due to delivery issues for the new slide for the playground. It will now take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.