Senior Center
The Vashon Senior Center hosts meals, activities and more every week. Upcoming events include a meeting of the Vashon Low Vision Group, at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7. This is an open discussion group for everyone with vision challenges.
On Friday, Nov. 8 and Monday, Nov. 11, the Senior Center will host major events honoring veterans (see page 2).
There will be a talk, “Sex for Seniors,” at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, by Dr. Marli Parobek, a nurse practitioner certified in psychiatry and family practices who lives and works on Vashon. Bring your questions as we discuss how our physical bodies and hormones change with age, even as we retain our need for emotional and physical connection.
Support meeting
Vashon’s chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness will hold a friends and family meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in the library of Vashon Presbyterian Church. All are welcome.
Restoration work party
Join Vashon Bird Alliance members and others to restore healthy ecosystems for birds, wildlife, and people from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust’s Paradise Valley Preserve. Volunteers will remove invasive holly, ivy, and blackberries so that native plants can be planted and thrive. Bring your own work gloves. Your own shovels, loppers and hand clippers will also come in handy; a few extra tools will be available.
Sturdy shoes and long pants are recommended. Meet at the Judd Creek Loop Trail trailhead, on the east side of 111th Ave. S.W. in Paradise Valley, and park along the road. (This is not the Kneeshaw Trailhead parking lot, which is further north and on the west side of 111th). Late arrivals can follow signs to the worksite. For more information, contact Jody Pritchard at ttimeflatwear@centurytel.net or Jim Evans at frangula54@gmail.com or 206-678-8914.
Health Insurance
Miguel Urquiza, representative of King County Public Health, will help islanders sign up for Affordable Care Act health insurance, food stamps, and ORCA Lift discounted transportation from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Vashon Library. The open enrollment period is for health insurance that will start in 2025.
If Wednesday is not convenient, contact Urquiza at 206-477-6965, 206-491-3761, or miguel.urquiza@kingcounty.gov.
Plastic meetup
Join Choose Plastic Free and Zero Waste Vashon for a meeting from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Land Trust Building. The group will share news on the United Nations Global Plastic Treaty, and information about how to support it.
Heather Trim, executive director of Zero Waste Washington, will be joining the discussion to talk about anti-plastic initiatives in Washington’s upcoming legislation session and how islanders can help them succeed. There will also be a discussion about California’s lawsuit against Exxon and whether the same could happen in Washington. Members will also share tips and ideas to reduce plastic during the upcoming holiday season. Light refreshments will be served.
Brown Briefly
So much is at stake in November’s election. After checking the results, Tina Shattuck, Founder and Executive Director of Women Hold the Key, and Lennon Bronsema, Washington Conservation Action’s Vice President of Campaigns, will join Truman O’Brien, Bruce Haulman, Craig Beles and Kevin Jones at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 on the Brown Briefly Show, on Voice of Vashon, 101.9FM, to talk about the opportunities and possible consequences of the election.
Food Bank tour
The Vashon Food Bank has embarked on a journey to relocate to the Vashon United Methodist Church’s property at 17928 Vashon Hwy. The project will result in a vastly improved food bank, as well as the creation of a community resource hub to better collaborate with other island social service agencies.
Come out for the next tour of the current and future sites from 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. Meet at the current Food Bank at 10030 SW 210th St, behind the Sea Mar Clinic). Executive Director, Emily Scott, will guide the tour and give updates bout the project. Bring water, weather-appropriate clothing, and any questions you have.
RSVP to minta@vashonfoodbank.org.
King County Cemetery District
King County Cemetery District’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the District’s office. 19631 Singer Rd. SW. The public is encouraged to attend.
Water District 19
Water District 19’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the district’s board room. The date is a change from the district’s regularly scheduled second Tuesday of the month meeting, due to a scheduling conflict.
The water district will also have a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Vashon-Maury Land Trust building, to receive community input on the District’s allocation process and policy changes now under consideration by the board.
Questions? Call the district’s office at 206-463-9007.
Library talk
Join Vashon author, Rondi Lightmark, as she discusses her book, “The Difference Between Seeds & Stones,” a 2023 Silver Nautilus Book Award winner, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Vashon Library.
Lightmark will share insights into her writing process and read excerpts from the book. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Registration is not required.
Vashon Care Network
Vashon Care Network’s Care Closet will have an open house and free giveaway of excess medical equipment from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at Vashon Hwy SW. There will be four-wheel, two-wheel, and up-walkers available, as well as canes, crutches, incontinence supplies, and other specialty items. Come enjoy a hot cup of cider while you look for something you need. Learn how the Care Closet works, should you need to borrow medical equipment in the future. The Care Closet is located on the grounds of the Vashon Lutheran Church.
