Triangle route retains morning sailing
Though it will remain unreliable, the island’s Triangle ferry route will retain the 10:40 a.m. Fauntleroy to Vashon sailing, according to the island’s Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) and Washington State Ferries (WSF).
WSF had raised the idea of removing that sailing from the spring sailing schedule, according to an email shared with The Beachcomber by Vashon’s Ferry Advisory Committee, as it is frequently canceled.
“As you know, we have been sending out alerts frequently announcing a last-minute cancellation of (that sailing),” a WSF spokesperson wrote in the email.
For the winter 2024 season so far, that sailing has been canceled around a third of the time to reset the sailing schedule, which accumulates delays up to that point. The cancellations are frustrating to WSF staff and the public, WSF acknowledged, and are frequently announced at the last minute.
Canceling that 10:40 a.m. sailing would allow the vessel to be on time for its sailings from 11:30 a.m. departure onward, WSF said in that email, ensuring that afternoon trips are on time. Preventing delays for one vessel would improve the on-time performance of the other vessel too, WSF said.
But WSF has tabled the idea after FAC feedback pushed the agency to find another solution.
“Due to your input, we will leave the 10:40 a.m. sailing on the spring sailing schedule,” a spokesperson emailed FAC members. “… We will continue to send rider alerts when the trip is canceled.”
Host families needed
The American Exchange Project (AEP) is seeking homestays for six young women on Vashon from June 26-July 3. AEP is a domestic exchange program aimed at deepening relationships and minimizing divisiveness in the United States through week-long youth exchanges. This year, four students will travel from Vashon to other parts of the United States. On Vashon, local families and students will welcome students from another part of the country, showing them what Vashon and surrounding areas are all about. Islanders interested in hosting or working with this project should email spowell@americanexchangeproject.prg.
Scholarship available
Vashon Presbyterian Church is now accepting applications for the Heindsmann Family Endowment Scholarship. The scholarship, funded by an endowment created by the late Ted and Virginia Heindsmann, is awarded to a deserving student based on financial need, academic promise and dependability. Applicants must have completed two or more years of higher education or be seeking special training or retraining. The scholarship is not available to graduating high school seniors.
Applications and reference forms can be obtained at the church, 17708 Vashon Highway, during office hours (Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to noon), and must be returned by April 25. Applicants can also request the form by calling 206-463-2010 and leaving a mailing address or e-mail address. The applicant will be selected in May.
