vashon-maury island beachcomber, january 11, 2012

75¢WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012 Vol. 57, No. 2 www.vashonbeachcomber.com

BEACHCOMBERVASHON-MAURY ISLAND

New meals program fills growing Island needBy SUSAN RIEMERStaff Writer

Three months after launching a pilot program that provides free meals seven days a week, mem-bers of the Vashon Social Services Network (VSSN) say the meals are serving a definite need on the Island.

Prior to this program, which began Oct. 1, free dinners were available two to four days a week, but now Islanders who would ben-efit from a free meal can attend a dinner six days a week as well as Sunday brunch. Staffed by coor-dinator Robin Blair and a host of volunteers, the program has served roughly 1,800 meals to Islanders since it began a little more than three months ago.

“Clearly the need is growing,” said Emma Amiad, a member of the VSSN and a board member of the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.

Blair stressed that it is not just homeless people who attend the dinners, but a wide range of peo-ple, including families in which at least one of the parents works. The cost of living is high here, Blair noted, and some families do not have enough money in their budgets for utilities and food.

“One person working is not enough with the rents people have to pay on the Island,” she said.

Typically, Blair said, between 20 and 40 people turn out for each meal, though the average is between 20 and 26, with the num-bers increasing toward the end of the month.

Volunteers have made this effort possible, Blair noted, but more assistance is needed, including five more volunteer teams that would make dinner once a month. Four to five adults per team is optimal; children are also welcome.

By LESLIE BROWNStaff Writer

Vashon educators and officials are cheering a strongly worded state Supreme Court deci-sion issued last week that found the Legislature has failed for decades to meet its constitutional mandate to amply fund K-12 education.

The high court’s 7-2 decision affirmed a

King County Superior judge’s February 2010 ruling, agreeing that the Legislature’s failure to fund basic education has resulted in an uneven and severely underfunded system of education. Districts don’t have enough money to purchase basic supplies and decent text books, pay their teachers and administrators adequately or cover the costs to transport students to and from school, the high court said.

Noting the decades of failure, the Supreme Court added that it will retain jurisdiction over the issue to ensure the state finds a way to mend what it called a “broken” system.

“What we have learned from experience is that this court cannot stand on the sidelines

and hope the state meets its constitutional mandate to amply fund education. … We will not abdicate our judicial role,” Supreme Court Justice Debra Stephens wrote in the 78-page majority opinion.

“A noted scholar in the area of school-finance litigation has observed that success depends on ‘continued vigilance on the part of courts,’” she added. “This court intends to remain vigilant.”

Vashon was one of many school districts that signed a letter in support of the lawsuit — McCleary v. State of Washington — that led

Vashon educators celebrate high court’s landmark ruling

SEE MEALS, 16 SEE EDUCATION, 15

Healing the land, restoring a forestBy LESLIE BROWNStaff Writer

The 40-acre forest behind Roseballen is a muddy expanse in places, crisscrossed by deeply rutted tire tracks and pockmarked with debris — food wrappers, discarded needles, an old sleeping bag, clothes.

A small, makeshift cross, marking where one man buried his dog, stands near a spreading hawthorne. The remnants of a camp — a tattered assemblage of tarps, chairs, cardboard and blankets — is tucked behind a wall of ferns, so well-hidden it escaped the bulldozer.

This is where some of Vashon’s homeless people spent their nights and where a handful of Islanders tore through the muck in their rigs — “mud-bogging,” they called it. But the forested parcel is adjacent to Island Center Forest and, perhaps more importantly, holds the headwaters for Judd Creek, a salmon-bear-ing stream and Vashon’s largest watershed.

And now, after three years of negotiations and a con-certed fundraising effort, the parcel is in King County’s hands — its latest acquisition on Vashon and a fantastic addition, some say, to Island Center Forest, a popular, 360-acre park with nine miles of well-used trails.

David Kimmett, a natural lands manager for the county, and Tom Dean, head of the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, made their way through the woods last week, commenting on both the needs of the site and its remarkable contribution to Vashon’s swath of public ownership.

With the purchase, Island Center Forest is now 400 acres in size and directly accessible from town, Kimmett said, noting he could see the flag at Vashon’s post office as he stood at the forest’s edge.

The site’s needs are great, Kimmett acknowledged. Scotch broom, a highly invasive plant, covers several

SEE LAND, 16

Natalie Johnson/Staff Photo

David Kimmett and Tom Dean walk through a 40-acre forest behind Roseballen, a parcel King County just purchased and that will be added to Island Center Forest.

‘This is now Central Park.’

Court will retain jurisdiction until state fixes its broken system, justices say

PAT’S LAST DRIVEFans of a longtime bus

driver honor his retirement. 0

CHAMBER RETURNSVashon Chamber Music

sets a somber tone. Page 9

BUSINESS | Business owners team up to generate leads. Page 5SCHOOLS | Once threatened, Camp Waskowitz trip is on. Page 3COMMUNITY | Elves’ setback takes a fundraising toll. Page 4

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A holiday bake sale raised thousands for the spring outdoor school tripBy NATALIE JOHNSONStaff Writer

Due to a change of heart at the Vashon School District and aggressive fundraising by parents, fifth-graders at Chautauqua Elementary School will again make the trip to Camp Waskowitz this spring, a decades-long tradition on Vashon.

Last fall, school district officials, facing a tough set of budget cuts, suggested that the Camp Waskowitz outdoor school pro-gram become self-funding. Parents were told they would need to raise $10,000 to $15,000 for the students to attend the camp; as in years past, parents would also pay a fee of around $200 for the program.

However, Chautauqua principal Jody Metzger said that after further discussion with Superintendent Michael Soltman, the two decided that the district should at least cover the cost of sending fifth-grade teach-

ers and other staff to the camp. “Really it should be our responsibility to

pay for the staffing part,” Metzger said. In addition, the discovery of a budgeting

error provided $4,500 more for the camp budget.

“When those two things came out, it was a significant amount,” Metzger said. “A little egg on my face, but great news.”

Charged with a goal of raising just $6,000, fifth-grade parents teamed up with the Vashon PTSA to keep the outdoor school program afloat.

The PTSA contributed $2,500 raised at its annual harvest party and book fair, and Partners in Education (PIE) also gave a $1,500 grant for the camp.

Lauri Hennessey, the parent of a fifth-grader, said volunteers raised the remain-ing $2,000 needed through a bake sale that took place three Saturdays in December.

Hennessey said she believes the bake sale, organized by parent Sarah VanCleeve, was so successful because parents and community members — many of whom attended Camp Waskowitz themselves or have older students who did — are pas-

sionate about supporting the program. Some high school girls who had fond memories of the camp even volunteered to hold signs at the intersection all three weekends, Hennessey said.

“I’ve never seen such wide involvement in a fundraiser,” she said. “There were a lot of wonderful moments watching people respond to this thing.”

Though this year’s fifth-grade class is set to attend camp, Metzger said the school district will likely face continued budget cuts and the future of the program is still uncertain.

Metzger said the school district has con-sidered running an outdoor school on Vashon to save money.

It’s valuable for students to get away from home and to interact with students from schools with more ethnic diversity, she said; at the same time, she added, Vashon is a great setting for an outdoor school and is home to some great outdoor educators. She has already asked a few of them for their ideas of what an outdoor school on Vashon might look like. She has even thought of bringing students from

other areas to the Island for a new camp.“I would love to have more of the empha-

sis here, perhaps look at a different way of doing it,” she said.

Hennessey said that unless something changes, supplementing Camp Waskowitz with fundraising will likely become an annual event.

“It looks like in today’s climate, parents are going to have to help out more for these kinds of activities to continue happening,” she said.

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JANUARY CLEARANCE SALE30–60% OFFSelect Merchandise

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Parents, administrators work to assure fifth graders go to Waskowitz

The Vashon School Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the McMurray Middle School Library.The board is expected to vote on board goals and discuss the 2011-2012 budget and enrollment projections. There will be a legislative report, and the board will also decide whether to hold a special meeting on Jan. 19 to discuss the design, value analysis report and alternative funding sources for the new Vashon High School building.

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I am taking some time to thank each of you who trusted me with your life decisions and supported me in my business. I appreciate your confidence in my ability to help you move to Vashon-Maury or sell your home here. You have all enriched my life in ways that reach far beyond simple business matters. You are in my heart forever. The strength of the Island is in the people!Have a truly joyous holiday season and New Year!

THANK YOU, ISLANDERS!

Beth de Groen

Designated Broker, CRS, GRI, CSNN [email protected]

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Elves bring in less after fundraising disruptionBy NATALIE JOHNSONStaff Writer

After being kicked out of the main inter-section by the sheriff ’s department and scrambling to devise a new plan, the Island Elves raised $12,000 for Vashon Youth & Family Services in December, about 40 per-cent less than they raised for a nonprofit in years past.

Head Elf Bernie O’Malley said he believes the elves didn’t reach their full fundraising potential this winter in part because they could only collect for five days at the inter-section instead of the planned eight. In addi-tion, he said, their second plan, having cars pull into designated parking spots to donate, wasn’t as successful as collecting cash from the middle of the road.

After collecting money in the main inter-section on three different days this winter, the elves were told by sheriff ’s deputies in early December that according to state law they couldn’t conduct their fundraiser in the road. They had performed the same fund-raiser for the food bank for the past three years.

An effort led by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debi Richards got the elves back on the street for two more days in late December. They asked drivers to pull to the side of the road into “Candy Cane Lanes” to give money.

O’Malley said he was glad they found a solution and still raised quite a bit for VYFS, but they likely won’t do the Candy Cane Lanes again next year. Not only did Islanders donate less using the lanes, but O’Malley believes they created more of a safety hazard

than their previous approach. “Take it from me. I’m all about safety, and

it was not safe,” O’Malley said. One positive result of the change, O’Malley

noted, was that several VYFS board members and staffers joined the elves to finish the fundraiser.

“As a result of the crisis, it threw them out on the street,” O’Malley said. “To me that was fantastic.”

In previous years, the fundraiser gar-nered as much as $20,000 for Vashon Maury Community Food Bank. But VYFS director Ken Maaz, who volunteered as an elf from the beginning of the fundraiser, said his agency was thrilled to receive $12,000 from the Island Elves.

He said the donation helped the organiza-tion, which had to dip into its reserves last year, to cover its increased need around the holidays; much of it will go to the agency’s financial assistance programs in 2012.

“Very seldom do we get that kind of dona-tion,” Maaz said. “It was encouraging, and we’re very grateful for it.”

O’Malley and Maaz also said they hoped the fundraiser raised VYFS’s profile on Vashon.

“We’re hoping that in addition to the money the elves picked up, that that visiblity will turn into more donations,” O’Malley said.

As for the Island Elves, O’Malley said they will rethink their approach next win-ter. They’re still unsure what charity they will support or how they’ll run their fund-raiser.

“I hope there is a third way (of collecting money), but we don’t know what it is,” he said.

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TREE SALE ON NOW!

The deadline for pre-ordering plants has been extended to JANUARY 28, 2012 so you still have time to order bareroot native shrub and tree seedlings – on Island at a great price.

WAYS TO GET TREES AND SHRUBS:

www.vashonlandtrust.org

mail in by January 28th.

10am to 2pm and purchase plants at our “Day-of” sale – availability on a first-come first-served basis.

or questions.

Did you know?You should keep an eye on your dental insurance. January is a good time to

check into your dental insurance plan and get a good idea of your coverage because often changes are made at this time such as coverage adjustments and new provider dentists. The first of the year is also the most common time for benefits to renew so it may be a good time to have that crown put in. Waiting to have work done is risky for your teeth and can be costly as most dental problems only worsen over time and could result in delays and loss of benefits. This occurs most frequently with crowns because crowns require three weeks to fabricate. If you are unsure of your benefits, call your dental office or insurance company and if you are dissatisfied with your plan bring it up to your employer or HR department.

Tooth Talk Tips for maintaining a healthy smile

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Physical Address: 17425 Vashon Hwy SW

Mailing Address: PO Box 673, Vashon Island WA 98070

By NATALIE JOHNSONStaff Writer

Members of a new business networking group on Vashon say they’ve generated more then $26,000 in profits for each other since forming in early 2011. And those involved in the group — called Vashon Leads because members provide business leads to one another — believe 2012 will be even more successful as the program gains momentum and a second group starts up.

“The more members there are to give leads, the more there are to get leads from,” said Dawn Sheppard, who heads the group. “It spreads the network a little more.”

The diverse business owners in Vashon Leads — which now includes a contrac-tor, graphic designer, landscaper, mortgage broker and others — have spent the past year getting to know one another and learn-ing about each others’ businesses at week-ly lunches. They then recommend group members as much as possible to those they know who are in need of those services.

“The whole idea is we’re acting as each other’s sales force,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard, who owns a home staging business, said the group doubled in 2010 — growing from about five to 10 mem-bers. Though some members have benefit-ted more than others, everyone has seen an increase in business due to the leads, Sheppard said.

“Overall we’re very pleased,” she said “Some people, due to the nature of the busi-ness, have received more leads. … A handy-man will get more leads than a lawyer.”

Michael Curtin, a chiropractor who joined Vashon Leads a few months after opening his practice on Vashon, said he believes the group is the best way to get word out about his services. He said he has already gained several new patients through the group’s recommendations and believes Vashon Leads works well because so many on Vashon rely on references when looking for services.

“It’s probably the only thing I do on the Island in terms of advertising,” he said.

Though the group’s main goal is to gener-ate business, members also use their time together to practice their marketing skills. At the Monday meetings, each member will spend 30 seconds giving a short pitch about his or her business, what the group calls an

“elevator speech.” They also take turns giv-ing longer presentations about what they do, and members give feedback on their approaches.

“A lot of business owners aren’t neces-sarily natural salespeople,” Sheppard said. “Everyone is there to really give ideas and feedback to each other on ways we can pro-mote and grow our businesses.”

Sheppard said Vashon business owners tried to start a similar networking group a couple of years ago, but it fizzled due to a lack of structure. Last year the group was revived by Bill Holder, who owns a collec-tions company and has since moved his business off the Island. He modeled the new group after LeTip and Business Network International, networking organizations that have chapters in the Seattle area.

“It’s not an original idea. … A core group of us felt like we could make it work on Vashon,” Sheppard said.

Vashon Leads is now more formal, with designated leaders and structured meet-ings, Sheppard said. The group keeps care-ful track of when members provide leads and how much money results from them. Of 40 leads passed on to members in 2011, only one didn’t generate business, Sheppard said.

“It’s a really nice, really good group of people,” she said. “You have to feel that way about someone before you give them a recommendation. You can’t try out every-one’s business, but you get to know each person.”

The group has room to grow, but can only take one of each type of business owner, Sheppard said. For that reason, a few members are leaving the first group to start a second one. They will give a pitch for Vashon Leads at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual membership meeting next week. Ideally, Sheppard said, each group will have 15 to 20 members.

“There are a lot of categories we’re trying to recruit. … I don’t think there’s any rea-son the second group can’t be as successful as the first,” she said.

Business owners create new network

For more information about the Monday Vashon Leads group, contact Michael Curtin at 300-1931. For more information about the new Tuesday group, contact Jeromy Sander at 940-7535.

By ELIZABETH SHEPHERDStaff Writer

Vashon Allied Arts has received a $10,000 grant from King County’s cultural arts organization for the construction of its pro-posed Vashon Center for the Arts.

VAA had sought $100,000 from 4Culture’s Arts Facilities Capital Program to help fund its $16.5 million center, a 20,000-square-foot project slated to be built next to The Blue Heron.

In 2009, the same program awarded VAA $75,000 for the new facility.

Molly Reed, VAA’s executive director, said the organization sought a $100,000 grant this time around after consultation with 4Culture officials.

“I think when they recommended that to me they didn’t realize how small their budget would be,” Reed said.

Debra Twersky, who administers the arts facilities capital program for 4Culture, agreed that funds were limited, in part because a decision was made to pool appli-cations involving large-scale projects from both arts and cultural heritage facilities in this year’s granting cycle.

In total, 4Culture doled out $970,000 to 37 cultural facility projects, including VAA and the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association, which received $40,000 from 4Culture.

“The panel felt like they wanted to con-tinue their support of VAA’s project, but they were just out of dollars,” Twersky said.

“The other factor that affected them was that (VAA’s) project is not under construc-tion right now. The panel had a sense that Vashon Allied Arts could come back to them, and should come back to them, as the project goes further along and is closer to breaking ground.”

For years, a portion of the county’s lodg-ing tax revenues has funded 4Culture, including its recent grants to VAA and Vashon’s heritage association.

That funding formula is about to change, though. From 2012 to 2020, 4Culture will be removed from the lodging tax stream, and those funds will be redirected to pay off Qwest Field’s bonds. This means that until 2021, 4Culture’s operating funds will come from its approximately $42 million dollar reserve.

Reed, meanwhile, said VAA continues to fundraise for the $16.5 million arts center; she said she expects to be able to announce additional significant individual donations soon.

“We are making progress on the fund-raising front. Good things are happen-ing,” she said. “We still hope we can break ground this spring, but we have a long way to go to be able to do that.”

She also said the organization plans to seek funds from 4Culture in the next round of funding.

“The competition for these dollars is fierce,” she said. “We’ll go back and ask for more in the next cycle.”

County gives VAA second, smaller grant for arts center

Write to us: The Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber welcomes community comment. Please submit letters — e-mail is preferred — by noon Friday for consideration in the following week’s paper. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Only one letter from a writer per month, please.

All letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and libel considerations. We try to print all letters but make no promises. Letters attacking individuals, as well as anonymous letters, will not be published.

Our e-mail address is [email protected].


EDITORIAL

Every now and then, a court steps in and through the force of its opinion brings about wholesale change in our political, social or environmental landscape.

Consider Brown v. the Board of Education, which found that “separate but equal” schools were inherently unequal. U.S. District Court Judge William Dwyer’s decisions forcing the fed-eral government to comply with the Endangered Species Act and protect the northern spotted owl. Roe v. Wade.

The Washington Supreme Court’s ruling in McCleary v. the State of Washington may not hold the same status; it’s a state-wide decision, not a national one. But it’s in that same vein, and its impact could be far-reaching.

The high court did not rule narrowly or on a technicality. In a sweeping, 79-page decision, it ruled that the Legislature has failed over the last 30 years or more to meet the state Constitution’s mandate to adequately and amply fund public education.

Article IX, section 1 of the state Constitution says: “It is the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders.” According to Justice Debra Stephens, author of the majority opinion, the state has repeatedly failed to meet that duty — as teachers, par-ents and students on Vashon know all too well.

On Vashon, as in other districts, teachers are trying to teach with tattered and outdated books, parents are shouldering more and more of the costs, fundraisers have become commonplace, and students find themselves in crowded classrooms.

Some observers are already questioning the impact of this decision. What recourse does the court have if the Legislature continues to find itself in a political logjam, incapable of reach-ing a compromise on matters of import?

Lawmakers began their 60-day session this week, where they face their fourth consecutive year of yawning financial shortfalls. New taxes are off the table, they say, because of the Eyman-inspired measure that mandates a supermajority for such legisla-tion. Without additional revenue, the Legislature has no choice but to again cut the budget. And with K-12 education comprising 43 percent of the budget, it’s hard to imagine it will be spared.

But the high court does have power. Should the Legislature fail to act, more lawsuits will be filed, building on this one. Should it fail to act, the governor could be held in contempt, triggering a constitutional crisis.

The rule of law is strong in this country. We trust that our elected leaders — faced with the directive in McCleary v. the State of Washington — will begin to redress a funding system that has put the state near the bottom of the pack on nearly every measure of educational spending. We believe they’ll comply with a judicial and constitutional mandate that their paramount duty is to fund public education.

Change won’t happen overnight. The current crop of kids in our public schools probably won’t benefit from this far-reaching decision. But those of us who care about public education have every right to believe something profound has happened and that a new day is dawning in Washington state.

Last year at this time, with the community’s help, Preserve Our Islands did an amazing thing. We won one of the most important environmental battles for both the Island and Puget Sound as the acquisition of the former Glacier site was completed.

As a result of the tenacity and power that can only be brought forth by many people working together, the shoreline along Maury Island has now been per-manently protected for the forage fish and salmon that depend on it. And for the orcas, Northwest icons on the brink of extinction that — with each rise of the dorsal fin — remind us of all that is at stake.

Some groups might have chosen to give themselves a pat on the back, toast their success and fade into retirement. But Preserve Our Islands knew we didn’t have that option, because, sadly, our local shorelines and regional Puget Sound ecosystems continue to be threatened every day. And if we turned away now, important habi-tats would be lost forever.

Locally, Quartermaster Harbor, which the National Marine Fisheries Services describes as one of the most important forage fish areas in Puget Sound, stands on the brink of collapse with elevated nitrogen, dangerously low dis-solved oxygen levels, failing septic systems and a state aquatic reserve management plan that allows damaging development at every turn.

And throughout Puget Sound, critical ecosystems are being destroyed and endangered species harmed due to a regulatory system that fails to protect near-shore habitats or follow established environmental laws, instead giv-ing countless developers just like Glacier carte blanche to do as they please.

This is why Preserve Our Islands has developed a bold new plan to move forward in 2012 with both local and regional work that is critically needed and not cur-rently being addressed. It’s why we

are now work-ing to stop the threats to Quartermaster Harbor and the Aquatic Reserve. And why we are standing up to stop the permitting

agencies from handing out rubber- stamped approvals for construc-tion projects that destroy vital ecosystems.

Locally, we are working to ensure that the new park’s man-agement and arsenic cleanup plans are developed wisely and with ecosystem protection in mind. And we have already begun to provide oversight and action on the work being done to address both the low dissolved oxygen levels and failing septic systems in the harbor.

We will also be working directly with the Department of Natural Resources to immediately initi-ate a revision of the Reserve Management Plan — making sure to close the development-friendly loopholes left by former Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland, and establishing a plan that holds the primary purpose of strong environmental protec-tion. One component we will make sure is included in this new plan is a local citizens advisory group, which will be developed to not only provide oversight to the devel-opment and implementation of the new plan, but to play a direct role in decision making for any future lease decisions in the reserve.

And of course, we will continue to keep our well-seasoned sword sharpened and close by — in the event that a bigger local fight needs our immediate attention.

In the regional Puget Sound-wide focus of our work, the “watchdog” arm of the organi-zation is moving forward with POI doing what we do best — working to ensure that regulatory agencies do their mandated job of appropri-ately protecting important habitats and species during shoreline per-

mitting decisions.In the year ahead, we will

be systematically reviewing local, state and federal permits for devel-opment in Puget Sound to make sure that sound science is the basis for decision making and that regu-latory agencies are applying the most fundamental of our environ-mental regulations as required by law. Which, as we learned during our fight for Maury, agencies at all levels routinely fail to do.

Both the local and regional work noted here is vital to the preser-vation and protection of Island shorelines and Puget Sound habi-tats. Yet, there are no environmen-tal organizations doing it — and without this work, many feel that the recovery of Puget Sound will be impossible.

And so, we go on and continue to fight for the Island and for Puget Sound. And like before we need your help. As it is with all nonprofits, the work we do takes money, and we will be counting on your financial support in the year ahead. But most importantly, we need you standing up to take action with us once again. Writing letters when necessary to advocate for environmental protections and making changes in your own backyards to correct issues that may be harming Puget Sound. And, working with us to let the regulatory agencies know that the days of rubber-stamped, business-as-usual permits are over because they are now being watched by an environmental group that doesn’t take too kindly to critical habitats being destroyed — and who has a track record of making sure that they are not.

Someday, when the tides have turned on the protection of Island shorelines and Puget Sound recov-ery, we may all get to rest. But until then, it’s up to us all to keep working together to make sure that important ecosystems are pre-served and that Puget Sound is not lost on our watch. Not now. And not ever.

— Amy Carey is the executive director of Preserve Our Islands.

High court’s decision heralds a new day

ADMINISTRATIONPUBLISHER: Daralyn Anderson

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OPINIONVashon-Maury

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber, 17141 Vashon Hwy SW, Suite B, Vashon, WA 98070; (USPS N0. 657-060) is published every Wednesday by Sound Publishing Inc.; Corporate Headquarters: 19351 8th Avenue NE, Suite 106, Poulsbo, WA 98370-8710. (Please do not send press releases to this address.)SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $30 on Island motor route delivery, one year; $57 two years; Off Island, continental U.S., $57 a year and $30 for 6 months. Periodical postage paid at Vashon, Washington. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to Beachcomber P.O. Box 447, Vashon Island, WA 98070.

Copyright 2012 © Sound Publishing Inc.

There’s still much to do to protect the SoundPOI has found a new mission, built on its past success

COMMENTARYBy AMY CAREY

For more information about POI or to join its email list, visit www.preserveourislands.org.

Sold in 2011

For information aboutbuying or selling your home, please call me at 206-390-9149

206-390-9149

The homes above are Denise’s

listings sold in 2011.

Prices are the last list price.

Denise KatzManaging Broker

[email protected]

www.VashonHomeInfo.com

$934,000$1,049,000 $699,950

Sale Pending

SOLDSOLD

$318,000

SOLDSOLD

$646,000

SOLDSOLD

$439,000

SOLDSOLD

SOLDSOLD

$549,000

SOLDSOLD

$389,000

SOLDSOLD

$169,000

SOLDSOLD

$299,950

SOLDSOLD

Sale Pending

Driving

Vashon has a reputa-tion for civility, but it certainly does not apply to the roads. There are some dangerous, aggressive drivers on Vashon. I have run thousands of miles all over the United States but have encountered more dangerous driving in two years on Vashon than the last 25 years of running on the roads. I have had five near misses in the last year alone.

Pedestrians, take care. These bad drivers seem to be mostly indulging their aggression on the southwest of the Island (Cemetery, Westside Highway, Old Mill, Wax Orchard, 220th). After nearly hitting me, two driv-ers even shouted insults.

Dangerous drivers, hurt-ing or killing someone will ruin your life. You will go to jail. You will be ruined

financially. You do not own these roads. I’m not going to nit-pick the law with you. Your lawyer can do that in court when you are being prosecuted for vehicular manslaughter. Stop your aggressive driv-ing before you hurt or kill someone.

— Mike Shepherd

Park district

For 29 years, the Vashon Park District has kept our parks and recreation pro-grams in the black. Then, when the first project dips into the red, it is described as “shocking” in a Beachcomber editorial (“Unfortunate financial woes plague the park dis-trict”).

A letter in the same edi-tion adds, “When will we learn the importance of living within our means?”

For 29 years we have

lived within our budgets, while the district has grown in size and com-plexity. Let’s all step up and support this important field complex. That’s what I plan to do.

— Ruth Anderson,co-founder, Vashon Park

District

Brava to Hilary Emmer for her well-put letter to the editor (“Park district dug itself into a financial hole”).

With times so tough for so many people right now, it seems wise to be conser-vative with out dwindling resources. To me, beginning any new money-sucking project whilst the world is in economic freefall is pure folly.

As more and more people lose their jobs and homes, where will the funding come from to complete this long-range ball field project?

A lot of people think this recession we are experienc-ing will end and things will go back to normal. It doesn’t seem likely, but maybe so.

Any big-cost, long-term

operation should wait till then.

When I was a kid we played ball on a dirt field. If we weren’t having fun, I guess nobody told us.

— Lin Noah

Coyotes

Will an increasing popu-lation of coyotes decrease the numbers of feral and free-roaming cats?

— Pat Collier

Holiday lights

A huge thank you to the person or persons who have delighted motor-ists with the brilliantly lit Christmas tree on the main highway at S.W. 266th.

We enjoy seeing it when we’re in that vicinity at night and appreciate your holiday spirit!

— Charlie and Terrie Kipp

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

By RONDI LIGHTMARKFor The Beachcomber

Three weeks ago, just back from a 14-hour flight from Europe, where I was visiting my grandkids. Wiped. Crawled into bed at 7 p.m., snuggled down and ...

Chewing.Leave your house for

two weeks, the rats know. Even a house like mine, which has been rat-proofed by the best, had no defense.

So there it was, down on the other side of the wall, a determined, very loud, probably Monster Size Rat, setting up to work all night until it broke through.

Like I said, I was wiped. And knew I wouldn’t get a wink of sleep with the sound of that invasion going on near my closet.

I lay there, examining my options, wondering if I got out of bed, put on my clothes, tracked down my cache of rat poison, went

outside to the back of the house and put it in the crawlspace, whether that rat was dumb enough to get distracted and head on over to the death tray.

Which was also upset-ting, because I hate the idea of rat torture too.

I lay awake with that dilemma, alternately bang-ing angrily on the wall and then drifting off into a jet-lagged stupor.

And then: inspiration!I got out of bed, knelt

right down by the wall so that my head was inches away from whatever was on the other side.

And I barked! Every dog curse word I could think of. I growled, I snarled, I slavered.

And I swear I felt that rat go, “Oops...”

Instant silence. Three weeks, it hasn’t been back.

Just a suggestion.

— Rondi Lightmark is a photographer and writer who

lives on Vashon.

Rat control is simply a matter of linguistics

www.vashonbeachcomber.comwww.vashonbeachcomber.com24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK

Vashon Computer Club: The topic will be the rapid changes in computing and how they affect ordinary users. Free. 7:30 p.m. at the Vashon Senior Center.

New Year’s Resolutions: Amy Kessel, certified life coach, will offer a free talk about sustainable change and offer a new approach to goal-setting in 2012. She will talk about identifying values and creating intentions that reflect who people are. Participants will learn how to replace goals with choices that support them. 7 to 8 p.m. at the Vashon Library.

Current Events: Bob Hallowell will facilitate the conversation. 1 to 3 p.m. at the Vashon Senior Center on Bank Road.

Community Dinner: The menu will include a cheese pasta bake, salad, fruit, brownies and ice cream. The suggested donation is $10. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Vashon High School cafeteria.

Veterans’ Services: Joel Estey, a consultant with the King County Veterans’ Program, will help veterans and their families con-nect with county, state or federal benefits. Call Estey at 296-7570 for more information. Noon to 3 p.m. at the Vashon Senior Center on Bank Road.

Weekend Book Club: Up for dis-cussion this month is the “Hotel on

the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford. The group will carpool to Seattle to meet in the historic Panama Hotel Tea Room written about in the book. New members are welcome; call Nancy Paul at 567-5606 for information. Febru-ary’s selection will be “Wolf Hall” by Hillary Mantel. 4 p.m. in Seattle.

Unitarian Fellowship: Rev. Elizabeth Stevens will lead this service on radical hospitality and confronting racism. It will explore understanding power, violence, privilege and the history of exploi-tation and oppression. It will also examine assumptions and em-brace the truth that our well-being is dependent on the well-being of all others. 9:30 a.m. at Lewis Hall behind Burton Community Church.

Senior Center Potluck: Combine good food with good friends and family. 2 to 4 p.m. at the Vashon Senior Center on Bank Road.

Community Cinema: This month’s free film will be “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock,” a film about a heroine of the Civil Rights Movement. Her fight to lead desegregation of Little Rock’s all-white high school in 1957, cul-minating in a constitutional crisis and pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself. Join the after-film discussion about civil rights issues today. 3 to 5 p.m. at Ober Park.

Raw Vegan Potluck: Bring your “dream” dish for this “I have a dream”-themed potluck. Call Weslie Rogers at 463-5566 for ideas and directions. 4 to 6 p.m. at a home near town.

Remembering Dr. King: Two community events take place. See page 9 for details.

Day of Service at Maury Island Marine Park: Plant a tree and rebuild a healthy plant community where mining has degraded it. Bring a water bottle, lunch and gloves. Some gloves, tools, snacks and water will be provided. RSVP to [email protected] for details and directions. 10:30

a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park.

Vashon Quilt Guild: Guests are welcome. Lida Enche, currently exhibiting her artwork at Island Quilter, will talk about the process of how art becomes fabric. For information, call Sue Wilcoxen at 463-2044. 10 a.m. at the Presby-eterian Church.

Vashon-Maury Island Com-munity Council: Share you needs and desires for the new year with each other and the board. Also, Kyle Cruver, who has been ap-proved by the board, will be up for approval to be a new VMICC board member by a vote of those in attendance. Members of the board ask that Islanders attend so that this and other important business that requires a quorum can be carried out. 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School.

UPCOMING

Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting: Guest presenters include Dr. Kathleen Davis, talking about Shape Up Vashon; Dawn Sheppard of Vashon Leads, which generates leads and business for its members; Julie Koler from King County, and a representative from the University of Washington’s Department of Built Environment, who will give details on the new Storefront Studio project coming to Vashon in 2012 to revitalize Vashon’s downtown business area. 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Penny Farcy Training Center on Bank Road.

Grandmother’s Stories: Real-life recipes and medical and marriage advice for pioneer families will be read aloud by Arlene Schade.

12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Vashon Senior Center on Bank Road.

Adopt an Old Dog: Come meet some grey muzzled dogs and take home some love. A veterinarian from Kistap Humane Society will be there to help these old dogs find their forever retirement home. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Pandora’s Box.

Spell It: The annual bee to benefit the Vashon Community Scholarship Fund is coming up. Teams of one to three people are encouraged to sign up now. The cost is $50 person; students are free. Contact Barbara Gustafson at [email protected] or 463-1638. 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Vashon High School theater.

CLASSES

Women and Meditation: Jessica Bolding will conduct a six-session series. The cost is $100, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. To register, contact Jessica Bolding at 463-9066 or [email protected]. 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 11, at Vashon PRAHM.

Shape Up Vashon — Bones Without Groans: Dr. Chris Davis will teach exercises to strengthen the shoulders, back, hips and knees to prevent or reduce joint pain and improve balance. The class is free to SUV members, $5 for non-members. 10 to 11 a.m. at the Vashon Senior Center and 7 to 8:15 p.m. at Vashon College in the Sheffield Building, both today, Jan. 11. Go at 6:15 p.m. to have your blood pressure taken, do a three-minute exercise test or weigh in.

Fencing: Anyone 10 through adult who wants to learn fencing can sign up for January classes now. They will begin Jan. 12. Private lessons meet at 5:30 p.m., advanced classes at 6 p.m. and beginning classes at 7 p.m., all at the Open Space for Arts & Com-munity. Private lessons are $25, and other lessons range from $140 to $160 for eight lessons. For more information, call Allison Reid at 408-7305.

Anti-Inflammation Diet: Kathy Abascal will teach her popular class. The five-week series will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Satur-days beginning Jan. 14 at Vashon College. An online class will meet from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays be-ginning Jan. 15. Fees range from $105 to $180. Register online at tqidiet.com.

Yoga: Ronly Blau will offer Yoga for Teen Girls from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 17 to Feb. 14. Girls can explore the body, mind, spirit connection. The cost is $50, payable to Ronly Blau. Register by contacting her at 499-8488 or [email protected]. Yoga for Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis meets from 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Fridays. Yoga poses are adapted for participants. A focus on the breath and relaxation plays a central role in addressing the

stress-related effects of living with Parkinson’s or M.S. Call or email before attending at 463- 2058 or [email protected]. A five-class card is $50, a 10-class card is $80. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Sewing and Knitting: Jenni Wilke will teach the classes. Sew-ing 1 will meet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 17, 24 and 31. The class will introduce the basics of machine sewing: threading the bobbin and the machine, using different stitches and common troubleshooting tips. Participants will complete a drawstring bag, hat and article of clothing. The cost is $75. Sewing 1 Buddy Class will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Sun-days, Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5. Sign up with a friend or relative and get a deal on this basic sewing class. The content is the same as Sewing 1. The cost is $120. Knitting 1 will introduce the basics of knitting; the cost is $30. It will meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 18, 25 and Feb. 1. Yarn will be provided to complete a washcloth, wallet and scarf. Register by call-

ing 697-2377 or stop by the Vashon Fiber Arts and Textile Collective, in the former home of Books by the Way.

Delta Dogs: Learn how to be a Pet Partner Team. Email Kathy Farner for more information at [email protected]. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Chautauqua.

Stock Your Pantry: Vashon’s Food Security Working Group will host a series of workshops to help families learn to stock their pan-tries for emergencies. The first of three classes wil be on making an emergency 72-hour food kit. Cathy Fulton will facilitate. Each partici-pant will receive a CD that includes the 100-page manual, “Food Storage Made Easy” and several Excel spreadsheets for planning. The class will meet from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 21. Future classes will be Three-Month Food Supply Basics on Feb. 4 and Keep the Process Going on Feb. 18. The cost for the series is $20 per family or individual. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required by contacting Fulton at 463-5652, or [email protected].

Christi Norman, Washington Audubon’s director of its birding trails program, will speak about the joys and adventures of mak-ing the seven maps that now comprise Audubon’s Great Washington State Birding Trail series. The last one in the ambitious project — the “Puget Loop,” which includes Vashon — was just published.All told, the seven maps identify 376 sites across 2 million acres of bird habitat. The Puget Loop highlights 42 sites,

including three on Vashon. Each stop has notes on habitat, best viewing times and birds one can expect to see. Norman worked with hundreds of volunteers, including Vashon’s Ed Swan and Randy Smith, to produce the maps, and she had many adventures along the way.The maps, $4.95, will be for sale at the program and are also available from Vashon Audubon and Wings. The free presenta-tion will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Land Trust Building.

CALENDARVashon-Maury

SUBMISSIONS

Send items to [email protected] is noon Thursday for Wednesday publication. The calendar is intended for commu-nity activities, cultural events and nonprofit groups; notices are free and printed as space permits.

AUDUBON PROGRAM: BIRDING TRAIL

VASHON THEATER

The Muppets: Held over until Jan. 19.

The Mighty Macs: Vashon Island Junior Basketball presents this film about a college basketball team that began in obscurity, but became the Cinderella story of college basketball. Prizes will be awarded; all VIJB & Island bas-ketball players get half off if they wear an Island jersey. 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15.

Old Goats: This locally produced film will benefit Vashon Commu-nity Care. Writer-director Taylor Guterson and actress Benita Staadecker will talk before the movie. Tickets cost $10 and are on sale at Vashon Bookshop, Vashon Community Care and Vashon Theatre.

See www.vashontheatre.com for show times or call

PUBLIC MEETINGS

King County Cemetery District #1: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Vashon Cemetery located at 19631 S.W. Singer Rd.

VMICC Land Use and Natural Resources Committee: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the Presbyterian Church. Contact Robert Keeler at 679-279 for more information.

Vashon Island School District School Board: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at McMurray Middle School.

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at McMurray Middle School.


VoV TV is found on Comcast Channel 21. Most VoV TV shows are produced by Islanders. If you’ve created a video program of any kind, contact Susan McCa-be at 463-0301 or [email protected]. Learn to make your own TV show in “Elements of Video Production,” taught by video professionals Richard Montague and James Culbertson and co-sponsored by VoV and Vashon Park District. The class starts Feb. 2; register now online at www.parkdistrict.org.

Thursday and Tuesday, 7 to 7:30 p.m. Sample some Vashon-produced shorts with Pets To Go at 7 p.m. (all about how to buy a horse) and Eye for an Eye at 7:15 (p.m. a music video from Susan White and Daryl Redeker).

Sunday, 7:30 p.m. The hilarious Church of Great Rain ensemble cast rips it up again.

The complete VoV TV Schedule is available at voiceofvashon.org.

ARTS&LEISUREVashon-Maury DANCE AUDITIONS: There will be casting calls for Vashon Island Community Ballet ’s

Spr ing production “Our Favor ite Things”, directed by Island Dance Theater, from 1 to 4 p.m . Saturday, Jan. 14, and Saturday, Jan. 21, at Ober Park’s per formance room . For more infor-mation, email Kamela Daniels Truillo at [email protected].

Art historian Rebecca Albiani will return to the Blue Heron on Tuesday for a bonus encore in her popular Art History Talks series for Vashon Allied Arts. The lecture, set for 11:30 a.m., will explore myths and facts related to painter Paul Gauguin. Albiani will show slides of Gauguin’s work and will discuss his artistic infl uences as well as per-sonal details about his colorful life. Tickets, $14 and $17, are on sale at the Blue Heron, Vashon Bookshop, www.brownpapertickets.com and by calling 463-5131.

For a February exhibit/happening at Café Luna about the Occupy Wall Street move-ment, Islander March Twisdale is seeking submissions from Islanders. Send your an-swers to the following question — “What do you want? Or, what do you want from the Occupy Movement?” — to Twisdale at [email protected]. The multimedia exhibition will also be home base for what is intended as a month-long experiential Occupy event. Twisdale hopes Islanders will step up to participate, and for inspiration, cited a 1963 quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever aff ects one directly, aff ects all indirectly.”

Guinness World Record holder Matt Baker, who has appeared in television’s “Last Comic Standing” and “America’s Got Talent,” will bring his “Curious Comedy Show” to Vashon Allied Arts’ Family Series at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Blue Heron. Baker’s act is ap-propriate for the whole family. Tickets cost $5 for kids, $10 for VAA members, students and seniors and $12 for everybody else. Buy them at the Blue Heron, Heron’s Nest, Vashon Bookshop and www.brownpapertickets.com.

Original UMO founding artists and new ensemble members will come together on stage for a one-night show, “Indra’s Web,” to be performed on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Open Space for Arts & Community. The evening will also include what UMO members are calling a “20-year, living UMO retrospective” that weaves in the work of UMO’s young student artists. For more information about the evening, visit www.umo.org.

Save the date for Drama Dock’s new Youth Theatre Initiative show, “All Night Strut: A Jumpin’ Jivin’ Jam,” set to run Jan. 27 to 29 at Vashon High School. The music revue of songs and dances from the 1930s and 40s will feature a cast of almost 20 Island kids ages 11 to 18. Marita Ericksen has directed the show with assists from choreographer Elise Ericksen and dance captain Pam Hotchkiss. Tickets will go on sale soon at Island ticket outlets and will also be sold at the door.

ARTS BRIEFS

Island drummer, percussionist and educator Todd Zimberg will join forces with two of his closest musician friends for a night of jazz at Red Bicycle Bistro on Friday.

Zimberg’s trio is dubbed Long Lost, a nod to the fact that the members of the group have known each other for decades but only recently reunited to form an ensemble. Zimberg, guitarist Michael Gotz and bass player Keith Lowe first worked together in the Michael Gotz Quartet in the mid-1980s.

Gotz is a lifelong musician who got his start more than 40 years ago as soprano soloist with the Sacred Heart Boys Choir. He’s now a skilled jazz guitarist and pia-

nist, comfortable with genre jumping to reggae, pop and country.

Lowe, with 30 years of musical experi-ence under his belt, has also played and recorded music in a multitude of different styles.

Most music lovers on Vashon know Zimberg’s music well — he is a member of the Island Jazz Quintet and the Vashon Island Portage Fill Big Band. He also teach-es privately and has worked as an artist in residence in Vashon schools as well as for the Washington State Arts Commission. For the past 12 years, he has also directed a summer youth percussion camp.

Long Lost’s free show at the Bike starts at 8:30 p.m. and is for all ages until 11 p.m.

World music and wine will be served at Café Luna on Friday.

The wine tasting, hosted by Vashon Winery owner Ron Irvine, will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Irvine will offer four wines for $10.

Hejira, a duo consisting of guitarist Don Baragiano and table player Anil Prasad, will play a free show from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Hejira’s music has been described as an intriguing mix of ancient world styles, global rhythms and exotic scales, played with modern instrumentation.

Baragiano, who founded the duo, is a native of Cincinnati. In the 1980s, his career took him to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was invited to a private audience and impromptu jam with the king’s master musician. After Baragiano returned home, he began performing and composing world music. Shortly after he moved to Seattle in 2001, he formed Hejira.Guitarist Michael Gotz, drummer Todd Zimberg and bassist Keith Lowe make up Long Lost.

Vashon Winery’s Ron Irvine will host a tasting.

Chamber music series takes a spiritual turn In honor of Dr. Martin Luther

King Jr.’s birthday, Vashon Chamber Music’s third concert in its 2011-12 series will have a somber and spiritual tone.

The anchor of the concert’s rep-ertoire will be Bach’s cantata, “Ich habe genug,” (“I have enough”), a work for baritone, oboe and strings.

According to Vashon Chamber Music’s artistic director Rowena Hammill, the piece is especially meaningful to her.

“I chose the cantata because ever since I was a little girl I’ve loved the oboe,” she said. “This cantata has one of the most beautiful oboe solos.”

The subject matter of the piece comes from the New Testament account of how an aging man, Simeon, saw baby Jesus at the temple and declared he was then ready to die, because he had seen the Messiah.

According to Hammill, the story closely echoes King’s “I’ve been to the mountaintop” speech made shortly before his death.

Hammill has invited Dan Williams, oboist and faculty member of the University of Puget Sound, to solo in “Ich have genus”

along with Vashon opera star and baritone Andrew Krikawa.

The concert will also include Telemann’s trio sonata in G minor for violin and oboe, giving Williams another chance to shine in the con-cert. Islander Karin Choo will per-form the violin solo in the piece.

Works by two contemporary Baltic composers, Arvo Pärt, from Estonia, and George Pelecis, from Latvia, will fill out the program.

In addition to Williams, Krikawa and Choo, the concert’s cast will include Seattle Symphony violinist Artur Girsky, local violinist Gaye Detzer, Seattle Symphony principal percussionist Michael Werner, violist Heather Bentley and cellists Douglas Davis and Hammill.

“It is a more spiritually themed program than we usually do,” said Hammill. “It’s going to be a tour de force to pull it off.”

The concert takes place at 3 p.m. Sunday, at Vashon Methodist Church. Tickets, $18 and $21, are on sale at the Blue Heron, Vashon Bookshop, www.brownpapertickets.com and by calling 463-5131.

— Elizabeth Shepherd

Michael Werner, Seattle Symphony’s principal percussionist, will perform at the Vashon Chamber Music’s concert Sunday.

Newly appointed state Supreme Court Justice Steven Gonzalez will speak at the Island’s 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King commemorative service at 7 p.m. Sunday. The event will be held at Vashon Presbyterian Church and will include music by Islanders Joe Farmer, Kathleen Rindge, Dan Brown and Jean Richstad, who will perform some of King’s favorite spirituals. There will be a goodwill offering to support the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.


Reserve your space by January 13th, 2012

PublishesFebruary 22nd

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email: [email protected]@vashonbeachcomber.com

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GOING THE DISTANCE, ONE LAST TIME

About 50 people packed into the north-end ferry terminal on Friday evening to honor longtime bus driver Pat Engrissei, who retired after driving 27 years for King County Metro, 23 of them on Vashon.At a surprise retirement party before the Islander’s last trip as a bus driver down the highway, friends, family and riders took turns toasting Engrissei, one of four full-time drivers on Vashon. During his two decades on the Island, Engrissei became known for his friendliness, his willingness to go out of his way to get riders home and the fresh rose from his garden that he often had by his seat. Engrissei, who often drove early-morning and late-evening runs, hit 11 deer on Vashon, and once hit two deer in a day. A sheet cake for the party with Engrissei’s photo on it declared him the “deer slayer.” He was quick to point out, however, that he also earned more than 20 safety awards from the county.Engrissei, an Illinois native and graduate of Southern Illinois University, said he has fond memories of driving on Vashon and will miss his riders, many of whom have become friends. He even met his wife of more than 20 years on the bus. But of course, he noted, he’s also looking forward to retirement. The 73-year-old said he’s not giving up on driving, one of his greatest passions. Engrissei has already taken sev-eral long-distance road trips and has several more in the works. He also plans to continue participating in his regular poker games. His poker buddies climbed aboard his bus for his last trip down the Island.“It’s pretty amazing,” Engrissei said of the surprise evening. “It’s kind of overwhelming.”Above, Engrissei poses by a banner hung in his bus for the final trip. Top right, Engrissei’s wife Kathy Keck laughs during a rider’s toast to her husband. Middle right, the crowd applauds Engrissei during his party. Bottom right, Margo Minnix, King County Metro’s supervisor for Vashon, presents Engrissei with a bus sign custom made for his retirement.

Story and photos by Natalie Johnson

More Than Just A Lumber Yard

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SPORTSVashon-Maury

BASKETBALL ON THE BIG SCREEN: Come and celebrate basketball at the Vashon Theatre as Vashon Island Junior Basketball presents the film “The Mighty Macs,” the stor y of a college basketball team that began in obscur ity but became the Cinderella stor y of college hoops. Pr izes will be given out and all VIJB and Island basketball players who wear a jersey will get half off adm ission. 1:15 p.m . Sunday at Vashon Theatre.

Serving Vashon Island Since 1929 463-9134

WILLIAMS HEATING Proudly Sponsors…

Julie “J-Dub” WilsonJulie Wilson is having a spectacular senior season. She is 5’2” this year and is improving every day– through focused, intense practice and a ferocious, tacticul competive attitude. Julie lis-tens well, asks pertinent questions, is extremely hard working, and is not afraid to smile. She was the Seattle Times State Athlete of the Week in December and she is a member of the WIAA Student Leadership team– her daily blog is on the front page of the WIAA website. Julie balances her time in the sport of wrestling with an intensive academic schedule of AP classes and a role in the VHS Student Government. She’s a pleasure to coach, to teach, and we predict a bright future for Julie– in the post-season, and, more importantly, her life after high school!

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By CHERYL PRUETTFor The Beachcomber

Last week Vashon High School wrestlers launched into a week of exceptionally tough, non-league competition against teams from much larger schools.

On Thursday Vashon hosted a double-dual meet with 2A teams from North Mason High School in Belfair and Klahowya Secondary in Silverdale.

Varsity action was lively, with several Vashon grapplers winning grueling matches. Eugene Bergman was in a barn burner of a match that ener-gized the Pirate-partial crowd before he lost 10-11 in the final seconds.

Elliot Ellingsen had the best varsity match of the evening, wrestling a spider from North Mason. It was all thrashing with long legs and long arms until Ellingsen emerged victo-rious, 9-0.

Shane Armstrong, Louis Jovanovich and Preston Morris all dominated their opponents as well.

The most exciting wres-tling of the evening came from the exhibition matches. Elan Peterson, Jason Kruly and Joe Coller all won their matches by pin.

On Saturday the Pirates com-peted in the 16-team Bearcat Invitational in Chehalis. The tournament was loaded with teams from large schools, many of them ranked among the top 10 in the state.

Vashon finished the day with Armstrong and Ellingsen in

second place, Kevin Thomas in third and Robert Easton in fifth. Thomas lost his first match by pin in the final seconds of the first round, then rallied to pin his next four opponents and take third.

Vashon coaches were pleased with the team’s performance and singled out Coller as a wrestler with major potential. Joey DiFabio had the quickest pin for the team at 21 seconds, and coaches also took note of Cole Devereau’s new haircut.

The Vashon girls wrestling team was also dominant this week. At Thursday’s home meet sophomore Rachael Thomas won two matches by pin (yes, she pinned a boy).

Julie Wilson also pinned to win her first match then proceeded to compete in the match of the night with an overtime thriller against another female wrestler from Orting. She lost in over-time, but it was a hard fought-match throughout.

On Saturday the four female grapplers from Vashon traveled to a huge, all-girls tournament in Kelso. There were 32 teams present and many of the partici-pants were past state contend-ers, some nationally ranked.

Thomas wrestled well, win-ning her first match by pin. Emily Ellsworth also won her first match.

Gabby Frazier showed improvement in both of her

matches, and Wilson had another outstanding day as she finished in the top eight out of more than 20 girls in her weight class. She pinned two of her four opponents, and the matches she lost were tough battles that could have gone either way.

The Pirate grapplers will cel-ebrate senior night at 6 p.m. Thursday at the VHS gym. There will be wrestling action against Cascade Christian, as well as a time to recognize this year’s seniors. On Saturday the team will compete in the Everett Classic.

— Cheryl Pruett is the mother of a middle school wrestler.

Emily Ellsworth, Vashon senior and first-year wrestler, is all smiles as she waits for the referee to confirm her pin of a Klahowya girl in their JV match Thursday night.

Grapplers show their stuff on the mat Pirate boys rethink their game, follow loss with a victoryBy BRIAN BRENNOFor The Beachcomber

The Vashon boys basketball team took on Cascade Christian last Tuesday and had a tough night, losing to the Cougars, 52-29.

The team continued, as it has in the past, to struggle with cold shooting and turnovers. The Pirates were unable to drive inside against the Cougars’ zone defense and their tall player in the low post. The Cougars had an advantage in turnovers (20-15) and rebounds (21-15) on the night.

Vashon never got in an offensive rhythm. Despite repeated attempts to drive the lane, the Pirates were forced to take most shots from the outside.

Ben Whitaker led the team with 10 points and four rebounds, with no other player scoring in the double digits that night.

Whitaker scored three three-point shots in the game, and Dylan Busurto and Jessie Norton each hit three-pointers as well.

The Pirate defense, however, struggled to contain and slow down the Cougar offense, with Cascade taking control the whole game and scoring on several fast breaks and alley-oop plays.

The Pirates turned their game around the following Friday, Jan. 6, when they traveled to Orting and beat the Cardinals, 71-50.

Starting off fast and strong and with a differ-ent starting lineup, the Pirates began scoring early. The coaches said the lineup change was a way to mix things up and try different rotations. It seemed to work well, as the team played with intensity and focus all night.

In the first half, Dan Lofland got a steal and took it for a layup, scoring the first of his 11

SEE BASKETBALL, NEXT PAGE

points on the night. Norton hit two three-

point shots on his way to four three-pointers on the night, and Whitaker also hit a three-pointer. Owen Brenno hit two shots off rebounds and led the team with 13 rebounds on the night.

The Pirates were able to drive the lanes, scoring and drawing fouls. The first half ended with the Pirates ahead, 36-23.

Vashon then scored 23 points in the third quar-ter, including back-to-back fastbreaks to Whitaker —

who led the team with 19 points — and a great full-court drive for two from Hazzard, who ended the night with nine points.

Brenno was seven for eight on foul shots in the game, and the Pirates ended the night with 23 points off foul shots.

Other scorers for the Pirates were Basurto (4), Garrett Starr (2) and Torin Perret (1).

The Pirates played Charles Wright on Tuesday at home after the press deadline. They will play Chimacum in an away game on Friday.

— Brian Brenno is the father of a Vashon basketball

player.

“Making the Link”Thursday, January 12th, 6:30 p.m.

Attention all Veterans, spouses and widows of veterans: This presentation discusses all the options associated with VA ben-

efits and estate planning. Find out how you can receive money to help pay for long-term care, prescriptions, burial and more!

Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll ArtWednesday, January 18th, 9:30 a.m.

Join us for a van outing and experience the world’s foremost doll collection. Admission is $9.00.

A Home You Love + Assistance You NeedThursday, January 19th, 11:30 a.m.

HAVE LUNCH ON US and learn how Daystar Retirement Village Assisted Living is your ticket to a life free of healthcare worries

and daily chores but full of freedom and fun. Chinese New Year Ice Cream Social

Friday, January 20th, 2:30-3:30 p.m.Help us welcome in the Year of the Dragon. Enjoy some sweet

treats, and and help us celebrate the Chinese New Year!Men’s Breakfast Club

Wednesday, January 25th, 9:00 a.m.Bring a friend and join us for breakfast and camaraderie! You can enjoy some good conversations and meet new friends!

It’s so good to be home!

www.DaystarSeattle.com206.937.6122

2615 SW Barton St., Seattle, WA 98126

Discover the healthy, happy and wise Daystar lifestyle!With the New Year, you may be thinking of some lifestyle changes. Perhaps you or a family member may be interested in exploring senior living options. We invite you to join us for one of our resident events so you can get a glimpse at what Daystar living is all about!

Ask us how to lock in your rental

rate for life with our

Priced For Life plan!

JANUARY EVENTS

Please RSVP Three Days in Advance Seating is limited, and reservations are required for all events.

UPCOMING MEETING NOTICE:Vashon-Maury Island Community Council

All meetings held at McMurray Middle School9309 SW Cemetery Road

General Meetings7 pm, All Purpose Room

Jan. 17

Feb. 21

Mar. 19

Apr. 16

May 21

June 18

July 16

Aug. 20

Sept. 17

Oct. 15

Nov. 19

Dec. 17

Board Meetings6:30 pm, South Hall

Feb. 6

Mar. 5

Apr. 2

May 7

June 4

July 2

Aug. 6

Sept. 4

Oct. 1

Nov. 5

Dec. 3

See website VMICC.orgfor more information.

Island Yoga Located in Thriftway Shopping Center

Yoga for Parkinson’s & MSDrop-in Tues & Fri

✢ Teen Yoga 1/17

✢ Yoga Sandwich 1/26

✢ Gentle Therapeutic 2/15

✢ Yoga Nidra 2/24

✢ Sat. Level 1, starts 3/10

✢ Yin Yoga 3/11

islandyogacenter.com 463-2058 206.463.5477

Friday

Monday Dinners, 5– 7 pm

Taco Tuesdays, 5-7pmHard $1.50 Soft $3.00

Taco Salads $5.00

Burger WednesdaysTake the “Eagle Burger” Challenge!

1/2 lb. of premium beef burger with your choice of fries or onion rings

VASHON EAGLES

Sunday Breakfast Cooked to order

Prime RibSteak

DINING IS ALWAYS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.our office will be closed Monday, January 16th.

We will have early deadlines for:January 18th Edition

AD DEADLINE:

CONTINUED FROM 12 The Vashon Island Soccer Club (VISC) wrapped up another successful season last month, with about 600 players participating in pre-school through adult pro-grams in 2011.

Club members chose Joe Silagi as the 2011 coach of the year for the Association league, which is for players age 10 through 18.

VISC president Greg Martin said Silagi carried a huge load for VISC last year, taking on the role of association director, coach-ing two teams and assistant coaching another. When the coach of an additional team had to step down midway

through the season, Silagi stepped up to help with the team and ensured a smooth handoff to its new coaches.

“The club was a major beneficiary of Joe’s time, tal-ent and outstanding coach-ing,” Martin said.

The club also chose Scott Rice as the Mod league coach of the year. The Mod league is for players age 8 through 10.

Rice took on the devel-opment director role mid-year in 2011, having already served on the board in the fields development role. Rice also established the club’s kindergarten pro-gram a few years ago, and

was extremely active as a referee and referee mentor.

Silagi and Rice were hon-ored at a banquet and will have their names put on a tile at the new Vashon Fields.

VISC had 21 Association teams in 2011 that com-peted in the Tacoma-Pierce County Junior Soccer Association, as well as 20 Mod teams.

The club had 17 Asso-ciation teams in 2010. However, last season orga-nizers chose to create small-

er teams so that players could get the most playing time possible.

Martin said that there were about 50 active coach-es last season across all the age groups.

“These coaches put in around 2,500 volunteer hours to make this happen for the kids,” he said.

The club will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at McMurray Middle School.

— Natalie Johnson

#

Vashon soccer club finishes season, honors coaches

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To place an ad in the Service Directory, contact Daralyn or Matthew at 463-9195. Deadline for ad placement is Friday at 1pm.


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Michelle L. Ramsden (206) 406-3723

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to last week’s high court ruling. Laura Wishik, a school board member and a lawyer who recently argued a case before the state Supreme Court, said she was encouraged by the majority opinion, particularly the fact that the court will retain jurisdiction, a stance she did not expect.

“This is certainly sending a message to the Legislature,” Wishik said.

“The opinion is very clear about the ways that the Legislature has failed to fully fund education, and to me that’s heartening. It lends credence to what people in the education profession have been saying,” she added.

Superintendent Michael Soltman agreed. “I think it’s unlikely that the Supreme Court is going to

jail all the legislators,” he said. “But it provides such clarity that this state really has to step up and do its constitutional duty. … It’s good news for the schools.”

Three years ago, the Legislature passed sweeping reform legislation expanding the definition of basic education and calling for other wholesale changes, giving itself a deadline of 2018 to fully implement the new law. In its ruling last week, the high court said the judiciary — the Supreme Court, the trial court or a special master — will moni-tor implementation of the reforms to ensure lawmakers follow through on the legislation. Currently, it noted, the Legislature is moving at a snail’s pace to meet the mandates of the reform law, ESHB 2261. “Timely implementation,” Stephens wrote for the majority, “remains uncertain.”

The high court’s decision comes at a critical time for public education in Washington state, where once again the Legislature is facing a huge budget deficit — due in large part to a long-lasting recession that has meant another shortfall in tax receipts to the state. As lawmakers gather this week for their 60-day session, they’ll be looking for ways to cut $1.5 billion or more from the state’s budget.

On Vashon, the state’s financial mess has meant less funding for the 1,500-student district — and last year, teachers and administrators took mandated pay cuts while Islanders scrambled to raise $450,000 in private funds to help close the district’s shortfall.

Soltman said he hopes the decision will give lawmakers

the incentive they need to hammer out an agreement to raise taxes, the only way, some say, that public education can be adequately funded.

“They keep saying they’re in a box. But it seems that consideration of any further cuts (in this legislative session) would be off the table,” he said.

But Bob Hennessey and Dan Chasan, two other board members, said they question the real impact of the court’s decision in light of the state’s ongoing financial crisis. Just how the court will force the Legislature and the governor to act is far from certain, both said.

“There’s no sense of how they’ll proceed,” said Chasan, also a lawyer. “It’s better to have the decision than not to have it. But in terms of practical effect, there’s certainly no immediate effect.”

Hennessey agreed. “I don’t want to sound like a kill-joy, because the court’s decision is important. But the Legislature can’t provide schools funding it doesn’t have. … We’re in a horrible recession. The Legislature has no money. … Without additional revenue, I don’t think we’ll see anything in the classroom for at least another half decade.”

What recourse, he added, does the court have if the state

fails to act? “There’s no police force for the Washington Supreme Court,” he noted.

State Sen. Sharon Nelson (D-Maury Island) agreed that the Legislature is in a bind, especially in light of an initia-tive state voters recently passed calling for a supermajority to enact any new taxes.

“People are giving us a lot of input. A lot of them are saying, ‘Just institute an income tax.’ … But it takes a two-thirds majority to pass any kind of tax reform. We’re not going to get to it in this session,” she said.

Wishik, however, said the court does have power to force the state to act, should the governor and lawmakers fail to do so. It could hold the governor in contempt or use other measures to force the state to pay money to fund educa-tion.

Stephens, in her decision, repeatedly cited the state Constitution, which says it is the state’s “paramount duty” to amply fund education.

Noting the significance of the court’s interpretation of that line in the Constitution, Wishik added, “There is money. You and I personally might think jails and health care are equally important. But the court has said, ‘para-mount means first.’ Education comes first.”

Clyde Thomas CaughellTom Caughell

passed away peace-fully at home on January 4, 2012 surrounded by family. Tom was born on August 27, 1938 in Fresno, CA to his parents, Lois Lorraine Caughell and Clyde Newman

Caughell. Throughout his life, Tom was a dedicated and loving son, husband, father and friend. Tom moved to Vashon in 1979 with his wife, Patricia, and their three children. He loved living on Vashon and raising his children on the island. Tom was the owner of Clarklift of Washington/Alaska, a material handling company in Seattle, for 32 years. When he retired, Tom greatly enjoyed the game of golf and the many hours spent with good friends at the Vashon Island Golf and Country Club. Tom was also a won-derful grandfather and he loved spending time with his nine grandchildren.

Tom will truly be missed by everyone who shared his life. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Newman Caughell and Lois Lorraine Caughell as well as his sister, Pat Lynne Caughell. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Patricia Kay Caughell and their children: Heather Kay Hisatomi and her husband Randal Hisatomi; Shannon Lynne Miller and her husband Doug Miller; Todd Thomas Caughell and his wife Stacie Caughell. Tom is also survived by his grandchildren: Kelton and Camille Hisatomi; Ravenna, Parker and Georgia Miller; Abbie, Bennett, Holly and Clara Caughell.Please visit the online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com

Runaway Cat! Escaped behind Fair Isle Animal Clinic on Saturday,

January 7. Beautiful long hair dilute calico cat named

“Fiona.” She is very shy and is unlikely to approach

strangers. Please call 463-4515 if you see her.

Visit our website for high quality prints and digital

downloads of local sports stars in action.

www.Riksimages.com

Serious and CatastrophicInjury Cases Accepted

Fighting For Injured People206-686-5075

Offices on Vashon and in West Seattle

www.shawverlawfirm.com

February isFix-a-Cat Month

Low cost Spays & Neuters

463-360717312 Vashon Hwy SW

Cat Spay $25

Cat Neuter $15

Fair Isle Animal Clinic & Vashon Island Pet Protectors

have teamed up to offer

Please call Fair Isle Animal Clinic to make an appointment

463-5348

CUSTOMSLIPCOVERS

by Karen Bean

www.slipcoversbykarenbean.com

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.our office will be closed Monday, January 16th.

We will have early deadlines for:January 18th Edition

AD DEADLINE:

EAGLE EYEPROOFREADING

& EDITING

Nancy Morgan206-567-5463

Call Eagle Eye [email protected]

Promote your EVENTacross the entire state!

Request a free information kit:

206.463.9195

CONTINUED FROM 1


Additional volunteers are needed for other components of the program, includ-ing creating a database, developing a web-site, managing a food pantry and coordi-nating with grocers and farmers to gather donations.

“We are asking ‘What are the sustain-ability pieces that are missing?’ We would like to use volunteers to fill those needs,” Blair said.

One of the important aspects of the pro-gram’s sustainability is storage, Amiad said. Meal program organizers are looking for a space that would be readily accessible and that could accommodate a freezer. Having such a space would make it possible to access more food sources and enable more volunteers who could not pay for the meals to participate.

Many people who were formerly home-

less now have homes and some have jobs, Amiad noted, and several have been volun-teers for the program, cooking and serving the meals. Their efforts have been sup-ported by people who may not want to cook but want to support the program and have given money to buy food. Amiad calls them “Meal Angels.”

Those donations have been wonderful, she said, noting that recently one family gave $500.

“We would love an angel who would give the Lutheran Church a dishwasher,” she added.

A recent change to the program, Amiad said, is that Monday night dinners, long held in the Village Green, are now meeting at the Methodist Church, a more comfort-able place in the dark, cold months. When it is nice again, the meals will move back outside. Volunteers from the Vashon Eagles provide that dinner each week and have for at least two years.

The daily meals program was developed after members of the VSSN took stock of

Vashon’s resources for people in need, noted the lack of consistent meals and knew that many individuals and families had been hit hard by the difficult economic times.

“The recession has really run over every-body like a truck,” Amiad said.

Blair agrees and believes people who have not yet been to the dinners or brunch would benefit.

“I think we’re seeing the tip of the need,” she said.

She hopes that as program becomes more defined, other families will attend. The goal is that people view the meals as a com-munity gathering that happens to be free and that both those who serve and those who attend become friends and colleagues.

If that happens, “We would have higher numbers than we have now,” Blair said.

Halfway through the pilot program’s duration, Blair said she is not sure yet what the program’s future holds.

“It’s too early to say if it will continue,” she said. But so far, she added, the effort is clearly filling a need.

All-Merciful SaviourOrthodox Monastery

9933 SW 268th St. (south of Dockton)SUNDAYS: DIVINE LITURGY 10:00 am

Followed by PotluckCelebrating 2000 years of Orthodox Christianity Call for a schedule weekday and Holy Day services.

463-5918www.vashonmonks.com

Burton Community ChurchALL ARE WELCOME

INSPIRATION not Indoctrination!Worship 11 am

Rev. Bruce Chittick, PastorMaggie Laird

Pianist/Choir Director463-9977

Bethel Church14736 Bethel Lane SW(Corner of SW 148th St.

and 119th Ave. SW)9am Sunday Bible School

10am WorshipFollowed by coffee fellowship

AWANA Thurs 6:00pm Sept-May

Offi ce phone 567-4255

Vashon Island Community Church

Worship Service 10:00 am (Children’s Church for preschool–5th graders)

Offi ce Phone 463-3940Pastors:

Frank Davis and Mike Ivaska9318 SW Cemetery Road

www.VICC4Life.com

Catholic ChurchSt. John Vianney

Mass–Saturdays at 5:00 pmSundays 8:00am and 10:30am

Pastor: Rev. Marc Powell16100 115th Avenue SW,

Vashon WA 98070

office 567-4149 rectory 567-5736www.stjohnvianneyvashon.com

Vashon Island Unitarian Fellowship

Community, Diversity, Freedom of Belief,Enrichment of Spirit

Sunday Services at 9:45 am (Sept–June)Religious Exploration for toddlers–8th Grade

Lewis Hall (Behind Burton Community Church)

23905 Vashon Hwy SW

Info: www.vashonuu.org 463-4775

Puget Sound Zen CenterAbove KVI Beach

in the Mann Studio.

Sitting Meditation: Mon. – Fri. 6:30 – 7:30am,

Wed. 7:00 – 8:30pm.

All Welcome!

463-4332www.pszen.org

Vashon Friends Worship Group

(Quakers)

10 am Meeting for Silent Worshipin members’ homes.

Call for Location567-5279 463-9552

Havurat Ee ShalomServing the spiritual, social and

intellectual needs of Vashon’s Jewish Community

9:30 am Saturday Services

15401 Westside Hwy SWPO Box 89, Vashon, WA 98070

567-1608www.vashonhavurah.org

Episcopal Churchof the Holy Spirit

The Rev Canon Carla Valentine PryneSundays – 7:45 am & 10:15 am

Church School & Religious Exploration9:00am

Child CareMid-week Eucharist, Wednesday–12:30pm

15420 Vashon Hwy SW 567-4488www.holyspiritvashon.org

Vashon Lutheran Church18623 Vashon Hwy. SW (1/2 mile south of Vashon)

Children’s Hour 10:30 am (Sept.- June)

Holy Communion Worship 10:30 am

Pastors: Rev. Bjoern E. MeinhardtRev. Jeff Larson, Ph.D., vm: 206-463-6359

www.vashonluthernchurch.org/JeffLarson/JeffLarson.htm

463-2655e-mail: [email protected]

Vashon United Methodist Church17928 Vashon Hwy SW

(one block south of downtown)

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Kathryn MorseSunday Service & Sunday School

10:00 a.m.Youth Class 11:30 a.m.

Offi ce open Mon.–Thurs. 9 a.m. – 12 noon 463-9804

www.vashonmethodist.orgoffi [email protected]

Calvary Full Gospel Church at Lisabeula

Worship 10:30 am & 7:00 pmThursday Bible Study 7:00 pm

Call for locationSaturday Prayer 7:30 pm

Pastor Stephen R. Sears463-2567

Vashon Presbyterian Church

Worship 10am17708 Vashon Hwy (center of town)

Pastor Dan HoustonChurch Offi ce Hours

Monday– Thursday 10 am - 2 pm

463-2010

Our Vashon Island Community warmly invites

you and your family toworship with them.

Wors hip on our Island

Centro Familiar CristianoPastor: Edwin Alvarado

Ubicados En Bethel Church14726 Bethel Lane SW

206-371-0213Hora De Services: Sabados 7:30pm

Todos Son Bienvidos, El Lugar Ideal Para Toda La Familia

Dios Les Bendiga

5 p.m. Mondays at the Methodist Church

5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Presbyterian Church5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Church of the Holy Spirit5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Presbyterian Church5:30 p.m. Friday at the Lutheran Church5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Methodist Church1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Methodist Church

To volunteer, email Robin Blair at [email protected].

MEALSCONTINUED FROM 1

acres of it. Years of mud-bogging have taken a toll.

But, he added, “It’s very doable. … There’s a lot of restoration to be done here — and a great opportunity.”

Had the site been devel-oped, Dean added, it would have harmed Judd Creek, which is home to wild runs of coho salmon, considered imperiled by many in the conservation world. With this purchase, he said, the county has taken one more step in protecting some of the last runs in the region.

“This is now Central Park,” he added.

The county purchased the 40-acre site — half of which was zoned industrial — on Dec. 22 for $698,500, money it got from the county’s Conservation Futures fund, which by state law can only be used to acquire open space or resource lands. It bought the property from Roberta Montana, a Seattle woman whose husband at the time purchased the parcel 30 years ago, hoping to eventually build a house on the site.

But the dream unraveled after some family hardships, Montana said, and she found herself owning prop-erty that hosted a growing population of homeless peo-ple, including — according to some who lived in tents at the site — a number of methamphetamine addicts.

Montana said she’s thrilled that she and the county were able to come to an agreement.

“It’s going to be beauti-ful,” she said. “And people will walk it and enjoy it long after I’m gone. … The hopes and dreams that were there can now live on somehow.”

Twenty to 25 homeless people were evicted from the parcel in November and

December, after Montana — facing a county code vio-lation for the encampment and the debris it was gen-erating — hired a heavy-equipment operator to raze the camps. Those who were living there were told weeks in advance they had to leave, according to the King County Sheriff ’s Office.

Nancy Vanderpool, a vol-unteer with the Interfaith Council to Prevent Home-lessness, said the evictions have been hard on some of the men and women who had camped there. “They’re having to struggle,” she said.

The council was able to help several of them, she said. It purchased a train ticket for a man who has family in California. Another man was given permission to camp on someone’s prop-erty, and the council bought him a large tent, she said. A few have gone to Seattle, where they’re living in a shel-ter. Others have been able to move in with friends.

But the issue highlights the shortage of subsi-dized housing on Vashon, Vanderpool added.

“Thanks to the commu-nity support, we have the finances to do this,” she said, referring to the assistance the council offered some of the men and women. “But I can’t go out and build an apartment. We need hous-ing that is subsidized.”

Meanwhile, Dean and Kimmett are eager to begin the work of restoring the property and building trails, so that the new parcel can begin to provide a connec-tion between the town and Vashon’s largest swath of public land. Indeed, accord-ing to Dean, the process can’t start soon enough for him.

“I’ve been working on this for three years,” he said, as he picked his way along a small seasonal stream. “I’m chomping at the bit to get a trail built in here.”

LANDCONTINUED FROM 1

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More animals and info at www.vipp.org Give a Pet a Home!

Franco was found on August

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3 bdrm 1.75 bath ViewTake in a panorama of Sound andmountains from this sophisticated,sunny contemporary! Open design,chef’s kitchen, & views from almostevery room! MLS #293328 $525,000

NEW

PRICE!

3 bdrm 2.75 bath View!City/Sound/Mountain views! Light-filledNorthend home near ferries, vaulted

ceilings, big view deck, complete lowerlevel living area! Fenced yard & pond.MLS #306234 REDUCED to $289,000

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PRICE!

Phil McClure (206) 696-1800Val Seath (206) 790-8779Nancy Sipple (206) 465-2361Diane Stoffer (206) 650-6210

Ken Zaglin (206) 940-4244Len Wolff (206) 300-7594Jean Bosch (206) 919-5223

Deb Cain (206) 930-5650J.R. Crawford (206) 954-9959

Ishan Dillon (206) 355-4100

Leslie Ferriel (206) 235-3731Crist Granum (206) 419-3661

Susan Lofland (206) 999-6470This office independently owned and operated JOHN L SCOTT VSH

Land For SaleLand For SaleWestside

1.02 acresBargain recreationproperty! Forestedland with includedbeach rights in a

quiet location.MLS #305561

$15,000

Westside70’ Wft

Great views!Recreation beachlot, level parkingarea, the perfect

place to have fun!MLS #274764

$65,000

Phil McClure (206) 696-1800Val Seath (206) 790-8779Nancy Sipple (206) 465-2361Diane Stoffer (206) 650-6210

Ken Zaglin (206) 940-4244Len Wolff (206) 300-7594Jean Bosch (206) 919-5223

Deb Cain (206) 930-5650J.R. Crawford (206) 954-9959

Ishan Dillon (206) 355-4100

Leslie Ferriel (206) 235-3731Crist Granum (206) 419-3661

Susan Lofland (206) 999-6470This office independently owned and operated JOHN L SCOTT VSH

3 bdrm 1.75 bath 4.77 ACPrivate & park-like acreage, pastures,pond, forest & sunshine! Impressive

home has huge windows, wrap-around deck, basement, 2-car heatedgarage/shop. MLS #220107 $365,000

4 bdrm 2 bath 2.07 ACIsland classic has all the vintage elements

- big porch, wood floors, fireplace andmore! “Four Square” farmhouse is waitingto be restored. Adjoining land available!

Northend. MLS #274532 $449,500

3 bdrm 1 bath .21 ACUltra-convenient location! Spic-and-spanrambler in a friendly neighborhood near

town & schools has attached garage,private back yard. Move-in ready & agreat buy! MLS #286250 $214,000

2 bdrm 1.5 bath 50’ WFExpansive Sound views & beach justoutside your door! Centrally located

waterfront home, open living room w/pellet stove, wrap-around deck, walk-in basement. MLS #290501 $268,000

RECREATION PROPERTYPicnic in Paradise Valley!

An acre of serene, forested land is in a quietlocation at the heart of the Island! The property ismostly level, has abundant evergreens, and is an

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PhilMcClureCRS, GRI

206/696-1800

Northend beach hideaway is a terrific buy!Watch the ferries from this beautifully updated1930’s

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Delightful views of Sound/City/Cascades!Terrific hilltop home is perfectly situated near

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3 bdrms, 2.25 baths & more. Offered at $365,000

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3 bdrm 2 bath 5.15ACHand-built home on forest-stewardshipland with lovely gardens. Hydronic heat,many built-ins, fabulous master, media

room, & much more! Garage, spaciousshop. NWMLS #246490 $575,000

Amazing Views! 1.87 ACTerrific property near Burton Beach hasdelightful views of harbor & Cascades!Stick-built two-car garage & fixer mfdhome are in place. Plan your dreamhome here! MLS #293046 $167,500

3 bdrm two@3/4 bath .49 ACBeautiful restored Victorian has a wealthof classic details & great updates! Big

front porch, high ceilings, new garage w/unfinished studio. The beach is across

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January 15, 12:00-4:008011 SW Hawthorne Lane

View!3 br, 2 bath

#306224 $434,000

OpenSunday!

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vashon-maury island beachcomber, january 11, 2012

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