All Stories - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Glacier gets green light to build pier on Maury Island

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday issued a permit to Glacier Northwest allowing the company to build its controversial 400-foot dock off the eastern shore of Maury Island, a move that means the company could begin the mammoth construction project as soon as next month. The Corps, in a news release issued Wednesday, said it made the decision after Glacier proved to the agency that its project "will not result in significant impacts to the human environment." The Corps' permit calls for the multi-national corporation to comply with certain restrictions, including extending the dock's loading area beyond sensitive eelgrass beds near the shoreline, limiting loading to one barge at a time to reduce shading and limiting hours of operation.

State ecology puts Glacier corp. under scrutiny in Maury mine clean-up

The state Department of Ecology has decided to require Glacier Northwest to provide extensive public review and comment as the corporation devises a plan for how it will handle arsenic-laced soil at its mining site on Maury.

Is it time to build a new Vashon High?

When Keith Putnam designed what is now the main building at Vashon High School some 35 years ago, he included in one of his mock-ups covered walkways connecting the school’s scattered buildings. “And the school board said, ‘Why should we have covered walks? Let them walk in the rain; it’s good for them,’” he recalled. Now, that architectural feature — a hodge-podge of buildings that makes the campus both wide open and, in the winter months, a source of colds and discomfort — is seen as one of its greatest liabilities. Educators say that kids sit in classrooms wet and cold in the winter months, and attendance falls. They say the fact the campus is “porous,” as some have put it, makes it far less secure in this post-Columbine era, where student safety has become paramount. They also say an ill-fated educational concept of the ’70s, when Putnam designed Building A, has resulted in a building that today is cramped and unworkable. When Putnam came up with the design — three large octagons connected to a central area — open classrooms were vogue; no walls separated the classrooms, and the building, though not quite big enough even then, could accommodate all the students, he said. But the open classroom concept did not last long; walls were soon built to give teachers the noise barriers they needed to teach effectively. And today, Building A — the main classroom building at the sprawling campus — is crowded, dark and difficult, teachers and administrators say. Earlier this month, the school board agreed to offer up to Islanders a couple of different architectural scenarios for a potential bond levy next February. One of them — the option preferred by many teachers and administrators — includes a new 40,000-square-foot structure that would replace Building A as the main classroom facility: a square, two-story building that would have big windows, adequate classroom space and only a couple of entrances.

Amidst the chaos, Loren Hill fostered a love of learning

Loren Hill strolled leisurely across the front of the classroom, thumbs in his belt-loops and shoulders thrown back, “moseying” for his third-grade class at Chautauqua Elementary School.

School board votes to close high school campus, ending senior perk

Vashon High School seniors will no longer be able to zip to Subway, take a quick trip home or run to the beach during their lunch period as a result of a decision made by the five-member board that oversees the Vashon Island School District.

New director to take helm at troubled county animal care program

A new acting manager has been named to lead King County’s troubled Animal Care and Control program, which has come under harsh criticism for the crowded conditions at the county’s main shelter in Kent.

Maury park could soon get a facelift

t A $7,500 grant will pay for signage, trail work and more.

Fire commissioners are close to selecting new chief from among six finalists

The board of commissioners at Vashon Island Fire & Rescue has chosen six finalists in its search for a new chief to head the fire department and will likely select one of them to lead the agency in as soon as next week.

County takes over cost of foot ferry

King County this week assumed the cost of providing passenger-only ferry service between Vashon and downtown Seattle, a move that marks the beginning of the county’s eventual full operation of a route that for years has been provided by Washington State Ferries.

Former Obama delegate will work as page at national convention

Laura Hicks, 18, made a remarkably strong political showing at the Washington state Democratic convention in June, energized by Barack Obama’s powerful promise to change the nation. She was one of 400 vying for 29 national delegate positions left, and made it to the final round of selections.

Vashon master rowers earn medals at NW Regionals in Vancouver

The Vashon Island Rowing Club scored on multiple fronts at this year’s NW Masters Regional Championships in Vancouver, Wash., June 20 to 22.

Burby Fun Run supports Vashon High students, athletes

The Bill Burby Inspirational Fun Run and Walk is a family affair. Burby was a beloved coach, teacher and mentor at Vashon High School who died suddenly of cardiac arrest in 1989. His legacy lives on in this community event. Proceeds from the event support Vashon High School (VHS) varsity athletics and the Vashon Community Scholarship Fund.

Sail through the dog days of summer

This summer, the 18th season of sailing programs, co-sponsored by Quartermaster Yacht Club and the Vashon Park District, still has a few places open for young sailors.

Three Vashon High School seniors recognized with athletic awards

Three Vashon High School students, less than a week from graduation, were honored with awards for their outstanding athletic achievement in the last four years.

Vashon High track team honored | Vashon-Maury Sports Briefs

A quick look at what's going on in sports on Vashon and Maury islands.

Vashon's Winebledon to feature new events

The Vashon Tennis Club is adding open singles and women’s singles to their annual “Winebledon Tennis Tournament” this year. It was dubbed Winebledon because the tournament begins with a celebration at Vashon Winery and is held at the same time as Wimbledon each year, according to tournament director Bart Queary.

Vashon High baseball squad holds awards banquet

The Vashon High School Pirates baseball team held its end-of-season awards banquet last week. Coach Steve Hall addressed the players and their families with his reflections on the season and the contributions of each of the players.

Off-islanders turn out for Vashon-Maury equestrian competiton

Vashon-Maury Island Horse Association hosted the 18th annual fund-raising competition, Two Days in Paradise, at Paradise Ridge Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. Twenty-seven off-Island competitors signed up to bring their horses to Vashon to compete against the local equestrians, in spite of warnings about ferry difficulties such as extreme low tides and substitution of the Hiyu for the Rhododendron.

Sports briefs

Vashon's gallery cruise moved to Thursday | A&E Briefs

On the first Friday of every month, Island galleries open their doors from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tall ships to return to Vashon’s quiet waters

More than a dozen tall ships, with masts up to 115 feet tall, will spend the night in outer Quartermaster Harbor before setting sail southward in a Parade of Sails at 8 a.m. on July 3.

Fiber, leather and lace grace Blue Heron

Blue Heron Gallery will host two exhibits in July: “Ancient Message,” a show of fiber art by Regina Benson, and “Leather and Lace,” ceramic work by Mary Hosick.

Talking back to Barbie at 070 Photographer explores toys, culture and art

An exhibition of work by John Sloan, “Almost Perfect,” will open with an artist’s reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 3. The exhibit, billed as “a photographic exploration into the manufactured culture of stereotypes and desire found in children’s toys,” will remain on view through July 26.

ARts briefs

Folk and blues come to Luna

Into Africa Two artists return with scenes of a ‘magnificent continent’

Two Islanders will share the artistic bounty of their epic trek through Africa when Vashon Community Care Center presents “On Safari with Kendra and Lynn,” an exhibition opening from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 3.

‘Feeding ourselves’ Vashon College’s new lecture series explores local food production

Vashon College, responding to Islanders’ growing interest in local foods and mounting concerns about oil prices, will offer a new lecture series focused on local food production, featuring talks by some of the Island’s most well-known farmers and food specialists.

Two Wall to feature works by Two Wall’s curator Greg Wessel

Two Wall Gallery will present a retrospective of prints from one of its curators, Greg Wessel, opening with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 3. The artist will be in attendance.

Farcical ‘Tartuffe,’ with a modern-day twist, will be staged at Ober Park

Paul Shapiro, the Islander who last year brought “Twelfth Night” to the Village Green, is directing another outdoor drama production that again promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Plenty to do at Vashon Allied Arts for kids 3 and up

Kids ages 3 and up can find plenty to do this summer, thanks to an array of camps provided by Vashon Allied Arts (VAA).

Vashon’s Strawberry Festival starts July 11

The annual Strawberry Festival — with its parades, carnival, music and more — is right around the corner, set for July 11 through 13.

Historic steamboat Virginia V visits Vashon Aug. 17

Steamboats played an important role in Vashon and Maury islands’ history and development, and this summer brings opportunities to learn about this history firsthand. The steamer “Virginia V,” a national historic landmark constructed in 1922, will visit the Island on Aug. 17. The boat will pick up passengers at the northend ferry dock and cruise around the Island past waterfront landings where Islanders once waited for the daily boats that took them to Seattle or Tacoma.

Plenty of hot fun in the summertime!

Fun Run and Walk

Vashon artists show their art in Ober Park

More than 30 artists will be in Ober Park again this year, for the sixth year in a row, showing and selling their work. Many will open their booths Friday evening while there is music in the park, but all will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Vashon Garden Tour happening June 21, 22

For the past 18 years, Island gardeners have opened their garden gates to allow the public to see the outdoor sanctuaries, private yards and garden beds that represent hours of hard work. Once again, this weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, garden owners invite Islanders to visit and appreciate their labors of love.

State needs to address tax issues to fix King County budget

How would cutting 100 sheriff’s deputies affect police response times? How would a reduction of 30 deputy prosecutors impact our ability to put criminal suspects on trial? These are examples of the grim decisions facing King County citizens and lawmakers as we confront a $68 million budget deficit for 2009 and a possible $80 million shortfall in 2010.

Eric Horsting stepping down after run as arts editor, sports editor, reporter...

Last August, after a brief vacation, I returned to The Beachcomber with a gift for Eric Horsting, who had steered the ship in my absence. It was a smooth, pale-gray rock with a poem on it, and it seemed the perfect token for this man who loves poetry and is rock solid and dependable.

Fighting Glacier

To some of us, it may seem like tilting at windmills to take on Glacier Northwest. The company is huge, rich and relentless. It also, obviously, has a keen financial interest in the tons of sand and gravel that lie beneath its arsenic-laced soil — a commodity that has proven to be quite valuable in booming Pugetopolis, where new development means new roads and new roads mean a hunger for gravel.

Often shunned, horsetail actually has an abundance of medicinal benefits

Many plants that are maligned as weeds are actually highly beneficial, with a long history of use by humans. After hearing about a friend’s determination and challenges in eradicating horsetail from his yard and listening to his children mimic his “I hate horsetail” mantra, I felt compelled to point out the practical and important uses of this botanical oddity.

Stretch your shrinking dollar by enjoying a ‘staycation’ at home

I predict the next edition of Webster’s Dictionary will contain a word born from this economic period: ‘staycation.’ You’ve likely heard this new word beat to death by the media as the answer to the cost-prohibitive summer vacation of 2008. Instead of paying skyrocketing fuel costs to jet or drive off to get away from it all, many of us are planning to hunker down in our own domains for a long staycation.

The hottest months of the year can be busy and stressful

“You can always tell the English. You can always tell the Dutch. You can always tell Lubahn’s class, but you can’t tell much. Thank goodness it’s Friday!”

Workers are Vashon’s backbone

t And what if they all went on strike?

Vashon mother considers miracle of new baby

On March 28, with six weeks to go until my due date, my midwife worried that the baby’s growth had slowed. She ordered an ultrasound. The technician started out chatty as she squirted goo on my tummy and flashed grey blobs on the screen. Then she fell silent. The doctor, too, looked gravely at the screen and didn’t say anything. They sent me straight to the hospital, sheet of indecipherable medical jargon in hand.

Summer can be mischevious, dangerous time for Vashon kids

Kids are rejoicing. Parents who work outside of the home are scrambling to piece it all together. And a new energy has already, it seems, come to the Island.

Abundant Vashon deer could be profitable if domesticated

The pea sprouts are about 10 inches high now. Noticing this, I decided I’d better patrol the perimeter of the deer fence that was erected after one summer when we got home to find the deer had eaten every single pea plant down to the nub.

Big biz could trample little guys on Vashon | Letters to the Editor

Great idea to bring Allstar Fitness to K2 Commons. And a great idea to buy out the locally owned and operated Vashon Athletic Club.

Parents of t-baller impressed with league | Vashon Letters to the Editor

Letters from Vashon-Maury residents on a host of issues.

Vashon residents should turn out for WSF's pricing meeting

On Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m., Washington State Ferries (WSF) will host a public meeting at McMurray Middle School to hear what Vashon residents have to say about proposed pricing and operational strategies. It is an opportunity for all of us to be heard on these subjects, and as many of us as possible should be there.