Based at the Food Bank on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., the Clothing Drive gives clothing, rain gear, jackets, bedding/sleeping bags, heaters, camping stoves and more for free to those who need them. These donations have made an impactful difference to Islanders throughout the year, and during the cold, rainy months especially. After…
Literary, October 2024
Old Michaelmas and Blackberry Bramble
By Jane Valencia Michaelmas – the Christian Feast Day of St. Michael the Archangel – is celebrated on September 29th. But I recently learned that this feast day was once celebrated on October 10th or 11th, and that “Old Michaelmas,” at least in Britain, also commemorated the day that Satan was cast out of heaven….
Editorial Page, Island Voices
Growth Edge: V-MCC’s August Meeting Calls On Islanders To Develop Our Community Engagement Skills
By Jane Valencia Editor’s Note: For more about The Vashon-Maury Community Council, read our article, “The V-MCC: Get More Involved in Your Chosen Community,” available at vashonloop.com It’s no secret that we have issues of heated concern on Vashon, and few spaces where we can address their complexities to achieve intelligent solutions. Fewer yet, it…
August 2024, Island Resilience
On The Rise – Fernhorn Bakery, Part 4
By Jane Valencia Our conversation with Thomas Vroom and Jordan Ashley Beck of Fernhorn Bakery has ranged through many topics. From the origin of their bakery, to concerns regarding commodity wheat, to benefits and connection with the exciting prospects of Vashon grown-grains and possibilities for strengthening Island resilience, we return to where Fernhorn Bakery is…
Island Resilience, July 2024
On The Rise – Fernhorn Bakery, Part 3
By Jane Valencia Fernhorn Bakery’s story interweaves with that of Island resilience. In our conversation with owners Thomas Vroom and Jordan Ashley Beck, we chat about Vashon-grown grains. Did you know that it’s possible to grow wheat on Vashon? Several Islanders are growing wheat already, and work is underway to support Island grain-growing. In 2022,…
Health Matters, July 2024
Fire Season – Plants to the Rescue!
By Jane Valencia Summer wild fires have become more common in recent years. Whether we’re traveling through areas where fires are raging, or encounter smoke billowing over our Island from elsewhere, poor air quality can irritate and inflame our bodies in many ways. Luckily, plants abound that can help. Here are some of my favorites…
Island Resilience, June 2024
On The Rise – Fernhorn Bakery, Part 2
By Jane Valencia Thomas Vroom and Jordan Ashley Beck own and run Fernhorn Bakery. In true Island fashion, the story of their bakery is nested within several stories related to the local economy and resilience. In Part 2 of this series, we learn about the wheats that Fernhorn uses to create their delicious, nutrient-dense, and…
Island Businesses, Island Resilience, May 2024
On The Rise – Island Bakery Makes Good, Part 1
By Jane Valencia Visit the VIGA Farmers Market on Saturday morning, and you’ll come upon Fernhorn Bakery and their selection of fresh-made sourdough organic breads and bagels. Taste, and you know you’re eating a bread like no other, attentively made, nutrient-dense, and with unique, vibrant flavors. Please join us in a conversation with Thomas Vroom,…
April 2024, Children, Island Resilience
Herbs With Kids – Springtime!
By Jane Valencia Spring is here, and behold! Many of our beloved herbs are in vibrant form, with new leaves unfurling and some actually in flower. This is a fine time for you and your children to forage for herbs, as the new growth that beckons us mirrors the vitality the plants impart to us….
Island Voices, Uncategorized
The Standing Nation – At the Speed of Tree – Part 2
By Jane Valencia This article concludes our interview with Mik Kuhlman regarding her remarkable one-woman show, “The Standing Nation – Remembering Our Kinship with Trees.” In these performances, the audience journeys to a special tree in nature. The tree serves as setting and co-star, bringing surprise and wonder into the experience. In addition to working…