By Judy Mulhair Welcome to the AYH Ranch. I bought the land in 1970 and raised two boys, many sheep, goats, horses, and one cow named Hamburger. The orchard, gardens and livestock fed us well. As a United Airlines Flight Attendant, my first goal was to see the world, but this goal was put on…
Beyond Begonias: Native and Medicinal Plants for Vashon
By Diane Emerson and Michael Laurie, Dragonfly Nursery Growing up in the Midwest, I (Diane) found it amazing that Monarch butterflies would lay their eggs on only one plant – milkweed. I thought that was the exception for butterflies. As it turns out, research indicates that 90% of butterflies and moths are like Monarchs –…
AtWork! – Part Three: A Manager’s Perspective
By Aly Norling Last September, Anthony started working at Little Bird Gardens with help from AtWork!, a supported employment nonprofit organization that works throughout the state of Washington to match people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with good jobs in their communities. Susan, Anthony’s supervisor, answered a few questions about supported employment from her perspective….
Farm Animals Need Food, Too – Part Two
I wanted to change the title of this article to “An Island of Exceptional Opportunities!” Ever since I moved here, I have been aware of our Island’s unique wealth when it comes to people power and the opportunities we co-create together. Which is why I was impressed, but not so very surprised, to learn that…
Farm Animals Need Food, Too – Part One
Eighteen years ago, my family moved to the island. Our beloved family dog, Tiny, spent one night on our amazingly dark and quiet property. The next day, I walked to town, carrying my sweet, seven-pound companion in a soft, cushioned bag, met the staff of Fair Isle Vet, and called my dad on the phone,…
Vashon Cemetery’s First Green Burial
On January 21, 2023, Patricia Buchanan was laid to rest in the manner of her choosing, in the new Green Burial section of the Vashon Cemetery. After a lifetime of achievements, both as a community organizer and a world-class triathlete, her son Donnie Sakaida said, “Mom was ultra-competitive, so being the first one there, and…
Roasterie History
Minglement, an organic food, herb, and spice store established in 1972 on Vashon was growing, and Eva wanted to move her business into a larger space. A country block away, the original Historic Seattle’s Best Coffee roasting facility, stood empty. The site was well over 100 years old, with its well-worn wooden floors, charming front…
Mica’s Kitchen
Welcome to our second interview with a business owner who, despite her geographic location, still seems to lie well outside of Vashon Town, as the tourist walks. Join us in exploring the nooks and crannies of our abundant community. Past Snapdragon, one driveway beyond Euphorium, hides an eatery that has been serving Vashon for years….
From the Roasterie
The fire is glowing in the bookstore – the café is bustling with people coming in from the cold to warm up for a bit on their way to other places. All our coffee has finally arrived from its long trip along the roads, on boats and trains. The coffee is quite delicious and bright…