Island Voices

The “Mighty Mac”
April 2025, Island Voices

The “Mighty Mac”

By Seán Malone and John Sweetman From John: We rarely write about contemporary things, but this story is now old enough to be a least on the edge of vintage recollections.  Over 20 years ago, I had helped Seán return to the Island, and he had acquired a great place. An old cabin, situated above a…

End of Life Decisions
April 2025, Island Voices

End of Life Decisions

By Michael Shook I’ve been immersed in David Slavitt’s wonderful translation of Boethius’s “Consolation of Philosophy” recently, and, while walking the dogs this morning, a remnant drifted across my mind: “… nothing in life lasts.” No kidding. It’s so obvious as to be banal, and yet we humans quite often live as if “everything in…

April 2025, Island Voices

A Pascha Wish

By Andy Valencia In the ancient monastic tradition, monks would spend the 40 days leading up to Easter (which they called “Pascha”) out in the desert praying. Some would not come back, the victim of animals, accidents, starvation, or illness. On the eve of their departure, they would gather to make peace with their brethren….

April 2025, Island Voices

Domesticated Animals Have Value, Too

By March Twisdale For eons, there were no coyotes on Vashon Island. For 10,000 years (or longer), human beings have lived in and around the Puget Sound, along with wolves and bears and cougars and many other animals native to this region. But not coyotes. We humans are native to this land. And, like all…

Our Sound Adventures
Island Voices, March 2025

Our Sound Adventures

By Seán Malone and John Sweetman Seán and I have had many adventures on boats over the decades. Some involved fishing and crabbing, but most involved “outboard” motors which were always cranky and infused with “trouble.” Trouble starting, running, and just plain ordinary reluctance to do what they were supposed to do.  Seán and I had different…

Announcements, Island Voices

Ride To Doctor Appointment?

An Infomercialby Bernie O’MalleyMayor 2016 Oh my, nobody told you we got Island Bluebirds who drive cars? Over Town in the City? Well, it’s true. If you have a medical/dental appointment off-Island, a Neighborly Bluebird picks you up, whisks you there, waits for you until the visit is done, then brings you home, true door-to-door…

Island Voices, March 2025

A Little Health Thing

By Pam (“Gates”) Johnson The on-going health saga of Ma Johnson continues. After a little heart-related health scare recently, the doctors decided that the root cause may be sleep apnea. We all know at least 10 people who have sleep apnea and are getting along just fine with a CPAP machine, so my fear-ometer dropped…

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