By March Twisdale Some tend to wax negative about shopping during the holiday season, expressing concerns over thoughtless consumption of resources or over-commercialization. In truth, there’s nothing wrong with shopping. We do it all year round, and for good reason. It’s human productivity expressed and shared. And during the winter, traditions focused on love, kindness,…
December 2023, Island Resilience, Letter to the Island
Love Letter to the Island – Dear Local Farmers
By Emilia Flor Dear Local Farmers: You are heroes! I think you are extraordinary. We love farmers, gardeners, seed-savers, and soil-makers. I would like to take this opportunity to express how much I value YOU, local growers. I commend you as those whom we rely on to make sure we have local seasonal food to…
December 2023, Health Matters
Who Were the Eclectic Physicians?
By Kathy Abascal I often mention the Eclectic physicians in my articles because of their deep knowledge about medicinal plants. The Eclectics were licensed medical doctors who primarily used herbs and natural principles of healing to treat their patients. They were a strong force in American medicine from the 1830s to the early 1900s, but…
December 2023, Island Voices
… Replace
By Michael Shook When I hear the word “replace,” I usually think of it in the sense of something or someone being gotten rid of. As in, “Let’s replace that old vacuum cleaner,” or “Bill, we’re sorry, but we’re going to replace you with a robot.” But the first definition in my dictionary is, “To…
December 2023, Island Voices
A Simple Conversation
By All Ears Vashon “Hey, I’ve got an idea.” “What’s that?” “Build a giant something down at Point Robinson.” “Why?” “It will attract many people to the Island.” “Oh, that makes sense. So many ferry runs are almost empty. It would be nice to fill them up. But how would they get to the park?”…
December 2023, Island Voices
Legs, Part 2 – A Community of Hope
By Deborah H. Anderson This time of year, when the temperature dips below 40 degrees, I think about my blue flannel cow jammies. Along with my blue socks and a black fake sheep’s wool blanket I bought at Thriftway, they kept me warm when it got really cold during the year that I slept in…
December 2023, Island Voices
Back on Track – Part 2
By Jane Valencia This article continues the story of Islander Alice Watkins, who plays on two teams with Rat City Roller Derby, Seattle’s flat track roller derby league. Read part 1 here. Alice isn’t alone in engaging in hefty travel to attend practices and bouts. Players come from all over the greater Seattle area, from…
December 2023, Island Voices
Entering the Workforce – Part 2
By Mickey Fontaine This article continues the topic of young adults entering our work force. Read Part 1 here. We next talked with John, who highlighted the huge amount of pressure that we put on students to decide their career path: “The system isn’t tailored well to people with doubts. Right as you become financially…
December 2023, Island Voices, Legends of Vashon
Legends of Vashon – Swimming the Colvos
As recounted to Tripper Harrison I’ll just dive right in here because that’s what I do. Mom always said to never go swimming for at least two hours after you eat, or you could seize up and drown. I generally tried to stick by her advice, but she never said anything about liquids doing the…