By Andy Valencia Way too many people are dying from their addictions. The latest United States annual report on drug overdose deaths puts the count above 111,000, but that is only a small portion of the misery present throughout our society. The federal budget allocates more than $42 billion dollars for drug programs. But how…
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,…
Book Review, May 2024
Book Review – Station Eleven
By Emily Kiefer In “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel, we follow the collapse of civilization as we know it. Though that sounds bleak, the story also serves as a new beginning; one of introspection and the evidence of the enduring power of art. Mandel’s prose tells tales from before and after a devastating…
Island Voices, May 2024
Of Innocence and Demons
By Michael Shook This summer, I will turn 70. There will come an anniversary in August – late August, if I remember correctly. One would think I might remember clearly the date, given the life-changing experience that it was. Let it suffice to say, late summer. Here, a little background is necessary. For my 40th…
Legends of Vashon, May 2024
Legends of Vashon – One Night at the Airport
By Tioga Webb Ever since I’ve been out on my own, most of my housing has been “informal.” There’s lots more places than you might think to bed down for the night. It isn’t always dry and comfy, but the price is right. And sometimes you see things. I wrote about my time down near…
Island Voices, Literary, May 2024
Sailing Into the Sunset
By Suzanna Leigh Rich and Suzanna on Eli-Oh My beloved and I had a “Qufi” wedding; I am a Quaker and Rich is a Sufi, so we combined traditions. We were married on the solstice, on the beach at Lincoln Park in Seattle, where friends from Seattle could find us easily, and friends from Vashon…
Children, May 2024
Time Together – Lavender Sachets
By Ali Elsberry With Mother’s Day coming up, or perhaps the approaching birthday of someone who appreciates gifts from the heart, here is a little idea to make with little hands. Spring is an excellent time of the year to get crafty; leaves have emerged, blossoms have opened, and the weather has improved, which makes…
Gardening, Island Resilience, May 2024
Pruning, Part 3 – Fruit Trees
By Kim Cantrell and John Rettmann Hope you all are enjoying this beautiful spring. As the trees are budding out, the blossoms have been nothing short of gorgeous, and the early pollinators are at work. Let’s continue forth with talking about pruning; this time, we are getting specific in our endeavor. In the first two…
Island Resilience, May 2024
The Best Money
By Stephen Buller Most people know the golden rule: Treat others how you wish to be treated. Here is a lesser-known golden rule: He who holds the gold makes the rules. Most people I meet think of gold as a commodity, a shiny metal, or pretty jewelry, but when I say gold is the best…