Be honest now. I know, I’m just a voice on the radio, but I have a really important question for you. Are you afraid? Afraid of someone or something out there and it’s  kind of messing up your life right now? And getting help is so painful and awkward that it’s like so hard that it’s easier just to put it off. But what if help were to meet you half way? Because we’ve got that for you, just a phone call away. Two days ago King County announced the launch of the Stop Hate Hotline. And here it is: 833-766-7481, or  833-STOP-H81. The launch of the Stop Hate Hotline represents King County’s unwavering commitment to creating a community where every resident feels safe, valued and protected from hate and bias. This hotline provides crime victims and survivors support, resources and assistance in reporting the crime to law enforcement if they choose. Now people can speak up anonymously against hate and know their privacy will be safeguarded. That number once again: 833-766-7481 or 833-STOP-H81. This has been a Voice of Vashon Public Service Announcement.

Indivisible Vashon is excited to announce a series of talks that have the possible potential of calming jangled nerves in a tough time. Dr. Larry Hubbell, a Professor Emeritus at Seattle University and an 11-year Vashon resident, will offer four evenings in which he will present “Finding Courage in Dark Times – Public Sector Heroes Rediscovered”, examining the lives of John Lewis, Eleanor Roosevelt, Fred Korematsu, and Eugene Debs. Each of these people will be matched with other people who stood on the opposite side of our heroes, namely Sheriff Bill Clark of Selma Alabama, Senator Joe McCcarthy, Attorney General of California, Earl Warren and President Woodrow Wilson. These talks will illustrate the kind of crises Americans faced in the 20^th Century, not unlike the crises we face today during the second term of the Trump administration. Each talk will be introduced by a notable Vashon-Maury Islander followed by a summary of the actions Indivisible is currently taking to address the current day crises. The talks are sponsored by Indivisible Vashon and will be offered at the Vashon High School theatre at 7PM on the following dates: September30, October 14, October 28 and November 11. The talks are free but a donation is requested of those who are able. The first talk of September 30 looks at the civil rights pioneer, John Lewis, and will be introduced by Islander and historian, Bruce Haulman. This has been a Voice of Vashon Public Service Announcement.

Once a month, Miguel Urquiza, who is the King County Health Department’s representative for Vashon, makes a trip to the Island to stay current with all his clients, and he always meets folks in the Library at the back of the stacks. This notice is to let everyone know that Miguel will be on the Island, at his post, on Wednesday, September 17^th from 12:30 till 3PM. Islanders can sign up for health insurance, which would start in October, register for the food stamp program or get on Orca lift, the reduced bus fare program, as well as make changes to any existing contracts. If the Wednesday date won’t work for you, you can always call Miguel at the Health Department. Here are Miguel’s numbers: 206 477-6965 or 206 491-3671. Se habla Espanol. This has been a Voice of Vashon Public Service Announcement.

It was bound to happen sooner or later, I suppose, that someone would figure out that a cemetery is a perfect place for a party. Dead people never complain about too much noise. And no matter which way you turn there’s a conversation-starter right at your feet. Come and find out for yourself on Saturday, August 9^th from noon to 5PM when a Kizoku Ishiki Obon celebration will be hosted at the Vashon Cemetery. Kizoku Ishiki means a deep sense of belonging and Obon is the annual festival to appreciate our ancestors, indebtedness to others and joyfully dance. This free and fun cultural event will include dance, art disalys, talking tours, picnicking, performances and more. Kizoku Ishiki Obon will honor and learn about or Asian immigrant ancestors and recognize our Black, Indigenous and immigrant ancestors buried at the Vashon Cemetery. You can find out more information about this joyful celebration by visiting www.vashoncemetery.org, and then, come on over. This has been a Voice of Vashon Public Service Announcement, Makin’ It at the Dead Place Department.

You want to take a day trip but there are 11 people in your family. So, take two cars? Well, maybe, but why? When you can borrow a Community van from the county that will carry that many folks? You can do that. Pick it up at the Vashon Chamber of Commerce. Cost you $2.75 per adult; $1.00 for seniors; the driver and youth under 19 pay nothing. Gas, insurance and bridge tolls are included with fare. Pay with your ORCA card, Transit GO ticket app or Human Services bus ticket. (Cash not accepted) Reserve the van at least two days in advance via web at kingcounty.gov/communityvan, or email communityvan@vashonchamber.com. All trips require an approved driver and at least two riders, boarding the van in Vashon. Drivers must be 21 years old, meet driver requirements and complete free training. Now aren’t you glad you live here? This has been a Voice of Vashon Public Service Announcement, Easy Living Department.

Chances are good that if you’ve lived on the Island for a while you know who Ray Pfortner is. Ray is the Guy with the Eye, our photographer laureate, you might say, known not only for his own exhaustive chronicling of Island imagery, but also for his classes in photography,  most recently his Shoot to Show class at Vashon Center for the Arts. You may already know, then, that on Tuesday, June 17^th from 6 to 8 PM at the Vashon Theatre Ray and the eight students in his latest class will be showing the results of their Tramp Harbor Dock project. Along with a  panoply of captivating scenes, the Friends of Tramp Harbor Dock will talk about the dock’s history, and its status, both present and future. Hey, it’s a terrific show and it’s free. June 17^th, from 6 to 8 PM at the Vashon Theatre: Ray Pfortner’s Tramp Harbor Extravaganza. This has been a Voice of Vashon Public Service Announcement , Dig the Dock Department.

This summer, help bring the magic to life for the kids at Vashon’s Strawberry Festival!

We’re raising $4,000 to bring back the beloved Festival Train—free and fun for every child. Your donation will make it possible and will assure an accessible joyful experience for every child.

From bouncy houses and bungee jumping, to face painting, puppet shows, and a Friday night kickoff with the Reptile Man—Ober Park will be the place for family fun! Kid oriented activities are still being accepted at Ober Park or individual businesses.  Let the Chamber know so that all kids activities are included on The Festival Map and Kids Zone section of the Chamber’s website.

Every dollar helps, and anything extra will go toward growing next year’s Kids Zone even bigger and better.

Donate today at: thisisvashon.com/strawberry-festival#sftrain

Once a month, the County sends a representative from the Health Department to, basically, make it convenient for Islanders to sign up for the many services they offer. That representative’s name is Miguel Urquiza and he will be on the Island next on Wednesday, June 18^th at the Library, inside, at the back. With Miguel, you can sign up for health insurance that would start the following month. You can sign up for food stamps or apply for Orca lift, the Metro reduced fare program. If you can’t make the Wednesday visit then you can call Miguel and work it out over the phone at 206 477-6965 or 206 491-3671.  This has been a Voice of Vashon Public Service Announcement.