c205_vib-holidaygiftguide

VASHON’SHoliday Gift Guide

2009

Holiday Gift GuideHoliday Gift GuideHoliday Gift GuideHoliday Gift GuideHoliday Gift GuideHoliday Gift GuideIsland wishes,fun with kids,gifts galore… and much

more!

The holiday season is, of course, a hectic stretch for many of us. But some of us have also found a way — in the midst of the fes-

tivities, the obligations, the baking and the shop-ping — to take a deep breath and consider the deeper meaning of this time of year.

They make sure they give something to those who have little. Celebrate with a child. Connect with dear friends. Honor a tradition or create a new one.

In this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, we’ve tried to offer up a bit of inspiration to those who want to make this winter season richer and more mean-ingful.

We’ve asked a handful of Islanders what it is they wish for, what they’d like to see unfold on this small Island we share. (Read their wishes on pages 3-5.)

We’ve asked others for creative ideas about how to share the holidays with the young people in our lives. (See pages 12-13.) And we’ve looked around the Island for special gifts — those the merchants have to offer (page 11) and those that help the world and its inhabitants (page 14).

We’ve included a list of nonprofits that help Islanders in need, plus a few others that help to sustain our precious Earth. (Page 7).

And we’ve highlighted the Kiwanis’ Toy Drive, an important Island tradition that last year pro-vided toys, clothes and other items to 178 Vashon kids. The need is particularly great this year, reports J.R. Crawford, president of the Kiwanis; already, she says, several more kids have asked for gifts, and the requests continue to pour in.

“It just breaks your heart when these kids say they want gloves, they want coats — things we just take for granted,” said J.R. Crawford, president of Kiwanis.

So take a few minutes this season to think about what matters most to you, and then act from the heart. The Island — and your soul — will be bet-ter for it!

— Leslie Brown, editor

Wishes for the Season

2 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Vashon Kiwanis is sponsoring its Toy Drive again this year — a way to bring toys, clothes and other items to Island children in need.

Island elves who want to help can “adopt” a child by picking a tag off of the many Kiwanis’ tag trees around town. The tag describes what the child wants and needs, including cloth-ing and shoe size, games and toys and even favorite colors and characters. Once the child’s gifts are purchased, return the items to one of the collection boxes, unwrapped, with the original Kiwanis’ tag attached.

Tag trees and collection boxes can be found at Vashon Pharmacy, U.S. Bank, Island Lumber, Sound Food, Vashon Thriftway and Vashon True Value from Nov. 27 to Dec. 17.

Islanders can also make cash contributions, which the Ki-wanis will use to purchase items not filled. Send donations to Vashon Kiwanis, P.O. Box 262, Vashon, 98070. For more in-formation, call Kiwanis President J.R. Crawford at (206) 954-9959 or Toy Drive Chair Joyce Smith at 567-5563.

‘Take Out ’Menus are

Here

Enjoy your Holidays! Open 7 days a week

for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!

Call us to cater yourHoliday Events!

GIFT CARDS! Everyone’s favorite – Great for Teacher’sGi� s!

Come By Island LumberFor Great Gi� Ideas

Flashlights Of All Sizes. Great Stocking Stu� ers!

Jackets, Pants, Hats, Belts & Socks

We Stock Muck Boot Jobbers, Dailys, Hosers, Scrub & Chores

Come See Our Exclusive Channellock Selection

Earl Van Buskirk, Inc.OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

www.islandlumber.com 206-463-5000

And Much, Much More!

Kiwanis’ Toy Drive A way to help Island kids

Kiwani Santas Joyce Smith and J.R. Crawford

PublisherDaralyn Anderson

EditorLeslie Brown

Design and ProductionNance Scott and Linda Henley

Marketing RepresentativesDaralyn Anderson and Matthew Olds

Cover ArtNance Scott

Writers/PhotographersLeslie Brown, Amelia Heagerty and

Susan Riemer

The Holiday Gift Guide is published annually by The

Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber.© 2009 Sound Publishing Co.

The 2009 Gift Guide: Island Inspirations

What’s your wish? Islanders offer up their hopes for Vashon

32009 Holiday Gift Guide

Celebrate the Holidays with Essentials 4the Holidays with Essentials 4the Holidays with Essentials 4the Holidays with

New “Get Started Art Packets”

Watercolor, Acrylic, Oils,

New Gifts for Her and Him!

New Games!Pastels, Drawing, Charcoal

New Gift Cards for your holiday

Presents!

New Gift Website: www.essentials4.net

Please come join us–we are located

n� to Bob’s Bakery206-463-7706

Stop. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath, and smell the air. Make a note of where you are, and embrace everything this Island brings. Think about your fondest memories on the Island; they’ll probably involve family, nature and holiday activities.

One of my fondest memories was during a holiday open house, when a little girl was up on her dad’s shoulders taking in the sights and sounds on the street. She cried out with enthusiasm, “Oh, daddy, this is delicious!” My wish for everyone is they take a moment for reflection about the magic of Vashon. During the holidays, we draw together and a commu-nity spirit resonates: Attend the art walk during First Fridays, read Berkeley Breathed’s “Red Ranger Came Calling,” observe the tree-lighting ceremony under the stars, follow crafter bazaars, experience Island tree farms or even drop a letter to Santa and get a reply from his elves (with a return address, to Santa’s Cottage or The Little House). Reflect on this magical place, and have a great holiday.

Bettie EdwardsOwner, The Little House

We recently hosted a cocktail party for some friends from off-Island where I met, for the

first time, a 20-something couple who live in West Seattle. This couple has deep family roots on Vashon — he grew up here, and her extended family are long- time Islanders. He recently completed service in the military, which included a tour in Afghanistan.

Ideally, they both would love to live, work and start their family on Vashon. But the lack of family-wage jobs and available rental housing has, thus far, prevented them from moving to Vashon. What a loss for our community. How many other energetic, smart, young peo-ple has Vashon lost due to our collective inability to see beyond our own lives? My holiday wish is that we begin building

a multi-generational Vashon for a better future. This wish means that we have schools that accommodate both current and projected needs. And it means more support for Vashon HouseHold and affordable Island housing.

I also wish for less hand-wringing over attracting tourist dollars to our Island and more action in supporting and growing businesses and jobs. Our future depends on keeping the young people we have and finding a way to encourage the return of those who have left so we all have a thriving, successful community.

Pete WelchMusician

Fostering young talent carries a special significance for me.

I would like to seek grants to fund efforts that deliver both immedi-ate and long-term benefits in teaching and exposing young children to the beauty and the power of artistic ex-pression through music.

Vashon Island has a multitude of amazing musicians who I believe would step up and be part of a men-toring group for the children on the Island and provide them with the edu-cation, tools and opportunities to more fully experience the life-enriching benefit of music — ensuring the life of our wealthy legacy of music on Vashon and beyond. Having a center for this purpose and the funding to run it are the keys.

Scarlett Foster-MossBoard Chair,

Vashon Allied Arts

Holiday Gift ListGifts for everyone in the familyGifts for your Company, Coaches and TeachersGifts for your Favorite PetsPersonalize your Stockings and Tree Skirts

Serving Vashon Since 2000!

(206) 567-4789www.cnpdesigns.com [email protected]

Custom/Commercial Embroidery

Charles N. PeteDesigns

Vashon Theatrevashontheatre.com

Vashon TheatreVashon

Theatre Gift Certifi catesmake great

stocking stuffers!

463-3232www.vashontheatre.com


My wish for the Island is to keep up the work to-wards sustainability. From now on, no Energy Bar wrappers, Capri Sun pouches or Oreo cookie

wrappers will be thrown away. They can be recycled at Vashon Community Care Center.

It gives our residents something productive to do and gains the Care Center 2 cents for each item recycled.

I also wish for more kindness among Islanders. There are many very kind people, but there are others who con-tinue to take their own lives and those of others into their hands as they race towards the ferry, passing recklessly and tailgating those who are driving the speed limit.

Pedestrians, please wear light colors or carry a flash-light as you walk during dark hours. It’s very scary to come upon you suddenly. My wish is for a safe holiday season.

LoAnne ForschmeidtHonorary Mayor, Vashon Town

We can custom frameObjects in Shadowboxes

Oil PaintingsPastels

WatercolorsPrints and Posters

Childrens Art

We also haveStretcher bars

MatsTabletop EaselsPhoto Albums

Readymade FramesPrecut Metal Frames

Holiday HoursTues–Thurs 10-7

PlanToys® is proving that it is possible to maintain superior quality and safety standards in addition to following a path of environmental and social respon-sibility. We are committed to maintaining the highest standard of ethics while creating innovative educa-tional toys for every developmental stage of childhood. � ese toys inspire children’s imagination as well as promoting their physical and intellectual development. PlanToys® are made from non-toxic, natural materials such as organic rubberwood. Our toys enable children to play learn and become closer to nature.

PlanToys® join our many other lines of fun and educational games and toys for Vashon’s children. Our selection includes Lego, Webkinz, Corolle dolls, Klutz books, Estes rockets, and Kathe Kruse baby toys from Germany. Be sure to check out our new assortment of puzzles, kid’s art supplies, science and craft kits, and just this week; a brand new shipment of sock monkeys!!

463-9118V A S H O N P H A R M A C Y

Sue Wiley has been a friend and mentor for years. Once, when we found ourselves before a group of student writers about to share their heartfelt reflections, Sue, wanting to be sure the authors would be respected, di-

rectly instructed us all on “how to listen.” When you listen, you put down everything else you are doing and focus on

what is being said.When you listen, you look at the person speaking, your body faces them and

your eyes watch their face. As you listen, you nod your head in consideration.As you listen, you make mental notes of the points being made that impress you.After the speaker is finished, you reflect back to them what you heard. Tell

them what you related to or state the questions that their ideas brought to your mind. Then you thank them for sharing.

Many problems in the world today, between peers, neighbors, family mem-bers and in our communities, occur because people don’t feel they are being heard. It’s a simple act, to listen, and a generous one. It’s the kindest thing you can do for another human being. Listen to them.

My wish for our Island is that people listen to each other. Give the gift of a good listen and see what happens.

Gail LabinskiTeacher, 2009 Doors of Opportunity Winner

Pooh to Pearls” is the essence of my wishes for Vashon-Maury Island this Holiday season.

May we find a way to truly be the “pivot point” for saving Puget Sound while invigorating our local economy by processing septage into compost for agriculture and carbon sequestration. May we use the inherent opportunity of eco-nomic crisis to create a local currency and time exchange to enhance quality of life for all Islanders — especially the un-employed and under-employed. And finally, I wish that every Islander get a lump of coal in their stocking as a wake-up call to the fact that 30 percent of our electricity comes from coal.

May that inspire a New Year’s resolution to make Vashon-Maury a “Coal-Free Zone” by forcing PSE to divest itself from all dirty power.

Bill MoyerDirector, The Backbone Campaign


I wish for a winter where every person in our community has a warm and safe place to abide, whether that is a tent, bus, trailer or house. It is my wish that no one here experiences

even one day looking in their cupboards, their refrigerator or their wallet to discover that they have nothing to eat or feed their families with.

I wish for all the voices of Vashon to be fully empowered and supported to tell their story. I wish for all the residents of Vashon to hold space for each and every voice as a witness to the uniqueness and sameness of us all. I wish for this to be a celebration of and for all of us, a reminder of who we are as a community.

Yvonne PitrofDirector, Vashon-Maury Community Food Bank

Shop the world for meaningful gifts.Tabletop, Linens and

Bakeware. Toys, scarves, hats, baskets and a great selection

of jewelry.

Beauty and Justice. Fair trade is making

a difference.

Extended store hours:

10-6 Monday–Saturday

11-5 Sunday

463-1372

www.giraffevashon.com

My wish is “Peace on Vashon.” I know that sounds corny, but hear me out: The

Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, and Shalom means “right relationships.” Shalom-Peace is lots of little things going right because, in Mother Teresa’s words, people “do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” The Prince of Shalom became “a little thing” to change every thing.

I wish all Islanders, especially Christians, could hap-pily boycott this one commercialized day of extraordinary consumption. This “holiday” that wars against the Shalom of the planet with its packaging, propaganda and pressure. “Only 50 days left!” Who needs more pressure or clutter? Thankfully, the deadline is a lie: We have weeks of Advent and 12 days of Christmas to welcome the Prince of Peace by giving time, help and love to the vulnerable among us, right here on Vashon. Peace on earth is a homeless child, welcomed. In His name, Shalom!

Dan HoustonPastor, Vashon Presbyterian

worldwise jewelryfair trade * environmentally responsible * recycled materials

www.WorldWiseJewelry.com / 206-463-2837

My deepest wish for Vashon Island is that Vashon Allied Arts will be successful in building a new per-

formance facility. This theater will comple-ment the other performance venues that we have on the Island and provide growth pos-sibilities for our current arts organizations and for new ones to arise.

I feel that this new performance space will enhance our Island’s cultural life tre-mendously.

Jennifer KrikawaFounder, Vashon Opera

Company

Craig HarmelingVolunteer firefighter

After being in emergency services for many years, I urge Islanders to take 10 to 15 minutes to walk around your home and check things for winter

weather and safety.Second, in these economic times, your neighbor or

friend may be having a difficult time, and a kind word or helping hand may be just what they need.

Listen to the heartbeat of the Island, not just the ones who wave flags and talk loud. Find a middle ground that works for the better of everyone.

My daughter, years ago, gave us a saying, and it’s worth remembering: “The older you get, the wiser your parents become.”

A calendar of festivities: Dance, music, crafts and more


463-2181

Remember to buy your holiday gifts locally.

Keep Vashon Islandworking!

Happy Holidayseverybody!

AMIAD & ASSOCIATESwww.vashonislandrealestate.com

206-463-4060

Remember to buy your holiday gifts locally.

Keep Vashon Islandworking!working!

Happy HolidaysHappy Holidayseverybody!everybody!

AMIAD & ASSOCIATESwww.vashonislandrealestate.com

206-463-4060

463-0962

Piano Lessons

• All Levels •• First Lesson Free •

MEMBER OF TACOMA SYMPHONY

Give theGift of Music

Give theGift of Music

AnneHer� ndahl

File Photo

� e Island’s children know Christmas is truly coming when Santa and Mrs. Claus come to town the � rst Friday in December.

Holiday Open House & Tree LightingBring your merchant coupons downtown for prizes and refreshment. Santa will come to town, and he and Mrs. Claus will take “wish’’ letters and pass out candy canes. The open house will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, and the tree lighting at Ober Park will be around 6 p.m. The main highway will be closed near town from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

The Nutcracker BalletThe Blue Heron Dance troupe performs the holiday classic. 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Satur-day, Dec. 4 and 5, and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6.All-Island Middle School Holiday Art & Craft SaleHandmade, affordable gifts and art will be available for purchase from Island students in sixth- through eighth-grade. 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Satur-day, Dec. 5.Christmas Broadcast, Dessert Extravaganza & Cookie ExchangeThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will host a Christmas broadcast with music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra and Christmas messages by church leaders from Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Bring your favorite dessert to share and cookies to partake in a Christmas cookie exchange. 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at 9330 S.W. 204th St.

Photos with SantaKids can get their pictures taken with Santa through Sage Photography and tell Santa

what they want for Christmas. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Santa’s cottage in the Village Green. Michael Sage will take the photos.

Boy Scout Tree SaleBoy Scouts will sell a variety of Christmas trees at the lot next to US Bank. 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6 and 12 and 13.

Red Ranger Came CallingBerkeley Breathed reads from his “guar-anteed true” Christmas tale. The evening includes a Red Ranger costume contest Breathed will judge, and he’ll answer ques-tions from the audience. The evening is a benefit for the Vashon Community Care Center. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Open Space for Arts & Community, 18870 103rd Ave. S.W.

Gloria!Vashon Island Chorale performs its winter concert. Works include “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi and “Ave Maria.” 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Bethel Church, 14736 S.W. Bethel Lane.

Holiday Art Studio TourIsland artists open their studios to show visitors how they work and enable them to purchase a variety of art. Maps are available at Island businesses. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Satur-day and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6 and 12 and 13.

Sugar Plums and Cinnamon Buns with Saint NicholasKids learn about the celebration of Hanuk-kah, also known as the Festival of Lights. Enjoy traditional Jewish games, stories and songs with Aser Hashash. For ages 4 and older. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, at the Vashon Library.

The Nutcracker BalletThe Vashon Junior Civic Ballet will perform the holiday classic. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Sat-urday, Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 19, in the Vashon High School theater.Breakfast with Father Christmas Sound Food and The Little House will host this event, which will include a craft, enter-tainment and a light breakfast. 9 to 11 a.m. at Sound Food.Ebenezer Rock — A MusicalVashon Island Youth Chorus performs the lively musical based on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at the Blue Heron.

Inspecting CarolThe play is a holiday spoof, full of physical theater and satire. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, Dec. 18, 19 and 26, and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sundays, Dec. 19, 20 and 27, at the Blue Heron.

Helping Islanders in need


SPECIAL CASE PRICING

HolidayWinery Sale

Celebrate the holidays with some of our exciting new releases.

206-567-499412431 Vashon Island Hwy SWjust 1 mile south of the Vashon Ferry

Open 2–5pm on weekends or call for appointment

the Wallflower

Buildingat the corner of bank rd

& vashon highway sw

Shop at the � nest craft gallery in the Northwest.

Located in downtown Vashon.

Choose from Vashon and the

Northwest’s � nest artists

and craftspeople.

Open 6 days a weekTues-Sat. 11-5Sunday 12-3

463-5252

HAND DYED ORIGINALS

WORKING STUDIO & BOUTIQUE

Featured Designers:Sally Shivers–Wild Life ClothingDorothy Dunnicliff–Dova Silks

Uniquely Hand Crafted Jewelery & Accessories

Special Feature for the Holidays:Original Designs by

Elizabeth Klob of “Cicada Bridal”cicadabridal.com

17600 Vashon Highway SWVashon Island, WA 98070

[email protected]

BIG STOREWIDE SALE

25% OFFall merchandise

After Thanksgiving Friday & SaturdayNov. 27 & 28

463-3682

www.vashonblooms.com

At the corner of Bank Rd & Vashon Hwy SW

Several organizations help Islanders who are struggling. Some provide basic goods and services; others help people

keep a roof over their heads. Still others offer up friendship and camaraderie. Here is a handful to consider adding to your list.

Granny’s Attic10010 SW 210th Street, VashonHow to help: Donate items, cars, cash.

The Interfaith Council on HomelessnessPO Box 330, Vashon, 98070How to help: Cash donations, volunteer.Call Wesley Rogers at 463-5566 to help.

Vashon Community Care Center15333 Vashon Hwy S.W., Vashon, 98070How to help: Cash donations, volunteer.Call Naomi Goldick at 567-4421 to help.

Vashon HouseHoldPO Box 413, Vashon, 98070How to help: Make cash donations online at vashonhousehold.org.

Vashon-Maury Community Food BankPO Box 1205, Vashon, 98070How to help: Donations of non-perishable food, including pet food, toiletries. Make cash donations online at www.vashonfood-bank.org.

Vashon Neighborhood MissionSCS, Inc., P.O. Box 920, Vashon, 98070Attn: Zack KriegerHow to help: Cash donations; Vashon Blueridge is matching the first $1,000 in donations.

Vashon Senior CenterPO Box 848, Vashon, 98070How to help: Cash donations.

Vashon Youth & Family ServicesPO Box 237, Vashon, 98070How to help: Cash donations; visit www.vyfs.org and click “donate” for a wish list of items.

And for the Earth ...Alliance for Tompotika Conservation21416 86th Ave S.W., Vashon, 98070Donate online at www.tompotika.org.

Preserve Our IslandsPO Box 845, Vashon, 98070Donate online at www.preserveourislands.org.

Sustainable VashonPO Box 2654, Vashon, 98070

Vashon Hydrophone ProjectACS/PS VHP, PO Box 2341, Kirkland, 98083-2341 (VHP in memo section)

Vashon-Maury Island Audubon SocietyPO Box 838, Vashon, 98070

Vashon-Maury Island Land TrustPO Box 2031, Vashon, 98070Donate online at vashonlandtrust.org.

WolftownPO Box 13115, Burton, 98013

Support your local merchants.Shop on Vashon this holiday season!

Island merchants offer up thoughtful holiday gifts


It’s become an annual tradition at The Beachcomber for staff to visit Island stores and inquire about some of the best

gifts to be had here at home. The answers run the range from classic to humorous and show the diversity of gifts available in our own neighborhood.

We hope the ideas inspire people to put their shopping dollars to work here on Vashon.

At Blooms & Things staff Mallory Grif-fith and Lynanne Raven say if they were shopping at their store this season, they would buy a wood deer family, hand-carved from bass wood. Large enough to be a floor display, they look alert yet peaceful.

Books by the Way has a new book-of-

the-month club called the Book Ferry. Each month for a year, the store will send a child a book tailored to his or her age, said owner Jenni Wilke.

At Constantinople, rain boots are the choice of owner Connie Slabaugh. Both fashionable and practical, some of the boots are waterproof leather while others look like paintings and others even like high-top ten-nis shoes.

The Country Store & Gardens owner Vy Biel suggests shoppers come to her store for a Pendleton authentic Indian design wool blanket.

At Dig Floral & Garden, lightweight Japanese garden tools made of strong forged metal are this holiday season’s hot gift, said co-owner Sylvia Matlock. The most popular tools are a stainless steel “hori hori” knife weeder, foldable saws and “the claw.”

Sally Shivers at Dova Silks would treat herself to a custom-made, hand-dyed silk jacket if she would purchase one thing for herself from the store. She and owner Doro-thy Dunnicliff agree the jackets are some of the store’s most special pieces.

Essentials 4 has a fun collection of pads, notebooks and calendars by illustrator Ed-ward Gorey, known for his playfully sinister touch, said owner Kathleen Fitch.

Priscilla Schleigh at Giraffe, Vashon’s fair trade store with items from around the world, suggests black La Chamba bakeware from Colombia. It is beautiful and works well, going from the oven to the microwave to the table, and imparts a special flavor to the food.

From the Heron’s Nest, stoneware cas-serole dishes made by Jeff and Donna Tou-sley make great gifts, said manager George Wright. The dishes have lids and handles on the sides and come in three different color combinations.

Anja Shive, who owns Island Quilter, suggests an autographed copy of a Kaffe Fassett book. Fassett is known for his color-ful work in knitting, quilting and other arts. Island Quilter has all the fabric to go with the quilts, so people could make a quilt from one of his books.

Kronos co-owner Eugenie Mirfin sug-gests Islanders give a little warmth to others this holiday season. The store has a large stock of hats and gloves from Vashon and around the world in lots of different colors, styles and textures.

The Little House has beautiful white damask lavender pillows, stuffed with Island lavender and made from recycled damask tablecloths, created by Islander Vickie Mer-cer, said owner Bettie Edwards.

Northwest Sports co-owner Dave Page suggests for both men and women a Moun-tain Hardwear polyfill jacket. The company produces excellent products, and the jacket has a sleek design.

For the pets on our list, Pandora’s Box has a plethora of bones, said owner Marge Smith. Bones seem to be a perennial favorite with canines, and Pandora’s Box has a 12-foot row of bones to choose from.

At Vashon Bookshop, “Born to Run: A

Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes and the Great-est Race the World Has Never Seen” is a great gift, said Laurie Stewart. It’s a nonfic-tion account of a man’s travels to meet the barefoot runners of Mexico.

For would-be musicians, Karen Eliasen at Vashon Island Music suggests a rental instrument: trumpet, trombone, saxophone,

clarinet or flute. Renting offers the chance to try out an instrument without indulging in a large purchase.

Vashon Pharmacy has an abundance of scarves to choose from — from warm wool and pashmina to cotton, rayon and silk — in many colors and patterns, said merchandise buyer Mary Langland.

Amelia Heagerty/Staff Photos

Top, Dig Floral & Garden co-owner Ross Johnson shows o� some Japanese garden tools. Above, Constantinople has a large and eclectic selection of rain boots, from elegant vegan footwear to boots that look like sneakers. Top le� , Vashon Island Music’s Tyrel Stendahl displays some of the instruments the shop rents. And bottom le� , Vashon Pharmacy’s Kaija Reinelt models one of the pharmacy’s many colorful scarves.

From hats and scarves to tools and flutes, retailers have a range of special gifts on sale.


Why spend ferry fare and time when you can buy the

same top quality items here on Vashon — for a lower price!

Check these samples:OUTER CLOTHING — Carhartt, Filson, Five Brothers and more.

FOOTWEAR — Baf�n, Carhartt, Ha�inger, Old Friend, Tingley, XtraTuf.UNDERWEAR — Carhartt, Fessler, Hanes, Indera Mills, Jockey, and Warners.

LEGWEAR — B.ella, Buster Brown, Carhartt, Filson, Railroad, Wigwam & more.RAIN GEAR — Dutch Harbor, Helly Hansen and Western Chief

PLUS — Accessories, Books, and Garden Tools & Supplies!

An uncommon place at the heart of Vashon Island

OUR BIGGEST SALE EVER!20% OFF ON A LARGE PORTION OF OUR STOCK!

WE NEED IT AND YOU NEED IT! ’TIS THE SEASON!

We have Vashon’s only complete parcel service.Buy it here, Ship it here! Buy it there, Ship it here!

The Country Store & Gardens20211 Vashon Hwy SW

(206) 463-3655countrystoreandgardens.com

Seasonally and locally minded menus. Gluten and dairy free options. A great beer and wine menu. Dine in or take out available.

Open for Dinner Weds-Fri 5-9p.m.

· Dec. 4th-First Friday-Hand painted mirrors by Gwynn Palmer and Kathy Ray formerly Electric Chairs. Music performed by Lance Morgan. Holiday wine tasting with Ron Irvine 4/$10.

· Dec. 5th-Visit the bike and warm up. We’ll be serving hot drinks and soup to warm your belly from 11-4 outside under the tents by the tree.

· Dec. 12th-Sugar plums and cinnamon buns with St. Nick starting at 9a.m. Light breakfast, holiday crafts, and entertainment for the young at heart. Adults $11.00/Children $6.00. Bring

She� dgets at Sound Food

your holiday spirit and bid on a dessert to take to a party to help raise money for our food bank or bring a toy for the Kiwanis Toy Drive.

· Hobsen/Person jazz up the dining room every Wednesday from 6p.m. to 9p.m.

· Dec. 19th-Holiday Bash. Celebrate the holiday with music and good food. Festivities start at 7pm.

· Popcorn & Movie Night with Lewie every Thursday starting at 5p.m.

· Various musicians perform during dinner Friday nights starting at 6p.m.

Catering, Venue Rental, and Party Rentals Available.For more information: email she� [email protected], call 206-718-0126,

or view our website: www.soundfoodcateringandevents.com

December Events:

Happy Holidaysfrom all of us at

LS Cedar

Young ones who would like to pen a letter to Santa can deliver them to The Little House, where Bettie Edwards and her elves have acted as emissaries for the jolly ol’ fellow for more than 20 years. The Little House crew will make sure the letters

reach Santa. And according to Bettie, Santa says he’ll respond to every letter he receives. But kids need to make sure to put their names and addresses on the letter, since Santa only recognizes children’s homes from the rooftops.

Letters can be dropped off at Santa’s cottage at the Village Green — just slide them through the slot if Santa’s not there. Or drop them in the green mailbox in front of The Little House. Santa will be at the cottage for photos on two Saturdays, Dec. 5 and 12, and on Friday evening, Dec. 11. And on Saturday, Dec. 19, after Santa has headed back north, kids can drop by the cottage to deliver a letter, make an ornament or visit with some of Santa’s gracious helpers. Call The Little House at 463-9033 for more information.

The Historic Island Center…where the town of Vashon originated

Letters to Santa


Creative Holiday Shopping...

1 Empty Nest Studio & The Garage Gals

2 Brian Brenno Blown Glass

3 Nannette Cotton Pawlowski

4 Glass on the Highway

5 Les Femmes Fatales Project

6 The Mud Mamas & Friends

7 Westside Artists

8 Mary Margaret Briggs & Charlotte Masi

9 Douglas Mesney–Illustrator

10 Barnworks

11 Fox Tales Studio

12 David L. Erue Metal Sculpture

13 Woodworkers Studio

14 Liz Lewis Pottery & Raven Ceramics

15 Brian Fisher Studio

16 Suzanne Anderson

17 PuppyPaw Creations

18 Fiddle Home Farm Beeswax Crafts

19 The Willingham Weavery

20 Morgan Brig Studio

21 Valerie Willson

22 Penny Grist & Larry Muir

23 Brian Van Buren

24 WorldWise Jewelry

25 V-M Island Crafts & Jewelry

26 Waterworks Studio

27 Mary Hosick Pottery

28 Irene’s Tiles

29 Kira Bacon

30 Aruba Tileworks & Pottery

31 3000 BC Studios

32 Pam Ingalls at The Hardware Store

33 Lotus & Friends

34 Island Paper Chase

35 Apple Cox

36 Kristen Reitz-Green’s Studio

37 Zartman Studio

38 GRB Bells

Blue Heron Gallery

A Vashon Island Imaging

B Heron’s Nest

C Two Wall Gallery

D Shady Lady Gallery

E Valise Gallery

Island Style!

December

5-6 & 12-13

Saturday

& Sunday

10 am to 4 pm

VashonIslandArtStudioTour.com

the holidays for children

The holidays are a special time of year for us all, but especially for children and the young at heart. Below is a selection of Islanders’ ideas for making this holiday season a memorable one with the children in your life.

Make one-of-a-kind cards and decorationsThe students at Chautauqua’s Lunch Club love to make art, and the holidays present a

wealth of opportunities for them to create and give art to others.Lunch club leader Diane Brenno suggests gathering up some old magazines, cutting out the

most interesting parts and words, and creating unique holiday cards or dinner-table place set-tings. To add a touch of fun to an upcoming holiday dinner, kids can set the table themselves, and guests must guess which collage placemat is theirs.

Kids who don’t have large families can brighten up the holidays for Islanders at the Vashon Community Care Center or Vashon Senior Center by creating collage greeting cards or other special works of art for seniors.

And anyone, young or old, can while away a wintry afternoon snipping and cutting pieces of paper into whimsical snowflakes of all shapes and sizes.

Gather the family for a round of gamesChautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-

lent time for the family to come together and play games.“I root for board games during the holidays — anything to fight the TV and portable video

games,” he said.The following are a few of James’ favorite games — ones you can buy and a few you can play

probably with materials you have in your home.• Social games: Try Whoonu (guessing

likes and dislikes); Smarty Party (a sort-of trivia game complete with rubber “smarty pants”) or Wits and Wagers (a trivia game that’s really about the players), James sug-gests. But if you’ve never played Apples to Apples, skip all of the above games and play that one, which takes minutes to learn and induces tears of laughter. Go to www.funa-gain.com for these games and others.

• Board games: They have improved hugely in the last 20 years. The downsides, however, are rules and a sometimes steep learning curve. Settlers of Catan is the king of board games, rich and addictive, James said. Carcassone feels satisfying, with its growing landscape. Slide 5, an active card game, turns manic with many players.

And if you’re not in a buying mood, you probably can play the following games with-out buying anything.

• Fictionary: The reader finds an obscure word in the dictionary and writes down the real definition. Everyone else makes up a fake definition. The reader shuffles them and reads them out. Award points for guessing the correct definition and points for getting others to vote for your fake one. The reverse — read the definition, make up the word — is just as fun.

• Patterns: One person leaves the room. The rest decide on a pattern they’ll use in answer-ing questions. Examples: five-word answers; the use of a color in the answer; crossing one’s legs before answering. The person returns and questions the other players, trying to guess the pattern at work.

• Pirate Scrabble: You will need Scrabble tiles, but nothing else. Spread the tiles, face-down, on the table. One person turns them over, one tile at a time. Any player who can make a word out of the face-up tiles can ring in (slapping the table works) and add the word to his/her stash. The twist: You can steal words from other players’ stashes, so long as you add letters and rearrange them. Play until the tiles are gone.

Amelia Heagerty/Staff Photo

Pirate Scrabble is a fun twist on classic Scrabble.

for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children for children


Gather the family for a round of gamesChautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-


Gather the family for a round of gamesChautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-

And anyone, young or old, can while away a wintry afternoon snipping and cutting pieces And anyone, young or old, can while away a wintry afternoon snipping and cutting pieces And anyone, young or old, can while away a wintry afternoon snipping and cutting pieces And anyone, young or old, can while away a wintry afternoon snipping and cutting pieces

Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-Chautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-

And anyone, young or old, can while away a wintry afternoon snipping and cutting pieces And anyone, young or old, can while away a wintry afternoon snipping and cutting pieces And anyone, young or old, can while away a wintry afternoon snipping and cutting pieces

Gather the family for a round of gamesGather the family for a round of gamesGather the family for a round of gamesGather the family for a round of gamesGather the family for a round of gamesGather the family for a round of gamesGather the family for a round of gamesGather the family for a round of gamesChautauqua Elementary School music teacher Andy James says the holidays are an excel-

Gather the family for a round of games


Come see me for your pet’s holiday needs.

(Cool new stuff for human-types, too!)

Deck the hallswith boughs of catnip,

lafa la

Don we nowa new dog collar!

lafa la la la

Hold a holiday open houseThe holidays are a wonderful time to connect with friends and family from the Island and

beyond. Holding a holiday open house the night before a significant holiday such as Thanks-giving is a great way to welcome friends and fam-ily to the home, said Lori Means, Vashon Youth & Family Services’ Birth-to-Six Program manager.

For years, her fam-ily held a Christmas Eve open house, which was a favorite event for her, her family and the visitors who stopped by.

Start a holiday tradi-tion this year by flinging your home’s doors open to visitors. Make the event formal, so kids can dress up, be on their best be-havior and even put on a show or performance for the adults that evening.

Keeping the event an “open house” rather than a holiday party is impor-tant, Means said, because it means visitors can come and go in a way that fits their schedules.

Get crafty with natureGetting outdoors with your children can be a wonderful family bonding experience, said

Erin Kenny, who runs Cedarsong Nature School. The curriculum of her kindergarten includes lots of outdoor activities, some of which are possible only during the winter months. Try these fun activities to promote interaction between you and your children:

• Gather ripe red madrona berries and string them together into a long chain as a holiday decoration.

• Go into the forest together and gather Douglas fir branch tips, cedar tips, salal leaves, huck-leberry and madrona berries and steep two hours in hot water for a refreshing tea you can all drink together.

• Make spontaneous forest decorations such as leaf spinners by encouraging children to find colored or interesting leaves, then tying a piece of yarn around the leaves’ stems and hanging them from a branch or near the house so the leaf can spin in the breeze.

“Spending time in nature with your children is a gift to them and to yourself,” Kenny said.

Create ornaments that lastMaking ornaments out of self-hardening clay dough is an activity that can easily become a

tradition for many families. The finished products, created and decorated by children, make great keepsakes or gifts, and the family activity of making the ornaments together is a memo-rable one. Beachcomber reporter Amelia Heagerty fondly remembers creating the ornaments when she was a child and still cherishes the ornaments she and her mother made together. The ornament dough is made of:

1 and a half cups salt 4 cups flour 1 and a half cups water 1 teaspoon alumTo create the ornaments,

follow these directions: Mix the dry ingredients

together in a bowl; add water gradually. When dough forms a ball around the mixing spoon, knead the dough well, adding water if it is too crum-bly. Roll out flat. Cut with cookie cutters. Poke a hole near the top of the shape (for hanging the ornament later).

Place on cookie sheet, and bake at 300 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely. Paint with watercolors or other paints. Let dry. Use a permanent marker to write the year the ornaments were made on their backs. Tie a ribbon through the ornaments’ holes.

Wrap up as a gift or hang on the Christmas tree.

Karen Olson Photo

Spontaneous forest art is a creative family activity, perfect for the holidays.

Courtesy Photo

Tanner Means dances with a friend at the Means family’s 1994 Christmas Eve open house.

Amelia Heagerty/Staff Photo

Dough ornaments are fun to make and are great gi� s.

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Support our local farmers

Give a loved one the gift of fresh farm produce — and help support our local farms

— by purchasing a CSA share. CSAs (short for commu-nity supported agriculture) are ways to get farmers the upfront cash they need to produce their bounty, and it

guarantees the purchaser an ample and awesome bounty of weekly produce. Plum Forest Farm and Hogsback are two Island farms that issue CSAs.

Or purchase a friend or relative credit at a farmstand. Nearly every Vashon farmstand of-fers such a service. Visit the Vashon Island Grow-ers Association Web site — vigavashon.org — to find a list of Island farmers.

Give a calendar thatcelebrates a remarkable place

AlTo — the Alliance for Tompotika Conserva-tion — is a Vashon-based organization working to

protect the remarkably rich natural heritage of Sulawesi, Indo-nesia, and it’s doing so in a way that promotes the dignity and self-sufficiency of the region’s local communities.

Its 2010 calendar, a first for the small organiza-tion, is a case in point. The richly hued illustra-tions were drawn by 12 Su-lawesi youth, a pride piece for them and their community and a celebration of their region’s irreplaceable natural heritage.

The calendar is available at Books by the Way, the Vashon Bookshop and Giraffe.

Six gifts that help the world


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Those who want their holiday dollars to help the Earth and its inhabitants have some great options on Vashon.

1 Buy a tree, help the land trust

Every year, the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust holds a native plant and tree sale, its biggest fundraiser of the year.

Here’s your chance to purchase a frangrant mock or-ange, a vibrant vine maple or a red-flowering currant — and support a fantastic Island nonprofit. Place your order by Dec. 15; pick-up is Jan. 9. For more informa-tion, visit vashonlandtrust.org.

6

2

Support music that makes a differenceThree new CDs are available at Vashon Island Music that not only offer up great music but also

support efforts to make our world a healthier place. Consider Bob Dylan’s 47th album, “Christmas in the Heart,” which supports feedingamerica.org. Or “Dark was the Night,” an indie-rock compilation that includes David Byrne, Ben Gibbard and Spoon, and that helps The Red Hot Organization, a group

dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture. Or “Heroes,” an album that benefits War Child International, a network of organizations working across the world to help children affected by war.

5

Adopt a wolfWolftown, an all-volunteer organization that

operates on a shoestring, is working to protect wolves, rehabilitate injured wildlife and teach predator-friendly agriculture.

Run by Islanders T Martino and Pete Yamamoto, the orga-nization offers a home to 11 wolves, animals that help educate visitors to the vital role these predators play in our ecosystem. But the group struggles to pay the bills, and one way Island-ers can help Wolftown continue its vital mission is to adopt a wolf. For $75, you can adopt a wolf — “virtually,” T notes — and, in return, receive a laminated photo and biography of the wolf as well as a yearlong membership in Wolftown. Visit wolftown.org for more information.

3

Buy a book that keeps on giving

Dorothy Bauer’s collection of small, home-spun books about Islanders — she’s now on her

fourth one — is fun, quirky and full of good tales about your neighbors. And best of all, sales of “Islanders, Meet Your Neigh-bors,” as she calls the collections, support Islanders in need. So far, proceeds from the book have brought in more than $3,000 to the Island’s Interfaith Council on Homelessness.

They can be found in Island book stores, the Vashon Phar-macy and Thriftway.

4

Pamper a loved one with a gift certifi cate!

Candy Jennings 463-3571

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Support our local farmers

Give a loved one the gift of fresh farm produce — and help support our local farms

— by purchasing a CSA share. CSAs (short for commu-nity supported agriculture) are ways to get farmers the

tion, visit vashonlandtrust.org.

6

gift cards & certificatesyou’ll love to give

Local gift cards and certi� cates for Island services or merchandise are great for

family, friends, hostesses, teachers & more. Let them know about your gift cards and certi� cates!

[email protected] Vashon Hwy S.W. • 463-0061

Island Reikiby

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VASHONVASHONThriftway

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463-3852M–F 8am–7pmSat. 8am–6pmSun. 8am–5pm

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Come see Santa! He’ll be at the store handing out Candy Canes Monday, Dec. 21st & Wednesday, Dec. 23rd

10 am to 2:00 pm

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Sale good thru December 15, 2009 on items above.

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Shop our Specialties Department for

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Save 10% Good thru Dec. 31st 2009. Coupon good only at Vashon Thriftway. PLU 1560

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SAVE $1.00 per poundIsland Market Bulk Coffee-Freshly roasted for Vashon Thriftway. Select from our large variety and get $1.00 off per pound!

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Wine Specialpound!

Sale good thru December 15, 2009

Purchase 6 bottles of wine and get a

FREE reusable wine bag and get 10% off any non “As Advertised” wine.

Holiday Hours:Christmas Eve ‘til 6pmClosed Christmas Day

c205_vib-holidaygiftguide

Documents

gift cards

president of kiwanis

kiwanis president

kiwanis tag trees

vashon kids

kiwanis toy drive

original kiwanis tag

island children