From teaching yourself that instrument you’ve had your heart set on to taking the family on a holiday themed driving tour of the island, there is much to do on this beautiful island. Especially during a pandemic.
Start Your Holiday Celebrations
According to the Chamber of Commerce, this year’s Winterfest and annual tree lighting celebrations have been canceled. No need to fret! Islanders have already begun their personal holiday light endeavors. Pack everyone into the car and tour the island in search of beautifully lit buildings and lakes. Currently you can enjoy the sparkly views at John Deer Lake on Cemetery Road, the Roggenbuck place just north of Fir Ridge, Lower Gold Beach, Camp Burton, Engels and others all listed here on this map. Have your own lights set up? Submit a photo of your spectacular holiday lights display to the Chamber of Commerce and OCCU’s’ “Deck The Halls of Vashon” contest for your chance to win $500.
Cut your own Christmas tree from Augie’s, or the farm across from The Harbor School. Or, pickup one from the Eagles or the IGA parking lot. Interested in additional holiday greenery? Multiple roadside farm stands are offering fresh wreaths.
If you’re in the baking spirit, work by yourself or your family to create a Gingerbread house masterpiece. Drop off your house at Vashon Center for the Arts, from 12:00-4:00 PM on December 3rd or 4th, for your chance to win a $100 Thriftway gift card.
Enjoy the Arts – From Home or by Appointment
Thanks to the help of Vashon Events and talented performers we are all able to enjoy live concerts and educational performances from the safety of our homes. Log on this Friday, December 4th, at 6:00 PM to experience Michael Meade’s The Arc of Transformation or to take part in the virtual First Friday Gallery Cruise. Or, begin your Sunday with Vashon Islands Unitarian Fellowship Sunday Service, and continue the fun that day with a live stream concert that begins at 5:00 PM with Gus Reeves, move onto Michael Whitmore at 6:00 PM and conclude with Annie O’Neil & Amy Denio at 7:30 PM. Check Vashon Events regularly for consistent offerings.
If you are looking to get out of your house, stretch your legs and appreciate local artists: go discover the 21-artist mural creation, available for public viewing at the O Space through January 2nd. Or, appreciate Vashon Center for the Arts 14th annual, The Miniature Show, which is available to the public December 4th through the 24th.
The Vashon Heritage Museum wants to help you explore the history of Vashon’s Main Street – virtually. Visit vashonheritagemuseum.org for the tour itself and further information.
Pair these virtual events with take-home concessions from the Vashon Theatre, available to order on their website.
This year, Vashon Island Visual Artists are offering a unique program. Support island artists by making an appointment directly with them to tour their spaces and creations in a safe manner. For more information, as well as the list of participating artists, check vivartists.com or snag a guide from many island atorefronts.
Stay Active
Use all this time at home to take yourself and other loved ones on a walk to explore our beautiful island. Have you visited Upper Shinglemill recently? It got an impressive addition which connects it to Vashon Community Care. It is now home to a wheelchair accessible loop with a view, as well as the thigh-burning trails Shinglemill is known for. Looking for something with more views of our sound? Visit the Maury-Island Marine park for multiple trail offerings, all which include breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and the distant Commencement Bay. No matter where you are on island, you’re sure to find a walkable park near you. Find them all on vashonparks.org.
Looking to break a sweat? The Vashon Athletic Club (VAC), Vashon Strong, Island Yoga Center and others have online offerings for you to get that burn in the comfort of your own home. In addition to live sessions, VAC also has a selection of pre-recorded videos, all available without a membership. If you are looking to get out, visit the VACs outdoor gym.
Get Crafty
Vashon is fortunate as to have not only the King County library, which has altered its usual practices to allow for curbside pickup and drop off, but also has a music instrument and tool library.
From vashonevents.org you are able to select your desired instrument from their available assortment, submit your request for rental, and from there collect your newfound hobby! Pair this instrument with instruction from one of Vashon’s many talented music teachers, this list also available through Vashon Events.
Looking to complete a home project? Vashon’s tool library streamlines this process for you by offering a wide variety of tools. All available to rent for authorized members through their website, vashontools.org, or from their physical location near the O-Space at 18870 103rd Ave.
Spread the Love
Heading into a holiday season impeded upon by a global pandemic, we all need a little more love and care. Similarly, our community members do as well – pets and plants included.
Vashon Island Pet Protectors’ volunteers are available, by appointment, year-round in hopes of connecting you with one of their lovely pets. If there’s no more room in the house for an extra body, considering donating at vipp.org
Kathy’s Corner is a local hub for all thing’s flora. Stop by Kathy’s to take in the wonderful sights and smells (Yes! The smells can make their way through masks), purchase a new addition for that sun-filled corner, or for expert input on your green thumb query’s.
Spreading the love to our community can also take the form of donating to the Food Bank, the John L. Scott Toy Drive, the Vashon Events EOY Giving Campaign, the Vashon Theatre, buying gift certificates to your favorite shops and eateries, or supporting neighbors with your time and skills while utilizing the program on vashon.timebanks.org.
