Alex Bruell

3 weeks ago | vashonbeachcomber.com | Alex Bruell

Vashon Health Care District commissioners interviewed six candidates to fill an open seat on the board during the district’s March 19 commissioners meeting. “Any one of you would adequately, at least, serve as that fifth person,” said board chair Tom Langland, calling the roster of candidates a “can’t-lose situation.”The six bring a range of financial, clinical, communications and legal knowledge.

3 weeks ago | vashonbeachcomber.com | Alex Bruell

From septic systems to shorelines and gardens, islanders have lots of resources available to learn about and improve their stewardship of their homes and properties — and many of those resources are taxpayer-funded. Put your local government to good use, learn something new and connect with your neighbors by taking advantage of these classes, workshops and trainings. Septic Workshops Want to learn more about your septic system, how to maintain it or address other problems?

4 weeks ago | vashonbeachcomber.com | Alex Bruell

Kit Gruver, human resources manager of island medical model producer Sawbones, recalls a conversation with an employee that captures the dysfunction of Vashon’s housing economy. “You’re really knocking it out of the park,” Gruver told the employee. “It’s probably time for a raise.”But the employee demurred, Gruver recalled: “Don’t give me a raise. I’m eligible for housing through Vashon HouseHold right now, and if you give me a raise, I won’t be anymore, and I won’t have anywhere to go.

4 weeks ago | vashonbeachcomber.com | Alex Bruell

The Friends of Mukai have earned a $45,000 grant to construct a memorial sculpture at Ober Park commemorating the 1942 victims of Japanese exile and incarceration. The organization, which oversees and maintains the historical Mukai property, announced the grant award on Thursday, March 20. The sculpture will honor the legacy of the 111 Vashon residents of Japanese ancestry who were exiled from their homes on Vashon Island on May 16, 1942.

4 weeks ago | vashonbeachcomber.com | Alex Bruell

Forecasted severe weather, including possible hail and a thunderstorm, has islanders and organizations preparing for challenges. The National Weather Service is predicting heavy rain, possible hail, strong winds, thunderstorms and even the small chance of a tornado today (March 26) in the afternoon and evening. (Visit weather.gov/sew for up-to-date weather information.)Both Puget Sound Energy and The Washington State Ferries are predicting challenges from the storm, according to Voice of Vashon.