Timeline

2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009

2000

January -

• Jan. 3 - Lone Star Northwest changes name to Glacier Northwest

 

March -

• VPD opens Jensen Point Boathouse

 

August -

• VPD improves Agren Park
  

• Vashon Community Care Center opens 40 apartment assisted living facility, 30-bed nursing home and five day-a-week- adult care program contracted with Providence Mount St.- Vincent.
  

• Tom Stewart purchases 140 acres from Robert and Betsy Sestrap - all but 15 acres where Sestrap home and buildings located - thay also keep 60 acre parcel of old Wax Orchards

 

October -

• Christensen Pond purchased as bird sanctuary by Vashon Audubon and Land Trust

 

November -

• Commissioner of Public Lands Jennifer Belcher denies Lone
  Star Northwest’s request to renew its aquatic lands lease

 

December -

• Commissioner of Public Lands Jennifer Belcher designates Vashon-Maury's marine ecosystem as an aquatic reserve; Glacier Northwest sues Belcher and lawsuit is settled in 2002

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2001

March -

• Village Green improved - VPD, King County and Vashon Island
  Growers Association

 

July -

• K2 closes ski plant on Vashon

 

September -

• Friends of Ober Park opens new Children’s Playground
  

• St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Dockton suspends regular services

2002

May -

• Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife issues a Hydraulic Project Approval for Lone Star dock expansion King County requires Lone Star Northwest to apply for county shoreline permits before applying for building permits for dock expansion

 

June -

• Orca named Keiko captured off Vashon to be re-located to pod on West Coast of Vancouver Island.- In area off Vashon since January.

 

September -

• Washington State Department of Natural Resources establishes the Aquatic Reserve Program
  

• VPD completes Jensen Point toilets
  

• Lone Star Northwest applies for King County shoreline permit to expand dock (denied by King County March 2004)
  

• K2 distribution moves from Vashon to Fife
  

• Land Trust acquires Mukai and Meadowlake Ponds

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2003

May -

• VPD publishes Walks, Trails and Parks on Vashon Island.

 

October -

• ex-Catus Coast Guard bouy tender towed to Maury Island shore by owner and abandoned - navigation and environmental hazard - not removed until Dec 2008

2004

March -

• King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) denies Glacier's permit application.

 

April -

• Glacier appeals King County denial of shoreline permit to State Shoreline Hearings Board
  

• Land Trust and King Count develop 350 acre Island center Forest

 

Summer -

• Public hearings on Maury Island aquatic preserve

 

Fall -

• Glacier sues Dow Constantine, Ron Sims & DDES

 

September -

• County-wide .172 mill capital bond to expand King County Library System approved - Vashon promised a new 10,000 sq. ft. branch library

 

October -

• 15 -Oil spill in Dalco Passage south of Vashon/Maury Island

• King County Council approves three controversial ordinances, known collectively as the Critical Areas Ordinance or CAO, that limit rural development, in an effort to protect the environment and comply with the state Growth Management Act's requirement that regulations be based on the "best available science."

 

November -

• Shoreline Hearings Board releases decision reversing King County's denial of Glacier Northwest's permit; court date set for July 11, 2005
  
• Maury Island Aquatic Reserve formally established by Commissioner's Order for a period of 90 years

 

December -

• King County, Preserve Our Islands, People for Puget Sound, and the Washington Environmental Council all file separate appeals of the Shoreline- Hearings Board's -decision in King County Superior Court
  
• Glacier Northwest applies for King County Building Permit to construct new dock and loading facility

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2005

• Grannie’s Attic celebrates 30 years supporting Vashon Health Center

 

January -

• King County Superior Court Judge Sharon Armstrong issued a temporary stay on Kings County's permits for Glacier's dock
  
• January 28 -- oil spill in Dalco Passage - quick response - contained

 

March -

• King County issues building permit to Glacier Northwest for construction of new dock and loading facility- POI appeals decision to King County Superior Court
  
• Land Trust and King County protect Island Center Forest 371 acres
  
• Controversy over proposed King County Sensitive Areas Ordinance - Attempted recall of Councilmen Dow Constantine by extreme
  property rights group -
  
• Tokio “Tok” Otsuka dies - born on Vashon 1923 - graduated Vashon High School 1941 - Interned during WW II - joined Army fought with 442nd RCT - returned to island and farmed berries
  
• POI “Preserve Our Islands” fires attorney John Arum - controversy over“Not Now, Not Ever” approach vs. negotiation approach
  
• Court of appeals rules in favor of Glacier Northwest on dock expansion.
  
• Draft Watershed Plan presented - much controversy over “moratorium”on new construction -
  
• State of Washington and Metro discuss Metro taking over passenger onlyferry operation
  
• Vashon School District develops “Campus Master Plan” for capital improvements and buildings
  
• Proposal for Hospital District on Vashon-Maury Island.
  
• Water District 19 and POW (Preserve Our Water) reach agreement over Beall water rights - potentially allows the District to offer new water shares.
  
• Car and travel trailer destroyed by fire - 911 call on cell phone went to Kipsap County Sherriff - new off island 911 service not working well

 

September -

• Cherry Champaign wins VSD “Doors of Opportunity Award”
  
• Vashon-Maury Island Watershed Plan - declares Vashon “has no hydraulic connection” with either Kitsap or King County - declares Vashon a sole source aquifer - adopted by Vashon-Maury Island Community Council-
  
• Jason Everett - VAA Director resigns after 7.5 years as Director
  
• Passenger Only Ferry Service drops from 16 total runs per day to 6 - decline of ferry service -
  
• VAA Auction - $146,000 raised - VAA budget increased from $ 350,000 in 1998 to $700,000 in 2005
  
• Israel Shotridge, Tlingit Master Carver unveils Totem pole for U.S . Forrest Service Building in Washington, D.C.
  
• Subway Sandwich shop comes to Vashon - first franchised restaurant since Dairy Queen closed

 

October -

• L Pod of Orcas cruise along east side of Vashon -
  
• Odin Lonning, Tlingit Carver, dedicates totem pole at Everett Community College
  
• VashonMap.com - Andrew Marvell debuts web site
  
• PTSA Auction raises $47,000 for Vashon schools
  
• Tahlequah dock expanded to accept larger vehicles

 

November -

• Blanche Caffiere dies - had recently celebrated her 100th Birthday - Island writer and historian
  
• Election -- Fire, Water and School Boards
  
• Land Trust, King County and Cascade Land Conservancy initiate Maury Island Conservation Initiative to protect nearshore habitat

 

December -

• Vashon Island Fire and Rescue - new Board sworn in -- conflict over decisions of previous Board 1. New fire station at Inspiration Point, 2. Contract for island Emergency Care, and 3. 911 call center off Island.
  
• Kat Eggleston - island born musician - concert at Cafe Luna

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2006

• Land Trust begins Shinglemill Creek Log Project to restore Shinglemill CreekLand Trust and Vashon Park District hire summer interns through the Student Conservation Association - habitat restoration projects Land Trust initiates Trails Program

 

January -

• Mary Matsuda Gruenewald - “Looking Like the Enemy” 2004 - talk about her book and experience of Japanese-Americans on Vashon

 

February -

• Vote to create Vashon King County Public Hospital District No. 5 fails -- 71% No, 29% Yes -
  
• Prle Mack dies - veteran of WW II, Korea and Vietnam Wars
  
• Flu hits Vashon schools - 22.3% of students out of school ill
  
• King County issues building permit to Glacier Northwest to construct dock

 

March -

• State Appeals Court agrees to review Shoreline Hearing Board decision of Nov 2004 to overturn King County denial of Glacier permits to mine on Maury Island
  
• VIFR new Ladder truck arrives - controversial

 

April -

• Title XI complaints supporting girls on Vashon Wresting Team - Opponent schools refuse to wrestle girl wrestlers
• Wilson fired as VIFR Chief
  
• Tom Stewart announces move to Arizona -
  
• Vashon School District - policy to expel anyone attacking another on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation
  
• Bill Kirschner - founder of K2 dies

 

May -

• 6% increase in ferry fares - Motorcycles increase 11-16%
  
• 16th Annual VAA Garden Tour -
• Bounty of Keister - Capt. John Burke - win Pacific Challenge
  
• 3 Vashon boats win Swiftsure Race - Alex Wigley’s Freedon X First in Div D, Pete Clark’s Cheetah First in Div J, Steve Tuck’s Darby Third in Div E
  
• Vashon School District receives $2 million settlement from Wick Construction for construction faults at Chautauqua
  
• CERT Teams organized - Community Emergency Response
  
• Vashon home to Backbone Campaign - large puppets of “Chain Gang” - Bush, Chaney, Rice, Rumsfeld

 

June -

• VHS Class of 2006 - 132 graduates
  
• K2 Corporation closes Vashon offices and moves to Seattle
  
• Dispute over water shares for proposed Inn in Vashon Town
  
• State Appeals Court uphold Shoreline Hearings Board decision to approve Glacier Northwest mine and dock on Maury Island
  
• Vashon beaches closed - high levels of PSP toxins in shellfish

 

July -

• Vashon Allied Arts celebrates 40th anniversary
  
• Tacoma Tall ships - moor in QM Harbor for evening before sail to Tacoma
  
• VIFR Chief Wilson fined $1000 by State Public Disclosure Commission for improper use of public office in campaign
  
• Report to VIFR Board - no hostile work environment for Chief Wilson and Asst. Chief Fowler
  
• Strawberry Festival - Clayton Williams Grand Marshall
  
• Island Domestic Violence Outreach Services former director guilty of theft of $29,000 in funds
  
• Last 4th of July Fireworks sponsored by Tom Stewart
  
• Wolftown permitted for wildlife rehabilitation
  
• 6 swimmers rescued of Point Heyer (KVI Beach) - VIFR Rescue boat out of service - windsurfer rescues them -- Coast Guard rescue boat accompanies rescuer to the beach
  
• POI, King County, and People for Puget Sound appeal Appeals Court ruling on Glacier Northwest mine to State Supreme Court -

 

August -

• Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Museum opens
  
• Island Earth Faire -
  
• Vashon College Open House
  
• “Everyday Hero” David Tempelton for rescuing girl stranded on raft off KVI Beach in July
  
• Vashon Household Eernisse Apartments dedicated to Fred Eernisse
  
• King County Brownfields Analysis of Beall Greenhouses and Ellis Creek

 

September -

• Vashon Library celebrates 90th and 60th anniversaries - 1916 First Library in Burton - 1946 Vashon Library Building in townVashon Library has twice the circulation of libraries for comparable sized communities
  
• Vashon College Vashon 101 Inaugural Cruise around Island

 

October -

• Vashon Disaster Prepardeness Coalition (VDPC later becomes Vashon BePrepared) holds disaster drill

 

November -

• Leslie Brown new editor of Vashon Beachcomber

 

December- -

• Wind Storm - power out to entire island - Fire Station open as Emergency Shelter - some out of power 7 days - 70 mph gusts - worst storm since Columbus Day storm of 1962 - 30 trees down on Cedarhurst Road - night temperatures in 20’s
  
• King County purchases 3.1 acres of Ellis Creek estuary - Land Trust and King County share watershed stewardship
  
• Poetry Post dedicated at Village Green -
  
• Vashon Gay Pride Alliance Highway Cleanup sign defaced, bent and spray painted pink
  
• National Marine Fisheries Service letter to Army Corps of Engineers - impact of Glacier mine “insignificant” on orca whales
  
• VMICC calls for ferry service to be restored to 2001 levels -28% loss in service sine 2001 - 10% cut in discount rates
  
• Corps of Engineers enters into discussions with NOAA/NMFS regarding endangered orcas and will decide by end of year whether to grant Federal dock permit
  
• Dockton Road closed at Tramp Harbor for first phase of seawall replacement
  
• Tompotika Alliance formed - Alliance for Tompotika Conservation
  
• Margaret Heffelfinger publishes “Not Necessarily News: A Collection of My Newsworthy Newspaper Columns.”

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2007

January -

• Pat Collier “habitat hero” by People for Puget Sound - removed bulkhead form Maury Island home - model for restoring waterfront habitat
  
• Land Trust adds 19 acre section in Paradise Valley
  
• King County allocates $48 million to fix 3 roads - Tramp Harbor Road north and south of dock, Vashon Highway south of Burton
  
• Monkey Tree in Vashon Town cut down - 75 years old - damaged in wind storm

 

February -

• Vashon Oil Incident Support and Education (VOISE) receives grant from State Department of Ecology for work in oil spill issues
  
• Vashon Park District and King County Library System in conflict over remodel of Library at Ober Park -
  
• Erik Poulsen introduces three new bills in WA legislature to uphold aquatic reserve and stop Glacier project. None pass

 

March -

• Toby Welch - founder of Harbor School resigns
  
• Vashon School District bans publication of article about staff member in Riptide student newspaper
  
• King County Brownfield Program begins cleanup at Ellisport - Greenhouse bunker oil contamination from 1920s-1960s

 

April -

• King County Library System looking for new library site not at Ober Park
  
• K2 site for sale
  
• Vashon School District Superintendent Walker placed on administrative leave by the School Board --- “lack of candor and transparency regarding Superintendent decisions.”- Probable cause to terminate Walker for “paying herself overtime - not authorized by the Board.”
  
• Washington State Ferry System introduces new electronic “Wave to Go” ticket system
  
• Vashon Disaster Preparedness Coalition renames itself Vashon Be Prepared (VBP)-----
  
• King County creates County Ferry District - fist step toward County operated passenger only ferries

 

May -

• 2.5% ferry fare increase
  
• Vashon School Board hires Terry Lindquist as interim Superintendent
  
• Tahlequah Store demolished
  
• Wastewater Plant dedicated -
  
• PTSA Auction raises $120,000
  
• IFR to stop calling Island Emergency Care for ambulance service - onflict between owner and VIFR staff
  
• Vashon School Board votes to dismiss Superintendent Walker

 

June -

• Real Estate Market cools
  
• K2 Commons and King County Library possible relocation of Library to K2 Commons
  
• Vandals destroy historic 1920s stained glass window at Vashon Presbyterian Church
  
• Vashon Inn developer denied watershare “reshuffle” by District 19
  
• Backbone Campaign benefit - 30 Island musicians

 

July -

• Auge Takatsuka dies - 86 - interned at Tule Lake during WW II- 442nd Regimental Combat Team
  
• Vashon College, Vashon Island Energy, Vashon True Value and Puget Sound Energy subsidize low cost energy effciet light bulbs - Vashon uses 16-21% more energy than other PSE customer areas
  
• 90th Strawberry Festival - Joe Ulatoski Grand Marshall

 

August -

• Vashon YMCA to closes
  
• Murder - 53 year old man killed by 23 year old landlord

 

September --

• Senator Erik Poulsen 34th District resigns - Representative Joe McDermott appointed as replacement - Sharon Nelson replaces McDermott as Representative
  
• Misty Isle Farm for sale - $125 million
  
• VIFR loses suit over gender discrimination in hiring

 

October -

• Alien species of tunicate (sea snail) found in QM Harbor
  
• Water District 19 - 70 on waiting list for water share -

 

November -

• Brian Brenno opens new glass studio
  
• School Board election - all incumbents lose - reaction to Walker firing
  
• Tom Devries - 40 million year old penguin named for his discovery - Perudypte devreisi

 

December -

• K2 Commons - Heritage Group Ltd. Proposes to purchase K2 site and turn it into commercial and community center for the island - ‘Island-wide hub” - Health Center, Grannie’s Attic, Island non-profits, recreational facilities, etc.
  
• Mike Kirk named acting Chief VIFR
  
• K2 Commons Open House - 100 islander attend
  
• Proposal to create Colvos Passage Aquatic Reserve
  
• Land Trust reches goal of conserving 1,000 acres
  
• Biggers vs Bainbridge Island - “No local government may impose regulations that are in conflict with the state's general laws. ..” Impacts Glacier fight over Maury Island Mine

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2008

January -

• Questions about K2 Commons for-profit plan - consumer vs.community approach
  
• School busses vandalized - 5 damaged - - of District fleet
  
• Vashon Airport lights vandalized
  
• State Supreme Court denies hearing of PIO challenge to Glacier Mine permit - opens way for construction of pier and opening of mine
  
• Legislation passes State House, fails in State Senate to consider sand and gravel at Glacier Northwest mine site belongs to State

 

February -

• Lucy Gurand headstone installed at her gravesite in Vashon Cemetery - “Puyallup Elder 1836-1929”
  
• Corps of Engineers approves Glacier construction of dock at Maury Island mine site -
  
• Ferry System reduces service from 3 boats to 2 boats for 1 month -

 

March -

• Betty MacDonald Centennial of birth - died Feb 1958 - VMIHA and Vashon Library host Centennial Celebration
  
• Tahlequah Ferry suspended for 3 days - financial difficulties in State Ferry System
  
• Survey of Island teens - “community laws and norms favor drug and alcohol use”
  
• State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond holds meeting - 250 Islanders attend

 

April -

• Misty Isle Farm for sale - $125 million asking price - 525 acres
  
• Bell Baldwin House at Fern Cove - refurbished into B&B by Vashon Park District
  
• K2 Commons - no takers on use of space
  
• VAA purchases McFeeds Building (former Zarth’s Garage) for expansion

 

May -

• First commercially grown pinot noir from grapes grown on Vashon by Vashon Winery owner Ron Irving made with grapes from Monument Farm Vineyard
  
• Vashon College and Rotary Foundation support Dolly Parton Imagination Library for Vashon - all children up to 5 years old who register receive one book each month
  
• Three Vashon historic barns receive grant for repairs
  
• Island Musician Pete Bruchas leaves $300,000 to VSD music programs - particularly jazz programs
  
• Governor Booth Gardner, Vashon resident, leads I-1000 Death With Dignity Initiative campaign
  
• Norman Edson Island photographer 1921-1968 works exhibited at Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Museum
  
• PTSA Auction raises $120,000 for schools
  
• “Math Is Cool” Vashon 4th, 5th, and 6th graders win 1st and 2nd place at Sate competition
  
• VPD opens Jensen Point Kayak Center

 

June -

• 18th Annual Garden Tour
  
• Vashon High School 116 seniors graduate
  
• Jean Cammon Findley of Vashon reads from new book “The Mosquito Fleet of South Puget Sound”
  
• 3rd Annual Point Robinson Low Tide Celebration -
  
• Proposed 4,600 sq. ft. waterfront home protested - concerns about “critical areas” and McMansion issue
  
• Black Bear sighted on Island
  
• Islanders build replica of 1950s hydroplane Miss Thriftway
  
• Humpback Whale at Tahlequah for 2 weeks - endangered species

 

July -

• 91st Annual Strawberry Festival - Paul Wallrof Grand Marshall
  
• Tacoma Tall Ships -- among them topsail schooners, brigantines, and gaff-rigged schooners -- sail from Quartermaster Harbor on Vashon Island into Commencement Bay for the second Tall Ships festival in Tacoma
  
• Sixth annual VIPP Fur Ball -
  
• Sixth annual Lavender Farm Tour
  
• Havurat Ee Shalom synagogue broken into and hateful words written on the walls - Interfaith gathering protests hateful acts
  
• Sue Nattrass of Vashon on Canada Olympic shooting team - 7 World Championships and 5 Olympic teams
  
• Army Corps of Engineers approves Glacier Northwest dock Construction - POI files appeal in US Court of Appeals
  
• School District moves offices to Chautauqua school to save money
  
• Divers discover safe at Tramp Harbor Dock - stolen from St. John Vianny Church
  
• School Board votes to close high school campus - seniors no longer allowed to leave campus for lunch
  
• King County assumes cost of operating passenger only ferry - King County Ferry District - $.055 per $1,000 value property tax

 

August -

• VMIHA Virginia V Historic Island Cruise
  
• Past Remembered III - published by Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association
  
• Islewilde Festival
  
• 8th Annual Heart of the Sound Triathalon (HOTS)
  
• Sharon Sikes Adams first woman to sail solo across the Pacific in 1965 vists her boat Sea Shape a 25 foot Danish Folkboat owned by John Janne of Maury Island
  
• Passenger only ferry captained by Marcia Morris of Vashon one of the few women skipper in the WSF System
  
• School vandalism - 20 windows and doors broken at high school and middle school
  
• Onion Dome placed on All Merciful Savior Orthodox Monestary
  
• Bridge and home at Oswalt property at Shinglemill Creek taken down by LandTrust as part of Shinglemill restoration
  
• Belle Baldwin House at Fern Cove opened as rental by Vashon Parks

 

September -

• Vashon Island Pet Protectors - opens new adoption center
  
• Tahlequah ferry - 48 car Rhododendron replaced by 34 car Hiyu for 1 month
  
• 18th Annual Isle of Vashon - sponsored by Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts (VME) - 1,200 participants
  
• Preserve Our Island sues Glacier in Federal Court - failure to oversee protection of endangered salmon and orcas
  
• Hank Lipe named new VIFR Chief
  
• Jim English resigns as VMICC Chair after 5 years
  
• Vashon High School recognized as “blue ribbon school: one of 4 in Washington State, one of 320 nationally - top 10% on standardized tests -
  
• King County Library signs pledge to move to K2 Commons site
  
• Raw milk controversy - King County Health orders stop of use of raw milk at 3 Island cafes
  
• POI claims gold found at Glacier site - state can not give away mineral rights
  
• Church of the Great Rain begins performances at Red Bicycle - Vashon’s version of Prairie Home Companion radio show
  
• Open Space for Art and Community Opens its doors

 

October -

• Island filmmaker David Rothmiller and L.D. Thompson debut film “For My Wife” about gay and lesbian marriage rights in Washington State
  
• Beachcomber wins 16 awards at Washington Newspaper Publishers Association
  
• Raab’s Lagoon Preserve - 143 acres, 1.75 miles of shoreline - 3 year effort by LandTrust, King County, and Cascade Land Conservancy
  
• Vashon-Maury Island Community Council - cancels election - to few candidates for positions to hold election
  
• School Board votes to tear down Vashon Elementary Gym - built for Vashon High School in 1919

 

November- -

• Church of the Great Rain, Prairie Home Companion type radio show- begins broadcasts
  
• President Election - 81% Obama, 18.5% McCain -- Governor Election -- 77% Gregoire, 23% Rossi
  
• VAA proposes new Arts Facility at Center
  
• King County re-zones K2 site from industrial to commercial with little public notice or discussion
  
• Vashon-Maury Island Community Council refuses to discuss K2re-zone issue - largest attendance at VMICC meeting ever
  
• Vashon Pirates in State division playoffs - lose 14-7 to Motesanto
  
• Vashon Rowing Club seniors win gold medal in Canada
  
• Recession of 2008 hits Island businesses
  
• VPD takes responsibility for Vashon Senior Center

 

December -

• The Loop Newspaper appeals for donations to keep publishing
  
• Water District 19 and Dan McClary reach agreement to allow smaller hotel to be built in Vashon Town
  
• Vashon Senior Center becomes affiliate of Vashon Park District
  
• Cactus, ex Coast Guard buoy tender is seized by King County - abandoned at Glacier mine site on Maury Island in 2003 -
  
• Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland approves 30 year tidelands lease to Glacier NW - within 24 hours Glacier NW begins construction of Maury island mine dock after 10 year process filled with controversy -- POI files appeal with King County Superior Court
  
• King County issues Notice to Proceed to Glacier Northwest - construction begins Dec 5
  
• Ice and Snowstorm - worse since 1952 - 10 days - schools closed
  
• Islanders protest move of King County Library to K2 Commons
  
• Gallery 070 closes - opened Sept 2004 - economic downturn
  
• Vashon High School named Silver School of Distinction in US News and World Report magazine's Best High Schools 2009 Search
  
• King County Historic and Scenic Corridors Project, Dockton Road Heritage Corridor “Growth of the Martinolich Shipyard at -Dockton in the 1910s was no doubt a factor in completion of -the road from Portage to Dockton, in place by 1913.”
  
• Land trust begins Judd Creek preservation campaign - one mile of stream- in Paradise Valley

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2009

January -

• Glacier Protest - 500+ protestors organized by Backbone Campaign and Protect Our Islands - Dow Constintine and Patrick Christie speak
  
• Christmas Bird Count - Dan Willsie reports 17 Western Grebes vs.366 in 2008 down from 1500-2000 in previous years
  
• December Food bank Drive nets $19,438 - Thriftway adds $5000
  
• Heavy wet snow Jan 4 - 3000 homes lose power - many cars stranded
  
• Islanders protest cuts to ferry service - 500+ at McMurray - 3-400 turned away
  
• Glacier NW halts work on pier as window for work closes
  
• Vashon Fire & Rescue suite by Lanora Hackett - not hired despite top score on exam and active volunteer with more calls than any other volunteer
  
• Obama Inauguration celebrated at Vashon Theater and Open Space
  
• State Supreme Court decides in favor of islander Armin Yousoufian - 12 year battle with King County to open records on sensitive area ordinance
  
• Mike Kirk retires from Vashon Island Fire & rescue - 40 years as volunteer, Assistant Chief, and Interim Chief
  
• King County purchases 300 feet of watrfron north of KVI to preserve the “drift cell system” 2.5 from Vashon landing to KVI - bluff loss replenishes KVI beach

 

February -

• Lanora Hackett wins suit against VIF&R - $150,000 emotional distress, $250,000 6 years pay, plus legal fees
  
• Solar Project - grant from PSE - Land Trust Building and VashonHousehold’s Charter Home fitted with solar panels
  
• King County Library Board directs KCLS to resume discussions with VPD to keep library at Ober Park
  
• Two Island business close because of “credit crunch” - Vashon Auto Parts and Backbay Inn -
  
• Fire Chief Lipe promises to change VIFR culture
  
• WSFS two plans for north end ferry - Plan A - breakup triangle route - 3 separate routes with Hiyu on Vashon-Southworth - Plan B - reduce 3 boats to 2 - Southend replace Rhody with Hiyu
  
• Newly elected Public Lands Commissioner Goldmark to review Glacier NW land lease
  
• VHS Pirates 5th consequtive Nisqually league BB title
  
• VPD Board resolution to have KC Library in Ober Park
  
• Misty Isle Estate for sale for $125 million - 530 acres - no buyers - lay off 4 of 8 employees
  
• Islanders and other ferry users deliver petition signed by 8,000 to Olympia requesting Wa State support ferry system funding
  
• L Pod - 40 orcas transit Colvos Passage
  
• Sylvie Shiosaki wins 2nd State Wrestling Championship at 112 lbs

 

March -

• VHS Boys BB win 1-A Tri-District Tournament Title
  
• VHS Boys BB win State 1-A Championship
  
• Michael Stoltman named new VSD Superintendent
  
• VSD Bond issue fails at polls - 1st time in 29 years - 51% no to 49% yes - need 60% to pass
  
• Voice of Vashon install new antenna for north end
  
• Tulip tree on Bank Road taken down - losing limbs in storms
  
• Elsie Ibsen dies at age 88 - grand daughter of early settlers

 

April -

• Vashon Community Council Survey about Library location - 28% response - 70% want KC Library at Ober Park
  
• Vashon Opera Company Formed - Jennifer Krikawa President and Artistic Director
  
• 6 of 10 Island business sell to underage drinkers in State Liquor Control Board sting
  
• 1/3 of VHS students support National Day of Silence supporting LGBTO students
  
• Sharon Nelson (D-Vashon) named Legislator of the Year by House Democrats
  
• K2 Commons developers propose moving VHS to the site
  
• Vashon Tile Guild initiates Vashon Tile Project
  
• Jim Smith dies - operated Portage Store 1969 to 2001
  
• US Bank Mural unveiled - Will Forrester artist
  
• 20th Anniversary of Vashon Island Chorale

 

May -

• Dockton Road Project 92 year old road - opened in 1917 - planned rebuild costs $31 million
  
• Hiyu replaces Rhody 34 vs 48 cars at south end for 1 month
  
• VSD $ 1 million shortfall
  
• Liquor Store to move to main street Vashon town center -
  
• Kathy Abascal - “eating for Health and Weight Loss” seminars
  
• Chris Szala replaces Sam Hendricks as Director of VashonHousehold
  
• VPD to take over maintenance of VSD athletic fields
  
• VAA receives $1.1 million State grant for exhibition space, performance space, and classrooms - also $75,000 King Co grant
  
• Beachcomber moves to Tabloid Format - less expensive
  
• 1st Island case of H1N1 swine flu
  
• Water District 19 has 77 customers on waiting list requesting 343 water shares
  
• Coach Paul Wollrof inducted into Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame - UPS Football Coach 1966-1994 - now coaches Vashon Youth Football
  
• Vashon island Junior Crew takes home 33 medals from regionals

 

June -

• King County Library Board chooses Ober Park for new branch library site after larger protests by islander over proposed move to K2 Commons
  
• Vashon Island Golf and Country Club struggles during economic downturn
  
• VIFR settles out-of-court with Lanora Hackett - details not specified
  
• VSD to cut bus service to reduce costs
  
• 19th Annual VAA Garden Tour
  
• VHS Graduation - June 13
  
• Alex Wigley and boat Freedom X finishes in 2nd place overall in Swiftsure Classic Sailboat Race - Karl Haflinger Xiphius finished 3rd overall - both island boats and crews
  
• Campaign to raise funds to help save teacher jobs led by Laura Wishnik
  
• VPD celebrates 25th year
  
• VMIHA K2 Exhibit - Kirschner Family and Olympic Ski Champion Steve Mahre attend opening
  
• Vashon Firefighter’s Association (Volunteers) disbands - gives 1974 Association building to VIFR - declining participation after professional firefighters hired and Hackett debacle

 

July -

• Leo Montague Grand Marshall of Strawberry Festival
  
• Vashon Youth Hostel for sale - opened 27 years
  
• New VSD Superintendent Michael Soltman takes over
  
• Strawberry Festival - ---------
  • 1909-1940 Strawberry Festival
  • 1946-1949 Peach Festival
    
  • 1950-1953 Harvest festival
    
  • 1954-1979 Vashon Island Festival
    
  • 1980-Present Strawberry Festival
• Cage Fighting at Strawberry festival - not official - great controversy
  
• LoAnne Forschmeidt Unofficial mayor of Vashon
  
• Odin Lonning Island Tlingit Artist “Tlingit Shaman/Bear House Chief” sculpture at Washington State History Museum
  
• Gene Admondson 65 dies - Presidential Candidate for Prohibition Party

 

August -

• VMIHA exhibit of Abby William Hill paintings and drawing - Hill lived summers on Vashon from 1895 to 1906 and painted and drew local scenes
  
• New priest at St. Jon Vianny - Father Marc Powell
  
• Vashon Ukulele Festival - Herb Ohta, Jr.and Michael Powers
  
• 175 Islander participate in 1st Island Relay for Life
  
• 5 Island non-profits agree to cooperate during economic downturn
  • Interfaith Council on Homelessness
    
  • Vashon Community Care Center
    
  • Vashon-Maury Community Food bank
    
  • Vashon HouseHold
    
  • Vashon Youth and Family Services
• Record high temperatures - 103 degree F
  
• Johnny Depp rumored move to Vashon false
  
• Editorial - Water Conservation Efforts Working - Water District 19 reports 2004 heat wave 960,00 gallons used - 2009 heat wave 790,000 gallons used
  
• VSD Board approves demolishing 1919 VHS Gym - $64,000 costs
  
• 4-H Rock Riders win trophy and ribbons at King County Fair
  
• 9th District Court Judge Ricardo Martinez halts Glacier NW construction on new/replacement pier - rules to review scientific data on impacts on endangers species salmon and orcas - “which rain drop caused the flood?”
  
• Glacier NW appeals Martinez decision to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco
  
• Protest at Glacier NW site - 250 show up - turns into a celebration
  
• Electrical storms cause widespread power outages
  
• Vashon students perform above average on State WASL exams
  
• Competing editorial letters about Tourism on Vashon Melinda Sontgerath - pro; Mik Kuhlman - con
  
• King County Library to expand Ober Park Library by 3,800 sq. feet
  
• Vashon Winery 2nd Annual Folk festival
  
• 18th Annual Islewilde Festival - “Tales from and Organ Grinder”
  
• “Vashon Island Child 2009” Special Insert about schools
  
• Teen Drug Use Survey - 50% of HS Seniors use marijuana in last 30 days - 23% statewide - 10th and 12th graders use higher than state average
  
• Personal Character stories - Amy Carey PIO, Hank Lipe VIFR
  
• Island Center Forest wins Certification by Forest Stewardship Council - Vashon Forest Stewards and Friends of Island Center Forest
  
• “For My Wife” documentary by Vashon filmmakers David Rothmiller and L.D. Thompson premiers

 

September -

• Vashon Health Community Network wins $115,000 grant renewable for 9 years to address attitudes, norms and environment about drug use
  
• 1919 VHS Gym to be demolished by sustainable methods - 2006 declared unsafe for public use
  
• Great Tomato Taste-Off - Saturday Market
  
• Editorial Letter - “PIO Win” - Sharon Nelson, Brenda Moore, Libby McLarty, J. W. Turner, Amy Carey - Vashon’s tenacity helped secure PIO’s win
  
• Island Energy Plan Developed by island organizations - VashonBePrepared, VIFR, King County Sheriff, Puget Sound Energy, VSD
  
• Vashon Dreamboats Calendar released - fundraiser for schools
  
• Sound Food Reunion - 1st opened in 1993
  
• Al Watts (Dockton) - Appleyard Farm “King of Corn” at Puyallup Fair
  
• Island roads resurfaced by King County - 26 miles total - 5 miles with new asphalt $950,000 -- 21 miles with chip seal $990,000
  
• Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie issue “Twilight Series” of coffees
  
• WSFS decides not to eliminate 10PM Tahlequah run
  
• Glacier NW VP and GM Mark Leatham - letter argues counter to PIO and Court decision
  
• Vashon Opera debuts - Pucinni’s La Boheme
  
• 1st Vashon Energy Fair - PSE and WISEnergy sponsor
  
• Special Beachcomber Insert “A Sense of Place - Celebrating Our Island Heritage”- VPD celebrates 25 years and Land Trust celebrate 20 years
  
• Vashon readies for H1N1 swine flu pandemic
  
• Sylvan beach 6 otters killed for fouling owners boat - community deeply divided
  
• Monday Sept 21 - Passenger Only catamaran begins operation under new King County Ferry District
  
• Comedian Jeremy Holtz at Vashon Theater
  
• VMIHA receives grant for archive preservation
  
• VAA 32nd Art Auction
  
• Vashon property vales fall by 8.4%
  
• VAA announces “Arts and Humanities” Lecture series
  
• Five Vashon farms open for Farm Tour

 

October -

• King County announces closing Vashon Pool, VPD seeks to take responsibility
  
• Historical Marker for Dockton Trail installed
  
• Beachcomber launches 4 Community Blogs
  
• 2 additional sailings added at Tahlequah ferry
  
• Super-pod of 60 orcas (killer whales) in Colvos Passage
  
• Mukai Farm and Garden go on the market - later pulled off
  
• Logs being illegally taken from Gold Beach shoreline
  
• King County dismissed suit by Tom Bangasser against rezone of K2 property
  
• Beachcomber Vashon’s Women in Business supplement
  
• 1st case of H1N1 flu virus on Vashon
  
• Wild Women Expresso (orthend ferry dock) closes after 30 years
  
• Diver buoy installed at KVI Reef
  
• High school dance “grinding” becomes issue

 

November -

• 4-year study of health of Inner Quartermaster harbor - $625,000 grant - UW, King County, Washington State Department of Ecology
  
• King County 7-year study of Vashon water - posted on KC web site
  
• Ginger Nocera appointed to coordinated project on teen substance abuse on Vashon History
  
• UMO 20th Anniversary
  
• Vashon School District bans “grinding” at school dances
  
• $2.7 million Technology and Maintenance School Levy passes 72%
  
• $1.3 million School operating levy passes 69%
  
• H1N1 flu - 20% of McMurray, 10% VHS, 10% Chautauqua
  
• Chimney fire in Cemetery Road house - firefighters there in 6 minutes
  
• Community Council meeting on Tourism, 60 attend
  
• Rosser Family and Vashon School District + Vashon Park District in dispute over 1947 easement granted the family without documentation for construction of new Vashon Fields
  
• Irene Otis fence - “Message of Hope” - “After the Dark Comes the Light”
  
• Puget Sound Zen Center makes offer on Mukai property - but rejected
  
• Operation Quilt Drop raises $10,000 for American Hero Quilts
  
• Express Cuisine restaurant re-opens in Vashon Town
  
• Smith Brother’s Dairy to deliver Vashon island Coffee Roasterie coffee
  
• Vashon Theatre loses $10,000 in digital equipment to theft

 

December -

• Berkeley Breathed reads “Red Rider Comes Calling” benefit for Vashon Community Care Center
  
• 10th Annual Blue Heron Dance “Nutcracker”
  
• Fisher Pond freezes - skaters use for 6 days during cold weather
  
• Vashon Island Heritage Digital Archive comes on-line - Laurie Tucker and Rayna Holtz responsible
  
• Vashon Chamber of Commerce moves offices to Vashon Village
  
• Vashon Land Trust opens Shinglemill Creek Trail
  
• Federal Government will not appeal Judge Martineze’s ruling to halt Glacier development of mining site on Maury Island
  
• Helen Puz identifies son Dan as boy who left bicycle next to the “Bicycle Tree” in 1954

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