Dahlias take center stage

What’s the most beautiful flower that blooms in autumn? Is it the adorable aster, the regal rose, the classy chrysanthemum or the sassy sunflower? For many people, the most beautiful and challenging fall flower is the dazzling dahlia in all its many colors, sizes and configurations. But how do you grow them in the Pacific Northwest?

At its next meeting on Monday, Oct. 13, the Vashon Garden Club will explore the dahlia under the direction of guest speaker Richard Odell. Meetings are held at Vashon Lutheran Church and start with sign-in and a business meeting at 10:45 a.m., followed by a sack lunch. The speaker begins around 1 p.m.

Everyone who is interested in gardening is encouraged to attend and is invited to come only for the speaker if they so choose.

— Arlene Hess

Kids go to nature camp

Cedarsong Nature School is offering its Fall Nature Camp Oct. 21 to 23, while Chautauqua is closed.

Children will get a chance to be immersed in the natural world, playing nature games, creating nature art, decorating forest hideouts and jamming on musical instruments.

Camp hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, and the cost is $39 each day or $105 for all three days. Financial aid is available to qualified families. Call 463-5697 or register online at www.cedarsongnatureschool.org.

— Erin Kenny

Moyer speaks to Unitarians

The Vashon Island Unitarian Fellowship is pleased to present a Sunday morning conversation on Oct. 12, featuring our own Bill Moyer of The Backbone Campaign fame. He has not been sitting idle all summer. Come hear what he has been up to.

Moyer will speak about the role that we the people play between and beyond the election seasons. He will also report back after his recent tour with the Backbone Campaign with reflections on and aspirations for the emerging Progressive movement.

The Unitarians meet in Lewis Hall behind the Burton Community Church at 23905 Vashon Hwy. S.W.

For more information, contact me at 799-9433.

— Wendy Wharton

Tracking club forms

Vashon Wilderness Program’s Tracking Club will meet for the first time from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 25. Here is your chance to spend the morning learning about the natural world and experience the mystery and intrigue we call tracking. Join skilled naturalists and trackers as we explore the Island in search of tracks and sign. Learn about aging techniques, track interpretation and identification. All ages are welcome to join this exciting new club.

E-mail Mark Timken at mtimken@comcast.net or call 463-1866 to reserve your spot and to learn the location of our first tracking adventure. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids.

— Mark Timken

Foster parents gather

A Vashon foster parent support hub is available for all interested existing or potential foster parents, relative caregivers and adoptive parents.

Join us to connect from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the VYFS Playspace for sharing ideas and information as we help meet children’s needs. Find out more about fostering or supporting children in foster care on Vashon.

Contact me at 463-5783 or vashon.fostering@gmail.com. RSVP for October’s gathering. Childcare will be provided.

— Michele Eastly

4-H welcomes new members

The new 4-H year has started, and the Vashon Rock Riders 4-H club will hold its enrollment meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the assembly building at Paradise Ridge Park. The 4-H program is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19; however, members must reach age 8 by Dec. 31 to participate in activities that involve riding or handling horses.

Current Rock Riders projects include the Horseless Project, Beginning Horsemanship, Dressage and Over Fences, Performance Horse, Western Games, Green Horse and Horse Management and Production. At meetings, members learn about horsemanship, stable management, equine health care, foaling, sportsmanship, show etiquette and safety. There are also mounted meetings with instruction.

Members do not need to own a horse to participate, as there are numerous horseless activities. The 4-H experience offers opportunities for members to take part in public speaking, record keeping, judging contests, horse bowl and groom squad competitions, citizenship, mentorship and community service.

Members learn leadership skills by assisting others and serving as club officers. Election of officers for the 2008-09 4-H year will take place on the same date as the presidential election.

For the first time this year, the Rock Riders will also have a poultry project, so youth with various fowl are also welcome to join the club. 4-H is the world’s largest youth development organization and is open to all. The $20 annual membership fee includes enrollment, insurance and publications. The Vashon Rock Riders 4-H club looks forward to seeing both returning and new members at the enrollment meeting on Oct. 14. For more information, contact Marie Bradley at 463-2065.

— Bunny Hatcher

Illustrate, write for kids

People interested in writing and/or illustrating for children will meet at Books by the Way at 7 p.m. tomorrow Thursday, Oct. 9. For more information, call me at 463-5255 or talk to Jenni Wilke at the book store.

— Suzanna Leigh

VIPP hosts garage sale

Vashon Island Pet Protectors will hold its fall garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Firefighters’ Association Building on Bank Road. Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17.

Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept mattresses, computers, clothes, exercise equipment or large appliances.

For more information, call me at 463-5381.

— Victoria Rohlfs