Introduction to Zen
Thinking about starting or re-booting a meditation practice? All are welcome at the Puget Sound Zen Center’s free, informal monthly one-hour Introduction to Zen on the first Saturday of each month. There is a brief introduction to Zen Buddhism as it is practiced at PSZC. A few key points including how to sit in zazen (Zen meditation) and what to expect at a PSZC service are discussed. There will be plenty of time for questions. The next introduction will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Puget Sound Zen Center, 18005 Vashon Highway SW (previously Island Funeral Services), and also on Zoom. See www.pszc.org for details.
Tax Preparation
AARP is now offering free tax preparation, on Thursdays, at the Vashon Lutheran Church. The free tax preparation services are available to anyone, regardless of age. However, AARP-prepared returns are limited to non-complex returns. Acceptable returns can include wages (W-2), Social Security and pensions (1099R), unemployment (1099G), dividends/interest (1099INT/DIV), capital gains (1099B), and self-employment (1099NEC) income (no inventory or depreciation). Sorry, no rental income or cryptocurrency transactions. Email VashonAARP@gmail.com, with your phone number and a range of dates and dates, and a volunteer will call you to set up an appointment.
Brown Briefly
Sea, song and shore, birds fill the air with color and melody. Join Brown Briefly hosts Truman O’Brien, Bruce Haulman, Craig Beles and Kevin Jones at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 on Voice of Vashon, 101.9FM, to discuss our feathered friends with Steve Hunter, vice president of Vashon-Maury Island Audubon.
OCCU Scholarship
Our Community Credit Union has announced that seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating 2023 high school seniors who attend school in Mason, Grays Harbor, Thurston Counties and Vashon Island. Eligible individuals must be a member of OCCU. Applications and guidelines for the scholarship are available for download at www.ourcu.com/scholarship-program. Applications will be accepted through April 30. Winners will be announced in May.
Questions can be directed to Amber Trail at 360-427-3405 / 1-800-426-5657 or emailed to atrail@ourcu.com.
Community Meals
Community dinners, coordinated by Vashon’s Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness (IFCH), are available at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at Vashon Presbyterian Church. Beginning on Feb. 8, at 5 p.m., the Wednesday night dinners will feature indoor seating. All are welcome.
The IFCH is also currently seeking new team members to prepare and serve meals.
For more information, call IFCH at 206-643-5169.
