Vashon Senior Center

Join Ray Pfortner for a photo workshop, “Beeswax Transfers onto Wood, Stone and Tile,” at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Senior Center. Bring laser photocopies of 5 x 7-inch family photographs, which can be made at Vashon Print & Design or Vashon Library, or photocopies of Pfortner’s photography will be provided. The workshop is limited to 12 participants; reserve a spot by calling 206-463-5173.

A field trip to Vashon Island Visual Artists Holiday Studio Tour will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7. Gather at the Senior Center at 9:45 a.m. to be driven to multiple tour stops; bring money for a midday bite to eat. The cost is $10 for members/$18 non-members.

A field trip to ZooLights at Point Defiance Park will take place Monday, Dec. 9. Meet at 3 p.m. for a 4:05 p.m. Tahlequah departure; return to Vashon from Point Defiance on a 7:25 or 8:25 ferry. The cost is $25 for members/$35 non-members.

Space is limited for both trips. Call 206-463-5173.

Land Trust

Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust will hold an open house from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Land Trust Building. Attend to celebrate the Land Trust’s accomplishments in the past year. There will be a short program at 5 p.m.

WinterFest

Vashon Chamber of Commerce and local partners will present WinterFest from 4-8 p.m. in Vashon’s town center.

The celebration shuts down Vashon Highway to traffic from 171st (Ober Park) and 178th (Vashon Theatre), between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Parking on the highway, in town, will close at 4 p.m.

WinterFest’s parade starts at 5 p.m., followed by a tree lighting at the Vashon Presbyterian Church at 5:30 p.m. During WinterFest, visit local shops and eateries, a market in Vashon Theatre’s Backlot, take part in family activities at Vashon Library, and attend a free screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” starring Jim Carrey, at 6 p.m. at Vashon Theatre. Bring coupons in this week’s edition of The Beachcomber to be entered for drawings at local shops.

Sign up for Health Insurance

Miguel Urquiza, representative of King County Public Health, will help islanders change or sign up for health insurance, food stamps and ORCA Lift discounted transportation from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Vashon Library. Open enrollment for insurance ends on Jan. 15. Saturday not convenient? contact Urquiza at 206-477-6965, 206-491-3761, or miguel.urquiza@kingcounty.gov.

Island Center Homes

Vashon HouseHold will host two free events for the upcoming 40-unit affordable housing community Island Center Homes.

The first is a community open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Island Center Homes, located at the intersection of SW 188th Street and Vashon Highway. Parking can be found at Sawbones.

At 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, there will be a ribbon-cutting event at the same location; the nearby Vashon Lutheran Church will offer parking for the event.

Food Drive

Vashon Food Bank will hold a food and fund drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in front of Vashon Thriftway and Vashon Market IGA. Donate non-perishables or purchase a Thiftway Care Card at the event, to help islanders in need as the holidays approach.

Santa’s Brunch

Enjoy brunch with Santa from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Vashon Eagles, at 18134 Vashon Hwy Sw. The event will feature a breakfast buffet, photos with Santa, holiday crafts, and a cocoa bar.

Santa’s Cottage

Santa will greet visitors and pose for photographs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 8 and 15, in Santa’s Cottage, located behind U.S. Bank in the Village Green. Bring your camera and any letters written to Santa. Letters to Santa can also be dropped off at a special mailbox located at Vashon Bookshop through Dec. 21. Remember to add a return address on letters, so Santa can respond.

Point Robinson Open House

The Keepers of Point Robinson and Vashon Park District welcome islanders to an open house at Point Robinson Lighthouse from 12-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Santa will be in Quarters A from 2-4 p.m., greeting kids of all ages. There will also be music and treats to eat in Quarters A. Captain Joe Wubbold, U.S.C.G (retired), will offer tours of the lighthouse, and visitors can also explore Quarters B and purchase nautical-themed gifts in the Ship’s Store.

Inclusion Island

Join Inclusion Island, a group of adults with developmental disabilities and their friends and families, for a winter holiday party from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Vashon Lutheran Church, located at 18623 Vashon Highway SW. The afternoon will include crafts, food and more. Questions? Contact HersheyHousing@gmail.com.

Grief ritual

A monthly community grief ritual is held on the first Sunday of every month, from 1-2 p.m. at the Tree of Life Wellness Center at 17331 Vashon Highway, with donations accepted. December’s first Sunday of the month is Dec. 8. Islanders are invited to share and witness their grief, either in silence or out loud. Questions? Call Susan Pitiger at 206-818-4232 or Brad Davis at 206-799-7235.

Garden Club

The Vashon-Maury Island Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, in the Bethel Church gym. A business meeting will take place first, followed by a talk by Garden Club member Marilee Runyun on the topic of climate change. The meeting will also include the annual end-of-year potluck meal. Please bring a dish to share. All are welcome.

Food Bank Dinner

Join Vashon Food Bank for a free evening of delicious food by Gravy owner and chef Dre Neely, conversation and celebration, from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Vashon United Methodist Church, at 17928 Vashon Hwy SW. At the event, attendees will learn more about the food bank’s vision for its future. Find out more and get tickets at tinyurl.com/39u9t9eh.

Orca event

A community event celebrating the seasonal return of the southern resident killer whales — and detailing new distance regulations to protect them from boaters — will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Hall at Fauntleroy, located just up the hill from the Fauntleroy ferry at 9131 Fauntleroy Way SW, in West Seattle. It is hosted by a Seattle nonprofit organization, The Whale Trail.

The event is open to the public at a $10 suggested donation; kids under 12 get in for free. Learn more by visiting bpt.me/6493337.

Living in a Time of Overwhelm

Author, musician, and mythologist Michael Meade will present a free evening that weaves story, song and mythic perspective, “Living in a Time of Overwhelm: Finding Meaning and Purpose,” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Vashon United Methodist Church, at 17928 Vashon Hwy SW. Find out more and register to attend the event at mosaicvoices.org; donations are welcome.