Corporations may flourish here

Great idea to bring Allstar Fitness to K2 Commons. And a great idea to buy out the locally owned and operated Vashon Athletic Club.

But why stop there? Why not bring in a Starbucks, then buy out and close Café Luna? We could really use a Blockbuster Video, and it would be easy to either buy out Movie Magic or drive it out of business. No sweat. Heck, we especially need a Barnes & Noble, and then they could buy out and close our local independent bookstores Books by the Way and the Vashon Bookshop. The sky’s the limit.

— Kristine Dahms

Grateful to Starr for showing way

In her last column (“Buy locally — and do it for the flavor;” Beachcomber, June 18), Janie Starr sounded apologetic for what she called nagging and “guilt induction” on the subject of climate change and what we can do about it. I would like to say to Janie: Please don’t apologize. You know that climate change and sustainability are among the greatest, if not the greatest, challenges we face in this century. We all have more to learn about this issue, and our efforts to address the problem must be as multi-faceted as the causes of the problem itself.

I am very grateful to Janie and to others who show us ways to better understand the ramifications of climate change and to respond to the challenges it poses. The power to change our own behavior is the greatest hope we have for stabilizing our climate and for mitigating the worst effects of climate change. Thanks to Janie for inspiring us and helping us to formulate the new vision that we need for this response. In the end I think we will have a better life for it, but that’s another subject.

So no more apologies. Keep your voice strong, Janie, and keep sharing it with us; we need you.

— Jim Evans

Buildings are in awful condition

Last week I had the opportunity to tour the high school facilities. I was appalled at the conditions of the buildings. We as Vashon residents will soon be presented with cost estimates to do one of three possible fixes. Ultimately, we will be asked to vote on a capital improvement levy to fund the repairs and/or new construction.

I do not think that this is the time to scrimp. I will support major improvements that will give our students quality facilities for many years. I hope you will take the time to tour the facilities and join me in this support.

— John Hopkins

Former school board member

Feeling the pinch of gasoline prices

The high gas prices are affecting everyone, and Wolftown is no different. We are struggling with a decrease in donations lately. When we do our wildlife rescue we use our pickup truck as it is required to move large animals and also carries all the necessary equipment for rescue.

Our gas bills are increasing like everyone else’s, and the extra costs are hitting us hard this year. We ask that you donate anything you can manage, any small amount; it would be greatly appreciated to help us sustain our animals and attempt to keep the wildlife on the Island safe and healthy.

We have a beautiful bald eagle in right now with a wing injury. Curly is doing well so far, though it is very costly to feed him and pay for the veterinary care required. If you’d like to donate directly to Curly, please send a check to Wolftown (P.O. Box 13115, Burton WA 98013) and write in the memo “Curly” or “Bald Eagle” and we will ensure those funds are used specifically for Curly’s care.

Wolftown can only do wildlife rescue for animals that are injured, sick or orphaned. If you have nuisance wildlife, you need to call the Washington Fish and Wildlife Service directly.

And remember, please be very careful with your fishing lines; we have rescued several birds and other mammals that were caught up in fishing line.

— T Martino