This weekend I came across a December 2012 Seattle Times travel article about visiting Vashon, which begins with a photo of Island Quilter and its brilliant fabrics. Again I’d like to stress that Island Quilter is a rare gem in our small town. It draws many visitors here, to the benefit of our entire island community.

How can we keep it here? How about the new buyers become supportive landlords to the quilt shop so we don’t lose this treasure? Could realtors help the buyers locate reasonable alternative locations for the exercise studio and potential shop the buyers plan to establish?

And please, could sellers, buyers and realtors give thought to the greater good involved in any transaction or business deal? It’s not “just business.” Lives and livelihoods and community life are all affected. Let’s consider the bigger picture and community benefit in all our interactions.

— Andrea Avni