DOG PARK

Thanks to survey respondents

FIDO (Friends into Dogs Organization) wishes to thank those who took time to respond to the recent King County Survey on the use of the Wax Orchard purchase.

We were gratified to note in the survey results sent out by King County, that of 1200 respondents, 729—or 66% of you—are in favor of a fenced dog park there. We appreciate the vote of confidence, even from non-dog owners, that a safe and beautiful space will provide a diverse population of dog lovers a place to share ideas and give their pets the exercise they need.

We encourage participation from all interested parties at our website at friendsintodogs.org for current updates or to join our efforts.

Katrin Fletter and Carol Ellis, FIDO Board

GUN VIOLENCE

Join conversation to make public spaces safer

I am afraid. I know I’m not alone.

I have spent the last several weeks agonizing about safety — my own, for my children, my patients, and strangers. I’ve felt helpless. But today I heard something that prompted action. Brene Brown, a noted professor, author, and podcast host. talks about how vulnerability is critical for courage.

So I am choosing to face my vulnerability in hopes that it will help me to be more courageous, rather than fearing the response I will get — fearing the potential threats and criticism I am exposing myself to.

I know everyone is afraid. Some are afraid of guns and some are afraid of having their guns taken away. Our fear is getting in the way of our actual safety. We aren’t protecting our children.

We have to talk more about gun safety in our country. The Second Amendment should not preempt our ability to discuss our freedom and safety. We are not free if we are afraid of going out in public or sending our children to school. We must discuss options without turning to aggression. Things that are hardest to discuss are often the most important.

My own emotion has gotten in the way of my actively discussing this topic.

While I don’t claim to have the answers, I believe that more active conversation will help bring about solutions. There are no easy answers here. This doesn’t have to be such a divisive issue. We all care about the safety of our children.

We are being held hostage by the guns that are killing our children. How is that okay for anyone — Democrat, Independent, or Republican? If we can’t have the conversations, we can at least consider acting at the ballot box. I am certain that if politicians knew they would lose votes if they don’t actively seek a solution for this chaos, they would at least start looking for common ground. There are very few topics that are this forbidden in the United States.

Please consider being part of an active conversation to make our public spaces safer. We aren’t protected just because we live on an island.

Kirstin Kirschner, M.D., Child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist

GiveBIG

Interfaith Council deserves support

The Vashon Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness (IFCH) has been revitalizing itself. Since January of this year, we now have put together a 10-member board, six of whom are new to the organization. We started a Care Team of eight people who are sharing the incoming calls from people requesting financial aid for expenses including rent, utilities, ferry tickets for off-island medical appointments, vouchers for gas and propane, car repairs, or just car parts for the do-it-yourselfers.

IFCH seems to be the place to call when people are short on cash, and with a little help, they are off and running. That is our goal — to give people the breathing room they need.

IFCH continues to provide evening meals five days a week. We are now having more opportunities for people to dine inside and enjoy a meal and the company together.

We welcome contributions during the GiveBIG campaign. Your support allows IFCH to continue supporting our neighbors from falling through the cracks of increased housing and utility expenses.

Donate through wagives.org/organization/vashonIFCH or via www.ifchvashon.org or send checks by mail to IFCH PO Box 330 Vashon, 98070

Hilary Emmer, board president of IFCH