Thursday, March 5
Music for kids
Swing Set Sing-Along at Vashon Bookshop will meet from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5. Kim Thal and Gabrielle Burgess will lead the group in singing one book and doing musical activities that relate to the story. It is for ages 1 to 3 years and is free.
Call the store at 463-2616 to pre-register or for more information.
DSHS rep here
A representative from the Department of Social and Health Services will be at Vashon Youth & Family Services (VYFS) from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 5. No appointment is necessary.
Call VYFS for more information at 463-5511.
Hammond reads
Author Diane Hammond will appear at Books by the Way to read from her latest book, “Hannah’s Dream,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5.
The novel tells the story of an elderly zookeeper and his relationship with Hannah, the lone elephant at a dilapidated zoo.
Hammond’s appearance at Books by the Way will include a multimedia presentation about the issues surrounding appropriate captivity for some of the world’s largest mammals. She will also talk about her own life-changing experience with Keiko, the killer whale star of the movie “Free Willy.”
Hammond is the author of the critically acclaimed novels “Going to Bend” and “Homesick Creek.”
For more information, call the book store at 463-2696.
Saturday, March 7
Adopt-a-Cat Day
Vashon Island Pet Protectors (VIPP) hosts an Adopt-a-Cat Day every Saturday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. at its new adoption center at 12200 S.W. 243rd St.
Go to www.vipp.org for directions or call VIPP at 389-1085.
Sunday, March 8
African documentary
The Vashon Lutheran Church is showing the documentary film “Lumo” at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8. It is the true story of one young woman’s struggle to heal in the Congo, a nation at war.
The woman was assaulted by soldiers and went, finally, to the HEAL Africa hospital, which assists women hurt in the war.
The film will be shown in 200 cities on March 8, which is International Women’s Day.
Harper McConnell of HEAL Africa will be on hand at the church to answer questions.
A $10 donation is requested and will go to HEAL Africa.
For more information, call the Lutheran Church at 463-2655.
Monday, March 9
‘Great Decisions’
“The U.S. and Rising Powers” leads off the first week of the “Great Decisions” current events discussion series, facilitated by Bill Massey, at the Vashon Library, at 1 p.m. Monday, March 9. The program is free.
What kind of relationships will we have with the rest of the world as we compete for resources and power? Should the United States view the emergence of China and India as major powers as a threat or an opportunity?
The program begins with a background video prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. A book of background articles for the series is available at the library reference desk. The series will run every Monday for the next seven weeks.
For more information, call the library at 463-2069
Book fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is back at McMurray. Islanders are invited to buy some great books and support the Eighth-Grade Exploratory Week fund for scholarships and the McMurray Library at the same time.
The book fair will be Monday through Friday, March 9 to 13. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday during student-led conferences.
The money from the Book Fair will go to the library, as well as to Exploratory Week.
Books will include graphic novels and graphic histories, fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, young adult, poetry, cooking, mystery and audiobooks.
Fo more information, e-mail Cece Reoux at creoux@aol.com or call her at 463-6375.
Ongoing
Tax help
AARP volunteers will provide assistance with electronic filing and tax returns for low-income Islanders and those over 60 from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 18 and 25 and April 8 and 15 at the Vashon Library.
People should bring last year’s tax return and information for 2008. Drop-in or call the Vashon Senior Center for an appointment at 463-5173.
Tax help for people of any age earning under $25,000 is available from Hilary Emmer between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Vashon Library through April 2. No appointments are necessary.
Families skate
Families looking for some fun and a healthy activity to help them close their week together are invited to try out skateboarding, inline skating and roller skating.
Vashon Park District is opening the doors of the Vashon Indoor Skate Park at Burton Adventure Recreation Center to families on Friday nights starting March 6.
Families with at least one parent can make the skate park their own for just $5 per family.
Bring your favorite action music and a bit of padding for all — helmets are required — and skate from 6 to 8 p.m. Call the Vashon Park District at 463-9602 for more inform
