Learn to row

Vashon Island Rowing Club (VIRC) will have its annual National Learn-to-Row Day with the first of two sessions from 10 a.m. to noon and the second from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, at Jensen Point Boathouse, at 8900 SW Harbor Drive.

National Learn-to-Row Day is a nationwide event organized by USRowing and hosted locally by VIRC. This is an opportunity for the general public to get out on the water and learn about the sport. It is free and accessible to the public. All adults and youth aged 12 and up are welcome to attend. Email Debby Jackson, chair of the VIRC Membership Committee, at debjackson6973@gmail.com, or call her at 206-463-3729 or 206-459-9202 for more information.

Low Tide Celebration

Vashon Park District’s historic Point Robinson Lighthouse will be the setting for the annual Low Tide Celebration, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 4. This free event will offer guided beach tours provided by Vashon Nature Center, a historical narrative about the lighthouse from Captain Joe Wubbold, U.S. Coast Guard (retired), food trucks, children’s activities, and a chance to discover the weird and wonderful creatures at the -3.4 tide.

A shuttle bus will be available to transport attendees to and from the event along Point Robinson Road, making it easy and convenient for everyone to attend. Learn more at vashonparks.org.

DOVE Project fundraiser

The DOVE Project, a non-profit domestic violence and sexual assault agency, will commence its first annual Rubber Chicken Relay: Fundraiser & Field Day at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 4, at the Vashon High School athletic complex. The family-friendly event includes track-and-field style events for individuals and teams, with the goal of raising awareness and funds to support critical programming.

All proceeds raised will provide essential funds to support the survivor services offered to those impacted by domestic violence and support youth education programs. For more information, visit vashondoveproject.org/events.

Recycling event

Bring styrofoam and plastic waste to the next First (&Third) Sunday Styrofoam and Plastics Recycling Event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at the Sheffield Building, 18850 103rd Ave SW. See a list of “What we Accept” at zerowastevashon.org and email nadine@nadineedelstein.com for any questions. Please note: plastic waste contained in black plastic bags is no longer accepted at the event. To volunteer, contact jacquieperry@comcast.net.

Water District 19 meeting

Water District 19’s next regular board meeting, is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, at the district’s board room at 17630 100th Ave SW. This meeting has been scheduled a week earlier than usual due to a conflict with one of the district’s board member’s schedules. Additionally, the meeting date has changed from a previously announced date of Tuesday, June 6.

Tell Ferries what you think

Washington State Ferries (WSF) has announced a schedule of six virtual public meetings on route-specific and crucial topics such as proposed fare increases, the Fauntleroy terminal project, and WSF’s Service Restoration plan.

Islanders are urged to tune in on Wednesday, June 7, when Vashon routes will be discussed.

Trials for the return of three-boat service to Vashon’s North End Dock Triangle Route serving Vashon/Fauntleroy and Southworth were expected to begin last month, but according to WSF, riders should expect to remain on the two-boat schedule for the foreseeable future due to attrition and continued crewing and vessel availability constraints.

The majority of each meeting will be spent answering participant questions. Attendees will also be able to submit written public comments.

To register for the Point Defiance/Tahlequah and Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth community meeting, go online.

Brown Briefly

Join The Brown Briefly’s Truman O’Brien, Bruce Haulman, Kevin Jones and Craig Beles at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 6, on Voice of Vashon, 101.9 FM when we’ll hear cofounders Nicky Wilks and Alex Craighead tell us how the Journeymen Institute of Vashon cultivates transformational experiences for boys and men through nature-based rites of passage, mentorship, training, and community events.

Time to graduate

Vashon High School will celebrate the Class of 2023 with a car parade for graduates, through the center of town, at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 10, with Voice of Vashon emcees announcing the graduates as they pass by. A full graduation will take place at 6 p.m. that same day, at VHS Stadium.

Pizza Party for Food Bank

Join Karen Biondo at La Biondo Farm and Kitchen from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17, for a pizza party fundraiser for the Vashon Food Bank. Festivities will include artisanal wood-fired pizza, a salad bar, beer and wine, live music from Tim Couldn’t Make It, a silent auction full of local delights and activities, and a fruit and veggie-themed photo booth. Tickets are $60 per person and all proceeds go directly to programming of the Vashon Food Bank that helps to increase the island’s food security and connect people to supporting resources that help them thrive. To purchase tickets, visit vashonfoodbank.org/pizza-party.

Calling all sea critters

Are you desperate to join the Vashon Island Marine Band and Procession in this summer’s Strawberry Festival Parade, but worried that you don’t have a thing to wear? Well, don’t let pesky costume concerns keep you on the sidelines. Visit the Salish Sea Critters Maker Booth at The Farmers Market, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 17, and walk away properly festooned. Make a fish, a jellyfish or an anemone hat. All ages welcome. Contact vashonmarineband@gmail.com.