We’re down to the last couple of days of 2015, and come Friday, 2016 will be upon us, bringing with it hope, motivation and a general new outlook on life.
Traditionally, this time of year is dedicated to reflecting on the previous year and thinking about what will happen in the next 12 months. Many people make New Year’s resolutions, which often means people feel the need to exercise, eat better, be more positive or generally improve themselves. Others simply think about what they wish would happen in the new year, be it world peace or their choice of president becoming elected.
The staff of The Beachcomber has a few local wishes for 2016, so here are the Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber’s 2016 hopes and dreams, from the far-fetched to the silly to the realistic.
1. In these times filled with what seems like so much hatred and fear, that the community continue to be a loving and welcoming place for all. Keep the passion for helping others and supporting local nonprofits and businesses alive and well.
2. The county take to heart the transportation wants and needs of islanders and improve transportation options on the island, especially for the senior community and those who have no reliable means to get to doctor’s appointments, school or jobs.
3. An incredibly generous and wealthy tech mogul make a multi-billion-dollar donation to Washington State Ferries to build an entire fleet of new boats. The donation also brings ferry fares down to levels not seen since the mid-1990s. We can dream, right?
4. The K2 site is completely cleaned up and bought by the community to turn it into a community center complete with indoor soccer fields, bowling, community chicken coops with fresh eggs for sale and a community garden.
5. The Southern Resident Killer Whale population continues to thrive. Coming off a year with eight new calves, we hope the trend continues so that the endangered beauties bounce back from the brink of extinction and orca sightings can be enjoyed by generations to come.
6. The island nonprofits petition the county to help with funding and they are rewarded handsomely for their efforts. Vashon Community Care, the senior center and Vashon Youth & Family Services are guaranteed many years of productive operation.
7. VIGA’s plans for a food hub are brought to fruition and local farmers begin selling their goods in Seattle and throughout the state, while making enough money to live comfortably.
8. After years of legal battles, the Friends of Mukai are rightfully given control of the Mukai house. The place is fully restored and turned into an island landmark.
