The year seems to be starting out with a bang for Vashon as the first two months of 2016 have brought an election (results were announced after press time), three new businesses and multiple new leaders of island establishments. In a coincidental twist, the past week has also seen some of the most beautiful sunrises in months, possibly signaling at a new beginning for those who believe in the meaning behind such coincidences.

Friday, being the monthly First Friday gallery cruise, featured the most noticeable and public of the additions to the island as Voice of Vashon’s long-awaited storefront studio opened in the front of Kelly Macomber Straight’s exercise studio in the building between Zombiez and Glass Bottle Creamery. Roughly 50 islanders packed into the radio studio to celebrate the new beginning for the station, and Susan McCabe and Jeff Hoyt broadcast an inaugural show from the location. The mood was decidedly positive and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jim Marsh congratulated all involved on their bravery.

A frozen yogurt shop, Kenny’s Brain Freeze, also opened earlier this year to join the recently opened Suds Laundromat. The owners say it is already a popular spot for island families and schoolchildren.

In other news, the Vashon School District bond issue reached an end on Tuesday as the future of the district’s aging athletic facilities was put on the line by a public vote. A “yes” vote on the $26.9 million bond will mean a new gym and track and field, while a “no” vote will mean the buildings and track and field stay as they are.

The island’s private school, the Harbor School, last week announced its new head of school: a world traveller and an Englishman, who has held positions in schools in Malaysia, Germany and Namibia.

Also welcoming a new leader, Bethel Church hired a new pastor earlier this year, who brings along his young family. Members of the congregation expressed that they are excited for the new energy a young pastor will bring.

Lastly, islander Lia Bardeen is planning on opening her restaurant across from the library and Ober Park in the coming months.

If the recent growth and reinvigoration of businesses in the short amount of time that has been 2016 is anything to go on, the year should be a successful one for Vashon. But, new Vashon businesses mean an increased necessity for islanders to shop locally and keep these businesses afloat.