As a long-time member of the Voice of Vashon (VoV) family, I was more than pleased at the turnout for VoV’s Chili Challenge fundraiser last Sunday. Clearly, the idea was a winner and everyone had a great time. My congratulations to the organizers!

The level of community support VoV enjoys is a testament to our community priorities. I say this because, as I watch our democracy suffer attack from multiple directions, I realize truly independent community media is essential in the fight to preserve it. VoV is just that. No one owns VoV except our island community.

And, it’s not just another pretty face in the entertainment world. It is, indeed, the place to get music and performances you can’t get elsewhere. It’s also a forum for all islanders’ views and opinions, video recordings of important meetings, as well as insights into local and national issues. VoV is here to entertain and inform islanders. It’s here to help make it easier for you to participate in and, hopefully, perpetuate our democracy.

Take advantage of it by submitting information about your favorite cause or organization, tuning in or by supporting it financially. VoV is a rare jewel in a culture where the media has been called an “enemy of the people.” I, for one, am most grateful for the hard-working VoV team and for all you Vashonians who support it.

— Susan McCabe