AN EXPLOSIVE FOURTH Head to the harbor for the annual show. Page 8
NEWS | County says fence can stay up at Mukai. [3] COMMUNITY | Woodworking co-op is in the works. [5] COMMENTARY | Thoughts from [6] a new commuter.
ART FOR EVERYONE First Friday features student work, protraits of elders. Page 10
BEACHCOMBER VASHON-MAURY ISLAND
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2013
Vol. 58, No. 27
www.vashonbeachcomber.com
75¢
Park district gains extension as it makes headway on fields Some still criticize project management, mounting costs By SUSAN RIEMER Staff Writer
The Vashon Park District is nearing a significant milestone with its athletic fields project north of town, as work that a state funding agency required is expected to be completed soon and will close a chapter in the long-running project. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) awarded two significant grants to the district more than four years ago for the construction of an athletic fields complex by The Harbor School, and this spring, after the district asked for more time to complete some of the work required for the grant money, RCO officials expressed reservations about extending their June 30 deadline. However, the RCO board approved the extension without discussion last week, according to Laura Moxham, a grants manager with the state program. “We would like to see a viable recreational unit,” Moxham said. “That is the ultimate goal.” Considerable work has taken place at the fields in recent months, thanks in part to an extensive volunteer effort, said Mike Mattingly, the site supervisor. Community volunteers, many from island sports teams, have provided more than 1,200 volunteer hours at the project since this spring, according to Elaine Ott, the district’s general manager. Now some teams are playing on the fields, and other kids are gathering there to play on their own. The project — newly marked with a VES Fields sign — has been a controversial one, with many islanders saying they understand the need for more fields but are disturbed about the cost of the project and the way the district has managed it. When the district kicked off SEE FIELDS, 16
Campers escape worries, reel in fun on Vashon Popular camp for cancer patients, siblings won’t be funded next year Last Friday morning a quiet pond tucked in the woods behind Vashon Sportsmen’s Club came to life with chattering kids. A mix of children and teens from Camp Goodtimes, some of them were currently battling cancer, others recovering from the disease and others were siblings of those affected by it. But at the pond that day, their main focus was reeling in a rainbow trout. “The whole thing is to have a week of fun away from any issues they have,” said Larry Goldberg, a camp volunteer. Camp Goodtimes, which was first held at Camp Sealth 30 years ago and is now based at Camp Burton, draws nearly 200 kids for two free weeklong camps each year. In the past campers have gone fishing at Tramp Harbor, but officials say this is the first summer they’ve fished at the Sportsmen’s Club’s pond. Volunteers who circled the large pond to help kids bait their lines and learn to cast noted
that the spot is cooler, safer and more pleasant. “The longer we’re here, the more connections we make with the community,” said camp director Gus Peterson. Scenes such as this, however, may not play out on Vashon next year. Peterson said the American Cancer Society (ACS) recently announced it will restructure how it allocates its funding, dedicating more money to cancer research and pulling sponsorship of Camp Goodtimes and other similar camps across the country. Peterson said a group of camp volunteers and parents was already looking at how it might keep the camp going, possibly establishing a new nonprofit to sponsor it. Doing so, however, would take some serious fundraising, he said. Each year the ACS gives about $1,200 per camper. Still, Peterson said, he was hopeful this summer wouldn’t be Camp Goodtimes’ last. “No one wants to see that happen,” he said. “You should never underestimate the power of feeling not alone in this world and what that does.” Photo and Story by Natalie Johnson
Police don’t plan to stop noisy annual race By NATALIE JOHNSON Staff Writer
Rik Forschmiedt Photo
Evan Mattingly circles Vashon during last year’s hydroplane race.
Despite a flood of complaints about the Fourth of July hydroplane race last year and a threat from the sheriff’s office to stop the annual event unless it’s permitted, the race will apparently go on uninterrupted tomorrow. “With minimal staffing, I don’t know if I’m able to do anything,” said Sgt. James Knauss, supervi-
sor of the King County Sheriff’s Office’s marine unit. “I’m not saying I won’t, I just don’t see how.” Meanwhile, those involved in the annual race say the event shouldn’t require a permit, as it’s loosely organized with no official sponsor or prize money. While they know some complain about the noise, they say far more islanders support the longstanding tradition. “If you try to do it right, it could
be this huge bureaucratic nightmare, when it’s actually just a few people putting their boats in the water,” said Chris Van Buskirk, who plans to have a boat in the race tomorrow. Vintage hydroplanes have been circumnavigating the island at dawn — first on New Year’s Day and then on the Fourth of SEE HYDROPLANES, 15