Archive for October, 2008
Vashon Pages: The Island’s Web Directory
The VashonPages.com on-line directory is a truly comprehensive destination of Vashon’s many businesses and organization. You can conduct an easy A-Z search by business name or find what you need by category type.
Interactive Vashon Map
This interactive map is a useful tool for visually locating destinations by their location on Vashon Island. You’ll find lots of helpful information on everything from Art to Yoga. A great way to plan your next visit to Vashon or find a resource if you’re a Vashon neighbor.
You’ll be surprised by just how much is happening on our little island with just 11,000 residents. Vashon boasts an eclectic offering of talented individuals which makes life on our Island truly distinct from the urban pace of Seattle just a few minutes away.
Vashon Youth and Family Services Expands Playspace
VYFS is expanding its services for families with children between birth and six years old by expanding offerings at the Playspace (formerly the YMCA. Programs will include Saturday programs, a new “Discovery Room” and a playgroup for Spanish speaking children.
For more information contact VYFS at 463-5511 or visit Vashon Youth and Family Services.
Vashon’s Red Bicycle: Halloween Fare
Vashon’s Red Bicycle is gearing up for Halloween with performances by Steffan and Arlette Moody’s DARK CARNY – (Cabaret/Theatre) on Thursday, October 30. $10 cover. Starts at 8:30 pm.
Halloween Night: The Subconscious Population Masked Ball
The Red Bicycle Bistro is celebrating Halloween with the Subconscious Population Masked Ball, starting at 9:30 pm on Friday, October 31. The lineup also includes Island favorites Troll’s Cottage. The Ball marks the return of an Island tradition with SubPop.Spooky drink specials and a costume contest will enliven the ghoulish evening’s activities.
Tickets are $10 for ages 21 and over.
Vashon’s Cafe Luna: Halloween Fun and “Murder, Spies & Voting Lies”
Halloween Night at Luna!! Friday, October 31st, 4 – 7 PM
This Halloween marks that 4th year that amazing Vashon photographer, Rebecca Douglas will take fabulous photos of trick ‘r treaters in full ghoulish or beyond-cute costume garb. (Some of the most fabulous will be displayed in Café Luna’s February Art Show!) Pictures can be ordered for framing, storybooks, portraits, or prints, so just show up, and Rebecca will work her hauntingly wonderful magic! For more details, check out www.receccadouglas.com
Murder, Spies & Voting Lies
Vashon’s Cafe Luna will present a free election eve screening of “Murder, Spies & Voting Lies: The Clint Curtis Story” at 7 pm, Monday, November 3.
The film tells the story of computer programmer Clint Curtis, who became a whistle-blower after he was asked by a powerful legislator to write vote-rigging software during the 2004 election. Curtis was awarded a 2004 Spine Award from Vashon’s Backbone Campaign.
Vashon Film Society Presents “Fido”
The Vashon Film Society will present “Fido, a Canadian zombie comedy, at the Vashon Theater at 9:30 pm on Friday, October 31. Says Leslie McMichael, VFS organizer, “Fido is a spoof that serves up more than mere gore. Here’s a zombie movie with witty commentary on social conformity, homeland security and immigration.” Scottish funnyman Billy Connolly turns in a perfromance as a fmaily zombie-servant, Fido.
Admission is by donation.
Vashon Saturday Math and Muffins: Tutors Needed
Vashon’s Math and Muffins Project seeks tutors to provide at least two hours a month math assistance to Vashon kids. Vashon students are also being solicited for the program. Sessions take place at the Vashon Cohousing Common House, located at 10421 SW Bank Road, between 10 am and noon on Saturdays. Parents, other adults and advanced students may help with tutoring.
Muffin makers are welcome also!
For more information or to register call Martin Koenig or Margaret Hoeffel at 463-1224.
Vashon Housing Market Favors First Time Buyers
First time homebuyers are understandably anxious about the availability of financing for a home purchase. However, the availability of loans from local and regional lenders through FHA loan programs remain intact. FHA loans are guaranteed by the government and have low down payments, typically 3% to 5%. Mortgage brokers indicate that the primary difference in lending is in income verification and more thoughtful appraisals.
First time Vashon homebuyers should know that there exists a new tax credit which is essentially an interest-free loan re-payable over 15 years.
So it is a great time to take advantage seriously competitive home prices and an opportunity to take advantage of increases in home values as the economy improves. Your first step is to get a pre-approval letter from a qualified mortgage professional.
September Jump in Existing Home Sales
The National Association of Realtors reports that sales of existing homes (i.e., not band new homes) rose 5.5% in September. This increase is the first in over a year and supports the opinion of analysts that the home sale market financial crisis is reaching equilibrium.
Note also that foreclosure filings in King County fell 42% from August filings, and 13% from September 2007, as reported by Realty Trac. The significance is that fewer distressed properties are available to buyers with cash searching for a bargain.
Consumers should be aware that some mortgage lenders are open to renegotiating and modifying the terms of loans, and even freezing interest rates for a specific period of time. The terms are subject to the specific lender involved and consumer willingness to enter into negotiation. New State laws are helping to reduce mortgage foreclosures . . . tho mortgage counselors are seeing more troubled borrowers. Be aware that it takes a lot of persistence to accomplish a modification.
For more information, check out Solid Ground, a non-profit housing counselor, certified by HUD. Solid Ground currently offer mortgage intervention packages to consumers. Email Solid Ground at housingcounseling@solid-ground.org to request a packet.
Flu Shots Available on Vashon
Flu shots will be available at Vashon Fire and Rescue, 10020 S.W. Bank Road, from 1-6 pm, Thursday October 30.
“Fall for Orcas” at Vashon Theater
The Vashon Theater will show “Fall for Orcas” on Sunday, November 2, at 2 p.m. The Vashon Hydrophone Project for Puget Sound whale research will discuss local research and conservation issues, including the loss of 7 whales from the Puget Sound population this year. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit the VHP.
The presentation will include almost 100 slides of Orcas around Vashon and Maury Islands. The event marks a rare return, the first in three years, for Mark Sears to Vashon, and will include many of his images.
For more information contact Orca Annie Stateler at 463-9041. Also, see Vashon Orcas.
Vashon Yoga Instruction
Yoga Nidra at Island Yoga Center, located in the Thriftway Shopping Center, will meet from 7:30 to 9 pm on Thursdays, October 30 to December 11. Yoga Nidra is an ancient form of guided meditation that teaches the integration of relaxation and self-awareness into life. Classes include gentle movement as preparation for Yoga Nidra, which is experienced in a reclined position.
For more information and a complete listing of all classes go to Island Yoga Center, or call 463-2058.
The class costs $66. To register, send payment to Island Yoga Center, P.O. Box 2062, Vashon, WA 98070.
Ask Kyle: How Much Can I Afford?
How much can I afford?This is a common question when home buyers first begin the house hunt. Oftentimes what someone can be approved for and what they’re comfortable making payments on each month are two different figures. A good mortgage banker will sit down with clients and discuss their individual situation. Often it makes the most sense to work backwards; starting with what is a comfortable payment and using that information to determine what price range they should be looking in. It doesn’t make any sense to fall in love with a home where the payments aren’t going to be realistic.
It’s important to have a good solid approval before starting to look at houses. In the past an approval letter wasn’t a necessity, but in our current market it’s imperative to know that you can actually obtain financing. For an approval to be valid you would have needed to provide income and asset documentation to your lender as well as had a credit report pulled. Too many buyers are suffering through a miserable purchase transaction because things weren’t done correctly from the beginning of the process. The majority of these issues can be avoided if you’re working with a knowledgeable loan officer.
If you’re looking to buy a new home or refinance your existing mortgage give me a call to discuss your options in this ever-changing lending environment.
Kyle B. Bailey
Mortgage Planner
Direct: 425.673.8227
Cell: 425.293.5371
Fax: 480.287.8704
kbailey@golfsavingsbank.comwww.KyleBaileyCMPS.com
Vashon Real Estate: Magical Garden Cottage for Sale
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BackBone Campaign: Election Night Party
Election Night Party at “O” Performance Warehouse 7-11pm
Beer Garden, Kids Activities, Fun Fun Fun!
Put it on your calendar and plan to join the Backbone Campaign and UMO Ensemble on Election Night, Tuesday, November 4th at the “O” Performance Space on Vashon, 7-11 pm. NON-STOP cable news updates on election results projected in multiple locations for compulsive tracking.
LIVE music by 5:01, Kat Eggleston, Watermark, and Great Rain. Enjoy the amazing Steffon Moody as the evening’s Emcee, UMO humor,beer and wine, popcorn, kids activities and fun for the whole family.
Spend this historic evening with your progressive friends. And rest assured – in the case that a stolen election is suspected, we will convert the party into an organizing opportunity and be on the streets in the AM!
Don’t miss it! (Map and directions here.) Tickets $10, kids are FREE! Buy yours today at Books by the Way and Vashon
* Rest assured – in the case that a stolen election is suspected, we will convert the party into an organizing opportunity and be on the streets in the AM!
Introduction to the Landmark Forum
Susan Pitiger, Sande Cheney, and other graduates of the Landmark Forum are hosting a special, free introduction to Landmark Education. Landmark is a global training and development enterprise, whose purpose is to empower and enable people and organizations to generate and fulfill new possibilities.
One of the benefits of participating in the Landmark Forum is having access to power, freedom, and full self-expression.
Landmark creates and provides programs, services, and paradigms that produce extraordinary results for your life. The object of the introduction is to give you the opportunity to experience being in the Landmark Forum; to create a way of being in an area of their world that isn’t working or working as well as you would like, and to register for the course if you determine it would make a difference in your life.
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Where: Susan Pitiger’s home; 11610 SW 220th, Vashon, WA 98070
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When: November 2, 2008 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM
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Contact: 463-5864 if directions are needed
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Cost: The introduction is free.
Click here for a video introduction to The Landmark Forum
Vashon’s Cafe Luna: Movie and Music
What’s Happening This Weekend at Café Luna? Dynamic Film, World Class Jazz Quartet & Acoustic Guitar
Thursday, October 23rd, 7 PM
Lunavision presents
Apocalypse Now – Redux
This is the extended, definitive version of the original film, and Coppola insisted upon making it, and adding the additional 49 minutes, because he thought the original was too tame. Don’t miss this film that was the most anticipated of all the films at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, when it was released that year.
Friday, October 24th, 7:30 PM
presenting…The Thomas Marriott Quartet
Isn’t it just like Luna to bring you world-class jazz, right here on Vashon! This is big-time trumpet, bass, and keyboards, featuring all your favorites- standards, originals, and pop tunes played by some of the best, truly, uptown musicians. The last time the Trio was here, they brought the house down, so don’t miss this opportunity for really terrific music in Vashon’s most relaxed venue.
Just a $12 cover gets you an evening of red hot cool.
Saturday, October 25th, 7:30 PM
Mike Fekete
Born in Ohio in 1979, Mike Fekete’s music is inspired by the scenery of his hometown as well as the landscapes and sounds of the Northwest where he lives. Takoma Records, founded by the late John Fahey and made popular by Leo Kottke are strong musical influences, as well as the Windham Hill sound. We’re talking beautifully played acoustic guitar that you’ll want to take home with you.
Vashon’s Red Bicycle: Upcoming Music Events
For more information go to Red Bicycle.
Tori Sparks
10/23/2008
Starts at 08:00 PM – Free
Tori Sparks calls Nashville home, but spends most of her time on the road in the U.S. and Europe. Called “a knockout” by the Village Voice, her dynamic live show is equal parts soulful singing and zany stand-up-style humor. The fearless chanteuse makes the audience her own in any setting. Besides her big black boots, and balls-to-the-wall guitar playing, she is known for being a part of and organizing benefit concerts on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind, F.A.C.E., the March of Dimes, and the One Campaign. This woman is coming all the way up from Nashville for us, come check out her show! As a special treat for Vashon, we’re making this a free cover show!
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Dark Carny
10/24/2008
Starts at 08:30 PM – $10 cover
STEFFON & ARLETTE MOODY’S DARK CARNY – (Cabaret/Theatre)
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Yogoman
10/25/2008
Starts at 09:00 PM – $5 cover – 21+
People from all over the states came together to form the seven-piece Yogoman Burning Band. The band’s reggae and Jamacian influenced music is a mesh of all the backgrounds and influences of the members.
The variety of instruments, including saxophone, cornet and trombone, really brings the band’s energy together, infusing the crowd with their dance rhythm at live shows, and showcasing their talent creatively.
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The Church of Great Rain
Sunday, October 26 at 7:00 pm
The very first public broadcast of The Church of Great Rain will happen at 7 PM PST Sunday night, October 26th 2008 at The Red Bicycle on Vashon Island, WA. Listen to the broadcast online at Voice of Vashon, the island’s very own media hub on the Web at http://www.voiceofvashon.org/.
So what the heck is The Church of Great Rain? Well, it’s not exactly a bunch of Lutherans from Minnesota. But it is a group of Vashon Island performers who aspire to be the pacific northwest’s answer to A Prairie Home Companion.
Ask Kyle: How Hard Is It to Get a Mortgage?
I’ve been out beating the streets and am amazed at how often I’m asked about qualifying for a loan. There is a misconception that loans aren’t being funded.Is it true it’s nearly impossible to qualify for a home loan?
Absolutely not; we’re still busy helping homeowners with both new purchase loans and refinances. Lenders are back to the basics, requiring decent credit scores and a little bit of down payment. There are also several loan programs designed to help first time home buyers. Borrowers can qualify with credit scores as low as 600 and as little as 3% down payment. Other than credit scores banks are looking for income and assets that can be verified. Overall the scenario needs to make sense and be well documented.
Not all loan officers are equal and you want to ensure you have a knowledgeable mortgage professional working on your behalf. If you’re looking to buy a new home or refinance your existing mortgage give me a call to discuss your options in this ever-changing lending environment.
Kyle B. Bailey
Mortgage Planner
Mountlake Terrace Branch Office
6100 219th St SW Suite 480
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Direct: 425.673.8227
Cell: 425.293.5371
kbailey@golfsavingsbank.com
Vashon Music Event: David Lanz at Vashon’s Blue Heron
Grammy-nominated David Lanz will play a rare and intimate concert at 8:00 pm Saturday, October 25, at the Blue Heron. Lanz’s career includes nine best-selling solo albums. Tickets for the show are $16/$18. Call 463-5131 to reserve by phone.
David Lanz playing his celebrated Christofori’s Dream.
