Wednesday, February 2, 2011 • Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber
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isit Vashon a few times, and you’re likely to fall in love with its beauty and rural pace. Live here, and you discover something else: The utter vibrancy of its human landscape.
Vashon attracts remarkable people. And like a selffulfilling prophecy, they, in turn, attract other remark-
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able people. The result is a critical mass unlike any other — a spirited collection of smart, savvy, passionate souls who have made this island a rich and delightful place to live. In the pages that follow, you’ll discover some of those
Sophia De Groen RealtorŽ It’s great to be back! After 10 years on the east coast, I’ve realized everything I’ve been looking for is right here at home. Since returning, I have had the pleasure of joining the local real estate industry. Some folks have noted the tough times that I have started my business in, but I’ve always had a strong belief in our community’s resilience, and I have been proven right, over and over again. I feel privileged to be given the chance to participate in the building of our Island, and I have high expectations for 2011. In addition to my career, this summer I look forward to marrying my partner Tyrel Stendahl, also from Vashon, and starting my own family, right here where it all began. Here are three fun facts about me, one of which is false: I previously taught math at a public school in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve built a tree house equipped with a full bathroom and kitchen. I am a certified scuba diver and I frequent the chilly waters of KVI. To learn more about my business, and me, and to find the answer, visit:
www.sophiadegroen.com
Vashon Golf and Swim Club Becca Kelly, Membership Director Hi, I’m Becca Kelly. My husband, Kji, and I moved to the Island from Seattle in 2001. It wasn’t too long before we learned about the Vashon Golf and Swim Club. With a young family, Jack (11), Kate (8) and Davis (6), the club has been a wonderful place to meet other families, for the kids to take golf, swimming and tennis lessons every summer, for Kji to escape to the golf course for a quiet round of golf, or for all of us to spend the day lounging at the beautiful pool. We think of the club as a mini-vacation right here at home. Now is a great time to check out becoming a member. There are special offers and great rates to encourage you to make the club a part of your life here on Vashon. Whether it’s golfing, tennis, swimming or enjoying a great meal in the club house with a view of the Puget Sound, there’s something for everyone. I’m currently the interim membership director, and would be happy to tell you more about why we love the club. Just give me a call at 463-9410 or send me an email at vashongolfandswim@gmail.com. You can also learn more at the club’s website www.vashoncountryclub.com. Hope to see you soon.
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people — musicians and artisans, educators and entrepreneurs, retailers and farmers — who have found Vashon, made it their own and added to the tapestry of life here. Some are businesspeople. Some head nonprofits. All are finding ways to give back. And all of them have stories to share. Who’s Who On Vashon is a first for The Beachcomber, an attempt on our part to let an array of Islanders step forward and tell their own stories. We suspect it won’t be the last. For we found that when we put out the call, many responded. There are a lot of stories to share on this Island. And while each one was a submission written not by journalists, but by the individuals represented, they stand like little feature stories — mini-profiles, if you will, highlighting our Island’s diverse population. We hope you’ll take the time to read what they’ve offered up. We think you’ll find these “stories� fascinating. And while you’re at it, take a moment to think about who you are on this Island and how you add to its vibrant life. We all contribute, many of us in untold ways. —Leslie Brown, editor
Cedar Valley Stables & VI Horse Supply, Inc. My first husband and I relocated from Ann Arbor, Michigan to Seattle in early 1986. It was during our search for a place to settle that we literally stumbled onto the Fauntleroy Ferry terminal. When we stepped onto that first ferry to Vashon Island, we were hooked — smitten, if you will, with the casual-cute, funky-friendly atmosphere that permeates the air here. I didn’t know it at the time, but my future 2nd husband had arrived on Vashon Island from southern California a few years earlier with his first wife. We each raised two children here, but it was the horses that eventually brought us together. Up until that point, Gary had spent a lifetime training and working with Thoroughbred racehorses, while I had simply always wanted a horse of my own. Today you will find the two of us at the horse facility that we own and operate, Cedar Valley Stables and VI Horse Supply, Inc. Gary and I have devoted our lives to these pursuits for the last 13 years. What started as a dream has grown to fruition for both of us; together we’ve found a way to not just live here, but to earn a living here as well. In addition to finding just about everything horse-related you can think of, a visit to our stable and store is enough to brighten even the gloomiest day. Living among the horses, visitors will find a flock of free-range heritage turkeys — Gary is known as the “Turkey Whispererâ€?— plus a pack of big, beautiful, smart and friendly Labrador Retrievers. Sometimes there are puppies here to play with (our next litter is due 3/10/11), and you simply must meet Moose! The next time you find yourself with a little extra time to spare, come on over and browse the store. We carry feed and supplies for every critter you may have living at your place, in addition to horse-themed home dĂŠcor, clothing and gift inventory. While here, you will no doubt meet “Ichiroâ€?— a turkey who can catch — and “Normaâ€? — a turkey who thinks she’s a dog (she also catches). If you are looking for advice about horses, turkeys or dogs, or perhaps simply in the mood for a good story, come on over and pull up a chair. Gary has a lifetime of stories and experiences that will leave you with a smile every time. Shelley & Gary Headley Cedar Valley Stables & VI Horse Supply, Inc.
17710 112th Ave. SW, Vashon Isl. (off Bank Rd. west of town)
VI Horse Supply, Inc.
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