VOTING
Over 36,000 Washington State primary ballots have been reported as rejected for failure to specify a party. 5,000 Whatcom County people did not check the box and their ballots have been rejected. See the “County Rejected Ballot List.” Contact the county if your name is listed. You get a second chance. Please make sure you choose a party. Party choice is for this particular primary only and will have no impact on your future choices. Also, if you have already voted and your candidate has now dropped out, if you have not already turned in your ballot, you can request another. Once your ballot has been processed by your local county elections office, it’s not possible to change your vote. I decided before my ballot arrived that I would wait to vote till March 9th. If you do not vote your Presidential Primary ballot you will still receive a ballot to vote in the November 3 General Election. Contact information for Whatcom County Auditor’s Office: 360-778-5102.
https://votewashington.info/voter/wa/wm
WILD THINGS
(Nature discovery for families with children age six and younger)
Every Friday in March – 9:30-11:00AM
March: Whatcom Falls Park (Upper Playground).
By donation ($5)
Let’s listen in to the spring songs of the birds and frogs along this waterway through one of our favorite parks. We’ll search for signs of spring and check out what the beavers had for dinner!
Holly Roger
(360) 393-7827
Nature Nerd@WildWhatcom.org
JIGSAW PUZZLE SWAP
Saturday, March 7th – 4pm-5:30pm (Change Of Date)
Connections Building at the Downtown Food Co-op
405 East Holly Street, Bellingham
We are doing a jigsaw puzzle swap! Open house style. Come when you would like and see what is up for grabs.
Bring a puzzle. Take a puzzle.
All puzzles must be complete. No missing pieces.
Puzzles of 20 pieces and more accepted in original box.
Can’t make it? We would love your donated puzzles to get things started.
Free Admission. Donations welcome to DVSAS and/or the Community Food Co-op for donating the space.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/474498500162327/
Kate Ferry
8th ANNUAL WHATCOM COUNTY SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR
Saturday, March 7th
This upcoming community event is hosted by The Franklin Academy
and powered by Alcoa. The fair is open to all
K-12 students in Whatcom County and students can select from four
divisions: Experiment, Engineering/Invention/Maker, Demonstration, and
Collection. More information about the science fair, registration
packets, volunteering as a judge, project ideas, and resources can be
found at www.whatcomcountysciencefair.com. Contact WCSEF coordinator
directly at sciencefair at thefranklin.academy to request an information
packet, to become a sponsor, or to have a business exhibit at this
year’s event.
Natalie Bennett
E Victor Street
(360) 733-1750 ext. 1509
SHELTER FROM THE STORM
LOCAL SHELTER OPTIONS AND WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
* Shelter hotline: This recorded message is updated by 9 a.m. daily by the Opportunity Council. (360) 788-7983
* County website: The Whatcom County Health Department webpage will be updated with severe weather information when it is open. www.whatcomcounty.us/homelessshelter
* City website: The City of Bellingham’s Addressing Homelessness page is available through searching “homeless” and a link is being made available on the homepage. www.cob.org/homeless
* Interactive map: The City has provided an interactive map with information about each of the emergency shelters. www.cob.org/shelters
* Facebook: The County (https://www.facebook.com/WhatcomCountyGovernment/) and the City (https://www.facebook.com/cityofbellingham/) will continue to provide outreach through social media as shelters are activated.
* Volunteers: The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County is helping with volunteer recruitment. Volunteers can find more information here: https://whatcomvolunteer.galaxydigital.com/need/?s=1&need_init_id=515
Hannah Stone
Kulshan Street
END OF LIFE PLANNING
[I hope none of us needs this right now, but it’s good to have paperwork in order. Now more than ever. I’ve been trying to encourage end of life planning for years. If you’ve just been added to the list, you might not know that this isn’t new. I’ve been publishing these events for a long time. I’m thinking it could leave a weird impression for first time subscribers! ~Fl!p]
THINK ABOUT THE UNTHINKABLE
Healthcare 101: Serious illness or accident can happen at any age.
In most states, when a person reaches age 18, they are a legal stranger to their parents. A parent has no more right to obtain medical information on a legal-age daughter or son than they would to obtain information about a stranger on the street. That’s true even if a young adult is covered by the parents’ health insurance, and the parents are paying the bill. That alone is reason to name a durable power of attorney for healthcare and to complete an advance directive on that milestone birthday.
On March 10, at 3:30pm, Bill Lombard MD, a nephrologist, will present “The Realities of Advanced Medical Interventions,” at WWU’s Viking Union Room 462. Dr. Lombard will present in frank terms the meanings of advanced medical interventions and what their outcomes could mean in the short and long term.
One of the most familiar interventions is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The “reality” of CPR is much different than depicted on television.
Dr. Lombard’s presentation supports good decision-making in preparation for completion of an advance directive.
On March 12, at 3:30pm, same venue, Bill Ciao, DMD, a certified advance care planning facilitator, will lead an advance directive workshop.
These presentations are sponsored by Western’s community health program, RN-to-BSN nursing program, and Palliative Care Institute.
If you have a son or daughter attending college hundreds of miles and several states away from home, learn how to help them have a say in the aftermath of a medical emergency, to be firmly in control of medical treatments and to help ensure family peace of mind.
Micki Jackson
http://www.cascadiaweekly.com/cw/features/category/mail
IS DEATH TOO SERIOUS FOR HUMOR?
Saturday, April 4, 2020 – 7:00pm
Sylvia Center for the Arts, 207 Prospect St, Bellingham, WA 98225
All of us are aware of the inevitability of life’s final journey, yet most of us have difficulty lightening up about it. Death is “serious business” and therefore we seldom see any place for humor in it. However, humor and a chance to laugh can provide relief for our anxieties about death. When we joke about death, we take the mystery out of it and begin to get the upper hand on our fears. So – the Palliative Care Institute invites you to an evening of improv theatre with the theme of The Departure Lounge. Some of Bellingham’s most talented improv artists will play with some of our common fears, myths, and denials. We know that death, dying, and loss are no laughing matter, but those who find a bit of humor in the process may find a bit of comfort. Come giggle, laugh, and perhaps even cry (with laughter) at the absurdities of this final journey.
Tickets – $10.00 in advance. $15.00 at the door
https://pci.wwu.edu/
THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE
All these events are at:
Unity Spiritual Center
1095 Telegraph Road, B’ham
Planning your trip of a lifetime!
BEING MORTAL
APRIL 15 10:00AM and 6:00PM
Unity Spiritual Center
1095 Telegraph Road, B’ham
This FRONTLINE public television documentary, based on physician Atul Gawande’s book of the same title, explores patient and family hopes when faced with a terminal diagnosis and their relationships with the physicians who care for them. Dr. Gawande sheds new light on our healthcare system…and the importance of talking about our true priorities. The documentary will spark dialogue and reflections on what matters most to us. Bring your questions and curiosity.
THE REALITIES OF ADVANCED MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
APRIL 22 10:00AM and 6:00PM
Unity Spiritual Center
1095 Telegraph Road, B’ham
Rebecca Rech Cutler, RN, BSN, a member of Unity Spiritual Center and faith community nurse, with hospice and home health experience, will present in frank terms the meanings of advanced medical interventions, and what outcomes could mean in the short and the long term for patients and families. This presentation supports good decision-making and deeper understanding before illness or accident occurs. It is preparation to complete a reliable, values-based Advance Directive.
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING WORKSHOPS
APRIL 29 10:00AM and 6:00PM
Unity Spiritual Center
1095 Telegraph Road, B’ham
10:00AM workshop: Bill Ciao, DMD, practiced dentistry for over 30 years. In retirement, Dr. Ciao is a volunteer, certified Advance Care Planning facilitator.
6:00PM workshop: Tessa Whitlock, Chuckanut Health Foundation Operations Coordinator, was trained and certified as an Advance Care Planning facilitator when she served at Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement.
They will guide participants in these interactive ACP workshops through completion of an an Advance Directive that is consistent with their healthcare goals, values, and beliefs. For those who complete their AD, FREE notary service will be available on-site.
EXTREMIS
May 6 10:00AM and 6:00PM
Unity Spiritual Center
1095 Telegraph Road, B’ham
This short award-winning documentary shows in stark reality what often occurs when family members are stuck in the awesome position of deciding whether a loved one should remain on life support…or not…and whether they are making that decision for the patient’s good or their own. Following the documentary, a presentation:
SIX OPTIONS AT THE END OF LIFE: YOUR CHOICE
Dwight Moore, PhD, psychologist and volunteer for the End of Life Washington organization for seven years, will examine each of the six choices, with particular attention to Washington State’s Death with Dignity law. In consultation with two physicians, people who have a six-month terminal prognosis, may choose to take medication to end their life if that is their wish. He will address some of the moral dilemmas involved, some requirements of the law, and invites your questions.
DEATH CAFE — “pop up” version
May 13 10:00AM and 6:00PM
Unity Spiritual Center
1095 Telegraph Road, B’ham
The Death Cafe phenomenon began in England in September, 2011. Since then, 10,130 Death Cafes “opened” in 69 countries. Discussions at Death Cafes cover a range of topics related to death and dying, to increase awareness, to normalize conversations and acceptance about death, and to make the most of our finite lives. Lively, fun, poignant conversations served with tea and cake!
For more information: Micki Jackson (360) 201-7840 micki98226@aol.com
healthministriesnetwork.net/the-departure-lounge
SPANISH!
Also, There’s lots going on the the Advance Care Planning world: One fabulous development! Micki has recruited Dr. Alejandro (Alex) Rey to present The Realities of Advanced Medical Interventions in Spanish! Dr. Rey is a FAMILY CARE NETWORK hospitalist. He’s a gem!Micki has already got a Latina social worker, to lead followup ACP workshops in Spanish — Claudia Luna. So, we’re positioned to better serve this underserved (and often vulnerable) population. If you know Spanish speakers, please help them connect to Micki.
(360) 201-7840
micki98226@aol.com
EDITOR’S CORNER
SUPPORT OF TRADITIONAL AND FOLK ARTS AND ARTISTS DURING COVID-19 EPIDEMIC
Here are some ideas about how we might minimize the effect of COVID-19 on traditional and folk music, dance, and all arts and artists, from my folkie friend (and doctor) Catherine Britell.
https://catherinebritell.blogspot.com/2020/03/support-of-traditional-and-folk-arts.html
RIDE FROM EVERETT FOR RUG?
I’m looking for a ride from Everett for a 5×9 rug (rolled up). Someone on Craigslist has one I’d like to buy, but not badly enough to drive round trip to go get it. The sellers are about a mile and a half from I-5. I’ve got a ride offer for Sunday, but if someone can pick it up sooner, it’s more likely to still be available. Thanks!
Fl!p Breskin
Cherry Street
360-671-4511
—NUTS & BOLTS—