MASKS & DELTA
With the Delta variant now here in Whatcom County, and hospitalizations on the rise, I am returning to masking both indoors and out, based on the fact that although I am fully vaccinated, I am an elder and immune compromised. New discoveries show that this new variant raises the risk considerably that I could unknowingly infect others. Science wasn’t wrong. The situation has changed.
The recommendation that vaccinated people in some parts of the country dust off their masks was based largely on one troublesome finding, according to Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New research showed that vaccinated people infected with the Delta variant carry tremendous amounts of the virus in the nose and throat, she said in an email responding to questions from The New York Times.
The finding contradicts what scientists had observed in vaccinated people infected with previous versions of the virus, who mostly seemed incapable of infecting others. That conclusion dealt Americans a heavy blow: People with so-called breakthrough infections — cases that occur despite full vaccination — of the Delta variant may be just as contagious as unvaccinated people, even if they have no symptoms.
That means fully immunized people with young children, aging parents, or friends and family with weak immune systems will need to renew vigilance, particularly in high-transmission communities. Vaccinated Americans may need to wear masks not just to protect themselves, but everyone in their orbit.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/29/health/cdc-masks-vaccinated-transmission.html
PRIMARY ELECTION NOW
Tuesday August 3rd. Ballots must be in before 8 PM.
You can register to vote, even on Election Day, at the county courthouse (but don’t wait till 8 PM). Primaries are important elections, and your vote counts for more since few people vote. Only about 20% of eligible ballots have been returned at this point. Be an influencer! Make a difference! If you haven’t received your ballot, contact the Whatcom County Auditor’s office at 360-778-5102. At this point it’s better to take your ballot to a ballot box instead of a post office box, to be sure it’s postmarked or received in time. Here is a link to a wealth of information, including ballot box locations:
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1732/Current-Election
VOX PACIFICA
has prepared a short set of songs celebrating the anniversary of voting rights for women and all that it means. We’d love to share this music with you, under the trees, in some of your favorite Bellingham parks! We hope that you and your friends and family will join us for these free performances at any of the following locations.
Elizabeth Park, Gazebo: Wed Aug 4 @ 7:00pm
Cornwall Park, North Shelter: Wed Aug 11 @ 7:00pm
Whatcom Falls Park, Derby Pond: Wed Aug 18 @ 7:00pm
Learn more from our website: https://voxpacifica.org
ELIZABETH PARK CONCERTS
Thursdays 6 – 8 PM At The Gazebo (with food and dessert tents!)
August 5 D’VAS AND DUDES, Country folk, Rock, Blues, and Boogie Woogie
August 12 4TENS BAND, Fun Classic Rock Party Music
August 19 THE SWEET GOODBYES, Folk/Pop
August 26 CRAIGO’S PLANET GROOVE, Grateful Dead meets New Orleans Funk
September 2 BANDZANDT, The County’s Happiest Rock Band
LANDSCAPER ACCIDENT UPDATE
Hello to all of you that have supported Kim in some way. We wanted to let you all know how so very much everything is appreciated. The love in so many ways that so many of you have blessed Kim with and all of your help and prayers. She will have another surgery tomorrow 7/30 to do another cleaning on her legs, there are signs of infection. She still has a clot on her lung, and some short term memory from a few years back. She’s trying to deal with all that has happened to her with so many questions, Why??? The love and blessings you all have shown is amazing. So many people we do not even know. Every dime of this is going toward Kim and will be accounted for. Homebills, medical bills her animals, and when the time comes, a reconstruction of her house so it will be completely wheelchair accessible when she gets to come home. We wanted to put faces to our names and to thank you all so much. Pics: Lee(Clarence) am her only child. My wife Bobbie and our kids. Blessings to you all ❤ (Photos are up on the link below.)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/kim-eagle-lost-her-le
For those who are uncomfortable donating money online, here are two other options. The account is set up in the Nugents Corner ICU Industrial Credit Union. industrialcu.org. That’s the branch where the account is opened, but you can go to any ICU in Bellingham, WA https://www.industrialcu.org/about-us/access/branch-information/nugents-corner.
You can also just mail in a check, the account is under Clarence Leroy Dickinson, account name is Kim’s Fund, Please feel free to pass this along.
We have set up her monthly bills to be auto paid out from this account. So she doesn’t need to worry about it. Some of our friends on fixed income are putting a $25-$50 donation which will really help with her monthly bills. Thanks so much neighbors!
POPUP BOOK SALES
The Friends of the Library is holding two book sales this August with a new experience. They will be held at the front entrance of the library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
August 6th – Mystery and History
August 13th – Fiction and Biography
Most books will be $1. You may pay using cash, check, debit and credit card. Keep in mind, however there will be an additional 10 cents per dollar charge for debit and credit card purchases to help offset the processing fee. Smaller bills preferred; we will not be able to accept bills over $20. All proceeds support the work of the Bellingham Public Library. ~ Kathy Sparks, Utter Street
REDUCING DIABETES RISK
Do you feel like trying to stay on top of all the COVID news is like trying to drink from a fire hose? Well, here’s some good news that’s easier to swallow — something you can do for a healthier life. Bonus: it’s fun!
Washington State University Extension service offers a Diabetes Prevention Program in Whatcom and Skagit counties. If you are at least 18 years of age and have risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, WSU DPP will help you take charge of your health, now and in the future. The 22-week program incorporates lifestyle change interventions that guide you to make lasting commitments to reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes — which could save you from blindness, kidney disease, damage to your heart, blood vessels, and nerves, even possible amputations. The good news is Type 2 diabetes can be prevented. How do you know if you might be prediabetic? Take this quiz: www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention
If your score shows you are at high risk for prediabetes, talk to your health care provider or contact the WSU diabetes program, Diane Smith, 360 395 2355, to see if you qualify for this low-cost program. Some insurance plans and Medicare cover the $430 cost. WSU also offers scholarships and payment plans for people with limited income. You learn the skills you need to manage stress, be more active, lose weight; a trained lifestyle coach will guide and encourage you with the support from other participants with the same goals as you — to live your life to its fullest. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.~ Micki Jackson
RESPONSIBLE, HARDWORKING, RESPECTFUL MIDDLE SCHOOLER LOOKING FOR SUMMER JOBS
My name is Reis Ramsey and I am looking for summer jobs in the Columbia Neighborhood. Examples of tasks/ jobs- chopping vegetables, cleaning baseboards, carrying/ moving items, walking dogs & etc. I am enterprising, responsible, capable, respectful student at Whatcom Middle School. 314-517-2024- (Laura) This is my mom’s phone number so she can help me reply quickly with any questions etc.~ Reis Ramsey, Victor Street
FOUND CAT
Last night around 11pm a very sweet and small kitty came right up to me on my porch. No collar, but super shiny and soft. VERY friendly. No picture but the kitty has a dark slightly striped body and a face that’s half orange/half black with yellow eyes. Seemed young. Corner of Victor and Walnut. ~ Kamarie Astrid
MEET YOUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBOR
Jamie: https://vimeo.com/553813129
DONATE AROMATICS?
Gardeners, cooks, etc! Do you have extra: Lavender, Mint, Eucalyptus, Catnip, Citronella, Cinnamon, Tea tree, Thyme, Peppermint? Willing to donate to your unhoused neighbors in need? Mosquitos are BAD in camps we visit. Fran Bond has come up with a natural bug repellent. Thanks Fran! Help us collect the supplies to make bug repellent pouches. Contact Fl!p to drop at her place.
WATER NEEDED
We’re headed into some hotter days. Please donate flats of bottled water if you can. You can drop them at our house: 2518 Cherry Street. Around back is best. Thank you!
RADIO FREE FL!P
SHALLOW BROWN/CARGO
Cindy Kallet & Grey Larsen. I needed a lullaby. Sometimes shared grief is also a comfort.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cls25KnUwl0&list=PLuVviDccPmWpy2vfGP6ev_LFgy7b7SFxg&index=14
Love/Fl!p