Meeting, Eldridge, So Much More

CNA QUARTERLY MEETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2021 AT 7 PM Online

Columbia Neighborhood Association Quarterly Meeting

Speakers: Public Works Director Eric Johnston on traffic. Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker on projects and the school bond. CNA meetings are open to the public; please join us! Questions: columbianeighborhoodassociation@protonmail.com

Here is the agenda for next Tuesday’s meeting:

7:00 – 7:10 – Welcome 

                     Reports: Treasurer, MNAC, Share Shack

7:10 – 7:40 – Speaker Eric Johnston, Director of Public Works. Subject: traffic solutions

7:45 – 8:15 – Speaker Dr. Greg Baker, Superintendent of Bellingham Public Schools. Subject: current projects and the school bond

8:15 – 9:00 – CNA Business: 

                           Pending projects:  Bike rack and CNA website                         

                           Bylaw revisions

                           Annual financial audit: We will need 2 volunteers

                           CNA Board openings

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 835 3196 4765

Passcode: 691197

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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k7uprH8H

FREE REPAIR OF HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Sunday November 14th and 21st, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

Northwest Free Repairs is a group of environmentally minded volunteers dedicated to reducing a “throw away mentality” for broken household items. It meets twice monthly on the second and third Sundays of each month from 1:00 – 3:30 pm in the Makers Space facility at Bellis Fair Mall (next door to Dick’s Sporting Goods.) Bring your broken household items and see what they can do! This service is provided free of charge. It is a combined continuation of two separate repair groups that have been successfully operating in Whatcom County for six years (prior to COVID.) They have had about a 70-80% success rate with repairs in the past and will evaluate anything that you can carry in to determine if it can be repaired. COVID restrictions to be observed.

MISSING MAN – PLEASE HELP

https://findsustainablejohn.com/?fbclid=IwAR3wJDNkcE6GnpFBlluhoDlU1odd7hUjlz2mPnjDNfTq2EVvb3zzliCfwnU

ELDRIDGE: COOL SUGGESTION

Dear Columbia neighbors

We recently, again, had another high speed accident on Eldridge and it has me marvelling about how many major accidents we have had along Eldridge in the short 4 years we have lived here. There was the person who took out the telephone pole and landed upside down in someone’s yard, the absolute tragedy that occured this summer when a community member lost both legs and almost her life because of an out of control driver, and then most recently a car slammed into a parked car, through a pole and took out a wrought iron fence. Also, our neighbor’s parked car got totaled by an out of control driver. These are 4 major accidents in just 4 years. This is not to mention how many of us have lost side view mirrors or had our cars swiped as our cars are parked along Eldridge. 

I don’t know what it is about Eldridge, but it seems like people like to drive fast down this road. Case in point, I was literally passed the other night by a white BMW SUV as if I was standing still. 

I was thinking about this while driving down Eldridge and feeling a sense of anger and frustration at all the speeding drivers who obviously don’t care about the safety of our community. I was even fashioning the letter I was going to send to Flips Newsletter about how we need to get the city to do something when I happened to look down at my speedometer, and saw that I was going 45 MPH. 20 MPH over the speed limit… talk about a moment of hypocrisy. 

So, first off I apologize to my Eldridge neighbors about my own tendency to drive fast down that road. Second, I have, since then, driven 25 MPH whenever I’m on Eldridge and have quite liked the slower pace. I realize that if we wait until the city does something about the speeding drivers, we will wait way too long. Therefore I think we need to take control of Eldridge and slow fast drivers (like myself) down by all of us driving 25 MPH whenever on Eldridge. Take pride in that long line of cars behind you. In my opinion we need to create the reputation that Eldridge is a super slow road, and hopefully everyone else will fall into line. 

As a repentant Eldridge speeder, I ask that whenever you are on Eldridge, if you’re not already doing so, please drive 25MPH. Thanks ~ Matt Dowling

END OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

The days are getting shorter and the weather is turning dark. Reminder to look out for pedestrians and bicycles. State law says pedestrian crosswalks exist at *all* intersections – whether they are marked or not. Pedestrians and cyclists, please wear bright or high visibility clothing, use caution, and never leave a curb or place of safety and move into a vehicle’s path at a point where it is impossible for the driver to stop

TUTORING

Private tutoring available from Columbia neighborhood teacher. I teach reading, writing, and math (up to Algebra). Please contact me for more information. Thank you! ~ Ruth Olsen 360-318-5380 www.beliinghamtutoring.com

FILM ONLINE

CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival celebrates Native American Heritage month with the online screening of the documentary “End of the Line: Women of Standing Rock,” directed by Shannon Kring. The film sold out at the Pickford Film Center during its Doctober festival.  CASCADIA presents it online throughout November. “End of the Line: The Women of Standing Rock” is a powerful, inspiring 97-minute film that captures history in the making as a small group of Indigenous women establish a peaceful camp in protest of the $3.8 billion oil pipeline construction that threatens their land, water, and very existence. View trailer here: https://vimeo.com/419950760. Tickets are $10 on sale now here. More info at https://www.cascadiafilmfest.org/upcoming-events-2/

COOKS NEEDED

We need more cooks for the Outreach folks who are delivering hot home-cooked meals to unsheltered neighbors. We can provide ingredients, baking pans & to-go containers. A one-dish casserole meal like Mac & cheese, spaghetti, burritos, or tuna noodle is simple to make and brings such comfort to a cold lonely person on a dark night. We could also use donations of hand warmers, clean dry winter socks, ponchos, raincoats, socks, large size boots & sturdy shoes, and AAA & AA batteries. Cash donations let us shop for the best deals, to do the greatest good for the greatest number. https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/qm4vz8

THANK YOU CARDS & LETTERS FOR HOSPITAL WORKERS

Please send more cards & letters to our hospital workers. They are having such a hard time and it actually helps when they hear that we haven’t forgotten them. I have some beautiful blank greeting cards I’d be happy to share with you. Also, we’ve still got some musicians performing at shift changes and have room for more. Contact me for more information. And if there are any more gift cards donated, the musicians can distribute them to the workers. ~ Love/Fl!p 

The Workers At St Joseph Hospital / Peacehealth

2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225

DEAF MAN SEEKING COLUMBIA RENTAL

My name is Miko Machalski and I am Deaf. Now that my kids are all grown, I am looking to move from where I live on Lummi Island (for 37 years) to Bellingham. I am looking for a small cottage or mother-in-law dwelling in town. I am fully vaccinated and am hoping to move Spring 2022. If you would like to see me and how I communicate, watch this short YouTube video I made (with English captions): https://youtu.be/See2hzaEK7o

If you have a rental, or know of one, please contact me at 360-255-7039. When you call my number, it will automatically connect to a free sign language interpreter who will interpret between us. You can also leave a message through the interpreter if I am not available. Thank you so much and hope to connect with you.

ROOM AVAILABLE

Partially furnished room available in Sunnyland neighborhood. Steps away from breweries, TJ’s, downtown and bus lines. Seeking a mature, responsible, respectable and vaccinated housemate with a chill attitude, generally neat and fairly quiet home habits. Bonus points if you have any gardening experience or enthusiasm for gardening. Must be able to pass a background check, submit proof of income, and provide personal references and history of your living situation for the past year. Rent is $675/month plus utilities. Room is available Dec. 1st A pet may be negotiable. Text or email Jewel Leuba at 774-269-5599 or jewel.leuba@gmail.com

PIROSHKY PIROSHKY

11/14 Bellingham. Nice goodies delivered by pre-order only for local pick-up, about once a month.

https://piroshkybakery.com/menu/?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=seasonal&utm_content=nov2021

YAWNING

I’ve been teaching deliberate yawning for at least 40 years. It is so exciting first seeing science research catch up, and now seeing it popularized on TV news!

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/this-week-on-sunday-morning-november-7-2021/

ATTENTION

The French philosopher Simone Weil wrote often of attention as a kind of spiritual discipline. “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity,” she wrote in her notebooks, an idea she later would continue to develop, eventually concluding that attention “presupposes faith and love.”  ~ Alissa Wilkinson

FL!P’S EYES

I had eye surgery for cataracts Wednesday Nov 3rd, which went a little sideways the first night, but is now WAY better! I got eyedrops to handle the excess pressure. My vision is much clearer now. I have more energy too. I slept the first two days. My other eye is scheduled for November 17 and should be easier now that I know what to expect. You may see fewer posts from me than usual this month because of the surgery, but I’ll try to keep up. Zeke can read to me.

RADIO FREE FL!P 

SLOW THE TEMPO DOWN CHARLIE

Tom Hodge with one of my favorite songs, which he wrote long ago. It’s so poignant that it starts with guys insulting each other kind of lovingly, as I’ve so often seen them do, and then the music starts and immediately spills over with tenderness. I was there in the front row when this was recorded. The song starts at 1:24. 

https://www.facebook.com/scott.katz/videos/1201695567798

OLD FRIENDS

Simon & Garfunkel, backstage, long ago. Best version I have ever heard. How terribly strange to be 70…

Vote! Nurses, Halloween, More

VOTE!

Vote by 8 PM Tuesday November 2nd

There are drop boxes all over the county or you can mail your ballot. No stamps needed. But if you choose to mail it in, do so by Monday Morning, early to make sure it’s processed in time by the post office. At this point the drop boxes are a better choice. Here’s a link to locations: 

https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1863/Ballot-Drop-Box-Locations

Visit the Whatcom County Auditor’s office at the courthouse to register to vote or change your address in person, by 8:00 pm Election Day. But the sooner the better please. If you haven’t received your ballot yet, it’s time to contact them now. Call before you go; they may be able to save you a trip: 360-778-5102. They may be able to set you up with a ballot to print on your home printer. Check online for all sorts of voter information here:  VoteWA.gov

Do not underestimate how much of an impact you can have on a local election, Turn out is low so far: under 32K out of almost 157K, barely over 20% of ballots. Your vote counts!

CANDIDATE FORUMS

You can watch recorded forums online here: 

https://www.lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org/2021-election-forums

MEDICARE

Open enrollment has started and ends December 7th. This is the time that you can make changes to your plan that will take effect January 1st and remain in place for the rest of the year. There are many sources of assistance to help you make your decisions.

HOSPITAL NURSES UPDATE

Thanks so much! We’ve had six or seven offers of housing already. It turns out the contact information I was given wasn’t quite what was wanted. So far the administration doesn’t seem to have someone to handle our offers of help. So, till Monday, go ahead and send offers to me, with your contact information, and I’ll pass it on Monday morning as soon as the overworked administrative workers at the hospital can figure out who will take this job on. Meanwhile, I am utterly delighted with your generosity and caring! Thank you!!! Write me at flip@breskin.com

LA TRAVIATA

Sunday October 31, 1:30 pm

Friday November 5, 7:30 pm

Sunday November 7, 1:30 pm

Tickets Online: McIntyre Hall online order form. By phone: 360-416-7727

Love opera? This production is getting rave reviews! For more information https://pnopera.org/performance/la-traviata/ Once again we are offering student tickets for $10 and FREE if accompanied by an adult who purchases a ticket. Available only at the box office.

CHOIR OF THE SALISH SEA 

COMBAT FLIP FLOPS: IN AND OUT OF BATTLE

3:00 and 7:30pm, Saturday, November 13, 2021

Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St, Bellingham

$20 general/$5 students – buy tickets at brownpapertickets

For further information, see choirofthesalishsea.com

This high-energy program marking Veteran’s Day reframes the age-old imperative to “beat swords into plowshares” with a modern project of replacing combat boots with casual footwear. Venture with the choir into and out of battle with pieces honoring veterans (Hogan’s Battle of Jericho, a setting of Kipling’s Boots), pondering war and peace (Gabriel’s Oboe from “The Mission,” and Nichols’ electrifying Chalk Circle Songs), and exuding joy (Blue Suede Shoes, Paul Simon’s Diamonds on The Soles of Her Shoes).

FIREHOUSE ARTS & EVENT CENTER

They’re back open, with a lot going on. If you’re ready to go out, take a look!

http://www.firehouseperformingarts.com/upcoming-events/

NEED HEAVY SHELVING

For homeless supplies. Can you help? Check with Fl!p and I’ll either arrange for pick-up or let you know where to deliver it. Thank you!

HOMELESS SUPPLIES

Notice how cold the nights have gotten? Into the 30s. It’s perfect for Halloween but really hard if you don’t have shelter. We need brown & camo tarps, closed cell foam (only) sleeping pads, tents, sleeping bags, blankets. Also warm coats, raincoats, ponchos, gloves, large size boots and shoes, clean dry socks, AAA & AA batteries, hand warmers, and we can always use cash. Thanks everybody!

HALLOWEEN

I just wanted you to know that with the Covid numbers soaring a lot of us parents with small children are opting for no-knock tricks or treats and we sure do appreciate anyone out there who wants to leave candy out. We’ll definitely be waving and air high diving, but not worth the risk to send our unvaccinated small humans up to doors where we don’t know what’s happening. ~ Kamarie Chapman

From Fl!p: Zeke is carving our pumpkin right this minute. He’s nearly done. I’ve got a really long (7 foot), light weight pole for safely (masked) distancing while handing out candy. We’ve got candy necklaces for trick-or-treaters and dark chocolate truffles for parents. We’re also glad to wave through the window or from the front porch to admire costumes safely if that makes the most sense for your family.

And for the very, very brave, we have a genuine tombstone in the back garden. No one has ever been buried under it, but I’ve had it for maybe 40 years. Here’s the story: In the late 1970s I was sweethearts with a stone carver. When the city of Mt Vernon built a new city hall, they displaced long time tombstone makers Fret’s Monuments. Fret’s put their inventory on sale, had an auction, and finally put a notice in the paper inviting folks to come take the left-overs before they were bulldozed. Tom & I piled into the pick-up and headed South. I absolutely fell in love with a pink granite headstone. Tom said it was really, really heavy. But I was enchanted. So he wrestled it into the back of the pickup, along with a bunch of smaller stones. We drove home and shoved it out into the front yard. Where it stayed for nearly 20 years. At some point we installed a garden bed around it, but it was in the front yard all those years. We never got single trick-or-treater at that house, for some reason. Plenty of kids the rest of the time since we lived in town and had ponies in the back yard. One day a uniformed policeman knocked on the front door to ask about the tombstone, and suddenly it all made sense. Kids tell each other stories. One of them must have told a grown-up… When we moved to Cherry Street, of course I took my tombstone, but we had them put it in the back yard instead, where it doesn’t show from the street. But if you want a tour, I think it could be arranged. It’s my best Halloween decoration ever… Love/Fl!p 

FL!P EYE SURGERY

I’ve got cataract surgery on Wednesday, and again 2 weeks later for the other eye. I’ve been told it’s no big deal, but they sure make you sign a lot of papers. I may be pretty quiet for a few days after.

RADIO FREE FL!P 

SKELETON DANCE

The Skeleton Dance is a 1929 Silly Symphony animated short subject produced and directed by Walt Disney and animated by Ub Iwerks. In the film, four human skeletons dance and make music around a spooky graveyard—a modern film example of medieval European “danse macabre” imagery.

Love/Fl!p 

Nurses Need Housing, Scams, More

NURSES’ HOUSING NEEDED

Short-term housing, 6 – 8 weeks, for nurses who have traveled from other areas to fill in at St Joe’s, which is currently overwhelmed with Covid patients. They are having trouble finding housing. If you might be able to help, please contact please contact Emily Miller EMiller@peacehealth.org at St Joe’s. Neighbors were wonderful at the beginning of Covid, offering housing for nurses who were scared to go home to their families. Can we come through again this time? Maybe let me know too.  Love/Fl!p  flip@breskin.com

SCAM CALL PROTECTION

In an effort to help protect Bellingham area consumers from emerging scams, AARP has joined forces with the Bellingham Police Department, the Northwest Regional Council, the Whatcoma County Asset Building Coalition, the State Attorney General’s Office, BECU, and Nomorobo to launch “Tip-offs to Rip-offs.”

As part of that work, the call blocking service Nomorobo is providing ongoing access to real-time reports of the latest scam calls making the rounds in Bellingham. The most recent “top-five” roll call of robocall scams is listed on the link below, including actual recordings of each type of call. Take a moment to listen to the calls to better familiarize yourself with each specific pitch and how they sound. Be sure to visit this page often, as we’ll be updating the list regularly.

https://states.aarp.org/washington/tip-offs-to-rip-offs-top-five-robocall-scams-in-bellingham

HALLOWEEN

We’ll have candy necklaces for the young’uns and dark chocolate truffles for their parents at 2518 Cherry Street. Please wear your masks, as will we since I am both immune-compromised and an elder. I have so missed getting to hand out candy and admire costumes! Love/Fl!p 

Wanted to add to your Halloween/trick or treat conversation that kids under 12 aren’t yet able to be vaccinated. Masking up when opening the door to them would help protect everyone. 

~ A Neighbor

SEEKING RENTAL

Jan Peters is seeking a one bedroom unit of any kind where integrity & good energy are more important than current market rental rates. I’d prefer to pay between $500 and $700 a month, leaving headroom for utilities, etc.  I have steady income from solid arts patronage as well as my music work and teaching.  If necessary, I could go as high as $800/month, if that would include utilities. I’m an established professional acoustic musician, teacher, and show maker here in Bellingham for around 22 years now.  I’m 61, last time I checked, and have many folks in this town who can speak on my behalf. 360 820 0486 jansongsproductions@gmail.com

RADIO FREE FL!P 

YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES – James Taylor & Carly Simon

Wind & Rain, Lots More

HEAVY RAIN, POSSIBLE HIGH WINDS LATE SUNDAY NIGHT

Looks like we may get a break Saturday afternoon. A great time to clean out the storm drains and put leaves safely into your wheelie bins so they don’t wash right back in. The basement you save from flooding could be your own, or your neighbors. Watch carefully for traffic as you work. Thank you!

THANKSGIVING COOKS?

They have no plans for Thanksgiving at Swifthaven Tiny Home Village. I would like to do a Thanksgiving dinner for them on Sunday before Thanksgiving but I can’t take on the whole thing myself. Do you know of any volunteers that might be willing to help? ~ Julia  juliahassler@comcast.net 360-201-6996. 

U-PICK GRAPES

We’ve got more grapes than we know what to do with and would like to share with someone who wants  them. They are dark purple with seeds and taste like grape juice. In fact, they make delicious juice. If you would like to come pick some, please email mardisolomon1@gmail.com or call/text (360)325-6002. ~ Mardi & Gene Solomon, Walnut Street

 KARLA BONOFF / NINA GERBER TICKETS

I have 2 tickets to this concert at MBT on Nov 4 @ 7:00 pm. Turns out I have Kulshan Chorus rehearsal that night, and will be missing rehearsal while traveling the following week, so would like to find 2 people interested in attending. I paid $49 each – good seats – would take less if interested. Please let me know — I’m sorry to miss this ~ Harriet Markell, harriet.markell@gmail.com

[Nina Gerber is absolutely stunning. If you’ve never heard her, she is SO worth hearing! ~ Fl!p] 

CHOIR OF THE SALISH SEA 

All concerts at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St, Bellingham

$20 general/$5 students – buy tickets at brownpapertickets

For further information & Covid Protocols , see choirofthesalishsea.com

COMBAT FLIP FLOPS: IN AND OUT OF BATTLE

3:00 and 7:30pm, Saturday, November 13, 2021

This high-energy program marking Veteran’s Day reframes the age-old imperative to “beat swords into plowshares” with a modern project of replacing combat boots with casual footwear. Venture with the choir into and out of battle with pieces honoring veterans (Hogan’s Battle of Jericho, a setting of Kipling’s Boots), pondering war and peace (Gabriel’s Oboe from “The Mission,” and Nichols’ electrifying Chalk Circle Songs), and exuding joy (Blue Suede Shoes, Paul Simon’s Diamonds on The Soles of Her Shoes).

BROTHERS, SING ON!

3:00 and 7:30pm, Saturday, February 26, 2022

Choir member Christopher Giffen brings his professional opera singing brother John from Montreal to lead us in choral classics including Quick’s Loch Lomond, Lauridsen’s Sure on this Shining Night and Copland’s Zion’s Walls. The program also features guests The Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Chalice Choir who will join us for Franz Biebl’s powerful Ave Maria.

THE BIG ROCK GARDEN CONCERT

3:00 and 7:30pm, Saturday, May 21, 2022

The mystery and magic of art in an idyllic forest setting is communicated through songs including the Beatles’ Here Comes the Sun, Lauridsen’s Dirait-On and Bobby McFerrin’s The Garden. First presented virtually in May, 2020, this concert will now hitting the stage in-person, along with projections of the fantastic and diverse garden sculptures.

HANDYMAN SHOUTOUT

I worked with Bo Bumford (charges $50/hr). Really skilled and efficient. He worked for a friend building a deck and also took out a wall and installed windows and doors. He came very highly recommended. Bumford Construction  360.319.9020 ~ Penny Chambers <penny.chambers@gmail.com>

CONCRETE WORK?

I’m looking for someone to cast me a concrete plinth to mount my Little Free Library. I want to have it be all kid’s books. I got this very cool Victorian reproduction cast iron mailbox, enamel green. There’s one side that can be set up with a plexiglass cover to lift.  So I’m also looking for someone who can cut me that piece of plexiglass. Or several of pieces to tuck away in case the first one gets broken. I’ve got a great stash of kids books I would love to share. Is it too late in the year for concrete? ~ Fl!p Breskin flip@breskin.com 360-671-4511

BUDGET WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER NEEDED

My fiance and I are getting married next summer at Tolt Macdonald Park in Carnation, WA on June 26, 2022. It will be a DIY camping wedding with friends and family. For the videographer, the time commitment is flexible, but we’re hoping to end up with 5-10 minute video of wedding day highlights – our budget is $1,000. We are also open to hiring a student or young professional looking to build their portfolio. Please send recommendations my way, ~ Anya Gedrath: agedrath@gmail.com or 970.488.9195.

HOUSE FOR RENT

3 bedrooms/ 1.5 Bath / large second floor bonus room, 1200 ft. Available early November. $2500/month. Columbia Craftsman, bright, full of character in the heart of Bellingham’s historic Columbia neighborhood. Email for viewing and more details: marciafaye01@gmail.com ~ Marcia Levinson

FRIENDLY, COMMUNITY MINDED FAMILY LOOKING TO SETTLE IN COLUMBIA

Hello! My family of four moved to Bellingham from Woodinville this summer and we are loving it here. We have spent days wandering neighborhoods and just love Columbia. When we aren’t working or schooling (two college kiddos) we love to garden, hike, walk, and explore restaurants and coffee shops. We are looking to buy a 3 bed, 1.5+ bath 1500 sq ft or bigger home this winter or next spring. We owned our last home for 15 years and hope to be a long time part of the community. Would consider renting. Thanks! Kit Topaz, kittopaz2@gmail.com

CHANGE THROUGH LISTENING 

I’ve been thinking for years about listening as an alternative to arguing, bullying or avoiding conflict. If someone is holding rigidly to an idea that I find horrific, there is actually no way I will be able to argue them out of it. Their mind is not open. There is nothing I can say that will get through when someone is in the emotional grip of some irrationality.  However, if I listen caringly, intelligently, courteously, deliberately, and at length – and I mean actually caring about the human being in the grip of whatever idea I find upsetting – there is at least a chance that being cared about and really heard will give the person to whom I am listening a chance to re-think. And to connect with me.  It’s the hardest thing I know, to listen to someone say things I find deeply distateful. Because there’s a risk that I, the listener, might be changed by what I hear.  But if my own position is actually correct, it must be safe to listen.  And if my position leaves critical things out, I really want to get it right.  So no matter what direction you might be hoping to change the world, I believe it is done most effectively one heart at a time. Love/Fl!p 

RADIO FREE FL!P 

THE WATER IS WIDE

Karla Bonoff & Nina Gerber (coming soon to the Mt Baker Theatre!)

Election Forum. Traffic Calming, Lots More

ELECTION FORUM SATURDAY ON INITIATIVES 1 – 4

League Of Women Voters

We have an election forum on Saturday, Oct. 16th covering the Bellingham Citizen Initiatives 1-4, beginning at 9:30AMTune in to see discussion on Bellingham Citizen  Initiatives 1-4. The initiatives are:

Initiative 1: Expands Tenant Rights to Include Rental Relocation Assistance (9:30 AM)

Initiative 2: Concerns the Use of Facial Recognition Technology and Predictive Policing Technology (10:05AM)

Initiative 3: Concerns Recipients Using City Funds to Discourage Unionization Efforts (10:55 AM)

Initiative 4: Concerns Employee Rights for Hourly-Wage Employees and Gig Workers (11:25 AM)

All our election forums will be airing live on BTV Bellingham and Zoom. Spanish interpretation will be available at the Zoom link.

For more information or to get the Zoom link, click here: https://www.lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org/2021-general…/…

Click here to submit a question for the forum: https://forms.gle/ptmhxXauJgjuMoke9

REQUEST TRAFFIC CALMING ON ELDRIDGE

We are urgently requesting all impacted community members write to the City of Bellingham regarding the excessive speeds on Eldridge Avenue and lack of pedestrian safety. The speed in a residential zone is 25 MPH. There are no stop lights, roundabouts, curb bulbs (chokers) or signs between Bennett and BroadwayEarly Sunday morning, October 10, 2021 around 2 AM, a vehicle struck a parked car, sheared off a wood utility pole, a fire hydrant was sent into the street, and demolished the bus stop sign, fencing, trees, and shrubs. We need to avert future horrendous vehicular collisions like the one Friday, July 9, 2021, that caused amputations. This is a public safety issue on Eldridge Ave.  An impaired driver who is speeding is more dangerous than one going at lower speeds. City of Bellingham please help our neighborhood. We request the city devise speed mitigation solutions to decrease speeds on Eldridge Avenue, provide safe street crossings to allow pedestrians to cross the street, allow vehicles to park safely in front of homes, and slow traffic down. Thank you neighbors. ~ Barbara Alten, Eldridge Avenue 

PRAYERS FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Next Monday, October 18th, at 4 PM is the monthly ecumenical Prayers for Peace in the Middle East. This month it will be held at St Paul’s Episcopal Church. Please join us for this 30 minute gathering related to issues that affect so much of our world. ~ Laurie Parrish

SHOUT OUT

I just would like to give a big shout out to the four Northwest Free Repairs guys. I took my wobbly floor lamp to them on Sunday and they fixed it to be as good as new! And they fixed the faulty switch too. We had a wonderful conversation while I waited. I tried to tip them but they refused, so I posted a big shout out for them on Facebook. And now here too. What a wonderful service these guys are providing to our community. We are so blessed to have them here. With much gratitude, ~ Chris Peterson, Patton St.

FREE REPAIR OF HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

October 17th and November 14th and 21st from 1:00 – 3:30 pm

Northwest Free Repairs is a group of environmentally minded volunteers dedicated to reducing a “throw away mentality” for broken household items. It meets twice monthly on the second and third Sundays of each month from 1:00 – 3:30 pm in the Makers Space facility at Bellis Fair Mall (next door to Dick’s Sporting Goods.) Bring your broken household items and see what they can do! This service is provided free of charge. It is a combined continuation of two separate repair groups that have been successfully operating in Whatcom County for six years (prior to COVID.) They have had about a 70-80% success rate with repairs in the past and will evaluate anything that you can carry in to determine if it can be repaired.

COVID restrictions to be observed.

HOMELESS ASSISTANCE

It’s getting colder and wetter. Gloves, hats, scarves, socks, boots & sturdy shoes (especially larger sizes); sleeping bags, tents & brown tarps (especially 10’ tarps and larger).  Hand warmers, AAA batteries & AA batteries (2 – 1 ratio). Donations of cash. I’ll be glad to receive here and get them to the volunteer Outreachers. And we always need cooks! I can supply pots & pans, ingredients and to-go containers. And advice. Love/Fl!p Breskin, 2518 Cherry Street, 360-671-4511

BOTH CATS SAFE HOME

The purple-collared cat has been s been found!!:) Thank you for everything. ~ Katy Velasquez

Great news! Trumpet made his way home. He definitely smelled of adventure. He must have meandered through a few musty garages and dank, dirty crawl spaces. He was certainly anxious to get back inside to tell us he had a good time. Our many thanks for the communal karmic support. ~ Drew Kretzschmar

MISSING CAT

I’m missing my male Maine Coon Cat: 7 year’s old. Caught him once after 61 days. He was home a couple weeks. My boyfriend, his owner passed away, and Booger ran out the door again. He has been seen on the corner of Jefferson and Cherry streets, but runs when people get close. If anyone can lure him inside with catnip I can come get him.  I miss you Booger! Come home! He is chipped,  My number is 360 224 4143.  ~ Gloria Byrd

FURNACE REPAIR

Called ANDGAR Heating yesterday at 12:00. A tech showed up a little after 4:00. Very courteous; the furnace was fixed and totally checked over for a very reasonable price. Very highly recommended.  ~ Dallas Talkington

HOUSE AND PET SITTING

Dear Columbia neighborhood, 

Hello my name is Ella Dowling. I attend Whatcom Hills Waldorf School and I am raising money for my 8th grade project which is focused on photography. I am raising money for camera supplies and printing material. I would love an opportunity to raise money by house and pet sitting. Unfortunately I cannot spend the night, but can easily come by feed/walk pets, water plants, get mail etc. Same with pet sitting; I can come to your house more than once to feed, walk and give them attention, or if you just don’t have time to walk your pet I’m more than happy to come and help out. Contact me care of my Dad, Matthew Dowling <mattdowl@gmail.com>. Thanks ~ Ella      

SINGLE DAD SEEKS NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE TO RENT (OR BUY)

Hi neighbors, I’ve been living aboard our sailboat at Squalicum Harbor with my 2 boys for the past nearly 6 years and am looking to transition back to a land-based lifestyle—seeking a home in the Columbia neighborhood.  I’m a local small business owner (www.wolfeboat.com), devoted dad, and longtime Columbia neighbor.  I first moved to Bellingham in 1989 during my high school years, lived on Cherry Street, and have rented two different homes on Victor Street over the years.  As well, before he passed, my dad lived on Williams Street.  That is to say, Bellingham and the Columbia neighborhood feels like home.  I am hoping to find a place with 1 – 3 bedrooms and a garage.  I’m honest, respectful, responsible.  My rental history is 100% positive.  I look forward to this next adventure on land with my kids—hoping someone might have an offering or a lead!  ~ Tr!stan Wolfe Tulavak@hotmail.com 360-319-9759

PIANO DUET

A sweet old memory: I had never thought about playing real duets with a baby!  I sat with an 8 month old baby on my lap at the piano this afternoon and echoed her playing. She wasn’t playing single notes, so neither did I. Small handfuls of two to four notes in gentle rhythmic cadences, following hers as precisely as I could. She led me for at least 10 minutes with delight and relaxed assurance. She definitely got it that I was following her lead. I’d give her a phrase’s worth of head start and then join in fugue-style, doing my best to hear what she was doing as I played approximately what she had already played, maintaining rhythm and general cadence above all.  Challenging and great fun!

RADIO FREE FL!P

HERE COMES THE SUN

Paul Simon with Graham Nash, and David Crosby

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XJtCQhVAmo

Love/Fl!p

Free Repairs; Climate Forum; CERT & More

FREE REPAIR OF HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

October sessions will occur on the l0th and the 17th and in November the 14th and 21st. Northwest Free Repairs is a group of environmentally minded volunteers dedicated to reducing a “throw away mentality” for broken household items. It meets twice monthly on the second and third Sundays of each month from 1:00 – 3:30 pm in the Makers Space facility at Bellis Fair Mall (next door to Dick’s Sporting Goods.) Bring your broken household items and see what they can do! 

This service is provided free of charge. It is a combined continuation of two separate repair groups that have been successfully operating in Whatcom County for six years (prior to COVID.) They have had about a 70-80% success rate with repairs in the past and will evaluate anything that you can carry in to determine if it can be repaired. COVID restrictions to be observed.

COMMUNITY FORUM ON CLIMATE

Join the Nooksack Indian Tribe’s Cultural & Natural Resources Department for an online community forum, Thursday, October 14th | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, to learn about the Nooksack Indian Tribe’s Climate Adaptation Plan for key species and habitats.

The lead presenter will be Harriet Morgan from the University of Washington Climate Impacts Group. This session will highlight a subset of climate adaptation actions, and identify ways the community can help. Presentations will be followed by a Q and A.

Note: You must register for the event in order to receive the Zoom link to attend. There is no cost to register. Registration closes one hour prior to the event start time. Click here to register: tinyurl.com/nooksackclimateforum

https://nooksacktribe.org/…/water…/climate-change/

CERT &. MAP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Zeke & I went through CERT training over 15 years ago. I would recommend it for every citizen over the age of 14. Yes, you can take your teenager with you. Real-life skills like how to run a fire extinguisher, conduct a search and rescue, handle a fire hose. You’ll come out of of training having built your own emergency kit too. I was afraid to take this program, worried that focusing on the possibility of disaster would leave me even more worried. I was wrong. CERT focuses on what we can, as individuals, do to make things better after a disaster. The greatest good for the greatest number. Sign up, folks! And while you’re at it, do a Map Your Neighborhood meeting  on your own block. If you live in or near the Columbia neighborhood, I’ll help you invite your neighbors and  facilitate your meeting over Zoom. Look it up: Map Your Neighborhood  – disaster preparedness by the block. Powerful stuff!

HOMELESS SUPPLIES

Handwarmers are back in season. Raincoats; warm coats, hats, gloves & heavy wool socks. Tents! And more cooks! I have lots of ingredients to share, and big pans, and to-go containers. Think spaghetti, tuna noodle casserole, shepherd’s pie, mac & cheese, simples to make and warms your body through and through. We’ ve got Outreacher friends who deliver daily. Sign up here: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/qm4vz8

FOLK RADIO

Ted Matts is back with new monthly Local Folk shows on KMRE 102.3 FM , now at 8-9pm on the first Tuesday of each month. E also does a show every Thursday on KZAX 8-10pm where he plays a song from every act playing in the following week – mostly chronologically… everything he can find… this week will have a great set featuring the upcoming Bellingham Irish Music Festival.

MEMORY FROM 2006

I wrote this 15 years ago, before the disastrous remodel for which we’re in year 7. So we actually have “before” photos of the old kitchen & bathroom!

Quite a while ago a big on-line magazine asked if they could do a photo-feature on our house and garden. I was thrilled and terrified and embarrassed. OMG I’ve gotta clean house! There are children starving and I’m futzing with my house? And our contractor needed to have time to get the kitchen windows finished. Houzz checked back more than once to see if we were done yet. They scheduled to come earlier this summer, and then the Tim Eyman bridge collapsed days before they were due. Houzz emailed and said they’d reschedule when the bridge was back up. And they did. Kim, the photographer, came yesterday. My deepest thanks to the MANY friends & neighbors who helped complete projects and clean house. My house hasn’t EVER been this clean!  And I had great fun talking with Kim and following her around like a puppy to see what she noticed. She spent about 6 hours in our house and garden and took hundreds of photos. Here’s a link: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/my-houzz-a-musical-couple-s-home-strikes-a-personal-chord-stsetivw-vs~18848524

RADIO FREE FL!P

I KNEW THIS PLACE

David Mallet wrote it. Ann Mayo Muir sang it with accompaniment from Gordon Bok & Ed Trickett. The song speaks so well to the way I feel about our dear home. (David Mallet also wrote Inch By Inch – The Garden Song. You might have heard that song.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVpICBSL96w

SHENANDOAH

Susan Alcorn Pedal Steel. Her version lowered my blood pressure from the first note. Surprising key changes and great beauty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIwrkUHw9Mg

Love/Fl!p

Loose Dog, lots more

LOOSE DOG

There’s a cute Australian Shepard puppy or mini wondering out in the street in this weather. It had a collar on and it’s name was Aspen. But there was no address, phone number or contact info. tt walked right into the street toward my car so I just helped it cross onto the other side. It was on the corner of Cherry and Monroe.  Hope it can find its way home! ~ Heather Wanlass

BELLINGHAM SCHOOL MEALS

We encourage eligible families to return income information on the free and reduced price meal application. While all students in Bellingham Public Schools are provided meals at no charge this school year, collecting this information helps with more than just meals.

Students and families who qualify will access district or community reduced fee benefits, including fees associated with athletics, health benefits and after-school care.

In addition, the information may be used to qualify eligible children for school year 21–22 and summer 2022 P- EBT if programs are extended.

Please use the online application for the quickest and most efficient way to submit this information. The 2021-22 income guidelines and eligibility charts are also found online.

Please note: Meal applications can be submitted any time during the school year. Households that experience a change in income due to job loss or other circumstances are encouraged to apply. In addition, there are no citizenship requirements for participation in these programs, and immigration status is not requested or disclosed on the application.

If you have additional questions about the free and reduced meals application, contact Food Services at (360) 676-6504.

https://bellinghamschools.org/…/families-encouraged-to…/

STOLEN BIKES

My kids full suspension mountain bikes were stolen from our garage last night. Size small Norco Sight black with red lettering, red pedals, and red grips. Size medium Specialized Status grey with burgundy lettering. 2600 block of Henry street. Please keep an eye out. Some very heartbroken hard working kids over here. ~ Kelly Abbott  Eat_vegetables@hotmail.com

FREE APPLES

I have an Akane Apple Tree in my yard that is overflowing. Do you know of anyone, a pie maker or a farmer in need of animal feed, that might want them? ~ Mark Kotwic <mjkotwicki@yahoo.com>    2310 Jaeger

PLUMBER RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE

I have a new sink with cabinet and need a plumber to fix or replace the valve assembly, check for leaks and attach the sink to its cabinet.  Can anyone give me a recommendation for someone they like?  It would be great if that person is also not terribly expensive.  Thanks! ~ Penny Chambers penny.chambers@gmail.com  Victor Street

SEEKING CEDAR BRANCHES

And Douglas fir. If you’ve got windfall, I’m looking for 1 – 3 foot long branches with lots of green for an art project. Thank you! ~ Fl!p Breskin 360-671-4511, 2518 Cherry Street

COLD, WET, AND HOMELESS

Here we go again. Urgent needs include cooks for hot food (we can help with pots, pans & ingredients); brown & camo tarps 10’ and bigger is best; raincoats, ponchos, dry socks. Answer this email and I’ll direct traffic. Thank you! Love/Fl!p

RADIO FREE FL!P

DREADFUL WIND AND RAIN

Jody Stecher, traditional song dating back at least to the mid-1600s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMYCMV4Ftrg

Love/Fl!p

Toy Share, Animals, Arms Around The Cold, More

TOY SHARE ON HENRY STREET

I have temporarily taken down the toy share on the 2400 block of Henry! After last weeks stormy weather, I decided it was time to either winterize or take down until spring. Does any one know of someone who I could hire to winterize this shelf? I’m thinking doors & roofing would do the job!

Thank you to all the lovely people who have stopped by & enjoyed the toy share this past spring/summer! It has been so much fun to see the joy it brings to all the kids & it has been a wonderful way to make connections! ~Caitlyn Sayler caitlynrbradley@gmail.com

BLESSING OF ANIMALS

St Paul’s Episcopal Church corner of Holly & Walnut Street

Sunday, October 3, 2021 at 2 PM PDT

This event will be in the courtyard of the church. Dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, lizards, stick bugs… Please bring pets leashed and contained as appropriate.

FOUND BIKE

I found a very high-quality mountain bike seemingly abandoned in the alley of Henry Street on 9/23, and it lay out there all day, so I took it in so it wouldn’t get re-stolen. It looks like it was already stolen and abandoned. If you lost a mountain bike, please call me and identify. Sam 707-273-2720 <schmoonee@gmail.com>

LOST CAT

Keep your eyes peeled for a little kitty stray in the area. She is approximately 9 months old, black with brown patches behind her ears and in her undercoat. She is friendly, a little apprehensive at first, very sweet, and hungry. She was brought in from the county yesterday and then got free from the person who found her at Elizabeth park after chewing through her cardboard carrier. She was last seen running into the neighborhood near the corner of Walnut and Madison.  She needs a new home or to be brought to a shelter.  If you find her and are unable to bring her to a shelter, please contact  Jessica Radovich (jessicaradovich@gmail.com) who will help connect her back to the person who found her to ensure she reaches the shelter.

CAT FOUND A HOME

Thanks to all who helped Leon find a new home.

FREE FISH TANK

Free 20 gallon working freshwater fish tank with hood, filter and heater. Looking to re-home fish ASAP for a member in my home has asthma and can not tolerate living with fish. ~ Kaleigh Diwning, Washington St , 206-698-3940

FREE BUBBLE WRAP & PEANUTS

I’ve got a big bag full and would love to see it re-used. ~ Fl!p 360-671-4511 text or phone.

ARMS AROUND THE COLD

For years around this time of year we have collected warm gear for neighbors without adequate shelter. Arms Around the Cold provides a safe way for youth and their families to support our unhoused neighbors. Here is an opportunity for your family to be part of a community service project this fall/winter. Donate: scarves, hats, mitts, coats, socks, hand warmers, money. Cook meals. Craft: make tags for packages. Join us: on our Thanksgiving food truck run and give out warm gear. ~ Lorelei Bowers services@bridge2services.com

BEDDING UPDATE

Thanks to all who brought sheets for the Swifthaven Tiny Home Village. I delivered them yesterday. The whole first batch of sheets were lovely warm flannel! And the second batch had pillows! And the third had other bedding as well. Thank you SO much!

TEMPORARY HOUSING NEEDED

Extensive water damaged our home just before major shoulder surgery. We are searching for a 2 bedroom quiet rental from September 27 to the end of November. We are quiet retired teacher and artist with a small no shed, sweet service dog. Please contact Sarah at 360.305.1558. Much gratitude! ~ Julin

PROCEDURE FOR OVERLOAD

When I am stressed & overwhelmed, I set my mind firmly on the goodness of the universe, the goodness & beauty of the world around me, the goodness of individual people I love dearly, and my own actual goodness. Then I let the tears fall as needed. When I do this rigorously, each teardrop that falls is a piece of confusion falling away forever. ~ Love/Fl!p

RADIO FREE FL!P

BONES

Libby Roderick – I come from a long line of dead people…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPD4snzGnT4

Love/Fl!p

Storm Aftermath, So Much More

POWER OUTAGES

[The power outage really clobbered my ISP and I was unable to post till now.]

The wind took down some pretty big branches. If your power goes out, always be VERY careful with candles or any other flames. Fire is a really big risk. Think kindly of the workers out in the storm getting our power back! If they’re working near you, you might offer coffee or hot cocoa or something. And check in with your neighbors to be sure they’re alright, ok?

CLEAR STORM DRAINS?

Today is a great time to clear leaves out of storm drains, but please be very careful of traffic. Move leaves to compost or Clean Green bins so they don’t wash or blow right back in to the drains.

GARAGE SALE OF JANI ADDERLY’S ESTATE

September 25 & 26 8 AM to 5 PM

2430 Walnut Street

Lots of treasures! Furniture, clothing, kitchenware, Disney, seasonal decor. 50 years of accumulation. Thank you. ~ Joy Dunne, Walnut St.

WRITE TO HOSPITAL WORKERS

The pressure on our hospital workers has not eased off. Please keep writing! Our cards and letters make a difference in this hard time. Also painted rocks placed in the rockeries around the building. We’re still looking for musicians to play at shift changes (under cover, by the front door) and seeking donations of more gift cards for local cafes and other businesses. The musicians have been able to share these. And we’ve been given a grant to pay musicians an honorarium. Contact me, Fl!p for details or to donate. 360-671-4511

Mail letters to:

The Workers At St Joseph Hospital / Peacehealth

2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225

Please remember, and help others to learn, not to go to the emergency room unless your emergency is life threatening. Call and then go to Urgent Care, walk-in clinics, or your doctor’s office.

HOMELESS UPDATE

TWIN BEDDING NEEDED

Blankets, pillows and sheets needed for local non profit.

Hi neighbors, I am a volunteer for HomesNow. Not Later organization, a local non profit and tiny homes village (swift haven) over by civic field. They are in desperate need of bedding for twin beds. There are two new people coming in tomorrow and all the supplies are depleted. If anyone has any twin sheets, pillows, blankets, and comforters to spare, it would be greatly appreciated. Used but clean is fine. You can drop at our home: 2518 Cherry. These are a wonderful group of people trying to get their lives on track and they are so appreciative of everything that the neighbors have done for them. Thank you.  [I forgot who sent me this. Sorry!]

TARPS, TENTS, CLOTHING, MORE

With cold weather creeping in fast: coats, boots, hats/gloves/scarves are all needed. We are switching from water bottles as a high need to cocoa packets, apple cider pkgs,  and water gallons as a new ask. Also brown or camo tarps, rather than blue, to avoid attracting attention.

SOUP BRIGADE

Cooks have been feeding from 45 to 100 campers a night all winter, spring and summer. Bridge2services outreach take the meals to the camps that aren’t reached by local resources regularly. Huge THANKS! to the people that have continuously signed up on the B2S meal train. We are always looking for more cooks. If you are interested email Lorelei at  services@bridge2services.com

https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/qm4vz8

NEIGBORHOOD

CHIMNEY REPAIR EXPERT SOUGHT

I’m looking for someone to do repair work on an older brick chimney with a stainless steel liner.  Last inspection turned up some needed repairs to brickwork and flashings.  It was recommended I find a chimney repair “expert.” ~ Frank Haulgren, Lafayette St. catfarmbham@gmail.com

CAT NEEDS HOME

Do you know anyone that would be interested in adopting a lovely 2-year old neutered male cat with a lovely disposition? He has just been to the vet and has a clean bill of health. He is indoor only. I have determined that I am not ready to have a pet in my life right now, even one as lovely and gentle as Leon. I want him to go to the best possible home ~ Nathan Scarborough, ellipse11@yahoo.com

SHORT-TERM HOLIDAY RENTAL

I have a house in the Lettered Streets neighborhood available for a short-term rental for the week of Thanksgiving (11/21-11/28) and the last half of December (roughly 12/19-1/1). The house: 2bdrm, 1ba with a yard and plenty of amenities. No pets or smokers, please.  Email for details/rate: mlittle05@gmail.com. ~ Michael Little

LADDER WORK?

We’re looking for someone young, light, and comfortable on a ladder to do two small  outdoors tasks at single-story roof peak level.  Text Fl!p 360-671-4511

MEMORIES

In  the summer of 2015 I went to Maine to care for my sister Kitty as she died of pancreatic & ovarian cancer. My brother Joe joined me. I recently ran into a poem I wrote back then, which reminded me of another memory as well.

I am training wheels for death:

A slightly wobbly glide into new territory

Trying to avoid crashing on the way down this hill

An unfamiliar balancing act

But so far the slope is gentle.

Kitty had a medical alert bracelet on her wrist that demanded DNR – do not resuscitate. Metal link chain with a metal plate. Fairly small – more like a woman’s than a man’s bracelet I think. But with her wrist so skeletal, it looked like a heavy burden. The morning of the day after my brother Joe arrived, when I awoke, her bracelet was lying on the bedside table. I realized Kitty finally felt safe enough to take it off. She trusted Joe to be able to defend her. She was confident of his ability to enforce her decision. I felt sad that she hadn’t been able to trust me to pull that off, but very glad that she was finally able to lay that burden down. Joe shouldered a lot of burdens, and always has. I’m glad Joe now has someone he trusts to share some burdens of his own.

RADIO FREE FL!P

WASN’T THAT A MIGHTY STORM?

One of the great sing-alongs. No wonder folks are still singing it over a century later.

Sin-Killer Griffin – the original Library Of Congress field recording. This version is actually sung by Griffin’s song-leader in the Darrington Prison, April 1934

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XHOi-hG3Y0

Personally, I learned it from Steve Lalor, kinda like this. (For the guitar pickers out there, I tried to work it out off an old tape of Steve playing it, but I couldn’t get it to work. He was playing it in the key of G, and I could only get those sounds in Open D tuning. Months or years later I asked Steve how he did it. He tuned to Open D, and capoed his guitar up to G so he could sing.)

https://www.facebook.com/SteveLalorMinstrel/app/2405167945/?ref=page_internal

Love/Fl!p

Bake Sale, Hospital Workers, more

BAKE SALE TODAY

10-2 or while supplies last

2521 Humbolt, Sunnyland Urban Farm

Our neighbors at the Ukrainian Evangelical Church of Bellingham, corner of E. North and Cornwall, suffered a devastating loss yesterday morning when an arsonist broke into their house of worship and caused a tremendous amount of damage to a facility they’ve been lovingly remodeling with their own sweat equity. When I spoke to them this afternoon and told them the neighborhood wanted to help, at first they were hesitant (they’re a very proud people), but when they told me they couldn’t have their Pyrizhky and bake sale tomorrow as planned, I knew there was a way we could all help. The baked goods were already prepared and will now be for sale here at Sunnyland Urban Farm, all proceeds to benefit the rebuilding of the UECB church. I’m also going to set up a Go Fund Me in their name. Please help show our neighbors what Sunnyland is really made of…buy all this delicious food, and if you have a few extra bucks, throw that in, too! Please call if you have questions or want to help (360) 296-3124.

HOSPITAL WORKER SUPPORT

Keep those cards and letters coming!

Cards and letters are having a really big effect. Please keep writing! I still have some lovely cards if you’d like to pick up some to write on. What we write is getting photographed and digitized, and added to the internal newsletter. There are also displays in places around the hospital and at some of the clinics as well.

Mail to:

The Workers At St Joseph Hospital / Peacehealth

2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225

Let’s be sure we don’t add to the workers’ burden. Social distancing, masking, vaccinating, going to your doctor, WALK IN CLINIC or URGENT CARE instead of the ER unless what you have is truly life threatening….

We have now found a way to distribute gift cards if you want to contribute. The musicians are putting out a “Reverse Tip Jar” when they play during shift changes. The best cards are for local cafes, coffee shops & restaurants. You can drop them through the mail slot at our house – 2518 Cherry Street. (We can still use more musicians too!)

FREE PLUMS

Can you please put a note in your newsletter, inviting people to come pick my Italian plums?  Call me at 360-927-6544 to make sure nobody has just beat you to it. Thanks, ~ Linda Twitchell

FOUND AIRPODS

We found AirPods in their case in our yard of the 2700 block of Williams yesterday morning 9/10. Contact Pete Sutherland @ 360-220-0630.

LOST PHONE

Was at Mount Baker for a hike on Ptarmigan Trail Aug. 25. Discovered my phone missing when I returned to my car. Group of hikers coming out said they found it where I had stopped for lunch about 2.2. mi. in and left it on the rock there. But it was gone when we went back to get it. Assume another hiker picked it up. Would like to get it back. Left word at Ranger Station but if anyone here has it or know who does, would appreciate your getting in touch. cacrooks@comcast.net or 360-303-1020 ~ Cheryl Crooks

RADIO FREE FL!P

WORKING ON WINGS TO FLY

Cindy Kallet is a close observer of the natural world. There’s been online discussion of our local crows’ group behaviors lately, and it reminded me of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htIFRjNoBOw

Love/Fl!p