Neighborhood Meeting Thursday; COVID Big Increase; Lots More; Song: Hearth & Fire

CONTENTS 11/15/2020
Neighborhood Meeting Thursday
COVID
   We Can Do This
   Record Numbers
   Covid Has Doubled In 2 Weeks
   Risk Map
Free Spruce Mulch
Shout Out
Sewing?
Stolen Battery
Found Longboard
Radio Free Fl!p: Hearth And Fire

COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Online – Zoom Call
Thursday, November 19 7-8:30pm
Our Neighborhood Quarterly Meeting will be focused on conversations with our City and County representatives.

City – Councilmember Hannah Stone – to help us learn about the City Budget and other city business so we can find out how best to engage for change.

County – Councilmember Todd Donovan – to learn how to address racism as a health crisis.

AGENDA
1) Welcome and CNA Announcements
2) CNA Treasurer’s and MNAC Report
3) Get to Know Your Neighbors Activity
4) Columbia Conversations
5) Meeting Wrap up
*Topic: CNA Quarterly Meeting
Time: Nov 19, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85176291732…
Meeting ID: 851 7629 1732
Passcode: 888813

Look for more details about upcoming events on the Columbia Neighborhood Group Facebook page, and in Flip-mail. CNA welcomes all neighbors’ participation- just contact your CNA Board members via email: columbianeighborhoodassociation@protonmail.com 

President: Jill MacIntyre Witt
Vice President: Aaron Silverberg
Treasurer: Aaron Ignac
Secretary: Deborah Valentine
Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission
 (MNAC) Alternate Rep: Jennifer Moon.
CNA Board Member-at-Large: David Crook

WE CAN DO THIS

Dr.Greg Thompson said this (and he is right): …Hope is on the horizon, but it will still be months for a vaccine to be distributed widely. We need to keep infections, hospitalizations, and deaths down until then. That means wearing masks and distancing. I know it is exhausting, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s get through the tunnel.

Hospitals are already being overwhelmed throughout the Midwest and Texas and this wave is climbing fast. When hospitals fill up, mortality climbs…. Let’s please hold on a bit longer and try not to overwhelm the healthcare systems before we have our most potent tool ready to stop this virus. Mask, distance, be responsible.  ~Frank James MD

RECORD COVID NUMBERS

[From the Bellingham Herald] Whatcom County set a new record for the highest number of new COVID-19 cases reported in a single day today, Sunday Nov 14: 48 new cases just today. And Friday, Nov. 13,  the Washington State Department of Health data showed an additional 46 residents had tested positive. The 46 new cases come one day after 39 were reported Thursday — but that total represented two days, after no data was released Wednesday in observance of Veterans Day. Whatcom’s previous single-day record for new cases reported was 33 on June 24.

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/coronavirus/article247168156.html?ac_cid=DM323788&ac_bid=-1432931068

COVID HAS DOUBLED IN 2 WEEKS

[From the Bellingham Herald] Gov. Jay Inslee issued a travel advisory for Washington yesterday, recommending a 14-day quarantine for interstate and international travel and asks residents to stay close to home….

“COVID-19 cases have doubled in Washington over the past two weeks. This puts our state in as dangerous a position today as we were in March… COVID-19 does not stop at state lines. The best way to keep your family safe is to stay close to home. … travel advisories recommend individuals limit their interactions to their immediate household.

With the records in new cases, deaths and hospitalizations nationally, here is a hospitalization chart that makes the increase vivid.

https://www.vox.com/2020/11/12/21560902/covid-19-risk-hospitalizations-chart-texas-illinois

RISK MAP

 This tells you the risk associated with getting a disease that could kill you OR that if you give it to the ones you love that they could die or get a chronic condition that might last a life time.  ~ Frank James MD

https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/?fbclid=IwAR05-u9YvNjI3eGAqKY552LJRWxBcevcDeFOVMeRbGTH_YDSxRvduL4uuuk

FREE SPRUCE MULCH

There’s a little bit of trimmings left for garland, but we also rented a chipper today and turned most of it to mulch….so, is anyone ready to cover their gardens for the winter?! Spruce keeps bugs away and there’s plenty of it! Corner of Connecticut and Williams.  ~ Beth McGinty

SHOUT OUT

To Justin Johnson (806) 500-6911. We hopefully ‘saved’ our 3-yr-old fridge from the landfill! So far so good! Justin was amazing. We called him b/c of an earlier post on this website. If your appliance is ailing give him a call. ~ Jennifer Dannenberg

SEWING?

I am looking for a person who could make 2 curtains – very basic just to cover some open shelving. About 33″ x 36″ – I have the cotton fabric washed and ready to go. Open on pricing. ~ Kim Rice, shubert4950@gmail.com, Henry Street

STOLEN BATTERY

I just discovered someone stole our trailer’s battery, which was in the front yard. Brazen! The trailer is parked out front. The new(!) propane tanks were left behind. It happened most likely Thursday night, and we have a really loud, barky dog who never heard a thing! We live in the 3000 block of Walnut St. ~ Candice Munson

FOUND LONGBOARD

I found a skateboard on my property and am hoping to find it’s owner: Found on Monroe Street.  Kryptonics brand. Orange wheels, floral pattern.  ~ Michelle Jacobs, Victor Street, shellegant@gmail.com

RADIO FREE FL!P: HEARTH AND FIRE

From Gordon Bok again. I’m feeling the need for a little comfort tonight. Here’s some comfort to share with you all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baD9MRrwPOo

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.

Email Issues Today; Neighborhood Meeting; Risk Map Redux; Cat Found; Lots More; Song: Do Something Even If It’s Wrong

CONTENTS 11/13/2020
Email Issues Today
Neighborhood Association Meeting
Risk Map Redux
Cat Found
Rolling Thunder
Signs Of Thanks
Seeking Appliances
Marzipan
For Rent
Radio Free Fl!p: Do Something Even If It’s Wrong

EMAIL ISSUES TODAY

My email appears to be down. If your notice isn’t here, it’s because I probably didn’t get it. PogoZone is working to get me back up, but I’m going to go ahead and send this now. I can add your notice in the next update.

COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Online – Zoom Call
Thursday, November 19 7-8:30pm
Our Neighborhood Quarterly Meeting will be focused on conversations with our City and County representatives.

City – Councilmember Hannah Stone – to help us learn about the City Budget and other city business so we can find out how best to engage for change.

County – Councilmember Todd Donovan – to learn how to address racism as a health crisis.

AGENDA
1) Welcome and CNA Announcements
2) CNA Treasurer’s and MNAC Report
3) Get to Know Your Neighbors Activity
4) Columbia Conversations
5) Meeting Wrap up
*Topic: CNA Quarterly Meeting
Time: Nov 19, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85176291732…

Meeting ID: 851 7629 1732
Passcode: 888813

Look for more details about upcoming events on the Columbia Neighborhood Group Facebook page, and in Flip-mail. CNA welcomes all neighbors’ participation- just contact your CNA Board members via email: columbianeighborhoodassociation@protonmail.com 

President: Jill MacIntyre Witt
Vice President: Aaron Silverberg
Treasurer: Aaron Ignac
Secretary: Deborah Valentine
Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission (MNAC) Alternate Rep: Jennifer Moon
CNA Board Member-at-Large: David Crook

COVID RISK MAP REDUX

Remember how careful you were being back in April? Please be that careful again now.

For some reason the map didn’t show up in the link. Please check this direct link for repost. See if this works better. ~ Ann Shannon, Utter Street

https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/

CAT FOUND

Is anyone missing a cat?  Someone in a car was putting up posters on Jaeger Street a short while ago.  “Cat found on 11/12”.  Call 206 353-2992. The picture is black and white but the cat appears to have stripes on  its front legs and under belly, solid color across its back and sides. ~ Mark Kotwicki, Jaeger Street 

ROLLING THUNDER

That noise was me….Between 1pm and 1:30 yesterday afternoon, If you heard an obnoxiously loud metal-clanking, rolling-thunder noise between RE-Store along the alleys and on Meridian towards E. Victor, SORRY! I bought a large and heavy metal plasma torch/welding table and since I couldn’t fit it into my car and it had casters on it, I wheeled it home. ~ Nina Zamudio

SIGNS OF THANKS

I want to thank everyone that dropped off unwanted political yard signs. And, my students thank you also because of what we can make with them. See you next election! ~ Gary Brandt

SEEKING APPLIANCES

We recently moved in a new house with more space (finally!) and are looking for a few appliances. Do you have a working chest freezer, electric space heater, and/or a vacuum that’s collecting dust and you aren’t using? We’d be glad to take it off your hands for free or a reasonable price. Thanks. ~ Sky & Jewel Leuba, 360.410.3109

MARZIPAN

When I was a kid, my Mom taught me to make little fruits and vegetables out of marzipan (almond paste with sugar) for holiday gifts. I’m thinking I could offer a zoom lesson if anyone wants to learn. Mom learned as a kid from her mom, who learned the skill over a century ago. I just checked, and Winco has plenty of boxes of marzipan. If anyone is interested, let me know. If we get three or four folks who want to play, I’ll do it. Free (except for buying your own ingredients). Grownups or older kids. ~ Fl!p 360-671-4511 (text works well)

FOR RENT

$1200 month. New Craftsman “Tiny home” Cottage in Broadway Park Neighborhood.  Beautiful and functional in design. 1br/1ba with full kitchen.  Custom wood work and tile throughout. Radiant Heat. High end stove. New fridge.  Must see to appreciate.  Click CL’s link for more details. Contact Keith 360.410.1751. https://bellingham.craigslist.org/apa/d/bellingham-new-cottage-4rent/7230115763.html

RADIO FREE FL!P: DO SOMETHING EVEN IF IT’S WRONG

Gordon Bok. I can’t remember if he wrote it himself but it’s just a delight. The sun is out at this moment and I am feeling unreasonably cheerful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbL5KyP1jpA&list=PLDtw2SsV4Kvge1sY21_Vccz6wp-RbsBaC&index=292

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.

Cat vs Car; Storm Drains; Thanksgiving; More; Song: Declaration Of Independence

CONTENTS 11/12/2020
Cat vs Car
Storm Drains
Thanksgiving Caution
Noise?
Salmon And Seal Watching
Marie Eaton Correction
Humidity For Musicians
Radio Free Fl!p: Declaration Of Independence

CAT VS CAR

Sorry for the bad news, there is a poor kitty, likely was hit by a car, just near the bus stop on Northwest and Illinois on the west side of the street. It’s a orange cat.  Respectfully, ~ Jessica Dowrey, Office Assistant at ElderLaw, on that corner.

STORM DRAINS

Ahead of this weekend’s forecasted storm, a reminder to check the storm drains on your block, and remove any leaves and debris. It’s on my to- do list for today. ~ Rhonda Younker

[Lots of wind and rain coming. Be alert for traffic as you work safely! Love/Fl!p]

THANKSGIVING CAUTION

Thinking About a Holiday Gathering? Look at This Troubling Map First. An alarming visualization shows the odds that at least one Covid-positive person attends a given event. It should give us all pause about family plans. ~ Ann Shannon

Read in WIRED: https://apple.news/A5KGnT4LGSWWhsr8nLZyHUQ

NOISE?

Do you know what the constant high pitched noise outside last night was? Utter Street near North.  Thanks, ~ Amanda Robins

SALMON AND SEAL WATCHING

On Tuesday, a half hour before sunset, which occurred at 4:35 PM, our family went to the waterfalls, off of W Holly St. near the

Maritime Heritage Center, 1600 C St, Bellingham, WA 98225

We had been told that salmon were making their way up the rapids to freshwater to spawn.  We were amazed and surprised to see many 18 inch to 2 feet long salmon by the river edge, adjusting to return from salt water in the bay to fresh water in Whatcom Creek.  We also saw as many as 6 seals trolling the waters for a quick meal.  This has been going on for about a week so far, and is a hidden treasure of Bellingham during the migration season. ~ Barry Cole

MARIE EATON CORRECTION

Thursday Nov.12th 7:00 pm
Fairhaven College Music Festival Streaming Series
Marie is a fine songwriter who reaches deep. She’s also one-fourth of the amazing band, Motherlode.
Click one of these links at 7 PM Thursday:
Fairhaven College  – Through Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/298533994557015
The link for YouTube should be the FHC Music Festival Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtBsKY_QvR5V3kehVn1Zggw

HUMIDITY FOR MUSICIANS

Wooden Instruments are at risk of cracking from sudden drying of the air. From George Thomas, who built my beloved Columbia Neighborhood guitar:

Keep your eye on the humidity gauge. The humidity is ok now but hit only 30% last week. Tell your friends. In case any ask, the soap dish with some holes drilled in it and dampened natural sponge inside, is easy to make and cheap. People should use two. There are a few good commercial “in case” humidity devices and some not so good.

I just phoned Windworks, here in the neighborhood, across from the RE-Store. They are ordering a stock of my favorite guitar humidifiers, by Oasis, which should arrive next week some time. They cost $20 and are by far the easiest to use I have ever encountered. (360) 733-5840

RADIO FREE FL!P: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Here’s a giggle! I learned it from the singing of Laura Smith. Pete Seeger sings it here, and he put it to music. Wolcott Gibbs’s 4 year old son was singing to himself in the bathtub, and Wolcott transcribed it. Recorded in1975.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwTp3BctVL8

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.

Winter Storm? Thanksgiving; Covid Spread; Neighborhood Meeting; More; Song: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

CONTENTS 11/11/2020
Winter Storm?
Thanksgiving Without Gatherings
Covid Spread
Columbia Neighborhood Association Meeting
Common Threads
Marie Eaton Concert
Radio Free Fl!p: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

WINTER STORM THIS WEEKEND?

Looks like we’re going to get some rain, and may get some pretty good wind gusts. It wouldn’t hurt to prepare now just in case there’s a power outage. Charge up your phones and laptops. Find extra flashlights and blankets. Check with your neighbors…

A THANKSGIVING WITHOUT GATHERINGS

From the Bellingham Herald:

“The safest Thanksgiving is one celebrated only with the people in your immediate household.”

“We’re very concerned,” state Secretary of Health Dr. John Wiesman said near the end of a virtual media briefing Tuesday afternoon. “One just has to look at states across the United States to see how quickly this explodes. And, you know, a number of weeks ago, we were at 500 cases a day. Now we’re over what we were in the summer surge of 800-some cases a day. We’re over 1,000 cases a day.”

When it comes to Thanksgiving, Deputy Secretary of Health for COVID-19 Response Lacy Fehrenbach offered some advice. “The safest Thanksgiving is one celebrated only with the people in your immediate household,” she said.

If residents want to host a small gathering, she advised holding it outdoors, having no more than five people from outside their household, and seriously considering a “full quarantine for the two weeks prior” during which they only leave the house for essentials such as groceries or a quick walk.

When the holiday comes, she reiterated the advice to stay outside, stay 6 feet apart, and wear masks. She asked people to consider skipping the meal — where people sit at a table without masks — and do something different such as a “Thanksgiving stroll.”“We know that folks are done with COVID and looking forward to the holidays, but COVID isn’t yet done with us and it doesn’t take holidays,” Fehrenbach said.

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/coronavirus/article247101672.html#storylink=hpdigest_local

COVID SPREAD

A cool animation that shows how it spreads in various settings. The more we know, the better we can protect ourselves and others.

https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-10-28/a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-the-coronavirus-is-spread-through-the-air.html

COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

QUARTERLY MEETING

Online – Zoom Call

Thursday, November 19 7-8:30pm

Our Neighborhood Quarterly Meeting will be focused on conversations with our City and County representatives.

City – Councilmember Hannah Stone – to help us learn about the City Budget and other city business so we can find out how best to engage for change.

County – Councilmember Todd Donovan – to learn how to address racism as a health crisis.

AGENDA

1) Welcome and CNA Announcements
2) CNA Treasurer’s and MNAC Report
3) Get to Know Your Neighbors Activity
4) Columbia Conversations
5) Meeting Wrap up

*Topic: CNA Quarterly Meeting

Time: Nov 19, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85176291732…

Meeting ID: 851 7629 1732  Passcode: 888813

Look for more details about upcoming events on the Columbia Neighborhood Group Facebook page, and in Flip-mail. CNA welcomes all neighbors’ participation- just contact your CNA Board members via email: columbianeighborhoodassociation@protonmail.com 

President: Jill MacIntyre Witt            Vice President: Aaron Silverberg
Treasurer: Aaron Ignac                     Secretary: Deborah Valentine
Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission (MNAC)
Alternate Rep: Jennifer Moon
CNA Board Member-at-Large: David Crook

COMMON THREADS

is currently hiring for a Farm & Kitchen Program Manager! If you or someone you know might be interested, we encourage you to apply by November 13th, when we’ll begin reviewing applications.  

View the posting on our website for more details. 

MARIE EATON CONCERT

Thursday Nov.12th 7:00 pm
Fairhaven College Music Festival Streaming Series
Marie is a fine songwriter who reaches deep. She’s also one-fourth of the amazing band, Motherlode.
Click one of these links at 7 PM Thursday:

Fairhaven College  – Through Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/298533994557015

Through YouTube Live Stream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVKukC0FNmg
or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVKukC0FNmg&feature=em-lsb-owner

RADIO FREE FL!P: DON’T GET AROUND MUCH ANYMORE

(COVID-19 Version) Sent in by Michael Flaherty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax3JVOKvRCk&list=RDColqqmE-0qM&index=5

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.

Remembrance Day; Covid Surging; Map Your Neighborhood; St. Paul’s Event; Songs: Let Them In; No Man’s Land

CONTENTS 11/11/2020
Remembrance Day
COVID Surging
Map Your Neighborhood
St. Paul’s Event
Jp Falcon Brady And Michael Longeneker
Radio Free Fl!p: Let Them In; No Man’s Land

REMEMBRANCE DAY

November 11, 1918 was the day the armistice was signed to end World War One. It was originally created as a celebration of Peace.  This is a time to remember all those who survived and all those who didn’t. Thank you for your service. And I’m so sorry…

COVID SURGING

From The Bellingham Herald: Tuesday marked the eighth day the county has seen a double-digit increase in new cases in the past 11 days. Whatcom County has averaged 14.3 new cases per day over the past week. That is the county’s highest weekly average since it averaged 14.4 on June 30, which was one day after that mark peaked at 16.6 on June 29.

Up 8.5% (59 cases) since Nov. 3 to 752 total cases and the rate of new infections per 100,000 residents in the past 14 days increased from 44 to 64.

“We must continue to shelter in place, protect our families, our community, follow all safety protocols, wear masks, social distance and limit interactions in your home to 10 or less individuals,” a post to the Lummi Communication Facebook page Monday read. “Rather than visiting your family and loved ones, call them or Facetime them. Protect each other.” 

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/coronavirus/article247097192.html#storylink=mainstage_lead

MAP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

I would love an opportunity to meet over Zoom with you and your neighbors on your own block to plan for earthquakes and other emergencies in the time of COVID. If you are willing to reach out and invite the neighbors who live on your block, I will join you and facilitate your meeting. This is a good time to come together with the people who live around us. They are  the ones most likely to be there in the event of a disaster – or even a big winter storm. We can do this! Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 flip@columbianeighborhood.org

ST. PAUL’S EVENT 11/15 12-3pm

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 2117 Walnut is planning a parade-style celebration event this Sunday. Members of the congregation have been asked to enter the neighborhood via Monroe St. above Walnut St. We have staggered the members’ arrival so as not to cause too much traffic at one time. In the event that you find yourself “stuck” in the parade, kindly let one of our traffic flaggers (look for the safety vests) know and they will assist you in passing by the parade line safely. The carillon bells will be playing extra hymns on the hour, enjoy the music! For more information, visit our website at www.stpaulsbellingham.org or call Myra Corcorran, Communications Manager, at 360.927.8803.

JP FALCON BRADY AND MICHAEL LONGENEKER

They often play together, both writing and performing their own music. JP is a self-taught acoustic guitarist, singer, songwriter and a proud member of the Blackfeet Nation. Either solo or with his band, JP performs originals and covers all over the Pacific Northwest, Montana, Hawaii and British Columbia, Canada. Visit JP’s website at: jpfalconband.com/

Together, we can keep Arts Alive! FireHouse Performing Arts Center and FireHouse Studio is making it possible for artists to record their performances in a live theater setting, and sell tickets to their finished and edited work online on Vimeo and in FireHouse Studio Gallery.

Please help support artists and arts organizations by donating to FireHouse Performing Arts Center and Recording Studio through this link: secure.givelively.org/donate/allied-arts-foundation-seattle/firehouse-arts-events-center Donations are tax-deductible.

Here’s the trailer:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/jpfalcon/439596839?autoplay=1

RADIO FREE FL!P: LET THEM IN; NO MAN’S LAND

LET THEM IN

Sung by John Gorka.  It is actually a poem which may have been found in a hospital in the Philippines during World War II. My most recent search found it was written by  Elma Dean. Gorka set it to music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtasByd1dJ4

NO MAN’S LAND

Eric Bogle. In honor of Armistice Day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-38PB

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.

Alert: Loose Dog; Raccoons; Where Do We Go From Here?; More; Song: Bridges

CONTENTS 11/7/2020
Alert: Loose Dog
Raccoon Caution
Where Do We Go From Here?
Reprint
Flags?
Ferndale Food Drive
Radio Free Fl!p: Bridges

ALERT: LOOSE DOG

Large friendly tan dog with a leopard print inflatable collar followed me and my dog through the neighborhood above Squalicum Park and down through the park to Squalicum Pkwy. It wouldn’t let me get close enough to look for a tag. Hoping it makes it’s way back home! ~ Melissa Miner, Elizabeth St, 360-441-4127 (text please)

RACCOON CAUTION

Would you please please tell your folks that it is exceedingly unwise to “bop” a racoon. These are dangerous wild animals and they have exceedingly sharp teeth and claws. I knew a guy in Spokane who tried to take one on with a baseball bat and lost two fingers in the exchange! ~ Mike Marker

[Mike is right. Raccoons are small bears and can be quite dangerous. ~Fl!p]

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

I was raised to salute the flag, concluding with the words, “with liberty and justice for all.” As I grew up, I discovered that this was not a reality, but I still believe it is a wonderful and inspirational goal. For democracy to work for all of us, it must include us all. Every American, no matter what party, deserves to have their votes included in this election.

A neighbor recently reminded me of something I posted a couple years ago about a contentious local issue. After re-reading it, I thought I’d send it again, even though the flash point is different today. And we can’t easily invite a neighbor for dinner, but a phone or video conversation might still be possible.

Thank you for being my dear neighbors!

Love/Fl!p

REPRINT

Date: Mon, Dec 10, 2018 at 7:34 AM
Subject: [Columbia] School Boundaries

I have been listening to our neighborhood grapple with changing school boundaries over the last week or so, and mostly been pleased and relieved with how the discussion is unfolding. I hear concerns about changes will impact all of our children, and how we can raise a generation who are deeply connected to one another and equipped to handle the huge challenges ahead as well as possible.

One of my personal goals with this list is always to shed more light than heat. I do more editing to the posts I pass on than may be evident. I’ve had lots of feelings about this, and waited to write until I could get a bit clearer. I’ve phoned or written neighbors, school administrators, and community leaders to try to understand the situation. I will pass on some of what I’ve learned in their own words. But this first message is just from me.

When someone is holding passionately to a position that upsets me, there is no piece of information that I can give them that will change their mind. Never. Their passion means their mind is not open to new information. And I am upset too, and may not be thinking too clearly myself. In such moments, the very best thing I can do is to listen. To try to understand what their concerns are, what they are afraid of, and to connect heart to heart.

One thing that always scares me about listening to something that upsets me is that I might be changed by what I hear. But my integrity demands that I do my best to get my own position right. And that means understanding as much of what’s happening as possible. I do not need to let go of my own morality to listen.

It’s not easy, but sometimes it works. As near as I can tell, nothing else does.

So.

I have been pleased with the level of thoughtful, respectful response I have been hearing to the anonymous flyers posted around our neighborhood. The person who posted them was too scared to sign their name. Too scared to enter into conversation. Too scared to hear responses. Too scared to connect. I think it would make sense to invite them to dinner, if I knew who it was, and tp see what we could both learn if I gave them a good listening to.

You could try that too. I think we need a lot of dinner table discussions about our changing world. Not a quick cup of tea or coffee, but a leisurely evening spent being curious about one another’s experiences. Time for ideas to unfold and connections to deepen, one heart at a time.  

Big public meetings may not actually be the best forum for our concerns at this point in the process. Meeting one-on-one with folks who think differently might be a good first step.

Love/Fl!p

 Fl!p Breskin
2518 Cherry Street
360-671-4511 home & cell

FLAGS?

I’d love to see everyone put out their American flags today as a sign of unity ~ Carol Blaney

FERNDALE FOOD DRIVE

We started the Green Bag Food Drive on October 10th with the support of the Whatcom North and PNW Passport Rotary Clubs, and collected 752 pounds of food from 40 households. Now we are starting to promote the Green Bag Food Drive and sign up more donors in the Ferndale School District. The impact of 6 collections per year with perhaps 20% of the households donating can be huge! We are planning to offer this program to other Food Banks in Whatcom and Skagit County when they are willing to accept donations. ~ Allen Stockbridge  pnwrotarygreenbags.org

RADIO FREE FL!P: BRIDGES

Bill Staines wrote a song for these times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ6Zat_BiAk

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.

Recounts Are Fine; Covid Guts; Chicken Needs Company; More; Song: Cradle Of Dawn

CONTENTS 11/4/2020
Recounts Are Fine
Covid Guts
Chicken Needs Company
Golden Lab Is Home
Vivian Williams & Wb Reid
Radio Free Fl!p: Cradle Of Dawn

RECOUNTS ARE FINE

A recount is a way to reassure a losing candidate that all votes were counted correctly. A recount rarely changes a result because cases of fraud or systemic mis-counting are so rare in our US election system.

COVID GUTS

Here’s some new information, published in the Bellingham Herald. A review of 36 published studies on COVID-19 that include thousands of patients found that nearly one in five infected individuals may only show gastrointestinal symptoms during their battle with coronavirus, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.

The number of people affected by these symptoms is likely an underestimate, the researchers say, because of under-reporting early in the pandemic before doctors knew what to look for.

Researchers from the University of Alberta in Canada say their analysis of published literature since the beginning of the pandemic through July 15 serves as a reminder for physicians and the public alike to treat these symptoms as potential signs of COVID-19.

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/coronavirus/article246963712.html?ac_cid=DM316846&ac_bid=-1533151580

CHICKEN NEEDS COMPANY

We just put down the second of our three chickens. She had cancer and the other one was gotten by the raccoon earlier this year. So our dear poor Whitney Houston is all alone. We are either searching for a friend that we can bring here to the Chicken Paradise, or a flock she can join. It has been a tough 3 months and we want her happy and healthy. Our place is very fancy, with special doors and heated things for roosting and there is about a 14 by 16 area they get to run about in. (The raccoon took our oldest blind girl. But I bopped the raccoon’s hand with a shovel and she let go of Rose, and has not been seen since.) I love the chickens and Whitney is grieving for Elizabeth. Can you help? Thank you. ~ Zoe Claire, 206-306-6624

GOLDEN LAB IS HOME

Our dog Wilson went wandering last night. Found!!!  Thank you neighbors. A kind soul took him in and kept him warm. Feeling lots of love for my Columbia neighborhood neighbors and the lovely neighborhood newsletter helped us locate Wilson in record time. ~ Liz and Russ Isaly, Walnut Street

VIVIAN WILLIAMS & WB REID

Tomorrow, Saturday Nov 7, 5:30 PM on Quarantine Happy Hour
Vivian is an amazing fiddler, as in, both the National & the North American Old Time Fiddlers Halls of Fame. Bill Monroe said, “I have never heard a lady fiddler that could beat Williams, and a lot of men fiddlers can’t beat her.” I can’t wait to see her! Backed up by the inimitable WB Reid.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1106385289724371/

RADIO FREE FL!P: CRADLE OF DAWN

Libby Roderick came and played for us at the Roeder Home long ago. This song really caught me. Her image here is of people all over the planet working to repair the world. We can rest at night as the world turns, and let others take over the work. And rise up in the morning refreshed and ready to begin anew.

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

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.

Ballot Processing And Live Webcam; Freebies; More; You Can’t Always Get What You Want

CONTENTS 11/4/2020
Breathe…
Ballot Processing And Live Webcam
Free Spinet Piano
Free Iris
Recycling Details
Up-Cycle Political Signs
Seeking “Wall Wart”
Have Dog, Seek Rental
Daddy Treetops
Radio Free Fl!p: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

BREATHE…

And connect with people you love. It’s not over till the votes are all counted. That’s the American Way.

BALLOT PROCESSING AND LIVE WEBCAM

Want to watch the election being processed and tabulated? The County has a webpage detailing all the steps. I have watched this live in years past. It’s pretty cool! I’m going to quote from a description I received of this year’s counting from Tien Le. All of us can observe while counting is happening (not after-hours at this point, and there has just been a change of venue for the hand count, so that part will not be  observable remotely tomorrow). The link is below.

Dear Observers,

I have loved having these cameras to observe so much of the process that we normally don’t get to see. Even little things like when they turn out the lights in the Vault are educational.

Election Day went very smoothly. The largest number of viewers I spotted was the sorting machine camera was 28. A few folks staked out some ballot boxes for the 8pm closing. Tom O’Leary was kind enough to provide this image of the courthouse drive thru box. Unlike some years past there was no line of people waiting to drop off their ballots at the last minute…

I heard that there is a problem in this state of lots of ballots being flagged for signatures not matching. This was evident in Whatcom county as well. It is going to be a LONG canvassing board this cycle. It might be the number of first time voters…people who aren’t familiar with the process. Not sure.

Here is the report from co-lead observer Ronalee Kincaid:

I have observed nearly every day.  This afternoon the Republican observer, Ashleigh, and I chose batches for the hand count.  We also chose Sharon Shewmake’s race as the race to be hand counted.  The six batches were pulled and will be hand counted tomorrow morning.

        Opening Board was a busy hive of activity this afternoon as they pushed to get as many ballots as possible counted for today’s report.  Ten or twelve people were separating envelopes and opening.  Others were processing some paper ballots, while others ran the counting machines.  I had a nice little visit with the Republican observer who has been there many hours this week.  She said she has no patience with anyone who doubts that ballots are counted properly.  “They should just come in here and see,” she said.

            I hope others have seen the clips on tv about ballot processing in other states.  It is similar to ours with some variations.  No one does it better.

         I will observe the hand count tomorrow.  ~  Ronalee

https://www.whatcomcountFREEy.us/3490/Ballot-Processing-Live-Webcam

FREE SPINET PIANO

My mother’s Spinet piano is in need of a new home. It’s probably about 80 years old but has been tuned annually and cared for with love. It’s time to pass it on to another family, free. Call Nancy Simmers if interested, 360-671-5685

FREE IRIS

Free Japanese Iris, 2 clumps, up for grabs. In a box at end of driveway by sidewalk. 2621 Peabody Street ~ Robin Eldore

RECYCLING DETAILS

There is lots of detailed information on what can and cannot be recycled in Bellingham. There are materials which can’t be put out curbside, but can be taken in. There is often a fee to take them in. I collect all my plastic film in a great big garbage bag and take it all in at once.

http://ssc-inc.com/faqs.php#162

UP-CYCLE POLITICAL SIGNS

I’ll gladly take any and all plastic political signs. My 5th grade Lummi Tribal School students use pieces for a lot of different projects such as rocket fins, mazes, and numerous construction projects. Leave under fir tree at the corner of Walnut and Connecticut (2630 Walnut St). We all thank you!!! ~ Gary Brandt

SEEKING “WALL WART”

That’s what my brother calls the little electronic block you plug into the wall and then plug some kind of little device into. I can’t think what the common term is. I need one that has a three-volt output. I found several outdated ones around our house, but no 3-v. ~ Fl!p 360-671-4511

HAVE DOG, SEEK RENTAL

Friend looking for Bellingham rental that would allow one dog. Ideally a house with 1-2 bedrooms. Under $1600. The person is kind and enjoys gardening, music, and has a solid job. Please contact me if interested. (253) 389 – 5240
~ Celine Parton

DADDY TREETOPS

Tomorrow, Nov 5, 7 PM online
Fairhaven College Live Streaming Music Festival Fall Series|
From ragtime to rock n roll; from solo to orchestral, Daddy Treetops loves all kinds of music and plays with versatility on guitars, basses, pianos, banjos, and mandolins, both acoustically and electrically. Click this link at 7 PM Thursday:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/298533994557015

RADIO FREE FL!P: YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT

Rolling Stones, acoustic pandemic version. Not my usual fare, but somehow today it’s what came to mind. I love watching these guys at home! Check out the “drum set.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7pZgQepXfA

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.

Voting Today; Correction; Piroshky; Linda Allen; Somewhere To Begin

CONTENTS 11/3/2020
Voting Today
No Results Tonight
Recipe Correction
Piroshky Maze
Linda Allen
Radio Free Fl!p: Somewhere To Begin

VOTING TODAY

  • You can vote by drop box. Here’s a list of Whatcom locations. Drop early. You must be in line to drop your ballot before 8 PM tonight. https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1863/Ballot-Drop-Box-Locations
  • If you are not registered to vote, you can still register at the Whatcom County Auditor’s office today. Call them at 360-778-5102
  • If you are in line to vote before the polls close, you cannot be turned away. Once you’re in line, stay in line until your vote is counted.

NO RESULTS TONIGHT

There will probably be no definitive results on the national election tonight. This is normal and no cause for alarm. I have seen this repeatedly in my lifetime (70 years). Be prepared to wait. Ignore premature announcements. Most states, including ours, have almost all month to figure it out. And sometimes it takes that long. Be kind to your self, and to your neighbors. Thank you!  Love/Fl!p

RECIPE CORRECTION

About your recipe for creme brulee….. Please make sure that people don’t put pyrex dishes under the broiler…..it ruins/destroys them….. ~Judith Green

PIROSHKY MAZE

Sunday, November 8, noon to 1 PM

Pre-orders only, and only for the next few days, not at the last minute. Go to the website. Scroll down and click on the blue View Calendar box. Scroll down past November 8th, to the pictures and descriptions of the available Piroshky. Click on the ones you want. When you’ve finished, scroll back up and click on the cart in the upper right hand corner. You’ll get an order summary with a pick-up date to fill in. Use Sunday November 8th. Then (and only then) will it finally offer you Bellingham as a pick-up location. They also want you to fill in a time between noon and 1 PM. I had trouble getting PM instead of AM, but finally got it to fill correctly. Finish filling out your contact and credit card information to complete your order. I figure once every few months I’m willing to go to that much trouble, just to wake up my pallet. There is a $25 minimum order, but you could probably find a friend or neighbor to split an order. And the piroshki freeze well.

https://www.piroshkydelivery.com/

LINDA ALLEN

Tonight, Nov 3, 7 – 8 PM on KMRE 102.3 FM on the Local Folk show.

RADIO FREE FL!P: SOMEWHERE TO BEGIN

I think I shared this once before, but this still feels like the right song for today. Or at least “a” right song. Let’s walk each other home today. And my offer still stands to take your ballot in if you need me to, without asking who you voted for. Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN6OkX_qYnA

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.

We’re Still Neighbors; Vote; Recipe; More; Song: Fashioned In The Clay

CONTENTS 11/2/2020
We’re Still Neighbors
Vote Tomorrow
Help Your Neighbors Vote
Free Siberian Iris Clumps
Craft Projects
Silly Doom-Scrolling Recipe
Radio Free Fl!p: Fashioned In The Clay

WE’RE STILL NEIGHBORS

No matter what happens tomorrow, we will still be living side-by-side. My neighbor Bea across the street reminds me that I wrote her a song years ago with this verse:

We don’t agree on God or Politics
But we still take soup when someone’s sick.
We still share pie; it tastes so sweet.
We still agree we love Cherry Street.

We can find a way to live together. We will.

VOTE TOMORROW

If you need a ride, let me know. Don’t wait till late in the day. Vote early. I’ll help you find a ride. I will also be willing to personally pick up and drop off your ballot, though I am immune-compromised and not ready to share a car with anyone but Zeke. I will not ask who you voted for. I care that YOU get to vote! That’s what makes us a democracy. ~ Fl!p 360-671-4511

HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS VOTE

1405 ballots need “curing” in Whatcom County as of this evening. People who turned in their ballot might not be able to have their ballot counted unless they contact the Auditor’s office. The window for fixing it may extend beyond tomorrow, but it’s best to check. Usually the problem is something like the envelope wasn’t signed, or was signed by the wrong person (mixed up with your spouse or housemate’s more often than not). You can contact the Whatcom County Auditor’s office to fix this and make sure the vote you cast is counted. 

VoteWA.gov to check your own ballot

To check to see if anyone you know has had their ballot caught in purgatory,  check this website, created by a Lynn Street neighbor here in the Columbia neighborhood.

https://www.votewashington.info/voter/wa/wm/ballot/challenged

FREE SIBERIAN IRIS CLUMPS

Light blue and dark blue  Siberian Iris clumps. I am dividing my clumps and have placed them out front. ~ Yasmin Liepa, 1511 East Maplewood

CRAFT PROJECTS

This is the time of year that our thoughts turn to craft projects.  I have lots of pine cones, free for the picking up at our daughter’s house 1613 E Maplewood.  The internet has some great ideas for all ages that are beyond the peanut butter, bird seed bird feeders variety that are a such a popular preschool project.

By the same token, I’m making some Della robbia candle wreaths that use a variety of cones, seeds, nuts and pods. If you have a tree or other plant that drops something that could be used, please contact me.  I’ll be glad to come by with  a bag and pick them up.

I’m regretting very much that I put all those beautiful poppy seed heads from our garden in the yard waste tote in July. But who was thinking autumn craft projects this summer? Clearly not I! ~ Joan Gaasland-Smith 360 303 4983

SILLY DOOM-SCROLLING ANTIDOTE

I’ve gotten into a self-indulgence of making Creme Brulee about once a week. (Or twice in weeks when I haven’t been able to stop doom scrolling.) 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar (mix together well), 2 cups milk or milk-&-cream mix, more vanilla than the recipe says. My big pyrex baking pan holds 8 custard cups or ramekins. I place a folded dish towel in the bottom to keep the ramekins from conducting heat off the bottom of the glass pan. And don’t let the cups touch each other or the edge of the big pan.  Add hot-but-not-boiling water to halfway up the cups. (I do this after I set the pan onto the oven rack to keep hot water from splashing into the ramekins.) Bake in the oven at 250-300 degrees for probably around an hour but start checking at half hour. They’re done when they barely wiggle when jiggled. Cool on a rack, then cover and refrigerate. That’s it. Makes 8 little custard cups and lasts a week in the fridge once I have the lids on (if I can keep from eating them all the first day). Sprinkle sugar and a tiny bit of salt on top. Melt with an itsy bitsy kitchen blow torch or other butane torch. Or under the oven broiler – but watch closely. It just takes a minute or two. Wait to eat till the top has cooled so you don’t incinerate your tongue and fingers. Melted sugar is HOT. But once it’s cooled, the topping is crunchy and the custard is smooooth!

Of course, the best treatment for Doom-Scrolling is to put down the phone or laptop, tear your eyes from the screen, and find something useful to do! Go garden. Even better – connect with other human beings, heart to heart. If you’re going to cook goodies, you could share some…

RADIO FREE FL!P: FASHIONED IN THE CLAY

Gordon Bok, Ed Trickett & Ann Mayo Muir. This was exactly the song I needed today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s2YLH4fK-k

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511  2518 Cherry Street flip@columbianeighborhood.org

If you want to ask me to post something, just email me. If it’s urgent, phone. If it’s a real emergency, call 911.