Category: Corona Virus

CONTENTS 8/14/2020
Uncountable Ballots
Neck Gaiters Update
Concert In The Park Series At Elizabeth Park
Flattery
Pop Up Art And Plant Sale
Free Treehouse: (Claimed!)
Burnish Clay Studio
Computer
Fl!p’s 70th Birthday Concert
Radio Free Fl!p: Caledonia

UNCOUNTABLE BALLOTS

Whatcom County Auditor Diana Bradrick: “Every election hundreds of ballots go uncounted because voters don’t know to check the pick-up times where they drop off their mail. It’s really sad because these are votes we’re unable to count. It also represents a cost to taxpayers because these ballots require special handling.”

NECK GAITERS UPDATE

Hold off. Other credible scientists say we don’t actually know there’s a problem with gaiters. Wait for better science. Research has been sparked.

CONCERT IN THE PARK SERIES AT ELIZABETH PARK

A Short video from Peter Roberts of The Eldridge Society.

https://www.facebook.com/110029047282962/videos/331588028223249/?v=331588028223249

FLATTERY

Hi Neighbors,

At least 4/5ths of Flattery find ourselves available this Saturday from 1-3pm, so we are going to be running through some of our Celtic Tunes and folky songs as a pop-up yard concert at 2114 Williams St. (1st. block off Eldridge) from 1-3pm. 

Flattery (or A Flattering Light when we aren’t all present) are Don Sayegh on guitar and vocals, Kurt Yandell on mandolin/bazooki and vocals, Todd Citron Irish whistles, flute, Bodhran and vocals, Beth Fuller vocals and rhythm toys, Eric Mickleson on fiddle (when he’s not fiddling around elsewhere). We’d love to have folks come by to listen. Wear your masks and keep a good distance, and take a stroll down Williams Street to hear some live music on Saturday. Cheers!  

POP UP ART AND PLANT SALE

Saturday, Aug. 15th from 11am-1:30pm.. Come to the alley behind 2524 Victor St., between Victor and Williams (and leave any cars out on the main streets). I’m going to post it on Craigslist and I’ll add some photos. We will have stuff spread out – please wear your mask! Cash, checks or Venmo accepted.

https://bellingham.craigslist.org/gms/d/bellingham-pop-up-art-and-plant-sale/7176930949.html

Lizanne Schader at zanjer@q.com

FREE TREEHOUSE: YOU HAUL

Hello, we don’t have young children in our household and would love for the treehouse at 2700 Williams Street to go to a good home. If you choose to take it, we ask that you completely remove it from the tree and yard. We will text photos upon request. Please contact Paul Beckel 360-820-9995 by text.

BURNISH CLAY STUDIO

Over in Sunnyland, is owned by Columba neighbor Heather Hitt. Burnish is a community clay studio that, when the world was normal, offered classes and other clay related services. They currently have a Monthly Membership program for adults and teens age 14+ to use the studio equipment. Usage is by appointment via an online system to make sure they keep the number of people in the space at a safe level. Wheels & work tables are spaced 6 feet apart and masks are required at all times. This is available to people of all skill levels as long as they have taken at least 1 clay class somewhere in the not so distant past as there is no instruction included in the program. 

https://www.burnishclaystudio.com/phase-2-membership.html#/

Especially since kids will be staying home a while longer, playing with clay is a great way to make some art & have some dirty fun. They have clay available for sale to work with at home and offer firing services as well to complete finished pieces. People who picked up a Quarantine Clay Kit from Jeramy & Megan Noet of Blue Water Pottery are also welcome to bring finished pieces to Burnish to fire. There is a page on their website that lays out options and pricing for these services. 

https://www.burnishclaystudio.com/home-studio-resources—new-to-clay.html#/

Studio email is heather@burnishclaystudio.com

COMPUTER

Ooops. The fix didn’t stick. New keyboard coming. Meanwhile, PLEASE format. All caps headline. First & last name & street name please. Thanks!

Fl!P’S 70th BIRTHDAY CONCERT

Thursday August 27, 7 PM

It looks like my concert will be broadcast more than once. First time, on my birthday, but it looks like there will be other times too. You’ll be able to watch on YouTube or FaceBook, or listen on KMRE 102.3 FM https://www.kmre.org/ I will get you links as soon as I have them.

RADIO FREE FL!P: CALEDONIA

Dougie Maclean & Guests. Can’t remember if I ran this before. It’s just lovely!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmxqjzCxNEE&feature=youtu.be

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.

CONTENTS 8/11/2020
Masks Again
Business Shout-Outs
    Goods
    El Mana
    Bellingham Yoga Collective
    Goji’s Bistro
    Darrah Blanton Dance
Free Documentary Film Link
Film LinkBike Trailer For A Child?
Bed?
Oops! Computer Balks Again
Radio Free Fl!p: Fairie’s Death Waltz, Performed!

MASKS AGAIN

There turns out there is one kind of mask that is actually worse than not wearing one. “…breathable neck gaiter, well-liked by runners for its lightweight fabric, ranked worse than the no-mask control group. The gaiter tested by the researchers was described in the study as a “neck fleece” made out of a polyester spandex material…” This article in the Washington Post does a good job of describing the Duke University research methods and results in detail.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/mask-test-duke-covid/2020/08/10/4f2bb888-db18-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html

BUSINESS SHOUT-OUTS

I highly recommend Diamond Jim’s. Like most locally owned businesses their attendance has slowed.  The home made, from scratch items on their menu are excellent and filling. I ordered Eggs Benedict last visit there. Not only was it delicious, but its hollandaise met my high standards. The service and spacing were perfect.  Jim’s breakfasts and lunches are both grrreeaattt! Please visit them. ~ Karen Walkup, Lynn St

This is a shoutout to the folks a Goods Nursery and their kindness to me. I tripped and fell in the street, not on their property, after making a purchase from them. They ran right over there to help me up, walk me to my car, and make sure I was OK.  They replaced the eggs and strawberries that were strewn all over the street, and wouldn’t take money for the replacements. I am touched by their kindness and want everyone in the neighborhood to know. Thank you. ~ Carol Brach

Guatemalan Honduran Restaurant  El Mana is just down about three doors from the old Albertsons on Northwest. I particularly like the pupusas and the Guatemalan enchiladas. They definitely could use our business. They are open for indoor seating as well. The place is large and there is usually no one there. Staff is all one family and they are very friendly. ~ Kristin Barber

Small business recommendation:
Bellingham Yoga Collective: They are offering outdoor deck yoga at their Waypoint Park location.  Small groups, socially distanced, masked until you’re on your mat (and then again when class ends).  Enjoy the glorious water view, fresh air and variety of classes/instructors.  Highly recommend! ~ Darrah Blanton, Williams St.

Small Business Recommendation
Goji’s Bistro in the small strip mall at Kellogg and Cordata (across from the new building at WCC) has been doing it right for several months now.  When small businesses were give the go-ahead to open with certain restrictions, Peter determined that it was still not safe enough so they remain a Take Out only provider of fresh, wholesome, and hearty meals.  His staff has always worn the masks and gloves and collects the pens used to sign your credit card receipts for sanitation during their slower period.  Their close proximity to WCC made them a favorite of the students there so they have obviously lost some of that business.  If you can, I hope you will consider throwing some of your business their way. Call 360 656-6291. ~ Tom & Kathy Sparks, Utter Street

Darrah Blanton Dance (http://www.darrahblantondance.com/) has been wonderful for our kids, both in person and now online. The teachers are engaging and prepared. Our kids look forward to weekly classes and have made lots of progress with their dancing.  I highly recommend trying out a class. ~ Cathy Halka (Lynn St)

FREE DOCUMENTARY FILM LINK

On August 18, 1919 the 19th amendment was ratified by the United States Congress providing the first women with the right to vote. CASCADIA will celebrate the centennial of  this historic day the special screening of the documentary film, “Inez Milholland: Forward Into Light,” directed by Martha Wheelock.  Watch the trailer here. The film honors suffragist Inez Milholland who literally gave her life fighting for the right to vote. Her martyrdom compelled women to be the first group to picket the White House, with Inez’s plea emblazoned on their banners: “How long must women wait for Liberty?” This civil disobedience and direct action pushed women’s suffrage front and center and finally into the 19th Federal Amendment. The film will be available free of charge August 15th and 16th. Here’s the direct link: https://vimeo.com/170906971 Password: inezlight2016. Will not play without the password. 

EGGSHELLS?

I had no idea! Treasured by gardeners for slug control and calcium. The big volunteer garden that supplies food programs will take all we can provide. I’ll be a drop-off point. 2518 Cherry Street. Prefer paper sacks to plastic. Fine to crunch the shells down. Thanks! ~ Fl!p

BIKE TRAILER FOR A CHILD?

We’d like to borrow a (chariot style?) bike trailer for a while, perhaps three weeks. We could leave a damage deposit.  Does anyone have one they aren’t using?  ~ Kathy Fox, Elizabeth St.  360 441 6239

BED?

Looking for a Rollaway Bed. If anyone has one that they are not using and would be willing to rent out for a couple of months, I would be interested. Contact Kristin Barber kristinmbarber1@gmail.com

OOPS! COMPUTER BALKS AGAIN

I may be out of commission for long enough to get a new keyboard. For now, format for me so I don’t have to type. Headline, first and last name, street. Thanks!

RADIO FREE FL!P: FAIRIE’S DEATH WALTZ, PERFORMED!

Here’s the music, and then a synthesizer performance of it. Look at the sheet music first to see why this cracked me up!

http://kimballtrombone.com/2010/05/11/just-for-fun-faeries-aire-and-death-waltz/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L7b3gi02ws&feature=share

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511   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.

CONTENTS 8/10/2020
Alert: Lost Hearing Aid
Elizabeth Park Concert: bandZandt
Piroshky
Support Small Businesses
Free Documentary Film
Eggshells
Refrigerator Box
Radio Free Fl!p: The Glory Of Love

LOST HEARING AID

I lost my hearing aid tonight, Monday, Aug. 10. It is brown with a blue dot. I lost it along Connecticut between Northwest and Broadway Park. If someone finds it, please call me at 360 676 7308.  Thanks, ~ Lora Eckert

ELIZABETH PARK CONCERT: bandZandt

Thursday Aug.13 at 6 pm bandZandt plays the big barn version of the Elizabeth Park Concert Series! Here’s a link: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethParkSummerConcerts/videos/221175059196816

PIROSHKY

In Bellingham on August 30th-limited pre orders.

https://piroshkydelivery.com/

Click on “View Calendar” and scroll down to Boundary Bay Brewery on August 31st. Orders must be submitted by August 28 at 2 PM. I particularly liked the Cheddar Garlic Roll, the Smoked Salmon Pate and the Cinnamon Cardamon Braid. I’m looking forward to trying the Fresh Rhubarb Piroshky.

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES

Send me your shout-outs for locals. Tell me something they’re doing well. I will relax my rules about being non-commercial in this pandemic to the extent that I will include shout-outs from happy customers, and news about innovations businesses are trying. If we want our restaurants and small local businesses to survive we need to patronize them. Tell me who’s doing something wonderful!

FREE DOCUMENTARY FILM

On August 18, 1919 the 19th amendment was ratified by the United States Congress providing the first women with the right to vote. CASCADIA will celebrate the centennial of  this historic day the special screening of the documentary film, “Inez Milholland: Forward Into Light,” directed by Martha Wheelock.  Watch the trailer here. The film honors suffragist Inez Milholland who literally gave her life fighting for the right to vote. Her martyrdom compelled women to be the first group to picket the White House, with Inez’s plea emblazoned on their banners: “How long must women wait for Liberty?” This civil disobedience and direct action pushed women’s suffrage front and center and finally into the 19^th Federal Amendment. The film will be available free of charge August 15th and 16th. I will post the link and password later this week.

EGGSHELLS

I was amazed at how many gardeners wanted my eggshells. I’m willing to be a collection point, or just start saving your own and let me know when you have enough to post.

REFRIGERATOR BOX

Still seeking a really big cardboard box! ~ Fl!p

RADIO FREE FL!P: THE GLORY OF LOVE

Big Bill Broonzey

Especially that bent note at .58 sec, and also later. It was recorded solo, July 1957, around a year before he died. [I got to play his guitar at the Old Town School Of Folk Music in Chicago in 1971.]

Big Bill Broonzy (26 June 1898 — 15 August 1958) was a prolific American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist. His career began in the 1920s when he played country blues to mostly black audiences. Through the ’30s and ’40s he successfully navigated a transition in style to a more urban blues sound popular with white audiences. In the 1950s a return to his traditional folk-blues roots made him one of the leading figures of the emerging American folk music revival and an international star. His long and varied career marks him as one of the key figures in the development of blues music in the 20th century.

Broonzy copyrighted more than 300 songs during his lifetime, including both adaptations of traditional folk songs and original blues songs. As a blues composer, he was unique in that his compositions reflected the many vantage points of his rural-to-urban experiences. (The above is adapted from Wikipedia).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJBhfwP6VSQ&lc=Ugz_hsFC2SgreFrxf1Z4AaABAg.97dvDpjIClg9BpZOYfDETh&feature=em-comments

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511   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.

CONTENTS 8/9/2020
Fl!p’s Computer Lives
Found Cat
County Health Dept Survey
Elizabeth Station Pizza!
Old Signs
Free Glass Coffee Table
Survival Of The Friendliest
Seeking A Home
Share House?
Radio Free Fl!p:  Fl!p’s 70Th Birthday Concert

FL!P’S COMPUTER

I think I’m back! No promises, but so far today we’ve got smooth sailing. Fingers crossed. Thank you to the MANY supporters who brought keyboards, suggested repair folks, and even donated money. I might not need a new computer after all. It looked bad Thursday, but my keyboard has been slowly improving and I’m typing smoothly this evening! I took it to Angelo of Compu-Man out on the north shore of Lake Whatcom. He replaced the battery, which had swollen, and cleaned the keyboard. He also told me to stop eating at my computer… Total cost under $200.

I could give back the various keyboards you all loaned me at this point. Though I have fallen in love with the little silver Apple bluetooth keyboard and may see if it will work with my iPad. I think I’ve learned I have to do better backups than just plugging in the remote disc every 10 days. Getting a bunch of files replicated on the iPad might be good insurance. Thank you everybody!

FOUND CAT

We found a cat this morning (8/9) on the sidewalk of Elizabeth Street and West Connecticut. It has white with other tabby and light brown markings. The cat was microchipped, so efforts are underway to locate the owner. If you are missing a cat please contact Bethany Gray Flint. Thanks, Jason Pass, Eldridge Ave

COUNTY HEALTH DEPT SURVEY

Whatcom County residents are asked by the county health department to take a 10-minute online survey seeking to understand people’s choices to adopt personal prevention practices such as limiting social gatherings or wearing masks in public or social settings. (WCHD)

ELIZABETH STATION PIZZA!

Thursdays through Sundays for dine in from 3-6:30 and take out from 3-7! We are making the dough (72 hour fermentation) and sauce from scratch for these 13 inch pies. If you’ve tried out take home pizza kits in the past few weeks, you know how good these are. We will be serving 5 different styles for you to try with more coming in the next few weeks. We are very excited to see what you all think. We’ve been testing these in house for a little bit now and we are excited to get these out to the public! Find the menu at Elizabethstation.es/foodmenu 

OLD SIGNS

If anyone wants to upcycle their political signage, I gladly take it. My students use it to make various projects such as rocket fins, rubber band powered vehicles, buildings/obstacle courses for their robots, etc, etc. Just drop them off at the corner of Walnut and Connecticut near the big fir tree.

Thanks – Gary Brandt

FREE GLASS COFFEE TABLE

Free glass coffee table in front of 2621 Walnut. Come and get it before the weather does. Thanks!
David Engebretson Jr
2621 Walnut
360-318-5573

SURVIVAL OF THE FRIENDLIEST

Pretty interesting…

https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Friendliest-not-fittest-is-key-to-15419832.php

SEEKING A HOME

These are two young adults I know well and love dearly! They grew up here in town. I can be an enthusiastic reference for them! ~ Fl!p

We are a young couple (late 20s) looking for a new place to call home! We’re both WWU grads, now working as educators in Bellingham. Katy works for the Opportunity Council in their early learning department and Evan teaches music and theatre with BAAY and other local institutions.

Our ideal home would be a two bedroom (or bedroom and separate office/work space) house with lots of light inside, and some outdoor space for a small garden. We would love to be within a reasonable walk or bike ride from downtown (e.g. Lettered Streets, Sunnyland, York, Sehome, Columbia neighborhoods). Our ideal budget would be up to $1,500 a month, and we would be happy to do work trade (gardening, upkeep, etc.) to help keep it in that range. These are, of course, ideals, so we’re willing to entertain other options, as long as they have some kind of outdoor space.

We have been isolating ourselves as much as possible during the pandemic while primarily working from home. We’ve found ourselves feeling constrained in our lovely-but-tiny apartment, and are finding it is time to have a little bit more space, windows that look outside, and especially some green space to garden. We’ve been together for 10 years, and our lifestyle is mostly quiet save for our musicianship (guitar & harp mostly). We are happiest in nature or working on our artistic projects.

Please contact us if you have a place like this to let, or simply if you have any info or leads! References and further info on request.

Evan Ingalls & Katy Mullen
evan.ingalls@gmail.com
ktmahalia@gmail.com

SHARE HOUSE?

Hi, I’m Andrzej! I’m moving to Bellingham and seeking a shared living arrangement starting (ideally) at the beginning of September to be more available to my aging parents. I’m used to living well with others; I’ve lived in an eight-person co-op in San Francisco (6 years) and, more recently, in a shared house in Berkeley (8 years to date). I’m easy to get along with, respectful, tidy, and clean. I enjoy social gatherings and also understand the need for personal time and space. I love cooking. I run my own company and work from home (or from cafes during normal times). I’m a singer songwriter (my primary interest is folk and world music) though this has taken more of a back seat to my company recently. I’m passionate about nature & the environment and the role music, the arts, and ecological literacy can play in strengthening environmental ethics. To this end I help produce the Future Ecologies podcast and started Half Wild, which I’m hoping to bring to Bellingham. It features performing songwriters, poets, filmmakers, and writers whose work is grounded in a connection to nature and to the land. My ideal living situation would be with other folks interested in nature & the outdoors, ecology, community, or the arts. I can be reached at andrzej@halfwild.earth

RADIO FREE FL!P:  FL!P’S 70TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT

Thursday August 27th at 7:00 PM, Online Link TBA

Here’s an early notice, in case you’d like to join me. I’m afraid you’ll need to arrange for your own cake and ice cream this year, but I’ll bring some of my most treasured songs and my beloved Columbia Neighborhood guitar.

THREE SONGS FOR NOW

Recorded from the middle of the audience at a long-ago birthday concert.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=9Lg8xF0rRSY&feature=emb_title

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511   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.

Contents 8/2/2020
Car Wreck
Kindness
Vote
Coyote Scat?
Dead Appliance Recycling?
Dvd Swap
Free Film
Help Elizabeth Station
Diamond Jim’s
Hiring
Small Sewing Project
Busted Computer
Radio Free Fl!p: Don’t Get Trouble In Your Mind

CAR WRECK

Car hit a utility pole on Eldridge at 7 AM, shearing it off. Car wound up upside down in front yard. Police have the street closed. Electricity is out for 26 houses. PSE is hoping to have power back by 3:30 PM today. The driver appeared to be talking with first responders after the accident, but was taken on a stretcher to the hospital, not looking so great. We don’t know if she survived. One car, one driver.  Wah!

Neighbors are discussing traffic calming for Eldridge. I called Tim Douglas, former mayor, who lives nearby. I think he originally got into politics over the trucks on Eldridge. He says the first step is for neighbors to track speeding: day, time, direction, whatever you can see or hear. Log this, and work with police. The City must be able to demonstrate need before they can take action, and we can do this by keeping a log.

Here’s a note from Tim: It occurred to me after you called that I should have mentioned an effort several of us made to get a red light installed at Carl Lobe Park so that pedestrians would be protected when crossing Eldridge.  After getting a successful decision by the City to install it, it was later removed for a very legitimate reasons:  drivers so rarely encountered anyone crossing there, they began routinely running the light—endangering anyone who would enter the crosswalk thinking they’d be safe. I hope our neighborhood will start noting time and general places where speeding occurs and informing police so they can post a patrol car likely to catch effective speeders at such times. 

VOTE!

A tiny percentage of us vote in this election. Really tiny. Your vote counts more today than it will in the Fall. At this point you should take your ballot in to the drop box. Due Tuesday. I’ll be glad to help you figure where your drop box is.

KINDNESS

It turns out that one of the best things you can do for your own state of mind is to find ways to be kind t others. There are things you can do right from your own couch – Write to someone (or call) to let them know the specifics of why you are glad they’re in your life. Tell them something they did right. Send a photo of something beautiful. Ask how they are doing and lend a listening ear. Not just elders who may be isolated. Young adults and teens need extra connection at this time. Don’t we all?

COYOTE SCAT?

Coyote scat on sidewalk of 2300 block of Victor. Strewn on the south east corner of Victor and Monroe. It has hair in it. Also, it is scattered all over the sidewalk and most dogs in the neighborhood are not allowed to do that. Also, I have read that the reason we used to encounter wolf scat in the middle of trails in Algonquin Park was because they purposefully leave it there as territorial markers…this display looked as if it could be of similar intent. ~ Mary Anne Pultz

DEAD APPLIANCE RECYCLING?

3 Weeks ago my toaster oven broke. I don’t want to replace it. I like the space it leaves. Today, i went all over looking for 802 Marine Drive for Appliance Depot, where they take broken appliances. Finally asked people nearby and they said it doesn’t exist anymore. I left a message at Sustainable Connections to find out if there is any place in B’ham for recycling appliances but they haven’t called me back yet. Does anyone know if anything else exists? Or does it just go to the dump….? ~ Sara Todd

DVD SWAP?

(From my friend Richard Scholtz, who lives on the South Side. He thought our neighborhood might enjoy this.) The other day I saw neighbors I didn’t know well, out walking and she asked if we had any dvds we would be willing to loan because they had a TV but no cable. Sure: not very many and  it was an odd collection but they could try a couple and see if they liked them. So, by now they have watched 6. I wouldn’t have guessed they would have liked any of them – and they have liked all of them.

FREE FILM

The Space Needle is one of Seattle’s iconic structures attracting thousands of visitors each year, especially in the summer. It is now open with limited capacity. Few who visit the Needle know the fascinating story behind it’s distinctive design. Director BJ Bullert reveals the history in her short film, “Space Needle: A Hidden History,” an Official Selection in CASCADIA’s 2020 festival. See it again here free of charge this weekend starting Saturday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 2.   Donations to CASCADIA support the work of the festival to promote the stories of women directors throughout the world told through the media of film.

HELP ELIZABETH STATION

Elizabeth Station is struggling right now to stay open. They really could use our support. It is definitely worth a trip. Their prices are good. Also, they have implemented some really great safety measures for dining in. They now serve pizza.

DIAMOND JIM’S

This local restaurant also needs our help. Traffic is very light, and they really could use our community support. A business that is doing it right, not just doing it ok. ~ Aaron Booker

HIRING

We are seeking a 6-10/hr per week property maintenance helper for our 10 beautifully forested acres with multiple living units and out buildings. The independent contract job would range from general labor tasks to semi-skilled handy-person tasks (we have another person who helps us with gardening). Mainly outside with some inside (masked). We pay $25/hr and are 10 minutes from the Columbia neighborhood out Sunset/Mt. Baker. Please call or e-mail if you are interested.  Kara Black (360-676-2300, kb@treefrognight.com)

SMALL SEWING PROJECT

I need help cutting and sewing used curtains to fit.vThree panels, open to discuss. Contact Scotty at ScottyLewis@me.com
Thanks
Scotty Lewis, Victor Street

BUSTED COMPUTER

You haven’t heard from me much lately because my computer is busted. Intermittently. Keyboard problem. $700 to fix – I talked with Apple. If my computer was a few months younger, it would be trivial. One way to get me to shut up! I may be looking for a fairly recent model refurbished MacBook Pro. But this was a good one… ~ Fl!p 360-671-4511

RADIO FREE FL!P: DON’T GET TROUBLE IN YOUR MIND

Carolina Chocolate Drops

https://www.pbs.org/video/sound-tracks-carolina-chocolate-drops-dont-get-trouble-your-mind/

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511   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.

CONTENTS 7/22/2020
Elizabeth Park Online Concert Tomorrow
Elizabeth Park Online Concert Subscription
Quarantine / Isolation
Adopt A Foster Dog?
Found Bag
Radio Free Fl!p: I’m Married

ELIZABETH PARK ONLINE CONCERT TOMORROW

4TENS BAND
Thursday, July 23 6-8 PM
Playing Fun Classic Rock Party Music
Ian Bakke-Vocals
John Delaney-Guitar
Bob Oldham-Bass
Dale Kreiser- Drums

All these concerts are safely online this year!

Here’s the link for YouTube

https://youtu.be/wmU_22QF3Bw

Here’s the link for Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethParkSummerConcerts/videos/2485001661791372/

And of Course, KMRE-FM 102.3 on your radio dial.

And here’s the link for the fresh off the presses Elizabeth Park Concert Series GoFundme, since we don’t have the ability to collect donations at the concerts.  

https://gf.me/u/ygyb7m

Thank you for your generosity. We could not bring this to you this year if it weren’t for the community support in previous years. We are very grateful.
Marla Bronstein

ELIZABETH PARK CONCERT SUBSCRIPTION

Hello Friends..I would would appreciate it if you would subscribe to our YouTube page so we can livestream our concerts for those in our community who don’t have Facebook. Thanks for your support!!

Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series-Bellingham,WA

We’re more than halfway there to 100 subscribers. Please subscribe!! You’ll be the first to know when concert videos are being premiered, and you can watch them over and over!!

QUARANTINE / ISOLATION

From BetsyBrowmMD/substack.com

The CDC today adjusted its recommendations for how long to isolate after a positive test for COVID-19. The recommendation is now 10 days from when symptoms started or 24 hours after the fever breaks. If you have no symptoms, the period is 10 days after testing. This is based in better data. I am glad to get clarification to help my patients understand better. It has been confusing. The old recommendation was to have two (!?) negative tests before leaving isolation. It has been difficult enough to get even one test; but to get 2 more? Impractical and nearly impossible! Especially in some states. Keep in mind, though, that some people may have symptoms for longer, but almost everyone doesn’t have transmissible virus after 10 days. There is a difference in viral particles or RNA and a viable virus that can infect and reproduce.

Quarantine is essentially the same activity as isolation but for people actually exposed, so they don’t transmit COVID-19 before they get symptoms. The recommendation is still 14 days, the same you would need to quarantine yourself if you went to New York from Washington State. (We have now been added to the undesirable list based on our high R0 which has gone up). Of course, if someone develops COVID-19 their isolation is extend for 10 mores days from when symptoms started.

One of the big failings in testing I see is that people get tested, often after a known exposure or with mild symptoms, but then they don’t isolate or quarantine themselves while waiting for results. I hear these stories so often- in the news, congressmen, patients, co-workers. I am not sure what they are thinking or if they worry about exposing someone else. When they find out they are positive, most feel horrible they exposed others. I don’t necessarily blame that person. I think the testing site needs to educate and emphasize safety. But somehow we need to educate better on why physical distancing and mask wearing are important, in particular after possible exposure and after testing.

Last night I awoke from a vivid dream and could not get back to sleep. In the dream, I started coughing and knew I had COVID-19. That scared me; but what really upset me was that I coughed near Jamie without a mask and I was afraid I had given it to him. Such an awful feeling that stuck with me. I hope and pray that none of you every get that feeling. And I am grateful that it was just a dream.

The interesting news is that OB/GYN’s in several countries have noted a significant drop in premature births during our shutdowns. The reasons are unknown and at this point there is only speculation. However, many researchers, who have studied pre-term births and the causes, are now hoping to use this to seek possible preventive measures. Hopefully some good will come from this.

Wash your hands, cover your nose, stay 6 feet away from others, and be kind.

And finally, my caveat is that this is my experience and my opinions, which are subject to change as more information is available, and not related to the organization I work for. Thanks for reading.

ADOPT A FOSTER DOG?

My kids love dogs and we have recently become involved in fostering rescue pups. Through word of mouth I was connected with a woman in Tacoma whom purchased a “Covid Puppy” and was no longer able to care for it. She was furloughed at work, had all three of her kids home, bought them a puppy to play with, and then when the world started turning again, she started working overtime and her kids went to daycare. The puppy was being kenneled alone at home for 10-12 hours a day. No one to care for it regularly and give it the love it needs. 

My heart hurt for the little guy and so I asked if she would consider giving him up to find a better home. She said she paid 1500$ for him from an online breeder and he was current on his first round of immunizations and deworming. I talked her down to an amount closer to what a shelter would charge for a rehoming fee, and took him with faith that there is a better home for him here in Bellingham somewhere. 

When she bought him he was 3-4lbs. He is 11-12 weeks now and almost 7lbs. He should not get bigger than about 10-12lbs. He is a stealthy chihuahua dachshund mix, and looks like a micro-sized black lab! My two daughters, 6 & 7, have been working with me to help potty training him (he was taught to go on puddle pads in his kennel), and get him accustomed to walking on a leash, playing with other dogs, and working through teething with lots of chew toys. He is doing great!! 

He often goes 10 hours at night with no accidents. He is quick to adjust behavior when we redirect his chewing, and we take him out every 2hours or less to help him succeed. He is a ton of fun, super sweet and loves to run after us in the parks while we play soccer or frisbee together. When he is exhausted from walks and play time, he is a snuggler and will cuddle up on my lap to just be pet. He is vocal about wanting attention and will let you know that he wants to be picked up and loved. 

He has been somewhat neglected, so he needs to be with someone who wants a dog, knows how to care for and teach him patiently as he grows. We have purchased a large kennel, cozy bed, food/water dish, chew toys, kong, harness, leash and food that I am happy to send with him to make the transition seamless. A rehoming fee will apply to help ensure he goes to a good home and help cover our costs in fostering him.

Alaina Sawaya  360.778.9499   alainasawaya@gmail.co  

FOUND BAG

Last night around midnight we woke up to a highly agitated man yelling in front of our house. He threw something into our parking strip and walked down the street. Probably a car prowl–if you are missing a zippered bag that says Platt and Intermatic, and can describe the contents, let me know! Lee Gulyas, Keesling Street  gulyas@mindless.com

RADIO FREE FL!P: I’M MARRIED

David Dodson both wrote and sang this. Today & tomorrow are the 22nd anniversary of Zeke & my wedding. (Yes, it took us two days because I married a Canadian, and we followed all the rules really carefully.) We’re cuddling, cooking celebratory food, doing some house projects and laundry, making music together. We made great bacon and french toast with real maple syrup for breakfast, and we’ll grill steaks for dinner, from Carne, here in the neighborhood. (No we didn’t. We’ll do that tomorrow. We got take-out from the Soy House instead.) And we’re playing/cleaning house! (I don’t think we’d vacuumed in a month… one of the disadvantages of no visitors.) After we get the last of the laundry finished, Zeke has promised to play with my old wooden train set with me! Pre-Brio. All unpainted maple. When I was a kid, my siblings and I still played with the trains and track when we were in junior high. I added to the set when my kids were small and we lived near the factory that made them. I got all sorts of track, switches, cars, signs, bridges & trestles. And then when my first pair of grandsons were small, Tim Hutton here in Bellingham made me train stations, a couple little houses, and some passenger cars with windows. And he let me help! I found the box deep under the bed a while ago, and have been longing not just to play with them, but to have someone to play with them with me. And no kids in safe reach at the moment. So Zeke and I will be kids for a while. Having someone to play with may be the most glorious part of being married. Plus that “for better and for worse, in sickness and in health” part isn’t so bad either. Thanks Zeke!

https://vimeo.com/147585769

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511   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.

CONTENTS 7/17/2020
Important COVID Report
Skin Rash As Early COVID Symptom
Sunnyland Soft Shoe On Saturday
Judges Forum Online
Handywoman
Lost Ear Bud
Rental Wanted By Three Roommates
Rental Wanted By Handyman
Radio Free Fl!p: Daughter Of Feminists

IMPORTANT COVID RESOURCEE

White House “Report To Governors” report gives state-by-state and county-by-county weekly tracking of COVID, with trends and detailed recommendations.

https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19/

Here are the charts. Scroll way down near the end to get to Washington state and Whatcom county (page 330 I think).

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6990255-Governors-Report-14-July-20.html

SKIN RASH AS EARLY COVID SYMPTOM

Data from the COVID Symptom Study shows that characteristic skin rashes and ‘COVID fingers and toes’ should be considered as key diagnostic signs of the disease, and can occur in the absence of any other symptoms. I joined this study and get regular updates. It seems both safe to do so, and useful at this time. I report daily. It takes less than a minute on an app.

https://covid.joinzoe.com/us-post/skin-rash-covid

SUNNYLAND SOFT SHOE SATURDAY

I have always loved Sunnyland’s neighborhood celebration, and this year they are creating a socially-distanced event, and we are all invited.

http://www.sunnylandstomp.com/faq-soft-shoe 

JUDGES FORUM

Informed voter are so important. It’s particularly challenging to sort out judges from the information in the voter’s pamphlet so I was glad to hear of this forum. If you hear of any other candidate forums, I would appreciate hearing about them.

Candidate Forum – Whatcom Superior Court Judge, Pos. 4
Monday July 20  7:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84156169856?pwd=S2tUZS9JOHpXbGZkeHRDRW5pdGpxQT09

Meeting ID: 841 5616 9856
Password: 101690

POSITION DUTIES – WHATCOM SUPERIOR COURT JUDGEEach of Washington’s 39 counties has a superior court.  Whatcom’s has 4 judges elected to 4-year terms and 3 commissioners appointed by judges. Judges and commissioners hear and decide cases assigned to them by the presiding judge

Types of cases superior court handles:
o Adult Felonies
o Civil cases – (includes cases involving real property and/or claims in excess of $35,000)
o Divorce/Child Custody/Child Support matters
o Probate/guardianships
o Paternity actions
o Adoptions
o Juvenile cases
o Mental Illness cases

The presiding judge is elected by the other judges to serve not less than two years,  He or she supervises the judicial business of the Superior Court, acts as the spokesperson for the court, directs the court administrator in implementing administrative and general court policy, and performs judicial and administrative duties.

Court commissioners are appointed by the superior court judges. They have some of the same powers and duties as judges and are authorized to hear ex parte, domestic, criminal, juvenile offender, dependency and mental illness proceedings. They may sit as judges pro tempore if all parties agree.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
Candidates submit their statements. The Office of the Secretary of State does not make corrections or verify statements for truth or fact.  See https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=865#/?b=57381&o=75627.

HANDYWOMAN SHOUT-OUT

I have a “handywoman”  that I want to recommend.  Very capable and knowledgeable. She does repairs and construction. She’s just now putting herself out on the market… Her name is Daniella Hirt.  phone:  206.310.6963. She lives on Henry, across the street from me. I’m happy to recommend her; she has done numerous things for me.  A nice person too. ~ Sara Todd

LOST EAR BUD

I lost an ear bud in the alley between Victor and Lynn on Thursday July 16. It is red with a L (for left) and R for brand name. Any help finding appreciated.
Jim Schmotzer   jimschmotzer@gmail.com

RENTAL WANTED BY THREE

3 roommates looking for 2 bed, minimum 1.5 bath place to stay for easy transport to work and school, looking to move by end of August/beginning of September. Max monthly rent around $1500, preferably with utilities included. Prefer parking space for two cars. Responsible, quiet and clean; would prefer pet friendly (2 indoor cats). Need LGBT-friendly options. Employment, rental and character references available upon request.  Please contact Ean Broyles at:  broyles.ean@gmail.com  THANK YOU

RENTAL WANTED BY HANDYMAN

Looking for a place to live; something more private like a mother-in-law suite, garage converted apartment or basement type place to rent. Currently in Blaine but would be ok with Ferndale, Bellingham or Fairhaven area. Jordan, 23 years old, very mature for his age and has a well mannered dog named Eli (80lb Black lab mix) that surprisingly barely barks. Jordan works for Andgar heating and air corp. He has references if wanted, is a handyman with many skills beyond his age and of course always willing to lend a hand. He’s looking for something temporary 6-8 months to rent but ok if it’s longer than that. Not a smoker, enjoys the occasional Batch15 from Aslan. $900 is the cap but willing to pay more for the right place and environment.
Jordan Booth
jobooth1313@gmail.com
360-393-6526
(From his girlfriend, Genesis)

RADIO FREE FL!P: DAUGHTERS OF FEMINISTS

Written by Nancy White, originally on her album Momnipotant. Here is a pandemic version, in honor of the album’s 30th anniversary. I would have had a such a daughter, if I hadn’t only had sons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWU5BVND12A

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511   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.

CONTENTS 7/15/2020
Concert Tomorrow!
Vote! And First, Inform Yourself
Raccoon Tolerance
Another Coyote / Cat
Car Prowling
Masks May Protect Us Both
Misinformation
Radio Free Fl!p: I Wanna Be A Dog

CONCERT TOMORROW!

Don’t forget Elizabeth Park Online Concert tomorrow, 6-8 PM.
FREE HARMONY:  Chuck Dingée and Sharon Mayson’s beautiful vocals.

Here’s the link for the Facebook feed:

https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethParkSummerConcerts/

Here’s the link for YouTube

https://youtu.be/DeKwbIrORdM

And of Course, KMRE-FM 102.3

VOTE! AND FIRST, INFORM YOURSELF

There is a primary election coming right up. Our voter’s pamphlet arrived today and ballots will follow soon. Being a citizen gives us both rights and responsibilities. The people who created our system of government counted on voters educating themselves. I consider it part of what gets called Adulting these days. I am not in the least interested in telling you who to vote for, but I really do want to encourage each of you to vote, and to inform yourself as best you can, before you vote. Whenever I find out about a forum or other good source of information I will let you know. This particular primary election coming up is the one in which each individual (that means you) has the greatest influence on the outcomes. That is because traditionally, voter turnout is low. Your vote is a higher percentage of the total. I have seen outcomes hinge on less than a dozen votes. This is a big opportunity!

RACCOON TOLERANCE

In case it helps Raccoon tolerance, mothers have to protect their babies from males who will kill them. And teach them how to flatten their spines to get thru tight spots. “Raccoon Nation”, through our library, shows this. Riveting to watch!  ~ Gillian Brightwater

ANOTHER COYOTE / CAT (Sorry!)

I live on 2200 block of Utter street. I walked out of my house this morning to walk to work, took a right in front of the big Victorian house next to me and there’s a deceased orange and white cat that very obviously had been attacked by a coyote or something. I recognize the cat as being a resident of our neighborhood. I called animal control and left a message. So awful and sad. Sincerely, ~ Nancy Rathjen

CAR PROWLING

Just a friendly heads up, don’t forget to lock your car doors. I just heard a few people on bikes around 3:45 AM (Wednesday) opening up my neighbor’s car.  ~ Rachel Greenwood, 2600 block of Walnut Street

[Coyotes aren’t the only ones prowling!]

MASKS MAY PROTECT US BOTH

This looks both hopeful and credible.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/07/15/wearing-mask-may-offer-protection-against-catching-severe-covid-19/5431323002/

FROM BETSY BROWN MD ON MISINFORMATION

People easily share information to others to be “helpful” without checking for accuracy. This study shows that social media affects judgement but that it may be possible to slow it down by asking about accuracy. Amazingly, the simple question “is it accurate?” slowed people down enough that the information shared was more accurate and less misguided. More misinformation was shared when the question was not asked. If it could be that simple, we could make a difference. Asking people to slow down and check accuracy might actually help.

https://betsybrownmd.substack.com/

RADIO FREE FL!P: I WANNA BE A DOG

The Canote Brothers sing an identical twin duet; written by Barry Louis Polisar (who wrote the Yuch song, which I utterly adore and love singing to children, often to their parents’ horror. I may post Yuch sometime… Barry also wrote It Came From Under The Rug and My Brother Threw Up On My Toy Stuffed Bunny. He writes about Real Life for kids. This song is a little safer, but not completely safe.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax24VGSladc

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511   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.