Category: Fl!p’s Pix For Music

CONTENTS 6/28/2020
Columbia Neighborhood Fourth Of July Chalk Festival
Another Chalk Idea
Ice Cream Interlude
Chalk Talk: Peter Roberts
Upcoming Chalk Talk: Mayor Seth Fleetwood!
Where & When Fireworks Are Legal
Racial Justice Forum
Bunk Beds
Cat Sitter?
Wanted To Buy Home
Quarantine Rental?
Food Co-Op Or Haggens?
Radio Free Fl!p: Foolish Questions

COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD FOURTH OF JULY CHALK FESTIVAL
July 4th, free
10 – 2 Chalk in front of your own house, or ask Fl!p for other locations
2 – 5 tour the neighborhood, looking at chalk and listening to music. Check out other special events as well. All socially distanced. Wear your masks. We can do this together!
We now have over 100 households signed up. Zeke says that’s 6% of our neighborhood. I still have chalk here for 150 more. Sign up, or I’ll help you sign up, and we’ll set a time for you to come pick up your chalk. Even if you already have chalk, sign up so you show up on the map! Please, please help invite your neighbors. And friends, who can show up at the schools or Immanuel Church to use the sidewalks there.
Sign-up and view the event map at
columbianeighborhood.org/chalk/

ANOTHER CHALK IDEA
From Victor Street neighbor Greg Hope:
I have seen some “sidewalk polls” that can be simple yet powerful. These usually just feature a question with two possible answers (and some chalk left in place for use by passersby), and hash marks begin to appear as people “cast their votes.” Some examples:
“I am…” Night owl ~or~ Early bird
“I prefer” Apples ~or~ Bananas
“Favorite season” Spring ~or~ Summer ~or~ Fall ~or~ Winter
“It’s raining” Umbrella ~or~ Jacket

ICE CREAM INTERLUDE
I wrote to the Sugar Shack Ice Cream Truck a while back to see if they wanted to visit our festival. They didn’t think they could, but I just got this message!
We will aim to be at the sidewalk chalk festival at 11:30ish, we have something else in Bellingham so we will come right after! We will park by the church first for about 10 minutes until everyone gets their ice cream and then we will move over towards Columbia elementary and do the same. 👍🏼

CHALK TALK: PETER ROBERTS
The Eldridge Society donated $300 towards chalk for us all, the money they usually spent on the Fourth Of July Picnic. I am SO grateful, and having such fun giving the chalk away! They are also funding the Thursday evening Virtual Concerts In The Park.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAyHpMDdv2o

UPCOMING CHALK TALK: MAYOR SETH FLEETWOOD!

WHERE & WHEN FIREWORKS ARE LEGAL
(Nowhere In Bellingham)
https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article243617407.html

RACIAL JUSTICE FORUM
scheduled for Wednesday, July 1st, 7 – 9 PM over Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89368508587#success
Hosted by the Bellingham Friends Meeting.
Look who is on the panel!
• County Executive Satpal Sidhu;
• Rosalinda Guillén of Community to Community;
• Bellingham Deputy Police Chief Flo Simon;
• Shirley Williams of White Swan Environmental and the Lummi Nation;
• Black entrepreneur Jonathan Randolph of Bellingham.

BUNK BEDS
Solid wood bunk beds for sale. Painted white. Gently used, grandkids have outgrown them. Text if interested (360)926-3924 or email chris2630@comcast.net
Chris Peterson.

CAT SITTER?
Trustworthy cat sitter sought for low key fur ball. Will sanitize all surfaces prior to you coming over and expect the same as you leave. All you have to do is come over in the evening, provide scratches, and let him snuggle you while you sleep. $20 per day. Columbia local would be perfect. Email jessicaburchiel@gmail.com
Thanks,
Jessica Burciel
Henry Street

WANTED TO BUY HOME
$225-$250k We want to be in Bellingham or close within the county (but also open to any ideas). We would like our children to remain in the Bellingham School District. Public transportation/bicycle accessibility is important to us, but not a total necessity. We would like to have a yard to build a garden, and a safe and clean home—that’s really it. This is where we want to raise our kids, build our home, and grow old. The community here is so strong and rooted in helping one another. If you, or anyone you know, or anyone beyond them knows of anyone willing to sell something within this range, or possibly rent to own, or any other creative option please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Emily Nelson and Bernard Miller
Emily: emilynelson2012@yahoo.com
206-349-0118
Bernard: northersweater@yahoo.com
206-962-9902

QUARANTINE RENTAL?
We are wondering if anyone in the neighborhood might have a separate space
for visiting sister July 14 – 28. We realize it is best to quarantine yourself after cross country air travel for 10 -14 days. Looking for a possible week or two studio apt before she stays with us. Our house is not set up well for this – but day visits & meals with us outside will be likely. Anyone needing a house or pet sitter during that time? OR we’ll be looking for something a bit reasonably priced if possible… Any suggestions welcome.
Contact Vicki Roy or Carol Oberton
Park St
360-733-5909

FOOD CO-OP OR HAGGENS?
Is anyone going to either on Monday? Need just a couple things.

RADIO FREE FL!P: FOOLISH QUESTIONS
The Canote Twins, Jere & Greg, at the peak of their nearly identical powers!

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 6/27/2020
Masks On West Street
Chalk Report
    Brand New Sidewalks
Another Coyote / Cat
Goodwill Open
Store Run?
Dana Lyons
Jacqueline Schwab
Radio Free Fl!p: Jacqueline Schwab

MASKS ON WEST STREET

2525 West Street

I’ve sewn and donated over 1500 masks now to Healthcare and essential workers. I again have more available for you neighborhood folks.

I have both kids and adult sizes out and will continue sewing . I’m putting them on a table in my yard, right inside the fence. You can reach over the fence to choose. They are individually bagged up.

Donations of around $5/mask would be greatly appreciated.  Donations can be dropped in my mailbox or or Venmo me @lindsaymknight. Or PayPal me at  lindsay.m.knight@gmail.com.  ~ Lindsay Knight

CHALK REPORT

I had a steady stream of neighbors picking up sets of chalk today. It was a big relief! We’ve got over 90 households signed up at this point. A bunch of folks picked up for their neighbors too. I’m hoping to get everyone who is chalking, onto the map so neighbors will know where to wander in the afternoon on Fourth Of July. I still have over 200 sets of chalk to give away. I’d love to give one to YOU to help decorate and celebrate our neighborhood! If you don’t have a sidewalk, come to Columbia Elementary School, Franklin Academy or Immanuel Bible Church. Use their addresses to sign up. I’ll be glad to help.

Sign up here:
columbianeighborhood.org/chalk/

Pick up here:
Fl!p Breskin
2518 Cherry Street (red house/green trim)
360-671-4511 (phone is most reliable contact)
It helps if you phone to let me know you’re on your way.

BRAND NEW SIDEWALKS

On Victor Street between Jefferson and Monroe, the city just put in on both sides of the street, newly laid white sidewalks.  ~ Jacie DeLaruelle, Victor Street

Sidewalk along W North was just repaved, and a bit on Utter, so it will be GREAT to draw on! All are welcome to come join me (at a social distance). ~ Marilyn Stoops, Utter Street

[Wow! That would be some great canvas! C’mon Victor, Utter & W North Street neighbors! I’ve got free chalk here for you… Love/Fl!p]

ANOTHER COYOTE / CAT

Another kitty was taken on Park St sometime this morning. Owner was notified. Keep your kitties inside.  ~ Amber Hixson, Park St

[Repeated instances may indicate coyote pups being taught how to hunt. Do keep your cats safe inside from dusk till there are lots of humans up and around again in the morning. ~ Fl!p]

GOODWILL

Goodwill is open, but is not currently accepting donated furniture.

FOOD CO-OP OR HAGGENS?
If anyone is making a store run, we’d love to be included. Also, we’re running low on a few things from the Asia Market.  Thanks! ~ Fl!p 360-671-4511

DANA LYONS

Orca Month Online Concert
Sunday June 28 4pm

I’m happy to be performing a second online concert for  Orca Month. You can watch the show live or later on.

Watch Live On-Line Orca Month Concerts at Dana’s Music Facebook Page June 28

JACQUELINE SCHWAB

Many years ago I taught at a family dance camp in the Bay Area. There were several pianists there, but I could tell from the very first notes when Jacqueline was at the keyboard, from anywhere on the conference site. Her touch is exquisite. I’m not the only one who noticed. Ken Burns had her as his pianist for the Civil War series among others. I brought her out to Bellingham from the east coast one year and loved her concert. We’ve stayed in touch, and she just sent me this:

Tuesday, June 30, at 3 pm PDT, I’ll perform an hour-long I Lift My Lamp concert from my living room and would love to “see you there!” This collection celebrates music by immigrants from Europe, Africa and South America—not a “map of the world” but my personal journey from my Pittsburgh “melting pot” childhood” and my later Boston life, which I hope might be a doorway into the roots of this wonderful music. You’ll hear an Irish air, Scottish strathspey/reel set, Polish kujawiak, Finnish anthem, Swedish waltz, Bulgarian dance tune, Neapolitan tarantella, African-American spiritual, Brazilian tango, and Chilean song, as time allows. This was originally booked as a local concert for my hometown Brewster Ladies Library but has now become an online, streaming one, sponsored by the library. (If I understand correctly, you could also listen another time, on either my or the library’s Facebook pages for the next few weeks.) Tune in at https://www.brewsterladieslibrary.org/general/calendar/tag_ids~69/ or at https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineSchwabpianist/. Since this is my first “streaming adventure,” I hope it will work—but if problems on June 30, text Edmund, at (617) 710-0508. If you’d like, you can leave a tip in my virtual “tip jar,” at PayPal.com, to jaspianist@gmail.com.

RADIO FREE FL!P: JACQUELINE SCHWAB
Just so you get a sense of her music. The first tune always brings me tears. The second is just joyfully playful…

Last Rose Of Summer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqerU3xZbmE&list=PLDXPQiQDNygHkEiRlbEyp0cX7lXaC2f_S&index=4

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry7IHmSDEc0&list=PLDXPQiQDNygHkEiRlbEyp0cX7lXaC2f_S 

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 6/23/2020
Elizabeth Park Concert Tonight!
Chalk Talk!
Chalk: Not Just For “Artists”
Suspicious Vehicle
Fireworks Details
Racial Justice Forum Postponed
Yard Sale
Radio Free Fl!p: Be Counted!

ELIZABETH PARK CONCERT TONIGHT!

Thursday June 25th @ 6pm (We’ll see if this gets out in time…)

CraigO’s Planet Groove 

A blend of Grateful Dead-centric tunes, New Orleans Funk, and Originals. We’ll bring our groove so that you can groove.

You won’t need to have Facebook to watch it there. If you do have a Facebook account, think about hosting your own “watch party.”

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

Or, you can listen to the livestream broadcast on KMRE-FM 102.3, every Thursday 6 – 8 PM from June 18 until August 20.

https://www.kmre.org/listen/

CHALK TALK!

Thank you SO much to Marla Bronstein for creating all these fun 2-minute videos! This one is an overview with a few words from all the Chalk Talkers.

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

CHALK: NOT JUST FOR “ARTISTS”

I want YOU!!! Our chalk festival on the Fourth Of July doesn’t have to be fancy or professional or anything like that. My vision is that we get to do something together, as a neighborhood. We get to enjoy each other’s sense of fun. We get to play together, and connect, even while we stay safely socially distanced. And I have lots of chalk to share! Come and get it!!! Sign up, so your place shows up on the map. Invite your neighbors, personally. That would be a big favor to me. 

We’ll spend Fourth Of July from 2 – 5 PM strolling around to see what happened. And checking out all the music. Sounds like there’s going to be a lot of that too. Sign up now, and come pick up your chalk. I’ve got a couple hundred sets here, waiting for you!

columbianeighborhood.org/chalk/
Fl!p Breskin
2518 Cherry Street
360-671-4511

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE

I’m the Bellingham Police Department’s Behavioral Health Officer, Zack Serad. I assigned myself to a suspicious vehicle case on 06/23/2020. A neighbor called 911 reporting that a black 2007 Toyota Camry, WA/ASX6711 was circling the neighborhood several times. The caller was able to obtain the above-mentioned license plate. Further investigation lead to a male driver who was positively identified by the 911 caller. The male was contacted by police. He claimed to be in the area to listen to live music. It was confirmed that the male had no legitimate reason to be in the neighborhood. He was warned that any further witnesses calling his vehicle in would prompt further police actions. He was contacted by Bellingham PD nearly a decade prior in your same neighborhood due to similar actions. 

Neighbors are asked to call 911 and reference case #20B35684 if the above-mentioned vehicle is seen in the Columbia neighborhood only. At this point, there is nothing criminal in nature due to his actions and the investigation will be closed. 

Z. Serad
Behavioral Health Officer
Bellingham Police Department
(360) 778 8777
zserad@cob.org

[Please do not hesitate to call 911 if you see this vehicle. I am very pleased that we’re getting a handle on this problem quickly this time. We absolutely can handle this. Love/Fl!p]

FIREWORKS DETAILS

All consumer fireworks are prohibited within City limits.  Only trick and novelty devices are allowed.

Trick or novelty device means any small fireworks devices that are not regulated as explosives and are not classified as consumer or display fireworks by the United States Department of Transportation……and includes the following:

• Snakes, glow worm.
• Party popper.
• Snapper
• Toy smoke devices.
• Toy Caps.
• Trick and novelty devices does not include any kind of sparklers……

Please call 911 if consumer fireworks are being used near you.  The more detail you can give to the location of the fireworks the more likely patrol will be able to locate them and confiscate them. 

Also, please call 911 if homemade fireworks are located such as sparkler bombs, chemical reaction bombs (dry ice and acid usually placed in a two liter soda bottle), tennis ball bombs (often filled with match sticks) or anything else that looks homemade.  Do NOT move these yourself they are highly volatile!

Have a safe and happy Fourth!
Kat
Katrin Dearborn | Outreach Officer
Bellingham Police Department
kdearborn@cob.org

RACIAL JUSTICE FORUM POSTPONED

Because of the technical problem of people not allowed in after 100 (including some of the presenters), they will reschedule. If you wish to be notified when this event is rescheduled, send an email to: forum@bellinghamfriends.org

YARD SALE

Saturday June 27th, 9 am – 2 pm. Priced to Sell!
2604 Jefferson Street (at the far west end)

Lots of children’s toys: legos, matchbox cars, Build-a-Bear clothes and stuffies, Stuffed animals, etc. I don’t want all this in the landfill, I want to pass it on – even if the exchange is 25 cents. We also have a 1950’s formica table and household stuff. Women’s Chicos clothing size 2 and 3.

Colleen Haggerty, Jefferson Street

RADIO FREE FL!P: BE COUNTED SONG

This manages to be a public service announcement about the census, and a joyful musical at the same time. Pretty fun!

https://youtu.be/olYJjvdj6L0

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 6/23/2020
Elizabeth Park Concert Tomorrow!
Clyde Ford at Noon
Racial Justice Forum Tonight
Chalk Lawn-Certs
Wheelchair Ramp?
Wheelchair Warehouse
Radio Free Fl!p: Rock Me Roll Me

ELIZABETH PARK CONCERT TOMORROW!

Thursday June 25th @ 6pm

CraigO’s Planet Groove 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=688221251755000

A blend of Grateful Dead-centric tunes, New Orleans Funk, and Originals. We’ll bring our groove so that you can groove.
Craig Ostom: Guitar, Vocals, & Orginals
Jd Sinclair: Bass & Vocals
Rick Haykin: Keys, Sax, & Vocals
Thom Dykas: Drums & Vocals
You won’t need to have Facebook to watch it there. If you do have a Facebook account, think about hosting your own “watch party.”

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

Or, you can listen to the livestream broadcast on KMRE-FM 102.3, every Thursday 6 – 8 PM from June 18 until August 20.

https://www.kmre.org/listen/

CLYDE FORD @ CITY CLUB

Noon Today! Technology & Social Justice During A Pandemic. I hope I can get this Update out in time for you to zoom in. Clyde is thoughtful and brilliant.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84840628329?pwd=SGxQQllGbmJTamdPa0kzaDBJdVlaUT09

RACIAL JUSTICE FORUM

This Evening! Wednesday, June 24, 7 – 9 PM over Zoom.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89368508587#success

Hosted by the Bellingham Friends Meeting.
Look who is on the panel!

• • County Executive Satpal Sidhu;
• • Rosalinda Guillén of Community to Community;
• • Bellingham Deputy Police Chief Flo Simon;
• • Shirley Williams of White Swan Environmental and the Lummi Nation;
• • Black entrepreneur Jonathan Randolph of Bellingham.

LOTS OF CHALK

Really, come get free chalk! Call when you’re ready to come.
Fl!p Breskin
2518 Cherry Street
360-671-4511

CHALK LAWN-CERTS

We’re getting a lot of music sign-ups as part of the Chalk Festival! I’m so excited. I’m trying to collect descriptions of each group’s music, and will run it as a feature. If you plan to linger at one, be sure to mask up, maintain social distance (think 8 feet, not 6 please), and bring your own chair if you want one. There will be some amazing music!

WHEELCHAIR RAMP?

We are looking for someone to give us a bid for a wheelchair accessible ramp, railing off the front porch and a section of fence.  Contact us at 360-734-7403 or 360-223-0231.
Elaine and Mike Wood
Lynn St 

WHEELCHAIR WAREHOUSE

[It occurred to me to go check and see if the Lion’s Club Al Bode Wheelchair Warehouse was open during the pandemic. Most of the volunteers there are pretty well along in years. Amazingly, they are! Please support them, and please wear your masks if you need to go there!]

Our Wheelchair Warehouse will be open from 9 to 11:30 on Mondays and Thursdays.  Appointments are no longer required.  Please wait at the door to be invited in as we are limiting the number of clients we will allow into our service space to 2 parties. We ask that you respect our good health by wearing a mask when entering our facility. If you don’t have a mask we will be happy to provide one.  If you are returning or donating equipment, please deposit it in the area outside and to the right of the warehouse entry door. You do NOT need to wait in line. We appreciate your patience.  Our Warehouse is located at 4141 Maplewood Ave.  Phone number: 360-752-5526. A gentle reminder that your donations support our efforts to support you. https://www.bellinghamcentrallions.org/al-boe-wheelchair-warehouse/

RADIO FREE FL!P:  ROCK ME ROLL ME

Si Kahn. Still thinking about Laura’s new granddaughter…

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

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 6/23/2020
Masks Are Now Required State-Wide
Chalk Map
We Have Free Chalk!
Public Restrooms
Racial Justice Forum
BAAY Arts Enrichment For Kids This Summer
Clearcut Proposed
Spare Tomato Cage?
Rental Wanted
Radio Free Fl!p: Welcome To The World

MASKS ARE NOW REQUIRED STATE-WIDE

https://coronavirus.wa.gov/information-for/you-and-your-family/face-masks-or-cloth-face-covering

CHALK MAP

columbianeighborhood.org/chalk/

The chalk map is starting to look pretty decorative itself! Sixty sign-ups, color coded by age: child, teen, adult, whole family. Plus who’s playing music or displaying other kinds of arts or crafts. There’s room in the “other” category for plant and flower stands, produce sales and the like as well. Each location has a pop-up where you can describe what you’re planning. Go click on a few. There’s some amazing creativity coming up! And all the Little Free Libraries in the ‘hood have been located (we think). If we missed one, let me know! And thank David Crook for researching this. When you go to the map, keep scrolling clear to the bottom of the page, and there is a key for the different tags. (Thank you Jonny Kemp!!!)

WE HAVE FREE CHALK!

Come and get it! I was so worried we wouldn’t have enough, but we’re doing fine. We’re happy to supply you! Email to let me know you’re coming, and treat my phone as a doorbell. And if you’re willing to pick up a few postcards to hand to friends and neighbors to encourage them to sign up as well, please let me know. I’d love your help!

Fl!p Breskin
2518 Cherry Street
360-671-4511

PUBLIC RESTROOMS
From the Washington Post

First, wear a mask and clean your hands before you go in, says Gretchen Snoeyenbos Newman, an infectious-disease physician at the University of Washington. Once in the restroom, do your business, and before you flush, close the lid (if there is one). The coronavirus has been found in feces, and although it’s not clear yet whether it spreads this way, a new study suggests that “plumes” from the toilet when flushed may spread the virus.

When you’re done in the stall wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with whatever is available. Some studies have suggested that air dryers could potentially blow pathogens around the room, but it’s not clear that this is a source of covid-19 spread. “I would preferentially use a paper towel, but the air dryers aren’t enough of a worry to not use them,” Snoeyenbos Newman says. Don’t touch your phone or your face while you’re in the restroom, and as soon as you’re out, clean your hands again with a sanitizer, to make sure you didn’t pick up anything from the door. Do all of this, and you should be fine, Snoeyenbos Newman says.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/what-to-know-about-the-coronavirus-and-summertime-activities/2020/06/19/6a4417c6-ae74-11ea-8f56-63f38c990077_story.html

[Plan on using only your own bathroom during the Chalk Festival. For most of us that should be easy – just walk back in your front door. Schools and churches will be closed; we’re just using their sidewalks. Worst case, head for Elizabeth Park, where the public restroom is open, rather than asking a neighbor if you can use theirs, for their safety.]

RACIAL JUSTICE FORUM

Wednesday, June 24, 7 – 9 PM over Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89368508587#success
Hosted by the Bellingham Friends Meeting.
Look who is on the panel!

• • County Executive Satpal Sidhu;
• • Rosalinda Guillén of Community to Community;
• • Bellingham Deputy Police Chief Flo Simon;
• • Shirley Williams of White Swan Environmental and the Lummi Nation;
• • Black entrepreneur Jonathan Randolph of Bellingham.

BAAY ARTS ENRICHMENT FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER 

BAAY (Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth), a local nonprofit that has been hit hard by the COVID-related closures, has pulled together a great lineup of arts classes for kids 5-18 this summer! Singing, dance, stage combat, music theory, theatre tech, Shakespeare, and more – all currently planned courses are at https://baay.org/theatre/register – the first session starts next week (June 29) and the second session starts July 27. BAAY has lots of options for kids to learn specific skills as they also connect with a supportive community. 

These classes are a perfect gift to give from grandparents too! Financial aid is available, and on that note, tax-deductible donations are welcome and vital to make these programs accessible for ALL local children – you can make a difference for local kids at https://baay.org/donate/  Please email Mikyn at development@baay.org with any questions about supporting BAAY.

CLEAR-CUT PROPOSED

I have heard from multiple neighbors about this out-of-the-blue project, in the headwaters of the North Fork Nooksack River in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Over 1,400 football fields of forest clearcuts are proposed without assessing the impacts on the Nooksack watershed, crucial habitat for Chinook salmon. Clearcutting increases the risk of landslides and degrades the water running into the Nooksack. The deadline for public comment is July 2nd.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58218

SPARE TOMATO CAGE?

Fl!p is looking for just one.

RENTAL WANTED

I have a friend looking for a 2 bedroom apartment or house in the Columbia
neighborhood. Ideally, available as soon as possible and in the range of
$2000/mo. She is former resident of Columbia, non-smoker, professional
woman – with no pets. Please email me and I will put you in touch!
Thanks,
Lise Grace on Lynn St.
lisegrace@gmail.com

RADIO FREE FL!P: WELCOME TO THE WORLD

Si Kahn & John McCutcheon. In honor of Ruby Linn, born today. My dear friend (and magnificent banjo player) Laura Smith-Clawson’s granddaughter. Mazel Tov!

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

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 6/22/2020
Chalk Talk: Janet Lightner
Bright Chalk Has Arrived
Spread The Word!
Mask Enforcement?
Racial Justice Forum
Police Oversight & Other Discussions
Backyard Loitering
Father’s Day!
Radio Free Fl!p: Our Four Fathers

CHALK TALK! JANET LIGHTNER

Boundary Bay Brewery general manager, who loves and enables creativity!

https://youtu.be/wAvcMDtGCdc

BRIGHT CHALK HAS ARRIVED

If you signed up for free chalk and have been waiting for the bright chalk sets to arrive, so have I. It’s here! Call me to let me know you’re coming, and I’ll have your chalk waiting on the front porch with your name on it. I got 50 sets, available on a  first come, first served basis. If you haven’t signed up yet, do it now at columbianeighborhood.org/chalk/

SPREAD THE WORD!

I’d love your help spreading the word about the Chalk Festival! There’s now an event page on Facebook and another on NextDoor. And there are always neighbors across the street or back fence…

We’ve got 50 neighbors signed up for the Chalk Festival so far and I’m thrilled to have them. But we have room for 1700 households, safely socially distanced! And I have a couple hundred sets of chalk to give away. So I’m working on other ways to get the word out. I’d love your help inviting people. And do sign up yourself!

This afternoon I got 200 postcard size invitations printed and would love help passing them out. Pick them up from me here at 2518 Cherry Street and pass them to your neighbors. (The artwork on the postcard was created by neighbor Alaya Rousseau.)

Is there someone who would volunteer to put a few in each neighborhood Little Free Library? David Crook, from the neighborhood association board, researched and created a list of all the local boxes, and Jonny Kemp added them to our neighborhood map. The map is at the bottom of the sign-up page: columbianeighborhood.org/chalk/ 

MASK ENFORCEMENT?

Wondering why Whatcom isn’t enforcing its face-covering directive? These are the reasons.

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/coronavirus/article243667772.html

RACIAL JUSTICE FORUM

Wednesday, June 24, 7 – 9 PM over Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89368508587#success
Hosted by the Bellingham Friends Meeting.

Look who is on the panel!
• County Executive Satpal Sidhu;
• Rosalinda Guillén of Community to Community;
• Bellingham Deputy Police Chief Flo Simon;
• Shirley Williams of White Swan Environmental and the Lummi Nation;
• Black entrepreneur Jonathan Randolph of Bellingham.

Our diverse panelists will discuss their perspectives on police violence, and next steps we can take as a community to nurture racial justice in Bellingham and Whatcom County. The scope of the discussion will address both practices (such as how individual law enforcement officers deal with a specific incident) and our broader priorities and goals as a community.

This panel brings together people with a wide variety of life experiences and professional expertise, which we hope will lead to a lively and collaborative exchange.

POLICE OVERSIGHT & OTHER DISCUSSIONS

There is a lot going on right now both nationally and locally.

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article243550217.html

BACKYARD LOITERING

We awoke Monday morning (June 22) with a bunch of random items in our back yard/driveway that abuts the alley — a pair of running shoes, several small rocks, a cup, a gold-tone coffee filter, a small purse (empty), an electronic device from something, and a pile LEGOs (with a little motorized car), several books, some sheet music, a broken Christmas tree ornament.  The LEGOs and rocks were arranged as if a child had been playing with them.  If you are missing any of these items, please let us know.  As far as we can tell, nothing of ours was stolen or damaged.
Gena & Jason Pass
2627 Utter Street
360-961-5054

FATHER’S DAY!

I missed sending a Father’s Day greeting to all the Dad’s out there yesterday, so here’s a song for you today, a bit belated but oh so sincere!

RADIO FREE FL!P:  OUR FOUR FATHERS

A light-hearted look at all the old tropes we learned in school, and are currently re-evaluating. The re-evaluation is long overdue.

John Knowles wrote this with his son Jay, when Jay was just a little kid after Jay observed that Benjamin Frank-o-lin rhymed with Abraham Linc-o-lin. Jay is all grown up and one of Nashville’s top songwriters these day. For the guitar junkies on the list, John tours with Tommy Emmanuel, and is one of only four CGPs (Certified Guitar Player) ever awarded by Chet Atkins (who invented the designation). John gave up being a genuine rocket scientist for NASA to go play guitar with Chet. The world is lucky!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UinobKC93RQ

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 6/21/2020
Chalk Talk With Hannah Stone
Chalk: Invite Your Neighbors!
Appliance Depot Liquidation Sale
Finding Accurate Covid Info
Mask Pattern
Gutter Cleaning?
Seeking Rental
Seeking Short Term Furnished Apt
Radio Free Fl!p: Crazy In Alabama

CHALK TALK WITH HANNAH STONE

Hannah is our other neighborhood representative on the City Council. Columbia spans Wards One and Two, with the larger southern section in Ward Two, and just a tiny bit along Kulshan, and Meridian in Ward Three if I’m reading the maps correctly. The neighborhood boundaries were originally set to reflect the catchment areas for each elementary school, but that was long ago, and school boundaries change over time. Something that I really love in Bellingham is that, although I tend to start with Gene or Hannah when I have a concern, in my experience every council member considers themselves responsive and responsible for the city as a whole.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kfwu6kkQpg

CHALK: INVITE YOUR NEIGHBORS!

We’ve got 43 sign-ups so far, and some very cool live bands as well. The sign-up form and map are working. (Thank you Jonny Kemp!) I’ve got enough free chalk for nearly 200 households, and we have 1700 households in our neighborhood, plus the businesses, schools and churches that also call us home. I’d love your help getting the word out and getting lots of people signed up early. I have 50 sets of bright colored chalk on the way (being shipped). Dakota Art, down on Cornwall, has about 25 sets of the big, vivid chalks that used to be part of the Allied Arts Downtown Chalk Fest in years gone by. They also have smaller sets of bright colored chalk. There is still time for them to be able to order more bright colored chalk if folks buy all they have, but only if it happens fast. We’re two weeks away right now. Come by my house to pick up pale chalk. I’ve got over 140 sets right now. Just call first to set up a time. 360-671-4511, first come, first served.

columbianeighborhood.org/chalk/

APPLIANCE DEPOT LIQUIDATION SALE

Sat, Jun 27, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Appliance Depot has closed. We are hosting a liquidation sale of appliances, parts, tools and more. Please come with cash, including smaller bills. Exact change is appreciated. Credit cards can be used for purchases of $50 or more.

The sale will be held mainly outdoors, weather permitting. A few items will be inside. Please come prepared with a mask. We ask that customers adhere to social distancing protocol including wearing a mask if it’s not possible to stay 6 feet apart. All appliances are sold as is, no warranties given. Delivery will not be available. Come prepared to load and transport your purchases day of sale.

No Earlybirds! Earlybirds Pay Double.

FINDING ACCURATE COVID INFO

From Betsy Brown MD: Arming yourself with knowledge and skills to ferret out misinformation can help. I especially like this Infodemic Blog which teaches how to decide if a source is reliable. We need more of that. Another good source is Newsguardtech.com which has a Coronavirus misinformation tracking center. It is not political to help prevent infections.

https://betsybrownmd.substack.com/

MASK PATTERN

Interesting mask story & pattern.

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/05/06/this-nurse-didnt-just-create-a-replacement-n95-mask-she-made-a-better-one

GUTTER CLEANING?

I am looking for someone who can clean out gutters and roof at my place, 1305 W. Illinois.  Can you post this info on your page? My e-mail is:  pattisuejb@yahoo.com and my phone is (360) 671-5788. Thanks!  –  Pat Brown

SEEKING RENTAL

I am looking for a 2-3 bedroom home to rent in the Colombia or surrounding neighborhoods, available in August. $1700 or less a month, 2 cats, no smoking, no dogs. ~ Melissa Gregory 360-527-6741 Melissa.g.r@hotmail.com

SEEKING SHORT TERM FURNISHED APT

My brother in law and girlfriend are looking for a furnished apartment or mother in law this summer for 1-2 months. They need a one or two bedroom apartment, any where in Bellingham would be great. Doesn’t have to allow pets and price no higher than $2500. Please contact Alysia if you have anything available: alysiapaxton7@gmail.com – Alysia Paxton

RADIO FREE FL!P: CRAZY IN ALABAMA

By Kate Campbell. I met her years ago when we both taught at a music camp back east. I just fell in love with her. She wrote this about being a White kid down South during the civil rights movement. An extraordinary song, with a perspective rarely heard, and so important.

http://www.katecampbell.com/videos/crazy-in-alabama/

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

CONTENTS 6/20/2020
Chalk, Chalk, Chalk!
   Chalk Talk With Gene Knutson
   Franklin Academy Offers Sidewalk
   If You Signed Up For The Chalk Festival
   If You Didn’t Sign  Up For The Chalk Festival
Chalk Advice
   Professional Artists?
Covid Trends Upward
Wild Whatcom
House Cleaner Wanted
Radio Free Fl!p: Hamster For A Year

CHALK TALK WITH GENE KNUTSON

Gene is the City Council member who represents our district. From my earliest years here, I have found him to be open to listen to any concerns I’ve had.  He has often carried them to the whole council. I bet he’d listen to you too!  And he grew up here in Columbia!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G76-IhoM_V4

FRANKLIN ACADEMY OFFERS SIDEWALK

Franklin Academy, over on East Victor has joined Columbia Elementary School and Immanuel Bible Church in offering their sidewalks for our Chalk. Sounds like they may have some chalk available too.

IF YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE CHALK FESTIVAL

We have 33 households signed up to chalk so far, with several different bands planning to play as well. However, we are having some challenges getting our website to work properly, so your registration probably doesn’t yet show on the Chalk Map.

The bright chalk has not yet arrived. I’ve got 100 or so sets of pale pastel chalk from the dollar store waiting for pick-up any time; just let me know you’re coming. Best bet is to phone 360-671-4511 to let me know you’re coming because texts don’t always get through. I will post as soon as the bright colors arrive, hopefully early this coming week. It has already been shipped from the east coast. I’ve only got 40 of those, so sign up soon.

IF YOU DIDN’T SIGN UP FOR THE CHALK FESTIVAL

Do it now!!!! We want you!!! If you sign up, you’ll be on the map. And you can request chalk…

columbianeighborhood.org/chalk/

CHALK ADVICE

You mentioned using water and a paint brush. I had good luck using a spray bottle. For your comfort use your garden kneeler instead of or on top of cardboard. Gloves!! I think nitrile medical gloves would work well. I used my nitrile garden gloves and washed them in the machine with my chalk clothes. So many little things to remember. I agree with wondering if my body is up to this; that is why I stopped doing Allied Arts. But I plan to have a chair and drinks and take lots of breaks. Can’t wait!

Susan Casey, Walnut Street

PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS?

I’ve had a couple inquiries from neighbors wanting to find professional artists to decorate their sidewalks. Far be it from me to interfere with artists being able to make a living! Here are some places to look. Individual artists are welcome to send me links to their work to post. I figure neighborhood artists may be busy chalking their own sidewalks, so I will happily post (family friendly) links to any artists who want to play. Payment will need to be negotiated between individuals.

https://www.whatcomartmarket.org/artists-gallery/

http://whatcomartguild.org/

https://www.alliedarts.org/arts-culture-guide/

https://www.heralaya.com/

COVID TRENDS UPWARD

No cases traced to Black Lives Matter marches or rallies so far.

It was surprisingly hard to dig out this data. Cases per 100,000 are trending upwards in Whatcom County.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html

I was able to click on Whatcom in the upper left hand corner: 2.4 two weeks ago; 5.4 on June 19

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html

Also here: http://www.whatcomcounty.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1979

And in the Herald today:

Public health officials worry that too many people might get together to celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday, June 21, and the Fourth of July, leading to a spike in new COVID-19 cases in Whatcom County….

…On Monday, June 15, the health department said recent confirmed cases were linked to large, private social gatherings in late May, two of which had 50 or more people at them. Such gatherings create instability in the county’s ability to move forward to Phase 3, Erika Lautenbach, director of the Whatcom County Health Department,  said Friday. “It has always been our goal to make sure that we move forward with allowing businesses to open and people to get back to work. And a very distant second goal is for people to have parties and socialize,” Lautenbach said. “We’re concerned that these social events and parties are putting all of that economic recovery at risk,” she said.

None of the recent cases have been linked to a May 29 vigil, a May 30 march or a June 6 rally to mourn Blacks, Native American and other people of color killed by police and white vigilantes, according to Lautenbach.

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/coronavirus/article243667672.html?

Please, please wear your masks! Yours protects me. Mine protects you. Love in action. 

WILD WHATCOM

In-person and virtual camps coming up in July — stay connected with friends and neighbors and get outside while the weather is gorgeous!

• In-Person Camps similar to our regularly scheduled summer camps but with smaller groups and additional safety measures: 
  • 3-5 days available for grades 1-6 (Camps for older grades almost sold out, so register today! Waitlists available for sold out camps).
  • Read more about our new protocols to keep campers and families safe in our COVID-19 Risk Management Plan for Families and Participants
  • Custom camps may be arranged for groups of 6-8 kids in any grade. If you’re interested, please let us know at camps@wildwhatcom.org!

• Virtual Outings 
  • Skills “outings” to learn about birding, navigation, and other naturalist skills on Zoom and/or
  • Story Games (similar to Dungeons and Dragons, but with a nature focus) played over two-week sessions on Zoom
  • Please review our Online Safety and Best Practices for participation in these programs
  • Want to see other virtual skills or gatherings? Let us know at camps@wildwhatcom.org!

Registration for all summer programs is open today!

Did you know that several Wild Whatcom staff and board members live in the Columbia neighborhood? We hope to see our neighbors outside this summer whether in Wild Whatcom camps or in our beautiful neighborhood parks!
Licia Sahagun

HOUSE CLEANER WANTED

Wanted… someone who is looking for work and willing to clean my home on a bi-monthly basis. This job includes deep cleaning every 2-3 months. Please call Lisa Jeffries, Elizabeth Street, 360-223-1184

RADIO FREE FL!P: HAMSTER FOR A YEAR

My friend Nat Budin moved from Boston to Bellingham for a year a while back. He and Vic wound up in Bothell, which is our loss. But he continued to drive up for songwriters group; these days he zooms in with the rest of us. He noticed local landmarks like the corner of West North Street and Northwest Avenue, right here in the neighborhood. Sometimes it take a newcomer to really see your own hometown.

https://natbudin.bandcamp.com/track/hamster-for-a-year

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 6/19/2020
Juneteenth Parade, 5 Pm
Parking Update, Lorraine Ellis Park
Stay Safe While Protesting
Census
Chalk Talk With Frank James
Chalk Anxiety?
Radio Free Fl!p: Lift Every Voice And Sing

JUNETEENTH PARADE, 5 PM

Hey everyone!

It’s Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the US and what better time to celebrate with a march. 

It’s late planning so if anyone would like to join this rag tag group of marchers, just bring yourself with feet, bikes, skates, wagons, or how ever you roll. Make some noise and celebrate a day of liberty. We will make signs and then head out around five to course through the neighborhood. In a socially distanced but joyous parade of celebration. 

We will march responsibly by staying 6 feet or more apart from other families and wearing masks. 

We will start at the Gazebo at Elizabeth Park, and march up Walnut to Columbia Elementary School, around the school on West North Street, and back down Walnut to to Washington, and back to the park.  I hope to see your beautiful faces there! 

Sarah Garrett, Spruce St   415-676-1025

PARKING UPDATE, LORRAINE ELLIS PARK

Parking on the grass around the park is allowed again. This is from the Fire Chief:  “In response to the issue of parking on the grass, I drove through your neighborhood yesterday and concur that the width of the Court cannot accommodate on street parking and still allow for emergency vehicle access.  In speaking with the Parks Director this morning and it sounds like she has resolved the issue and that parking on the grass will be allowed to continue as it had in the past.”

I measured & told the city that a fire truck had 3” of clearance on each side. I also noted that it could be considered a notice because if a house was on fire or medical Emergency and the emergency services had to back up on the street, that they would be liable. As well as if a vehicle was towed, but parked legally the owner should not have to pay the fee. Lastly I said that it wasn’t fair to ticket if there were no signs, & the park’s department knew that. The Fire Chief actually sent me an email & said there were no signs. I told him Parks knew that, but would ticket anyways. My letter to the City, Council Office, & Parks was quite long. But it all came down to math and the width of the street.  Not only is it the fire department, but those sanitary service trucks drive around several times on Monday. They’d easily be blocked. The width of the street was my only “card” to play.

Dave Lind, Lorraine Ellis Court

[You can fight city hall and sometimes win. The folks running local government are our neighbors. It may take effort, but parking on the park; the West Street Hill traffic calming; and the stop signs around Columbia Elementary; all are improvements created from the ground up. We can do it! And thank you Dave!!!  Love/Fl!p]

STAY SAFE WHILE PROTESTING

Here is an article from Consumer Reports, who I consider a very trusted source. I would add to their suggestions something I learned while trying to save the Roeder Home some years ago. Writing a personal letter to elected or appointed officials, especially at the local level, can make a real difference. Not petitions or form letters, but even a short note in your very own words, about why a particular issue is important to you. It’s good if you are polite to the person you are writing to. So if you’re staying home from the protests but long to participate, write a letter. And you don’t have to stop at one letter. Research to see who decides what in our local government, and write to a key decision maker. And if you’re out in the streets, read this before you go. I never in my wildest dreams thought that Consumer Reports would carry such a story! They’ve certainly been a credible source throughout my lifetime.

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/how-to-stay-safe-while-protesting-during-a-pandemic/?EXTKEY=EE061BDAC&utm_source=acxiom&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200609_cromc_engagewkly

CENSUS

The census is still collecting data, and will continue at least through October. They are protecting everyone’s information to make it safe for us to answer. We need to count everyone, because that is how school funds are allocated nationally, and many other funds as well. If you haven’t yet been counted, you can fill out the form online, now. Please spread the word.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/2917273

CHALK TALK WITH FRANK JAMES
Frank was our Whatcom County Public Health Officer for years. I just adore him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp9OrqDJcsE

CHALK ANXIETY?

I’ve had a couple inquiries now about where one might hire an artist to do one’s sidewalk chalk. Does anyone have any ideas about where to look online? I’ve been poking around, trying to figure out where there might be local artists with their work posted online. I’ve tried to reach Allied Arts but haven’t gotten a response yet. I don’t mind the thought of some artists getting to make a little bit of money off their art in this difficult time for artists. If you’re flush, you might hire musicians too.

Myself, to try to get a good outcome, I designed the bones of my art  and made a simple template on my computer, and then blew it way up to size. I sent a pdf file to CopySource and they printed it. It’s skinny black outlines on 2×3 foot sheets ($1.99). I applied packing tape over the lines for reinforcement. Then I used a box cutter to cut along the lines. I put a flattened cardboard box underneath to keep from wrecking my table. Now I have a stencil to work with. I can weight the stencil down with rocks and just color inside (and outside) the lines.

If I’d been more confident, I could have drawn right on cardboard and then cut that out for a sturdier stencil. I’m feeling a lot more confident just having lines to work with. I took my stencil out to the sidewalk yesterday and tried just a tiny corner. It worked. But my sidewalk is really bumpy so I think it’s going to take a lot of chalk. I’ve also read that I can use water on a paintbrush or a bit of sponge or rag, to spread and blend the colors.

I’ve been reading up on how to do sidewalk chalk – there’s a lot out there. One piece of advice I like is to start at the top and work down towards yourself. Bring cardboard to sit on for sure. At almost 70, I’m really hoping my back will permit my somewhat ambitious project!

Sign up now. First come; first served on free chalk. Sign up at: columbianeighborhood.org/chalk

RADIO FREE FL!P: LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING

Committed!

Lift every voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet,
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered;
Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way
Thou who hast by Thy might, led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee.
Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand,
True to our God, true to our native land.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngFDy52eCZY

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.