Category: Neighborhood

CONTENTS 5/29/2020
Alert: Lost Siamese Cat
Chalk Report
Immanuel Outdoor Gathering
My Mask Protects You; Your Mask Protects Me
Masks On West Street
Masks At Goods
Graduation Ceremonies Online
Graduation Parade
White Supremacists Again
Whatcom Covid Locations
What’s Happening At Our Library?
Disinformation
Radio Free Fl!p: Generations

ALERT: REWARD – MISSING LIGHT GRAY SIAMESE CAT: Possibly seen near James and Maryland, or more likely near E Victor St. I live close to the Meridian Haggen at 3016 Kulshan Street and my indoor cat (who roams in our fenced yard) went missing at around 8pm on 5/26. We moved a few weeks ago from James St and even though she seemed comfortable with the yard, she has disappeared. We are really worried. Please call me at (360) 531-2323 if you see her! She is pretty skittish. Her name is Persia. She likes tuna if you want to try to coax her. She is blue eyed, coloring is white/brownish/grayish and has darker striped markings on her face, legs, and tail. Unless she’s lost it, she has her collar (light green with a bright pink tag), is microchipped, and she’s spayed. We have been all over the neighborhood, talking with neighbors, spreading flyers, calling her name (even at night and no response). But sometimes I swear like I hear her high pitched meow and then it blends in with the bird sounds and Meridian St noise, or is actually a bird sound… I’m just driven sick with worry and can’t think about anything else. I’m going to be asking more neighbors if I can search their sheds/garages and if they can search their crawl spaces/basements. I think you’re right though and she’s near, but too afraid and is in instinct mode with tells her to be silent. I’m just trying to urge people to search, especially with a flashlight which could pick up on her reflective eyes, even in the daytime. Her litter box has been in our backyard (alleyway), along with food (gets eaten by critters), a blanket and clothes that smell like us. Thank you so much, all I want is Persia back. She’s posted on Craigslist, Facebook forums, Nextdoor, and around the neighborhood on flyers. Here’s a photo:

https://bellingham.craigslist.org/pet/d/bellingham-missing-white-gray-siamese/7131962768.html

Thank you, we miss our baby so much. ~ Megan Gambill, Kushan Street

CHALK REPORT

We’ve already got a couple photographers who have volunteered. I’m ready to try some experiments with the home made chalk paint to see if/how badly it stains the sidewalk (and clothing). If anybody else is up for experimenting I would love to hear how it goes!

IMMANUEL OUTDOOR GATHERING

Greetings neighbors, On Sunday, 5/31, Immanuel Bible Church will begin phased-in gathering outdoors pursuant with Governor Inslee’s guidance. In a season of heightened concerns, we believe it’s important to inform you of our meeting and our desire to do so safely. Everyone will be bringing their own chairs, spacing widely and wearing masks. We also remain ready to serve you and your family as needs might arise. Prayerfully, Pastor Michael

MY MASK PROTECTS YOU; YOUR MASK PROTECTS ME

Thank you so much to the many neighbors who are wearing masks when out in public. This is the most effective way that has been found so far to stop the spread. Masks are Love Thy Neighbor made visible. And thank you to all the mask-makers who are making this form of love possible!

MASKS ON WEST STREET
2525 West Street

Are you still looking? Let’s keep each other safe!!!

I’ve sewn and donated over 1000 masks to Healthcare and essential workers. Now I have more available for you neighborhood folks.

I have LOTS of kids sizes right now and maybe a dozen adult ones, but I’m making more this weekend. 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 my email lindsay.m.knight@gmail.com. its not about the money, just trying to recoup some costs for my donated masks. ~ Lindsay Knight

MASKS AT GOODS

Hi! Sarah from Little Bird Salon here! I will be bringing another 30 Masks to GOODS at 9am tomorrow. Sizes range from child’s (2-8), small/youth, medium and large. Due to my endless wait for elastic to be delivered I have switched to using nylon! And it is SO comfortable! There is also another small difference in the design as I have added additional wire for an even better fit over the nose. I hope you like them! 

Sarah Guenther
Little Bird Salon|
Lil.bird.salon@gmail.com

GRADUATION CEREMONIES ONLINE

June 12 at 6:00 PM each Bellingham school will host an event. I’ll add more information as it becomes available.

GRADUATION PARADE

Calling all 2020 High School Graduates from Columbia!!! Since traditional graduation parties aren’t possible this year let’s start a new tradition: SENIOR PARADE! Think 4th-of-July Neighborhood Parade but the seniors will be driven in their personally decorated cars on Saturday, June 13th from 12:00-1:30ish. Meet at Mrs. Valle’s house at 2515 Kulshan Street at high noon to start the line up of vehicles  The parade will snake up and down Columbia streets so that neighbors can celebrate our seniors in the safety of their yards. Seniors wear your  and gowns.  Neighbors prepare to make some noise in celebration!! Thank you, ~ Natalie Wermus, 2527 Victor

WHITE SUPREMACISTS AGAIN

This is the second time a small slip of paper with a white supremacist invitation to a website has been inserted in a Little Free Library in our neighborhood. If you host a library box, please check yours. Please get a photo of any such and email to the police, and to me as well if you wouldn’t mind, with the location and date. Report online here:

https://www.cob.org/services/safety/police/reporting/Pages/police-tips.aspx

or call here: 778-8800 station officer

Remove and save the paper. Maybe wear gloves. And if anyone observes weird behavior around a Little Free Library, please document and report to police.

WHATCOM COVID LOCATIONS

The Herald today reports on the virus broken down by school district areas. I found the article pretty easy to understand, and once I read the paragraph, the chart was illuminating. As far as I know, this is the first time we’ve had virus breakdown available by location.

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/coronavirus/article243087881.html?

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT OUR LIBRARY?

The short answer is, lots!

https://salish-current.org/2020/05/29/busier-than-ever-librarians-connect-people-with-books-job-ads-even-food-during-covid-shutdown-community-voices/

DISINFORMATION

From my beloved Betsy Brown MD. Betsy is a medical doctor in Seattle who began blogging at the beginning of this pandemic. She has been one of my most reliable sources for information through this challenging time.

We are entering a new phase of disinformation. Most places have done a remarkable job of sheltering in place and lowering the infection rate. Truly amazing, really. . . This article shows that most people are in favor of moving slowly and safely in opening up, but a “Bot” army is behind the push to re-open. Bots, for those of us new to social media, are computers connected to each other and the internet to run automated messages pushing certain themes. They can make it look like the majority want a certain thing when in reality it is a very, very small portion, if at all. They can easily skew the conversation. Discouraging and potentially dangerous.

Along with the bots, the medical community is facing another problem. Data shows that of the most watched YouTube videos, 1 out of 4 of the COVID-19 videos have misleading or false information. What are we to do? It is hard to prove who is behind these false information campaigns. How do we discern and how do we counter those arguing this misguided information.

Keeping up with data and using reliable sites that are based in science are the best ways to help yourself and others. The New York Times article gives us ways to monitor data in 5 different ways. As always, the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, and JAMA, as well as sites for the Mayo Clinic and others, are trustworthy. Despite recent problems, the CDC and NIH are reliable sites that I use as well. It can take energy and time to try to change peoples minds, frustrating and fruitless much of the time. Possibly, remind the skeptical ones that you are doing this to prevent the spread, especially to vulnerable grandparents, relatives, and friends. This can be the gentle way to start to change minds. But remember, that if they push back, save your energy for yourself.

I am interested in this fresh data out of Seattle that shows that younger people are getting diagnosed more now than older people. Not surprising, partly because they are more liberal in their behaviors, getting out more, not wearing masks as well, being around more people. At the same time, older people, who have higher risks, are being more stringent and cautious in their behaviors. This is mixed news for us- on the one hand, more younger people will get infected which increases the virus in the community, but at the same time it reinforces that the precautions the older people are taking are working. That is encouraging data for us and hopefully can help us stay the course.

And the questions about “fomites” and catching COVI-19 from surfaces is not easy to answer and this article may help. If only I can learn not to touch my face! Keeping my hands washed will help.

And don’t forget to exercise. I feel better when I do and more stressed when I don’t.

Wash your hands and cover your nose!

You can read her daily posts at https://betsybrownmd.substack.com/

RADIO FREE FL!P: GENERATIONS

Another song, written by Si Kahn for his father, and grandfather, and the children and grandchildren who come after.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK4kacXy0mw

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 cell/text  flip@columbianeighborhood.org

CONTENTS 5/28/2020
Hop-Thru Produce Stand
Neighborhood Pottery Stand
Goods
Mallards
The Bagelry
Photographers?
Sharing
Found Key
Rental Available
Radio Free Fl!p: Gone, Gonna Rise Again

HOP-THRU PRODUCE STAND

I am still hosting Rabbit Fields Farm at my house every Saturday from 9-1. Online Pre Order & Walk Up. The organic produce is bagged or box and ranges from $5.00-30.00. The veggies have been harvested and packaged safely and we maintain a mindful distance and distribution at the stand. I hope to see you at what has become, a lovely community offering.  https://www.rabbitfieldsfarm.com/
~ Heather Fitzstrawn, 2526 Kulshan Street

NEIGHBORHOOD POTTERY STAND

Blue Water Pottery has set up a walk-up pottery stand on our street! We are selling our pieces that are cosmetic ‘seconds’ – pottery that has a blemish or small flaw or maybe we just didn’t like how it turned out – at half price (or better!) of normal cost. We’re putting out around a dozen pieces each day, from about 8 am to 8 pm. Sometimes I’ll post on Facebook or Instagram a picture of what is on display. We’ve got hand sanitizer at the booth, and payment is on the honor system with Venmo, or there’s a phone number to call or text us to come out for other payment methods.

I’m also restocking our Clay Art Kits as fast as I can! These kits contain some information, a small tool kit, and 2 pounds of clay for building and squishing. It’s great for anyone who needs a little hands-on art or something for the kids to do. We aren’t currently ‘firing’ or finishing your creations, but Burnish Clay Studio has resumed drive-by drop off and pick up, and they can bisque fire your art. The Clay Kits are free to pick up and will be at the Pottery Stand as soon as we can make some more. We’ve already given away over 150 kits!

Megan & Jeremy Noet
2521 Vallette St.
Blue Water Pottery
https://www.facebook.com/Bluewaterpottery

GOODS NURSERY, PRODUCE & LOCAL BREWS

Goods Nursery and Produce at the corner of Northwest & Elm is open with all your gardening essentials. We have local honey, Joe’s veggie and strawberry starts, herbs, pansies, compost and more! We are sanitizing all surfaces, enforcing social distancing among shoppers and disinfecting constantly. Cory is there daily from 9-4PM.

    Goods Local Brews is offering a growler exchange. Bring in your own growler and we will exchange it with a clean, sanitized one with a new cap. Check in with Cory from 9-4PM at the produce stand and he can fill your growler for you. Thank you all for your continued support through this very difficult time. We look forward to when we can open our doors again to the community! Stay safe and healthy!

  Cory’s cell: 360-303-9115

MALLARD

Did I say Mallard Ice Cream is open for scoops and pints?  https://www.mallardicecream.com/

THE BAGELRY

Now filling online orders & subscriptions Mondays, Fridays, & Saturdays! Please order at least 24 hours in advance. We are not accepting over the phone or walk in orders at this time. https://www.bagelrybellingham.com/

PHOTOGRAPHERS?

Are there skilled enthusiasts that might volunteer to photograph our chalk festival? Chalkers can take their own, but it would be so cool to get some really good photos as well.

SHARING

Last night I got to talk with an old friend. Miriam Barnett used to live in Bellingham and work with Allied Arts. She started and ran the downtown Chalk Art Festival for years, so I tracked her down in Tacoma. But, I was also her baby sitter when she was a little girl and we adored each other. It turns out there is only 5 or 6 years difference in our ages!

Miriam had lots of suggestions for our chalk festival: When you choose your chalk location, will it track into buildings? Can viewers get a good view? Can passers-by actually get past? Can we get some local dignitaries to preside? Want a photo of your artwork on a T-shirt or fridge magnet with a virtual frame that says Columbia Neighborhood Chalk Walk? Miriam said to be sure to set a rain date…

But she had another story that really caught me. In her neighborhood, folks are putting out boxes with food in front of their houses. Lots of folks. Anyone passing by can adopt any of the food that catches their fancy. A sweet way to share.

I realize that in our moderately well off neighborhood, we have neighbors who have lost their jobs, not just “till the pandemic is over” but forever. They live in nice, well-kept homes. Wear nice clothes. We would never know they needed help if they didn’t ask. And there are people who feel embarrassed to ask for help. Putting food out is such a tender way of sharing. It doesn’t ask any questions; it’s just a gift to whoever wants it.

FOUND KEY

Hello neighbors – We found a single silver key on the gravel path near the small bridge in Squalicum Creek Parkway yesterday evening. Let me know if you lost one. ~ Whitney Knickrehm
knickfam@bnfm.com

RENTAL AVAILABLE

1 bdrm, 1 ba, in historic Fountain District. $750/mo includes W/S, garbage & laundry facilities. Available mid June. No pets, non-smoker. For more information contact klwalkup@hotmail.com
Karen Walkup, Lynn Street

RADIO FREE FL!P: GONE, GONNA RISE AGAIN

Written and sung by Si Kahn, following on the apple theme from yesterday. This is kinda fun – both watching my own mind at play, and suddenly having my own one-song-a-day radio show!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c272YnUaQg

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 cell/text  flip@columbianeighborhood.org

CONTENTS 5/27/2020
COVID Testing Available
Betsy Brown MD
Preparing To Chalk?
Music Venue Closed
Radio Free Flip: Cherry Street & Apple Pie

COVID TESTING AVAILABLE

Widespread testing is now possible in Whatcom County. In recent weeks, the Whatcom County Health Department has said that there are enough supplies and equipment locally to expand testing so that even those with mild symptoms could, and should, get tested.

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/coronavirus/article242942181.html

BETSY BROWN MD

Grief is real and here to stay for a time. The official count of COVID-19 deaths in the US passed 100,000 today, less than 3 months after the announced first death on February 29. . . Funerals and weddings are two of the biggest culprits in transmissions, so aren’t options right now. People yearn to grieve together. . . How to respond and grieve with our hurting loved ones? As Parker Palmer points out often just the gift of “presence” and “being with” them, not with advice, but just being with them, is the best thing. This presence can be done with a regular phone call, a video visit, a physically distant meet up in a park. We can’t fix their pain or what caused it, but we can be their witness. This is a gift we can give. 

https://betsybrownmd.substack.com/p/may-27-2020

PREPARING TO CHALK?

I’ve been digging around online, and found some good advice for Chalkers:

Bring protection for your knees and your skin – back of neck & hands. You might want to plan your masterpiece in advance. Make a sample and draw a grid over it. Then draw a big grid on your chunk of sidewalk and copy your artwork to each square, like paint-by-numbers. This will help with keeping things in proportion as you increase the size. Start drawing and coloring from the top and work your way closer to your body to keep from smudging your work.

Here are tips from Mayme Seaton of Forest Grove Oregon in 2014 (I found her online) quoted in https://www.oregonlive.com/

• Take comfort seriously
• Don’t take your art too seriously
• Darker colors last longer
• Make chalk paint
• Prepare to ruin your clothes

MUSIC VENUE CLOSED

 The Firefly Lounge at 1015 N. State St. announced in an email and on social media that it will not be reopening.

https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/business/article243007621.html

SONG: CHERRY STREET & APPLE PIE

A reader reminded me of this song last night, and I dug up a link for you. After Zeke’s sonnet about our house, this seemed like a good next song to post (Tangents R Us). I thought I had posted it not that long ago, but I can’t find it on the blog. Anyway, it’s a true story about our block of Cherry Street. When Zeke and I wrote The Heart Of It All for Bea Doran’s 50th birthday, one of my neighbors pointed out that I had left out the big pie escapade. That story required its own song.

http://www.breskin.com/flip/CherryStPie.mp3

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 cell/text  flip@columbianeighborhood.org

CONTENTS 5/26/2020
Homemade Chalk Paint!
Sidewalk Polls
Avoiding Car Prowls
Mallard Ice Cream Scoops Are Back!
Ideal Tenant?
Radio Free Fl!p Correction
  Inch By Inch
  I Knew This Place
Love Sonnet To A House

HOMEMADE CHALK PAINT!

Sidewalk chalk paint is a great option for folks who want to participate in the chalk art festival but can’t find any chalk. The paint is easy to make—it’s just cornstarch, water, and food coloring or a little tempera paint—and it’s a lot of fun to use! You can find a recipe for it here: 

https://www.makeandtakes.com/sidewalk-chalk-paint

Théa Rosenburg, Park Street

[Many households have muffin tins. And one paint-brush per artist would do if there was also a bucket of water to rinse it in. Whew!  Love/Fl!p]

SIDEWALK POLLS

Early Bird/Night Owl?
Apples/Bananas?
Chocolate/Caramel/Both?

We could write on the sidewalk in chalk and let people mark their answers…

AVOIDING CAR PROWLS

Keep all valuables out of your vehicle, and leave nothing visible. We all get busy and can forget that we left things in our cars, but it’s important to get into the habit of taking items with us as we gather up bags, purses, jackets, etc… to take inside when we get home. When this becomes a habit, there’s less to pique the interest of a prowler. Harbor Freight has moving blankets cheaply priced, and coupons to further reduce the price are easily found. They are great to throw in the back of your vehicle, and effectively cover things that may entice a potential prowler to want to break in. These blankets are good to cover your purchases when you are out running errands. If your items are covered, prowlers are less likely to want to break in. These prowls are crimes of convenience: unlocked vehicles with visible content are chosen over vehicles locked and nothing visible inside. ~ Cathy Barron, Eldridge Avenue

MALLARD ICE CREAM SCOOPS ARE BACK!

Walk up service for scoops, 12 – 7 Monday – Saturday, plus pints & half gallons, tubs, ice cream sandwiches & more. They also have some gelato for a limited time.

https://www.mallardicecream.com/

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN IDEAL TENANT?

(landlords have told me this often)
Hi, my name is Wenty Hill and I am a loving mature single professional woman with a radio show in town.

I LOVE the Columbia neighborhood (!!) and am looking for a cottage or small home for $700/month including utilities. Being responsible, clean, caring and friendly is important to me. I don’t drink, don’t smoke, son’t do recreational drugs, don’t party and do not have any pets. I am quiet and private and enjoy living alone. Have great references!

Please call me, Wenty, at: (928) 301-3360 (B’ham) (Please leave a message. Thank you). ~ Wenty Hill  yes@OneWithYou.com

RADIO FREE FL!P

CORRECTION + I KNEW THIS PLACE

The version of Inch By Inch that I posted yesterday had the composer, David Mallet, singing. I meant to post Pete Seeger! Here’s a corrected link, and a bonus of another of David Mallet song, I Knew This Place, with David singing. I don’t actually listen to the radio, and haven’t listened to albums for years except sometimes in the car. I’ve been thinking of songs I’d like to share with you all, and then hunting for the song online, seeking a great version. It’s been interesting research. Most of the songs I know I’ve learned directly from a singer, in person. Our house tends to be quiet, leaving room for either of us to invent live music.
Pete: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u90qRE2F7CM
David Mallet: I Knew This Place
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPA63L1vF7Y

LOVE POEM TO A HOUSE

That song reminded me of a sonnet Zeke wrote for our dear Cherry Street home:

Good house, to me you were but a device
To keep the rain outside, a shelter where
I could change clothes unseen, dodge winter’s ice,
And sometimes hang the hat I seldom wear
And also harbor bugs and molds and mice
Pyromaniac wiring and shortcuts rash
Remodelings whose lack we could not bear
A bottomless pit wherein to throw our cash
But living there with love, as love doth grow
Our house and home, thou growest too on me
We shape thee to our ends, and come to know
A good part of our lives are shaped to thee
I did not know before that builders’ art
Could really make a dwelling for the heart

all my love//Zeke Hoskin
June 17, 2003

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 cell/text  flip@columbianeighborhood.org

CONTENTS 5/24/2020
Fourth Of July Chalk Art Walk
Stalking Follow-Up
How To Have A Safer Pandemic Memorial Day
Clear, Calm, Sensible, Actionable Information
Song: Isle Au Haut Lullabye

FOURTH OF JULY CHALK ART WALK

From “Max” Eberhard Eichner

I would like to make the suggestion for people in general on that day to be invited to “dress up” for this individual  or household distanced walk about. Since we can still “see” each other we can turn that into an artful, fun and playful “hug” using only our eyes! It would be fun and interesting to see people in creative outfits either inspired by current experience or just out to “wear” a plain “good ol’ time.” As part of my art, I plan to wear some of my big “masks” that day and maybe walk the neighborhood a little bit, to model “mask safety” and to keep the foot/bike traffic going, reminding people to not linger too long or bunch up…

In addition, my housemate is a cellist and ukulelist  etc. and plans, reservedly seated in the back of our display, to serenade/set a mood for the passers-by for parts of the day. If the weather gods have mercy on us Columbianers, and we all catch your enthusiasm, this is going to be a more then memorable Fourth.

[Thanks Eberhard! I think Zeke and I are likely to play a little music for passers-by on our own front porch as well. I love the thought of Playing Dress Up! And we can all show off our masks whether or not we show off our chalk art… Love/Fl!p]

STALKING FOLLOW-UP

My goal is to reduce fear while increasing alertness and information to base it on. The person who was suspected of stalking is in jail at least through Tuesday afternoon. The homeowner’s immediate neighbors have been watching over her. That’s something we all can do.

Here is the police report on the arrest (printed out just below as well):
https://www.cob.org/gov/dept/police/news/Pages/police-daily-activity.aspx

May 20 2020 3:47PM
Location: 2300 Blk Eldridge Ave
Offense: Stalking
Case #: 20B29047
Officers arrested a male for suspected stalking.
Arrested: [Name Redacted] Age: 54

He will appear before a judge on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile he is being held at the main jail on $1000 bail. https://apps1.whatcomcounty.us/jaildata/roster.html

If you want to know when the man leaves jail, here is a link where you can track jail releases: http://apps1.whatcomcounty.us/jaildata/releases.html

I have also learned that the Western Front newspaper will have an article  on this next week, and I will post that as well.

FREE HOSE

 A black 100′ foot hose is free and is on the corner of Lynn&Jefferson.  It does not have holes.  Too heavy for me to comfortably handle.
Katy Velasquez
Lynn Street
360-303-0982

HOW TO HAVE A SAFER PANDEMIC MEMORIAL DAY

You shouldn’t gather in groups this weekend, but we know you probably will. So here’s some guidance from the biology professor whose advice for lowering coronavirus risk has reached millions.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/22/well/live/coronavirus-pandemic-memorial-day-picnics-bbqs.html

CLEAR, CALM, SENSIBLE, ACTIONABLE INFORMATION

If you can’t get this open, email me and I’ll copy the contents for you.

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/05/how-will-we-ever-be-safe-inside/611953/

ISLE AU HAUT LULLABYE

Bok Trickett Muir
I never learned to sail, but I spent many hours of my childhood with my family on a little wooden sailboat, including Memorial Days. This song resonates deeply.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BET9cRAtMDA&list=PLDtw2SsV4Kvj0WZ44u-qmbPCWlBN2K_87

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 cell/text  flip@columbianeighborhood.org

CONTENTS 5/23/2020
Fourth Of July Chalk Art Celebration
Correction: Share Shack Location
Free Sedge Plants
Risk Levels Of 14 Summer Activities
Instrumental: Muriel Anderson Harp Guitar
Song: Rainbow Connection

FOURTH OF JULY CHALK ART CELEBRATION

I really believe this is going to happen! There sure are a lot of details to figure out. I’m making it up as I go along. But as of this evening, there are 130 sets of pastel colored chalk inside my front entry. (Thank you Susanne Hancock for delivery!) Now I need to figure out how to safely distribute chalk. The last thing I want is to hoard it! Got ideas? I’d love to hear them.

There is some more chalk coming, too. I’m hoping many households will get their own, and pick up extra for neighbors. I could use donations to help cover the cost of the first mountain of boxes. There appears to be something of a national shortage of sidewalk chalk at the moment, so don’t wait for the last minute. Check local stores to help the money stay in town. A lot of the online stores are out. My goal is for us to connect and celebrate as a neighborhood while still socially distancing.

I have figured out that I will use my front walk for our household art, instead of the sidewalk, so I don’t get in the way of walkers and strollers. Young artists (and adult ones as well) may need some preparation for the fact that our artwork will wind up getting walked on! Unless you have a fence you could decorate instead…

I’m hoping to get some teams together to help. Zeke and I are staying home, so I’ll need volunteers: photographers to get good shots of the artwork (and artists), hosts to mark the sidewalk around Columbia Elementary for social distancing. Hosts to distribute chalk (safely) to anyone who needs some. Some sets could go in Little Free Libraries, with an invitation included. I’ll talk with some local shops. What else?  Love/Fl!p

CORRECTION: SHARE SHACK LOCATION

My yesterday’s post incorrectly listed Aaron’s home address as the address of the Share Shack.  The Share Shack is located at the SW corner of Henry and Connecticut!

FREE SEDGE PLANTS

Two large sedge plants that can be divided.  They are in the alley behind 2725 Utter St. ~ Kathy Piscitello

RISK LEVELS OF 14 SUMMER ACTIVITIES

The more time you spend and the closer in space you are to any infected people, the higher your risk. Interacting with more people raises your risk, and indoor places are riskier than outdoors. Always choose outdoors over indoor, always choose masking over or not masking, and always choose more space for fewer people over a smaller space.

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/05/23/861325631/from-camping-to-dining-out-heres-how-experts-rate-the-risks-of-14-summer-activit?utm_term=nprnews&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwAR2fD0uwUlPNN7hsDvgdrdUwEQzbxovDK6P3utJ09FvvIdtB9kx8p_4Xdvc&fbclid=IwAR0mgS6h1xzcvBvqhrDCImPRmdSa6-BiSwRNaBZS8qeoCsw7313ERSNrJ7g&fbclid=IwAR3eMuOnxXbmFzQrsot_hp2TZ_UuNvGHmSDINsqvHHHnj7bJ0AFtiEDntqw&fbclid=IwAR1ur6Ysvq2bAx7K9u4UgJYvBGnSgp5tAz6hObWv_LSVq81iWxyAgx8S2PE&fbclid=IwAR20m67EuVqBFUYCTWgg4lEiDTVL5S1mHGaD_bvl6UzzXbIoQF3UGi-DBIo&fbclid=IwAR0rejZ3o3zYVaADQ-XbWwPEJtV5dXLw8mnK_uYpobiz3faVsd6VGQbgYvQ

INSTRUMENTAL: MURIEL ANDERSON HARP GUITAR

Playing a Dire Straits song, and a Beatles song. Muriel used to teach at Guitar Camp. I remember her teaching her whole class the theme from The Flintstones… She’s having an online birthday party concert tomorrow. Check murielanderson.com for details.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_Z9vHf_zI8

SONG: RAINBOW CONNECTION
Sung by Kermit, of course.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS5fTzMP_mg

While we’re at it, I found Kermit & Steve Martin playing Dueling Banjos! I myself have been working on learning to play old time drop-thumb “frailing” on my fretless gourd banjo. It’s just barely beginning to sound a bit like music.  Not like this though!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gNuj8UkyC4

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 cell/text  flip@columbianeighborhood.org

CONTENTS 5/22/2020
Columbia Stalker Is In Custody
Columbia Neighborhood Association (C.N.A.)
Quarterly General Meeting Minutes
Share Shack Update
Hop-Thru Produce Stand
Face Masks
Masks At Goods Will Be Back
Virus
CDC Reassurance & Surface Transmission
Distance, Masking, Time, Hand Washing
Inaccurate Tests: Why Test At All?
Real Research On Singing Together
Song: Here Is My Home

STALKER IS IN CUSTODY

I just got a call from the Whatcom County prosecutor’s office to let us know that a male stalker who has been impacting the Columbia neighborhood is in custody.

COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
QUARTERLY GENERAL MEETING MINUTES

May 19, 2020 Via Zoom Meeting, 7-8 PM
Attendance:  Five board members, 2 guest speakers, and 10 community members. Next quarterly meeting is in August. The CNA Board will notify the community of details as they develop. Here is a link to the minutes:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zOJhuG7YnZZtF8SAOBZBaCiuQ4fLfE2id9SsKmdXHPo/edit?usp=sharing

SHARE SHACK UPDATE

My post incorrectly listed Aaron’s home address as the address of the Share Shack.  The Share Shack is located at the SW corner of Henry and Connecticut!

This is not the Share Hut at Walnut & Connecticut. We are so lucky to have both!

• The Share Shack shelves are closed for sharing. When the green tarp is over the cabinet, the shelves are closed.
• The white board (for posting offers and requests), the bulletin board, and little free library are open for use with cautions to use clean hands.
• It is okay to use the Share Shack as a rendezvous point for free exchanges.
• The May Day Art on Display event on May 1 generated some kids’ art donations
  ~ by Aaron Silverberg, CNA Vice President

HOP-THRU PRODUCE STAND

I am still hosting Rabbit Fields Farm at my house every Saturday from 9-1. Online Pre Order & Walk Up. The organic produce is bagged or box and ranges from $5.00-30.00. The veggies have been harvested and packaged safely and we maintain a mindful distance and distribution at the stand. I hope to see you at what has become, a lovely community offering.
~ Heather Fitzstrawn, 2526 Kulshan Street

FACE MASKS AVAILABLE
2525 West Street

Are you still looking? Let’s keep each other safe!!!

I’ve sewn and donated over 1000 masks to Healthcare and essential workers. Now I have more available for you neighborhood folks.

I have LOTS of kids sizes right now and maybe 50 adult. 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 my email lindsay.m.knight@gmail.com. its not about the money, just trying to recoup some costs for my donated masks. ~ Lindsay Knight

MASKS AT GOODS WILL BE BACK

Little Bird Salon is making more masks. I will drop off another round of 30 or so later next week as soon as my elastic arrives!

VIRUS UPDATE

CDC REASSURANCE & SURFACE TRANSMISSION

Here is information from my cousin the epidemiologist – I wrote him after another friend worried about whether we could still trust the CDC when they told us that surfaces are not the main way COVID spreads. To me the big issue wasn’t surface spread, it was general trust of the CDC. Alex answered in detail and offered a way forward as well. I am watching so many of us  looking for reassurance that there is an objective reality, and that it will be possible to understand it, despite all the disinformation being spread about. Yes. reality definitely exists, though answers may not be simple. ~Fl!p

Here’s what he wrote me. I’m feeling much reassured!

From the CDC website:
“From touching surfaces or objects: It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus.”

This is accurate — surfaces are not the main route of transmission. That does not mean it does not happen, just that most transmission is person-to-person. Studies have been coming out showing the virus can survive for extended periods on surfaces, but that is but one step in the evidence chain needed to understand how likely transmission is via surfaces. However, given that it does happen, being cautious and washing your hands frequently after touching possibly contaminated surfaces is a good idea.

In general, I think the CDC is still a good source to turn to. Their policy statements may be becoming problematic due to presidential interference, but the scientists there are still top-notch. When in doubt you can cross-reference with the WHO.

One of the things happening is people are seeing scientific discovery happen in real-time. Unfortunately, unlike what the media makes it seem, science does not progress in huge forward leaps. It is a series of tiny steps forward and backward, with clouds of uncertainty being pierced by small bits of knowledge on occasion. It’s disconcerting to people not used to it, and certainly makes it seem like everyone is giving conflicting or inaccurate information.

DISTANCE, MASKING, TIME, HAND WASHING

From Betsy Brown, MD, one of my most trusted sources.
https://betsybrownmd.substack.com/people/5541087

The more we learn about this pandemic and its spread and how it can be contained, the more clear it is to me that these 4 simple concepts of distance, masking, exposure time, and hand washing can reduce our risk and keep us safe. This goes back to the article I posted last week and restated here. Wearing a mask works best to reduce the risk of the wearer to transmit it. Data confirms this. Stories from people I know who had COVID-19 confirm that wearing a mask prevented others from catching it from them. Wearing a mask protects the wearer, not perfectly, but it helps.

We just need to keep in mind that the tests checking for the viral RNA have poor reliability and 30-50% false negatives depending on symptoms. This means if someone tells you “I don’t need to wear a mask because I tested negative”, stay at least 6 feet away and wear your mask and wash your hands. The test could be wrong. When both people wear masks, the risk of transmission drops very low, add in keeping a 6 foot distance, even lower. If we add the concept of limiting time of exposure, we can feel less fear. That means we don’t need to fear if someone runs by us closer than 6 feet. So you can keep those factors in mind as your community opens up again.

It is helpful to look at your own risks which come in different levels. Here is a good explanation of pooled risks and how to assess your own. I like the idea of two families being able to interact closely if everyone in the group has not had possible exposure for 2 weeks. This could be a way for close friends to play tunes together again or see their grandkids.

And we are learning more and more all the time. Some news is good, some not so good, but I have hope, overall. We know masks work, and we know that we have cut the number of infections by our behaviors of time, distance, masking, and hand washing,.

Considering where I thought we’d be when I started writing the first week of March, you done good! ~ Betsy Brown MD

INACCURATE TESTS: WHY TEST AT ALL?

Another friend asked me, if testing is 30% to 50% inaccurate what is the purpose of testing? 

My friend Lisbeth Jorgensen answered really well: Generally tests with a high false negative rate have a very low false positive rate. So, if you get a positive, you can be pretty darn sure you actually have it. This is clinically useful information.

Would a zero false positive and a zero false negative rate be better? Yes absolutely. But this is why professionals interpret medical testing, even simple ones where the result is reported as “pos/neg” there’s always more considerations that go into the final diagnosis.

Some tests just suck and have both high false positive and high false negative rates. Those tests should NOT be used because they tell you absolutely nothing.

Best case with mediocre tests, you run 2 tests simultaneously. Once with a high false positive rate and one with a high false negative rate and compare the results to make a better clinical decision.

(Basic clinical test design theory courtesy of undergrad UW microbiology department coursework circa 2001/2… I doubt the basics have changed much since then. Pharmacy school didn’t disagree at all, but didn’t cover it in as much detail either.) [I love having real scientists among my family and friends! ~Fl!p]

REAL RESEARCH ON SINGING TOGETHER

Barbershop singers & others have now funded proper research. We’ll share results when available.

https://www.barbershop.org/coalition-studies-covid-19?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Read%20more%20here…&utm_campaign=%20%20%20

SONG: HERE IS MY HOME

Peter Amidon Singers, on a song SI Kahn wrote. I miss singing it with friends late at night, hearing our voices blend and feeling the sound vibrate in my chest. The air seems alive. And our neighborhood is in my mind’s eye when I sing those words. Home is both people and a place. For me, deep water and rushing creeks, wind off the bay, sword ferns & cedars & salal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XOX-u8dU-Y

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 cell/text  flip@columbianeighborhood.org

CONTENTS 5/22/2020
Graduation Parade
Neighborhood Walk For Chalk Art
Unemployment Benefit Safety
Cooking Classes For Kids
Hosta Clearance
Hearing Aid Found!
Seattle Folklife Festival Online
Whatcom County Cloth Face Covering Directive
Costco Run?
Song: Canned Goods

GRADUATION PARADE

Calling all 2020 High School Graduates from Columbia!!! Since traditional graduation parties aren’t possible this year let’s start a new tradition: SENIOR PARADE! Think 4th-of-July Neighborhood Parade but the seniors will be driven in their personally decorated cars on Saturday, June 13th from 12:00-1:30ish. Meet at Mrs. Valle’s house at 2515 Kulshan Street at high noon to start the line up of vehicles  The parade will snake up and down Columbia streets so that neighbors can celebrate our seniors in the safety of their yards. Seniors wear your 🎓 and gowns.  Neighbors prepare to make some noise in celebration!! Thank you, ~ Natalie Wermus, 2527 Victor

NEIGHBORHOOD WALK FOR CHALK ART

Saturday, July Fourth, 2020

Each household is invited to create chalk art in front of their own house! That lets us handle social distancing. Risk equals proximity times duration. Since artwork takes lots of time, we also need lots of distance. Our house lots are 40 feet wide. That should do it.

If you don’t have a sidewalk, see if you can talk a neighbor into letting you use theirs. Or use Columbia School. (We’re invited.) If you can’t get down on your knees, invite your grandkids to create your artwork and cheer them on through the front window. If you have a big board fence, use that! If you have spare cash, hire a professional artist to do your fence or sidewalk. They sure need the work! (It’s your fence; you could even have them use real paint…)

If it rains, we’ll just shift to the next dry day. But it will be July so we’re probably fine…

Many families already have their own chalk. We’re trying to get a bulk price on chalk sets. You can go buy your own now. Supplies seem to be limited, so look soon. I’d love donations of either chalk sets or money to buy more so we can have them available for households that might need chalk. We don’t want money to get in the way of neighbors joining in!

There are some streets without sidewalks in our neighborhood. Blocks could apply to have their block closed and do art work on the streets.

I spoke today with the Principal of Columbia Elementary, and he says we can use the sidewalks surrounding the school, and maybe the playground too. He’s going to talk with the PTA, and send a notice to families in mid-June. I think it would be good if we had some volunteers at the school to help designate squares and make sure artists maintain distancing.

I’d love a team of roving photographers to get pictures of all the artwork, and maybe of the artists too. Are you good with a camera?

Let’s throw a party!!!  Love/Fl!p

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT SAFETY

FYI, someone has filed for unemployment benefits in my name (it’s happening to A TON of people right now.)  I just talked to an officer at the Bellingham PD and they said you should create a profile with the unemployment department, without making a claim.  If you have claimed your info, then an identity theft will not be able to make a separate claim with your info. ~ Amber Hixson, Park St. 

COOKING CLASSES FOR KIDS

From Common Threads: We joyfully garden, cook, and eat with 7000+ kids in schools across Whatcom County. ABC Salad and a Noodle Bowl. Kids ages 5 and up are invited to follow along with our food educators over Zoom to make simple, healthy, and tasty recipes. Parents are invited to join too!

Ingredient and supply lists are posted in the event description on our website – but don’t worry if you don’t have the exact items. Our Food Educators will offer ideas for substitution and creativity. Payment is on a pay what you can sliding scale. Please sign up no later than the day before the event. Once you’ve registered, you will receive an email an hour before class with a link to join. You can expect to see classes on Tuesdays and Fridays, and we’ll continue adding classes to the website as registration becomes available.

https://commonthreadsfarm.org/

HOSTA CLEARANCE

My husband Kurt is trying to get out of the hosta business this season, so he is selling mature, multi stem (most are dividable into several plants) hostas for $3 each. If you are interested in buying any, please get in touch with him directly by email kurt@treefrognight.com or text 360-319-3172.  You can pick them up at his permaculture food forest, 4 miles from I-5 on the Mt. Baker Highway. Warm thoughts to all, Kara Black

HEARING AID FOUND!

Unbelievably we went back to the Squalicum Park trail today and Vicki FOUND her hearing aid on the trail!AMAZING luck!!! ~ Carol Oberton

SEATTLE FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL ONLINE

This weekend: May 23-25. Featuring 6 program channels and a virtual marketplace, this festival will bring together over 30 performances, 30 vendors, and YOU.

Music: https://www.nwfolklifestreaming.org/

Vendors: https://www.nwfolklifestreaming.org/virtualmarketplace/

WHATCOM COUNTY CLOTH FACE COVERING DIRECTIVE

http://www.whatcomcounty.us/3404/Directive-To-Wear-Face-Coverings

Starting May 22, 2020, everyone in Whatcom County is directed to wear a face covering while at any indoor or outdoor public space where you may be within 6 feet of someone who does not live with you. For more information about the Whatcom County Health Department’s cloth face covering directive, visit www.whatcomcounty.us/masks.

COSTCO RUN?

If anyone is going to Costco, I learned they have something seasonal in stock that I adore. ~ Love/Fl!p

SONG: CANNED GOODS

Greg Brown wrote this song about his Grandma. You might also like the 14 minute version with the story in the middle. Greg is a great story teller. You can find it on YouTube. My mom grew up on a farm and always made home-canned produce. She had a root cellar built under the 1950s suburban ranch house where I grew up. My folks had a small basement room dug out under the kitchen, accessed from outside. Rough concrete walls with a dirt floor. And shelves and shelves of pickles & peaches and pears…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb-0ZCqga48

Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 cell/text  flip@columbianeighborhood.org