Surfing the Tsunami

CONTENTS 3/6/2021
Chase Scam Follow-Up
Digger Wanted
Another View On Tires
Food Coop Run?
Patio Umbrellas Wanted
Radio Free Fl!p: Oh Death

Really short post tonight! Going to bed. My workshop tomorrow continues till mid-afternoon Sunday.

CHASE SCAM FOLLOW-UP

I also received an unsolicited debit card from Chase, and I pursued the matter by phone. Maybe other people can do this too, rather than trying to deal with websites.

First I called the consumer contact number on the letter, saying I wanted to report fraud: 1-800-935-9935. (Keep pressing the “0” zero key to bypass having to enter an account number, etc.) The person who came on transferred me to Chase’s fraud department; that direct line is 800-457-9802.

The Fraud person I spoke with would not confirm that an actual bank account in my name had been opened at Chase, even when I asked her several pointed questions. She would only say was that IF there had been one, it was now closed or inactive. (By then I was suspecting this might be a marketing effort by Chase that has gone off-kilter.)

She then suggested that I check the three credit-reporting entities so see IF anyone had opened a fraudulent account in my name at some other bank. Here are the numbers to call: Equifax 800-525-6285; Experion 888-397-3742; TransUnion 800-680-7289.

I hope this is helpful — Carolyn Dale

DIGGER WANTED

HS student, male or female, to do some heavy garden digging.  Probably 3 hrs work for someone with a strong back.  $15/hr.  Turning under rye grass in large beds. ~ Martha Dyck 360 223 8387 dyckmartha@gmail.com

ANOTHER VIEW ON TIRES

I agree with your implied underlying sentiment and analysis of what motivates the vandalism; yet, slashing tires has deeper practical implications than a scratch, paint or a broken window. For some, their car, and its immediate use, can be instrumental to someone’s life, and consequentially, other’s lives: a care-giver needing to be somewhere they are being relied upon; a doctor or nurse needing to fill a shift; a volunteer fire-fighter needing to respond to a call; someone needing to be on time to work or get fired… with all of the negative implications and subsequent fallout these few examples represent.  Yours, ~ Todd Citron

FOOD COOP RUN?

Is anyone going to the food coop tomorrow? We have a great coupon that expires tomorrow, and have a special order that should have arrived today as well. Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511 (text is best tomorrow)

PATIO UMBRELLAS WANTED

For SwiftHaven – And I turned a neighbor down for one recently, and now I can’t remember who!

RADIO FREE FL!P  OH DEATH 

Nimrod Workman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfn1cxZCAJk

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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 3/6/2021
Neighborhood
Fl!p Still Gone
Tire Vandalism Follow-Up
Bubblewrap?
Chase Scam: Help Needed
Homeless Outreach
More Memorial Cookies Tonight
A Jacket Story
Needs
Music
Radio Free Fl!p: Waterbound

NEIGHBORHOOD

FL!P STILL GONE

I’m dropping in tonight to get this out, and then back on Zoom from early morning till after dinner Saturday, and from morning till mid-afternoon Sunday. Have a good weekend!

TIRE VANDALISM FOLLOW-UP

The police have requested that emphasis patrols occur in our neighborhood as a result of Wednesday’s tire-slashing vandalism. Yet another car was reported on the 2200 block of Utter. At least one family lost two tires they cannot afford to replace. I’ll try to get more information and see if we can find a way to help.

BUBBLEWRAP?

I’m trying to wrap up some figurines that were my grandpa’s and could use bubblewrap. Does anyone have some to spare? Thank you! ~ Coty Hogue cotyhogue@gmail.com

CHASE SCAM: HELP NEEDED

I became a victim, as well, of an unauthorized opening of a Chase Checking Account through my somehow stolen ID, as quite a few neighbors and other Whatcom County Residents have to endure.

For mostly the better (but, in this case, may be the worse!) I’m not good at doing things via the web, yet, that’s where I was pointed. It has me baffled to straighten this out.

I did report it to the helpful downtown branch, but now the weight in the pit of my stomach grows. I started with the recommended credit freeze process, but can’t understand what is being asked, said or what I could do to make things even worse or, to think positively, incredible easy!

I would like to connect with a knowledgable real someone and talk about what I need to do in a way that my dated, analog brain can grasp. Full disclosure: I’m equipped with an I phone only. Help ?  ~ Max Eberhard 360.801.3249

HOMELESS OUTREACH

MORE MEMORIAL COOKIES TONIGHT

Thanks to Linda Allen for baking and sharing more of her brother’s cookies tonight. They sure touched a lot of hearts last night.

A JACKET STORY

I will bring by one jacket before 6pm this evening. It was a coat Marc used for construction work. He was in the Laborer’s Union and designed the decorations on the coat and had a sewing/embroidery shop downtown put them on for him. Digger was his nickname and he was a very active Union member. There are 2 “in memory of Marc Livingston” signs at either end of Slater Rd, as he was the one who spearheaded the roadside cleanup there. He really was a brother to all, helped many homeless and down and out folks over the years. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to share his love, ~ Piper

NEEDS

• Costco: 2 or 3 bales of TP. I mean, a lot!
• From anywhere, bottled water: Some gallons and some cases pf small bottles.
• For SwiftHaven tiny home village: shelf brackets, shelves, hangers, small dressers, plastic bins, flat screen TVs, a couple picnic tables.

MUSIC

RADIO FREE FL!P: WATERBOUND

Rhiannon Giddens  with Francesco Turrisi – A lovely version of a beloved traditional song I used to sing to my sons. I’d tuck their names in. It’s amazing what beauty can be created with two or three simple chords and a whole lot of heart.

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

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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 03/5/2021
Columbia Neighborhood
Reminder: Fl!p Flees
Project We Beam
Tire Slashing
Historic Elizabeth Park
The Big Fantastic Clothing Exchange
Chase Scam
Free Bee Friendly Plants
Rental Wanted
Homeless Outreach
Swifthaven Update
Memorial Cookie Follow-Up
Supplies Run
More Cooking Opportunities
Music
Radio Free Fl!p: Happy Birthday Ysaye

REMINDER: FL!P FLEES

Starting tomorrow evening, I am off duty to attend a Zoom workshop. I’m not just streaming; I’m an active participant. So please, if there are things you’ll need this weekend, let’s deal with them before dinnertime Friday. Or Sunday late afternoon, when I get “home.” Have a great weekend!  Love/Fl!p

PROJECT WE BEAM

Friday, March 5, 6 PM to 8 PM
1318 Bay Street (parking lot on the corner of Bay Street & Champion St)
Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing at the event or considering joining virtually.

An interactive art installation for all ages! The hybrid virtual and socially-distanced event is open to the public and will be viewable on the north wall of the Pickford Film Center from 6 PM to 8 PM during Downtown First Friday. A collaborative project of two local nonprofits—From A Child’s Point of View and the Bellingham Youth Media Project—PROJECT WE BEAM was born of a desire to create space for children to engage adults in conversations about our shared planet. What if, suddenly, the children understood what the animals were saying? And the animals understood the children?

To learn more about Project We Beam, visit www.fromachildspointofview.org/project-we-beam.

Watch on Facebook or YouTube: To watch the live stream on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/fromchildspointofview/live. To watch on YouTube, visit https://youtu.be/HR48vt7GnGk.

Not on social media? No problem! To register for the Project We Beam Zoom meeting, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/project-we-beam-tickets-142281115647

TIRE SLASHING

Slashed Prius Tires– happened sometime Wednesday night 3/3/21, 2300 block of Park Street (the block just north of Elizabeth Park), car was angle-parked in parking strip, both right tires, neat little 1 1/2″ slice in sidewall of each tire.  Ours was the only car on block slashed, and my partner Cathy’s Subaru was angle-parked right next to mine.  Ours was also the only Prius on the block.  Subsequently I learned of at least four other Prius’s slashed this week in the neighborhood. ~ Drew Winsor

Utter and Washington Streets Last night, all four tires on our Prius were slashed (Washington St). The car was well lit at the time.  Another car across the street on Utter Street had the same thing happen.

* My sister had a Subaru tire slashed in the 2200 block of Utter.  

2500 block of West at Jefferson We had our car tires slashed last night. In speaking to Bellingham Police to report the vandalism, we were told that there has been a spate of incidents in our neighborhood of tire slashes and car window smashes. I asked for emphasis patrolling at night. Perhaps other neighbors had an incident and didn’t report or ask for additional patrols. It would be great if they reported the vandalism, received a case number, and asked for additional patrols. This is not a 5 dollar incident. We have to buy TWO new tires for the car. Ours is a Dodge Grand Caravan so not a hybrid or a foreign make. But the side we can’t see from the house. 

More reported:

* 2400 block of Utter, in the alley between Utter and Walnut. I filed a police report.

* Very random-our car was parked right behind our neighbors & we didn’t get slashed but they did along with our neighbor on the corner of Utter & Washington –2200 block of Utter

* Oh my god, that explains my flat tire. Brand new tires too. Utter and Williams.

* Ours were slashed on the block of Williams between Eldridge and Madison.

* Went out this afternoon to run some errands only to find I had two flats. We are at the corner of Park and Monroe St. The car was in the driveway which is next to the alley.

* There may have been one more on the 2300 block of Park Street. Not sure if it’s a duplicate or not.

Everyone who experienced this should file a police report: https://cob.org/…/police-services/reporting/online-reports

And if there were so many last night, I hope someone’s family or friends see social media bragging and report. This cost- 2 new tires- is under our 500 deductible.  There are so many who could not absorb this kind of emergency (and it’s not easy for those of us who can).

And a reminder that this is a crime against property, not bodies. We do not need to be frightened in our beds at night. Alert for behavior that might be vandalism, and ready to report it, yes, but not frightened for our personal safetly. Grumpy, maybe…

HISTORIC ELIZABETH PARK

Three totally cool historical articles about our home!

https://www.facebook.com/BellinghamHistory/photos/a.779508308795653/3780168965396224

https://www.facebook.com/BellinghamHistory/

http://www.whatcomwatch.org/old_issues/v9i7.html?fbclid=IwAR1qzWGzjosr3U47MUo5cEG56sxr5iWYYrWCSoYwkXffYy7XtsKPA2WhyAk#story6

THE BIG FANTASTIC CLOTHING EXCHANGE

March 20, 6 – 8 PM Drop-off
March 21, 2 – 6 PM browse & pickup
Free  · 2330 Elm St.

Purge your closets! We are doing it again:) TWEENS/TEENS AND WOMENS CLOTHING WELCOMED! Please drop your Gently Used and Pre-Washed Items off from 6-8pm on Saturday March 20th and return to browse and take home lovely new items on Sunday from 2-6pm. We will be following ALL Wa State Phase 2 Guidelines. Masks are required when approaching the building. Special focus on Teens & Tweens clothing please!

CHASE SCAM

I also received a debit card from Chase and found out someone had stolen my identity when I called their fraud department. Someone opened an account in my name on 2/10/21. It’s closed now, and evidently there’s a lot of this going on right now as people try to take advantage of the money coming from the government. With the latest update on  the blog, I wanted to add my name to the list of those affected in our neighborhood. It’s now officially rampant! ~ Mattie Wheeler. Utter St.

And I keep hearing about more. Check your junk mail, neighbors! ~ Fl!p

FREE BEE FRIENDLY PLANTS

Calling all gardeners! Are you looking forward to gardening and thinking about attracting more pollinators this year? The Whatcom County Noxious Weed Program has free seed packets of non-invasive, pollinator friendly, native plants! Ideal for small patches in your garden and replacing those pushy weeds you pull up. One packet covers 9 square feet. Pollinator packs of flower seeds.  Some from other states have seeds that are noxious weeds in our area!!  If you are in the market, how about FREE packs of seeds selected by experts specifically for our area?  Email LBaldwin@co.whatcom.wa.us with your mailing address, and we‘ll send you some seeds. FREE! From Whatcom County Public Works ·

RENTAL WANTED

Hello Columbia neighbors!  Amanda here, on Victor Street. I would love to find a place to rent in the neighborhood starting March 31/April 1, at least through August. Anywhere from a studio to three bedrooms. Thanks for your help to stay in the neighborhood! 617-694-3503 or ablaine@gmail.com Warmly, ~ Amanda Blaine

HOMELESS OUTREACH

SWIFTHAVEN UPDATE

They have hot showers! The city of Bellingham will arrive at 8: 30am to drop off one more new house. If anyone has some basic furniture like a small desk, small dresser, TV tray, or a set of those plastic drawers – for new people, let me know. Things are beginning to settle down a bit at last, which is wonderful!

MEMORIAL COOKIE FOLLOW-UP

Flip, when I shared the cookie gifting story of Linda and her brother with Moose last night, he played his harmonica inbetween each phrase I shared, and I sung the story to him. The connecting was enduring. Most likely he is back on Lummi tonight. He shared he had a place he could go to in the future.

All he had that night was a big cardboard box he was laying in, in the bushes. He appears to be kind and funny and possibly had had a few drinks… I asked him what was needed and he said just a blanket.

I brought him the ground pad , two Myler blankets , two handwarmers sets, protein bars and Linda’s cookie dough cookies.

He said the were delicious. I agreed and we both laughed out loud together.

He thanked me for the supplies and let me witness him nesting in for the night … I coached him on zipping his jacket up all the way , and pulling his hood up. We both were thankful the longer warmer days of spring had arrived. It was quite late, 10 pm… my older body needed rest and I had a long drive home to the county.

Earlier that day I had been visiting my neighbors at Swift Haven tiny village, who are delighted to be sheltered , enjoying painting their homes, and meeting with other neighbors who come by to offer support … as each of us had unique gifts … and unique needs. Gratitude for all who share their time in service, and all who sit to listen to a neighbor share their sacred life story.

SUPPLIES RUN

Thank you to all the people who offered to make the grocery run today. It seems like everywhere I look I find kindness. Thank you!!!

MORE COOKING OPPORTUNITIES

I’m ready to sign up more cooks, for dates starting this coming Tuesday. To sign up, email or text me, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can get free. We’ll figure out a date & time, and brainstorm what you might like to cook and what I might be able to contribute. I’ve even got an experienced Soup Brigade cook standing by to mentor you! flip@openaccess.org 360-671-4511.

MUSIC

RADIO FREE Fl!p: HAPPY BIRTHDAY YSAYE

Ht/t Anji Citron. This video is a shout out for Ysaye Maria Barnwell’s birthday. She was born February 28, 1946) is an American singer and composer. Barnwell was a member of the African American a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock from 1979 to 2013. In addition to writing many of the group’s songs, Barnwell has been commissioned to create music for dance, choral, film, and stage productions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4JRbRHz9t8

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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 03/4/2021
Columbia Neighborhood
Note: Fl!p Out Of Reach
Spring Has Sprung
The Wwu Great Puzzle Hunt
Homelessness
Hospice Issue
Memorial Cookies
Nights Are Still Cold
Meal Sign-Ups
Shopping Run?
Music
Singing To? Or With?
Radio Free Fl!p: Heart Of The Appaloosa
John Hartford: Gentle On My Mind

NOTE: FL!P OUT OF REACH

I will be attending a zoom workshop all weekend, from Friday evening till mid-afternoon Sunday. Zeke will cover for me as best he can, but please, contact me tomorrow if possible to square away anything we need to in advance. I’ll be in the house, but unavailable. Thanks!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Crocus & primrose & still some snowdrops are blooming. The big pink camellia tree in our back yard is in full swing. There’s new growth everywhere. I’ve been out weeding. I have a TON more to do, but the little magenta primroses along our sidewalk out front are still worth a walk-by today and for the next week or so. You are welcome to ask for a walk through the inner garden as well.

THE WWU GREAT PUZZLE HUNT

Saturday, April 17, 2021

The puzzles are written to challenge 8th grade and up, but in the past participants have ranged in age from 8 to 92. It doesn’t matter whether you solve any puzzles; It’s the teamwork and fun that counts!  We already have teams registered from India, China, France, UK, Canada, US, Jordan, and more.

Here’s the scoop! There are 4 main puzzles and a metapuzzle. Up to 6 on a team. The puzzles require cutting, pasting, coloring, … and each puzzle is from a different subject area: 1) Music and Performing Arts, 2) Humanities, 3) Sciences, and 4) A Surprise. Choose a versatile team and have fun!

VIRTUAL, FREE, and FUN!
OPEN to everyone, worldwide! Friends, family, colleagues, students, neighbors … All ages!
WEBSITE: https://www.greatpuzzlehunt.com/
HOW TO REGISTER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZU0sLW9pJk
AWESOME GEAR and FREE domestic shipping! https://www.greatpuzzlehunt.com/gear
FAQs: https://www.greatpuzzlehunt.com/faq
RULES OF PLAY: https://www.greatpuzzlehunt.com/rules
SAMPLE PUZZLES: https://www.greatpuzzlehunt.com/puzzles
Millie Johnson, millie@wwu.edu

HOMELESSNESS

HOSPICE ISSUE

A reader wrote to me in outrage and anguish that Outreachers have had to go outside the system to create care for someone gravely ill. She assured me that Hospice house is a wonder. I wrote back that Hospice House is indeed a jewel. In 2018 they took my Mom in for a couple weeks to get me some caregiver respite.

Wherever possible the Outreachers try to be a bridge to needed services. I’ve listened to some amazing conversations between volunteers who know the ropes, and who know the individuals sleeping on the ground as well, as peers and as friends.

The Outreachers are working to get our neighbor through the hoops so he can get into Hospice House. There can be issues those of us with homes never consider – like ID, social security access, Medicare or Medicaid enrollment…. I hope all the issues can get sorted out quickly. I hope our meal support for him will be short term for all the right reasons.

We’ve had three people sign up to cook and deliver a hot meal one day a week. And a fourth wrote to inquire. We have room for three more if you’d like to take a meal a week for a few weeks. Contact me, and I’ll pass you on to Lorelei, and Outreacher who has volunteered to take on this piece of organizing. Thank you SO much!

MEMORIAL COOKIES

I got to be part of Linda Allen’s story tonight. I handed her Bob Allen Memorial Chocolate Chip Cookies to a couple Outreachers and made sure they knew the whole story of Linda and her brother. Of their childhood: making and eating a whole batch of chocolate chip cookie dough (raw, when their mom wasn’t home). But her story includes the loss of estrangement between them. So many of the people that the Outreachers will be handing Linda’s cookies to, are sleeping on the ground because of their own estrangements. I want them to know that somewhere, there was a sister who was pushed away. And she never forgot her big brother and never stopped loving him. And right here, right now, she is sending a sweet promise that someone could remember the cookie-recipient with love, too. Linda wrote this evening that her message today is just this: “to love one another. To take care of one another. To do your best to make whole that which is broken.”

NIGHTS ARE STILL COLD

Due to your generosity, tonight’s outreach supplies included some safer tent heaters, hand and toe warmers, mylar blankets, a warm coat, warm dry socks, a whole bunch of waterproof shoes in sizes that had been requested recently, some plastic storage bins to keep belongings dry, two batches of cookies, muffins, string cheese… and of course, hot, nourishing meals! And the Laundry Brigade turned up some larger men’s coats and got them clean, dry, and ready to warm the world again. It’s amazing what a community can do!

MEAL SIGN-UPS

Starting Tuesday March 9, I have openings for cooks to make dinner for 25 – 30 people. I have ingredients and take-out cups, and would love to mentor you through your first meal! Email is my favorite contact because I have a file-able searchable record: flip@openacces.org. Text is just fine too. 360-671-4511. You just sign up directly with me. We’ll figure it out together.

SHOPPING RUN?

I could use someone to make a SmartFoods (Cash&Carry) run tomorrow. I can provide cash or reimburse you with Venmo or PayPal. I’ve got a list all ready.

MUSIC

SINGING TO? OR WITH?

Summary: There is a difference between singing songs to an audience, and helping them sing with each other.

I am a musician who was born in 1950 in the USA. Today my husband Zeke & I went and listened to a bunch of young people singing activist songs from the 1950s & 60s Civil Rights, union and anti-war movements (also known as The Great Folk Scare). The young musicians did very well. Great singers, some excellent instrumentalists. Remembering some of the songs, and seeing and hearing those songs be cherished and offered anew by musicians who weren’t yet born then, brought tears to my eyes.

I also felt odd and bit sad, because though they invited the audience to sing along, they didn’t really facilitate that. The audience sang a little, softly. Did not raise the roof or connect with one another. I’ve been trying to think about what I do differently, and what Pete Seeger & Joan Baez, and the other people from whom I learned those songs, did differently. I think it involves teaching, leading and inviting until the audience kinda gets going, and then dropping back so the audience can primarily hear one another and realize they are part of something big. Also offering protection to those who fear humiliation if they sing. All together we are beautiful. But I hadn’t thought about how much it’s a learned skill to get a general audience to sing freely. And how necessary that such singing together be a primary intention if it’s going to happen well.

RADIO FREE FL!P: HEART OF THE APPALOOSA

By Fred Small. While we’re on the theme of horses. I have not yet managed to get this song to a point I sing wing in public.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ64xr89cN0

JOHN HARTFORD: GENTLE ON MY MIND

Hmmm! A second song, because of Linda. John Hartford wrote this song. I dug around a little and found this gem, with John singing to and with his heroes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn35akH09Z8

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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 03/3/2021
Columbia Neighborhood
   Stop Sign Follow Up
   More Scams
   Packing Material
   Recovered Cell Phone
Homelessness
Music
  Radio Free Fl!p: Horse Called Music

STOP SIGN FOLLOW UP

I contacted SSC to ask if one of their trucks was involved with the stop sign collision at Williams and Madison.  I heard back from Rodd Pemble, the recycling/safety manager, who wrote:

“Our pick-ups in that area are all in alleys, so our trucks would have no occasion to be on either street at that intersection.

 In any case, no damage to any SSC truck was reported, nor a mishap like this, which would certainly have been called in to our dispatch.”

So maybe it was some other kind of large truck moving through the neighborhood?  ~ Darrah Blanton

MORE SCAMS

Just a heads up to your email subscribers– Last week I received an unsolicited debit card from Chase Bank.  When I reported this to Chase on March 1, I was told that my identity (social security, birth date and address) had been stolen and used to open an account at Chase (where I have never banked).  Chase closed the account but I now have to deal with the issue of identity theft.  I have talked with two other local people who have had this happen and the teller at Chase said they are seeing many cases of this in our area.  Just a heads up if someone receives an unsolicited debit or credit card. Thanks, Betsy Pernotto

PACKING MATERIAL

I have a huge box full of those little blow-up pillows for packing. They come in so many things, and all I’ve figured so far is to pop them and recycle. But if someone could re-use them, that would be so much better! ~Love/Fl!p 360-671-4511

RECOVERED CELL PHONE

It worked! Just took a couple days to find the phone in a “secret horizontal compartment” in a couch. Thanks for sharing a giggle with me. No need to post the good news unless you desperately need some good news to post.  ~ Christina Nichols

I LOVE having good news to post! And I am VERY glad you found your phone…

HOMELESSNESS

I’m tuckered out tonight. I will catch you all up tomorrow! Just three “needs.”

1. XL & XXL and larger Men’s coats.

2. A light-weight folding cart for delivering meals. Like a garden cart. Big wheels for rough ground.

3. Kind souls who might commit to making one meal a week, on a regular day of the week, for a March & April, and delivering it to a homeless guy on hospice. The Outreachers have managed to get him into a motel.

MUSIC

Radio Free Fl!p: A Horse Called Music

Willie Nelson. My brother Joe sent me this tonight. In all the cowboy westerns of my 1950s childhood, for me it was always the horses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_Hc8cEplSQ&feature=youtu.be

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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 3/2/2021
Neighborhood
   Stop Sign Crunched
   Vaccine
   Room Available Near Locust Beach
   Short Term Rental Wanted
Homelessness
   Soup Brigade
   Generosity
   Ingredients
Music
   Radio Free Fl!p: When I’m Gone

NEIGHBORHOOD

Stop Sign Crunched

A vehicle hit and then ran over the stop sign at Williams and Madison. I didn’t see it happen, just the aftermath. A city worker is already out attending to it. Kids are back in school. Mine and many others walk alone to and from. Please be mindful neighbors, careful drivers, and remind your friends. Thank you. ~ Darrah Blanton, Williams St.

There is the outside chance that it was one of the garbage/recycle or other larger vehicle rounding the corner….often times “they” move over to avoid oncoming traffic. ~ Stacy Moon

VACCINE

…More reasons to consider the vaccine: one is that it can help protect you and reduce the spread if the new variants, which are of increasing concern. Another is that the vaccine is effective at reducing viral load. Even if a vaccine doesn’t prevent all infections, having a low viral load, or the amount of virus being produced by your body, will decrease your infectiousness to others. That is another good reason to get vaccinated.BetsyBrownMD: View From An Epidemic
https://betsybrownmd.substack.com/

ROOM AVAILABLE NEAR LOCUST BEACH

A room is opening up starting in May (flexible date) in a 3-bed house of sweet, quiet, plant-loving, gardening, fiddle/guitar playing 20 something-year-old gals. $500 + utilities. If you’d like to learn more please reach out to Celine at jacel.parton@gmail.com Kindly, ~ Celine Parton

SHORT TERM RENTAL WANTED

My kids’ other parent and partner are looking for a short term rental in the neighborhood for any of the months March-August/September. They work remotely as a virtual reality developer and have our kids every other weekend. Looking for something 2 bedrooms or more. They are great tenants, quiet and have no pets. If anyone know of a place they can contact me at crystal@crystalgarcia.com

HOMELESSNESS

SOUP BRIGADE

I’m looking for a cook for Thursday evening if anyone might have time.

GENEROSITY

Thank you to the amazing donors who brought XXL men’s coats, TV trays, a whole load of waterproof boots and shoes(!), brand new Carhart jeans, baby wipes, juice pouches, M&Ms, 20# Basmati rice, cases of water… It was a deeply touching day! We had extra meals to distribute last night, and found Outreachers to deliver every one, on almost no notice. The ability to trust lets us work together to help every precious life.

INGREDIENTS

Everything else, plus 9 pounds of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Dessert does not replace nutrition, but it sure does warm a cold heart.

MUSIC

RADIO FREE FL!P: WHEN I’M GONE

More from Libba Cotten. Listen to that guitar!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7JGhlej6KQ

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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 3/12021
Neighborhood
   Columbia Neighborhood Membership
   Vaccines
   Plant Sales
   Scams & Phishing Defense
   Lost iPhone
Homelessness
   SwiftHaven Painting Party
   Juice? Jackets? Blankets?
   Soup Brigade
   Affordable Housing
Music
   Jerry Teagarden
   Radio Free Fl!p: Hole In The Air

COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD MEMBERSHIP

To sign up or renew your membership, write new president Deb Valentine for details. It’s cheap and easy. dj.val88@gmail.com

VACCINES

In Bellingham

Vaccine at Rite Aid. Be aware that Rite Aid on Telegraph has been consistently scheduling for vaccinations.  They schedule one day at a time, about a week out, and allow for daily openings as cancellations allow.  The calendar is updated very early morning, perhaps even just after midnight.  Seems that appointments have been filling by about 8:00 in the morning.

Be sure to click on the date highlighted on the calendar to see availability, and note that they have options of morning, afternoon, and evening, spaced 3 minutes apart.  Seems like a slick system.

They have the Pfizer vaccine.

Also, have they been successful in scheduling the 2nd dose at 21 or 28 days out? Or has there been a little give in the 2nd appointment scheduling? (They automatically schedule a second dose for people, sometime after the first dose has actually been administered.) Ht/t Kate McCarthy, Lettered Streets (This is where Zeke & I got ours Saturday. It felt so weird! I hadn’t been inside such a store since last March.)

https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/apt-scheduler

In Arlington

I just went to the Arlington Airport to get vaccinated yesterday. They vaccinate between three and four thousand people a day. Sign up is the day before.  I don’t know what time the sign-up starts but I was able to get an appointment the day before. It’s the Pfizer vaccine. It’s a drive-thru, you stay in your car the whole time.  You don’t hvae to live in Snohomish county. ~ Kristin Barber

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/arlington02_28 

PLANT SALES?

It’s getting towards Spring, and gardeners start dividing plants. (I spent a happy, sunny hour yesterday weeding with my perfect new buttercup hand weeder!) If you have extra plants, or know when local plant sales are happening, please let me know and I’ll post them here. I keep talking with new neighbors who are looking for guidance and plants for their new gardens. I didn’t give them a single buttercup! Let’s help them out!

SCAMS & PHISHING DEFENSE

Re the phishing and scams you’ve noted: It shouldn’t be necessary to copy/paste stuff into Word to see the original sender and the pathways through which the email came. Most email clients have a mechanism to do that. In Gmail, click the three dots to the right of the Reply button at the top right of the message. A drop-down menu will show you a bunch of options that come below Reply and Forward. One of those is “show original.” Click this, and it will show you where the message originated, the email of the sender, all the pathways through which it came to get to your inbox, and a whole bunch of other stuff most of us don’t need to know and probably won’t understand. If it comes from someplace weird, delete that puppy forever. Please note that each email client will show these things differently and people need to learn how theirs handles it. Used to, you could pick up a virus or malware just by opening an email (or so I’m given to understand; I’m a suspicious character and if I don’t recognize the sender or the preview doesn’t sound like the sender if I know them, I’ve never opened one. I email the sender, if I know them, separately and ask if they sent it). According to this, that doesn’t happen anymore, although I think a spammer can determine whether your account is active, thus a target for more spam, if you open it.  https://www.howtogeek.com/135546/htg-explains-why-you-cant-get-infected-just-by-opening-an-email-and-when-you-can/

So many things to watch for in our modern world, and so many of them target us older folks. Be careful out there! ~ Anna Lawson

LOST iPHONE 

Did you find an iPhone with a clear case painted with a cowhide pattern? It was lost this afternoon, likely somewhere between Lynn/Monroe and Haggen. Please get in touch if you did! (Christina and I have been having a pretty fun exchange over this lost phone. C: I am hoping that we will find it under a pillow as soon as you post the notice. F: Of course! But then again, would you find it if we didn’t post? C: Definitely not. I know what is required…) Please see if you can find her missing phone!

Christina Nichols, Lynn St. (360) 820-9266

HOMELESSNESS

SWIFTHAVEN PAINTING PARTY

Look what they did yesterday! What a joyful difference…

https://www.facebook.com/HomesNowNotLater/photos/pcb.1402820760060540/1402820313393918/

JUICE? JACKETS? BLANKETS?

People keep asking for juice. Boxes or pouches. They crave sugar. There’s no sugar in water. Maybe some chocolate? Little packs of M&Ms? We still need 2x large men’s jackets to wear over multiple layers. And both wool and fleece blankets. I somehow hadn’t realized fleece blankets would help. Sounds like they will. You can bring donations here to 2518 Cherry Street. Thank you!

SOUP BRIGADE

It turns out I could use a few more cooks after all. Volunteer cooks have been turning out 50 – 75 hot homemade dinners a day? Give me a shout and we’ll sign you up! We need a couple more hot dinners, and it turns out cookies and muffins are also a huge hit. Did you know that if you add extra butter to cookie dough, the cookies spread out further and get crispier? For muffins, slather them with butter the minute they come out of the oven. I’ve got packaging. You can decorate the little white bakery bags or send them out plain. It’s a heartfelt kindness. Hearts starve as well as bodies…

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

I’ve been thinking about what “affordable” means. That is going to be a big issue going forward. Here’s what I’ve been thinking: Something a front-line, essential worker could pay for with a minimum wage job. A job that the worker can’t quite get 40 hours a week at, because the company can’t hire full time because they’d have to pay benefits. Maybe the worker has a second part-time job. So many have to do that. We need housing that that worker can afford to rent. Small and plain, but safe and decent.

MUSIC

JERRY TEAGARDEN

July 30, 1948 – February 1, 2021
Longtime local musician and songwriter.

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bellinghamherald/obituary.aspx?n=jerry-tegarden&pid=197838342

As a friend wrote to me: “This news struck me hard. We were not close, Or so I obviously and mistakenly thought. He was a kind and respectful person.” Jerry was all of that. And a fine musician.

RADIO FREE FL!P: HOLE IN THE AIR

Jim Page wrote and performs this. The words are included. This is for Jerry. And for Michael.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMxQPyLUBo4

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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 02/28/2021
Columbia Neighborhood
   We-Transfer Virus Follow-Up
   Wanted:  Old Bricks
Homelessness
   Need Big Coats
   Beef Sticks?
   Ingredients
   Cooks
Music
   Radio Free Fl!p: Freight Train

NEIGHBORHOOD

WE-TRANSFER FOLLOW-UP

I have been getting unending notices from Norton Securities, a similar scam. They come two to three times a week.  Each implies that an automatic renewal is coming up that will charge my bank account over $500.  Like We Transfer, it’s very likely a vehicle for a computer virus.

You probably already know this but there are two strategies to employ whenever one of these shows up.

1. Copy the sender email address (which in my emails just shows up as “Norton Securities” and paste it in a Word document which will reveal the real sender address, which is always some weird gmail.
2. NEVER answer the email itself or open anything. If you think the post may be legitimate, go to the real website (Norton Securities in my case) and call or write them for more information

~ Marie Eaton

WANTED:  OLD BRICKS

Looking for around 50 bricks for a short garden wall. Thought someone may have some from a chimney. ~ Chris Wermas  c_wer@hotmail.com. Victor Street 

HOMELESSNESS

NEED BIG COATS

From an Outreacher: We are very low on men’s outer wear coats in XL and 2XL. Most of the gloves donated have fit women. If people could specifically look at old gear that big men no longer wear. The problem is that if your coat is tight it’s actually colder. And these people have 5-6 layers on underneath.

BEEF STICKS?

I found a snack food that unsheltered neighbors really like! Beef sticks hold up well without refrigeration. If anyone wants to donate more soft-ish skinny sausages, steak strips, or such, that would be wonderful! Any variety of meat is fine (chicken, turkey, pork), but jerky is too hard for people who haven’t been able to afford a dentist in a long time. It’s gotta be softer. Needs to be individually wrapped. Minis are fine. Thank you!

INGREDIENTS

I could use a SmartFood run tomorrow if anyone has time. But I still have lots of ingredients here to share. Delighted to talk menus!

COOKS

We’ve got cooks lined up through Monday March 8. My stress level has dropped considerably! I’m delighted to sign more cooks up after that. Let me know. No meal-train or online sign-up; just get hold of me. Email is great; text is fine; and I even like talking on the phone while we figure out all the details and answer all the questions.
flip@openaccess.org 360-671-4511.

MUSIC

RADIO FREE FL!P: FREIGHT TRAIN

My beloved Libba Cotten. I had never seen this bit of film, but I watched those hands up close during my younger years. I used to run the campus coffee house in the 1970s and brought Libba at least once a year. She’d come stay at my house and we’d play together. Her version of teaching was to sit down with me and play the song or tune I wanted to learn, from beginning to end, up to speed, for a couple hours. And I fumbled along as best I could as I gradually figured out what to watch for, what to listen for, where to focus. Guitar players note: Libba played left handed on a right handed guitar. This did not produce a mirror image. She could reach things I couldn’t. Had fingers available I didn’t. She didn’t know the names of chords and wasn’t interested. I don’t think I have ever been so respected as a learner, or treated with such generosity. I would watch and watch, and finally figure out where she was hitting one note in the whole tune as it went by. And then had to try to remember it, and get ready, and catch it as it went by. And once I could do that, watch for the next. And the next. It really did take two hours. Or more. Libba clearly enjoyed it too. She knew I would remember her and her music. And I would share it after she was gone. And I have. What brought me here to this video tonight was a discussion I had yesterday with my granddaughter about what I learned from Libba, whose music still resonates in my heart and my hands after more than 50 years. I hope to gift it to my grandchildren’s hands and hearts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUK8emiWabU

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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 02/25/2021
Columbia Neighborhood
   SeeClickFix
   WeTransfer Virus
   Rental Wanted
Soup Brigade
   Mr Heater?
   SwiftHaven Painting Party
   Mobile Outreach
   Blankets To Donate?
Music
   Radio Free Fl!p: Wildwood Flower

COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD

SEE-CLICK-FIX

The City of Bellingham has introduced a new way for residents to report non-emergency issues. SeeClickFix™ – both a browser application and a mobile app – allows users to upload photos as they report specific problems, ranging from potholes, damaged street signs and illegal dumping to minor flooding and sidewalk obstructions.

SeeClickFix is an easy new option to report non-emergency issues. Using the app automatically generates a service request to Public Works and adds the problem area to an interactive map that is publicly accessible. The service request generates automatic updates on the response, assessment and repair on the SeeClickFix site. Reporting via the app may be done confidentially and anonymously, or by creating an account.

Residents should still phone (360) 778-7700 to report urgent issues such as a broken water main and can still go to the City’s Report an Issue webpage to report on separate issues.

According to Caleb Barber, Public Works Asset Manager, SeeClickFix will expand the City’s ability to respond.

“We are effectively ‘crowdsourcing’ on-the-street intelligence to learn about needed repairs we might not otherwise know about,” said Barber. “The app also provides a channel for those who would prefer not to phone or who might not have computer access. We chose to use a product with both smartphone and browser capability in order to reach more members of the public.”

More information about SeeClickFix, including frequently asked questions, available at cog.org/fix or via the “Report an Issue” button on the City homepage. The mobile app may be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Mike Olinger, Assistant Director of Operations
Public Works – City of Bellingham
(360) 778-7725
molinger@cob.org

WE-TRANSFER VIRUS

I’ve been getting notices from WeTransfer, so you may have been too. The notices try hard to look like a renewal notice for something you already use. Looked it up and found this: The most important thing to note about this WeTransfer email virus is that anything can be sent to you via those file transfer links, so opening any of them and following with download can lead to trojan infections and even more serious issues regarding the personal privacy and security of your device.

RENTAL WANTED

$700/month includes utilities. 31-single-female looking for a room or studio to rent in The Columbia Neighborhood, Lettered Streets, Sehome, or Fairhaven. I am a bit of an early-bird (usually up before sunrise) though I am quiet and keep to myself. I am looking to move within three months. I moved from Seattle to Bellingham two years ago and I am saving up for a place of my own. I do not own a vehicle and rely on public transportation so access to the busses are essential for me. I have been working in the same career for three years. I project that I will be able to afford my own place within 5 years. I am not comfortable living with dogs at all. I AM comfortable living with any other pet (cats, reptiles, amphibians, snakes, rodents, birds, horses, etc). I do not have any pets of my own. Prospective landlords may reach me via text/call/email.  – Kaleigh Downing kaleighdowning@gmail.com 206-698-3940 Washington Street

SOUP BRIGADE

We can always use more cooks. Contact me, Fl!p at 360-671-4511 (text is good) or flip@openaccess.org.

The flow of kindness has lately including an amazing stash of batteries; beef sticks & fine shredded jerky; string cheese; (aka healthier snack food to balance all those Fruit Snacks!); warm winter clothing; bottled water; cookies; muffins; and hot meals. I’m sure I’m forgetting things!

COMMUNITY MEAL

Tomorrow noon to 2:30 at Assumption Gym on Cornwall. Meal boxes will be handed out. Please help spread the word. Folks living without shelter generally don’t have cell phones, internet, or even newspapers. You might be the only one who tells them.

MR HEATER?

Does anyone have a spare (small) Mr Heater that runs on a small propane tank?

SWIFTHAVEN PAINTING PARTY

Saturday February 27, 11 AM on, at 1555 Puget. Come help splash some bright colors on the tiny homes. Tomorrow will be the second day. They’ve posted a wonderful photo of a brilliant purple tiny home. What a transformation! Wear grubbies and a mask.

Note that inside their fence Swifters are “at home with their family” and all tested negative before they moved in. But they will wear masks for courtesy to guests if asked.

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

MOBILE OUTREACH

My next-door neighbor baked four dozen “omelet muffins” today with bacon & veggies. Some went to folks in an RV. Here’s a note from the Outreacher who took the rest this afternoon: “Lotta mileage out of those muffins. 4 people, 2 in wheelchairs on Cornwall, then to Geri. It was first, probably only food for Cornwallers, as wheelchairs at both camps, hard to get around.”

BLANKETS TO DONATE?

1. Dry & clean. 2. Wool 3. Washable. 4. Cheap. 5. Single bed or bunk bed size. Thanks!

MUSIC

RADIO FREE FL!P: WILDWOOD FLOWER

Ed Peekeekoot used to come to Puget Sound Guitar Workshop in the early years. He’s Canadian and Cree. I was delighted to reconnect with him this past year. I remember Ed back in the mid-1970s sitting in on the front porch with a guitar and banjo stacked together on his lap, playing Dueling Banjos with himself. With this HUGE mischievous grin! Here he is having fun, fun, fun with a song I also learned to pick, because we all did. But I never took it to the heights Ed does!

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

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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 2/26/21
Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
Soup Brigade
  Sign Up
  Needs: Water, Solar, TV trays
  Generosity!
  Nomadland
Music
  Banjo Women
  Radio Free Fl!p: Mary’s Garden

COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD

This is all I’ve got tonight for the neighborhood, but I’m very glad to have it.  Thanks for organizing the meeting and giving us a report on it as well!

MINUTES TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Here is a link to the minutes from the Feb 23 Zoom meeting.
~ Deb Valentine Columbia Neighborhood Association President

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BnOXcrR6aOGLTjR-pV9RMM5qBrVtQi1Ns6DdW2n87Bo/edit?usp=sharing

SOUP BRIGADE

SIGN UP

Please sign up directly with me, not on any app. I need more cooks for  dinners for 25 at 5 PM and 30 at 8 PM, starting Wednesday. I already have mostly just one cook a day through the next week, but need at least two and sometimes three. You can also sign up with a friend and split a meal for less work. I have wonderful ingredients, to-go containers, and the pot-and-pan lending library. Let’s talk! Love / Fl!p 360-671-4511 (text is also fine and so is email)

NEEDS

Water: Folks without shelter have difficulty accessing water. I just checked with the Outreachers, and many can handle a 2-liter bottle as opposed to those little plastic bottles. Anyway, if you’ve been considering donating and are not sure what, water would be great!

Solar Lanterns? Does anyone have a source on these?

TV Trays: If you see any on Craigslist etc, all the tiny homes would love them! Also those clear plastic stacking drawer sets. You can take them directly to SwiftHaven, or bring them here to the house.

I’ll let you know when it’s time to donate for the new Tiny Homes Village at the Clean Green site.

GENEROSITY!

Gifts poured in the door today: cookies, bedding & clothing, batteries, baby & Sani-wipes by the bale! Fruit Snacks. String cheese. Did I tell you a bag of bras?  A friend way down in California is sending softer meat snacks. Like jerky, only for people who haven’t been able to afford a dentist in years. Your financial support let me buy 48 ground pads, which were delivered this morning. And I got to help pay for Outreacher gas.

NOMADLAND

Just wanted to let you know about a wonderful new film, Nomadland with Frances McDormad. She is so good in this film about older people in the US who live in their vans, RVs and campers because they just can’t make it on SS. They work along the way and belong to a community for support. It’s heartbreaking at times, yes, but it’s well worth watching. It’s on Hulu (you can get a free trial for a week). ~ Patti Rathbun

Every relationship you begin, deepen or preserve, mends the world. ~ Me.

  MUSIC

BANJO WOMEN

https://variety.com/2021/music/news/our-native-daughters-smithsonian-channel-special-rhannon-giddens-1234912870/

RADIO FREE FL!P: MARY’S GARDEN

Remembering Linda Waterfall. She wrote this when we were both so very young. It takes on a new meaning now that she no longer walks among us. I’m so glad she left us this song! Alcohol isn’t something I have a use for, but all the other words are precisely on target.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9G4mUdTzIo

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

If you’re willing to share your phone  with me, personally, I would love that, and would not share it further without your express permission. Nor would I ever exploit it. You might put mine in your phone so if I were to phone you, you’d know it was me. I’d also suggest adding flip@openaccess.org to your contacts because that helps keep my emails from going to your junk mail.

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.