Information about these updates:

Email flip@breskin.com to add or remove yourself from this list. If you wish to be added, please include your name, address & phone. Opinions expressed by contributors to this update [including mine!] are not necessarily the official position of the Columbia Neighborhood Association.

 

You can now check old Updates on the CNA Website.  We're gradually 
getting up to speed and connecting all the dots.  Updates are posted
by Gina Gobo Austin, webmaster@northernneighbors.org, who designed the site. 
The paper newsletter is also posted there in full splendor 
www.NorthernNeighbors.org

 

love/Fl!p
360-671-4511
2518 Cherry Street

Bellingham WA 98225

www.flip.breskin.com


Click Below to Jump to a Specific Update:

 

03/08/10

03/05/10

03/04/10

03/02/10

02/26/10

02/25/10

02/22/10

02/17/10

02/11/10

02/09/10

02/02/10

01/27/10

01/25/10

01/19/10

01/15/10

01/14/10

01/12/10

01/11/10

01/06/10

12/31/09

12/28/09

12/22/09

12/18/09

12/16/09

12/15/09

12/08/09

12/04/09

11/30/09

11/24/09

11/13/09

11/12/09

11/09/09

11/04/09

10/29/09

10/19/09

10/12/09

10/07/09

10/03/09

10/02/09

09/30/09

09/22/09

09/19/09

09/14/09

09/10/09

09/08/09

09/02/09

09/01/09

08/30/09

08/28/09

08/26/09

08/20/09

07/24/09

07/22/09

07/21/09

07/17/09

07/16/09

07/13/09

07/07/09

07/04/09

07/02/09

06/26/09

06/24/09

06/23/09

06/17/09

06/11/09

06/10/09

06/09/09

06/05/09

06/04/09

06/01/09

05/26/09

05/21/09

05/18/09

 

March 8, 2010

(click here to go back to top)

CONTENTS

CNA Neighborhood Meeting Tomorrow

Fountain District

NW Ave Traffic Construction

Diamond Jim's

BHS Fund Raiser Dance

Undersea Neighborhoods:  A Video Tour

Procession Of The Species

School Music Cuts Comment

Parking Comment

Free Bricks

Rosetta Stone?

Help 4 Hire

Yard & Garden: Landscaping

Yard Work

Share To Care: New Listings

CNA Membership

CNA Website

CNA Facebook

 

CNA NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING TOMORROW

Tuesday, March 9  2010

7:00 p.m. -  9:00 p.m.

Immanuel Bible Church

2000 W. North Street

AGENDA:

Welcome / Announcements

 

Landlord Licensing

Anne Mackie and other concerned citizens will

provide information about a proposed ordinance

that would require licensing of rental properties.

 

Kulshan Community Land Trust

Paul Schissler will present information on local

housing affordability and KCLT projects.  KCLT is

a nonprofit organization that offers education

and direct financial assistance to households of

modest means who want to own their own homes.

 

Fountain District Urban Village Update

Mark Keller and Katie Hinton will review

information on the City’s latest proposals for

the Fountain District Urban Village plan.

 

Free Seeds

Fl!p will bring the leftovers from the seed

exchange last week.  You can take seeds home,

leave more if you want, and help figure out where

we can donate the rest.  There are both veggies & flowers.

 

FOUNTAIN DISTRICT

It sounds like there are important issues in the

Fountain District plan, including removing

parking on Elm Street which will have the effect

of speeding traffic up. Protections for the

Eldridge Historic District do not appear to be in

the plan either.  If you want a voice on this

issue, you need to speak up.  Attend tomorrow's

meeting; look at the City website; call City Planning.

 

NW AVE TRAFFIC CONSTRUCTION

Northwest Avenue

Interwest Construction, under contract with the

City of Bellingham, will resume construction of

pedestrian improvements and a new roundabout at

the Interstate on-ramp.  Work this week will

include excavation for a stormwater vault near

the northbound Exit 257 on-ramp. Minor delays are

expected and flaggers will direct traffic through

lane closures in the construction zone.  Drivers

are requested to use caution and avoid the area

if possible.  For more information about this

project, visit the city's website

http://www.cob.org/government/departments/pw/projects/Northwest-Avenue-Pedestrian-Improvements.aspx

or contact Mark Handzlik, Project Engineer at mhandzlik@cob.org or 778-7900.

[This might affect people in our 'hood.  They can

use Meridian instead while this is going on. - Meredith Murray]

 

DIAMOND JIM'S

The little diner from State & Ohio is moving to

Meridian & Broadway (the Speak EZ's site).  They

hope to open around April 15th.   Welcome to the 'hood!

 

BHS FUND RAISER DANCE

Bellingham High School Jazz Band presents "A

Night of Latin Romance" Swing Dance & Spanish

Paella Dinner on Friday, March 12 in the

Bellingham High School Commons, 2020 Cornwall

Avenue. 6pm dinner; 7:30pm free swing dance

lessons; 8-10pm dance to the music of the BHS

Jazz Band (Matt Cole, Director). Dinner/dance

tickets available ONLY in advance: Village Books,

Community Food Co-op, BHS band, or

howofhappiness@yahoo.com. $25 individual / $40

couple / $10 children 10 and under. Tickets for

dance only are available at the door: $10 adults

/ $5 students/seniors. Also: No Host Mocktail

Bar, White Elephant Silent Auction, Gift Basket

Raffle, and dessert & coffee by donation. All

proceeds go to Bellingham High School Band. This

is their biggest fundraiser of the year.

 

UNDERSEA NEIGHBORHOODS

Thursday, March 18, 7 – 9 pm

Council Chambers, Whatcom County Courthouse

311 Grand Avenue

A stone's throw from shore is a world that very

few get to see, yet it is a major part of our

neighborhood.  Join underwater videographer John

Williams for a breathtaking journey through our

water wilderness and a discussion about how art,

science, education, and recreation are involved

in protecting and preserving the health of Puget Sound.

This FREE event is sponsored by WSU Extension

Beach Watchers, Sea Grant, the Northwest Straits

Initiative, Whatcom County’s Marine Resources

Committee, Everyday Nature, RESources for

Sustainable Communities, The Sierra Club and The Whatcom Land Trust.

To find out more about this event visit: www.StillHopeProductions.com

Cheryl Lovato Niles

WSU Whatcom County Extension

Beach Watchers

Shore Stewards

1000 N. Forest Street #201

Bellingham WA 98225

360-676-6736

clniles@ wsu.edu

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to

save the world and a desire to savor the world.

This makes it hard to plan the day."  E. B. White

 

PROCESSION OF THE SPECIES

KICK OFF event for whole family

Thursday March 25 @ 6:30 pm

Bellingham Storytelling Guild presents

Inspirations of RENEWAL

FIRE, Insects & more:

an evening of myth, legend and folklore

to benefit 7th annual

Procession of the Species parade

@ the Old Foundry

100 E Maple ( Corner of Cornwall & E. Maple)

Goodies & music by Noisy Waters at Intermission

with insect fashion show... BEEE there!

$10 per person ( $15 per family)

www.bpots.org for details

 

SCHOOL MUSIC CUTS COMMENT

Dear Columbia neighbors

The Bellingham School District is facing

difficult decisions regarding funding of our

schools. The Budget Savings Plan currently being

considered in Bellingham Public Schools will

entirely cut Elementary music from the curricula.

Below are two links (the plan FQ and an on-line

listening post where you (should you wish) can

let your opinion of this cut be known. Lastly, I

included my letter to the School Board. I feel

that eliminating Elementary music would save very

few funds, but have a tremendous impact on our

children's education. If you feel similarly,

please let the School Board know your thoughts as soon as possible.

The District website has extensive FAQs available here:

http://bellinghamschools.org/budget-process-2010

An on-line listening post is available any time for your comments:

http://www.bsd501.org/go/doc/420/489459/

Dear Bellingham School Board:

As the father of a young child, and a taxpayer of

Whatcom county, I want the School Board to know

that the proposed elimination of Elementary music programs is intolerable.

The proposed savings of $75,687.00 for this cut

is a drop in the bucket (in light of the $2

million budget deficit) but it's potential impact

is huge. Are we willing to produce a generation

musically illiterate, academically disadvantaged

children for $75k? I know the School Board is

facing a very difficult situation, and that you

care about our children's future. The fact is

that the recommended music cuts will negatively

impact students' overall academic and music

achievement. The financial savings are minimal,

but the impact on students is large. Music and

PE, ESPECIALLY at the elementary level, enable

kids to recharge, move, and engage different

learning modalities, allowing them to better

focus on academics when they return to their

desks. Reduced concentration from reduced Music

and PE = a reduction in academic performance.

Many research studies have shown music

instruction enhances reading skills of phonemic

awareness (d-o-g) and phonological awareness

(syllables). Less music could impair some

students' reading and speech development.

Students participating in elementary strings

programs (Ohio) performed better on state reading

tests than students who did not participate in

strings. Less music could impair students' reading development....

Dr. David Meyer

W. Illinois St

 

PARKING COMMENT

People are complaining about the Cities ticketing

their illegally parked cars.  This has been on

the books for many years, just hasn't Been

enforced.  Here is a couple of other incidents to

think about also.  Several years ago my neighbor

was parked the wrong direction and during the

night their car was hit and severely damaged and

the  Insurance Co. refused to pay on the

insurance because it was parked the wrong

way.  Several years ago I had my daughter park up

on the Parking strip (the grass between the

street and sidewalk.  We got a ticket and I went

to court with it.  The judge said my idea was

good except there was a law on the books about

that also.  He laughed and said all I needed due

was to spread some gravel and it would be ok.

Glenn Eastwood <geastwood@peoplepc.com>

Eldridge Ave

 

FREE BRICKS

We have a pile of bricks in our back yard that we

are ready to get rid of.  They are different

thicknesses and sizes, but would be great for

garden borders or pathways.  Please feel free to

stop by and grab some or all.  We are at 2509

Henry Street.  Access from the alley between

Henry and Lynn.  Please be careful around newly planted raspberries.

Natasha Antonova

Henry Street

 

ROSETTA STONE?

We are wondering if anyone in the hood has a

Rosetta Stone for French that we could borrow?  Please e-mail if you do.

Gretchen Clay

clay488@gmail.com

 

HELP 4 HIRE

Reliable, trustworthy, Western graduate

interested in side work and odd jobs.  Available

to babysit or to work as a pt/ft nanny *American

Red Cross CPR and First Aid certified.*

Experienced landscaper and gardener *Special

interest in permaculture projects.* Spring

cleaning is just around the corner! No chore too small!

Contact: Megan Claflin @ 360-305-8488

 

YARD & GARDEN: LANDSCAPING

Spring is here! Neighborhood landscaper available

for vegetable box and garden installation, spring

clean-up, debris hauling, pruning, bark and soil

delivery. References available. Reasonable rates.

Contact: Maryliz von Krusenstiern

Henry Street

360-393-1413

hesitationblues@hotmail.com

 

YARD WORK

Experienced gardener and landscaper. Reasonable

rates, flexible hours with excellent references.

Local neighborhood woman - contact Analeise Volpe

at marian_analeisev@hotmail.com.

 

SHARE TO CARE: New Listings

Pasta maker -  Marcato hand crank   Lucy  671-4389

Girls bike with training wheels and helmet. Age 3   Sunny  676-6081

Help take care of the planet by lending and

borrowing items from one another on our road to

sustainability. If you have an item that a

Columbia neighbor can borrow, please send your

name, item(s) and phone number to Jill,

jillmw@oz.net. Questions call: 201-3093.

Check our website listings!

http://www.northernneighbors.org/sharetocare.html

 

CNA MEMBERSHIP

Joining the association is easy! Dues are $10 per

calendar year and support the paper newsletter

that goes to every single house in the

neighborhood, and other activities as well. Send

your name, address, phone, and email address with

a check for dues to: CNA, P.O. Box 921, Bellingham, WA 98227

 

CNA WEBSITE

You can check old Updates on the CNA Website.

Updates are posted by Gina Gobo, who designed the

site (thank you Gina!). CNA board member contacts

are there. The paper newsletter is also posted

there in full splendor. And now, a list of

businesses that will give discounts to members of

the Columbia Neighborhood Association is also

listed! Contact jdheritage@comcast.net to add

yours. To join the association costs only $10 per

year, and discount listings are free to members.

www.NorthernNeighbors.org

 

FACEBOOK

There's also a CNA interactive Facebook list now,

though you have to be registered with Facebook to

use it. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=67147065165.

 

March 5,2010

(click here to go back to top)

 

CONTENTS

WTA Levy

    Jack Weiss Letter

    Fl!p Letter (Editor's Corner)

The Eldridge Society Spring Potluck

Found Key

Catching Up

 

WTA LEVY

FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JACK WEISS

[Jack sends his regrets for our upcoming neighborhood meeting, and

asks me to pass this on to you.  I've edited it a bit:]

If I was at your meeting, I would mention the WTA sales tax issue on

the ballot but more importantly, let the membership understand what

will happen if the vote fails to pass.  I sit on the WTA Board.  Last

fall we almost approved a series of cutbacks and they hit our area

more than any other in the County.  At the last minute prior to

voting on the cutbacks, we chose to put it to the voters instead.

 

The cutbacks considered were to completely eliminate Line 3 and 4

that service Eldridge.  In addition, Line 10 that also services

Eldridge would have evening hours dropped and eliminate Sunday

service entirely.  Finally, the popular Green GO Line (232) would

also have Sunday service dropped. Columbia, Birchwood and Guide

Meridian/Cordata will be dramatically affected by this.

 

Remember, fewer bus riders means more traffic for all and reduced

mobility for those who depend on public transit.  It is a 2 cent tax

for every $10.00 spent.

 

EDITOR'S CORNER

I Support Public Transit

WTA has requested a modest increase in sales tax, of $0.20 per $100

in an attempt to avoid deep cuts in bus service. We will all get to

vote on it, with ballets due on on April 27.  Cuts in transit service

hurt those among us who can afford it the least.  They also force the

rest of us back into cars, making traffic worse for everybody and

raising gas consumption & global warming.   I would love your help in

passing this levy.  I think the measure of a community is how well it

cares for its most vulnerable members and its children's futures.

 

If you wish to help:  Permit your signature to be used for an ad to

show broad public support for the levy.  We're trying to collect 1000

names by March 10.  My name will be on it.  You can email your

permission to <goWTAlevy@gmail.com> along with your full name and

phone number.  You don't have to donate money to have your name used,

but if you can afford to donate, it would be very helpful.  For

further information please contact Elisabeth Britt at

goWTAlevy@gmail, or leave a message for her at 647-7661.

 

THE ELDRIDGE SOCIETY SPRING POTLUCK

Bring a dish to share, bring a friend - to our annual potluck Tuesday

March 9th 6:30 pm at 1906 Madison St. If you want more information

call 671-4027.

 

FOUND KEY: UTTER ST

A car key was found in the lawn at 2225 Utter St. Call 739-2759 and

tell me what else is on the ring to verify it is yours, and to

arrange for pickup.

Sherrie Montgomery

Utter Street

 

CATCHING UP

If you sent me a notice in the last couple weeks and haven't seen it

posted yet, it probably got lost in my computer upgrade.  If it isn't

too late, please send it again. I would appreciate it!

 

March 4, 2010

(click here to go back to top)

 

CONTENTS

CNA Neighborhood Meeting

Free Seeds

Clean Green

Non-Local Break-ins -Good Reminder

Columbia School Raffle

BHS Fund Raiser Dance

Procession Of The Species

Butterflies

Local Eggs

Babysitting

Dog Walking

Help 4 Hire

Yard & Garden: Landscaping

Yard Work

Rental Wanted: Handy

Share To Care: Toys, Tools?

CNA Membership

CNA Website

CNA Facebook

Editor's Corner

    Jason Quick

    Vaudevillingham

 

 

CNA NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Tuesday March 9, 7 PM Immanuel Bible Church

Come meet your neighbors, find out what's happening locally, and get involved!

 

BROADWAY YOUTH CLUB VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Please contact Rick Qualls <rickq2000@yahoo.com> for details.  They

could use all kinds of help, and it would be a great way to benefit

our whole community.

 

FREE SEEDS

I have LOTS of leftovers here! We've got some great seeds, both food

& flowers. Jodi Petersen just left us a bag of Tigridia. I got some

of those red-heart "watermelon" radish seeds.  Please come by and

adopt some (phone first in case I've got a guitar student), or

suggest places where they could be donated.  Oh, and if anyone has a

couple horseradish starts I could use them.  I know they overgrow,

but not where I have them behind the garage.  The garbage truck keeps

them pruned.... Thanks! ~ Fl!p 671-4511

 

CLEAN GREEN

Beginning Saturday, March 6, 2010, Bellingham and Whatcom County

citizens can bring their residential yard waste to the corner of

Lakeway and Woburn Streets on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours

of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. The fee for disposal of residential yard

waste at the transfer station is $4 per load.

http://www.cob.org/services/environment/recycling.aspx

 

NON-LOCAL BREAK-INS - GOOD REMINDER

Break ins - good reminder

My parents live out of state and were recently victims of a house

break in. TVs stolen, jewelry, truck (they found spare keys) and

cash. My parents house is well lit and they do not have an alarm. The

local police said the thieves are quite skilled these days and often

get the goods and are out before the alarm system/alert notifies the

police. The thieves know how much time they have. Just a reminder to

us all as the police reiterated that lighting is the most effective

deterrent (usually). I think this is what we in the CNA have heard

from our neighbors and local police as well. Bring on the lights!

Lesley Step

Madison Street

 

COLUMBIA SCHOOL RAFFLE

Win a brand new Necky Rip Kayak and support Columbia Elementary

School enrichment programs provided to students by the school parent

association. Tickets are $5 per ticket. Drawing & auction to be held

March 12, 2010. Need not be present to win. Contact one of the

following people to get your tickets: Erin McEachern, CPA President

at 650-0995 or emceachern@gmail.com, Molly Klein, Columbia Parent at

224-9372 or rayklein@clearwire.net Cara Buckingham, Columbia Parent

at 650-1773 or roycencara@aol.com.

 

BHS FUND RAISER DANCE

Bellingham High School Jazz Band presents "A Night of Latin Romance"

Swing Dance & Spanish Paella Dinner on Friday, March 12 in the

Bellingham High School Commons, 2020 Cornwall Avenue. 6pm dinner;

7:30pm free swing dance lessons; 8-10pm dance to the music of the BHS

Jazz Band (Matt Cole, Director). Dinner/dance tickets available ONLY

in advance: Village Books, Community Food Co-op, BHS band, or

howofhappiness@yahoo.com. $25 individual / $40 couple / $10 children

10 and under. Tickets for dance only are available at the door: $10

adults / $5 students/seniors. Also: No Host Mocktail Bar, White

Elephant Silent Auction, Gift Basket Raffle, and dessert & coffee by

donation. All proceeds go to Bellingham High School Band. This is

their biggest fundraiser of the year.

 

PROCESSION OF THE SPECIES

The 7th annual Procession of the Species parade event will take place

Saturday May 1, 2010 @ 4:00pm. Line up at 3:30 in back of the library

- same route through downtown (20 Volunteers are needed to help the

Parade Marshall direct parade

on Parade DAY).  Check out our website for info www.bpots.org

Join our Facebook group: Bellingham Procession of the Species

 

BUTTERFLIES

There's an interesting organization that is selling and giving away

monarch butterfly habitat to supplement the population after the cold

streak in the south killed so many. Get free seeds here:

http://www.livemonarch.com/free-milkweed-seeds.htm

Cheers,

David Engebretson

Walnut St.

 

LOCAL EGGS

My hens have started laying again so I'm getting 3-4 dozen eggs a

week. I'm putting the red cooler out as usual. The eggs are still $4

a dozen, a steal for super local, fresh, organic, happy eggs. I'm

also in need of cartons so if anyone has extra cardboard dozen egg

cartons they want to get rid of, I'd be happy to take them off your

hands. You can leave them in the red cooler if it's out, or on the

back porch by the alley.  I'm at 2100 Washington St., on the corner

of Washington and Lynn, for those of you who are new to the

newsletter, and the egg porch is on Washington at the door closest to

the alley.

Thanks!

Suzanne Scala

 

BABYSITTING

My 16yr old High School student is seeking babysitting jobs.  She has

lots of experience plus two little brothers.  References avail and

lives in the Columbia Neighborhood. Jobs are screened through the

parents for safety. Please call Katrina at 920-6381

 

DOG WALKING

Hi, I'm an 11-year-old fifth grader who lives in the Columbia

neighborhood, and I absolutely love dogs! I'm a bright, responsible,

caring kid who would love to walk your dog of any size or age. I feel

that dogs are just as important as humans, so I will take

extra-special care of yours. My rates are $3 for a half hour, and $5

for an hour. I can walk dogs all weekdays and most weekends. I am

available Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays beginning at

3:15, Tuesdays beginning at 4:15, and weekends by arrangement. Please

contact my owners (parents) at jenmcquaide@comcast.net or call

(360)-319-5323. Looking forward to meeting your pooch!

 

HELP 4 HIRE

Reliable, trustworthy, Western graduate interested in side work and

odd jobs.  Available to babysit or to work as a pt/ft nanny *American

Red Cross CPR and First Aid certified.* Experienced landscaper and

gardener *Special interest in permaculture projects.* Spring cleaning

is just around the corner! No chore too small!

Contact: Megan Claflin @ 360-305-8488

 

YARD & GARDEN: LANDSCAPING

Spring is here! Neighborhood landscaper available for vegetable box

and garden installation, spring clean-up, debris hauling, pruning,

bark and soil delivery. References available. Reasonable rates.

Contact: Maryliz von Krusenstiern

Henry Street

360-393-1413

hesitationblues@hotmail.com

 

YARD WORK

Experienced gardener and landscaper. Reasonable rates, flexible hours

with excellent references. Local neighborhood woman - contact

Analeise Volpe at marian_analeisev@hotmail.com.

 

RENTAL WANTED: HANDY

My husband and I are looking for a small place to rent on a

month-to-month basis beginning in June of this year.  We currently

live on J street and walk through the Columbia neighborhood all the

time in the evenings and LOVE it. We would love the opportunity to

get to live there in a little mother-in-law or guest house and get to

be a part of your neighborhood. We're a young married couple (ages 25

and 26), both with steady full-time jobs who live a quiet, pretty

simple life. We love gardening and nature, and Isaac's a good handyman.

Becky (and Isaac) Hurst

360-820-3966

bekah.hurst@gmail.com

 

SHARE TO CARE: TOYS, TOOLS?

Nothing new has come in during the last week. What do YOU have that

you might be willing to loan? Toys would be welcome. Lend them for a

week or two and watch your child welcome them home with fresh

enthusiasm!  Help take care of the planet by lending and borrowing

items from one another on our road to sustainability. If you have an

item that a Columbia neighbor can borrow, please send your name,

item(s) and phone number to Jill, jillmw@oz.net. Questions call: 201-3093.

Check our website listings!

http://www.northernneighbors.org/sharetocare.html

 

CNA MEMBERSHIP

Joining the association is easy! Dues are $10 per calendar year and

support the paper newsletter that goes to every single house in the

neighborhood, and other activities as well. Send your name, address,

phone, and email address with a check for dues to: CNA, P.O. Box 921,

Bellingham, WA 98227

 

CNA WEBSITE

You can check old Updates on the CNA Website. Updates are posted by

Gina Gobo, who designed the site (thank you Gina!). CNA board member

contacts are there. The paper newsletter is also posted there in full

splendor. And now, a list of businesses that will give discounts to

members of the Columbia Neighborhood Association is also listed!

Contact jdheritage@comcast.net to add yours. To join the association

costs only $10 per year, and discount listings are free to members.

www.NorthernNeighbors.org

 

FACEBOOK

There's also a CNA interactive Facebook list now, though you have to

be registered with Facebook to use it.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=67147065165.

 

EDITOR'S CORNER

    JASON QUICK

Jason will be performing at Bloom Restaurant, downtown on Cornwall,

Saturday, March 13 at noon.  This is a delightful, casual vaudeville

show by Bellingham's beloved one-armed juggler (who "sunlights" as a

school teacher and counselor).  He brings in his newest material to

try out.  It's really sweet, and appropriate for all ages.

 

   VAUDEVILLINGHAM

Always the 15th of every month.  Two shows, 8 & 10 PM.You just never

know what you are going to get at this bona fide, uncensored variety

show fundraiser by and for the Bellingham Circus Guild! Circus Guild

members and other performers may or may not wow you with their new or

newly altered or not so new material. Basically, Vaudevillingham is a

hoot. The only rule is that no performer can do the same act more

than once, ever, at any Vaudevillingham show. Zeke & I went and had a blast!

http://www.bellinghamcircusguild.com/vaudevillingham.php

 

March 2, 2010

(click here to go back to top)

 

CONTENTS

Computer Purgatory

CNA Neighborhood Meeting

Seed Exchange

BHS Fund Raiser Dance

Kitty Returns

Yard & Garden Landscaping

Share To Care: Toys?

CNA Membership

CNA Website

CNA Facebook

 

COMPUTER PURGATORY

If you sent me posts for this week's updates, I'm very sorry, but

they are floating somewhere I can't get at as I try to update my

computer.  If you still want something sent, please send it

again.  I've done what I could with what scraps I can gather.  I

expect I'll post whatever people send or re-send later this week.

 

CNA NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Tuesday March 9, 7 PM Immanuel Bible Church

Come meet your neighbors, find out what's happening locally, and get involved!

 

SEED EXCHANGE

I have LOTS of leftovers here!  We've got some great seeds and a few

starts as well.  Please come by and adopt some (phone first in case

I've got a guitar student), or suggest places where they could be

donated.  Thanks! ~ Fl!p 671-4511

 

BHS FUND RAISER DANCE

Bellingham High School Jazz Band presents "A Night of Latin Romance"

Swing Dance & Spanish Paella Dinner on Friday, March 12 in the

Bellingham High School Commons, 2020 Cornwall Avenue. 6pm dinner;

7:30pm free swing dance lessons; 8-10pm dance to the music of the BHS

Jazz Band (Matt Cole, Director).  Dinner/dance tickets available ONLY

in advance: Village Books, Community Food Co-op, BHS band, or

howofhappiness@yahoo.com. $25 individual / $40 couple / $10 children

10 and under.

Tickets for dance only are available at the door: $10 adults / $5

students/seniors.  Also: No Host Mocktail Bar, White Elephant Silent

Auction, Gift Basket Raffle, and dessert & coffee by donation.  All

proceeds go to Bellingham High School Band. This is their biggest

fundraiser of the year.

 

KITTY RETURNS

Jefferson Street kitty was hiding in a wall behind the

sheetrock.  Aren't kitties clever?

 

YARD & GARDEN: LANDSCAPING

Spring is here! Neighborhood landscaper available for vegetable box

and garden installation, spring clean-up, debris hauling, pruning,

bark and soil delivery. References available. Reasonable rates.

Contact: Maryliz von Krusenstiern

Henry Street

360-393-1413

hesitationblues@hotmail.com

 

SHARE TO CARE: TOYS?

Nothing new has come in during the last week.  What do YOU have that

you might be willing to loan?  Toys would be welcome.  Lend them for

a week or two and watch your child welcome them home with fresh enthusiasm!

Help take care of the planet by lending and borrowing items from one

another on our road to sustainability.  If you have an item that a

Columbia neighbor can borrow, please send your name, item(s) and

phone number to Jill, jillmw@oz.net.  Questions call: 201-3093.

Check our website listings!

http://www.northernneighbors.org/sharetocare.html

 

CNA MEMBERSHIP

Joining the association is easy!  Dues are $10 per calendar year and

support the paper newsletter that goes to every single house in the

neighborhood, and other activities as well. Send your name, address,

phone, and email address with a check for dues to: CNA, P.O. Box 921,

Bellingham, WA 98227

 

CNA WEBSITE

You can check old Updates on the CNA Website.  Updates are posted by

Gina Gobo, who designed the site (thank you Gina!).  CNA board member

contacts are there. The paper newsletter is also posted there in full

splendor.  And now, a list of businesses that will give discounts to

members of the Columbia Neighborhood Association is also

listed!  Contact jdheritage@comcast.net to add yours.  To join the

association costs only $10 per year, and discount listings are free to members.

www.NorthernNeighbors.org

 

FACEBOOK

There's also a CNA interactive Facebook list now, though you have to

be registered with Facebook to use it.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=67147065165.

 

 

February 26, 2010

(click here to back to top)

 

Our newly adopted cat is missing.  The door was only open

long enough to take a package from Fed Ex, and I didn't see her run

out, but we can't find her anywhere in the house, so she must have

got out.  She is black, about 10 lbs, 2 1/2 years old, fixed.  Her

tag hasn't arrived in the mail yet, but she is wearing a purple

collar with reflective little pawprints on it.  Her old name was

Vienna; we call her Etosha, but I doubt she'll come when you call

her.  She loves to be petted but is very shy and skittish, so I doubt

you can catch her, but I'd appreciate knowing if anyone sees

her.  She lives at the dead end of Jefferson St. (West end), but I

don't think she knows that!  Thanks for keeping an eye out!

Reisa and Kevin Latorra

2615 Jefferson

360-220-3592

 

February 25, 2010

(click here to go back to top)

 

CONTENTS

Found Duck

Tonight: Special Roeder Home Event

    What DID They Use For Paint?

Seed Exchange

Tradition Of Cedar

Walk When The Moon Is Full

Rain Barrel Workshop

CNA Neighborhood Meeting

Fountain District Report

Columbia School Raffle

Loud Noises?

Call for Art

Need Ducks?

Seeking Rental

 

FOUND DUCK

2/24 Tonight there's a duck (of all things!) hanging out in our front

yard. Definitely looks like someone's pet. It's black with a white

throat, tame and friendly. We live at 3024 Elm St. I've also posted a

lost & found ad on craigslist.

Thanks,

Becca Steinkamp

 

SPECIAL ROEDER HOME EVENT:

What DID They Use For Paint?

TONIGHT: Thursday, Feb 25  Roeder Home 7:30 $8-$12 suggested donation

Click http://friendsoftheroederhome.org/ to see beautiful artwork

done in these indigenous pigments!  It's worth a look.  I'm REALLY

excited about tonight's presentation, and hope you can help me spread

the word.  I'm not as well connected with local visual artists and

history buffs as I am with lovers of folk music.

 

One of the top experts in North America will teach us about

Pre-Contact Native Pigments. Since the Roeder Home was built on

Native land; it is a pleasure to invite Native artists to share this

old Home fully, and to share their art and heritage with the larger

community at the same time. Please come help welcome them home!

 

So, what DID they use for paint? Look at those old totem poles and

masks, their paint patinaed by age and wear, their once-rich colors

almost erased by time: just what did Pacific NW Natives use to make

that paint which has, in some cases, endured more than 400 years of

embellishing Native objects?

 

Artist, educator and researcher Melonie Ancheta of Copper Woman

Studio will share some of what she's learned in the past 13 years of

researching pre-contact paint technology among the NW Coast Natives.

Melonie will be introduced by carver Scott Jensen.

www.stoningtongallery.com/artistselect.php?fn=Scott&ln=Jensen&artist=15&artType=0&topic=bio

 

 

She'll display and discuss samples of the pigments used and will

address the importance of researching and preserving this

information. You'll be able to see some of the methods and materials

such as handmade paint brushes and stone and mortar grinding used in

the manufacture of paints. Oh, and of course, you'll learn what human

spit has to do with paint.

www.stoningtongallery.com/artistselect.php?fn=Melonie&ln=Ancheta&artist=61&artType=0&topic=

 

 

Co-sponsored by the Friends Of The Roeder Home and the Whatcom Family

& Community Network.

Info: Flip@Breskin.com 671-4511

 

SEED EXCHANGE

After talking with some other local gardeners, I've agreed to host a

seed exchange this coming Friday evening at our house.  We'll start

early, around 6 PM and finish up by 7:30.  If you've got seeds to

share, bring 'em.  If you need a few, you can just show up.  You

might bring some baggies or envelopes to package seeds.  I've got

pens for labeling. (Also poppy seeds).  Maryliz may bring a few herb

starts too.  I'll make a tray of cookies and if anyone else wants to

bring some non-messy fingerfoods that would be lovely.  I have plenty

of tea.  It's an informal chance to meet your neighbors!  (It would

help if you'd RSVP if you're coming.)

Fl!p Breskin

2518 Cherry Street

671-4511

 

***TRADITION OF CEDAR***

Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 7 pm

Rotunda Room, Whatcom Museum (Old City Hall)

Tickets $25, Tickets Available at Village Books, Community Food Coop,

Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association

 

Tradition of Cedar is a benefit event to raise funds for "It's Mine,"

a new Coast Salish Story Pole Sculpture to be carved by local Lummi

carver Felix Solomon and to be installed below the old museum in

Maritime Heritage Park. Come enjoy an evening of Coast Salish art

with Barbara Brotherton, Seattle Art Museum's Curator of Native

American Art, who will speak at the Rotunda Room, in the Whatcom

Museum (Old City Hall) located at 121 Prospect St. Bellingham on

February 27, 2010 at 7pm.

 

The "It's Mine" Coast Salish Story Pole will be 10-foot horizontal

story pole depicting two Native fishermen in a shovelnose canoe

trying to gaff a salmon that is being pursued by a giant sea serpent.

The two fishermen represent all the Natives suffering the loss of our

salmon populations. The serpent is a metaphor for all the factors

that have decimated the salmon runs and so deeply affected indigenous

people's ability to carry on their ancient tradition of fishing.

 

The story pole is being donated to the City of Bellingham and

installed in the raised bed at the bottom of the museum steps in

Maritime Heritage Park. "It's Mine" Coast Salish Story Pole project

is a collaboration with Nooksack Salmon Enhancement and the City of

Bellingham to help educate community members and visitors to the

Whatcom Creek Salmon Art Trail about the indigenous people of our

region and the relationship between humans and our environment,

particularly keystone species such as salmon.

For more info: scherrers@fidalgo.net or 715-2993

 

WALK WHEN THE MOON IS FULL

Moon of the Bears

Saturday, February 27th

5pm – 7pm

Lake Whatcom Area

(more information upon registration)

Join Rachel and Holly on a lakeside trail for a sunset amble during

the Moon of the Bears. By donation.  For adults and children

accompanied by adults.  Ages 5 and up.  This program filled quickly,

but we've had a few cancellations so there may be still some room in

our program this Saturday. We'd love to see you there!

 

To register, please email wildwhatcomwalks@gmail.com or call Rachel @ 392-8992

Please include names, ages if under 18, and phone numbers

 

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP

Tuesday, March 2nd

6:00pm-8:00pm

RE Sources' Sustainable Living Center,

2309 Meridian Street, Bellingham

$25.00 - includes all parts for rain barrel

 

Come learn about rain water collection and storage and walk away with

your own ready-to-install rainwater storage device! Anitra Accetturo,

Water Resources Specialist for the City of Bellingham, brings her

expertise and passion for helping you develop onsite storage of the

most precious substances on the planet - water!

For more information or to register (360) 733-8307

www.re-sources.org

 

CNA NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Tuesday March 9, 7 PM Immanuel Bible Church

Come meet your neighbors, find out what's happening locally, and get involved!

 

FOUNTAIN DISTRICT REPORT

The presentation, posters and public comments from last Thursday's

meeting are now available on-line:

http://www.cob.org/services/neighborhoods/community-planning/urban-villages-planning/fountain-district-uv/2010-02-18-materials.aspx

 

 

COLUMBIA SCHOOL RAFFLE

Win a brand new Necky Rip Kayak and support Columbia Elementary

School enrichment programs provided to students by the school parent

association. Tickets are $5 per ticket or 3 tickets for $10. Drawing

& auction to be held March 12, 2010. Need not be present to

win.  Contact one of the following people to get your tickets: Erin

McEachern, CPA President at 650-0995 or emceachern@gmail.com, Molly

Klein, Columbia Parent at 224-9372 or  rayklein@clearwire.net  Cara

Buckingham, Columbia Parent at 650-1773 or roycencara@aol.com.

 

LOUD NOISES?

2/23 Last evening around 10:30 pm, we were awakened by two very loud

blasts, possibly from the Squalicum Way area.  It sounded too loud to

be gun shots.

Hope all is well in the area.

Lynn Street, the Woods

 

CALL FOR ART

City Hall rotating art installation

The Bellingham Arts Commission is seeking submittals for small

sculptures to display in the lobby of Bellingham City Hall. Local

artists are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to

display their work in this highly visible location. The deadline for

submittals is 5 p.m. Friday, March 26.  This installation will

provide multiple opportunities to display a variety of local artwork

in a highly visible public venue. Entrants are limited only by their

imaginations and the size of the display cases: Sculptures are

displayed indoors inside 22-inch cubes. Entry is open to all artists,

and all artwork must be original.  Artists will be selected to show

their work during an eight-week time period between April 30, 2010

and April 1, 2011. City staff will provide a small label identifying

the artist's name, title of artwork, medium and artist contact

information if the artist desires.  For more details, visit the

Bellingham Arts Commission page of the City website at

http://www.cob.org/government/public/boards-commissions/arts/index.aspx.

 

NEED DUCKS?

We have three lovely Roen ducks --less than a year old and good

layers.  We also have chickens and we are a bit overwhelmed!  We'd

like to find a good home for the ducks -- one drake and two

females.  They are very social -- and funny!  You'll need a pond and

an enclosed shelter (raccoons and skunks like ducks).These are not

for eating -- we're looking for a good home.

Linda Allen

734-7979

Utter Street

 

SEEKING RENTAL

Local Columbia family of 5 still seeking a rental or LEASE TO OWN to

remain in the neighborhood.  If you know of a rental coming open,

please call me or my husband Chad at either 920-6381 or

920-6389.  Our son attends Columbia and would love him to remain in

our wonderful school.

Much thanks.

Katrina Schmitt

katndog1@msn.com

 

February 22, 2010

(click here to go back to top)

 

CONTENTS

Lost Kitten

Domestic Violence Meeting Tonight

Google Fiber Survey

Roeder Home: Native Pigments

Chickinsest

Seed Exchange

Walk When The Moon Is Full

Rain Barrel Workshop

Columbia School Raffle

Toy Library?

Traffic Noise

Jim Hansen

New Skills For Women

Greenhouse Windows

Old Fence + Installers?

Clean Green

Yard & Garden: Landscaping

Yard Work

House Sitter?

Share To Care

CNA Membership

CNA Website

CNA Facebook

 

LOST KITTEN

  2/21/10 - Ollie has wandered off from Victor St. He's 7 months old,

white with tabby patches.  If seen, please call 734-3865. Thank you.

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MEETING TONIGHT

Community Meeting to respond to the domestic violence homicides in

Bellingham and Whatcom County.

Monday, February 22nd, 6:30 pm

Bellingham High School Commons

This is a forum for the community to discuss this issue and find ways

to take action to end abuse. There will be representatives from the

Bellingham Police, Whatcom County Sheriff, probation, perpetrator

treatment programs, and victim service agencies present to answer

questions and listen to community concerns.

 

GOOGLE FIBER SURVEY

City of Bellingham officials are evaluating Google's Fiber For

Communities initiative, and are asking for quick-turnaround feedback

from community members about whether or not Google's initiative

should be pursued.

 

A survey posted on the City's website through Feb. 24 asks community

members if the City should pursue this project, and why.  Google

recently announced plans to test ultra-high speed broadband networks

in one or more trial locations across the country. Google officials

have asked interested municipalities to provide information to help

them decide where to build their network.

cob.org

 

SPECIAL EVENT:  NATIVE PIGMENTS

Thursday, Feb 25  Roeder Home 7:30 $8-$12 suggested donation

The Roeder Home was built on Native land, and it is a pleasure invite

Native artists to share this old Home fully, and to share their art

and heritage with the larger community at the same time.  Please come

help welcome them home!

 

So, what DID they use for paint?  Look at those old totem poles and

masks, their paint patinaed by age and wear, their once-rich colors

almost erased by time: just what did Pacific NW Natives use to make

that paint which has, in some cases, endured more than 400 years of

embellishing Native objects.

 

Artist, educator and researcher, and recipient of a 2009 Bellingham

Mayor's Arts Award, Melonie Ancheta of Copper Woman Studio will share

some of what she's learned in the past 13 years of researching

pre-contact paint technology among the NW Coast Natives. She'll

display and discuss samples of the pigments used and will address the

importance of researching and preserving this information. You'll be

able to see some of the methods and materials such as handmade paint

brushes and stone and mortar grinding used in the manufacture of

paints. Oh, and of course, you'll learn what human spit has to do with paint.

http://www.stoningtongallery.com/artistselect.php?fn=Melonie&ln=Ancheta&artist=61&artType=0&topic=

Co-sponsored by the Friends Of The Roeder Home and the Whatcom Family

& Community Network.

 

CHICKINSEST

"Chickinsest: The Problem with Poultry Today"

a presentation by  Vincent Nattress

Tuesday, February 23rd, 6:00pm

RE Sources' Sustainable Living Center,

2309 Meridian Street, Bellingham

Free

 

Meet Whidbey Island chef and insightful food blogger, Vincent

Nattress, as he  explores how a more extensive pool of genetic

material in our poultry products can help stabilize our food system,

much like the seed preservation we practice to protect our

agricultural heritage. Between the vegetarian and vegan movements,

the bad rap of commercial poultry growers these days and soaring

prices for healthy food, Nattress holds a torch for the home-grown,

free-range, affordable, organically-fed and genetically-diverse bird.

 

Laura Ridenour from Sustainable Connections' Food and Farming program

will also be present to introduce the efforts and successes they have

achieved to preserve local farms.

 

SEED EXCHANGE

After talking with some other local gardeners, I've agreed to host a

seed exchange this coming Friday evening at our house.  We'll start

early, around 6 PM and finish up by 7:30.  If you've got seeds to

share, bring 'em.  If you need a few, you can just show up.  You

might bring some baggies or envelopes to package seeds.  I've got

pens for labeling. (Also poppy seeds).  Maryliz may bring a few herb

starts too.  I'll make a tray of cookies and if anyone else wants to

bring some non-messy fingerfoods that would be lovely.  I have plenty

of tea.  It's an informal chance to meet your neighbors!

Fl!p Breskin

2518 Cherry Street

671-4511

 

WALK WHEN THE MOON IS FULL

Moon of the Bears

Saturday, February 27th

5pm – 7pm

Lake Whatcom Area

(more information upon registration)

Join Rachel and Holly on a lakeside trail for a sunset amble during

the Moon of the Bears.

By donation.  For adults and children accompanied by adults.  Ages 5 and up.

To register, please email wildwhatcomwalks@gmail.com or call Rachel @ 392-8992

Please include names, ages if under 18, and phone numbers

 

RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP

Tuesday, March 2nd

6:00pm-8:00pm

RE Sources' Sustainable Living Center,

2309 Meridian Street, Bellingham

$25.00 - includes all parts for rain barrel

 

Come learn about rain water collection and storage and walk away with

your own ready-to-install rainwater storage device! Anitra Accetturo,

Water Resources Specialist for the City of Bellingham, brings her

expertise and passion for helping you develop onsite storage of the

most precious substances on the planet - water!

For more information or to register (360) 733-8307

www.re-sources.org

 

COLUMBIA SCHOOL RAFFLE

Win a brand new Necky Rip Kayak and support Columbia Elementary

School enrichment programs provided to students by the school parent

association. Tickets are $5 per ticket or 3 tickets for $10. Drawing

& auction to be held March 12, 2010. Need not be present to

win.  Contact one of the following people to get your tickets: Erin

McEachern, CPA President at 650-0995 or emceachern@gmail.com, Molly

Klein, Columbia Parent at 224-9372 or  rayklein@clearwire.net  Cara

Buckingham, Columbia Parent at 650-1773 or roycencara@aol.com.

Special thanks to Johnson Outdoors for donating this beautiful kayak!

 

TOY LIBRARY?

I have been wanting to start up a toy library for many

years.  Ideally, it would be a place for people with young children

to share toys, wagons, backpacks, kids skis, boots, puzzles, games,

push toys, ride on toys, roller skates, legos, blocks of various

size, etc... housed under one roof.  Finding housing for the contents

of the toy library has  been the main issue in pursuing this idea. It

has finally occurred to me that the Columbia Folks are doing this

already with the Care to Share program that has started up.

 

Do you have any ideas or suggestions as to how we might start up our

own Columbia Neighborhood Toy Library? Kids are always outgrowing

their toys.  Needing new ones to replace the old ones.  Many of us

struggle with storage space in our small old homes as well as

purchasing way too many items that may not be needed. So many of us

have tons of toys.  Toys that our kids get tired of and need a break

from.  Then have the ability to play with that toy once again.  A new

interest in it.  I guess we would all offer up the toys,games,

equipment we want to share and have folks contact that

individual.  They could set up the length of time the item is to be borrowed.

Rachel Levinson <rachel_levinson@hotmail.com>

Williams Street

 

[Seems to me it could be handled just like Share To Care, or even

through the same listing. What do you think, folks?  ~F]

 

TRAFFIC NOISE

Harriet and I live at the junction of Holly and Broadway. Often in

the middle of the night, motorists of cycles and autos gun their

engines and the roar off into the night. I have a hearing disability

and yet I can hear it without my hearing aids. The sounds I can heard

anyway. Is there anything be done to modify this? e.g. signs posted

QUIET ZONE. The the members of B-hamPD be in the area to enforce the

ordinance. Come to think of it: Is there one?

Louis Fine

 

JIM HANSEN

Our neighbor Jim from Keesling Street has been chosen as an

Environmental Hero by RE Sources for his work to help preserve and

restore the waterways and wild salmon species of Whatcom County

through the Lummi Nation's Natural Resources Department and his

participation with the Nooksack Recovery Team.  Mazel Tov, Jim!

 

NEW SKILLS FOR WOMEN?

Robin Bailey and Kate Nichols produce a community radio show "Women's

Voices" on KMRE 102.3 FM.  They need a volunteer sound engineer who

is willing to come in on an occasional Saturday for an hour or two

and help with recording interviews of dynamic women from the

community.  Training provided.  Please call Kate if you are

interested at 671-1086.

 

GREENHOUSE WINDOWS

Last summer I replaced some old windows at our house. If someone

would like them to build a mini green house they are certainly

welcome to come have a look at them. if they like what they see and

can use them they are free.

Giff Thompson 360-671-1924.

 

OLD FENCE + FENCE INSTALLERS?

We are replacing a fence and would love to find someone who could use

the old fence sections.  They are about 8 feet long and 6 feet tall,

and the fence boards are 1 x 4s of cedar.  There are quite a lot of

them.  Any interest?  Contact Miriam  at pieface@familyhealth.org

PS – any feedback about local fence companies?

Miriam Schwartz

 

CLEAN GREEN

Beginning Saturday, March 6, 2010, Bellingham and Whatcom County

citizens can bring their residential yard waste to the corner of

Lakeway and Woburn Streets on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours

of 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. The fee for disposal of residential yard

waste at the transfer station is $4 per load.

 

Acceptable yard waste includes:

Grass clippings, leaves and garden trimmings

Shrub and hedge trimmings

Limbs less than 7 feet long and 8 inches in diameter

 

We will not accept:

Contractor or commercial loads

Rocks, garbage, roots or root balls

Lumber, construction or land clearing debris

Hazardous materials

Sod

 

Safety tips when accessing the Clean Green facility:

Enter the site from Woburn Street just north of Lakeway Drive

Be careful while driving and backing-up on site

Watch out for others

Passengers and pets must remain in the vehicle

Please keep your loads free of nails and other unacceptable materials

Be aware of traffic conditions at the intersection of Lakeway Drive

and Woburn Street

 

Materials accepted at the site are processed and converted to

compost. The facility will be open every weekend until November 27,

2010. All Whatcom County residents are welcome. This is a widely used

public program so please be efficient, courteous and careful when

using the facility. For more information, visit the City's web site

at http://www.cob.org/services/environment/recycling.aspx call the

Bellingham Public Works Department at 778-7700.

 

YARD & GARDEN: LANDSCAPING

Hardworking neighborhood landscaper available for Winter clean-up,

debris hauling, pruning, soil and bark delivery.  Get a head start

for Spring: vegetable box installation, sod removal, garden

installation. References available. Reasonable rates.

Contact: Maryliz von Krusenstiern

Henry Street

360-393-1413

hesitationblues@hotmail.com

 

YARD WORK

Experienced gardener and landscaper.  Reasonable rates, flexible

hours with excellent references.  Local neighborhood woman - contact

Analeise Volpe at marian_analeisev@hotmail.com.

 

HOUSE SITTER?

House-sitter wanted for the last week in March.  If you know someone

who might like to housesit, call Fl!p for a referral.  Thanks! 671-4511

 

SHARE TO CARE: NEW ADDITIONS

Victorio food strainer (for large batches of apple/tomato sauce)

Brooke 676-7460

Help take care of the planet by lending and borrowing items from one

another on our road to sustainability.  If you have an item that a

Columbia neighbor can borrow, please send your name, item(s) and

phone number to Jill, jillmw@oz.net.  Questions call: 201-3093.

Check our website listings!

http://www.northernneighbors.org/sharetocare.html

 

CNA MEMBERSHIP

Joining the association is easy!  Dues are $10 per calendar year and

support the paper newsletter that goes to every single house in the

neighborhood, and other activities as well. Send your name, address,

phone, and email address with a check for dues to: CNA, P.O. Box 921,

Bellingham, WA 98227

 

CNA WEBSITE

You can check old Updates on the CNA Website.  Updates are posted by

Gina Gobo, who designed the site (thank you Gina!).  CNA board member

contacts are there. The paper newsletter is also posted there in full

splendor.  And now, a list of businesses that will give discounts to

members of the Columbia Neighborhood Association is also

listed!  Contact jdheritage@comcast.net to add yours.  To join the

association costs only $10 per year, and discount listings are free to members.

www.NorthernNeighbors.org

 

FACEBOOK

There's also a CNA interactive Facebook list now, though you have to

be registered with Facebook to use

it.  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=67147065165.

 

February 17, 2010

(click here to go back to top)

 

CONTENTS

Newsletter News

Fountain District Public Meeting

Neighborhood Parking Tickets

Columbia School Raffle

Walk When the Moon is Full

Roeder Home Special Events

    Native Pigments

    History Of The Roeder Home

    Music Circle Tomorrow

BHS Band Fund Raiser

Early Notice: CNA Summer Picnic

Knife Sharpening Recommendation

Yard & Garden: Landscaping

Yard Work

House Sitter?

Three Or More Bedroom Rental?

Long Term Rental Wanted

Share To Care

CNA Membership

CNA Website

CNA Facebook

Editor's Corner

    Hulett Packard HP 56 Black Cartridge

    Got Seeds?

    Fl!p & Zeke at the Willows

 

NEWSLETTER NEWS

Neighborhood Association Newsletters have been delivered!  Please

contact Dan Dunne danielhdunne@gmail.com if you did not receive

a copy, and/or if you would like to help deliver the newsletters next quarter.

Thanks,

-Dan Dunne

Utter Street

 

FOUNTAIN DISTRICT PUBLIC MEETING

A  Public Meeting will be held at the Fountain Community Church, 2100

Broadway (corner of Halleck & Broadway) on  Thursday, February 18th,

6:00 -8:00 PM  to review proposed Draft Concepts & Regulations for

the Fountain District Urban Village master plan.  Fountain District

area residents, commercial business and property owners are

encouraged to attend the February 18th meeting at which time staff

will share the Draft Master Plan Concepts and proposed

regulations.  The meeting will involve staff presentation of

information and a poster break out session to solicit public

feedback. If you cannot attend, you can contact Katie Franks to

submit your feedback.  Your ongoing investment in the community is appreciated.

For more information contact:

Katie Franks, Project Manager

Planning & Community Development Department

(360) 778-8388 EMAIL: kfranks@cob.org

or visit the project website at www.cob.org and type "Fountain

District Urban Village" in the search bar.

 

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKING TICKETS

We've received tickets on Utter Street also for parking too long.  It

really irritated me since I ride my bike to and from work so I don't

use my car for extended periods of time.  We inquired about it and

were also told that it was because a complaint was filed.  It makes

it a bit hard to be "part of the solution" if the BPD expects you to

drive your car every day just to avoid a ticket.

Donna Janigo

Utter Street

 

We talked to the ticketing officer over Christmas, and she said that

the police dept were starting to ticket all cars facing the wrong

way.  This will be taking place all over Bellingham. - Jane Vawter

 

Parking in the wrong direction is illegal and it's unfortunate the

residents who have been doing so for a long period of time weren't

aware of this.  In a city with many one way streets I find it

confusing sometimes to look down a street and see cars parked in the

wrong direction, it makes me think it is a one way street.  Maybe the

city should have issued warnings to home owners who have done this to

re-educate them on parking violations.  Something else residents

should be aware of is that it is illegal to block sidewalks even if

your driveway crosses it.  Often walking my dog I am forced to walk

into the street when residents block sidewalks by parking on them as

they park several cars in one driveway.  I think of the senior

citizens walking along Eldridge and how difficult this must be for

many, some sight impaired who are forced to walk on uneven surfaces

to get around the cars blocking the sidewalks.

Christine Kendall

Eldridge Ave

 

 From City Council Member Jack Weiss:

Jack wrote to the police, "Can we prioritize enforcement (such as

Seattle did for pot possession) so that dead end and low volume

streets do not suck up police resources unnecessarily?"  and then

Jack forwarded to me the following from the Police Department.

 

 From Senior Traffic Office Leake:

In regards to amending the parking ordinance governing parking in the

wrong direction I outlined several points that came to mind.

 

1 – The applicable statute for parking in the wrong direction is BMC

11.33.070 (A) which references RCW 46.61.575 (1). The statutes are

identical except for the addition of paragraph E in the BMC statute

although the fine for violating the city ordinance is $20.00 where

violating the state statute incurs a $124.00 fine. A city may enact

additional parking ordinances that do not contradict state law but a

city, or any political subdivision of the state for that matter,

cannot legalize behavior that the state deems unlawful.

 

2 – Parking in the wrong direction causes a host of hazards. One

issue is that it requires the driver to broach the right of way in

two directions instead of one. Also by virtue of parking with the

vehicle's left side to the curb the driver's visibility is obscured

to the front by parked vehicles. That makes it difficult for the

driver to see approaching traffic, especially bicycles, that are

required to ride as close as practical to the right. It is different

for one way streets where parking is allowed on both sides as traffic

is only proceeding in one direction and always from the rear.

 

3 – Parking complaints in residential areas are frequent and mainly

fall into three categories: driveway obstruction, sidewalk

obstruction, too close to traffic control device and wrong direction.

Parking Enforcement Officer Miller estimates that forty percent of

the residential parking complaints are for parking in the wrong

direction. As to why people complain, who knows, however it is a

legitimate hazard (see #2 above) and complaint. It is certainly not

victimless to the bicyclist that would have to avoid yet another

hazard if the ordinance is changed.

 

4 – If the ordinance could be amended, and I don't believe it can

(see #1), it would create a regulatory problem. What would be

considered a "low volume" street? How would that be determined, by

traffic count or citizen complaints. It would require additional

signage as parking the wrong direction would be lawful on some

streets but unlawful on others.(Checked with Legal and we cannot

amend. City of Bellingham adopted RCW Title 46 as BMC Title 10).

--------

So, park facing the right way for safety, and drive your car around

the block, or at least roll it forward, every couple days.  If you

notice parking enforcement visiting your block, tell your neighbors

so they can move their own cars before the next day.  ~Fl!p

 

COLUMBIA SCHOOL RAFFLE

Win a brand new Necky Rip Kayak and support Columbia Elementary

School enrichment programs provided to students by the school parent

association. Tickets are $5 per ticket or 3 tickets for $10. Drawing

& auction to be held March 12, 2010. Need not be present to

win.  Contact one of the following people to get your tickets: Erin

McEachern, CPA President at 650-0995 or emceachern@gmail.com, Molly

Klein, Columbia Parent at 224-9372 or  rayklein@clearwire.net  Cara

Buckingham, Columbia Parent at 650-1773 or roycencara@aol.com.

Special thanks to Johnson Outdoors for donating this beautiful kayak!

 

WALK WHEN THE MOON IS FULL

Moon of the Bears

Saturday, February 27th

5pm – 7pm

Lake Whatcom Area

(more information upon registration)

Join Rachel and Holly on a lakeside trail for a sunset amble during

the Moon of the Bears.

By donation.  For adults and children accompanied by adults.  Ages 5 and up.

To register, please email wildwhatcomwalks@gmail.com or call Rachel @ 392-8992

Please include names, ages if under 18, and phone numbers

 

ROEDER HOME!

For listings of current events, see

FriendsOfTheRoederHome.org.  All events are co-sponsored by the

Whatcom Family & Community Network.

 

SPECIAL EVENT:  NATIVE PIGMENTS

Thursday, Feb 25  Roeder Home 7:30 $8-$12 suggested donation

The Roeder Home was built on Native land, and it is a pleasure invite

Native artists to share this old Home fully, and to share their art

and heritage with the larger community at the same time.  Please come

help welcome them home!

 

So, what DID they use for paint?  Look at those old totem poles and

masks, their paint patinaed by age and wear, their once-rich colors

almost erased by time: just what did Pacific NW Natives use to make

that paint which has, in some cases, endured more than 400 years of

embellishing Native objects.

 

Artist, educator and researcher, and recipient of a 2009 Bellingham

Mayor's Arts Award, Melonie Ancheta of Copper Woman Studio will share

some of what she's learned in the past 13 years of researching

pre-contact paint technology among the NW Coast Natives. She'll

display and discuss samples of the pigments used and will address the

importance of researching and preserving this information. You'll be

able to see some of the methods and materials such as handmade paint

brushes and stone and mortar grinding used in the manufacture of

paints. Oh, and of course, you'll learn what human spit has to do with paint.

http://www.stoningtongallery.com/artistselect.php?fn=Melonie&ln=Ancheta&artist=61&artType=0&topic=

Co-sponsored by the Friends Of The Roeder Home and the Whatcom Family

& Community Network.

 

SPECIAL EVENT:  HISTORY OF THE ROEDER HOME

Thursday April 8th, 7:30 PM, $8 - $12

Benefit for the Friends Of The Roeder Home

Michael Sullivan, historian, will share detailed history of this

beloved local icon and the district that surrounds it.  Years ago he

worked at the Roeder Home as an intern, and did the work that got the

Roeder Home listed on the national historic registry.  Come

celebrate, learn, and support more Arts in the Home and in our hearts!

Co-sponsored by the Friends Of The Roeder Home and the Whatcom Family

& Community Network.

 

MUSIC CIRCLE TOMORROW

Wednesday, Feb 17, 7:30 PM at the Roeder Home, free

Come sing with us!

Co-sponsored by the Whatcom County Homemade Music Society and the

Whatcom Family & Community Network.

 

BHS BAND FUND RAISER

Bellingham High School Jazz Band presents "A Night of Latin Romance"

Swing Dance & Spanish Paella Dinner on Friday, March 12 in the BHS

Commons, 2020 Cornwall Avenue. 6pm dinner; 7:30pm free swing dance

lessons; 8-10pm dance to the music of the BHS Jazz Band (Matt Cole, Director).

 

Dinner/dance tickets available ONLY in advance: Village Books,

Community Food Co-op, BHS band, or howofhappiness@yahoo.com. $25

individual / $40 couple / $10 children 10 and under.

Tickets for dance only are available at the door: $10 adults / $5

students/seniors.

Also: No Host Mocktail Bar, White Elephant Silent Auction, Gift

Basket Raffle, and dessert & coffee by donation.

All proceeds go to Bellingham High School Band. This is their biggest

fundraiser of the year.

 

EARLY NOTICE: CNA SUMMER PICNIC

Music confirmed for Annual Picnic: The Walrus!

Mark your calendars!  Tell your friends! Save Tuesday night, July 13

for our Annual CNA potluck picnic at 6 PM and dancing to The Walrus

(again) from 7 - 9 PM.  Let's really get the neighborhood out in

force this year - the more the merrier.

Warmly,

Meredith Anne Murray

CNA Board Member/MNAC Rep.

 

KNIFE SHARPENING RECOMMENDATION

Friend of mine, Walt Galer, over by Whatcom Middle School:

http://www.wesharpenit.com/

Meredith Ann Murray

 

YARD & GARDEN: LANDSCAPING

Hardworking neighborhood landscaper available for Winter clean-up,

debris hauling, pruning, soil and bark delivery.  Get a head start

for Spring: vegetable box installation, sod removal, garden

installation. References available. Reasonable rates.

Contact: Maryliz von Krusenstiern

Henry Street

360-393-1413

hesitationblues@hotmail.com

 

YARD WORK

Experienced gardener and landscaper.  Reasonable rates, flexible

hours with excellent references.  Local neighborhood woman - contact

Analeise Volpe at marian_analeisev@hotmail.com.

 

HOUSE SITTER?

House-sitter wanted for the last week in March.  If you know someone

who might like to housesit, call Fl!p for a referral.  Thanks! 671-4511

 

THREE or MORE BEDROOM RENTAL WANTED

or Lease to purchase option too desired.  We currently live in the

Columbia hood and wish to remain.  If you rent and/OR or know of

someone moving soon, or if you own a rental house and know it will be

available in the next few months, please email me at katndog1@msn.com.

Much thanks.

Katrina Schmitt

W Connecticut Street

 

LONG-TERM RENTAL WANTED

Semi-retired couple relocating from Juneau, Alaska July 9th, 2010. We

are looking for a long term rental. We are looking for a two- bedroom

house with garden space for flowers and vegetables. Our housing

budget is $1,000. We could rent as early as June 9th, 2010 if

necessary. Financial, personal, and rental references available upon

request. Over 10 years property management experience. We are clean,

responsible and will care for your home as our own. We do not own

pets and we do not smoke.

Katy Goodwin 907-364-2765

katy.goldenlotus@gmail.com

 

SHARE TO CARE: NEW ADDITIONS

Victorio food strainer (for large batches of apple/tomato sauce)

Brooke 676-7460

Help take care of the planet by lending and borrowing items from one

another on our road to sustainability.  If you have an item that a

Columbia neighbor can borrow, please send your name, item(s) and

phone number to Jill, jillmw@oz.net.  Questions call: 201-3093.

Check our website listings!

http://www.northernneighbors.org/sharetocare.html

 

CNA MEMBERSHIP

Joining the association is easy!  Dues are $10 per calendar year and

support the paper newsletter that goes to every single house in the

neighborhood, and other activities as well. Send your name, address,

phone, and email address with a check for dues to: CNA, P.O. Box 921,

Bellingham, WA 98227

 

CNA WEBSITE

You can check old Updates on the CNA Website.  Updates are posted by

Gina Gobo, who designed the site (thank you Gina!).  CNA board member

contacts are there. The paper newsletter is also posted there in full

splendor.  And now, a list of businesses that will give discounts to

members of the Columbia Neighborhood Association is also

listed!  Contact jdheritage@comcast.net to add yours.  To join the

association costs only $10 per year, and discount listings are free to members.

www.NorthernNeighbors.org

 

FACEBOOK

There's also a CNA interactive Facebook list now, though you have to

be registered with Facebook to use

it.  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=67147065165.

 

EDITOR'S CORNER

HP 56 Black Ink Cartridge needs a home.  Call Fl!p 671-4511

 

Got Seeds?  I'm looking for about 10 - 12 sugar snap peas to get into

the ground.  I've got poppy seeds and Jerusalem Sage to share.

 

FL!P & ZEKE AT THE WILLOWS

Thursday February 18, 6:30 to 7:30 PM Free

Our monthly singalong.  You're all welcome!

 

February 11, 2010

(click here to go back to top)

 

TREE PLANTING FRIDAY

Attention Columbia Neighborhood tree enthusiasts.  Our neighborhood

received a grant for a special project where we are planting 9 trees

around Columbia Elementary.  We are looking for 4-5 additional

volunteers to help with this special project THIS Friday!  We REALLY

need your help!!

 

Tree planting, with the help of City of Bellingham Parks Department

Friday, February 12

9-12 pm

Columbia Elementary

First 4-5 volunteers to email jillmw@oz.net.

Questions call Jill at 201-3093

 

KAYAK RAFFLE

Kayak Raffle for Columbia Elementary

One of our parents procured a brand new kayak to raffle off in

conjunction with our auction next week. Haggen has agreed to let us

set up this Friday and Saturday to sell tickets.

 

Win a brand new Necky Rip Kayak and support Columbia Elementary

School enrichment programs provided to students by the school parent

association. Tickets are $5 per ticket or 3 tickets for $10 and

available this Friday from 3p - 7p and Saturday from 10a - 4p at the

Meridian Haggen. Drawing to be held March 12, 2010. Need not be

present to win. Can't make it to Haggen? Contact one of the following

people to get your tickets: Erin McEachern, CPA President at 650-0995

or emceachern@gmail.com, Molly Klein, Columbia Parent at 224-9372

or  rayklein@clearwire.net  Cara Buckingham, Columbia Parent at

650-1773 or roycencara@aol.com. Special thanks to Johnson Outdoors

for donating this beautiful kayak!

 

 

February 9, 2010

(click here to go back to top)

 

CONTENTS

Fountain District Public Meeting

West Street Issues

Neighborhood Parking Tickets

Cherry Pedestrian Overpass

St Patrick's Day Parade

Land Trust & Trails

Mardi Gras Fundraiser

Used Pillows

Used Mac?

Bon Jovi Concert Tickets

TV, Antiques For Sale

Raccoon Invasion Comments

Knife Sharpening?

Plastic Garden Pots?

Yard & Garden: Landscaping

Yard Work

Household Help Recommendation

House Sitter?

Three Bedroom Rental Wanted

Long-Term Rental Wanted

Share To Care: New Additions!

CNA Membership

CNA Website

CNA Facebook

Editor's Corner

   Lemon Curd

   Helping Hands?

   Good Concert

   HP 56 Cartridge

   Green Table Ballet

 

FOUNTAIN DISTRICT PUBLIC MEETING

A  Public Meeting will be held at the Fountain Community Church, 2100

Broadway (corner of Halleck & Broadway) on  Thursday, February 18th,

6:00 -8:00 PM  to review proposed Draft Concepts & Regulations for

the Fountain District Urban Village master plan.  Fountain District

area residents, commercial business and property owners are

encouraged to attend the February 18th meeting at which time staff

will share the Draft Master Plan Concepts and proposed

regulations.  The meeting will involve staff presentation of

information and a poster break out session to solicit public

feedback. If you cannot attend, you can contact Katie Franks to

submit your feedback.  Your ongoing investment in the community is appreciated.

For more information contact:

Katie Franks, Project Manager

Planning & Community Development Department

(360) 778-8388 EMAIL: kfranks@cob.org

or visit the project website at www.cob.org and type "Fountain

District Urban Village" in the search bar (or click HERE)

 

WEST STREET ISSUES

Graffiti defacement of public property in Columbia Neighborhood

today, Thursday February 4.

I returned home close to 7:00 p.m. this eveing and saw that the

yellow reflective diamond-shaped signs in the traffic circle in the

intersection of West and North Streets had been defaced with red and

blue graffiti on every surface.  I called this in to 911 immediately

as a non-emergent call, and the dispatcher took the info and said

that someone would contact me.  Soon thereafter, an officer from

Bellingham Police Department knocked on my door and explained that he

was documenting the defaced signs to share this info with the

Graffiti Specialist with the BPD, who was working working this

evening.  The officer also informed me that two other locations in

Columbia were defaced today, I believe that one site was a stop sign

at Monroe and Victor, and another location that occurred before his

shift started.  The West and North traffic circle defacement occurred

DURING DAYLIGHT, in the afternoon most likely, based upon times

neighbors first reported noticing it there.

 

Did anyone else in Columbia notice when this defacement appeared

today?  Or in the other locations?  If so, PLEASE CALL THIS INFO IN

TO POLICE DEPT.  Earlier this year, the cement retaining wall along

the new West Street trail, which is so popular with dog-walkers and

many other neighbors, was also defaced with graffiti.  We need to

protect the public property in our lovely neighborhood from

deterioration and disrespect.  Please help with your eyes and your

phones by calling in any defacement of property with graffiti to the

Police Dept as soon as you notice it.  They can better track patterns

of damage, try to catch perpetrators with our help, and perhaps

prevent further defacement.  And we can be a part of the solution in

actively watching out for each other and our home, our neighborhood.

Susan Gardner

West Street

 

[And yesterday we had not one but two semis rolling through and

trashing the plantings!  Please be on the lookout, and if you see a

semi blundering through the neighborhood, try to get identifying info

(cab & trailer colors, any logos, and license plate if possible) and

call 911.  Let me know too. Thank you! - Fl!p]

 

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKING TICKETS

The short one block dead end Lafayette Street, at the end of Monroe,

has been targeted with parking tickets.  In the past month nearly

everyone on our street had received one to four $20 tickets. They

mark our tires, and some of us get warnings, while others get tickets

without warnings for:  parking the the wrong direction, and parking

over 24 hours.  I have lived on this street since 1978, and this had

never occurred until this month.  One neighbor was told, when he

called the police department regarding his ticket, that someone is

calling and complaining.  Today, after I talked to all my neighbors

on Lafayette Street, I do not believe anyone is calling.

 

The City is ticketing us for parking the wrong way or for too

long.  The city has not 1) provided Lafayette Street with a 'No Turn

Around Sign', but we DO have a dead end sign; 2) not provided a

cul-de-sac turn around; 3) provided no street light at the north end

of the street.  I filed a written complaint with the Police

Department today.  I have learned that they would also ticket us if

they catch us backing up or down our street, backing around the

Monroe Street corner, or turning around mid-street.  The various

folks' driveways that we are forced to use to turn around are irked

by our use of their driveways for turning around.

 

If other citizens have noticed an escalation of fines, please file

your own complaints at the police department and write letters to the

Bellingham Herald, Northwest Citizen, Cascadia Weekly, City Council,

and the mayor.

Rebecca Meloy

Lafayette Street

 

The ticketing of all cars happened on Henry about two weeks ago --

facing the wrong way, etc.  I have lived here for 22 years and  this

is the first

time it's happened.

Carol Brach

Henry Street

 

When I call the police about parking violations by St Paul Parents on

E.Victor and Walnut why don't they come and ticket?

Katie Hinton

E Victor Street

 

We are encouraging folks  to use public transit, bikes, walking, etc.

as public policy.  I will  be working from  home  soon, so I may

not  move my car for days on end!  When I first moved to my present

home about 3 years ago, I saw a BPD officer ticketing cars on Park

St. for parking facing the wrong way, something I always did!  I have

not done it much since then -- only when I get home late in the

evening and will be leaving  by  7:15 am, before the BPD is out giving tickets.

Meredith Murray

Park Street

 

CHERRY PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS

I checked to make sure that there was no public right of way on the

end of Cherry.  The lot is certainly wide enough for the upper

terminus of a nice bridge or stairway/ramp.

Jim Hansen

Keesling Street

 

ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE

Can Columbia be participants in the St. Patty's parade?  They are

asking for many things, including Neighborhood Associations.  I think

it would be fun.  32 days until the parade.  Here is the link, and

they have a Facebook page.

http://www.stpatsbham.com/participants.php

Katrina Schmitt

W Connecticut Street

 

LAND TRUST & TRAILS

Meeting Tonight 6 PM City Hall

[I'm passing on this letter from Kulshan Community Land Trust.  I

think they are a wonderful resource in our community and would like

to support them.  - love/Fl!p]

 

I wanted to get this out right away because I have heard there is

some confusion and misinformation about KulshanCLT's commitments to

the community.  Please pass this along to everyone who might be

interested. Thank you.

 

Kulshan Community Land Trust is absolutely committed to maintaining

the trail corridors that exist along the Lafayette bluff south of the

Bay to Baker Trail over to W. Illinois and to the connection along W.

Indiana Street from Madrona Street to Lafayette. If we want to

encourage people to live in cities, close to jobs, then green spaces,

trails, walkability and livability must coexist, and appealing

neighborhoods become more appealing and stable when we can protect

and enhance the amenities nearby.  KulshanCLT's commitment to trail

improvements was an early and oft repeated commitment, made at each

of the three neighborhood meetings and in every discussion of the

project.  Any information to the contrary is not true. At our first

neighborhood meeting on August 31, 2009, we heard many attendees talk

about how important those pedestrian/bicycle trail connections have

been, and we agreed that those connections need to be integral to any

development that might happen.

 

I cannot emphasize enough KulshanCLT's commitment to working in an

open and inclusive way to figure out what the best site plan might

be. I hope that the Neighborhood Association, nearby neighbors,

future homeowners, and everyone who is interested will help

KulshanCLT to make this a showcase of quality, green design that

remains affordable forever. We encourage community members to contact

us directly with questions and concerns.

 

The next meeting that will present an update and the latest thinking

on this potentially wonderful CLT development will be this Wednesday,

February 10th, 6 PM at City Hall Council Chambers. The Hearing

Examiner will conduct a public hearing to take testimony about the

possibility of a street right of way being vacated so KulshanCLT can

count those square feet as a part of the total project area. If that

is approved, then we will work together with you to figure out what

the site plan could be and how many small homes for homeownership

will be optimal.

 

Thank you for your interest in your neighborhood's quality,

protection and enhancement. Please call or email me at 360.671.5600

ext 2 or PaulSchissler@KulshanCLT.org  for more info or with

questions. And please pass this on to others who may be interested.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Paul Schissler

KulshanCLT executive director

 

MARDI GRAS PARTY FUNDRAISER

Friday, February 12th

7:00~11:00 pm at Broadway Hall (1300 Broadway)

$25 per person

Please, Please RSVP asap to: dbdykas@yahoo.com

Dancing, Appetizers, Wine & Beer included

Raffles, Photos and Prize for Best Dressed!

Proceeds to Benefit:

Flamingos and Friends for cancer

 

USED PILLOWS

Are you a pillow maker?  Want some old pillows for stuffing?  I've

got a 1 cubic foot box of old pillows that need to be

re-used.  Free.  Call me at 739-9979 or email David at

d.engebretson@comcast.net.

David Engebretson

Walnut St.

 

USED MAC?

I'm looking for a used but functional Mac for email & internet use,

minimal data storage.  Partial work trade for garden/landscape?

Call Maryliz Von Krusenstiern

360-393-1413

Henry Street

 

BON JOVI CONCERT TICKETS

Two floor seats tickets for Friday Feb 19th @ 7:30pm at Key Arena,

Seattle where they will be kicking off 'The Circle' tour!!

Price $155.00/ea

Please email 2kids@grahamheal.com if interested.

Judy Lam

Cherry Street

 

TV, ANTIQUES FOR SALE

I have a few items for sale:  a TV that has a very clear picture $75,

an antique painted pantry cabinet $250 and stained glass tools

$25.  Call Tina 671-3382.

Tina Lanci

West Street

 

RACCOON INVASION COMMENTS

Please let the neighbor who had the raccoon encounter know that we

had the same thing happen a few years ago.  We used your amonia idea

and it did the trick.  Our back up idea was to borrow a friend's dog

for a few days (along with locking the cat door).  It seems dogs

urinating in the yard does the same job.

Susanne Hancock

Cherry Street

 

Regarding the raccoon invasion, it could be worse yet!  My neighbors

gave up the cat door when skunks tried to move in!  PIper on Marine Dr

 

KNIFE SHARPENING?

I am looking for someone to sharpen my Shun knife on a sharpening

stone.  Does anyone know where I can find that person?

saraswati.todd@gmail.com

Sara Todd

Walnut Street

 

PLASTIC POTS?

Yesterday, I had just begun to get some seeds started indoors, when I

realized that all the plastic pots I've been saving and re-using from

year to year burned up in our garage fire last summer.  If you have

extra pots, 4-inch to gallon sized, that you are willing/happy to

part with, please email me at hixsonal@gmail.com, and I'll come and

pick them up.

Thanks in advance,

Amber Hixson

Park Street

 

YARD & GARDEN: LANDSCAPING

Hardworking neighborhood landscaper available for Winter clean-up,

debris hauling, pruning, soil and bark delivery.  Get a head start

for Spring: vegetable box installation, sod removal, garden

installation. References available. Reasonable rates.

Contact: Maryliz von Krusenstiern

Henry Street

360-393-1413

hesitationblues@hotmail.com

[If you want to see a sample of Maryliz's work, drop by to admire our

lovely new raised garden bed out front! -F]

 

YARD WORK

Contact Analeise Volpe for reasonable rates, flexible schedule and

excellent references.  Email marian_analeisev@hotmail.com or (360)

714-8596.  Local neighborhood, simple living woman.

 

HOUSEHOLD HELP RECOMMENDATION

I'm writing to recommend Veronica Lisette Rivas Bach

<veronicarivasbach@yahoo.com> and her husband Francisco.  She is just

the person I need to take care of my household independently,

thoroughly and attentively. She is intelligent, helpful, flexible and

a hard worker.  Francisco is a resourceful handyman and outdoor

worker.  Right now he is looking for work; the season is not right

now for outdoor work, but he could be fixing things.  They are from

Salvador and language is a bit of a problem, but not as much a I had

feared. Communication by e-mail with her works fine.

They have been in this country for about five years and are working

legally.  Their son is going to start high school next year.

Verena Huber-Dyson <vhuberd@gmail.com>

West Connecticut Street

 

HOUSE SITTER?

Is anyone interested in house sitting this weekend?   Cozy quiet

home, warm fire, sweet older cat.  Call Fl!p for referral at 671-4511.

 

THREE BEDROOM RENTAL WANTED

We currently live in the Columbia hood and wish to remain.  If you

rent and know you will be moving, or if you own a rental house and

know it will be available in the next few months, please email me at

katndog1@msn.com.

Much thanks.

Katrina Schmitt

W Connecticut Street

 

LONG-TERM RENTAL WANTED

Semi-retired couple relocating from Juneau, Alaska July 9th, 2010. We

are looking for a long term rental. We are looking for a two- bedroom

house with garden space for flowers and vegetables. Our housing

budget is $1,000. We could rent as early as June 9th, 2010 if

necessary. Financial, personal, and rental references available upon

request. Over 10 years property management experience. We are clean,

responsible and will care for your home as our own. We do not own

pets and we do not smoke.

Katy Goodwin 907-364-2765

katy.goldenlotus@gmail.com

 

SHARE TO CARE: NEW ADDITIONS

Low Pressure Solvent Sprayer        Scott         715-3463

Small Chain Saw                         Scott         715-3463

Tree/Garden Sprayer                    Scott         715-3463

Help take care of the planet by lending and borrowing items from one

another on our road to sustainability.  If you have an item that a

Columbia neighbor can borrow, please send your name, item(s) and

phone number to Jill, jillmw@oz.net.  Questions call: 201-3093.

Check our website listings!

http://www.northernneighbors.org/sharetocare.html

 

CNA MEMBERSHIP

Joining the association is easy!  Dues are $10 per calendar year and

support the paper newsletter that goes to every single house in the

neighborhood, and other activities as well. Send your name, address,

phone, and email address with a check for dues to: CNA, P.O. Box 921,

Bellingham, WA 98227

 

CNA WEBSITE

You can check old Updates on the CNA Website.  Updates are posted by

Gina Gobo, who designed the site (thank you Gina!).  CNA board member

contacts are there. The paper newsletter is also posted there in full

splendor.  And now, a list of businesses that will give discounts to

members of the Columbia Neighborhood Association is also

listed!  Contact jdheritage@comcast.net to add yours.  To join the

association costs only $10 per year, and discount listings are free to members.

www.NorthernNeighbors.org

 

FACEBOOK

There's also a CNA interactive Facebook list now, though you have to

be registered with Facebook to use

it.  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=67147065165.

 

EDITOR'S CORNER

    LEMON CURD

I plan to make a big batch of lemon curd this evening.  If anyone

wants to learn how, and is willing to help, I'll teach & share!

 

   HELPING HANDS?

I've gotten behind with more than just the Update in the last couple

weeks.  If anyone has any free time tomorrow, there are a few tasks I

could really use a hand with!  Email or phone for details: 671-4511 - Fl!p

 

    GOOD CONCERT

Coty Hogue tomorrow night at the Roeder Home, $7:30, $8 - $12

donation.  If you loved Oh Brother Where Art Thou, you will adore

this young woman!

 

    HP 56 CARTRIDGE

I have a freshly refilled (Costco) Hewlett Packard HP 56 black ink

cartridge for sale for $7 if anyone can use it.  The darn printer died!

 

    GREEN TABLE

  I have finally found The Green Table Ballet posted on YouTube. I

saw the Joffrey perform this as a teenager, due to the kind courage

of my parents, and have never forgotten its power. It's posted in

five sections.  Deeply moving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXlPDQcfX0M&feature=PlayList&p=09392D62A80DB7F3&index=0&playnext=1

 

 February 2, 2010

(click here to go back to top)

 

CONTENTS

Happy Groundhog Day!

Balancing Community & Privacy

Door To Door Follow-Up

Pedestrian Overpass?

Whatcom Community Energy Challenge

Haiti Donations

Raccoon Invasion

New Fountain Store

Free Couch

Dog Crate Needed

Chicken Coop Needed

Free Plants

Yard & Garden: Landscaping

Yard Work

Home Repairs

Long-Term Rental Wanted

Columbia Family Seeks Rental

Share To Care: New Additions!

CNA Membership

CNA Website

CNA Facebook

Editor's Corner

   Thank You All!

    Music Circle Tomorrow

    Urban Longhouse

 

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!

"Winter's half-way over.  It's February two.

If you're not a groundhog I'll tell you what to do..."

I've asked my songwriter husband to post a link for one of my many

favorite "Zeke Songs:"

www.zekehoskin.com

 

BALANCING COMMUNITY & PRIVACY

I got this note from a neighbor, and thought it was worth discussing

more widely:

 

"I'm a Columbia resident and I have a concern about the Google

searchability of the newsletter archives. I have an unlisted number

and address, but as someone pointed out to me, a Google search turns

up my name and my street name, as indexed in the archives. So now,

anyone can locate my street, which is only 3 blocks long. Is there a

way to block the public availability of this information? I do know

that from now on, I will not state my street name in the neighborhood

e-mails.  Flip, if you do discuss this in your e-mail, can you redact

my name and street? Thanks."

-----

This woman's street name has been removed from the neighborhood

website Update archive.  I wrote her the following letter and would

like to share it with you (somewhat edited):

 

Thanks for your thoughtful email.  I had not considered your

concern.  I agree that the google search is a real problem.  I've

struggled a lot with identifying neighbors.  Except in very few

circumstances, I am not willing to do anonymous postings.  The reason

I do the Updates for our neighborhood is to bring neighbors together,

connect us, help us know each other.  I want to live in a connected

neighborhood enough that I'm willing to put in the time it takes to

maintain over 1000 people on this list.  I agree there are times when

it's not safe for someone to have contact info posted, and I'm not in

a position to judge that for someone else.  But for myself, I believe

that if I want trust, I have to offer it.

 

Some people include their whole address, and some don't even include

a last name.  I try to find a consistent balance by only posting the

street and not the house number (unless it's a freebie out front),

and posting last names. So in response to your request, I think what

I'll do is discuss this on the list, and let people know that if it's

important to them that I should not list street or last name, they

will need to tell me so in each specific post.  I will then decide

whether I'm willing to post it for them.  In general, I will always

add everyone's last name and street unless you specifically ask me

not to.  It's helpful if you include that information with your posting.

 

So neighbors, what do you think?

love/Fl!p

 

DOOR TO DOOR FOLLOW-UP

[Lots of stuff echoing through all the neighborhoods this last

week.  Here's a salesperson's viewpoint .]  My daughter once got

caught up in a similar scam during the early 80's.  I tried to

discourage her but to no avail.  In the end she basically became a

prisoner of sorts.  Everything she earned was put toward her

"account".....meals and hotel bills etc.  Eventually she called me in

tears.  We wound up counseling her to find her way to the nearest

airport and a ticket would be waiting there for her to make her "escape".

 

[I found this strategy on the internet and liked it for situations