Madison Park Times November 2024 by Pacific Publishing Company

Park

The grasses of autumn

One of my main enjoyments in the months of September - November is the sight of ripening grasses in various landscapes. Hence, the reason for this month’s column which begins more like the old elementary school ‘What I did On My Vacation’ assignment. You know the kind; we all wrote them in the fifth grade or thereabouts. However, my retelling of the tale does not take place in 1959, but, rather, in 2009. The event was part of a crosscountry and back road trip. The part of the journey which comes to mind most often took place in southeastern Montana, near the little town of Hardin. The area is now known as the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument (AKA, Custer’s Last Stand). The area is austere in its beauty, with big blue Montana skies, the wind and the ever-moving autumn sea of grass with its own particular susurrations in the air. They were truly awe-inspiring views and a balm for this city-surrounded soul. Very few of us will ever have the

GRASSES, 5

A night to celebrate

By Friends of Madison Park

More than 200 people gathered Oct. 12 to celebrate Madison Park, bid on silent and live auction items, meet new neighbors, learn more about Friends of Madison Park and bottom line, have a fun evening. The generosity of our sponsors, our auction donors, and our guests made this celebration of our community a success well beyond our highest hopes. You helped raise $115,000 in one incredible evening!

These funds provide a solid foundation on which Friends of Madison Park will continue to build and provide our community with the events and projects that have begun over the past 18 months and ensure the ability to add more going forward.

In partnership with the

EVENTS, 5

PIXABAY

Bruce Bennett

Drill, baby, drill:

Your emergency hub in action

Imagine this: the Big One we’ve long expected in Seattle arrives. According to the U.S. Geological Survey website, an earthquake feels like “a sudden large jolt followed quickly by more strong shaking that may last a few seconds or up to a couple of minutes if it’s a rare great event. The shaking will feel violent, and it will be difficult to stand up. The contents of your house will be a mess.”

Initially, you’ll need a few seconds to comprehend what just happened. Assuming you are uninjured (fingers crossed), the first thing you’ll likely do is assess the well-being of any nearby loved ones, including pets. Are they safe? Do they need any help? After that, you will likely rush outside to see how your immediate surroundings fared — and perhaps check on neighbors and nearby businesses. It might be difficult to get out of the building you’re in, depending on how severe the quake was. You might have to walk over rubble or debris. And you have to prepare for possible aftershocks.

And at some point, you’ll likely grab your phone to reach out to other locals (or faraway relatives, to let them know you’ve just survived a major event). Perhaps you’ll open the Seattle Times app to see what kind of earthquake just happened.

But what if you see a “No Service” message on your phone? What if — horrors — the internet is down? And what if you can’t even text? Most crucially, what happens if you have problems that need solving and can’t reach out to others the way you usually do?

Luckily, the city, anticipating just this kind of situation, came up with the innovative concept of volunteer-run Emergency Communications Hubs: central predesignated locations where neighbors can meet when regular communications channels fail. So, in some neighborhoods, there is a plan for what to do (beyond frantically hitting the refresh button) when your internet or cell service is down for an extended time and things are less than hunky-dory in your environment — because critical resources like water, power, warmth and safety have been compromised.

THE HUB: WHERE TO GO WHEN THINGS GO SOUTH

As regular column readers know, if this kind of situation strikes,

we Hub volunteers hope and plan — once all our ducks are in their proverbial rows and we and our loved ones are safe — to go set up (“mobilize”) our local Hub so that neighbors can meet up there. This means we’ll leave our homes (if we’re still in ’em) each day of the disaster and go to our Hub location to help however we can. Most Hubs are near a park or public area: the one where I volunteer is near Madison Park’s tennis courts and there’s another close by, at Madison Valley’s MLK FAME Center.

At our Hub, we’ll set up tables and canopies with designated stations (like Resources, Volunteers, Info, Education, and Radio) to help neighbors communicate “old school” — using paper, pens, whiteboards, and markers. Hubs are designed to connect people’s wants and needs in as organized a way as possible. In an emergency, the city might not be able to get to our area as fast as we’d like to offer aid and supplies, so we anticipate a strong need for a resource like this. (It’s also a pretty interesting hobby.)

On Sept. 22, we ran a full practice drill, mobilizing the Madison Park Hub with the help of numerous volunteers — mostly from other Hubs around the city. We set up our canopies and tables, donned bright orange vests, and staffed our stations, then asked other volunteers acting as “neighbors” to walk up and help us practice by playacting typical scenarios we might run into in a real disaster, preprinted on little slips of paper. One example: “A large tree branch fell on my shed where my emergency supplies are stored. Does anyone have a gas-powered chain saw I could borrow?” Another: “I’m a licensed mental health care counselor. Is there anything I can do to help?” We filled out forms with their information to (pretend to) connect wants and needs.

All in all, our drill went well and we learned a lot. We smoothed out some kinks in the system (and ran into some new ones) and tried out some innovations (like group brainstorming a challenging

problem and sending radioequipped scouts into the neighborhood to see what local businesses had in stock). And most important, we got to practice helping our “neighbors” connect in a pretend disaster.

We’ve seen from the recent North Carolina hurricane news that neighbors will naturally gravitate to a central meeting place in a disaster for precisely this reason — to give and take what’s needed. In one town, they began meeting up at an independent bookstore, posting wants and needs and sharing skills just as we hope to do in our Hub. I’m very glad that we are planning this out in Seattle. (If you’re not in the Madison Park/ Valley area, go to seattleemergencyhubs.org to find out where your nearest Hub might be.)

This is all very well and good, but we hardly ever have earthquakes …

Per our Department of Natural Resources, most of the populated areas of the state have a 40-80% chance of having an earthquake in

the next 50 years. If you’re thinking, “well, 50 years is a long time; I’ll take my chances,” realize that even if the Big One doesn’t hit, any extended power outage could hit us hard with an unavailable internet, no charge for our phones and computers, and no heat/refrigeration for foods (not to mention that stores might not open). And there’s always the possibility —dare I even say it — of a cyber-attack similar to the one that hit Sea-Tac airport back in August, which had effects lasting weeks. We might want to have a plan in our back pockets —f or our homes, our cars, and, yes, our neighborhoods. Consider learning more about your local Hub.

POSTSCRIPT

Speaking of earthquakes, I hope you practiced emergency maneuvers during Oct. 17’s Big ShakeOut (discussed in last month’s column). Did you manage a successful Drop, Cover, and Hold On? If you missed the maneuver, try this. Immediately after you read this

sentence, wherever you are, try it now! Imagine that an earthquake is starting, right now. You have just seconds to act. Drop to the floor, duck under the closest sturdy object, and hold on to anything you can. Assess how safe you would be if the ground started shaking. Did you survive? Were you injured? (You didn’t expect me to ask this, did you? Well, you never do expect an earthquake, so preparing at a random time is exceptional practice.)

As always, this column is part of Madison Park Emergency Hub’s outreach effort. We’re an all-volunteer org focused on neighbors helping neighbors in an emergency. If you’d like to get involved with a group of neighbors who want to help people and talk disasters, it’s a light lift and a lot of fun. Mail us at madparkhub@gmail.com with questions or to get on our mailing list.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Dana Armstrong Madison Park Emergency Hub

Seattle Public Utilities and WM announce recipients of 2024 ReThink Waste Grants

Submitted

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and WM are teaming up for the sixth year in a row to invest $10,000 in innovative stewardship projects in Seattle. This year, funds are going to four local organizations. The purpose of the grant program is to help communitybased organizations advance waste prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and composting. SPU and WM are pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2024 ReThink Waste Grants:

■ Amigos de Seattle will receive $5,000 for in-person workshops

and a live radio show to educate and engage the Latino and South Park communities in waste prevention.

Diaspora Cafe will receive $3,000 to promote a culture of reuse through reusable cups and bowls as well as a compost bin for their café garden.

■ Switchback Repair will receive $1,500 to expand their outdoor gear repair service and gear maintenance education.

■ Sustainable Ballard will receive $500 for the Ballard Tool Library, to maintain shared tools supporting local edible gardens and RainWise yards.

“The grants are investments in local organizations to jump-start sustainability in the communities we service,” said Joe Camero, WM’s Public Sector Manager for Seattle. “This year’s recipients showcase the types of diverse waste prevention and waste reduction strategies available.”

“Seattle Public Utilities is proud to support community-driven efforts that champion waste prevention, reduction, and recycling,” said Jeff Fowler, Deputy Director of Solid Waste at SPU. “These local partnerships create a lasting and meaningful impact and together we’re building a more sustainable

future.”

A selection committee including staff from SPU’s Residential Solid Waste Outreach and WM chose the recipients from entries submitted by Seattle businesses and nonprofits in WM’s service area.

WM is a leading provider of comprehensive recycling and environmental services in the Pacific Northwest and North America. WM provides innovative sustainability solutions and award-winning public outreach to educate and engage businesses and communities to reduce waste and improve recycling. To reduce emissions, WM uses the EPA’s

Renewable Fuel Standard Program to allocate renewable natural gas (RNG) to WM trucks serving communities in Western Washington. For more information, go to wmnorthwest.com.

To learn more about WM and the company’s sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Seattle Public Utilities fosters healthy people, environment, and economies by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and for future generations. Learn more at: https://www.seattle.gov/utilities

An easy one-pot stew for a warming weeknight dinner

By Lynda Balslev

This 30-minute vegetarian-friendly soup is an easy, healthy dinner. It’s a welcome time-out meal that brims with nutrient-rich ingredients and warms on a cool fall evening. Inspired by the Southwest with sweet potato, cumin and chile heat, it relies on sturdy protein-rich lentils for heft and body.

The soup comes together quickly, which helps to preserve the texture of the ingredients. The vegetables are simply cooked until al dente, and the lentils are cooked until tender without turning to mush. Ripped kale

leaves are swirled into the soup right before serving, allowing for just enough time to soften and brighten without dulling in color or flavor.

SWEET

POTATO, KALE AND LENTIL STEW

Active time: 30 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

■ 1 tablespoon olive oil

■ 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

■ 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

■ 1 carrot, diced

■ 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced

■ 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely

chopped

■ 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste

■ 2 large plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped

■ 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed

■ 1 large garlic clove, minced

■ 1 teaspoon ground cumin

■ 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

■ 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

■ 1 bay leaf

■ 4 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock, for nonvegetarian option)

■ 1/3 cup full-bodied red wine

■ 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

■ 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

■ 2 cups torn Tuscan or curly green kale leaves

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, sweet potato, peppers and carrot and season with the salt. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes to coat the vegetables and let them brighten in color.

Stir in the tomatoes, lentils, garlic, cumin, paprika, thyme and bay leaf and continue to

saute for about 2 minutes more to toast the lentils and spices.

Add the stock and wine. There should be enough liquid to generously cover the vegetables. Add more stock or water if not. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook over medium-low heat, partially covered, until the vegetables and lentils are tender but not mushy, about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, thin with additional stock or water. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and black pepper and taste for seasoning. Add more salt if needed. Before serving, stir in the kale leaves and simmer until bright in color and wilted, about 1 minute. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Lynda Balslev is an award-winning writer, cookbook author, and recipe developer based in northern California. Visit TasteFood at TasteFoodblog.com.

COURTESY LYNDA BALSLEV

Fatsia japonica — a worthy object of affection

Steve Lorton Tree Talk

As with our friends and pets, we humans often form special affections for plants. It might have to do with how they’ve put real Wow-Power in our gardens or, perhaps, it’s due to some meaningful or quirky experience we’ve had with, or around, a particular plant. I have a few such leafy loved ones. High on my list is Fatsia japonica.

Native to Korea and Japan, this evergreen shrub grows to a height of 8 feet. Its palmate leaves are shaped like giant maple leaves of thick, glossy leather. The leaves are held up and out, nearly horizontally, on sturdy, 8-to-10-inch leaf stems. Used with the likes of bamboo, hardy banana, and tall grasses, it can turn a Northwest garden into an ersatz patch of the tropics. Alone, it is a sculptural focal point. Tucked in among our typical Northwest garden plants, it’s a bold accent contrasted against smaller leaves, bare deciduous braces, or conifer needles.

Commonly called Japanese Aralia, it sports blooms in early autumn. The clusters of tiny flowers are in globes that appear at the ends of multiple stems, making a bloom head reminiscent of an exploding firework in creamy white. Each of these flowers becomes a berry and the fruit clusters decorate the garden well into winter.

Fatsia japonica is not fussy about soil but will not tolerate being constantly soggy. It grows happily in shade or partial shade. Too much sun fries the leaves. A top dressing of compost in early spring or a scattering of a complete fertilizer (12-12-12 is a good choice) around its root zone will ensure robust growth, strong healthy leaves and blossoms. In addition to the deep green leaves, standard to the

species, a couple of cultivated varieties have been propagated and marketed. Fatsia japonica “Variegata” has generous splashes of cream on its dark green foliage, F. j. “Spider’s Web” has fine lines of white on its leaves and, indeed, looks like a leaf appliquéd by an artistic spider.

So, there you have the nuts and bolts (or more accurately the leaves and roots) of Fatsia japonica. But why has this plant so thoroughly besotted me? I’ll share three of many good stories.

third of each stem full and leafy. From the outside it was a sculptural compliment to the brick of the house. The kicker was that Dr. Harris loved the sound of our winter rains. So, with the Fatsia near the house, under the rain gutter two floors up, Dr. Harris used a roofing nail and punched holes in the bottom of the metal gutter above the Fatsia. This allowed water to drip out and plop on the large, thick leaves, soothingly exaggerating the sound of our winter rains, which the doctor could hear from inside his library.

The late Dr. Homer Harris (1916-2007) was the first Black dermatologist in the State of Washington and he was an ardent gardener, constantly in the process of embellishing his beautiful Neo-Tudor house on Queen Anne Hill. There was a window, close to his desk and reading chair in the library of that house. Outside that window, Dr. Harris planted a Fatsia japonica, growing it as a cluster of bamboo-like stems, which he pruned clean, leaving the top

When my mother-in-law visited on one of her trips from Ohio, she too became enamored of Fatsia japonica. So, she found someone to give her an 18-inch piece from one of the tops of their plants. This she took home, rooted it in water, then planted it in a very large ceramic pot. For years, that beloved plant, which she named “Fatso,” grew happily next to two large sliding glass doors, facing east in her TV room. Fatso sported tinsel balls or red ribbons on his (she said it was a male) leaf stems at Christmas; egg, rabbit and chicken ornaments at Easter; red hearts for Valentine’s Day; pumpkins, bats, witches and goblins for Halloween; and, intermittently, crystal beads in 6-inch dangles. Likely half the time, however, Fatso was admired in his naked splendor, his leaves being washed regularly with loving devotion. Grandchildren still talk about Fatso.

When my wife and I first moved to Seattle and into Madison Park, we hardly had two nickels to rub together. Yet, one night we staged a dinner party for six. We had four salad plates and four dessert plates. So, how do we serve six salads and six desserts on eight plates? She was serving a salad of shaved carrot, small slices of celery, and raisins with a dressing (a very Midwestern thing, woefully out of date and favor now). We were stymied, until I looked out the window and spotted a Fatsia japonica growing along the ignored side of my neighbor’s house. I crept out in the rain, harvested six large leaves, came in, washed and dried them. The leaves were placed top left of the place mats and a mound of carrot salad went atop each leaf. The guests were delightfully gobsmacked, giving us great accolades for our panache. Well, maybe. More accurately, poverty spawns creativity. So, there you have it. Easy to grow, unusual as it is beautiful, a Fatsia japonica will give you a lifetime of pleasure. Grow it in the ground or in a large container. I encourage any gardener who has the room to purchase or propagate a Fatsia japonica and begin your own long and lasting love affair.

MARY HENRY PHOTOS

GRASSES

monument’s 780 acres of undulating grasses to sooth our frayed nerves, but, we can create an ecofriendly part of our landscapes which will echo nature’s prairie glory while providing us with new garden features which require less fertilizer, less water and, hopefully, more enjoyment. Grasses are adaptable. They tolerate most soil types and are easy to grow additions for a home landscape. From tall and wispy varieties that sway beautifully in the breeze to low-growing grasses which are great for ground covers and turf replacements, your fall and winter landscape can also look more appealing with the added texture and color that ornamental grasses provide (just give them threeyears to reach maturity). With the minimal maintenance they need, what could be better? And, yes, containers can be used to add even more visual interest. Grow grasses in colorful pots to create seasonal decorations that can be continually reconfigured.

Low growing ornamental grasses are great for edging, ground covers or container gardens. Sedge is one type of low growing ornamental grass. Blue Sedge ‘Elijah Blue’ (Festuca glauca), for example, is a semi-evergreen example with beautiful, bluishcolored foliage that is also deer resistant. It gets 6 to 12 inches high. If the look is appealing, but something larger is desired, Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) is another popular and larger version. The blue-grey foliage reaches about 3 feet tall with the autumn seedheads topping the plant at some four-feet. A dwarf fountain grass, ‘Hamelin’, (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is another appealing choice of small stature. While standard fountain grasses reach 4 to 5 feet, dwarf varieties only reach 2 to 3 feet. It is gorgeous all year round and makes a real impact on the landscape. If a spot of color is also needed in any sunny area, take a look at some non-grass options such as Orange New Zealand Sedge (Carex testacea). It is bright green and gradually turns orange by winter. Fox Red Curly Sedge (Carex buchananii) offers a red-bronze foliage that fades to a golden color at the tips. Whether in the ground or in a container, I think my favorite Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii) for sun or shade is C. ‘Aureo-variegata’ (see above) which I have had in my own yard for 20-years. All offer deer resistance and unique evergreen color and texture, which are added bonuses to suburban and rural dwellers.

Taller ornamental grasses make

EVENTS

From page 1

beautiful, interesting hedges and accent points in the yard. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a main species from the American prairies and comes in many varieties that turn to reds and oranges in the autumn. ‘Adagio’ Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) is another showy choice. Feathery pink-bronze plumes add texture, and the foliage adds lots of autumn and winter colors ranging from golds to oranges to wines. Feather Reed Grass such as ‘Karl Foerster’ (Calamagrostis x acutiflora), creates excellent area punctuation points in outdoor vignettes and work well as additions to cut flower arrangements indoors. Outdoors, their summer flowers and feathery stalks that turn to shades of beige and gold in the fall make a brilliant display. A favorite tall one for me is Miscanthus senensis (Maiden Grass) ‘Morning Light’ which has creamy white margins that can lighten darker corners of the garden or form a shimmery five-foot hedge. Many of these taller deciduous grasses offer four seasons of visual interest. The returning spring will bring with it fresh green upright or cascading foliage. Summer and autumn see increased height with

local businesses and the community, these funds will help with the costs of events like Music in the Park and the Easter Egg Hunt, the Garden Tour and the Children’s Parade and Picnic, next summer’s Farmer’s Market and the ongoing project to beautify and maintain our business district with lights and plantings. With these funds, Friends of Madison Park can also pursue the goal of renovating our 1910 Bathhouse as a multi-use gathering place and the restoration of our beach, dock and park to be enjoyed by all. And so so much more.

LITTLE BEATS CONCERT SERIES HAS BEGUN!!!! Little Beats Kids Concert Series got

inflorescences that develop into attractive seed heads (great food sources for the birds) and accompany the ever-changing foliage to add more interest in the yard.

To keep the herbaceous ones attractive in the autumn and winter months, wait until early spring to cut them back to 6-inches, just as the new growth begins to show. If you have an evergreen grass, there is nothing to do. Simple pruners (and a pair of gloves) work well for cutting task. If the grasses grow too large for the space allotted to them or start looking bare in the center, it may be time to divide them into three or four pieces. Most fellow gardeners will advise using a shovel to dig and divide the clumps. As a lazy gardener, let me suggest using a reciprocating saw (AKA, Sawz-All) to divide large clumps of the tall grasses. The process is infinitely quicker and easier on aging backs. Make sure each section of the clump has roots, is replanted in a sunny spot and is well-watered for the next two years.

The other bonuses of ornamental grasses is they rarely have pests with which to contend and they rarely need fertilizer. Most varieties are deer resistant as well. With so much to offer for so little effort, gardeners may have a hard time stopping at one or two varieties. Have fun and experiment with different kinds to see what you like best. Happy Gardening all! Contributing garden columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a Washington

underway Oct. 5 at Pioneer Hall. About 80 children and parents came to dance and wiggle along with Eli Rosenblatt on a perfect Fall day. The series continues on Nov. 2 with Brian and His Good Buddies. See the season line-up and purchase tickets can be found on www.friendsofmadisonpark.com $5/person online or at the door. Show starts at 11-12, the first Saturday of each month through March. Pioneer Hall is located at 1642 43rd Ave E, just south of the beach.

NEIGHBORHOOD FALL CLEAN-UP: NOV. 16 FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON

Join your neighbors to help sweep/rake and ready our business district street for the winter. Part of the City wide AdoptA-Street program, the city provides tools, bags and clean green pick up for neighbors to pitch in. Volunteer at www.

friendsofmadisonpark.com or come day of to the corner of 41st and E. Madisonacross from Bert’s.

2025 FARMER’S MARKET UPDATE

Friends of Madison Park and the Seattle Farmer’s Market Association have been meeting with our local shop owners, listening to concerns and preferences and have agreed on bringing the Market to our neighborhood on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning in JuneSeptember. The Market will be located on 42nd Ave E between E Blaine and E. Madison.

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Friends of Neighborhood meeting will not happen the last Monday of November but take place on Monday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bathhouse.

State University Certified Master Gardener, lecturer and Seattle-area garden designer. If you have questions concerning this article, have a question about your own landscape or want to suggest a topic for a future column, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@gmail.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD MARKETPLACE

FIXITS

tools of trade were mainly out of sight except for a chair and an apparatus similar to Gilbert’s Erector set.

Long before COVID-19, health happenings in Madison Park and Seattle required some medical diligence and solutions. In the 30s, my school, Shoalwater, and many grade schools gave students form letters to be signed by parents and returned to proceed with inoculations.

Days later, as school started, we met on the grounds and talked about our daily lives. Instead of discussing the latest computer programs, Facebook, TikTok, and AI, we little tykes traded what was known as Little Big Books. These 5” x 4” comprehensive books had exciting stories and illustrations. Incredibly entertaining were the cartoon caricatures in the upper right corner that would move when we flipped the pages. The supply of these books was limited, which was why we traded them.

The school doors opened, and we were ushered into the assembly hall. The air was filled with a medicinal odor. What could this be? We wondered. Not far away, a smiling nurse stood by a door. One after another, we drew closer to this abnormally overly smiling medical assistant who was overzealous in her statements like “What nice boys and girls (blah blah blah).” We talked amongst ourselves, comparing her to the villain in the Buck Rogers movies. She matched us with a list, and we entered a room beyond the door where a sizable doctor and another nurse (who seemed normal) were.

After rolling up a sleeve, a needle about the size of a six-penny nail emerged. The doctor gently jabbed it into my arm. The “Ouch” was not heard outside this door. Then, it was back to homeroom, where we all expressed disgust. This was not the way to start a school day.

Months later, Mom, Dad, and I drove to downtown Seattle, which had to be the best part of the day, other than something about eating all the ice cream I wanted.

Dad parked the car, and we took an elevator into a very tall building to find a kind nurse who went to the same acting school as the six-penny nail needle nurse. I asked, “Is there a needle?” “No, no needle,” and I was escorted to a room where I lay as the nurse held my hands down. Next, the doctor had a colander over my nose that dripped ether into the cotton. For lack of better words, this was a bum trip. I was in and out of consciousness, and the next thing I knew, I was back in the car and heard my parents say in unison, “Ice cream!”

These preventative measures kept us healthy in the day and did improve eventually, but only when we kids of the era suffered a bit more. One day after school, we drove to a house past US99 in what looked to be a nice neighborhood. We were greeted at the?”

A dentist’s office in a home? The

Something was said about a cavity, and then it was right to the tooth, again with my arms held down. I reacted to the drill and bit him! He slapped me, and Mom and Dad scolded me. The tooth was dealt with, and we left, but before my grand exit, the nurse said something under her breath and handed me a Hershey candy bar. I threw the candy away, for I was severely deceived. Mom and Dad repeated the story of my biting the quack dentist to neighbors, and I suppose, in a macabre way, it was funny.

When Dad joined the Army Air Force, we moved south. I broke out with a rash and saw a doctor in southern L.A. He cut samples from my back, looked through a telescope, and then took more samples. I did not hear what the doctor said. We drove back to our adobe and saw a friend of Dad’s, a doctor at the base. He took a spoon, pressed my tongue, and said, “Chicken Pox.” At last, medical headway!

After the war, we moved back to Madison Park, and I became a student at J.J. McGilvra’s. The needles were more frequent, but the needle width was noticeably thinner. The polio epidemic was prevailing, and after seeing a man in an iron lung during a movie, we stayed away from the beach (where lakes were the source). We then begrudgingly accepted all injections.

Summer and the lakes reopened at last. We were again bathed in baby oil and iodine to reach a healthy tan in three days. Even though we seldom burned, a new problem emerged. West of Edgewater, where Canterbury is now, was a vast swamp. Around dusk, battalions of monster-sized mosquitos made Madison Park their hunting ground for a tasty meal. It was common to hear neighbors swatting the critters with anything short of a 16-gauge shotgun.

Dr. Harris, the neighborhood doctor located just south of our present pharmacy, was the answer man when it came to stopping the itch. The problem was that the flying insects always knew to sting where the sun didn’t shine. When Dr. Harris prescribed the new-tothe-market Campho-Phenique, it was a hard lesson that gravity prevailed, and the lotion traveled to the nether regions, making it worse than the itch.

The city took notice of the Madison Park dilemma, so a jeep with one driver and two long hoses ran between the houses. The driver sprayed gardens and standing water with a solution that produced white smoke. The problem was eventually resolved.

Our present-day medicines, surgeries, alternative cures, and inoculation choices are many, and they are designed to prevent

nesses. It is

Richard Carl Lehman Revisiting the Park

Are invasive northern giant hornets still in Washington state?

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has received a report of a possible sighting of the northern giant hornet in the Burley area near the city of Port Orchard in Kitsap County, the WSDA said in a social media post on Monday.

The agency said it’s in the process of investigating the suspected sighting of the world’s largest hornet, which can grow to be 2 inches long.

These apex predators are an invasive species in North America and are well known for their aggression and ability to kill bees and other hornet species, making them a threat to the state’s multi-billiondollar agriculture industry if they gain a foothold in Washington.

WSDA posted a pair of photos of the insect on social media, including one with a penny to show the size of the northern giant hornet.

“The reporting party will be returning to the location where they saw the hornet in the next couple of weeks and will attempt to collect it at that time,” Karla Salp, WSDA communications consultant, emailed The Center Square.

If the department is able to obtain a specimen, it plans to “conduct DNA testing to determine how likely it is that a new specimen is related to the Whatcom County specimens or whether it is a new introduction,” the department said on Facebook.

There have been no confirmed sightings of the northern giant hornet, previously known as the Asian giant hornet or the more colorful “murder hornet,” since late summer 2021 when four nests were found and destroyed in Whatcom County in northern Washington along the Canadian border.

The Evergreen State must go three years without detection to meet the regulatory definition of

eradication of the northern giant hornet.

“As to the eradication status, we are still on track to declare the hornets eradicated from Whatcom County, supposing we don’t find any more hornets there this season,” Salp said. “Trapping and trap removal/checking continues into December.”

Northern giant hornet season typically runs from July through November.

Assuming confirmation of a northern giant hornet in Kitsap County, Salp hopes “it could be a one-off.”

There’s precedent for such a thing.

“We had such a detection in Snohomish County in 2020,” Salp

explained, “where a random hornet was found without any subsequent detections.”

If the Kitsap County sighting turns out to be the real thing, that means more work for the WSDA.

“If we are able to confirm it as a northern giant hornet, we’ll be continuing to trap and seek reports from the public,” Salp said. “How long will depend on factors such as if we are able to trap any hornets or confirm additional hornet sightings.”

The department plans to err on the side of caution.

“We will likely trap Kitsap for another year even if we don’t find anything else this year just to be safe,” Salp said. “Of course, as we get more information and things

change this could also change, but that is the current status.”

How the insect might have found its way south to Kitsap County, located on the northern end of the Kitsap Peninsula in Puget Sound, is a mystery that will probably never be solved.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to determine how any of the hornets found in Washington made it to our state, and this one is no different,” Salp said. “It is possible we’ll get more information on this one, but it seems unlikely that we’ll be able to know how it got here. If we are able to conduct DNA testing on the specimen, we should be able to have an idea of where it came from, but not how it got to Kitsap County.”

Native to temperate and tropical regions of East and Southeast Asia, including parts of China, India, Japan and Sri Lanka, Vespa mandarinia was first detected in the Pacific Northwest in late 2019, coinciding with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are urged to report any sightings or evidence of a hive attack to WSDA by using the Hornet Watch Report Form, emailing hornets@agr.wa.gov, or calling 1-800-443-6684. Any report should include name and contact information, the location and date of the sighting or attack, a photograph of the hornet or damage, and a description of the hive loss or damage.

Citizen panel recommends Washington lawmakers get 14% pay hike to $71K by 2026

The Washington Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials has recommended state lawmakers be given a 14% pay boost over the next two years.

Commission members heard from several legislators during two days of hearings last week before finalizing recommendations that would also increase pay for statewide executive offices and judges. Legislators currently earn $61,997 for what is considered a part-time job.

Under the proposed increase, that salary would climb to $66,411 in July 2025 and rise to $71,126 in July 2026.

Lt. Governor Denny Heck told commission members that current pay has fallen far behind the time commitment involved.

“The members of the Legislature are our board of directors for our 8 million citizens,” said Heck. “They pass operating budgets in excess of $70 billion dollars and that doesn’t

include the transportation budget or the capital budget.”

Heck suggested dysfunction at the federal level in Congress has increased the importance of the role on state lawmakers.

“State legislative pay is not commensurate with the magnitude of their responsibilities,” he observed.

Sen. Spencer Hutchins, R-Gig

Harbor, told the commission the main reason he’s not seeking reelection after just two years in the Legislature is pay.

“It simply was not feasible for my family for me to seek reelection, financially and practically,” said Hutchins, who noted that doing the best job for his constituents would mean making

the commitment full-time and year-round.

“The part-time nature of the Legislature is at best a misnomer,” he said.

Sen. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, said the job has taken a toll on her over the years due to the divisive nature of politics.

“The job of a legislator has become increasingly difficult,” said Cleveland, who has held her seat for more than a dozen years.

Commission members also heard from Rep. Skyler Rude, RBenton County, who explained he was initially committed to being a legislator full time.

“When I first got this role, I committed to not having a second job so I could focus on being the best legislator I could,” Rude said.

He, too, learned it that didn’t pan out in the real world.

“This job could easily be eight hours a day, 40 hours a week,” Rude noted.

Under the proposal, statewide executives like the governor and attorney general would get a 3% pay

bump for cost of living in July of next year and 2% more in July 2026.

State Supreme Court justices and district court judges would get a 4% increase next July and 3% the year after.

Supreme Court justices currently earn $251,861. Under the proposal, that would increase to $262,011 July 2025 and rise to $269,924 in July 2026.

Legislator salaries vary dramatically from state to state.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, lawmakers in Washington, D.C., make the most, with a salary of $161,000, with New York legislators earning the second highest salary at $142,000.

New Hampshire lawmakers earn $100 dollars each day during session and legislators in New Mexico are paid nothing for their service. The proposed salary schedule will be open for public comment until Feb 5. Once the commission approves the salary schedule, lawmakers and state office holders cannot make any changes.

Carleen Johnson The Center Square

By Brett Davis The Center Square

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Perrina

However, we’re still seeing

Not to mention that the Federal Reserve made major headlines when they made the largest rate cut in four years — even more sizable than many experts predicted. All this movement has influenced the Puget Sound region’s market, and we’ll continue to see emerging trends through the end of the year, after the presidential election.

In Seattle, the average home price is $1.05

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Neda

Inslee bets ferry replacement on Initiative 2117 failing this November

By TJ Martinell

The Center Square

At Gov. Jay Inslee's insistence on electrifying the fleet, a plan to replace aging Washington ferries could get scuttled in November if voters approve Initiative 2117.

Inslee announced two years ago his plans to have future ferries added to the fleet be powered by electricity rather than diesel, while retrofitting some existing ferries to be electric.

Washington State Ferries has estimated it will cost a total of $4.4 billion to electrify the entire ferry system, which would include installing charging ports at terminals.

Much of that funding comes from the Climate Commitment Act, which generates state revenue through carbon auctions and can only be spent on environmental-related projects, such as transportation electrification.

The decision by Inslee to build electric ferries has proved contentious to the point where the governor has publicly defended the decision even as both gubernatorial candidates have expressed support for building diesel ferries.

electric charging ports, they will still require WSF to replace aging infrastructure such the 70-year-old Fauntleroy Terminal; WSF hopes to begin construction on the new terminal between 2027-2029.

the new vessel.”

Critics of the initiative have been more direct in their warnings, with No on I-2117 sending out an email the day after the WSTC meeting that “if passed, I-2117 would devastate funding for the state’s ferry system.”

shipbuilder to construct a new electric vessel, and WSF says there are three interested shipbuilders, one of which is located in the state.

service currently provided. When asked by commissioners about the impacts of I-2117's potential passage, WSF External Relations

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Quarterly Market Snapshot

While new diesel ferries would not require adding

SEPTEMBER 2024

Of $1.6 billion appropriated for five new electric ferries and the electrification of three terminals, $599 million comes from CCA revenue. WSF hopes to have the five electric ferries built by 2030 and eventually add 11 ferries to reach a total of 26 in the entire fleet.

The state agency earlier this year put out a request for proposal for a

Q3 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024

Seattle

months of inventory, Seattle’s single-family sellers, but with enough inventory to give choice than in other markets analyzed in our Listings spent an average of 24 days on market which is similar to Q3-2023’s average time of witnessed in other regions examined in our sellers were ready to list their homes this year last year. Although there was quite an uptick listed for sale, increasing 25.56% year over to 1,017 homes, there was little difference homes sold. In fact, there was a 1.09% 1,191 in Q3-2023 to 1,178 in Q3-2024. This 6.92% increase in median sales price—from $989,000. There was a 5.05% increase in the per square foot, up from $555 to $583.

Q3 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024

Quarterly Market Snapshot

With 2.6 months of inventory, Seattle’s single-family market favored sellers, but with enough inventory to give buyers more choice than in other markets analyzed in our reporting. Listings spent an average of 24 days on market in Q3-2024, which is similar to Q3-2023’s average time of 23 days. As we witnessed in other regions examined in our report, more sellers were ready to list their homes this year compared to last year. Although there was quite an uptick in homes listed for sale, increasing 25.56% year over year from 810 to 1,017 homes, there was little difference in number of homes sold. In fact, there was a 1.09% decrease, from 1,191 in Q3-2023 to 1,178 in Q3-2024. This market saw a 6.92% increase in median sales price—from $925,000 to $989,000. There was a 5.05% increase in the average price per square foot, up from $555 to $583.

Quarterly

The state agency has said it will need to have a new ferry built every year to reach their long-term goals. However, CCA revenue source could be eliminated if voters approve Initiative 2117 in November, which would repeal the state law. The loss of revenue was a source of discussion at the Washington State Transportation Commission’s Tuesday meeting, in which WSF officials addressed ways to improve the level of ferry

Senior Director John Vezina told the commission that “after I-695 passed in 1999…. the Legislature set a level of service. So, the Legislature could change that level of service” if CCA is repealed. Initiative 695 received 56.16% of the vote in 1999; it required future voter approval for tax increases, repealed existing fees and excise taxes for motor vehicles, and capped the annual license tab fee to $30. At the time, the motor vehicle excise tax

Market Snapshot

Q3 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024

24 23 17

1,178 23 17 1,191

funded a quarter of WSF’s budget, and between 20002010 no new ferries were built. The State Supreme Court ruled the initiative unconstitutional, but the state Legislature ultimately enacted it via legislation.

However, Vezina also told the WSTC that “in my conversations with them [the Legislature] and certainly the Governor's Office, this is the level of service that I think the public and the elected officials expect us to provide. We have regulated that with what we're able to provide, but there's definitely still the expectation we get back there with the new programs and

Q3 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2024

Seattle Q3 Quarterly Market Snapshot

In the same email, Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific Secretary-Treasurer Peter Hart noted “initiative 2117 is a direct threat to workers, commuters, and the wider community that relies on our ferry system to get to work, attend school, and keep medical appointments. I-2117 would slash millions for a ferry system that’s already in crisis.” However, I-2117 backers dispute the connection between CCA and ferry service. In an email to The Center Square, Let’s Go Washington Director of Communications Hallie Balch wrote that “CCA funds are only intended to be used for electrification of existing ferries, the taxes taken from residents from the CCA don’t go into the operation side of the ferry system, so to say that services would be halted to delayed is a false connection. Ferry operation is funded through fares, Federal grants, and state gas taxes, not the CCA.”

1,178 24 23 17

One of the best ways to prepare yourself for your home-buying or selling journey is to stay informed of current market trends. Reach out to me today if you would like to receive a customized monthly market report with the neighborhoods of your choice via email. Let’s dig into this data together!

$989K

24 23 17

1,178 24 23 17

24 23 17

1,178

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million (as of September), which is up 14.1% from the same time last year. We’re seeing price growth in this market, meaning that sellers who choose to list their homes could see an incredible return. Take advantage of the stunning fall foliage as you or your real estate advisor take eye-catching photography and video of your home, presenting it in its best light to sellers. Plus, this is an excellent time to make repairs and value-boosting renovations before the rainy season fully sets in. The average days on market in Seattle is 39 days, which means that you could have your home sold well before the end of the year if you list soon. The large influx of new listings has created a neutral market with 3.9 months of supply, meaning that buyers can now make their home searches with ample choice.

within this market than buyers who looked for their home in September of 2023, with a 37.3% year-over-year increase in new listings. My expert advice? Get preapproved now and look for negotiation opportunities on homes that have been on the market for a while.

In Bellevue, we’re seeing less inventory with 2.2 months of supply, creating more demand and a favorable position for sellers to list their properties. Homes are selling quicker in Bellevue than in the Seattle market at an average of 24 days, as of September. Some homes receive multiple offers soon after they’re listed, and others, particularly in the luxury segment, may take longer to find the right buyer. The year-over-year price growth of 18.2% should entice sellers. And there’s good news for everyone, as buyers can search for their homes with more options available

Buyers, whether you’re interested in taking advantage of the market conditions now and turning your dreams into realities before we wrap up 2024 or you want to prepare so that you can hit the ground running in the new year, I’d advise you to get started today. Although no one knows with any certainty what will happen in the new year, historically, data shows that the spring market typically peaks with multiple offers and a faster pace. Buyers that are not positioned to buy with cash or waive contingencies might have difficulty purchasing, so striking today, while there’s less competition, could be your solution. If you’re worrying over timing the market perfectly, focus instead on assessing whether you’re personally ready to make your move. If you are, then there is no time like the present.

As a Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty Global Real Estate Advisor with a robust network of connections throughout the market, I can guide you to the perfect property, including off-market opportunities. Let’s discuss your goals and how we can reach them together.

Connect with me at neda.perrina@rsir. com or 206.218.8589.

By Spencer Pauley

The Center Square

A quarter of Seattle streets will soon see an increase in hourly parking rates, with some reaching a new high of $6.50 an hour. The new parking rates will take effect on Tuesday. Parking rates in Seattle typically change three times a year, in the spring, summer and fall.

The Seattle Department of Transportation aims to have approximately one to two spaces available on each street block at any given time. This helps people more easily access local businesses and other destinations in the city. Parking rates of $6 or more will be found in the Ballard core, the

Fremont neighborhood, Columbia City during the evenings, and parts of the downtown area.

Revenue from on-street parking meters is forecast to be $35.4 million in 2024 and $37.4 million in 2025, a year-over-year increase of $2 million or 5.6%, according to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2025-2026 budget.

However, the 2025 forecast represents a drop of $1.8 million relative to the 2024 adopted budget. The reduction reflects lower than assumed increases in 2024 from rate changes compared to recent years, in addition lowered expectations for future rate increases.

The 2024 adopted budget increased the minimum and maximum allowable parking

rates, which took effect back in March. That change increased the minimum rate from 50 cents to $1 and the maximum from $5 to $8.

The costliest streets to park in Seattle are Fremont during evening hours and the Pike-Pine street corridor in the downtown area during evening hours. These streets charge $6.50 per hour during evening hours.

A Seattle Department of Transportation press secretary confirmed to The Center Square that all on-street parking pay stations are owned by the city, meaning all collected revenue stays within the city government.

The next expected rate change will be in spring 2025.

Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the easiest way to compare Medicare Part D prescription drug plans? My Part D premium is increasing again in 2025, so I would like to use the fall open enrollment to find and sign up for a cheaper plan.

Shopping Around

Dear Shopping, I’m happy to hear you’re comparing your Medicare coverage options this fall! Research shows that many Medicare beneficiaries with Part D coverage can lower their prescription drug costs by shopping among plans each year during the open enrollment season, which runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

There could be another Part D plan in your area that covers the drugs you take with fewer restrictions or with lower costs. You never know until you look.

You’ll also be happy to know that thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, in 2025 annual out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 for all Medicare Part D beneficiaries.

Here are some tips and tools to help you shop and compare Part D plans.

PLAN FINDER TOOL

If you have internet access and are comfortable using a computer, you can easily shop for and compare all Medicare drug plans in your area and enroll in a new plan online, and it only takes a few minutes.

Just go to Medicare’s Plan Finder Tool at Medicare. gov/find-a-plan. You can do a general search on the right side of the page, under the title “Continue without logging in.” If you

wish to save your drugs and pharmacy information, you can log into or create your Medicare account on the left side of the page. Next, type in your ZIP code and choose the type of coverage you’re looking for, enter the drugs you take, choose the pharmacies you use, and indicate whether you are interested in a mail order option.

The plan finder will then display results for plans in your area. Be aware that a plan may not cover all the drugs you take, but it may cover alternatives. It will also tell you if the plan has a deductible and how much the monthly premium is.

Initially, the plans will be sorted by “lowest drug + premium costs.”

This is the closest estimate to what you may pay out of pocket for your Part D coverage for the year. You can select “plan details” to find out more specifics about coverage, including any coverage restrictions that might apply to your drugs.

Before enrolling, it is a good idea to call the plan directly to confirm any information you read on plan finder, as information may not be completely up to date.

If you need help, you can call Medicare at 800-633-4227 and they can do this for you over the phone. Or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free

unbiased Medicare counseling. To find a local SHIP counselor call 877-839-2675 or see ShipHelp. org.

Any changes to coverage you make will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. If you take no action during open enrollment, your current coverage will continue next year.

EXTRA HELP

If you’re lower-income and having a hard time paying your medication costs, you may be eligible for Medicare’s “Extra Help” program. This is a federal low-income subsidy that helps pay Part D premiums, deductibles and copayments.

To be eligible, your annual income must be under $22,590 or $30,660 for married couples living together, and your assets (not counting your home, personal possessions, vehicles, life insurance policies or burial expenses) must be below $17,220 or $34,360 for married couples. For more information or to apply, call Social Security at 800-7721213 or visit SSA.gov/medicare/ part-d-extra-help.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The

Proposed Seattle growth plan update seeks to

By Spencer Pauley

The Center Square

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell released an update to his city growth plan proposal to bring down housing costs and boost housing choices.

The updated proposal, titled the "One Seattle Comprehensive Plan,” increases zoning capacity to more than 330,000 new housing units, which more than doubles the city’s current housing capacity.

The initial plan estimated that at least 112,000 new units of housing will be needed over the next 25 years.

The updates are a result of public feedback held since the initial plan was introduced this spring.

The first phase of Harrell’s proposal would implement House Bill 1110, which allows for a more broad range of middle housing types. This allows for duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes across all neighborhood residential zones. HB 1110 was passed by the Legislature in 2023 and signed into law the same year.

The second phase would designate 30 neighborhood centers across that city, which intend to add increased housing close to existing businesses and amenities. That is an

increase of six neighborhood centers from Harrell’s initial draft proposal. It would also select arterial rezones along frequent transit routes to make public transit more accessible for residents.

Notably, Harrell’s plan includes an affordable housing bonus, which seeks to support 12 units on a typical 5,000-square-foot

lot in residential areas if at least 50% of the units are affordable for low-income households.

Following future public comment meetings, the Seattle City Council will consider the first phase of the legislation in spring 2025.

The city council will consider the phase two legislation in summer 2025.

“As this plan moves forward,

we will continue to advance our One Seattle housing agenda focused on lowering housing costs, ensuring families and workers can live in our city, preventing displacement, making it easier to build, and addressing root causes of our homelessness crisis,” Harrell said in a statement.

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce recently released its

quality-of-life survey that revealed 28% of respondents cite affordable housing and cost of living as the top issue for Seattle residents.

Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

CEO Rachel Smith voiced her support for Harrell’s updated proposal, saying that it lays the groundwork for more affordable housing across the city.

“This proposal has made it clear the city is committed to using land use tools to address affordability at a much larger – and needed – scale,” Smith said.

Seven in-person information sessions and two online sessions will be held by the city through Dec. 20 as city leaders considers further revisions based on public feedback.