Garden Guy: Autumn: A Second Chance To Improve Next Year

Monday, November 13, 2023

By Bruce Bennett

Don’t look now, but Autumn is waiting just around the corner to leap out at us. Sun lovers and beachgoers might greet this news with dismay. However, many might extend open arms to the cooler, more settled weather that autumn brings, especially after this summer’s dry and record-breaking (again) hot weather.

Fire Power
Photo by landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu
A growing number of gardeners are looking toward the autumn months as a second chance to bring vibrant colors back into their flower gardens. 

Changing out tired looking flower containers with plants that withstand cooler temperatures and occasional frosts can provide just what’s needed. 

Autumn is a great time to look to leaf foliage or berries for color without the need for flowers. 

Many foliage plants even develop better color when temperatures drop. 

For example, Dwarf Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) ‘Fire Power’ (above) never looked better as its fire engine red color develops during the cool autumn temperatures.

Unfortunately, many plants used to renovate autumn garden containers are annuals, plants that do not overwinter in our area (Zone 8). While they sometimes continue growing well into November, they are not frost tolerant. These plants need to be protected when there is some in the frost weather forecast. 

Planting in containers makes this job a little easier. An old sheet, burlap or even bubble-wrap can do a great job of keeping light frost from harming the plants. However, all bets are off if a hard freeze is predicted. At that point, start humming a hymn to the glory of compost.

Swiss Chard.
Photo by plantnebraska.org
Plants slow down as the weather cools and the day-lengths shorten. How full the container looks when planted is pretty much how it will look all season. 

These plants will not grow as vigorously as spring planted ones. Also, watch that you are watering properly. 

Water less in autumn especially as it deepens. Fertilizing in fall is likely unnecessary. Some colorful annuals to choose from include the familiar Mums, Flowering Kale, ‘Bright Lights’ Swiss Chard (at left), Marigolds, Sunflowers, Celosia, Mexican Sunflowers and Zinnias.

Fireworks- Photo by plants.ces.ncsu.edu
Another, more permanent way of adding touches of autumn to the landscape is by planting perennials, shrubs and trees with an eye for fall color and texture. 

Goldenrod/Solidago ‘Fireworks’ (at left), Asters, Black-eyed Susans, Pansies, Caryopteris, Upright Sedum, Coneflowers, Blanket Flowers, Coreopsis, Purple Beauty Berry, Anemones, and Paper-Bark Maple just begin a list of colorful possibilities.

Planting in autumn provides many advantages for gardeners. After the chaos of spring and summer gardening, weather cools and things slow down. Rainfall is more than adequate. 

Pests and disease problems tend to disappear. And, most important, the soil is still warm, allowing roots to grow until the ground freezes or gets as close as it can in the greater Seattle area. These conditions benefit both gardeners and plants.

One major obstacle gardeners face is the acquisition of new plants. Larkspur, Cleome, Bread Poppies and other annuals produce many seeds. Perhaps a friend grows them and would be willing to share some seeds. A friend may have a large drift of Black-eyed Susans and is willing to dig a clump for you to divide and plant. 

Gardeners tend to be a friendly group. So ask for seeds, starts and clumps! Also, check out your local garden clubs. Many are now ‘potting-up’ for autumn plant sales. Finally, don’t forget to check with you County Extension and Master gardener programs as well as community college and high school horticulture programs. You may be surprised at what’s out there.

Sale. Photo by lifehacker.com
Leftover plants found in greenhouses, nurseries and big box stores are looking pretty pathetic by this time of year. 

The upside is that ‘the price is right.’ This past weekend, I’ve seen sales of 25% - 75% off regular prices. 

Regardless of what the top growth looks like now, the root systems of perennials are still vigorous and can come back with a vengeance next spring. Take a chance on some of them.

Anemone. Photo by plants,ces.ncsu.edu.jpg
Last year, I picked-up a few Anemone japonica plants that looked so woeful the clerk didn’t even charge me for them. I planted them in October and one-year later, I can look out my office window and see the pink blossoms of Anemone ‘September Charm.’ 

If spending enough time in their growing beds, gardeners may come to the realization that planting a flower sometimes becomes an act of faith.

Have fun in the garden this autumn. As a former college literature instructor, I can recall that English poet, John Keats, called autumn the "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness". 

For me, it’s also a most excellent time to move outdoors, for possibly the final time this year, smell autumn in the air and do a bit of considered planting, pruning and dreaming of next year glories. Happy gardening all!

Bruce Bennett, Garden Guy
Contributing garden columnist, Bruce Bennett, is a Washington State University WSU Certified Master Gardener, WA Certified Professional Horticulturist and public speaker. 

If you have questions concerning this article or care to suggest topics of interest for future columns, contact Bruce at gardenguy4u@hotmail.com.

Q/A

Question: Hey Garden Guy – tell this new homeowner about dahlias. Do I leave them in the ground or take them out? Thanks!

Answer: Hello, grasshopper. I trust you are enjoying the late summer and autumn displays being put on by dahlias at the moment. In the Northwest, the tubers of these plants can be left in the soil for a years. 

Over-winter them by covering the dead plants with evergreen boughs, bark mulch, etc. If the dahlia variety is one that you really like, lift some of them, brush off any extra soil, dust with a bit of sulfur and store in a container of perlite, vermiculite or simple slightly damp sawdust. 

Check them once a month for rot, desiccation, and other problems. If you have more than one variety, write the name in magic marker on the tubers. Replant when the soil warms a bit, say, May. Protect the new shoots from slugs and snails. Best of luck! G.G.

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Susan's Stockings - help Shoreline Rotary and Banchero Disability Partners provide gift stockings for Banchero residents

Through Banchero Disability Partners' "Susan's Stockings" program, Banchero Disability Partners aims to provide personalized stockings filled with gifts and essential items to individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in their supportive living agency.

Their goal is to ensure that each client receives a stocking filled with items valued at $35. These carefully selected stocking stuffers may include toys, books, puzzles, art supplies, hygiene products, cozy socks, hats, and gloves - all tailored to meet their individual preferences and needs.

They have 35 individuals who wish to have stockings presented to them by Santa at their holiday event on December 7, 2023.

Please bring items to donate to the Shoreline Rotary meeting on November 15. 

Not a Rotarian? Cash donations may be made - please note (Susan's Stockings) in comments.

Banchero residences are in Shoreline and North Seattle.


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Holiday wreath-making class at Kruckeberg

Wreath-making class at Kruckeberg
Let's get festive! Seats are available for three workshops, but space is limited so sign up soon!

Holiday Wreath-making - Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 10am, 12:30pm, 2pm

It’s wreath-making season! Join us for one of the Garden’s most beloved workshops, Holiday Wreath-making, led by our talented wreath-makers, Carolyn Barden and Laurie Ann Dudley. 

This workshop will guide participants through the art of crafting a festive wreath using natural materials like holly, fir, yew, and other winter greens. 

Attendees will learn how to create a beautiful 12″ wreath for their own indoor or outdoor display. Don’t miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity and bring a touch of natural beauty to your holiday decor!

Registration: Please select your preferred session 10am, 12:30pm, or 2pm on the registration form WORKSHOP REGISTRATION

Members – $40
Nonmembers – $55

Accessibility: This class will be held INDOORS and our indoor facilities are not wheelchair accessible at this time.


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Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness 3rd Quarter update

Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness operates three main programs: the GLA Day Center in Lake City, Community Outreach in North Seattle/King County, and the Aurora Oaks Enhanced Shelter in Shoreline.

Their organizations hum with activity but Executive Director William Towey took time to report on their 3rd quarter in a newsletter.



By William Towey, Executive Director
Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness

The third quarter of 2023 was a strong example of how our approach of providing direct services through Outreach, Day Center, and Enhanced Shelter that is closely integrated with our Client Services team creates a very productive pathway to housing and shelter.

For example:
  • In Q3 the GLA Day Center assisted 32 unsheltered individuals get off the street into emergency shelter.
  • In Q3 Lake City Partners placed 17 individuals into Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH).
  • Additionally, our close partnerships with Catholic Community Services and Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC) have confirmed 19 individuals in the soon to open St Margaret's Place and another 13 in the soon to open DESC building (Burbridge Place). We anticipate that by the end of 2023 all of these individuals will be moved into brand new apartments!
Currently, 45% of the folks staying at the Aurora Oaks Enhanced Shelter have an active housing referral. 

We anticipate that 33% of the Oaks census will exit into housing this month.

Congratulations to our Client Services team for their work with the Coordinated Entry for All (CEA) system – which is a complex and challenging system because it is a single access point for many different housing providers and types of housing. Coordinated entry ensures that all folks experiencing homelessness have equitable access to housing resources.

What does this look like qualitatively?

'Ranger' joined the Oaks right before Christmas 2021. Prior to moving into the Oaks he had been living in his truck since 2013. Ranger arrived at Oaks with some serious medical and mobility issues that have gotten more under control as a result of having a stable place to stay that has a Primary Care Clinic just 5 minutes away. Ranger, who is of retirement age, enjoys fishing and being in nature as much as possible. 

The Client Services team sought to incorporate those loves into a housing placement for him, securing an apartment in Magnuson Park and he will soon be able to walk out of his building to go fishing down at the water to his heart's content.

Maintaining a sense of identity and finding joy while being unsheltered for years is difficult. The client services team strives to ensure that participants end up with an apartment that really suits them and meets their specific needs while allowing them to rediscover who they are and what they love.

Lucy arrived at the Oaks in August of 2023. She had been struggling with various health care needs and these were really impacted by her lack of stable shelter since 2016. Within 10 weeks of arriving at Oaks, housing was secured for her. When she was informed of this she was shocked and simply asked where we had been for the last 7 years!

Foundational Community Support

I am thrilled to share that Lake City Partners is now an authorized FCS (Foundational Community Support) provider agency. FCS is a program funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority. 

It was a long and technical process to obtain the qualification to become authorized for Medicaid billing, but we are grateful to be able to tap into this resource for our participants that helps offset operational costs and can provide direct financial benefits to those moving into housing. 

The ability to begin to access Medicaid funding to support interventions and programs for our clients is truly exciting and game-changing!

To learn more, or if your company, congregation or place of work promotes “giving days” leading up to the holiday season or provides tabling opportunities for local nonprofits, please contact chitra@lakecitypartners.org 

11-16-2023 Correction to first line to more correctly describe their services.

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The Sweet Smell of Life

Ethan Bryon of Natural Urban Forests assessing
the soil where the Miyawaki forest will be planted
Story and photos by Sally Yamasaki

Ethan Bryson, founder of Natural Urban Forests, dug into the soil at the Shoreline Historical Museum and grabbed a handful of earth and smelled it. 

"Soil smells sweet when there is life,” he said.

Bryson came to begin the process of preparing the soil for the Miyawaki Urban Forest Planting Day Celebration to be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 starting at 10:00am at the Shoreline Historical Museum 18501 Linden Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

Over 100 community members of all ages will help plant and begin the life of our forest.
Vacant Field next to the Shoreline Historical Museum. 1/3 of it will be planted on the Dec. 9th Planting Day Celebration

The intended planting area next to the museum has a history of its own. At one time it was an area used by the Duwamish. Much later it was occupied by a chicken farm. 

Today, it has been a vacant field for some time where the soil has degraded such that when I asked, Bryson, “What does our soil smell like?” 

 He said, “There is no scent.”

““Soils rich in organic matter smell sweet and pleasant, while depleted soils don’t smell much at all. That’s because bacteria in soils survive by feeding on organic matter and some of them produce a substance responsible for that sweet smell, known as geosmin. If you can smell geosmin, you know you have a soil that is healthy and full of microscopic life and very likely, the bacteria which makes us feel good will be part of all that life.” (Gardenzine)

With the soil samples Bryson took, he will analyze what the soil needs. He will then bring in amendments to the soil that will allow it to have moisture, oxygen, organic matter, and minerals – things we all need to grow. This will create an environment where bacteria can begin to work its magic that will bring the museum soil back to life and provide a home for the Miyawaki Urban Forest to grow.

Miyawaki Forest Friend Volunteers talking with Ethan Bryson

Some say, that when soil is healthy, its scent can make you happy. I believe it!

If you are interested in Planting or Volunteering at the Museum, contact us

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Gloria's Birds: Rainy Day Jay

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Photo copyright Gloria Z. Nagler

Steller’s Jay (soon to be renamed, I hear) on our rainy deck the other day.

--Gloria Z. Nagler


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Reserve your heat and serve Thanksgiving meal from Town and Country Market

Thanksgiving Dinner from Town and Country Market

Save time and lock in your favorite Thanksgiving meats, sides and desserts from Town and Country Market now before the rush begins. 

Turkey, duck, bone-in and boneless ham, delicious sides and decadent desserts — everything you need to create the perfect holiday spread. 

Complete heat and serve meals available. Vegan and organic options, too.

Pre-ordering ends Tuesday, November 21, 2023 (or until we run out.)

Reserve Now!

Town and Country Market is located at 15505 Westminster Way N, Shoreline WA 98133


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Sno-Isle Brick Wall sessions for genealogy help on November 18, 2023

Genealogist Margaret Summitt

Sno-Isle Genealogical Society is offering researchers another opportunity to get help with their "brick wall" problems on Saturday November 18, 2023, at its Research Library, 19827 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood. 

To make a reservation call 425-775-6267 to leave a message. Your call will be returned later to confirm your appointment. 

Margaret Summitt is an experienced researcher who can direct your research efforts. The free 40 minute session is an "in person" appointment. If the 4 sessions are filled you will be placed on a waiting list for the next "brick wall" day.


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Scene on the Sound: Wind on the water

 
Photo by Jan Hansen

When life gives you wind, make some waves.

--Jan Hansen


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9-8-8- Lifeline has a hotline for veterans - dial 988 then press 1

In Washington state, the three-digit dialing code 9-8-8 connects callers to suicide prevention and crisis support specialists.

People can connect with the #988Lifeline to discuss a lot of things: drug use, anxiety, sexual orientation, economic worries.

Interpretation is available in 240 languages, and specific hotlines are available for veterans, Spanish-speakers, LGBTQ+ youth, and American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org


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Save Big on Holiday Travel with the Amtrak Winter Flash Sale

Enjoy a winter getaway without traffic or a middle seat on Amtrak

WASHINGTON – Amtrak has announced a limited-time flash sale on its routes nationwide. Now through November 15, 2023 the ultra-low fares are available to customers in hundreds of destinations across the country for travel from December 4, 2023, through March 15, 2024.

“As we head into the holiday season and in parallel with our recently updated fare structure, we’re excited to offer customers access to incredible deals when booking their winter travel,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch
“Whether visiting family and friends, hitting the slopes, or traveling for business, customers can relax in Amtrak’s spacious reclining seats with plenty of legroom and no middle seat.”
 
Sample One-Way Coach Fares To/From As Low As:

Customers can enjoy the new Amtrak fare structure to simplify their ticket booking process. With rounded dollar amounts and clear descriptors, the new Fare Families will make it easier and more affordable to travel with Amtrak. 

Rail travel is one of the most energy efficient modes of transportation, reducing emissions by up to 72% compared to flying and by up to 83% when driving a personal vehicle.

These sale fares are non-changeable and have a 50% cancellation fee. For customers who want fully changeable and refundable fares, the new structure offers affordable Flex fares.

This sale is valid for Coach and Acela Business Class fares. Seats are limited and restrictions apply. To book your next trip, visit Amtrak.com/WinterSale or the Amtrak app.

About Amtrak®
For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. 

Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.


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Salves and Balms Workshop at Dunn Gardens November 30, 2023


On Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 6-8pm there will be an in-person workshop at Dunn Gardens on creating Salves and Balms. 
 
The practice of using herbs to create healing remedies connects us to our past. One of the most rewarding ways to incorporate easily obtained herbs into our lives is through making herbal salves and balms. 

Learn the art of creating your own basic healing salve, and soothing lip balm in this hands-on class.

Instructor Heidi Koonz is a staff Horticulturist at the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden located just north of Dunn Gardens. She has been working at Kruckeberg and teaching classes in herbal crafting, and propagation for the last 20 years. This is a great class to get ideas for holiday crafting!

All materials will be provided for this class plus complimentary wine and you will go home with new salves and balms.




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Both Shorewood and Shorecrest girls volleyball qualify for state championship competition

Both high school volleyball teams qualified this week for the state championship to be held in Yakima starting Friday, November 17, 2023.

Shorewood volleyball team and supporters
Photo by Kristi Lin

Shorewood
, under Head Coach Brittney Hunter, defeated Meadowdale 3-1 last Thursday, November 9th in the semifinals to secure their spot at State.

They played top-seeded Lynnwood on Friday, November 10, at Marysville-Pilchuck to determine the WesCo championship and lost 3-0. Both Shorewood and Lynnwood, with an unbeaten record, will go to state.

Shorecrest volleyball team. Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools.

Shorecrest
, under Head Coach Robyn Williams, had a longer path to State. They lost 3-0 to Lynnwood in the semi-final match on Thursday, in a non-elimination match. 

Moving into the consolation bracket, the fourth-seeded Scots played sixth-seeded Ferndale on Saturday at Marysville-Pilchuck in a winner-to-state, loser-out match and won 3-1, cinching their berth at State.


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Icebreaker Healy training with Air Station Miami

Healy in waters off Miami Florida
Photo courtesy Air Station Miami

Our favorite hometown icebreaker, the USCGC Healy was recently in Florida where the crew had the chance to train with Air Station Miami. Both teams were delighted with the opportunity.

Air Station Miami said,
What an opportunity!! One of our helicopter crews had the opportunity to conduct Deck Landing Qualifications on the one and only CGC Healy!!! The Healy is one of our icebreakers and was transiting through the area. Thank you to the crew for working with our aviators!!

And Healy returned the love.
USCGC Healy greatly appreciates U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami’s flexibility and professionalism in conducting flight operations with us while we transited off the coast of Florida. We enjoyed the training and it allowed us to qualify several crewmembers, too!

The Coast Guard Cutter HEALY (WAGB - 20) is United States' newest and most technologically advanced polar icebreaker.

HEALY is designed to conduct a wide range of research activities, providing more than 4,200 square feet of scientific laboratory space, numerous electronic sensor systems, oceanographic winches, and accommodations for up to 50 scientists. HEALY is designed to break 4.5 feet of ice continuously at three knots and can operate in temperatures as low as -50 degrees F.

She is homeported in Seattle and is frequently seen from Shoreline.


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Senator Murray commemorates Veterans Day at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery Veterans Day ceremony

Sen. Murray at Evergreen Washelli
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

On Veterans' Day, November 11, 2023, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee and a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, delivered remarks at the Evergreen Washelli Cemetery Veterans Day Ceremony in Seattle.

The daughter of a World War II veteran and the first woman to both chair and serve on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Murray has long focused on ensuring Congress lives up to its obligations to our veterans.

“My dad wasn’t one to call attention to his service—he didn’t do it for attention after all. Like so many others, he did it for his country. He did it to keep our nation safe. That’s something I think about often, because it’s something I see all the time in so many of the incredible veterans I meet,” Murray said at the ceremony today. 
“And it’s why Veterans Day is so personal, so precious, to me—because I know folks like my Dad so often don’t ask for the recognition they deserve, or the help they need—and they shouldn’t have to! That’s why we, as a nation, have to make sure that we never take our veterans for granted, and that we never let our debts to them go unpaid.”

As a voice for Washington state’s veterans in the Senate, Senator Murray has consistently fought to make sure our country fulfills its promise to our veterans and their families. While Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Murray oversaw the initial implementation of the Caregiver Support Program, and successfully pushed to expand the program in the years since. 

Murray wrote the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, which was signed into law by President Obama and brought about major changes to lower unemployment among veterans and help transitioning servicemembers and veterans find good jobs. 

A longtime champion of federal investments in veterans’ housing, Murray successfully helped to restart the HUD-VASH program in 2008 and has consistently fought to fund the program since; including helping to secure $50 million in additional HUD-VASH vouchers in last year’s government funding bill.

Senator Murray helped pass the PACT Act into law last year, which expanded health care benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxics in the line of duty. 

She takes her oversight role seriously, and is fighting to ensure VA is living up to its promise to provide high-quality care for veterans, including holding VA accountable for fixing the botched rollout of its Electronic Health Record (EHR) Modernization program. 

The NorthWest Junior Pipe Band played for the ceremonies
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Murray is pushing to pass her EHR Program RESET Act, which would restructure, enhance, and improve the new EHR program while increasing oversight — and she leads many other bills that would improve quality of life and care for veterans, including the bipartisan Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act and Helping Heroes Act, legislation to help veterans start their families by expanding access to fertility services, and the BUILD for Veterans Act, which would modernize and streamline the delivery of VA medical facilities and other infrastructure projects.

Senator Murray has also led Congress in establishing child care centers at VA facilities and military bases, and since 2019, she has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for new military child care center construction that has increased vital access to child care across all services. 

Senator Murray originally authored the VA child care pilot program in 2008 as part of her Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act in order to assist parents in need of child care during medical appointments at VA facilities. and she has consistently fought to fund the program and establish permanent reauthorization.

Earlier this month, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Fiscal Year 2024 funding bill for military construction, the VA, and related agencies that Senator Murray wrote as Chair of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. 

The legislation provides more than $582 million for specific Washington state veterans and military construction projects across Washington state and, among other national priorities, would increase funding for women veterans’ health care, veterans’ homelessness prevention, and veterans’ mental health —specifically to expand suicide prevention efforts — as well as boost funding to fully implement the VA Caregivers program and expand the national child care pilot program at VA that Senator Murray launched.

“We have to make sure we live up to the promise we made our veterans, and to the American ideals they fought for.

“So to all of the veterans here today, and their families—thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice.

“And know, I am working every day in the United States Senate to get you and your family the support you need. I am working every day to build the future you deserve. I am working every day to strengthen our democracy and the nation you fought to protect.

“I know that you would never stop fighting for our country, and I am going to make sure your country never stops fighting for you.”

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We owe our lives today to heroes who gave theirs in the past

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Cemetery in Europe for American soldiers who died in WW II
Photo by Jan Hansen 

As we celebrate Veterans' Day, remember those who rest on foreign shores. 

Nimitz sails home on a cloudy day. Photo by Jan Hansen

I am also grateful for the women and men who serve in active duty. Yesterday the CVN 68 Nimitz again sailed by on her way to her home port in Bremerton.

--Jan Hansen

  

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Veterans' Day 2023

A message from the White House: A Proclamation on Veterans Day, 2023

This Veterans Day, we honor the generations of women and men who have served and sacrificed — not for a person, a place, or a President — but for an idea unlike any other: the idea of the United States of America. For nearly 250 years, our veterans have defended the values that make us strong so that our Nation could stand as a citadel of liberty, a beacon of freedom, and a wellspring of possibilities. 

Today, I am thinking of all our Nation’s veterans, who put their lives on the line to protect our democracy, values, and freedom around the world. 

We honor our wounded warriors, so many of whom the First Lady and I have met over the years, who are bound by a common sense of duty, courage, and optimism, and we remember those who are still missing in action or prisoners of war and renew my pledge to bring them home. Our military families, caregivers, and survivors also answer the call to serve. I remember so clearly the pride I felt in our son Beau during his service in Iraq as well as those mornings I saw the First Lady saying a prayer for his safe return. Our veterans and their families give so much to our Nation, and we owe them a debt we can never fully repay.

As a Nation, we have many obligations, but we only have one truly sacred obligation: to prepare and equip the brave women and men we send into harm’s way and to care for them and their loved ones when they return home. 

Since the beginning of my Administration, we have worked to make good on that promise, passing nearly 30 bipartisan laws to support our veterans and service members and their families, caregivers, and survivors. That includes the PACT Act — the most significant effort in our Nation’s history to help millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. Since I signed the PACT Act into law last year, more than 478,000 veterans and survivors are already receiving benefits — ensuring that veterans exposed to burn pits and other harmful substances and their loved ones get access to the care and support they need. 

My Administration is also committed to ending veteran suicide and homelessness and ensuring that our veterans have the resources they need to live full lives and thrive in their communities. 

We released a national strategy to reduce military and veteran suicide by improving lethal means safety and enhancing crisis care as well as by addressing the economic, legal, and mental health issues that impact veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs is also funding community-led suicide prevention programs, which help connect veterans and their families to needed services. Every veteran deserves a roof over their head, which is why we have taken bold actions to end veteran homelessness, permanently housing more than 40,000 veterans last year and investing $1 billion to provide supportive services to help homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. 

My Budget also proposes tripling the number of rental-assistance vouchers for extremely low-income veterans to prevent homelessness. Further, we have taken steps to improve the economic security of veterans and their families by expanding job training programs for transitioning veterans and their spouses and issuing rules to protect them from predatory educational institutions. We are also working to ensure every veteran has access to the benefits and services they have earned.

Earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order directing more than 50 actions to improve access to child care and long-term care for Americans, including military and veteran families, and to support family caregivers, especially those who care for our veterans. 

Recognizing the talents and contributions of veteran and military spouses, caregivers, and survivors to our workforce, I signed an Executive Order establishing the most comprehensive set of administrative actions in our Nation’s history to support their economic security — increasing training and employment opportunities for military spouses in the workforce throughout the transition to veteran spouses status and encouraging all Federal agencies to do more to retain military and veteran spouses through flexible policies. 

The First Lady’s Joining Forces initiative is further supporting military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors by improving economic opportunities and expanding resources to promote health and well-being for this community.

As we mark the 50th anniversary of an all-volunteer force and the 75th anniversary of the full integration of women in the Armed Forces and the desegregation of the troops, my Administration reaffirms our commitment to supporting everyone who serves in our Armed Forces. 

We have taken steps to ensure that the more than 918,000 women veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care have equitable access to benefits and health services, in part by expanding access to reproductive health care. 

We have worked to proactively review the military records of veterans discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and to modernize the process of upgrading discharges to help all veterans access their earned benefits. 

We will continue to support our LGBTQI+ veterans and veterans of color who have made innumerable contributions to our Nation and have truly made our military stronger, tougher, and more capable.

This Veterans Day, may we honor the incredible faith that our veterans hold, not just in our country but in all of us. They are the solid-steel backbone of our Nation, and we must endeavor to continue being worthy of their sacrifices by working toward a more perfect Union and protecting the freedoms that they have fought to defend.

In respect and recognition of the contributions our veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2023, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice of these patriots through appropriate ceremonies and private prayers and by observing two minutes of silence for our Nation’s veterans. I also call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States of America and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
 
                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.


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Avis Schwab – Donut Dolly, Vietnam 1967 to 1968

Donut Dolly Avis Schwab at Tay Ninh, January 1968

By Doug Cerretti
All photos courtesy Avis Schwab unless noted

Heroes Café in Shoreline was privileged to host Avis Schwab, a Peace Corps volunteer and Donut Dolly, on October 10, 2023. She reminisced about her service as a Donut Dolly in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.

Avis Schwab at Heroes Cafe-Shoreline, October 10, 2023.
Photo by Doug Cerretti

In 1967, Avis Schwab was returning home to Seattle after a two-year service in the Peace Corps in Venezuela. She was glad to be going home but was apprehensive as she had something to tell her parents. 

When her Dad picked her up at SeaTac International Airport, she said, “I have something to tell you. I want to go to Vietnam but Mom is going to get mad.” 

Her wonderful Dad said, “Kid, don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of Mom.” 

A colleague of hers in the Peace Corps had told her about an American Red Cross program that sent young women to Vietnam. They had to be 21-24 years old, have a college degree, be single and have a great personality. Their role was to bring a bit of home to the troops in Vietnam. 

Handing out presents at Trung Lap on Christmas Day, 1967

They did not brandish guns or crawl in the trenches but were armed only with smiles and hand-made games. The Donut Dollies risked their lives every day to achieve their mission of cheering up and bringing a sense of home to the U.S. troops, holding the line in the emotional battlefield of war. 

As Avis learned about this program she thought long and hard about volunteering for a program that would send her to a war zone. The anti-American sentiment in Central America at the time pushed her to apply as she wanted to help our soldiers. Avis applied and was accepted where only one out of six applicants was selected. 

Dragon Mt, August 1967

Donut Dollies date back to World War II where female Red Cross volunteers visited soldiers in the field with special clubmobiles that carried coffee and donuts they made, hence the name Donut Dollies. 

Donut Dollies also served during the Korean War. In Vietnam, their mission was to boost morale with song, board games or just their presence. 

Since they no longer made donuts, they were officially known as Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program staff; not a name that rolls off your tongue. Instead, they were affectionately known as Donut Dollies and the name stuck.

Cu Chi, 1967. Helicopters were their primary mode of travel

A total of 627 Donut Dollies served in Vietnam. Avis arrived in Vietnam in 1967 after two weeks of training in Washington, D.C. Avis, with other Donut Dollies, visited troops via Jeep, half-tracks, and helicopter in some of the country’s most remote and dangerous regions. 

Avis and her colleagues visited many locations in Vietnam including Cu Chi, Dragon Mt, Dau Tieng, Trung Lap, Tay Ninh, Firebase 6-A and Da Nang. Helicopters were the primary mode of transportation as travel over surface roads was not safe.

Avis with Rinty, 25th Scout Dogs, Dau Tieng, October 1967

Avis even had an opportunity to visit Rinty, a 25th Scout Dog, in Dau Tieng.

Cu Chi, Christmas Day 1967

On Christmas Day 1967, Avis and colleagues flew to Trung Lap to distribute Christmas presents sent from the U.S. They only stayed 30 minutes as the enemy always attacked with rockets or mortars on holidays. 

One unexpected duty Avis and the Donut Dollies performed was to talk with troops on their way home so that they hopefully would clean up their language. You can imagine a soldier’s language is quite different in a war zone than at home.

Avis called this her "Hard Hat”
 Photo by Doug Cerretti
One of Avis’s favorite keepsakes is her cap which she calls her “Hard Hat.” All of the pins, ribbons and badges were given to her by the troops.

After returning from Vietnam, Avis earned her teaching certificate at Western Washington University and had a 30-year teaching career with the Edmonds, WA School District. 

During this time, she married and raised two boys, both of whom served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Avis is a very humble person; she does not consider what she did in Vietnam that big of a deal. 

But Vietnam combat veterans, John Hosey and Michael Reagan, will tell you Avis’s service as a Donut Dolly was extraordinary and above and beyond what is called for by any citizen.

While not in her thought process at the time, to me she lived by the immortal words from President John F Kennedy’s inaugural address that inspired so many of the importance of civic action and public service: “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” 

Clearly Avis took the meaning of this phrase to heart with her service to her country in the Peace Corps and as a Donut Dolly in Vietnam.

1st Cav A Co April 1968

Addendum:
Before Avis was born, her mother was feeding her older sister when all of a sudden, she heard this very loud noise. Stepping out into the back yard, she saw plane after plane after plane. They were flying so low she could see their faces. It was December 7, 1941 and these were the Japanese planes attacking Pearl Harbor. 

Her Dad was a bus driver for Hawaii Rapid Transit. After the attack he transported women and children from Schofield Barracks to safer areas on the island. At night women on the bus would use flashlights to find their way on the road as it was lights out. 

After Avis was born, the family moved to Washington state in 1943 where her Mom was from. The family felt safer there as the war raged in the Pacific.

Heroes Café – Shoreline
meets the second Tuesday of every month from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Seattle Scottish Rite Center, 1207 N 152nd St, Shoreline WA 98133

Veterans, Family, Friends and the Community are welcome. 

Heroes Café is the largest gathering of Veterans on a monthly basis. Unique among Veteran Organizations is that there is nothing to join. You Just Show Up! (See our previous article)


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Election results 4th day Friday November 10, 2023

By Diane Hettrick

King county elections released the fourth day of results at 4:30pm on Friday, November 10, 2023. The next set of results will be released on Monday.

The farther we get into the vote counting, the less chance there is for dramatic changes. This election looks like it's following the pattern of low voter turnout in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. Kenmore, on the other hand, is currently running an eye-popping return rate of 40%.

Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore all have upset elections, turning out a long-term Shoreline councilmember and the Lake Forest Park mayor, while Kenmore looks to oust two incumbent councilmembers. 

A reminder that Lake Forest Park is the only city that directly elects its mayor. In Shoreline and LFP, the new council elects a mayor.

Shoreline Council Pos 4:
  • Doris McConnell, incumbent 5,576 votes
  • Annette Ademasu, challenger 6,899 votes

Lake Forest Park

Mayor:
  • Tom French, former Deputy Mayor 3,109
  • Jeff Johnson, current Mayor 1,658
Council Pos 6:

For this open seat, Goode has been ahead the entire week but it's still too close to call.
  • Paula Goode 2,493
  • Stephanie Angelis 2,207

Kenmore city council

Pos 1: 
  • Incumbent Melanie O'Cain 3562 
  • challenger Kara Macias 2426
Pos 3: In the only open seat
  • Valerie Sasson 3319  
  • Josh Kurchinka 2631
Pos 5: Still a nail-biter, 
  • challenger Jon Culver 3012 
  • long-time incumbent and former mayor David Baker 2957
Pos 7: 
  • Challenger Nathan Loutsis 3087 
  • incumbent Corina Phfeil 2845


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WeatherWatcher: Wind Advisory in effect

Friday, November 10, 2023

Windborne water spray at Richmond Beach
Photo by Wayne Pridemore 2017

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a wind advisory for the greater Seattle area which includes the cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. The wind advisory is in effect until 7am PST Saturday. 

Southeast winds are expected to gust up to around 35-45mph with some gusts up to 50mph possible. Strongest winds are expected sometime after midnight and will likely start to taper off around 6am. 

The advisory has been issued as these winds are strong enough to bring down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages. Winds this strong can also blow around any unsecured objects.

As of this writing my Richmond Beach neighborhood station has already recorded a gust of 33mph at 9:17pm. So far, we have been spared rainfall but that is expected to change overnight with up to around a half inch of rain by Saturday afternoon.


For current weather conditions please visit www.shorelineweather.com


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Everything But The Turkey: North City Bistro will deliver all the side dishes you could want for Thanksgiving dinner

North City Bistro has a wine bar, live music, and small plates - and next door they have a commercial catering kitchen.

"We don’t know about you, but we are getting excited for Thanksgiving, and all of the delicious food and get togethers that come with it. We’d love to take some of the hard work off your plate. 

"We will be offering traditional Thanksgiving sides through our Meal Delivery side of the business (in the catering kitchen attached to the Bistro). 

"So, if you are looking for some help with food, you want to relax and just enjoy your company, or just looking for some tasty thanksgiving food ready to heat and serve. Check the menu "

THANKSGIVING order cut off is 11/16 for Delivery on 11/22.
 
"If we can curate any wine for your Thanksgiving feast/festivities please reach out 206-365-4447, northcitybistro@yahoo.com or stop on by. We have a lot on hand, can bring some in, and are working on bringing in some mixed cases."

You can also arrange to pick up from the Bistro 1520 NE 177th St, Shoreline, WA 98155


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