Free Beginning Genealogy class Saturday in Lynnwood

Heritage Library at Heritage Park in Lynnwood

Free Beginning Genealogy class this Saturday, July 6, at the Sno-Isle Genealogy Research Library, 19827 Poplar Way, Heritage Park, Lynnwood. 

The 1hr. drop-in class starts at 10am.

Now is a good time to get organized and start researching your family history.

For more information call 425-775-6267 on Tuesday or Thursday.

The library will be open on July 4th if you are visiting the park. Also, the Library is open on Sundays thru Labor Day 11am - 4pm.

Death notices May 1 - 31, 2019

Painting by Chrystine Westphal

Obituaries are condensed biographies of people's lives, written by the people who loved them.

Like a memorial service, they tell us things we may not have known about the person, and may leave us wishing we had known them better

Obituaries extracted from The Seattle Times and other sources

Glen Oliver Twitchell  1927-2019  WWII vet had lived in Shoreline for 57 years. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pauline. "He loved spending time with family, friends, and his dog Odie. He also loved cooking, gardening, salmon fishing, and NASCAR."

Ivan E. Thompson  1924-2019  WWII Navy veteran married Molly in 1956 and they raised two children in Shoreline. He was an expert fisherman and he and Molly were involved in many activities with the Sons of Norway. "He had an endless supply of Norwegian jokes and told many fishing stories (some of them true)."

Robert S. Fleming II, MD  Age 83  He moved to Shoreline in the early 1960s and practiced child and adolescent psychiatry until retiring in 2015. His two children were raised in Shoreline.

David Spencer Compton  1948-2019  Services were held at Shoreline Community College for Compton who was deeply involved with two organizations - the Boy Scouts of America and DeMolay. "David is remembered as always having a smile and joke or quip for any situation - after all 'there are no problems, only opportunities.'" 

Marianne Gutteridge  1927-2019  Deeply involved in the arts, she was an active participant with the Shoreline Arts Council. A pianist, singer, weaver, Senior Center volunteer, she and her husband were part of award-winning productions of the Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan society.

Irene Lawseth  1919-2019  She worked in and then taught special ed classes for the Shoreline School District for many years.

Dorothy Ann (Mattson) Pointer  1936-2018  Lived at times in Shoreline and was active with her children and both Boy and Girl Scouts.

Rini Ariani Sulaiman  -2019  A longtime resident of Shoreline, Rini was a graduate of UW and WWU, and enjoyed a long career as an environmental toxicologist.

Martha (Helen) Lindquist  1921-2019  Services were held at Crista Ministries Chapel for long time Shoreline resident Helen Lindquist. She worked for Washington Natural Gas, retiring after 25 years as a Sr. Executive Secretary.

Steven Craig Johnson  Age 67  A celebration of life was held at the Berean Bible Church in Shoreline. The former US Navy Corpsman was employed by Metro for over 40 years.

Wayne M. Rutledge  Age 66  A celebration of life was held at the Lake Forest Park Civic Club. After graduating from Nathan Hale in 1970, he joined a band and toured the US. Upon his return he started his own photography business, eventually opening a studio in the University District.

Gayle Jean (Martin) Freitas  1936-2019  Gayle and her husband raised their family in Shoreline. Upon retirement, they moved to Union, WA to a home on the golf course. Besides golf, she was an avid genealogist, traveling to Sweden to research her history.

Amy Elizabeth Patterson  1990-2019  Amy, age 28, succumbed to complications of a genetic syndrome. "We laud the amazing staff of Fircrest Skilled Nursing who provided medical care, love and support to Amy and her family."

Thomas Franklin Pitcock  1935-2019  Shoreline resident was a founding investor of Viox Corporation. Tom was an active member of Edmonds Harbor Square Athletic Club and a long time member of Queen City Yacht Club in Seattle. Tom and Astrid enjoyed boating on Puget Sound and NW waters in their boat the Kalihi Kai.

Jose Doquilo, Jr  1958-2019  Died at his home in Lake Forest Park in the presence of his family.

Jean Francis (Olson) Nordlund  1920-2019   Shoreline resident at her death, she was an Army Nurse during WWII, stationed in Europe. "She was especially proud of her participation at Normandy, and the liberation of France." She returned to nursing after her children were grown, working at Group Health Northgate. She and her husband were live-aboards, docking their boat at Gasworks Park.

Harold G. Purkhiser  1923-2019  Long time member of the Berean Bible Church in Shoreline where his memorial service was held.

Doris Olson Warbington  1926-2019  "She taught French at Holy Rosary High School and then adult education all around Seattle, where she spent most of her life. She established the Lifetime Learning Center with her business partner and gave assertiveness training to women as feminism developed. She finished her career at Shoreline Community College at 80."

Kathleen Ann Hagen  1940-2019  She moved to Shoreline with her family in 1964 and joined the Aurora Church of the Nazarene, forming close and lasting friendships. They moved to Edmonds in 1979. Services were held at the Aurora Church of the Nazarene.

Katy (Green) Pollock  1947-2019  Katy and her family have lived in Lake Forest Park for 32 years, during which time Katy completed a 30-year career as a Registered Nurse at Seattle Children's Hospital.

Shoreline Arts Festival has a sunny day at its new location at the college

Photos by Steven H. Robinson

The Shoreline Arts Festival had a bright, sunny day at its new location at Shoreline Community College 16101 Greenwood Ave N.

A variety of hands-on art opportunities

The Festival made full use of the spacious facilities at the College with booths of all kinds spread out in a parking lot, a whole row of multicultural rooms, a room just for the Art from the Attic sale, not to mention food trucks and a lot of art activities for children.

The theatre had live dance performances from many cultures.

The Showmobile had a full schedule of performers

The Showmobile was set up and had a full schedule of performances throughout the day.

The festival continues on Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. The festival is free and there is free parking at the college.

For more information, visit the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council’s Festival website.

Some of the culture rooms

There was more room for the multinational culture rooms.

Hua Zhang, left, demonstrated Chinese brush stroke art in the Chinese culture room.

Central America was represented with a Panamanian display.

Residents donated art to be sold at the Art from the Attic room. All proceeds go to support the work of the Shoreline Arts Council.

Dennis Ashbrook and David Endicott from the Music4Life organization were ready to accept donations of musical instruments which will be refurbished and given to Shoreline Schools for the use of children whose families cannot afford to rent an instrument. This program has given the opportunity to participate in music programs for many students.

And, of course, there was art for sale in the juried art exhibit.

Police arrest Wells Fargo bank robber

Thanks to an anonymous Crimestoppers tip, King County Sheriff Detectives have arrested the bank robber that has hit the Richmond Beach Wells Fargo Bank in Shoreline on three occasions, most recently on Thursday, June 27, 2019. 

He has been booked into the King County Jail.

House fire quickly extinguished Saturday evening in Ridgecrest

Fire in Ridgecrest neighborhood

Shoreline Fire extinguished a residential structure fire just after 9:30pm on Saturday, June 29, 2019 in the 16200 block of 10th Ave NE in the heart of the Ridgecrest neighborhood.

There were no injuries or residents were not displaced.

Shoreline Fire teaches Shoreline Police how to breach doors

Photos courtesy Shoreline Police

Shoreline Police and Fire recently had a cross-department training session as Fire taught Police how to breach doors. The session was held at Shoreline Fire Dept headquarters.

Skills like this are essential should officers need to enter a secured building in an emergency.

Thanks to Shoreline Fire for their expertise, equipment and training facility!

Missing Shoreline man found the same day

Found: Carl Phillips

Shoreline resident Carl Phillips, 75, suffers from various health issues. He went for a walk on Friday around 11:30am in the 14500 block of 12 Ave NE and did not return at the expected time.

Shoreline Police put out the notice and mobilized forces to look for him. Neighbors reported a lot of activity around the Paramount School Park area.

He tends to walk south into Seattle towards Northgate. He is 5'4", about 125 lbs, wearing a blue windbreaker, black sweatpants, black shoes, and glasses.

Police did not elaborate on where he was found or who found him, but that he was located in the evening and was in good spirits.

Edmonds Driftwood Players 10th Annual Festival of Shorts

10th Annual Festival of Shorts

"Technology Gone Bad"

plays at The Wade James Theatre

July 5 – 7, 2019

Edmonds Driftwood Players is pleased to present the popular Annual Festival of Shorts. 

In its tenth season, we are presenting eight short plays which have been selected from hundreds of submissions from around the world. The finalists were chosen through "blind" readings by our selection committee. 

These never before produced shorts will make their debut on the stage at the Wade James Theater in Edmonds. The theme of this year's festival is "Technology Gone Bad.”

The selected playwrights will exhibit their most innovative, hilarious, or profound 10-15 minutes of stage-time. At each of the four performances, the audience selects their favorite and on Sunday, our panel of esteemed judges will select an overall festival winner.

Festival co-producer and Executive Producer of the TIPs (Theater of Intriguing Possibilities) Series, Diane Jamieson, is excited for audiences to enjoy this year's submissions. The Annual Festival of Shorts closes out the 2018-19 Season.

Finalists for 2019 (in no particular order) are:

• Voice Control by Jessica Moss
• Book Ends by Shawn Samuelson Henry
• Rob Ot: 2100 by Tiffa Foster
• Blind Justice by Jeff Dunne
• Isn’t It Romantic by Lexie Knull
• Chip Head by Jim Moss
• The Turing Test by Mike McGeever
• Another Fad by Jeffrey M. Brown

SHOW TIMES:
Fridays - Saturday – 8:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday – 2:00 PM

WHERE:
The Wade James Theatre (950 Main Street, Edmonds, WA)

TICKETS:
Tickets online or call the Box Office at 425-774-9600, option 1, for tickets 

(General $20, Jr/Sr/Military $18). A ticket is required to attend the performance (no babes-in-arms). Group rates are available for 10+ tickets purchased in a single transaction.

Battalion Chief Michael Ryan retires from Shoreline Fire

Battalion Chief Michael Ryan

Battalion Chief Michael Ryan worked his last shift of an over 27 year career on Thursday. 

After a distinguished military career as a Navy diver, Michael took a firefighting position with Snohomish County Airport Fire Department in 1992. Two years later, he was hired with Shoreline Fire Department in June 1994.

After being with the department for only four years, Michael was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and spent eight years serving in that role.

In 2006, Michael was promoted to Battalion Chief where he has proudly served for the past 13 years.

During his tenure, Michael was also an active member of the Shoreline Technical Rescue Team, which included a high-angle rescue of a parachuter at the Crista Radio Tower in August 2003.

(See Washington Firefighters Perform High Angle Rescue for the story of the dramatic rescue)

Michael has served as a program lead instructor for the water and ice rescue programs, and as the department’s Training Officer.

His years of experience as a shift commander will be missed by us all. 

Best of luck, BC Ryan!

Shoreline Parks to the rescue

Now this is the way to get rid of blackberries!
Shoreline Parks crew helping at the Midvale Gardens site

Text and photos by Derek Creisler

This Saturday, June 29, 2019 Shoreline Parks staff began to haul away the drying piles of English Holly pulled off the Midvale Gardens site between N 192nd and the Interurban Trail.

Shoreline Parks to the rescue with crew and equipment

The team took away three truckloads, while also clearing out a large stand of blackberry brambles.

A public meeting to discuss the progress of this community work project will be held in July, date to be determined.

Photo: Low Bow

Low Bow
Photo by Jan Hansen

This morning’s shower brought a rainbow as a special gift. It was low and over the sound framing the ships that sailed through.

--Jan Hansen

Friday Afternoon at the Movies coming up: Friday, July 12

Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center and Scarecrow Video’s Silver Cinema Project partner to show some of the most beloved classics for all to enjoy again and again. 

This month, Gaslight will be shown on Friday, July 12, 2019 from 1:30-3:30pm in the Bridge Room.

There is a suggested donation of $2.

Gaslight, starring Ingrid Bergman, Charles Boyer, and Joseph Cotton

Ingrid Bergman captures an Oscar for her role in this “pure psychological thriller” while co-stars Charles Boyer and Angela Lansbury received nominations for best actor and best supporting actress respectively.

What’s it all about: a young woman returns to the house in which, years earlier, her aunt was murdered. Her new husband has a dark secret that he will do anything to protect, even if it means driving his wife insane.

This 1944 film runs for 1 hour, 44 minutes.

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is in the southernmost building of the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE #1, 206-365-1536.

Come enjoy in the center’s air conditioned facility!

Cartoon by Whitney Potter: humerous

Previous cartoons by Whitney Potter can be found under Features 

in the first column of the front page of the Shoreline Area News

Proposed fare increase for ferries proposed for October - share your opinion

Photo by Mike Remarcke

Ferry customers and anyone with an interest in Washington State Ferries fares are being asked to weigh in on a new fare proposal that would take effect starting this October. 

The Washington State Transportation Commission has released its proposal to increase ferry fares over the next two years. The proposed increase must generate $407 million in fare revenue between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2021, as required in the recently passed two-year state transportation budget for Washington State Ferries operations.

The commission’s proposal includes two ferry fare increases over the next two years and an increase in the current capital surcharge paid on each fare, as required by the Legislature to support construction of a new vessel.

The commission proposed these increases after considering input from Washington State Ferries, the Ferry Advisory Committee on Tariffs, and public input gathered through a series of ferry community meetings in April and May 2019.

A summary of the ferry fare and policy proposal is as follows:

• Proposed fare increase for Oct. 1, 2019
• 2.5 percent fare increase for vehicles
• An additional 5 percent fare increase for oversize vehicles on the Anacortes/ Sidney, B.C., route
• 2 percent fare increase for passengers
• Reservation no-show fee will be increased up to 100 percent of the one-way fare paid, based on a standard-sized vehicle
• The time in which transfers can be made on the San Juan Islands Inter-island ferry is valid through the end of the service day it was issued
• Proposed fare increase for May 1, 2020
• 2.5 percent fare increase for small and standard sized vehicles
• An additional 5 percent fare increase for oversize vehicles on the Anacortes/ Sidney, B.C., route
• 2 percent fare increase for passengers
• 25-cent increase for the capital surcharge, dedicated to the construction of a new vessel

This proposal also allows Washington State Ferries to pursue two different potential pilot programs to test changes to fares and fare collection methods:

• Low Income Fare Pilot: Starting no earlier than 2020 and contingent on receiving funding from the State Legislature and approval from the commission, this pilot would test a special passenger fare for low-income customers. If implemented, the pilot would run for no more than three years.

• “Good to Go!” Pilot: This pilot would test the use of the “Good to Go!” system currently used to collect tolls on highways and bridges, to also collect ferry fares. Special fares might be established as part of this pilot, with approval from the commission. If implemented, the pilot would run for up to three years.

The commission will hold its final hearing on the fare proposal from 10am to noon, Tuesday, August 6, at the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Board Room, 1011 Western Ave., Ste 500, Seattle. Public comment will be taken and the commission is expected to vote on the final fare and policy changes at this hearing.

Through Monday, July 29, the public is encouraged to provide comments on all of the proposed fare changes. 

Comments can be provided in the following formats:

• Online open house: Learn more about the fare proposal and “vote” on each proposed change HERE
• Email: transc@wstc.wa.gov. Please indicate “Ferry Fares” in the subject line
• In writing: 
• Washington State Transportation Commission P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308

For more information on transportation commission or its ferry fare proposal, please visit the commission’s web site.

Book review by Aarene Storms: What Goes Up

What Goes Up by Katie Kennedy

200 teen scientists vie for two positions with NASA's Interworlds Agency. The tests cover math, science, problem-solving...and a lot more. Rosa Hayashi is an obvious choice. Eddie Toivonen is not.

Then gravity flutters, which it definitely should not do. Immediately after, alternate-dimension aliens show up, and they look human. In fact, the alternate-dimension aliens look just like the astronauts who just left Earth, only these astronauts are carrying a very dangerous cargo.

What could possibly go wrong?

Part Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, part Ender's Game and part literary roller coaster. Put it all together for a fast-moving, fun book with an intriguing premise and appealing characters who make nerdy the new cool. Highly recommended!

Ages 12 to adult. Some cussing, some kissing and some unbelievably corny knock-knock jokes.


The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS astorms@kcls.org

Classifieds: Ronald Wastewater commissioners meet

Ronald Wastewater District Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the District headquarters 17505 Linden Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

The 4th of July - shore to shore

Kenmore 4th of July

By Diane Hettrick

There's an advantage to having water on each side. You have the option of viewing fireworks shows from neighboring cities and towns.

We have two big nearby shows - or you can just find a nice vantage point to watch the shows over the water.

On Lake Washington, the City of Kenmore puts on a big party at Log Boom Park.

Fourth of July Fireworks Show - Kenmore

Watch the night sky light up and have a fun-filled Fourth of July! The Kenmore Fireworks Show presented by Frank Lumber blasts off at 10:00pm from the Log Boom Park pier 17415 61st Ave NE.

Prior to the fireworks show, join in the festivities with fun activities and food vendors from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. The event is free and all you need to bring is a blanket or chair!

This event draws a crowd and parking is limited. Make plans to bus, ride, or walk to Log Boom Park via the Burke-Gilman trail. As a reminder, personal fireworks are prohibited in Kenmore city limits.

Other shows on Lake Washington

Kirkland - Marina Park - 10:15pm
Bellevue - Bellevue Downtown Park - 10:05pm

Puget Sound

Edmonds: On Puget Sound, the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce throws a huge 4th of July celebration - a parade and events starting at 9am, and going all day until the big fireworks show at 10pm at Civic Stadium.

Beat Brackett 5K - Baby Brackett 1K	9:00 a.m.
Children’s Parade	11:30 a.m.
Main Parade	12:00 p.m.
Edmonds Firefighters Waterball Competition (City Park, 3rd Avenue South and Pine)	2:30 p.m.
Food Vendors and Evening Entertainment (Civic Stadium, 6th and Bell)	6:00 p.m.
Brackett’s Beard and Mustache Contest	9:15 p.m.
Fireworks (Civic Stadium, 6th and Bell)	10:00 p.m.

Kingston: Across the water from Edmonds, Kingston will celebrate the holiday with Tiny Town for kids at the Village Green, live music at Mike Wallace Park, a traditional parade through the town, and a spectacular fireworks at dusk.

Fireworks over Gasworks Park in Seattle

Lake Union in Seattle has the big Seafair event at Gasworks Park and South Lake Union Park

12:00 noon to - 11:00pm
Cost: $40-60 for reserved seating

One Lake. One Fireworks Display. Two Different Experiences.

Voted one of the nation’s best fireworks shows by USA Today and Business Insider, the show features fireworks with fantastic displays fully choreographed to Seafair's custom musical score, simulcast on WARM 106.9

At Gas Works Park: Gates open @Noon. Fireworks @10:15pm. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy food vendors, live entertainment and exhibit booths. For those 21+, quench your thirst in our beer garden. Kids of all ages are invited to participate in the All-American Games featuring pie-eating contests, sack races and more. 

Admission is free, but to guarantee the best views of the fireworks over Lake Union, reserved seating is available for purchase by clicking on the tickets icon to the right. UPDATE: WEST RESERVED SEATING IS SOLD OUT! EAST RESERVED SEATING AVAILABLE.

At Lake Union Park: Gates open @3:00pm. Fireworks @10:15pm. New this year - 21+ location at Lake Union Park. Limited reserved seating and expansive beer garden. Tickets available here.

Don't miss this special celebration of our nation’s independence with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Seafair Summer Fourth during Seafair's 70th Anniversary!

Brush clearing continues Saturday at N 192nd and Interurban Trail

Much has been accomplished ... much remains to be done.

Saturday June 29, 2019 noon to 4pm

Brush clearing continues at the site of the future Shoreline community garden at N 192nd St and the Interurban Trail.

Much has been accomplished ... much remains to be done.

Come prepared with leather gloves, boots, clippers. All are welcome!

For more info email Midvalegardens@gmail.com

Photos: Electrical work on NE 185th by Shoreline North station area

NE 185th looking east over freeway overpass

Photos and text by Steven H. Robinson

City light has been working along 5th NE and NE 185th doing preparation for installing metal transmission line poles and installing another switch to reroute electricity when there is an outage.

NE 185th looking south

The equipment is the same as was installed previously in 17800 block of 5th Ave NE a few years ago. 

Fewer trucks involved this time and the coverage area will be out to the West.

Fire Marshal Todd Malo retires from Shoreline Fire

Fire Marshall Todd Malo retires from Shoreline Fire

Fire Marshal Todd Malo worked his last shift of an over 29 year career on Thursday.

Todd started his career with North Highline Fire District as a volunteer in 1984 and was hired full-time in 1990.

In December 1999, Todd took a position as a firefighter with Shoreline Fire Department.

After being with the department for just two years, Todd was promoted to Inspector and joined the Fire Prevention Division where he spent five years in that role.

In 2007, Todd was promoted to Deputy Fire Marshal and then in 2010 he was promoted to Fire Marshal where he led the division until his final day with Shoreline Fire Department.

As the Fire Marshal, Todd oversaw hundreds of projects across the City of Shoreline. He was heavily involved in large developments such as the Echo Lake Complex, the Artiste, and the Polaris, and most recently worked on the Sound Transit Light Rail project.

Todd has played a major role in fire safety and prevention throughout his career.

Todd’s contribution to the department and the City of Shoreline will be missed by us all. Best of luck Fire Marshal Malo!

Where your Buddy Poppy donations went

Chris Christophersen presents a $2500 check to Shree Vigil, Program Manager,
Compass Veterans Center and Jennifer Marquette, Community Resource Coordinator, 
Compass Housing Alliance  Photo courtesy VFW

By Carl "Chris" Christophersen

Twice a year, Blackburn-Aurora VFW Post 3348 (Shoreline) holds their VFW Buddy Poppy (red poppies) fundraiser: Memorial Day and Veterans Day. We get permission to utilize three stores in the area on the Friday and Saturday prior to each of the above-named holidays.

Veterans Tiffany Bothell and Ken Christophersen
with Buddy Poppies at the Shoreline Fred Meyer
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

There are two or more VFW Post 3348 members at each store, taking donations for each VFW Buddy Poppy. 

There is no set price --- it is whatever you choose to donate. 

Every dime that is donated goes to help veterans in need.

We recently concluded our 2019 Memorial Day event. 

Discussions about who to donate to are ongoing amongst the Post members.

We made one decision early on because donating to this facility is a perennial favorite --- our donation directly helps veterans. 

That facility is the Shoreline Veterans Center (affiliated with the Compass Housing Alliance) located right across the street (N 200th St) from Costco in Shoreline. 

They permanently house 25 veterans --- yet any veteran can leave when s/he feels prepared and ready to get their own place.

On Friday, June 28, 2019 we presented 25 gift cards ($50 each) to Shree Vigil, Program Manager, Compass Veterans Center – Shoreline. 

Each gift card is in an envelope along with a note from VFW Post 3348 for each veteran who resides there. The envelopes were numbered 1 – 25. The photo above shows Shree on the left and Jennifer Marquette on the right. I am in the middle. Jennifer is the Community Resource Coordinator, Compass Housing Alliance (CHA) --- she is based in their HQ in downtown Seattle but is often at the Shoreline facility. Each woman was given a box of chocolates.

Compass Veterans Center in Shoreline
houses 25 veterans
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

There is at least one CHA employee on site 24/7. The male residents live in a separate area from the female residents. 

No children are allowed but pets are allowed. 

They each have their own room which is connected to the internet. Each room has a bed, nightstand, dresser, closet and desk and chair. The men and women each have their own shared bathroom/shower facilities.

To qualify to live there, each resident most make less than 30% of the median income in Greater Seattle. Right now, that 30% equates to $23,000. Most of the residents have jobs but do not make enough to have their own place, which is why a training facility with computers is in place. Most of them do not have cars.

Bob Ferguson, right, was on the County Council
in 2010 and gave Compass one of the
surplused County vans.

There is one van, given to them in 2010 by King County, to provide transportation but otherwise they use public buses to get to the VA hospital or wherever. If they have income, they pay 33% of their Net. 

There is a common kitchen area. The residents are not provided meals but Shree cooks one meal for them each week; another woman comes once a week and makes another meal for them; yet another patriot drops off a large donation of food once a week. 

So nobody goes hungry. One resident “Dave” said that he uses the $50 for whatever he happens to need at the time e.g. socks, underwear, food, clothes, etc.

Shree told us about one female veteran who showed up, whose apartment had just burnt down. The woman had lost everything --- she came with just the clothes she was wearing. After our prior visit (following our 2018 Veterans Day Buddy Poppy event), Shree had handed this woman a $50 gift card --- the woman teared up (she had not yet thought about what she needed to do) --- her eyes opened wide and she said “oh my, thank you. I have nothing.” It helped a little right then.

The story repeats from each veteran.

~~~~~

Carl ”Chris” Christophersen is the Post Commander for Blackburn-Aurora VFW Post 3348; and the District Commander for VFW District #2, Department of Washington