Madison Park Times January 2026

JANUARY 2026

Madison Park Times Serving East-Central Seattle since 1983

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King County Council Appoints Rhonda Lewis, Making History with First Black Woman and First Majority-Woman Council Staff Report

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In the Emptiness of Winter Page A4

GENNA MARTIN

he King County Council made history Tuesday with a single vote, appointing Rhonda Lewis to fill the District 2 vacancy and marking two milestones at once: Lewis becomes the first Black woman to serve on the Council, and her appointment establishes the first majority-woman council in King County’s history.

Lewis steps into the District 2 seat vacated by now–King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, who resigned earlier this month following his election. She was sworn in on December 9 and will serve as an interim councilmember through certification of the November 2026 election, representing a district that spans diverse communities—from South Seattle to neighborhoods like Madison Park, where residents are closely engaged in issues of livability, housing, and civic life.

“It’s the honor of a lifetime to be able to represent District 2. It is a full circle moment for me to go from serving D2 as a public servant in the Executive’s Office and then in this council office as a staffer, to now serving as your Councilmember,” Lewis said.

“We have many challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly around affordability, housing, and homelessness. I look forward to partnering with my colleagues and Executive Zahilay to meet these challenges head on.”

The Council considered three highly qualified nominees—Cherryl Jackson-Williams, Nimco Bulale,

and Lewis—any of whom would have made history. Lewis was ultimately selected for her deep experience in local government and long-standing commitment to equity and effective public service.

Her career spans senior leadership roles across city and county government. As City Administrator of Tukwila, Lewis oversaw operations for a city serving a daytime population of more than 100,000 and established the city’s Office of Human Services, significantly expanding support for children, families, and seniors. At King County, she served as Chief of Operations under Executive Dow Constantine,

overseeing nine departments and approximately 12,000 employees. During that time, she led the creation of the county’s first Zero Youth Detention Strategic Plan and its inaugural Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan.

Lewis later served as Equity and Social Justice Director for Public Health Seattle–King County before becoming Chief of Staff to then–Councilmember Zahilay in the District 2 office—work that grounded her understanding of the district’s varied neighborhoods, from lakeside communities like Madison Park to the urban core.

A graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with both

a bachelor’s degree in Business Education and an MBA, Lewis is also an alumna of Harvard Kennedy School’s Women in Power Intensive program.

Her appointment signals both continuity and change—bringing seasoned leadership to District 2 while reshaping the face of the King County Council itself. Lewis said, "It’s a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously, but also one that feels as natural as coming home—I will, as I always have, work to serve these communities that I hold dear to my heart. To the constituents of D2: my door is always open to you.”

Memories of Christmas Past Page A7

Real Estate Page B1

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JANUARY 2026

Go Time: Evacuation Tips I hope You’ll Never Need

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ell, our state sure went through it this December! Historic flooding wasn’t on my bingo card, but here we are—as I write this, late in the month, Washington has endured levee breaks, devastated neighborhoods, and one confirmed death. Hundreds of thousands of people are reportedly without power right now.

While Madison Park has Dana only minor Armstrong flood Emergency risk (as I Prep understand it), the devastation elsewhere made me think about how we could be more prepared if we had to leave our homes.

As always, I recommend visiting Ready. gov for reliable advice on disaster preparation. But I wanted to gather a few more specific tips about what to do before and during an evacuation. My Aunt Susie, a veteran hurricane evacuee, helped me come up with some of these evacuation prep “best practices.”

BEFORE YOU EVACUATE: GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW Don’t procrastinate thinking about a possible evacuation: your preparation is best begun under fair skies. Here are a few simple steps you can take now to prepare for emergencies that might require you to leave your home.

IDENTIFY AN OUT-OF-AREA CONTACT AND WRITE DOWN THEIR PHONE NUMBER Designate a trusted person living east of Spokane, WA (or in another state) to be your out-of-area contact. Write down their phone number and keep it in your wallet.

If and when you do have to evacuate, let your contact person know your plans (texts are more efficient than phone calls). Friends and relatives then have someone they can reliably reach if they can’t get hold of you.

SET UP A FEW EMERGENCY ALERTS AHEAD OF TIME Do a few things today to prepare for future chaos: 1) Sign up for AlertSeattle emergency alerts at alert.seattle.gov 2) Bookmark KCemergency.com (more on that site later) 3) Search for the FEMA app in your phone’s app store and install it. This app provides time-sensitive emergency alerts (and lists of currently active shelters) 4) Add the WA211 number to your phone’s address book: 1-877-211-9274. (You can dial 211 during an emergency, but they recommend you use this one if 211 doesn’t work.) 211 is a help line for Washington residents that operates year-round; it is also available in Spanish. See WA211.org for more information.

THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU MIGHT EVACUATE City, county, and FEMA emergency shelters are typically only designated during a disaster. For now, think about people outside of Seattle city limits who might be able to host you in an emergency. Consider asking them in advance.

Per FEMA, you should also designate one or more reunification points in case an evacuation occurs while your family is separated. Consider places your family already knows well (shopping areas, schools, friends’ homes).

KEEP GAS IN YOUR CAR One common piece of advice—whether for an earthquake, flood, or other disaster that requires you to leave home—is to keep your car’s gas tank topped up as much as possible. It’s a hassle, but you’ll be ready to go and won’t have to wait in a long line for gas during an evacuation. (And if you hear a big storm’s coming, head to the gas station right away!)

THINK ABOUT SPECIAL SITUATIONS IN YOUR HOME If people with special needs live with you in your household, evacuating will have additional challenges. Please visit this page to learn more: Seattle.gov/emergencymanagement (scroll down to the Prepare by Audience section). Call the WA211 number when an emergency happens.

If you have pets, remember you’ll need to find a pet-friendly shelter when the time comes. Some shelters might require pets be kept in carriers, so make sure you have one (and know where to find it).

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MOVE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO THE CLOUD If you don’t have information online, your laptop will just be a useless brick when you’re sitting in a shelter, with uncertain (or perhaps no) access to power. I recommend moving important documents to a cloud storage drive so that you can reach them from other computers, if needed.

KCemergency.com, though might no longer be available at publication time.)

The city has created evacuation designations such as Level 1 - Get Ready, Level 2 - Get Set and Level 3 - GO NOW, among others. Consult city resources to find out whether and when to evacuate.

PLAN WHERE TO GO Remember the FEMA app I encouraged you to install? Not only did it send me near-constant flood watch alerts this week, the app also lists active shelters during an emergency. (During the current flood emergency, I see 12 active shelters—in Auburn, Mount Vernon, Puyallup, Sedro-Woolley, and elsewhere.)

I also found shelter information (and lots of other helpful advice) during this flooding at KCemergency.com. This tremendous resource from the Office of Emergency Management has been available since 2014 (although it’s dormant when there’s no emergency).

Also visit Seattle.gov and KingCounty. gov for shelter information and disaster advice.

A less obvious resource for disaster information: weather radio! While not available on regular FM & AM radios, my emergency radio includes a weather band so I can tune to the local NOAA station, 162.550, for current conditions.

KNOW WHAT TO TAKE If you’re like me, you have a Go Bag ready near your front door with first aid supplies and some prep essentials (headlamps, etc.).

But packing what you’ll need to shelter away from home for a few days is quite a different story.

One thing my aunt shared with me: packing with danger on the horizon can be very stressful—and panic can make you unproductive. Before you begin to pack, take some deep breaths and sit still for a few minutes. Silence/inactivity can give you the clarity to focus on what is most important to do when time is limited.

Shelter/evacuation packing recommendations (other than weather-appropriate clothes): • Medications • Your phone and laptop—and their chargers • Your home insurance file (including the insurance company phone number) • Essential toiletries. Basically, “anything you need before you go to bed at night and when you get up in the morning.”

• Contact lenses and glasses (including reading glasses) • Consider bringing along power-free entertainment (books or decks of cards)

KNOW WHEN TO GO Leave too early, and you’ll be out of your home before you need to be. Leave too late, and you’ll be caught in traffic with everyone else who’s evacuating.

Whether and when to leave home was such a common question during this flooding event that King County made an internal “experimental” map public, allowing residents to check the evacuation status for their address. (The map is linked on

As always, my column is part of Madison Park Emergency Hub’s outreach effort. The Hub is a neighbor-run organization dedicated to helping neighbors help each other after a disaster. To be added to our mailing list, please contact us at madparkhub@ gmail.com.

DURING AN EVACUATION: KEEP CALM AND CARRY (YOUR STUFF) ON Consider three things before you head out the door: where to go, when to go, and what to take with you.

JANUARY 2026

Pacific Publishing Company – Queen Anne & Magnolia News • Madison Park Times

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Winter Strengthens What Cannot Yet Be Seen

By Annie Lindberg LAc, MES, MAcOM

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n late fall, I planted daffodil and tulip bulbs into cold, dark soil. Once covered, they disappeared entirely—no sign of life above ground, no visible progress to admire.

And yet, this quiet season is exactly what they need. Underground, roots are forming. Energy is being stored.

Strength is building for a future bloom.

Winter works this way for plants, for ecosystems, and for us.

Biologically and ecologically, this is a season of gestation, not acceleration. Winter is the time when the most important work happens out of sight.

Just because the calendar says “New Year” doesn’t mean the body is ready to surge forward.

Here in Seattle, January is often the coldest, darkest month of the year. Daylight has only just begun its gradual return after the winter solstice. The ground is cold. The rain is steady. And despite cultural messages urging fresh starts and renewed productivity, the body is still oriented toward conservation.

Modern science quietly supports this. Research suggests that people tend to sleep slightly longer in winter and experience shifts in circadian rhythms due to reduced daylight.

Even when total sleep time doesn’t change dramatically, the body’s internal clock often asks for earlier nights, slower mornings, and more rest.

These subtle seasonal adjustments reflect something ancient: we are still deeply responsive to light and dark.

Stillness, in winter, is not laziness.

It is physiological wisdom.

I was reminded of this last month during a ten-day meditation retreat that involved almost no physical exercise—no running, no yoga, no hiking. While the experience was mentally and emotionally demanding, something unexpected happened physically: my joints felt deeply replenished. Less inflamed. More fluid.

More at ease.

Joints, like so many tissues in the body, don’t just need movement.

They also need relief. Cartilage and connective tissue rely on cycles of compression and decompression. In daily life, many of us are excellent at the compression part—constant movement, repetition, effort.

Winter, and true rest, offer the missing half: sustained decompression. Time for inflammation to settle.

Time for tissues to rehydrate. Time for repair to occur.

In Chinese medicine, this season belongs to the Kidneys, and particularly to what is called Kidney yin— the body’s deepest source of restorative, cooling, and nourishing energy. Kidney yin supports joints, bones, marrow, sleep, fertility, and long-term vitality. It is strengthened by darkness, stillness, warmth, and reduced output. Winter, in this view, is not a time to push through fatigue, but a time to protect and rebuild the body’s deepest reserves.

This wisdom extends beyond the physical. Winter also asks for fewer commitments.

Culturally, we often do the opposite—packing December and January with obligations, gatherings, and

expectations. But even joyful events require energy, attention, and recovery time. Without space between them, the nervous system never fully settles.

In winter, margin is medicine.

Choosing fewer commitments doesn’t mean withdrawing from life.

It means discernment. Leaving earlier. Allowing blank evenings. Letting some invitations wait for another season. Just as bulbs need darkness and depth to root properly, people need unstructured time to restore.

The winter solstice reminds us that change begins quietly. Light returns not all at once, but gradually, almost imperceptibly at first. January is not the season of visible growth—it is the season of trust.

Winter strengthens what cannot yet be seen.

Beneath the soil, bulbs prepare to bloom. Within the body, joints replenish, sleep deepens, and reserves rebuild. When we honor winter’s call to rest—through more sleep, fewer commitments, and gentler expectations - we aren’t falling behind. We are laying the groundwork for what will rise later.

Spring does not arrive because we force it. Spring’s splendor erupts because winter was honored.

Annie Lindberg is a licensed acupuncturist, Chinese Medicine practitioner, and Ayurvedic practitioner. She also holds a Masters of Environmental Studies. She owns and practices at The Point Acupuncture & Ayurveda, located in Madison Park and is a regular Madison Park Times health columnist.

Seeds of Intention: Planning a Garden in the Quiet of Winter

By Jill Hall

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s the dark days of winter settle in, my garden has tucked itself into its seasonal slumber. I am spending more time indoors while the frost outside leaves its sparkly trail on branches and leaves. A quick walk to the mailbox for the daily snail mail delivers one of the great joys of winter for gardeners everywhere, a seed catalog. I clutch it like a prized manuscript and prepare for a cozy evening with a blanket, a cup of tea, and a generous amount of daydreaming about what I might grow in the coming year.

There is always a dash of urgency while flipping through the catalog pages, knowing that the prized exotic heirloom seeds could sell out before I have the chance to secure them. However, this is no longer the frantic ordering spree of past years. Finishing my internship as a master gardener this past year has given me a curious mixture of clarity and ambition. I now recognize that gardening is part desire and part discernment. I am learning to pause before tossing every tempting seed packet into my cart (or the ground).

This pause is difficult when presented with photos of gorgeous purple and gold ‘Black Strawberry’ heirloom tomatoes or the peculiar charm of ‘Mexican Sour Gherkin’ cucumbers that promise enormous yields. Yet my enthusiasm flickers as memories of the summer of 2025 resurface. My small vegetable garden became an all-you-can-eat buffet for every creature with a pulse. I planted cucumbers twice.

They were destroyed twice. Me

zero. Creatures two. My green beans grew valiantly only to be snipped clean at the stems while I slept. What goes on in those mysterious hours between watering and wilt remains one of nature’s less endearing riddles.

As I indulged in this lament, a chorus of garden thoughts reemerged from late summer: raise the height of the vegetable beds, add netting, install irrigation, become a better pruner, and while you are at it, figure out slugs. Then came the more existential questions. Should I give up vegetables altogether? Are native plants better suited to coexist with the cedar tree that rules my backyard. Will I ever mulch before the bulbs sprout?

Where exactly is my hand trowel and why am I buying a third one?

These thoughts tumbled about until I turned the page and was rescued by the bright, citrusy promise of ‘Dwarf Lemon Cilantro’ accompanied by an Audrey Hepburn quote, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

This line snapped everything into focus. Gardening, at its core, is not just about survival of the fittest against the critters or to outsmarting slugs. It is a hopeful act. With that in mind, I am officially declaring 2026 the year of the garden.

My first step is to have a plan. I will do more of what worked well last year. I will better understand what I already have and develop feeding and pruning cycles that nurture growth. I will prioritize projects based not only on cost but on joy and long-term reward.

To bring order to this ambition I am writing down my gardening goals and sorting them into categories: 1. Problem areas in the yard and solutions.

2. What succeeded in 2025 and should be repeated?

3. Ways to make gardening easier.

4. New projects to explore.

5. Budget considerations.

6. Time management.

With this framework in mind, I have drawn a diagram of my yard, complete with compass directions and areas of sun, shade, and everything in between. Living near a wooded area with towering cedars, I have been at the mercy of their influence on soil and light. I am reviewing the placement of perennials, evergreen shrubs, and raised beds, considering which of them deserve to stay and which are merely stubborn experiments. There is no shame in admitting defeat if the defeat comes with wisdom.

Once the evaluation is finished, the real planning begins. For me, this means soil testing multiple areas, removing raised beds to make space for shrubs, creating a pruning schedule for roses, shrubs, and berry bushes, and researching soil amendments for my problem areas. This year I will choose annual seeds more thoughtfully, leaning into herbs and flowers and fewer vegetables. I will compare seed requirements against the realities of my garden’s light and soil conditions before placing any order, resisting the urge to chase every plant that whispers my name.

Finally, I am committing to using a calendar. I want to work intentionally rather than madly, to leave space not just for chores but for

enjoyment. A garden is not merely something to tend. It is something to love.

And so, in the quiet heart of winter, I begin. My plans are neatly stacked beside me, the catalog is dog eared, and the year ahead feels ripe with possibility. Spring will test my resolve, but for now, the future rests in seed form, waiting patiently for the sun and warmer temperatures to return.

Jill Hall is a 2025 Master Gardener intern graduating on January 10th of 2026. She enjoys growing herbs, flowers, and vegetables. She supported the Shorewood Culinary Garden this past year. Jill is a watercolor artist and enjoys painting birds, flowers, and plants. social emotional academic artistic

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JANUARY 2026

In the Emptiness of Winter

By Steve Lorton

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n New Year’s Day, 1874, my great grandfather wrote in his journal: “No snow today. Our world looks bleak and lifeless. It is not. I love the emptiness of winter. It makes me see beautiful things I would not notice in the florid seasons.”

That sentiment (among many) was passed, orally, through the generations of my family. We lived in Western Ohio where winter was harsh. But there was always someone coming into the house with a seed head of a dry grass, a rose hip, or a sprig of Euonymus or pine that made its way into a bottle on the kitchen windowsill. Little reminders of the beauty, resilience, and ultimate generosity of nature.

In comparison, the Pacific Northwest is a veritable treasure trove of winter beauties.

Our plethora of conifers, ferns, and mosses form the foundation. But there is more, much, much more. Every winter garden, here, can have colorful foliage, shrubs and trees with richly hued bark, and the unexpected presence of winter flowers. With them, you’ll have a winter garden orchestrating a gentle, visual rhapsody, not to be eclipsed by any of the other three seasons.

The silver leaves of the shrub Senecio greyi will catch sunlight, or hold the prisms of raindrops, producing a sterling glow to greet you near the entrance to your house. Couple that with the dark evergreen leaves of boxwood or a dark conifer and the effect is even more radiant. The variegated leaves (often cream and celadon) of some of the Euonymus cultivars, Fatsias or Hollies also illuminate the garden.

Plants with gold foliage are most commonly available as small, gardenscale conifers, among them Yews, cultivated varieties of False Cypress, Junipers, and Pines (Monrovia Nursery lists three new golden pines in their online catalog). All of them lightup the garden like a ray of sunlight.

Red winter foliage is in shorter supply, but the undemanding, easy-togrow Nandina domestica shoots red flame like a garden campfire.

For an eye-popping tracery of colorful line, look to the the Japanese Maples: Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ (Coral Bark Maple) is the classic red. For vibrant yellow, look for A.p.

‘Bihou’. Add to these choices the red and yellow barked dogwoods. Brightly colored bark is most spectacular staged where sunlight hits it and it is backed by dark foliage, or a wall.

Winter blooming camellias are real show stealers. Little known and hard to find two decades ago, these cold weather gems come in a vast array of flower colors and forms and plant sizes. They bloom over a long period, enjoying the gentle refrigeration of our native climate, they last a long time once open. Any of the Hellebores tucked in at ground level will offer cheerful flowers to sustain a positive dark-month spirit.

Three shrubs or small trees merit mention: Cornelian Cherry (Cornus Mas), Chinese Witch Hazel (Hamamelis mollis), and the numerous and newly introduced winter blooming Mahonias. All bloom in yellow.

Scout neighborhood plantings and nurseries for ideas, the options are unlimited (how often have I written that line? And yet, in our benevolent climate it is totally accurate!).

It’s the New Year! Time for a new something in your garden, giving you a new focal point, to renew you’re excitement for gardening and the ever-changing, ever-growing beauty of our planet.

Happy New Year! As my great grandfather would have said to you back in 1874. “All the best for a good year, coming. I hope it’s a wing-dinger!”

PHOTOS COURTESY MARY HENRY

SUSAN SULLIVAN

Madison Park Neighbors Gather to Spread the Word

Madison Chapter of Indivisible stands for Democracy every Wednesday from 3-4:00pm in front of the Wells Fargo sign on Madison and across from Starbucks.

Everyone is welcome to join in our community building gathering. Rain, sun, hail or snow - we show up!

JANUARY 2026

Pacific Publishing Company – Queen Anne & Magnolia News • Madison Park Times

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Meet Your Neighbor: David Hingtgen

By Jenny Martin

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his is the third feature in a new "Meet Your Neighbor" series designed to help you get to know your neighbors.

Although Madison Park is a small community, it can sometimes feel large. To foster a stronger sense of community, this column will introduce you to your neighbors. After reading each edition, you'll be able to put a name to a face and greet people like David when you see him walking by.

David Hingtgen is a self-described “Urban Sketcher” and a long-time resident of Madison Park who has devoted his life to producing artwork. In this interview, you’ll get to know who David is and what drew him to drawing, along with Madison Park.

1. What first drew you to making art, and identifying as an urban sketcher?

I have been drawing since I was a kid and realized in my twenties that I might be able to apply it to my future. I went to the University of Washington and received a degree in graphic design and have been doing that ever since. Sixteen years ago, I saw an article in the Seattle Times by then staff artist Gabi Campanario and it struck a chord with me because my drawings looked a lot like what he was doing. I recognized the appeal of visually recording daily life, vacations etc. It got me into the habit of carrying a sketchbook

everywhere. Sketching make you stop and really see your surroundings.

2. How do you choose what to draw?

I like to draw or paint anything but have a special interest in all things mechanical, like cars, airplanes, industrial tools and such.

Once, while waiting for the optometrist I sketched the Phoropter which is a device with many dials and lenses. I learned more about it and started drawing many other optical instruments. So new things that I learn about often lead me to related subject matter.

3. Who were the artists, books, places, or teachers that changed how you see art?

The first painting I saw in Art History was Caravaggio’s ‘Conversion of St Paul’ and I was impressed by the composition, foreshortening and dramatic lighting. It really told a story.

Van Gogh is an inspiration for his energy and drive. I love the looseness, colors and range of subject matters that he paints. He was true to himself even when people rejected or didn’t understand his work.

Lapin, Maru Godas, Sylvain Cnudde, Murray Dewhurst and Donald Colley are some Urban Sketching Artists that I find inspirational and they can be Googled online.

7. What motivates you to keep creating, even when it's tough?

I have found that I can always find something to draw. Even in the most bleak or mundane environment there is an interesting story or subject to learn about and draw. I don’t know if other people find it fascinating but I do.

8. In this age of technology, why are artists, namely urban sketchers serving an important role in the community?

Urban sketching has taught me the importance of daily journaling by sketching. I use it every day and often use drawings to help me remember an event or idea.

A couple of years ago I was asked along with other artists who use sketchbooks to speak to a class of Digital Engineering students at the UW to show how I use drawing for work and pleasure. I think people are too quick to jump on the computer to work

on project when a lot can be accomplished by hand. Sketching allows you to move slower and really see things more clearly.

9. What story do you want to tell through your artwork?

If I draw something that interests me I will discover something about it in the process and that becomes it’s story.

I hope I can inspire and excite others to document things they enjoy. Flowers, Food or Fauna. Everything is fair game.

10. Where can people find your artwork online or locally here in Madison Park?

I have Calendars and Cards at Madison Books and Calendars at Madison Pharmacy.

I am also on Instagram: _david_sketches_ Flickr: hingechin Facebook: David Hingtgen Urban Sketcher

4. What’s an obstacle you regularly meet in making work, and how do you solve it?

I always seem to get into a jam by running out of space while composing my sketch. I rough the drawing with pencil so I can make corrections. By making mistakes you learn how to make corrections. If you make a lot of them, you get quicker at making them right.

5. When was the last time you took an intentional risk in a work, and what happened?

For the last 15 years I have been using a mid-toned background to draw on.

I really like the unifying aspect of it. I am Red/Green color blind and I feel it helps with my selection of colors. This may seem trivial but my big risk is using a White background.

I recently received a Sketchbook with white paper and have been working in it and feeling good about the results.

6. What do you love about living and working in Madison Park?

Being in the middle of a large city I love the small beach town feel it has, plus you can walk anywhere to take care of your business.

Your Best Life: Beating Inflammation

By Erica Browne Grivas

B

lamed for everything from brain fog to weight gain, inflammation has become the latest lightning rod for wellness marketing, with products boasting they can beat that bloat overnight.

Especially after two months of holiday food, it’s tempting to look for a quick fix. But do they work? Let’s break down the facts.

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION? Inflammation is the body’s first responder team after acute injury.

It’s very useful when you cut your finger, hit your head on the basement ceiling, or are fighting a microbial infection. Immune cells mount a defense to block invaders, releasing cytokines, signaling proteins that call for backup.

However, like stress, there’s a massive difference between short-lived inflammation after a one-time event and chronic, low-grade inflammation. When the body doesn’t get the all-clear signal, inflammation remains in the body, firing the same response, eventually causing cell damage linked to serious conditions from autoimmune illnesses to rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.

TRACKING INFLAMMATION According to Scientific American, which analyzed research studies on popular supplements and compounds, (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/three-antiinflammatory-supplements-can-

really-fight-disease-according-to/), a blood test can track markers linked to chronic inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), yet because of the many complex pathways and types of cells affected, it can be difficult to draw definite conclusions about any supplement’s effects.

While three of the supplements studied showed significant research effects, they are not considered to be able to reverse any specific condition.

THE BIG THREE The three compounds that were the most effective were omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin and— in certain conditions—vitamin D. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in high amounts in salmon, sardines and mackerel, help by blocking the nuclear factor kB pathway, which signals inflammatory gene expression. They are also present in walnuts, chia seeds, and eggs.

For omega-3 fatty acids, a 2020 nationwide randomized controlled study called VITAL, on omega-3 and vitamin D (https://pubmed.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/31733345/) indicated that for people who rarely consumed fish, omega-3 supplements were linked with a 40 percent reduction in heart attacks. Other studies showed omega-3 lowered four inflammatory markers, especially in people with heart failure, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s. People who have lower levels of inflammation may show less improvement.

The VITAL study indicated that taking vitamin D for five years

and that’s the best way to dismantle it. Prioritize quality sleep for at least 6-8 hours nightly, make time for exercise and regular movement, manage stress on the daily, and build your diet with whole instead of processed foods.

lowered their risk of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus by 22 percent. It’s thought that vitamin D interrupts inflammation at the molecular level, as well as suppresses proinflammatory cytokine production. Overall, studies are inconsistent about dosage recommendation and effectiveness over time.

Curcumin, the compound creating the gold color in turmeric and curry sauces, has been shown to help lower inflammation, also affecting the nuclear factor Bx pathway. In a review of multiple small trials, curcumin delivered ibuprofen- like effects for people with metabolic disorders and osteoarthritis. However, curcumin has low bioavailability – it isn’t well absorbed by the gut. Coating may help, and adding piperine, the compound in black pepper, is said to increase bioavailability.

If supplementing, choose your source carefully – supplements are not regulated as pharmaceuticals.

For example, Scientific American says some curcumin supplements have added lead chromate, a harmful additive, to increase the yellow color.

Also, before supplementing, it’s smart to test your current baseline and consult your doctor. You may be getting sufficient levels through your diet already.

SORRY, WINE AND CHOCOLATE LOVERS While resveratrol in red wine and flavanols in chocolate are billed as anti-inflammatory, there is less evidence to support them. In the case of resveratrol, it leaves the body quickly so is not well-absorbed. Both come with side effects from overindulgence, whether in calories or a hangover.

WHAT WORKS The best course, experts say, is a gradual one instead of looking for an overnight fix.

Inflammation builds over time,

FOOD FIRST Unlike isolated supplements, whole foods deliver these compounds alongside fiber, cofactors, and other nutrients that work together. Our bodies have evolved to recognize and process these complex food matrices more effectively. There are untold synergistic relationships between compounds and pathways in play - benefits we lose when we extract single ingredients.

The American College of Rheumatology’s most recent guidelines (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ articles/PMC10947582/) for preventing or managing autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are that it’s consistently better to get these compounds via food over supplements.

The panel recommended the Mediterranean diet above all, saying, “The Mediterranean-style diet pattern emphasizes the intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil; moderate amounts of low-fat dairy and fish; and limits added sugars, sodium, highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats.”

So, what’s your move today? Take a walk, get some sunshine, and make salmon for dinner. Sometimes the best medicine is that simple.

6

JANUARY 2026

Saying Goodbye to 2025 - Welcome 2026 in Madison Park

F

riends of Madison Park had a chockfull calendar in 2025- so many events from Little Beats Concerts brightening the winter doldrums, to the chaotic joy of the Easter Egg Hunt last April through the holiday festivities in December. (Pictures of December 13). 2026 promises to be just as busy.

2026 Neighborhood meetings will be held quarterly- the second Tuesday in the monthstill at the Bathhouse- starting at 7 pm. Mark your calendars- our first meeting is Wednesday, January 7. Additional meetings for the year will be Tuesday, April 7, July 14 and October 13. This first meeting lays out our 2026 budget and plans for the coming year. There will be featured speakers in upcoming meetings and those will be posted in our Newsletter and at www. friendsofmadisonpark.com as they are planned.

Little Beats Concert Series continues through March 2026. Brian Vogan & His Good Buddies are the featured band on January 3.

The doors open at 10:30 a.m. for this 11 a.m. to noon event, a fun, interactive way to spend time with your kids, friends and neighbors.

Tickets are $5 at the door. Please note that this is not a drop-off event. All children must have adult supervision.

McGilvra Elementary School will welcome neighbors at its monthly tours on Wednesday, January 14, at 8:30 a.m. Principal Jolene Anderson will begin the tour with an information session followed by a tour of the school led by a parent guide. Friday February 6 at 8:30 provides another chance to visit the school. For more information and to register, visit www. mcgilvrapta.org/visit.

Thought Bingo was just for old-timers?

Absolutely not so! All ages are welcome at the next monthly Bingo Night, Saturday, January 22, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Pioneer Hall, 1642 43rd Ave E. This free fun evening is co-sponsored by the Pioneer Association of Washington and Friends of Madison Park.

Here is a peek at our 2026 line-up of events and projects. Want to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Want to help plan a Yard Sale in May (we have the basic template)? Want to help get extra safety features for our crosswalks? Or be part of the next steps for a renovated Bathhouse and Beach? WE NEED YOU!

2026 CALENDAR FOR MADISON PARK

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Neighborhood Meetings at the Bathhouse: Tuesdays, January 13, April 14, July 14, and October 13 (6-7:30 pm).

Little Beats Concerts at Pioneer Hall: Saturdays January 3, February 7, March 7, October 3, November 7, December 5 (11-12 am) Bingo Nights at Pioneer Hall: Thursdays January 22, February 19, March 19, more dates TBD; BYOB and Picnic (6-8 pm) Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration: Details TBD Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 4 in the park (10-12 am) Neighborhood Yard Sale: Saturday, May 2 (11-4 pm) Spring Clean Day: Saturday, May 16 (9-12 am) Garden Tour: Saturday, June 13 (10 am-2 pm) Farmer’s Market: Saturdays, June 6- October 3 or 10 (10 am- 2 pm) Children’s Parade and Picnic: Saturday July 11 (12- 2 pm) Music in the Park: Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20 and 27 (6:30-8) Art Walk: Friday, September 11 (5-7pm) Party for the Park: Saturday, October 3 at Broadmoor Golf Club Halloween Trick-or-Treat/Pup Parade: Saturday October 31 (4-6 pm) Toy and Coat Drive: November 2- December 2.

Fall Clean-up: Saturday November 14 (9-12) Holiday Festivities: Saturday December 12 (throughout the day and evening) Christmas Ships and Santa Photos: date TBD Other Ideas in the Making: Neighbors Nights Out, Author Series, Speaker Series, Fun Run with Kids, Shop Local, Artisan Fair, Taste of the Neighborhood, Movies in the Park…. Have an idea? Want to get involved? Help with one of the above events? volunteer@friendsofmadisonpark.com.

JANUARY 2026

Pacific Publishing Company – Queen Anne & Magnolia News • Madison Park Times

By Richard Carl Lehman

7

Memories of Christmas Past

of melting lead and telling fortunes from the shapes it took as it cooled.

A

EMBRACING THE SEASON s we approach January 2026, the spirit of the holiday season lingers in the air. Once again, we find ourselves caught up in the traditions of giftgiving, attending lively gatherings, decorating our homes with enthusiasm, and navigating crowded streets and parking lots in search of the year's most coveted presents.

Next, we traveled to Kirkland to see my father’s family, where I loaded my pockets with homemade cookies. Grandma and Grandpa Lehman, German immigrants from the early teens, had settled on Little Finn Hill, where abandoned pets found a safe haven and thrived.

Their house was filled with the aroma of pastries, while adults enjoyed wine and beer from the root cellar. Conversations often drifted into German, touching on worries about Europe. As the evening went on, more songs, food, and gifts appeared. To avoid overwhelming us children, my parents would hide half the toys, redistributing them later for renewed excitement.

THE MAGIC AND MAYHEM OF CHRISTMAS MORNING On Christmas morning, the excitement is palpable as gifts are torn open with eager hands. I remember one particular year when I spent the morning with a friend's family. The children wasted no time in shredding the beautiful wrapping paper, eagerly counting their new treasures—one child called out, "15!" and was quickly followed by another, "17!" Before long, every present was unwrapped, but the joy was briefly interrupted as one boy, noticing he had one fewer gift than the others, became upset. That moment made me wonder about the impact of such fleeting disappointment during a time meant for joy.

REFLECTIONS ON AN EARLIER CHRISTMAS These experiences brought to mind an earlier Christmas, mostly relayed to me by my mother and grandparents since I was very young—sometime in the 1930s.

My father had purchased a coping saw and, with care, crafted pirate swords, cowboy guns, and other toys for my friends and me. Santa Claus also delivered log cabin sets, lunch pails, and school supplies.

CHRISTMAS EVE IN RIVERTON HEIGHTS Christmas Eve began with the comforting scent of wood burning in the kitchen stove. We lived in Riverton Heights, where my parents were in the midst of expanding a garage into what would become our cozy family home. The outhouse stood across the frozen yard, making for a brisk winter walk, but the promise of bacon frying inside provided motivation. Gifts gradually accumulated in the back of our vintage Buick as we prepared for our annual trip to visit relatives. Breakfast was lively, set to the

ACROSS THE WATER AND FAMILY TRADITIONS Our travels continued on the Kirkland ferry to Madison Park, where generations of my family had lived—now including my own household. Summers spent swimming there remain fond memories.

The Christmas spirit thrived, even as I continued to ponder the mystery of Santa Claus.

sounds of Tom McNeill and the Breakfast Club on the radio, broadcast live from Frederick & Nelson, and followed by Sam Hayes with the latest news updates.

THE BUICK AND THE JOURNEY NORTH Soon, we loaded ourselves and the presents into the Buick for the serious business of exchanging gifts. That car, with its spoked wheels, running boards, and large horn, was a marvel. I would ride in the back among the presents as my dad cranked the engine and my mom adjusted the spark advance.

Whenever the car hesitated to start, Dad would mutter "magical" adult words, and with a roar, the Buick would spring to life, filling the car with laughter and joy.

We made our way down the driveway and up a hill to U.S. 99.

Even as rain leaked in through the windows and floorboards, the car

soon filled with heat and exhaust.

There were few other cars on the road, but every driver we passed would wave—a friendlier gesture than what is often seen today. As we drove north, my dad helped the so-called automatic windshield wipers, and trucks passing by would splash water into our windows, prompting additional "magic words" from Dad, reserved for adults in those days. Today, such words are much more common.

Navigating the city required effort; cars lacked power steering, so Dad sometimes found himself partly in the opposite lane. Thankfully, the Buick’s loud horn asserted our place on the road. During busy hours, policemen directed traffic, creating scenes that reminded me of movies. At gas stations, Dad let me help refuel the car. Attendants would check everything, clean windows, and offer treats to children, hoping we’d return. All the gas stations were family-owned back then.

HOLIDAY SCENES IN THE CITY Reaching the heart of the city, we were greeted by carolers, festive decorations, and the glow of theaters, restaurants, and bars.

Downtown felt magical, alive with activity. Children lined up to see Santa in department store windows—even as my friends quietly questioned his existence, not daring to jinx their hopes for gifts.

VISITS WITH FAMILY After leaving downtown, we continued to Ballard to visit my mother’s Finnish relatives. There were plenty of children, toys, and the traditional lutefisk, which I never quite acquired a taste for—maybe if I learned to like an old boot, I’d manage. The gatherings were filled with songs and stories, and Grandma would perform her art

THE IMPACT OF WORLD WAR II World War II changed Christmas forever for our family. Many relatives went off to war, and some never returned, including my own father. The closeness we felt amid such loss was profound. Still, when the war ended, both Christmas and our belief in Santa Claus were revived.

Life’s challenges can dampen holiday cheer, and I’ve felt that too.

Yet meeting my wife Karen 46 years ago meant retiring my Scrooge persona. Since she first decorated our house with a thousand lights, I’ve faced the holidays with newfound joy. After all, they always return.

So, as January 2026 arrives, I raise a glass to good intentions, hearty laughter, and the magic of Christmases past and present.

Wishing you all the warmth of the season With cheer and gratitude, Richard, Karen, and Minka, the cat

New Year’s Resolutions the S.M.A.R.T. Way

By Michele McCauley

J

anuary is upon us, the time we renew our best intentions. For most of us, this lasts a couple of weeks, maybe a month if we’re lucky. But if you want to make your resolutions stick, you can start with how you actually make them–the acronym S.M.A.R.T. shows you how.

S.M.A.R.T. goals are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-bound.

Let’s take a closer look! We can get a better idea what specific means by comparing vague and specific goals: I want to get in shape is vague, versus I want to play with my grandkids without getting tired, or I want to be fit enough to join a soccer team, or I want to be able to carry the huge heavy box of cat litter into the

house easily. I want to save money is vague, versus I want to have one month’s expenses set aside, or I want to become financially independent. I want to eat healthy is vague, versus I want to follow the Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate plan. I want to be informed is vague, versus I want to read the paper’s national and local news sections every day.

Specific goals are naturally more measurable. You can see clearly if you’ve achieved them and you have a better idea if you’re making progress. It’s worth it to go a little deeper, though. For example, if your goal is playing soccer, how will you know you’re fit enough? What requirements does the team have? What are the landmarks on the way to meeting them? Once you’ve pinned down these measurable details, you’re

ready to break your goal down into actionable steps.

This might mean a trip to the library or sorting the good information from the bad on the internet. Or it could mean finding a class or connecting with a coach. Some steps are obvious–if you’re trying to save a month’s worth of expenses, you’ll need to make a budget so you know what that amount is. If you’re trying to

outlast your grandkids, you’ll want to start a cardio routine.

As you’re planning these actions, remember the R–be realistic. Yes, the first step is having a realistic goal, but the steps you take and your timeline need to be realistic, too. As you’re planning, think about obstacles that might come up and what you can do to overcome them. Think about the habits that you’ll need

VECTEEZY.COM

to develop and how to integrate them into your life. It’s ok for steps to be small. Sometimes it’s better, because each one you complete is a victory you can build on.

Ask yourself what tools and support will help keep you on track.

Some people thrive with sticker charts–yes, some of us adults!

Others do great with a buddy system. Maybe it’s most helpful to hire a coach who’s an expert in the specific area of your goal.

And finally goals need to be time-bound. They need to have a start date and an end date. This keeps you on track for all the steps in between. This allows you to see if you accomplished what you set out to do.

Michele McCauley is a personal trainer at Resilient Body Fitness.

8

JANUARY 2026

windermere.com

All in, for Madison Park.

D O W N T O W N S E AT T L E / $6,200,000

W I N D E R M E R E / $5,800,000 5632 NE 55th Street, Seattle

4200 Washington Avenue W, Seattle

Aaron Fredrickson 206-769-6806 / afred@windermere.com

Aaron Fredrickson 206-769-6806 / afred@windermere.com

Max Wurzburg 206-669-6857 / m.wurzburg@windermere.com

M A D I S O N P A R K / $3,695,000

D E N N Y B L A I N E / $3,225,000

C A P I T O L H I L L / $3,050,000

Shavic Jones & Jason Jaber shavicj@windermere.com / jasonjaber@windermere.com

Dan Wilcynski & Larry Wilcynski 206-759-7752 / newhomes@wilcynskipartners.com

Suzanne Charnos 206-369-4743 / scharnos@windermere.com

D O W N T O W N B E L L E V U E / $2,295,000

A R B O R H E I G H T S / $2,185,000

W A L L I N G F O R D / $1,295,000

Cathleen Carney & Anne Carney 206-769-9047 / ccarney@windermere.com

Larry Wilcynski & Jordan Rabinowe 206-331-3960 / listings@wilcynskipartners.com

John Cowan & Marnie Oshan 206-659-8116 / hdteam@windermere.com

99 Union Street #1205 & #1206, Seattle

M A G N O L I A / $4,995,000

SOLD

3812 E Crockett Street, Seattle

210 35th Avenue E, Seattle

10700 NE 4th Street #3312, Bellevue

10445 Marine View Drive SW, Seattle

718 E Aloha Street #10, Seattle

4420 1st Avenue NE, Seattle

SOLD

B E A C O N H I L L / $784,500

S N O Q U A L M I E P A S S / $725,000 321 Innsbruck Drive, Snoqualmie Pass

2607 Western Avenue #1108, Seattle

Jane A. Johnson 206-999-5267 / janejohnson@windermere.com

Darcy LaBelle 206-915-0916 / darcy@windermere.com

Holley Ring 206-852-6107 / hring@windermere.com

2905 18th Avenue S, Seattle

Q U E E N A N N E / $499,000

JANUARY 2026

Serving East-Central Seattle since 1983

Madison Park Times

Real Estate

MADISON PARK - WASHINGTON PARK - MADISON VALLEY - DENNY-BLAINE - MADRONA - LESCHI www .M adison P ark T imes . com Sponsored Content

Get Ready to Put in the Work to Buy or Sell in 2026 showings I did personally.

So when I’m asked how the market is, I say it’s great if you have an outstanding product.

By Chris Sudore

S

eattle’s real estate market is only the second trending topic right now in my conversations.

The first, of course, is the atmospheric river and the problems it’s caused for so many in our community. Our thoughts are with them.

But we’re here to talk about real estate. The big picture view is that 2025’s market rebounded from the previous year, gaining five percent in sales, year over year. This is much better than the 26 percent drop we saw in 2024 compared to the lower interest rate years, primarily in 2022. Like any subject, though, the details reveal a more complex situation.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT Generally, we see hot neighborhoods driving sales — remember location, location, location?

Mortgage rates dropped a full percentage point compared to the year before, and we ended this year with five months of inventory, which is right in the middle of a neutral market. Four to six months

6 2025

2000 1st Avenue #604 $ 895,000 2125 1ST Avenue #3202 $ 6,900,000

of inventory is defined as a neutral market by analysts. With all of that happening, It should have been a much more normal 2025 market.

That wasn’t the case — and frustratingly, there was no predictive data to support what happened in the topsy-turvy year of 2025.

The homes that sold quickly did so because they were the best product. It’s hard to think of your house — your home, your investment — as a product. Yet that’s

how buyers saw properties in 2025. They simply purchased the best product available, while other homes on the same street, block, or in the neighborhood sat on the market for a long time.

As an example, my team had an $8.8 million property hit the market in late August, traditionally a slow period as everyone returns to the fall routine of school and work after summer vacations. It was updated — a spacious rambler-style home

WARMEST THANKS FOR A REMARKABLE YEAR

MAY 2026 BE A YEAR OF JOY, HEALTH, AND GOOD NEWS FOR YOU AND YOURS.

2821 2nd Avenue #1102, $ 1,879,000

2201 3rd Avenue #2601 $ 1,595,000 1000 1st Avenue #1600 $ 2,150,000

on over an acre of pristine property, has a gated entrance, and checked all the boxes. It sold within 60 days, which is fast for that time of year.

Meanwhile, 10 other properties that were already on the market in the same price range and zip code remained unsold for over a year.

Data and experience tell me that if that property had listed in the busy spring market, we would’ve had two or more offers in the first one to two weeks, given the number of

WHAT TO WATCH FOR IN 2026 It’s going to be another year of rolling up our sleeves and putting in the work. The trend favoring the polished product looks to continue into 2026. It’s not just a gut feeling, all the data gathered from 2025 supports this prediction.

Other factors are at play too. We saw layoffs across all the Big Tech players in our metro area, along with more return-to-work policies.

Our market is still strong compared to others across the US, but it may affect particular neighborhoods more than others.

The advice for sellers remains what it was in 2025. Literally get your house in order. Tune up or update all your systems. Take a critical look at your interiors and exteriors. The houses that sold quickly at or above their asking prices were freshly landscaped,

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To see my active listings and other recent sales, visit my website at lisaturnure.com.

206.919.6605 | lisaturnure@cbbain.com | LisaTurnure.com

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2

JANUARY 2026

WASHINGTON PARK | $4,800,000 SEATTLE | $75,000,000

WASHINGTON PARK | $12,300,000

SOLD CAPITOL HILL | $2,542,000

BETSY Q. TERRY · JANE POWERS · KRISTINE LOSH

CAPITOL HILL | $4,985,000 MAGNOLIA | $2,795,000

PENDING DENNY TRIANGLE | $645,000

DOWNTOWN | $589,000

Your Neighborhood Experts 206.322.2840

ewingandclark.com luxuryrealestate.com

Pacific Publishing Company – Queen Anne & Magnolia News • Madison Park Times

JANUARY 2026

3

The Agency Seattle Will Expand To Madison Park February 1, 2026 Will serve as curated hub of collaboration, creativity, and community led by Managing Partner Jen Cameron Submitted

T

he Agency Seattle proudly hosted the grand opening of its new office in the heart of Old Bellevue at 10202 Main Street in early December, along with plans to open a second location in Madison Park at 4000 E. Madison Street February 1, 2026. Strategically positioned in two of the region’s most sought-after neighborhoods, these new offices reflect the brokerage’s continued evolution as it redefines the modern real estate experience – blending lifestyle, art, and community into every aspect of its work.

With 35 brokers and plans to grow to 75, the new Bellevue office will also serve as a hub for events, art showcases, and community gatherings in partnership with The Agency Art House, led by The Agency’s CEO Mauricio Umansky and celebrated art advisor Arushi Kapoor. The new location will host several cultural events that will spotlight both local and international artists in a rotating gallery format.

“The Agency Seattle’s Old Bellevue office is more than just a workspace — it’s a curated experience,” says Managing Partner Jen Cameron. “We wanted to create a gathering place where our agents, clients, and community can connect through art, design, and meaningful conversation. Real estate is deeply personal, and this space reflects that human, creative side of what we do.”

The 1,600-square-foot space in Old

Bellevue, designed by Seattle-based interior designer Caren Currie, whose award-winning work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Interior Design, and Contract Magazine, embodies an Art Deco aesthetic that marries timeless glamour with modern sophistication. Featuring four dramatic 40-inch chandeliers, custom gold accents, and a bespoke mural by urban muralist Morgan Zion, Currie envisioned the space as “a living room for Main Street.”

With open-concept layouts, original black-and-white checkered floors, and bold yet inviting finishes, the design reflects The Agency’s signature blend of elegance, authenticity, and creativity and underscores Cameron’s vision for redefining the brokerage footprint.

“Smaller, lifestyle-driven offices are the future,” Cameron adds. “Our focus is on collaboration, culture, and connection — the elements that truly build lasting success.”

Following Bellevue’s debut, The Agency Seattle will open its new Seattle office in February 1, 2026 ideally located in the heart of Madison Park – one of Seattle’s most walkable and vibrant communities – further cementing its commitment to visibility, connection, and community.

“This office is all about location,” says Cameron. “Madison Park offers the perfect setting to engage directly with the people we serve.

The way we do real estate isn’t just

transactional — it’s about curating lifestyles, whether that means art, travel, community, or home.”

The Madison Park office will embody The Agency’s global ethos while maintaining an intimate, neighborhood-driven feel. Leveraging The Agency’s network of offices around the world, the Madison Park team will offer clients a fully curated real estate experience—from sourcing art and home décor to connecting clients with travel, relocation, and design resources that reflect their personal lifestyle.

“Real estate is a life-changing experience,” Cameron continues.

“We take a personal approach to every client’s journey—helping them find not just a home, but a community, great schools, and a lifestyle that truly fits. We’re different from big-box brokerages because we’re hands-on and heart-led.”

With over 26 years of experience spanning the Pacific Northwest and New York Metropolitan markets, Jen Cameron has been involved in over $1 billion in real estate sales.

Consistently ranked among the nation’s top agents by Real Trends Inc., she is known for her recordbreaking transactions, including the off-market sale of Oprah Winfrey’s Orcas Island estate and the sale of NBA All-Star Zach LaVine’s Pacific Northwest residence.

As one of the few woman-owned and managed brokerages in the Greater Seattle area, The Agency Seattle is solely-owned by Jen

Cameron and stands as a testament to female entrepreneurship and innovation in real estate. Under Cameron’s leadership, The Agency Seattle became the inaugural recipient of The Agency’s Red Heart Award for philanthropy, recognizing its ongoing support for Giveback Homes, the Pacific Northwest CURE ALS Golf Classic, and other community initiatives.

“We’re building something truly unique — a brokerage that leads with creativity, community, and heart,” says Cameron.

ABOUT THE AGENCY SEATTLE The Agency Seattle is part of The Agency, an international luxury real estate brokerage known for its boutique service and global reach.

Led by Managing Broker Jen Cameron, who has been involved in over $1 billion in real estate sales and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top agents by Real Trends Inc., The Agency Seattle brings a uniquely creative and communitydriven approach to Pacific Northwest real estate. www.theagencyre. com/offices/seattle ABOUT THE AGENCY The Agency is a global, luxury real estate brokerage representing clients across residential, new development, resort, and vacation rental markets worldwide. Since its founding in 2011 by Mauricio Umansky, The Agency has closed more than $88 billion in real estate transactions and grown to over

145 offices across 14 countries.

Consistently ranked among the top brokerages in the industry, The Agency is recognized as one of the fastest-growing boutique luxury real estate brands in the world. Redefining the traditional brokerage model, The Agency fosters a culture of true collaboration, where every client and listing is represented in a shared environment of partnership. Clients and agents alike benefit from the power of a global network and access to a full suite of in-house services, including creative, public relations, relocation, development, core services, and industry-leading technology.

PROVEN RESULTS

A CONTINUED LEGACY

What My Clients Are Saying...

Founding Member | Managing Broker Senior Global Real Estate Advisor 206.399.5842 | Laura.Halliday@rsir.com

“Laura took the time to truly understand my wants and needs, and she worked tirelessly to find the ideal property. She was incredibly effective, leaving no stone unturned in her search. Her keen eye for detail and deep knowledge of the local 98112 market made the entire process seamless." - Leann Sanders

Realogics Sotheby's International Realty ranks amongst the largest, most productive, and fastest-growing real estate companies in Washington with access to 26,000 brokers in 81 countries and territories generating global sales of $167 billion annually.

MY JANUARY PICK

PANORAMIC BLUFFSIDE RETREAT

MADISON PARK BINGO NIGHT JANUARY 22, 6-8PM PIONEER HALL

PENDING IN 4 DAYS!

12233 12th Avenue NW, Seattle | Big sweeping Sound and mountain views, one-level living and almost complete privacy are the hallmarks of this bluff residence in sought-after Broadview. © 2026 Sotheby's International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby's International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby's International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.

LauraHalliday.com

4

JANUARY 2026

1620 43RD AVENUE E #1B | WASHINGTON PARK $1,399,000 | ACTIVE | MLS #2455420

12233 12TH AVENUE NW | BROADVIEW $2,950,000 | PENDING | MLS #2458600

312 PROSPECT STREET | QUEEN ANNE $2,990,000 | ACTIVE | MLS #2456206

111 W HIGHLAND DRIVE #9E & 9W | QUEEN ANNE $7,900,000 | ACTIVE | MLS #2332740

2001 BROADMOOR DRIVE E | BROADMOOR $10,995,000 | ACTIVE | MLS #2402434

303 E PIKE STREET #PH-1 | FIRST HILL $1,399,999 | ACTIVE | MLS #2428050

Meet your neighborhood real estate advisors:

Leslie Dickinson

John Madrid

Cindy Paur

Laura Halliday

206.200.2174

206.498.1880

206.949.4497

206.399.5842

Neda Perrina

Hoady Spencer

Ev Winningham

Kimberleigh King

206.218.8589

206.372.1092

425.765.8889

206.948.7003

CONNECT WITH OUR MADISON PARK EXPERTS TODAY. Visit rsir.com | 206.466.2409 | 4031 E Madison Street, Seattle © 2026 Sotheby's International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby's International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby's International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.

What if you could anticipate a level of service beyond expectation, to better focus on what’s next?

What if the bar was higher at every level and trust and integrity came first and foremost? That’s the incomparable service that comes from Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s global real estate advisors in Madison Park.

Pacific Publishing Company – Queen Anne & Magnolia News • Madison Park Times

JANUARY 2026

How much home can I afford?

By the third quarter of 2025, the tide seemingly began to turn in regard to a housing market that had been marked by limited inventory since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. According to market indicators from Redfin, the National Association of REALTORS® and Homes for Heroes, by the summer of 2025 things began to shift in regard to inventory (9.4 percent increase year-overyear). Prices also began to level off, as the median existing home price in the United States was $435,300 in June 2025, which marked a 2 percent increase from the previous year. Price reductions also became more common compared to 2024, signalling a cooldown in some segments.

Although affordability concerns still persist, many people may finally be ready to enter the homebuying arena. When doing so, it's essential prospective home buyers recognize how much they can comfortably spend on a home. Most experts suggest buyers combine lender affordability guidelines with an assessment of one's personal budget. These factors can help individuals determine a reliable budget when shopping for homes. · Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders use various parameters to identify a borrower's creditworthiness. That includes figuring out a person's debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Wells Fargo says DTI can be calculated by adding up all of a person's monthly debt payments and dividing them by gross monthly income. That

number is multiplied by 100 to get a percentage. The lower the DTI, the less risky one is to lenders. · The 28/36 rule: Part of the DTI equation may include the 28/36 rule utilized by many mortgage lenders. This is a standard guideline that can help one see if it's possible to afford a home loan. The 28 percent is allotted housing costs. The monthly housing expenses (principal, interest, taxes, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance, and homeowners association fees) should be no more than 28 percent of one's gross monthly income. One's total monthly debt payments, including housing, car, loans, student loans, and credit cards, should be no more than 36 percent of the gross monthly income. So if a prospective home buyer earns $10,000 per month, or $120,000 per year, the housing costs should not exceed $2,800. Total debt payments, including housing, should not exceed $3,600 per month. · Personal budget considerations: Lenders may allow borrowers to borrow a certain amount of money, and buyers then go out and spend that much on a home. But to avoid living paycheck to paycheck and having all of one's money go toward a home, it is best to account for personal spending habits and savings goals.

It's important to have an emergency funds account to

REAL ESTATE

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painted, and many had been renovated to match today’s tastes and preferences. It may seem like a waste of money to remodel key rooms like kitchens and baths just to leave them for someone else, but doing it can translate to more appointments, a faster sale, and a higher price. My team has relationships with highly skilled tradespeople and service providers that transform so-so houses into stunning products. Even if you don’t have the capital to do it, there are loan programs available that finance the work and settle along with the final sale — a smart way to attain a higher final price while leveraging your investment.

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pay for unexpected things like home repairs, or to account for instances when income may decline. Ongoing costs to manage the home also merit consideration, as do utilities and future renovations. · Income-to-home price ratio: Some people abide by another general guideline to shop for a home that costs no more than three to five times their annual household income. That means with an annual income of $100,000, one should aim for a home priced between $300,000 and $500,000. The specific range will also depend on a person's existing debt. · Interest rates and other factors: The interest rate on home mortgages as well as down payment also must be considered.

Resources like Bankrate and Zillow provide home affordability calculators that will factor in interest rates, terms of a loan, down payment, and property taxes. Buying a home when interest rates are high means spending more over the life of the loan. Also, how much one puts toward a down payment has a big impact. Aiming for 20 percent means avoiding paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI).

THERESA TRUEX PREMIER DIRECTOR | WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE MIDTOWN (206) 972-7768 • ttruex@windermere.com theresatruexproperties.com

theresatruexproperties.com

There is no fail-safe way to determine how much home you can afford. Many factors are in play and are exclusive to buyers in the market for a new home.

It’s also crucial to select a broker who can spotlight your property through the best photographs and marketing, one who has a broad network of contacts within the industry. I can’t tell you how many times my team’s been able to sell a listing quickly this year because we knew a particular property was what a specific buyer wanted, even if it was another broker’s client. We communicate with other brokers on behalf of our clients early and often.

If you’re a buyer, you can be patient and find your preferred property. Right up until you can’t, that is. When you find the perfect house, be prepared to pounce and work hard to get it. You’ll want to partner with a broker who knows why, when, and how to negotiate and close a deal on home that other buyers will also want.

Theresa Truex MADISON PARK PROPERTIES

With so many buyers looking only for that shiny penny of a house, that creates opportunity too. Maybe get aggressive on a property that hasn’t been updated as well as the faster-moving house, but sits in your dream neighborhood. Again, the right broker can help you identify these places, negotiate a fair sales price, and provide a roster of talented tradespeople who can create your ideal home. All the contractors and service providers in my team’s network also work on our own houses, so you can trust our referrals.

As we close out one year and begin another, the pain and loss caused by the rain and flooding makes us consider what the meaning of “home” really is. It’s more than a structure or investment. If you’re safe,

warm, and dry, hug your people close and be thankful. Be ready to help those affected by the storms. They’re in our thoughts and will need support going forward.

As always, my team and I are here for you and happy to answer any questions or talk through any concerns related to your home or investment. My team and office are right here in Madison Park, wishing you a joyful holiday season and a healthy and prosperous 2026.

Chris Sudore Madison Park Resident KingCountyEstates.com Chris@KingCountyEstates.com Managing Broker Coldwell Banker Bain | Global Luxury

740 22nd Avenue East

Preserved Historic Charm + Impeccable Updates in the Heart of North Capitol Hill Seamlessly balances timeless charm with modern luxury. Exquisite original details have been painstakingly preserved in a “studs-out” renovation, enhancing an

5 Beds

architecturally significant home of exceptionally warm character. Sun-drenched interior spaces are highlighted

Garage

by views of Lake Washington and the Cascades.

Windermere NW

4 Baths 4,660 Sq. Ft. Listing Price: $3,850,000 MLS#: 2464747

206.854.5596 junior@windermere.com JuniorTorres.com

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JANUARY 2026

Cost-effective curb appeal boosters One shouldn't judge a book by its cover. However, that often is hard to do, particularly when it comes to homes. Curb appeal bears significant influence regarding how a property is perceived. A property that is neat and aesthetically appealing probably will be preferable to one that looks like the homeowners did not maintain it.

Boosting curb appeal is a common focus of sellers before listing a property.

But what can those who don't have big budgets for major overhauls do to improve their curb appeal? Plenty of projects can offer maximum output with minimal investment.

REFRESH THE FRONT DOOR Painting the front door can add brightness and improve the look of a home's entryway. Most exterior paint

costs between $30 and $40 per gallon, so this is undeniably a budgetfriendly improvement. If money allows, replacing the door altogether will generate bang for your buck.

IMPROVE OR ADD LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS Landscaping should be designed to highlight the home's best features.

It should look symmetrical and feel manicured. If it's not possible to plant new flowers or bushes, simply cleaning up debris and weeds, and trimming existing greenery can make it feel neater and more polished.

CLEAN UP Power-washing the siding, cement walkways and garage door can create instant impact. It's amazing how much dirt and mildew can reduce the luster of a home. Cleaning off

years of grime can be a fast and inexpensive refresh.

RESEAL THE DRIVEWAY Make sure the driveway is clean and tidy. If it has cracks or discoloration, filling in cracks and applying a new coat of sealer will make a big difference. Homeowners can hire someone to reseal the driveway or do the work on their own.

ADD MORE LIGHTING Updating front porch lights and accent lights around the property will cast a more positive glow on a home, both literally and figuratively.

ADD A SEATING AREA If space by the front door allows, add a bench or some chairs to create a welcoming seating area. A potted plant or two nearby will help the area seem intentional.

The Stewart Lumber & Hardware Company Shop Local ∙ Shop Smart 206.324.5000

“Over 20 Years of Local Residential Real Estate Expertise”

MAX WURZBURG

TheStewartLumberCo.com

Windermere Midtown | Residential Real Estate Broker (206) 669-6857 | m.wurzburg@windermere.com

1761 Rainier Ave. S Seattle, WA 98144

3513 S Leschi Pl ACTIVE $1,295,000

14267 130th Place NE SOLD $1,370,000

2530 39th Ave E SOLD $3,300,000

640 Hillside Dr E SOLD $3,100,000

909 21st Ave E SOLD $2,810,000

2360 43rd Ave E #415 SOLD $1,430,000

With over 41 years of real estate experience, we would love to be your real estate experts when it comes to marketing your home and purchasing a new home. We are excited to talk with you about your options!

KATHRYN HINDS

TAYLOR HINDS

KATIE HINDS

Windermere Madison Park 206•650•6488

Windermere Madison Park 206•434•5102

Windermere Madison Park 206•434•5103

KATHRYNHINDS@COMCAST.NET

TAYLORHINDS@WINDERMERE.COM

KATIEHINDS@WINDERMERE.COM

HINDSTEAM.COM

Pacific Publishing Company – Queen Anne & Magnolia News • Madison Park Times

JANUARY 2026

Chris Sudore “As a Madison Park Resident, I care about your home‘s value.”

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We are deeply grateful to our clients, family, friends, and community for the trust and confidence you place in us each year. Your partnership inspires everything we do. As we welcome the new year, we look forward to helping you reach your next set of goals and create lasting value in 2026 and beyond. Let’s make it a year of smart moves and meaningful growth. Contact us today to begin your 2026 business planning.

Coldwell Banker‘s Global Luxury Team | King County Estates

Chris Sudore

President/Founder

Ryder Fasse Sales Broker

Andrea Whitehall Sales Broker

Chris Sudore | Managing Broker Madison Park Your Specialist In: Madison Park • Washington Park • Broadmoor Denny Blaine • Capitol Hill • Madrona • Leschi

Memoree Myers Office Manager

Megan Bassetti Marketing

Piers Foley Sales Broker

Chris@KingCountyEstates.com 206-799-2244 KingCountyEstates.com

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JANUARY 2026