Madison Park Times February 2024 by Pacific Publishing Company

Madison Park Times

Elizabeth McQuiston and Tara Clark at Willa in Queen Anne.

Courtesy Debbie Steele

Seattle Fashion from the city to the slopes

By Laura Marie Rivera Contributing Writer

Tara Clark and Elizabeth McQuiston are Seattle fashion icons and entrepreneurs. The duo has teamed up to offer a Ski Chalet Galentine’s Event on Feb. 15. Their

star power and shared attitude of promoting beauty in all forms is sure to melt winter hearts.

Having started their businesses on the Seattle side, they are each bringing their flair for fashion to Bellevue.

Clark is a renowned photographer

What would school closures mean to neighborhoods?

By Laura Marie Rivera Contributing Writer

Seattle Public Schools has a $131 billion budget deficit on the horizon and is looking for ways to close the gap. Since SPS is also struggling with a large decline in enrollment, they seem to be considering closing some of the neighborhood schools to help save money. Many families are concerned about what that means for their students.

According to the district website, Madison Park’s McGilvra Elementary School has less than 300 students enrolled. As one of the smaller schools in the district, some parents worry that their school may

be one of the first to be closed. After last fall’s Well-Resourced School meetings and being frustrated by the lack of true engagement, the PTA made the decision to be more proactive in promoting the school and encouraging enrollment.

Alice Appleton is the parent of a McGilvra student and attended the district’s virtual meeting regarding well-resourced schools. During the breakout discussion, she and other parents discussed what role they could play in marketing the schools. They felt it was important to promote the idea of choosing SPS over moving to other

who has turned her eye to high end ski wear. This season, she opened a winter pop-up shop at Bellevue Square. Queen Anne shoppers likely recognize McQuiston from her years

Friends of Madison Park has busy 2024

The mantra in Madison Park is “2024 is the Year to Volunteer”. There are many events being planned for the neighborhood and all of them need ALL HANDS-ON DECKwhether that is planning or helping the day of the event. Visit www.friendsofmadisonpark. com/volunteer to find descriptions of events/ projects and a simple system to sign up for one or more happenings. Here are the Big Ones needing volunteers:

Tuesday TED Talks- January through May Easter Egg Hunt- March 30

Spring Clean Day- April 20 and Beautify Madison Park Project (ongoing)

Second Chance Prom- May date TBD Garden Tour- May 18

Spring Yard Sale- Date TBD Farmer’s Market- May through September Summer Pub Crawl- June 22

Children’s Parade and Picnic- July 13 Music in the Park- Every Thursday in August

Art Walk- September date TBD FOMP Fall Fundraiser- October 12

Boos and Brews- October 26

Celebration of Washington Park Arboretum Feb. 13

A celebration of Washington Park Arboretum’s 90th year will be Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 5-9 p.m. at the Seattle Convention Center.

All proceeds will help fund environmental education, horticulture, and volunteer programs at Washington Park Arboretum. For information or tickets, visit www. arboretumfoundation.org. Submitted Submitted

Halloween Trick or Treating- October 31 Holiday Festivities- Dates in November and December TBD

TUESDAY TED TALKS are underway and have plenty of seats available for our upcoming roster of speakers. Held the second Tuesday of each month through May, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Madison Park Bathhouse. Tickets $15 online. Go to www.friendsofmadisonpark. com/events for tickets, more details on speakers and topics.

Feb. 19- Salla Eckhardt “Navigating the AI Frontier”

March 12- Kate Gavigan “The Creative Comeback”

April 9- Lisa Port “Elevate Your Garden Design”

May 14- Bruce Balick “Unveiling the Cosmos”

Our Neighborhood Meetings have a slightly different schedule this year to allow for Mondays when there are holidays or school vacations. Please note the schedule below and on our website. Meetings are held at the Madison Park Bathhouse from 6:30-8:00. Agendas will be posted on our website a week prior to the meeting.

No meeting in February

March 25

April 29

No meeting in May

June 24

July 29

No meeting in August

Sept. 30

Oct. 28

No meeting in November

Dec. 2

Friends of Madison Park is exploring the possibility of having its own Community Center. A survey is online asking everyone in the community to take 10 minutes to fill out and submit the survey by Feb. 29. Go to www.friendsofmeadisonpark.com. The survey will be on the Home page and in our newsletter.

Guests will get first look at festival displays, a chance to bid or sign up for exclusive items, such as dinner with artist John Grade, Cayuse wine, a native plant design consultation, a weekend

SCHOOL from Page 1Æ districts, private school, or homeschooling.

“It was remarkable to me that we were a diverse group of community members (multiple races, neighborhoods, kids ages represented) and this idea resonated with everyone in the group,” Appleton said.

Meg Bartley is the president of McGilvra PTA. She says that in addition to a beautiful building, green space and clean air, McGilvra represents the community.

“We also have a strong community history and presence, and it’s critical that we maintain that for our current and future students. We truly believe that neighborhood schools are a vital part of a strong community,” she said.

The principal and parents of Queen Anne Elementary brought a similar concern to the last Queen Anne Farmers Market. They are an option school which means that they do not have an attendance boundary and are open to students from all over the city. QAE uses a creative school approach that stresses projectbased learning and social emotional learning. Their guiding question is, “How are we making a difference in the world?”

Students will have the

at chef Matt Dillon’s Vashon Island farm, and a complimentary ticket to attend the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival slated for Feb. 14-18.

and families.

opportunity to request to attend QAE when open enrollment starts in February. There are other SPS option schools that focus on technology, dual-language, and advanced learning. Since some school board members have suggested closing the option schools first, these schools are also committed to connecting with the communities to share the information about their unique learning environments.

McGilvra students can find more information at https:// mcgilvraelementarypta. wordpress.com/ Queen Anne Elementary School also has tours coming up. Info at https://www.qaeptsa. org/

The priority session for Open Enrollment School Choice is from Feb. 1-29 and there is more information on the district website https://www. seattleschools.org/enroll/

Courtesy

Guests enjoying the preview of the show gardens at the 2023 Opening Night Party.

Provided by McGilvra PTA

McGilvra Elementary School in Madison Park offers a beautiful facility where teachers know their students

Emergency Prep: A game for the rest of us

Although I’ve been a volunteer with the small, fun-loving Madison Park Emergency Hub team for a few years, before that I spent many years putting off my own household emergency preparation. Something always seemed more important and, really, I thought to myself, what if I gather emergency supplies and none of my other neighbors do? How would that work out?

In recent years, I’ve upped my game, not only getting plans and supplies in place for our household, but also volunteering with the MP team to become more educated and prepared to work together. I appreciate the growing neighborly connections and friendships this involvement has brought. Friends and family members sometimes tease me when I suggest that they might want to prepare.

“You’re retired! The rest of us are too busy keeping our lives and jobs afloat.”

“We don’t have time.” Or, they’ll tell me “we don’t want to think about something like a catastrophe that might not really happen.”

For this past December holiday season, I again considered gifts for emergency preparedness, but guessed those might end up lost in the shuffle of busy lives. Pushing myself to get creative to counter this possibility, I pulled out four of those empty shoe boxes taking up storage space in a closet. How could these small boxes become a starter kit for emergency supplies in a car or under a bed? What if I gathered a few items from three local stores and then included the Emergency Prep Checklist our MP Team created for posting on a frig? I took the recommended supply list and headed off to REI, our Madison Park Hardware store and new Madison Park Pharmacy and Wellness Center for supplies.

CHOOSING EMERGENCY STARTER SUPPLIES

Selecting items for a starter emergency kit that would fit in a shoebox required some prioritizing. Obviously, it couldn’t include adequate water, shoes, or power sources, but what might still serve as critical until those kinds of items could be gathered? What miscellaneous open-ended supplies might serve critical for hacking together needed clothing, shelter or a human waste management system? Along with some guide sheets on first aid, sanitation, managing utilities,

our out-of-state contact list, a family photo, and some cash (see chart)

INVENTING A GAME

Discussing this gift idea with my spouse, we knew we needed more than a shoe box full of these items to motivate the gift recipients to expand their emergency supplies. Our family often enjoys playing games when we get together. What if we created a game to play before we offered our shoebox starter kit gifts? We wanted a game that could be simple to play, but more complex than Bingo or Candy Land. It should also be less time consuming than Monopoly, Risk, or Clue. An ideal game would simulate aspects of why doing advance planning would be rewarding. It would offer insights into oneself as well as useful supplies. The game would also provide practice with quick decision-making and offer insights into the value of cooperating with others.

We used our computer and printer to make the game pieces: a game card for each player and 200 supply slips, which we printed on card stock paper. These Bingo-like game cards have categories of critical items for emergencies. Each supply slip names a supply like a flashlight, pair of leather gloves, or a gas shut-off tool. Some supply items are goofy, like eyeliner, chewing gum or deck of cards that could be valued but also stimulate some creative solutions. Other game pieces include paper clips for attaching supply items onto the game cards, a bag or box to hold the supply slips, a pen for each player to write in a bonus category, and one timer.

Six of us played the game from perches on chairs or seats on the floor. We gave each player a printout describing the game’s goals, rules, and process, which consists of three rounds of play, decreasing in time from five minutes, three, then two minutes. Before we started, we brainstormed the most important qualities for people to have in an emergency.

Our list reflected family humor:

• Even keeled

• Physical strength, flexibility, and endurance

• Resourcefulness

• Outdoor experience, ideally Eagle Scout skills

• Willingness to compromise

• Some medical knowledge

• Leadership skills

• Appearance of confidence and competence

• Small eater

When round 3 ended we discussed thinking behind our quick choices. We heard some surprising creativity, like putting eyeliner in the “Communications” category because it could be used to write with. Hefty garbage bags got put in the “Clothing and Footwear” category because they could be used for waterproof protection.

ABBREVIATED GAME INSTRUCTIONS

Ideal group size: 4-6, with multiple groups possible

This is a game for the rest of us—maybe for most of us— those who didn’t plan, pack, and prepare for a catastrophic emergency to arrive at the door. This is not the time for guilt or blame. It’s time to work with others and take action. Emergencies can be chaotic for several reasons:

X The situation is fluid and can change quickly.

X Time is critical, decisions must be made quickly.

X You might be injured, confused, or frightened.

X Available supplies are rarely perfect solutions to a problem.

X You might have to act alone without sufficient information.

X You might have to cooperate with people you don’t know.

This game helps you identify critical supplies, practice quick decision-making, and recognize helpful qualities in yourself and others. Although there are many types of emergencies, the emergency you face for this game is a major earthquake.

Goals

X Identify the important qualities for people to have in a major earthquake.

X Quickly choose the most important supplies for survival.

X Cooperate with others to ensure their safety.

X Evaluate how well your choices would have served you in an actual emergency.

Rules

X Only one supply per category.

X Talking among players and helping each other is fine.

X A successful player will have one supply in each category by the end of the game.

Imagine aluminum foil in the “Supplies: other” category, combined with hand sanitizer in the “First aid” category, and matches in the “Tool” category to create a fire starter!

The game ended with one final question: “What did you learn about yourself and your qualities for handling an emergency?” One of the most insightful comments came from our young adult grandson who self-identifies as an introvert. He said, “Some of the items in the Entertainment and Comfort category might not seem like a priority, but they could help you get along better socially in an emergency.” Think ‘’gum” or “a deck of cards!” This seemed like a good time to bring out the shoebox starter kit gifts.

It was a fun December 23 gathering and our hope is everyone went home with a mental note on where to put the supply box and next steps for expanding emergency preparedness. How perfect that the next morning we woke up to the news that a 4.1 magnitude earthquake centered fifteen miles from Poulsbo was felt from Bremerton to British Columbia. It wasn’t a serious quake with any damage, but perhaps the next one will be. You’re welcome to contact us for a PDF file of our full game instructions, with templates for the game card and supply slips. Perhaps it could come in useful at your next condo or workplace meeting, or a family gathering. madparkhub@ gmail.com.

Margie Carter Emergency Prep

A Valentine outside the box (of chocolates)

Steve Lorton Tree Talk

This is the month when Cupid shoots arrows. He’s become more egalitarian over the years. Nowadays, his targets may include relatives, friends, even a boss, in addition to lovers. That explains why so much money is spent on the accoutrements of Valentines Day.

Red and pink roses fill flower shops and supermarkets, heart-shaped boxes of candy are stacked on shelves, all no-fail Valentine’s homages. But roses fade and chocolates fatten.

Consider thinking outside the box this year. The white Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis) you see in the photograph is my pick for the most enduring and endearing tribute any loved (or admired) one could be given. Sprays of blossoms on this sturdy plant can last from one to three months. Properly cared for, they’ll re-bloom, reminding the recipient of your affections, for years to come.

Revered, since Victorian times, as the easiest orchid to grow and bloom, the recent advent of tetraploid hybrids has only improved the species and resulted in mass production by the nursery industry. You’ll have no problem finding one of these spectacular plants.

Flowers come in a variety of colors. White, rich rosy pink or a variegated bloomer is the best choice for this holiday. You’ll likely need to give your receiver a tutorial on care. As a houseplant, this orchid needs to be in an environment that exceeds 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Near an east-facing window is the perfect spot where it gets morning light, but not scorching sunshine. These epiphytes anchor themselves in the shady pockets where limbs intersect with larger limbs or tree trunks; their native habitat being India, China, and southeast Asia all the way down to northern Australia. Plants will also do well near a south or west facing window, but must be kept out of direct light. Foliage scorches easily and too much light retards flowers.

Watering is important. The most successful collection of repeat bloomers I know belongs to Didi Robles in Washington Park. Being a native of the Philippines, Didi may possess a kind of magic that makes the plants instinctively cooperative and generous, still her system is simple. She clusters a number of plants, in plastic pots filled with commercially

available orchid bark, next to large windows facing the Cascade Range (east). Every other week she fills the sink with water and lets the pots soak over night. Every other week she mists them heavily using a plastic spray bottle filled with tap water. That’s it. Anita ignores all the orchid fertilizers and complex instructions that border on horticultural voodoo. Effectively: less is more, simple is better. Regular but not excessive water, house temperature, and eastern light are the secret. When the flowers finally fade, cut the stem back to just above one of the nodes on the old stem or, likely better but more drastic, cut the stem back completely. When new blossom spikes start to emerge, you’ll see a pale green bud along the old stem or at the base of the broad, leathery, green leaves. That bud will elongate over a period of about three months, then plump buds will begin to swell and your patience will be rewarded. A new crop of blossoms will open along the wand-like stem of the Moth Orchid. The common name, I theorize, is due to the fact that the flowers look like colonies of moths swarming the green stem.

Make the most of this holiday with a long lasting Phalaenopsis, Don’t forget a card, expressing sincere sentiments (of whatever intensity). A red or pink ribbon on the pot or the addition of a glittered heart will turn this orchid into a symbol of Valentine affection that would please Cupid himself.

FASHION from Page 1Æ on the Avenue and style offerings from Willa- A Lifestyle Shop. And those styles will soon be available when her second store opens in Bellevue this Spring.

Inspired by her mother who worked in women’s fashion, McQuiston developed her own eye for fashion when she lived in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles after college. When it came time to raise her own family, she decided to return to the Queen Anne neighborhood where she had grown up. And after a short time as a stay-at-home mom, she bought a local building and business so that she could give women’s fashion a try. With a commitment to quality, she began curating an essential wardrobe with pieces that will stand the test of time.

McQuiston is regularly seen around the neighborhood sporting looks that are effortlessly chic, whether she is at happy hour or the school playground. The clothes at Willa embody a lifestyle with less fuss and prioritize comfort without sacrificing style.

“We’re not trendy, we’re classic with a badass edge that makes us undeniably cool,” she says.

Clark embodies that same commitment to quality, comfort, and style with her line of TaraShakti apparel. The company’s mission is to ignite powerful moments of positivity, possibility, and connection enabling every woman’s unique star power to shine. And shine they do. When skiers hit the slopes in these bright onesies, people definitely stop to take notice and smile and the confident women that ski by. Clark says this has been the most challenging, rewarding, and

forever changing experience of her life.

“It has allowed me to meet, work with, and create lifechanging connections that I carry with me and have made me a better person. I’m learning to have more pride in myself as a woman and a mother.”

TaraShakti is women founded, women owned, and a leader in designing unisex winter activewear with a tailored fit. The suits and fanny packs are handmade in Kathmandu and a portion of the proceeds goes to support the Northwest Sherpa Association and the Ivy Center at Cherry Hill’s Swedish Medical Center. Clark says that it’s her dream to one day design winter athletic wear for Team USA Olympic. But for now, she says she is “thrilled to have people discover the warmth, comfort, performance, and stunning fit of our sits.” As a sponsor, TaraShakti suits will be put to the test at this year’s Big Ski Skijoring Showdown in Montana. And viewers can watch for the TaraShakti Mob Boss dance video starring one of Macklemore’s dancers coming later this Spring.

McQuiston and Clark will be hosting a combined Galentine’s Day event at Willa 2213 Queen Anne Ave N. on Feb. 15, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. They will have Aperol apresski drinks, catered bites, and sparkling conversation to go with their beautiful fashions. They look forward to connecting with shoppers and future friends at the event .

“Mostly, I am excited about all the people we get to meet through TaraShakti, and have them shine bright on the mountains, and in the city wearing our suits,” Clark said. More information at https:// wearwilla.com/ and https:// tarashakti.com/

Courtesy Mary Henry

You’ve been Clara-fied

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been wanting to write about Clara Rhodefer. I’ve been putting it off for over a decade because, for one thing, my fondest memory of her has to do with watering my vegetable garden, and I haven’t watered a vegetable garden in far too long.

For another, I didn’t want to write a story about Clara that she might read. Clara was a very private person.

Before we moved to Seattle, my husband and I used to rent a cabin from Clara. Her property, better known out in Sequim as The Old Rhodefer Farm, has a large white prosperouslooking farmhouse that Clara lived in. It overlooks the rest of the land, including the tiny cabin we lived in. One month we came up short of cash and Clara suggested we paint the cabin in lieu of rent.

About a week later, with the scaffolding strewn all over the yard, Larry and I stood staring at our freshly painted home, Clara joining us for once. She’d pretty much ignored us until then. She lived in the main house for eighty years and I guess she felt she should have a say in whatever goes on next door, even about the beans I planted, and I noticed she kept looking down at them instead of at the cabin. Placing her hands on her hips, she looked directly at my pole beans and said, “Well, from here they don’t look so bad.”

How many people would say such a thing? It endeared her to me. Only her frankness was nothing compared to the approval I felt when she finally walked over to stand with us. I felt our out-of-town-ness was finally being accepted. That we were finally being accepted. I stepped closer to her. I often know in a second the people I want to be nearer to.

She looked at me crossly. “Mary Lou, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

“Really? What?” I braced myself. Larry put his hand on my shoulder.

“You should water your garden in the morning while the ground is still cool so the roots can handle the cold water.” I nodded. But not grudgingly. Was it true?

It didn’t matter. What mattered was that she wanted to share her knowledge. Farming know-how has been in Clara’s family since Seattle was a logging camp, and everyone has a desire to share what they know with someone who’ll listen. I’m the same way about writing. There’s almost nothing I don’t want to share about the truths of choosing a writing life.

So, I listened.

But I wasn’t totally convinced, so I said the first thing that popped into my head, “I thought it was better to water in the evening after the sun goes down so ...”

I had to think for a minute. “So the water doesn’t evaporate in the heat of the day.”

“No, cold water distresses roots that are still warm from the sun.”

So, I said the next thing that popped into my head, “Larry told me to water in the evening.”

It was one of the many, many times I have believed someone simply because that someone was a man. I don’t know why we make these errors in judgement when we are young women. But we do.

Larry looks at me, realizes I have blamed him,

SANELLI Page 7Æ

Finding life anew in dive bars

Richard Carl Lehman

Revisiting the Park

Like so many years ago there has been concern about the Seattle downtown area. There were many lively if not rowdy bars and taverns with music or even live bands on Pike, Pine, and Union streets. These days there is a hesitation in visiting this area for fear of gunfire or other assaults. In the days of old the only sounds were within the establishments and maybe some traffic noise. Parking was painless in those days but now it is costly. Even Capital Hill has parking issues as in there is none.

The Caballero tavern on Pike was swinging with a western motif including beer, dancing, and a fist fight for only $4. The dance floor was always crowded, and it seemed when everyone got into the music elbows flailed and it was time to lead with the right. The alternative was to say, “Excuse me.” The beer and rhythm ruled the scene. When the Bouncer said, “Gentlemen, either leave or shake hands,” it was wise not to mouth off to a man of his size.

A few new flight attendants and our Madison Park group decided to hit the Caballero! We didn’t think anything of it but now begs contemplation: we parked right on the street near the entrance and got a table on the dance floor! We ordered pizza, pitchers of beer and danced to fantastic cowboy tunes. The waitress

moved fast setting us up with nourishment in no time—so far so good. There was a ruckus near us heard over the loud level of the band. A patron swung a mighty blow to his opponent’s face sending drops of blood into our pitcher. We hesitated but made it known to our waitress that our pitcher was now unsightly or even infected. While looking at the red dots streaming to the bottom, she bellowed two loud words that surpassed the band’s level. She did replace our beverages and even wiped off the red trail on the table. Now let’s enjoy ourselves. The street cops, Gordy Secket and partner made an appearance to see if some would spend the night in the gray bar inn. It was typical that Seattle was busy in the evenings and not that unusual for there to be an incident or two.

Not too far away was the

Westerner where Gil Conte sang Frank Sinatra tunes to a tee in a standing room only lounge. An evening like this we would also hit the Magic Inn a block away on Union. There was a long stairway down to a live stage show with attractive chorus line gals. After fun and relaxation our appetites were building so we entered the El Gaucho on 7th and Olive (at the time).

Liquor laws in the past were odd but have become more reasonable. One evening at the Space Needle a group of us were enjoying continental dining with some great wines from Washington and California. We were about to order after-dinner drinks when the server announced they would be pulling all drinks and wine from the table at midnight. No problem during the week when it remained open until 2 a.m. The reason being no liquor

could be sold on Sunday. People were just starting to get revved up, too. Well, we’ll just stop by the liquor store and pick something up for continuing the party at home. Darn, left the liquor card at home. No card, no cocktails, but there was the crowd lined up outside the store who would surely take your $60 to go fetch the order, hopefully not having running shoes on.

The required liquor cards have gone by the wayside, women could not sit at the bar, men had to have both knees bent while sitting and only servers could carry drinks to the patrons— no self service. If there were violations the liquor control board could shut an establishment down for 7 to 14 days. To the rescue — private clubs! Of course, there was scrutinizing done at the door: if you looked familiar or ok, you were admitted but you had to

bring your own booze and it had to be in a brown paper bag. After being seated setups of 7-Up, tonic or coke for $1.25 were offered with glasses of ice. Next was to simply pour the booze into the glasses under the table and voila’— a party. Some clubs served drinks 2 to 3 at a time due to overcrowding.

Our favorite bars were dry on Sundays so many of us partied at home and if booze was short, a friendly neighborhood Superman, Bowling Ball Harry, would come to the rescue. A simple phone call and in minutes our hero arrived. He came in wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses and carried a bowling ball bag. Inside were pints of Four Roses whiskey at $10 each. We were happy patrons and with Harry’s bowling ball bag was lighter he had a cocktail with us. Harry saved many a

Sprouting: Local, delicious and extra-nutritious

Winter is upon us. The veggies adorning farmers market stands have dwindled. Most produce in local grocery stores and co-ops has flown or trucked for thousands of miles from California, Mexico, New Zealand and beyond.

Annie Lindberg The Point

How can you enjoy an abundant variety of local, nutritious greens year round, even in the depths of winter? Grow your own sprouts! Beginning with organic seeds in mason jars, you can watch peas, mung beans, radishes, and broccoli unfurl before your eyes. Sprouts are nutritious, easy to cultivate in the cold months, and as local as you can get (your own kitchen)! Moreover, Chinese medicine tradition recommends sprouts as especially healthy in the early spring.

By early February the Seattle earth has already begun to awaken from its winter slumber. Look around and you’ll see winter snowdrops and even daffodils peeking out of the soil. You can partake in spring’s awakening, by sprouting almost any edible vegetable, seed, legume, or nut you choose.

SPROUTING HEALTH BENEFITS

Research suggests that sprouts may be even more nutritious than their mature siblings that we typically consume.

Sprouting improves the bioavailability of a variety of healthful nutrients. For example, one study found that sprouting cowpea legumes increases the

LEHMAN from Page 6Æ

dry Sunday and I am sure he offered other items and services. Harry was The Man!

Parkers, a very geographically undesirable establishment on Aurora, offered live music and a large dance floor popular with musical groups from out of town. Booze was poured under the table here as was the case at the 605. Another great dance place on the east side was the Rainbow Ballroom on Main Street in Bellevue. Charlie Puzzo of the Playboy Tavern opened a dinner place with class, of course, around 7th and Pine. A doorman would open the car door with a personal greeting welcoming the party with champagne. A bottle of red wine would be already at the table.

El Gaucho’s was a favorite for

vitamin C content by 4-38 times and protein by 9-12%. Other studies corroborate sprouts’ vitamin C and protein enrichment, and also show that sprouting can augment the bioavailability of various B vitamins by up to 7 times. Further, because the sprouting process breaks down anti-nutrients (such as phytic acid) that interfere with the absorption of calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc, sprouting renders these minerals more absorbable.

Even more impressively, sprouting bolsters antioxidants that inhibit the oxidation process in the body and neutralize free radicals, potentially preventing or even reversing some cancers. Notably, broccoli sprouts contain up to 100 times more sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant, than fullgrown broccoli. Sulforaphane boasts scores of health benefits including the apoptosis of cancer cells. One promising study looking at the impact of sulforaphane on the treatment of prostate cancer found an 86% slowing of the doubling rate of cancer biomarker Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).

LOCATING SEEDS

I recommend choosing sproutingspecific seeds (rather than picking up a random bag of lentils at the grocery store to sprout). This is because growers of sproutingspecific seeds take special care to test and verify their seeds as free of e-coli and other pathogens.

Many local health food stores

winding up a date and was popular with radio disc jockeys on KVI, Jack Martin and Bob Hardwick. Martin lived in Madison Park and went to J. J. McGilvra school. Together they created a show called “Stella Dallas”, an old time show with drama, romance, and comedy barely legal with the FCC due to subject material. The drink of choice was a coffee drink with barely any coffee but plenty of booze and served with a flaming orange peel with cognac dripping into the coffee. All the patrons would cheer and at $5 a pop, it was worthy entertainment.

We are so lucky to live in Madison Park with everything in walking distance. There are great restaurants in the Leschi and Beacon Hill areas too just minutes away with few parking problems. We can rely on feeling safe and gratified

carry packages of sprouting seeds. You can also order them online from reputable companies. One of my favorite northwest sources is Mountain Rose Herbs in Eugene, Oregon. Sprout People in Madison, Wisconsin has a particularly incredible selection.

SPROUTING SET UP

All you need to begin are seeds, wide mouth quart mason jars, and stainless steel sprouter lids. I recommend placing about three parts cool water to one part seed in a mason jar. For instance I start with 3 tbsp of broccoli sprouts and 9 tbsp water. No need to be exact; just make sure all the seeds are covered. Allow the seeds to soak in the water for around 8 hours. I often allow them to soak while I sleep.

At the end of the soaking time, drain your sprouts by flipping the jar (with your secure sprouter lid) upside down. After the water drains, rinse the seeds with fresh water, swish the water around, and drain again. Next, swirl the jar in your hand to encourage as many seeds as possible to stick to the sides of the jar, which improves germination rate, and reduces the chances of mold.

Then place the jar upside down in a bowl for the day. The key is to visit your sprouts twice during the day to rinse them with fresh water and drain them, returning the jar to its inverted position.

Be sure your seeds have access to sunlight and can breathe. Don’t lock them away in a dark cupboard; sunlight (even rays filtered through dense Seattle clouds) is necessary for growth. To allow airflow, it’s ideal to choose a sprouter lid that has little legs to stand on. If your lid is legless, simply invert your jar in a bowl

SANELLI from Page 1Æ

and says, “Hey, what do I know?”

This made Clara laugh. From then on, I was happy to take Clara’s advice. As instructed, the next morning I watered first thing.

“You’ve been Clara-fied,” Larry said.

By the end of August, I had to lift the hose way over my head to reach all of my vegetables. When the spray hit, it made a splattering sound and I’d adjust the nozzle until there was a softer mist. I’d look up and see Clara reading the paper at her kitchen table, but I knew she was watching me out of the corner of her eye.

Neighbors can teach you a lot. Like how we are really so clueless a lot of the time, that we learn

so that it rests at a slight diagonal, enabling air to flow through the mesh lid.

In just a day you may begin to see baby sprouts! In three to six days –depending on temperature, sunlight, and desired sprout length – your sprouts will be ready to eat. Such a treat!

SPROUT STORAGE

After your final rinse, add the sprouts directly to your meal and enjoy! Or, to store for up to a week, first spread your sprouts out on a clean, absorbent towel to air dry for an hour. Then wrap them up in a clean, dry tea towel and store the sprouts (in their cloth blanket) in an airtight glass container.

NUTRITIOUS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Try growing your own sprouts this February. Kids love getting involved in the growing process. Caring for the sprouts ignites their curiosity and excitement about eating the sprouts as well, ushering in enhanced nutrition for the whole family. Whether delicious toppers to salads and soups, or hearty additions to sandwiches and burritos, sprouts can enhance most any meal. Homegrown sprouts are exceedingly inexpensive to grow, the pinnacle of environmental sustainability (no plastic containers, fertilizer or pesticides), a nutritional mecca, a subtly sweet and crunchy delight, and a joy to watch unfurl. Happy sprouting!

Annie Lindberg is a licensed acupuncturist, Chinese medicine practitioner, and Ayurvedic practitioner. She owns and practices at The Point Acupuncture & Ayurveda, located in Madison Park and is a regular Madison Park Times health columnist.

when we are open to knowledge, that we should always put learning first even about things small and inconsequential, and if we do, everything else will follow. But the best thing Clara taught me is how watering is a great way to start the day. The best. For plants and for people.

Mary Lou Sanelli is the author of Every Little Thing, a collection of essays nominated for last year’s Washington State Book Award. Previous titles include fiction and non-fiction. Her newest book, In So Many Words, is forthcoming in September. She also works as a speaker and a master dance teacher. For more information about her and her work, visit www. marylousanelli.com.

Maximizing your home sale in today’s market

It’s no secret that Seattle’s market has felt the impact of high interest rates with less demand, but what does that mean for sellers?

Despite market conditions, many homeowners are expecting to sell their homes at a premium cost without having to put much effort into pre-listing preparations, but today’s reality tells a different story. Recently we have had the opportunity to work with several potential clients, evaluating homes throughout the Seattle area between $700,000 to $5,000,000, with each homeowner surprised to learn that the current market

value of their home is not the price they wanted. While any agent can work with a seller to list a home at any price, ultimately listing above market value will hurt your bottom line.

Sellers simply are not in the position they were a few

years ago when recordlow interest rates and a bustling local economy led to a fleet of regional home buyers. Let’s dive into what today’s buyers and sellers may think as they navigate the market.

As a buyer, you might think:

• A home has been on the market for a while, so I’ll make a low offer.

• The seller should make upgrades before I buy it.

• Based on the news, it’s a buyer’s market now, so I hold the cards and power in negotiating.

Meanwhile, a seller might think:

• I’ve been living in the

home without issues, so I know it is move-in ready.

• Making upgrades isn’t worth it, especially since my home is newer than anything else on this street.

• Why not ask for a higher price than we want, to make sure we can get top dollar?

Taking each perspective into account, the correct balance depends on the house and the goals of the homeowner and buyer, and a good agent will be able to provide a detailed assessment of what is in your best interest. For sellers, an experienced broker will give you the full picture, utilizing their market knowledge, a comparative analysis of similar recently sold homes in the neighborhood, and

your home’s condition, age, features, and more, so that you can accurately price your home, and sell it within a reasonable timeframe.

As advisors with Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, we prioritize transparency. We present sellers with several different possible scenarios, including what price their home could sell for as-is; what price their home could sell for with minor repairs and upgrades; and what price their home could sell for at its top potential with the largest number of upgrades. We’re proud to work to meet our client’s goals while keeping their best interest at heart.

Connect with us at 206.852.0714 or choulinda@ gmail.com.

Summer Carlton & Linda Chou

Change coming to real estate market in 2024

Following a year in which housing inventory was low, forecasts for 2024 show a market that’s about to loosen up.

The biggest driver will be more predicted cuts in the interest rate. Following the interest rate dropped below seven percent in December, economists say even lower rates are coming. If all goes well, we should see six percent to six-and-a-half percent for 30-year fixed mortgages in the spring.

in early 2024 than I did at the end of 2022. From those conversations, it’s clear that a new mentality has emerged.

Sellers (and buyers) are more accepting of the higher interest rates than they were. It’s the reality now and people are ready to deal with it.

PREPARE FOR WHAT’S COMING

We’re seeing indications of more inventory in homes available for sale starting early in 2024. After a “hurry up and wait” mentality in the 2023 market, I’m seeing and hearing that the log jam is about to loosen up. I’ve met with significantly more sellers in December getting ready to put their homes on the market

Though we’re expecting to see an increase in inventory, we’re not expecting much change in prices. Locally they’ll remain steady, which means they’re already high. That doesn’t mean sellers are in the driver’s seat, however. If you’re going to market in 2024, expect more competition. You’ll have to be smart with your pricing, don’t try to gouge buyers. Get your house in order, literally. Repaint, eliminate the clutter, make the repairs you’ve been putting off, get your yard

and gardens trimmed and cleaned up. An investment of thousands to get your house and grounds in turn-key condition will pay off in the tens of thousands you’ll make on the sale price. Find a broker with a strategic marketing plan that can put your home in the best light. With the increased competition, buyers will base their decisions on what house to visit on the quality of online presentation, for example. I have a network of high-end service providers like photographers, stagers, and contractors that ensure my clients’ homes are showcased. The difference between what a pro can accomplish photographically versus what an agent or homeowner can do with their phones is vast. Brokers trying to cut corners lose qualified buyers for their sellers.

Buyers have to have a plan, as well. Though inventory is expected to rise, so will your competition. There’s pent-up demand that’s been held back by the lack of opportunities. With more inventory, those

buyers are going to get off the bench and get active. Be prepared to move fast and deliberately.

Be detailed about your needs and wants to give your

SUDORE Page 7Æ

Ewing & Clark Welcomes

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

PICARD

Alexandra joins the Madison Park oﬃce as a Residential Broker. With an AB from Harvard and her Masters from the San Francisco Conservatory, she oﬀers personal experience preparing and listing estate properties. Alexandra began her professional career as an opera singer and has a big spot in her heart for the arts, her faith, and children. A former Broadmoor resident of almost 20 years, Alexandra now calls Washington Park home, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.

Casey Losh, CEO, says “We are excited that Lexi is joining us. She is a Madison Park resident who brings both local neighborhood and real estate knowledge to our team.”

Chris Sudore

“Years ago, as a first-time home buyer - Lisa was a dream come true. Her expertise and professionalism is coupled with such a comforting amount of patience and willingness to teach. Buying a home, especially your first, is a daunting experience. She understood that and always made me feel comfortable to ask questions and learn from the experience. Fast forward a number of years and we worked with Lisa to sell and buy our next home. She continued to be an extraordinary partner through it all. In addition to these more anecdotal pieces of evidence, Lisa achieves amazing results. In each case with us she navigated complex situations and negotiations that resulted in securing great deals on home purchases, as well as a better-than-expected return on the home sale in a difficult market. Working with Lisa allowed us to significantly upgrade into a home well-suited to start our family, and with income to support the expenses of a growing family. Working with Lisa was life-changing and I can’t recommend her services enough.” - Seattle and Bainbridge Client

To see my active listings and recent sales, please contact me via phone, email or see my website at lisaturnure.com.

A NEW WAY TO CHOOSE SEEDS

It’s

I will likely overorder in my enthusiasm, but seeds generally keep a good long time, several years usually. But this year, a new awareness has crept in to my purchasing.

A side effect of interviewing so many wonderful landscape designers and curators for the stories I write is that I learn how some of the people at the forefront of the green industry are making their plans.

One throughline coming through loud and clear among trends, industry marketing, and interviews like the ones mentioned, is the idea that our choices can make a difference.

The plants we choose and the way we plant and care for them can help increase habitat, food equity, improve soil degradation and stem the pollution of local waterways, and help restore some of the biodiversity we are losing due to climate change.

I used to buy any sunflower that took my fancy in a catalog. All the better if a variety was early and/or multiple branching (more flowers, sooner),

or pollenless (less mess when used in bouquets). All these benefits–better display, productivity, and harvest –were for me.

A SUNFLOWER SUPERPOWER

I recently read about 2023 studies saying sunflower pollen helps protect bees (both honeybees and bumblebees) from two different mites – serious contributors to bee decline. (Interestingly, other members of the sunflower family, including dandelions, with similar spike- shaped pollen, also had a lesser effect.) However, pollen is intentionally bred out of some ornamental varieties to appeal to the cut-flower industry – one article estimated 90% of the cut-flower sunflowers sold were pollenless varieties. So now if the catalog doesn’t specify a variety produces pollen, I’m cross-checking for pollen references from other online sources.

Here’s your sunflower cheat sheet: some lovely varieties known for their pollen are ‘Lemon Queen,’ ‘Velvet Queen,’ ‘Autumn Beauty,’ and ‘Sonja.’

WHO DOES IT HELP?

Helpfully, many catalogs are going out of their way to identify benefits for pollinators, perhaps specifying bird, bee, or butterfly. Some of the best will explain specific beneficials a plant supports, like sweat bees, or Monarch butterflies. I found myself highlighting the ones that attracted more than one category, though it’s not a dealbreaker if it only supports one. Finding native plant species is a great start to supporting your local ecosystem. After all, your neighborhood fauna evolved

Erica Browne Grivas Get Growing

GROWING from Page 6Æ

with its flora. Note here we’re talking about locally native to reap the most local benefit for pollinators which feed on unique plants. There are generalist pollinators which will feed and nest on multiple plants, so you can still feed some pollinators while growing non-native. The mint family (Lamiaceae) and the aster family (Asteraceae) have many examples of these.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

To reduce my dependence on my water hoses, I will be rationing out the sections of the garden I’m willing to give supplemental water in the summer. This includes all container plants and those planted in the last year or two, as well as tomatoes and dahlias. Because of all those containers, new plants should be droughttolerant once established, and need little in the way of supplemental organic matter or fertilizer.

So, monardas may have to wait for me, but zinnias, yarrows, poppies and calendulas are fairly drought-adapted.

SO HERE’S MY NEW CHECKLIST:

Does it help feed beneficial insects or pollinators?

Bonus points for a Northwest native. Maybe one bonus point for being native to the U.S.

More bonus-points for being open-pollinated, so I can save the seed for next year, versus an F1 hybrid which will not “come true”.

Bonus points if it will self-sow.

THINGS THAT COULD STRIKE IT OUT OF CONTENTION:

Does it require extra water or fertilizer?

Is it poisonous?

After these are satisfied, I’ll look for beauty, fragrance, height, productivity, and ease of growing, which will create a beautiful garden reaping benefits this year and for many more to come.

SOURCES

https://entomologytoday. org/2023/01/10/sunflowersreduced-varroa-infestationshoney-bees/ https://www.umass.edu/news/ article/umass-amherst-researchfinds-surprising-science-behindbumblebee-superfood https://www.boston.com/realestate/gardening/2021/06/30/ some-sunflowers-are-no-friendsto-bees/

broker a solid idea of what you’re looking for. It will help them narrow the possibilities quickly, so you can efficiently see the right places in person. I know these neighborhoods so well I can tell my buyers which homes they need to see quickly, and how fast we’ll have to move to win.

Get your finances sorted and solid. Have your lender lined up, get some of your assets liquid so you have cash on hand.

OPTIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

The higher interest rates have kept some homeowners from selling because they don’t want to give up their low rates, despite wanting a larger home, more bedrooms, a better commute, or different schools for their kids.

The rates have also had a profound impact on the traditional starter home market. Most people can no longer afford them. They simply cost too much for many potential buyers to buy on only their salaries.

Renting has become the new starter home. We’re seeing those younger potential buyers renting while saving to get enough for the traditional 20 percent down payments.

This creates an opportunity

for homeowners who have lowinterest mortgages on their present home who want to move. If you’ve got a rate below three percent, you can likely rent the home and more than cover the mortgage. The sting of a higher interest rate is lessened by knowing your initial investment is paying for itself. And when interest rates inevitably go even lower, you’re in a great position to refinance the home you’re living in, building your wealth. It’s a transitional and often confusing time in the housing market. If you have any questions about buying, selling, renting, or just about the investment in your home, I’d love to set up a time to talk it through. Madison Park is my neighborhood — my home, office, and team are right here. My team is one of the top real estate teams in the state. We succeed based on our experience in changing market conditions and our data-driven approach. We’re willing and able to do the hard work for our clients and make the most of their investment.

Wishing you all a happy new year!

Chris Sudore Madison Park Resident and Managing Broker Coldwell Banker Bain | Global Luxury. Reach him at Chris@ KingCountyEstates.com or at KingCountyEstates.com