Multistate “One More Stop” Patrol to Honor Fallen WSP Trooper
Law enforcement agencies in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho will join forces this weekend for a multistate “One More Stop” emphasis patrol in memory of Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper Christopher Gadd, who was killed by an impaired driver last year.
The patrol begins at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, and runs through 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29. It is organized by WSP and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) to honor Trooper Gadd’s dedication to protecting motorists and to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
Trooper Gadd, 27, died on March 2, 2024, when his patrol car was struck on I-5 north of
Marysville by a driver traveling more than 100 mph. Just before the crash, he had messaged fellow troopers that he would join them for a break after making “one more stop.” His final act of service was pulling over with the intent of stopping a speeding or impaired driver to prevent another tragedy.
“This emphasis patrol is not just about enforcement, it’s about remembrance,” said WSP Chief John Batiste. “Trooper Christopher Gadd served this community with honor, courage, and an unwavering commitment to keeping others safe. As we take to the streets in his name, we do so with heavy hearts and clear purpose: to carry forward his memory and ensure that his sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Shelly Baldwin, WTSC director, emphasized the role drivers play in preventing further loss. “Law enforcement officers work tirelessly to make our roads safer. We can honor them and keep them safe, too, by driving sober and following the speed limit. High-visibility patrols are an important reminder that we each have the power to keep ourselves and others safe on our roads.”
In tribute to Trooper Gadd’s work ethic, troopers and officers across the region will take to the highways this weekend to make their own “one more stop.” The coordinated patrol aims to reduce impaired and dangerous driving behaviors and prevent further tragedies. Drunk and drug-impaired driving remains
Nature is Good for You Want to Feel Better? Step Outside
We need the tonic of wilderness. . . .
We can never have enough of nature.
—Henry D. Thoreau, Walden
More of us live in cities today than ever before — and many of us spend most of our waking hours indoors. From house to car to office to grocery store, it’s possible to go a whole day without more than a few minutes under the open sky. But our bodies and minds need more than that: research shows we are wired for sunlight, fresh air, and greenery.
Yet research is telling us that our bodies and minds not only crave but require exposure to sunlight and natural environments to thrive. Nature is proving to be a critical component to feeling good. Here are some of the reasons to get outside and some simple ways to do so.
MORNING LIGHT = BETTER NIGHTS
Stamford Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, of the Huberman Lab podcast, is known for his morning protocol which prioritizes ten minutes of morning sunlight. Morning light resets your circadian clock, triggering cortisol to help you feel awake and melatonin later to help you fall asleep. Without the sun unlocking these cues, we can get out of sync – and being on our devices in the evening makes it even worse, disrupting our sleep.
The strongest benefits are close to waking, but anytime in the morning is helpful. He
says looking through windows isn’t enough, but it’s fine to wear eyeglasses – don’t stare at the sun, of course. Bonus circadian points if you can also get some outdoor time near sunset.
So: if you don’t have any outdoor space, or you’re in a hurry, spend a few minutes with your window open. If you have access to outdoor space, have your coffee on the balcony, or spend time with your garden plants.
(They’ll thank you for it.)
This is a great rea-
son to start that morning walk habit -even if you have to get up a little earlier than you’re used to. In my biased opinion, there are countless benefits to add a dog to your life if you can but having a reason to get outside 2-3 times a day even in Seattle winters, is a great one.
NATURE AS STRESS RELEASE
A breath of fresh air really can calm your nerves. There are so many ways nature acts as a balm to our frazzled nerves and balances our nervous systems, helping us lean away from “fight-or-flight” and into “restand-digest” mode.
The American Psychiatric Association notes, “From a stroll through a city park to a
a leading cause of fatal collisions in Washington, with more than half of all serious crashes linked to impairment.
Organizers say the multistate participation underscores that Trooper Gadd’s sacrifice is remembered well beyond Washington. From urban freeways to rural highways, officers will carry forward his mission — one traffic stop at a time. For more information on traffic safety initiatives, visit wsp.wa.gov, wtsc.wa.gov, or togetherwegetthere.com.
day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.
Nature has been shown to improve attention, lower stress, and boost mood. It may even increase empathy and cooperation. Even looking at nature can help - studies have shown that patients with views of nature heal faster than those who don’t.
A meta-analysis by Marc Berman and Kathryn Schertz described studies showing schoolchildren in greener neighborhoods performed better and had more self-regulation, and another showing that working memory and cognitive flexibility increased the most after nature exposure.
The authors think these benefits spring from attention-restoration resulting from nature offering us a new perspective. Instead of our everyday top-down highfocused attention, nature invites bottom-up views, something called “soft fascination,” which reduces mental fatigue and recharges our top-down attention. Soft fascination happens when something gently holds your attention — a breeze moving through leaves, ripples on water — giving your busy brain a chance to rest and reset.
microbiome, where 90% of your body’s supply is made. Just as nutritionists suggest we “Eat the Rainbow” for a broad spectrum of nutrients to feed our gut microbiota, experts recommend walking in diverse natural environments to breath in woodlands, coastlands, marshes and deserts whenever possible.
CHOOSE YOUR DOSE
The research is fascinating, but how much nature do we actually need? Doctors are even prescribing nature as medicine. Inspired by a national program Park Rx America (https://parkrxamerica.org/), Bellingham’s Recreation Northwest has created a Parkscriptions program in which par-
ticipating doctors can create regimens that work for their patient’s lifestyles (https:// www.recreationnorthwest.org/programs/ parkscriptions/).
Our focus diffuses, expanding into a multisensory experience, where you are processing the world very differently than when you are staring at a computer screen, or rushing down a hallway.
PHYSICAL CHANNELS
Nature works on us not just through what we see and hear — but through what we breathe in and touch.
In addition to sunlight, we are literally absorbing our environment all the time. Outside we are breathing in not just scents, but microbes. You’ve probably heard that digging in the garden is good for your mood, thanks to bacteria in most soil that encourages serotonin production in your gut
Dr. Kathryn Wolf, former University of Washington social scientist, advocates for green cities and curates worldwide research on the benefits of nature on her website, Green Cities: Good Health (https://depts. washington.edu/hhwb/). She says an ideal goal for a city is to have tree canopy of 30%, a view of three trees from your window, and for each person to live within 300 meters of a park or green space. If you’re wondering, Seattle was at 28% in 2021 and has a goal of reaching 30% tree canopy by 2037. She suggests a goal of getting outside 20 minutes a day, or 120 minutes a week overall to see the most benefits.
The good news is you don’t need a weekend in the wilderness to get these benefits. A few mindful minutes outside each day — rain or shine — can help you sleep better, think more clearly, and feel calmer. Your future self will thank you.
Erica Browne Grivas Get Growing
WSP Trooper Christopher Gadd
Sunday Worship at 10am Live Streamed
Twelfth Church of Christ, Scientist
In Person and Online Church Services
All are welcome & warmly invited to join these healing services
For best audio results, please join by clicking on the link from your computer or smartphone and choose “Call Over Internet”
All Zoom Services Meeting ID: 418 806 2637 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/418 806 2637
Sunday Services 11:00am – 12noon Pacific
Wednesday Testimonies 7:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific
Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons
Our weekly Bible Lesson Sermon may be found here: https://quarterly.christianscience.com/
Additional Healing Resources: ChristianScience.com CSWashington.com ChristianScienceTwelfthSeattle.com
For additional assistance, please contact us at seattle12cs@gmail.com or 206.283.230 ChristianScienceTwelfthSeattle.com
Seattle Not on Track to Meet Climate Pledge Goals
Staff Report
Seattle’s latest climate report shows the city is making progress in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but not quickly enough to meet its own climate commitments.
The 2013 Climate Action Plan Progress Report, released by the Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment, reviewed 148 actions outlined in the city’s last climate plan. Seattle completed or made significant progress on 88 of them, resulting in a 5.7% drop in greenhouse gas emissions between 2014 and 2022.
PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
• Transportation & Land Use:
Six RapidRide lines planned by 2027 and more than 60,000 energyefficient housing units added in urban centers.
progress. Population growth and increased building stock also raised transportation and energy needs, offsetting some of the reductions.
“We’re proud of the progress and learning,” said Michelle Caulfield, director of the Office of Sustainability & Environment. “Seattle has a strong foundation for accelerating the clean energy transition, but we are energized to tackle the challenges ahead.”
• Buildings: Stricter energy codes and the 2023 Building Emissions Performance Standards, projected to cut building emissions by 27% by 2050.
• Waste: A 31% drop in waste-related emissions since 2008, driven by composting and construction salvage efforts.
• Climate Adaptation: Flood and sea-level rise protections in the Duwamish Valley, helping vulnerable communities adapt to climate impacts.
“Seattle has been a global leader in climate action for decades… however, there is more work to do to meet the urgency of the climate crisis,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell.
FALLING SHORT OF GOALS
Despite these gains, the city admits it is not on track to meet its climate pledge. High costs, limited market demand, and competing priorities slowed
WHAT’S NEXT
The findings will guide the One Seattle Climate Action Plan, due in 2026. Priorities under consideration include retrofitting older buildings, expanding tree canopy, cutting landfill waste, and incorporating equity and health impacts into planning.
Community engagement is already underway, including youth climate assemblies and a public forum on October 1 at Town Hall Seattle.
“It is no surprise that we are feeling climate change impacts now,” said Nina Olivier, co-chair of the Green New Deal Oversight Board. “These findings reinforce the need to prioritize investments for communities most harmed by the climate crisis.” The updated plan is expected in late 2026.
BY THE NUMBERS:
• 5.7% – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 2014–2022
• 88 of 148 – Climate plan actions completed or in progress
• 31% – Drop in waste-sector emissions since 2008
• 6 – RapidRide bus lines planned by 2027
• 60,000+ – New energy-efficient housing units in urban centers
• 2026 – Release of the next Climate Action Plan
Call for Entries: New Short Fiction Contest Honors Eugene Author Cai Emmons
OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS FROM OREGON AND WASHINGTON WRITERS UNTIL OCT. 31
EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon and Washington writers are invited to submit their unpublished short stories to the Cai Emmons Short Fiction Contest, a new regional literary contest honoring the life and legacy of acclaimed Eugene, Oregon, author Cai Emmons. Submissions are open until October 31, 2025.
Presented by Wordcrafters in Eugene, a literary arts nonprofit organization, the Cai Emmons Short Fiction contest celebrates bold, imaginative fiction reflecting the themes Emmons explored in her work–grief and loss, complex family dynamics, environmental issues, magical realism, and women’s experiences and identities.
“Cai’s vivid imagination and relentless spirit shine through her writing,” said Jeaux Bartlett, Associate Director at Wordcrafters in Eugene. “This contest celebrates her legacy by uplifting writers who write with the same heart, depth, and daring.”
The contest offers $1,900 in prizes, including a $700 Cai Emmons Short Fiction Contest Grand Prize, as well as $200 awards in categories such as magical realism, environmental/climate themes, female protagonist, family dynamics, experimental fiction, and aftermath of loss.
Finalists will be selected by a panel of volunteer readers, with final decisions made by acclaimed author and University of Oregon writing professor Miriam Gershow, who brings a wealth of
experience in both short and longform fiction.
Winning stories will be published in a professionally-produced anthology, launching in February 2026 at the Wordcrafters Be Writing Festival. All winners will receive a complimentary copy of the anthology.
Cai Emmons
Oregon and Washington writers can submit their original, unpublished short fiction (up to 3,000 words) via Submittable until October 31, 2025. The entry fee is $7 (or $5 for Wordcrafters members), with fee waivers available for BIPOC, QTGNC, and disabled writers upon request.
Submission guidelines, award information, and judging criteria can be found at: wordcrafters.org/ cai-emmons-short-fiction-contest.
The Cai Emmons Short Fiction Contest is made possible through the support of the EmmonsCalandrino Family Trust to continue Cai’s legacy of courageous, thought-provoking fiction.
Savvy Senior: Top Pet Products for Seniors with Mobility Issues
by Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
My pet-loving mother has two cats and a dog, but her knee and back problems make caring for them increasingly difficult. Are there pet care products you can recommend that help elderly pet older owners with mobility problems?
–Searching Susan
Dear Susan, Great question! For older pet owners with limited mobility, daily tasks like feeding, walking or cleaning up after their pets can become physically challenging. Fortunately, there are a variety of products that are specifically designed to make pet care more manageable.
“there are a variety of products that are specifically designed to make pet care more manageable”
With the help of Next Avenue, a nonprofit, digital publication for older adults, here is a rundown on some top products that can help your mom care for her pets no matter her mobility.
AUTOMATIC PET FEEDER
ABOUT CAI EMMONS
Cai Emmons was the author of Weather Woman, Unleashed, Vanishing, Sinking Islands, and His Mother’s Son, among others. Her work often featured women protagonists navigating extraordinary circumstances, blending emotional insight with inventive storytelling. A longtime Eugene resident, she was beloved for her mentorship, generosity, and literary courage. Emmons passed away in 2023 from ALS.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Writers, educators, and readers are invited to volunteer as preliminary judges. This is a unique chance to support emerging voices and gain insight into the fiction contest process. Learn more and sign up at bit.ly/cejudge.
ABOUT WORDCRAFTERS
We believe in the power of story. Stories tell us who we are, and who we can be. Wordcrafters empowers writers and readers by increasing access to community, craft, and inspiration. We provide a home for sharing knowledge and stories with each other and future generations to cultivate a more empathetic, creative, and courageous world.
Wordcrafters offers classes, workshops, and community gatherings for adults and youth, including creative writing summer camps, monthly youth workshops, the annual Fiction Fantastic short story contest, and Writers in the Schools residencies for underserved schools in Lane County.
eliminates scooping and reduces the odor and waste removal, which is helpful for older cat owners.
LONG-HANDLED POOPER SCOOPER
Stooping over to clean up after your dog can be challenging if you have back, hip or knee problems. Long-handled waste scoopers can make this cleanup task much more manageable.
The ShinyDew Pooper Scooper (Amazon.com, $24) is a foldable, 32-inch-long dog poop picker upper, so you don't have to bend to pick up your pet’s waste. You can use it with one hand and also attach waste bags to the scooper for even easier disposal.
HANDS-FREE LEASH
Most dogs love their daily walk and need the exercise for their own optimal health. But for seniors that use a cane, walker, wheelchair or have pain in your upper body, using a traditional leash can be challenging. If walking a pet is difficult, hands-free leashes or harnesses can make the experience more manageable. One option is the Hands-Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch (iYoShop.com, $22), which clips around your waist, has a reflective safety strip for visibility and includes two shock absorbers to prevent tugging. But note that this product should only be used if your pet cannot physically pull you down.
Just like you, your pet needs to eat a few times a day. But lifting heavy food bags or bending to fill bowls can strain a bad back. An automatic pet feeder can help keep your mom’s pets well-fed without having to stoop or bend much.
The Petlibro Air Automatic Feeder (Chewy.com, $50) has a locking food tank to prevent between-meal snacking and can hold up to 16 portions. It runs on batteries that last 180 days, so you can put it anywhere you want. You'll have to refill it now and then, but this product means a lot less bending and lifting.
AGE-FRIENDLY LITTER BOXES
Bending or stooping over to fill or clean out the kitty litter box can be challenging for many mobilitychallenged cat owners. To alleviate this, LoftyLoo (LoftyLoo.com) sells an elevated litter box for $289. Compatible with stairs and ramps for older cats, LoftyLoo’s raised litter box furniture has options for anyone living with chronic pain or recovering from surgery. It’s also fully wheelchair accessible.
Another option that can make kitty litter clean up easier is the Litter-Robot 4 by Whisker (Litter-Robot.com, $699). This automatic, self-cleaning litter box
PET TREADMILL
If your mom can’t walk her dog any longer, she can still give them plenty of exercise by getting a pet treadmill. The PETSITE Dog Treadmill (Amazon.com, $286) has 12 preset programs and three incline options.
The large running belt measures 39 inches long by 14.5 inches wide with a slip resistant running surface and safety fences along the sides. It also comes with a remote to adjust speed and automatically turns off after 30 minutes.
AUTOMATIC BALL LAUNCHER
Another way your mom can exercise her dog, if walking isn’t an option, is with an automated ball launcher.
The Joyhound Electronic Ball Launcher (Petsmart.com, $120) comes with three tennis balls and can lob them 10 to 40 feet. Your mom can rest on her patio while her dog gets a challenging and entertaining workout.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior. org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070
Italian Festival Returns to Seattle Center with Food, Music, and Culture
The free, family-oriented event returns to Seattle Center
Celebrate the rich traditions of Italy at the 38th annual Italian Festival from 10 a.m.–8p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and 10 a.m.–7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Seattle Center Fisher Pavilion, Armory Food & Event Hall, and surrounding grounds.
The free, family-oriented event is part of the Seattle Center Festál year-round series of cultural festivals.
The Italian Festival has long been a celebration of all things Italian, bringing together authentic food, lively music, art, and community activities for all ages. With an approximate annual attendance of 20,000 people, it is the largest Italian-American event in the Pacific Northwest, honoring both the old country and Italian immigrants who helped shape Seattle’s history.
This year’s festival includes the return of audience favorites such as the La Cucina Galbani® Cooking Stage, Tutta Bella Grape Stomp, Isernio’s Bocce Tournament, and Festa Classic Italian Vehicle Show.
FESTIVAL
HIGHLIGHTS:
Live Music (Fisher Pavilion): Hourly performances on the Peroni Main Stage in the Fisher Pavilion from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. both days, including headliner the Anthony “Nino” Lane Band from Salinas, CA. This six-piece ensemble mixes Italian classics, ballads, Tarantellas, hip-hop, and rock, with headline shows at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Food & Drink:
• Festa Historical Photo Exhibit featuring over 1,000 images of Seattle’s earliest Italian immigrants.
• Six free Italian language class-
Robbie’s Giardiniera, Casa Italiana Italian Cultural Center, Bella Lulli Jewelry, Flame & Fable Candles, il Punto Cultural Center, and the Seattle-Perugia Sister City
Savor Italian favorites such as Festa Pasta, OSDIA Meatball Sandwiches, Kelly Cannoli, Tutta Bella D’Asporto food truck, Festa Italian Sodas, and more.
Art & Culture (Armory & Fisher Pavilion):
• Images of Civita di Bagnoregia photo exhibit by artist Gregg Krogstad.
“With an approximate attendance of 20,000 people, the Italian Festival is the largest ItalianAmerican event in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the largest ethnic festivals in Seattle,” said Dennis Caldirola, the Italian Festival organizer. “It features art, music, food, dance and participatory activities for the entire family. Come for the food and stay for the fun!”
This festival is part of the Festál series of 25 cultural festivals presented by community groups and hosted by Seattle Center throughout the year.
ABOUT FESTA ITALIANA SEATTLE
• Kids’ activities including face painting, Venetian mask painting, and the Tutta Bella Pizza Toss.
Community & Exhibitors: Explore a wide array of booths offering olive oils, biscotti, jewelry, cultural resources, and more, including 11 Olives Olive Oil & Vinegars, Panarello Biscotti,
Festa Italiana is an all-volunteer community organization that produces an annual series of events the last week of September, culminating in a free Italian Festival. Since 1988, the festival has celebrated the cultural roots of Italians and Italian-Americans in the Pacific Northwest by promoting the arts, the food, and the culture that are uniquely Italian.
