Seattle Marches for Democracy: Tens of Thousands Join Historic ‘No Kings’ Rally In King County
Nearly 100,000 people came together at Seattle Center on Saturday for the “No Kings” rally, the largest public demonstration in the city’s history and one of the biggest political protests in the Pacific Northwest in decades.
Laura Marie Rivera
The rally was part of a coordinated series of demonstrations held in cities across the country. Speakers in Seattle pointed to recent national developments, including the use of federal troops in U.S. cities and what they called efforts to erode checks and balances.
“Donald Trump is no king. But he acts like one,” the organizers warned. “Over the past months, he has escalated efforts to consolidate power, punish political enemies, and weaponize the machinery of
government. Only the people, in numbers, can stop him.”
Organizers from Seattle Indivisible said the rally was a response to what they described as escalating threats to democratic institutions under former President Donald Trump. Police estimated the crowd at over 90,000, surpassing attendance at the city’s protest marches earlier this year.
Carrying handmade signs and waving American flags, demonstrators gathered at Seattle Center before marching through downtown streets. Many chanted, “No kings” and “this is what democracy looks like!”
Girmay Zahilay is the Chair of King County Council and he shared part of his story. “My family came to Seattle when I was three years old,” Zahilay told the crowd. He recounted the struggles that his family faced. “What gave us a chance was America at its best. We had an affordable home because of HUD investments. We had health care because of
Your Best Life: Building Resilience
What if we trained our emotional response like a muscle? In a sense, we already do — unconsciously. Imagine it’s 8 a.m.: you’ve spilled coffee on an important report, missed a meeting, and a tense text lands in your inbox. Most of us react automatically, letting stress spiral. But research shows negative thought loops and rumination wire the brain for more of the same — and our brains can also learn to lean into positivity instead. With intention and attention, we can keep our emotional responses in a healthy range, fostering clearer communication both internally and externally. How? By consciously building resilience. But what is mental resilience? Simply put, it’s the ability to bounce back from life’s challenges, so that low points hit less hard and recovery happens faster
“Resilience is the capacity inside us to both survive the worst day of our life, and thrive in every day,” says Dr. Rick Hanson, author of “Resilient.” “It’s for dealing with everyday stresses so that as life challenges us, we are not swamped by it.” Like a keel on a sailboat buffeted by waves, “they hit you but don’t sink you.”
Conditions like burnout, anxiety and depression are increasing
worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. According to WHO, over a billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions, and the global economic burden of untreated stress and burnout runs into trillions. These figures show that resilience isn’t just personal — it’s a societal priority. Beyond the personal toll, these conditions carry significant economic costs. Taking better care of ourselves may be the key to turning the tide.
We often wait until a mental crisis hits — panic attacks, frequent conflicts, or loss of interest in life — before seeking help. It’s like waiting to see a doctor until an injury becomes chronic. We know our bodies benefit from exercise, vitamins, sleep, and good nutrition, yet most of us overlook preventative care for our emotions and nervous system. Fortunately, resilience can be cultivated. Here are some strategies that can help hardwire resilience into your brain, body – and your life.
The American Psychological Association suggested resilience is built on finding balance across four key areas:
• Experiencing strong emotions and sidelining them when necessary. Let yourself feel the hard feelings when you can, take a beat to calm down otherwise. In other words, pause before say things you can’t take back or send that angry email.
• Take action to support your personal and professional life, your problems and meet the while making time to reenergize yourself. Don’t overbook – making time for
“In King County, the only King we recognize is Dr. Martin Luther!”
Medicaid. We had food because of SNAP. I got to go to college because of Pell Grants.”
Zahilay added, “My life’s journey to this stage today would not be possible in 2025. The programs that helped my family are being dismantled. That’s why I’m here.” He promised to work with the Governor, Attorney General, state and local leaders to protect the people. He then called on protesters to do everything they can—from the magnificent to the mundane—to defend Democracy: show up at budget meetings and immigration hearings, write op-eds, call Congress members, donate money, and remember to vote all the way down the ballot.
rest and inspiration is so important.
• Connect with others and nurturing yourself. Supporting others feels good and takes you out of your head – just remember to book some time for yourself.
• Rely on yourself while seeking support from others. Give yourself the chance to try new and hard things – you’ll usually surprise yourself with how well you do.
In daily life, these can look different for everyone. Find the version that works for you. Some specific steps to employ in daily life include:
• Foster existing relationships and make new ones: walk with a friend, join a class or volunteer group, or participate in a book club.
• Reframe challenges: avoid seeing situations as hopeless. Take a long-term perspective, notice gradual improvements, and adopt an optimistic mindset. Accept what cannot be changed and focus on what you can influence. After a challenge, reflect on personal growth.
• Work toward goals: set tangible, achievable goals. Even baby steps build confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of purpose.
• Take care of yourself. The APA says, “Pay attention to your needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.” Journaling, and meditation can be helpful tools as well. Journaling or meditation can support resilience by keeping your mind and body primed for life’s challenges.
Like a well-tended garden, resilience grows from steady care — watering, pruning, resting. When we nurture balance in the calm seasons, we’re ready to weather the storms when they come. This week, choose one small practice — a five-minute journal, a short walk with a friend, or pausing before reacting — and notice how it strengthens your ability to bend, not break.
The historic crowd came from all over the city and region with their handmade signs, hundreds of flags, and colorful inflatables. It was peaceful and organized. No arrests were made.
Erica Browne Grivas
Your Best Life
JANICE JONES
LAURA MARIE RIVERA
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”
For additional assistance, please contact us at seattle12cs@gmail.com or 206.283.230 ChristianScienceTwelfthSeattle.com
Savor the Season: Seattle Restaurant Week Returns Oct. 26-Nov. 8
Diners invited to #CraveYourOwnPath through Seattle’s diverse food scene.
Staff Report
Seattle’s favorite dining tradition returns this fall as Seattle Restaurant Week (SRW) celebrates the city’s culinary talent and local bounty from October 26 to November 8, 2025.
More than 200 restaurants, cafés, bars, food trucks, and pop-ups across the region will offer special prix fixe menus at $20, $35, $50, and $65, giving diners a chance to explore new flavors and neighborhoods while supporting local businesses.
This fall’s theme, #CraveYourOwnPath, invites diners to design their own culinary adventure, whether that means discovering a new pop-up in Beacon Hill, sampling handmade pasta in Madison Valley, or returning to a long-time favorite in Queen Anne.
FALL IN EVERY BITE
Autumn brings the Pacific Northwest’s best ingredients to the table - chanterelle mushrooms, winter squash, Dungeness crab, and salmon. Seattle chefs embrace the season, crafting menus that highlight freshness and creativity.
“Fall is when our farmers and fishers are at their most abundant,” said Mariah DeLeo, Good Food Economy Program
“Restaurant
Week isn’t just about eating out,” said DeLeo. “It’s about showing up for the people who make Seattle a vibrant and delicious place to live.”
Director. “Seattle Restaurant Week celebrates that bounty while supporting the restaurants that connect us to it.”
Expect menus that blend comfort and artistry: roasted vegetable pasta, seafood entrées, rich soups, and spiced apple desserts that taste like fall itself.
MORE THAN JUST A MEAL
SRW began as a way to support local restaurants during slower seasons but has grown into a citywide celebration of Seattle’s food culture. Each participating venue creates its own menu — from multicourse dinners to brunch specials — giving chefs the freedom to showcase fan favorites or experiment with new dishes.
Seattle’s restaurant industry continues to adapt to rising costs and changing customer habits. The Seattle Restaurant Alliance reported that early 2025 sales were down from the previous year, with many restaurants reducing hours or staff.
According to a recent OpenTable report, restaurant reservations increase about 24% during SRW compared to the month before — a boost that can make a real difference for small businesses.
Events like SRW offer crucial support and highlight the resilience of the local dining scene, from family-owned cafés to fine-dining fixtures. Chefs continue to innovate with popups, tasting flights, and collaborations that reflect the city’s ever-evolving food culture.
SRW also gives back through its Give a Meal program, which partners with participating restaurants to raise funds for community meal efforts. A portion of proceeds supports local food-access initiatives, offering a tangible way for diners to help combat food insecurity simply by enjoying a night out.
MAP YOUR OWN CULINARY JOURNEY
The event’s official website, srweek. org, features an interactive map launching in early October. Diners can browse restaurants by neighborhood, cuisine, or dining values such as vegan, glutenfree, BIPOC-owned, woman-owned, or EnviroStar-certified.
This makes it easy to “crave your own path” in a new corner of the city or rediscover a nearby gem.
TASTES TO TRY
At Maximilien in Pike Place Market, the SRW menu features endive tabbouleh or grilled oysters to start, followed by HachisParmentier or snapper papillote, and a
classic crème brulé for dessert - all for $50. Each participating restaurant will offer its own spin, whether a three-course dinner, brunch tasting, or shareable menu designed for discovery.
TIPS FOR DINERS
• Plan ahead: Reservations fill quickly, especially on weekends.
• Go midweek: Try early in the week for a more relaxed experience.
• Browse menus early: New listings appear at srweek.org throughout October.
• Mix it up: Try appetizers in one spot and dessert in another.
• Support your values: Use filters to find restaurants that align with sustainability or ownership goals you care about.
A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY AND CREATIVITY
Now in its 15th year, Seattle Restaurant Week remains one of the city’s most anticipated culinary traditions. It connects diners and chefs through shared experiences and highlights the talent and diversity that define Seattle’s food scene.
“It’s a chance to celebrate the chefs, farmers, and small business owners who make Seattle taste like home,” said DeLeo. So, whether you’re craving a fine-dining experience, a casual night out, or a neighborhood gem you’ve yet to discover, SRW is the perfect time to savor the season.
Savvy Senior: How to Use Medicare’s Star Ratings System During Open Enrollment
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, What does Medicare factor into their star rating system? I need to find a new Medicare plan during the open enrollment period and want to get it right this time.
—Medicare Shopper
Dear Shopper,
If you’re shopping and comparing Medicare Advantage plans (the alternative to original Medicare) or Part D prescription drug plans during the open enrollment (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7), you’ll likely find a dizzying number of options to choose from. The Medicare star rating system is a terrific tool to help you narrow down your choices. Here’s what you should know.
UNDERSTANDING STAR RATINGS
The Medicare star ratings, which you’ll find in the Medicare’s online Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov/ plan-compare, offers a shorthand look at how Medicare Advantage and Part D plans measure up for quality and member experience.
In this annual rating system, five stars means excellent, four means
above average, three means average, two means below average, and one means poor.
Medicare Advantage plans (but not Part D plans) that get at least a four-star rating get bonus payments from Medicare, which they can use to provide extra benefits.
You should also know that plans that get fewer than three stars for three consecutive years, can be terminated by Medicare, so plans are incentivized to keep their quality up. Such low-performing plans show up on Plan Finder with an upside-down red triangle that has an exclamation point inside.
People in these low-performing plans can switch to ones rated three stars or better during Medicare’s Special Enrollment Period for Disenrollment, which is between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31.
HOW RATINGS ARE COMPRISED
Part D and Medicare Advantage star ratings comprised up to 40 or 30 quality and performance measures, respectively. Ratings for both types of plans are based partly on member experience, customer service, and plan performance.
Part D ratings also assess prescription drug safety and pricing,
while Medicare Advantage ratings also look at whether members are staying healthy and if ones with chronic conditions get the tests and treatments typically recommended to them.
Be aware that five-star plans are few and far between. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised the Medicare star rating methodology in recent years, making it extremely hard for a plan to earn five stars.
In 2025, just 2 percent of people with Medicare Advantage/Part D plans and 5 percent in stand-alone Part D plans have five stars. Fourstar plans are much easier to find, as more than 70 percent of people
with Medicare Advantage are enrolled in them.
SHOPPING TIPS
Here are some tips to consider when evaluating Medicare Advantage and Part D star ratings during open enrollment:
• Don’t choose or reject a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan only because of its star rating. Costs and access to services or health providers should be your top priority when choosing a plan. But a star rating could be your deciding factor when choosing between two plans with similar out-of-pocket costs and coverage.
• Don’t panic if a plan’s 2026 star rating is slightly lower than its 2025 rating. The downgrade could be due to a blip in the way the ratings are computed from year to year. It’s best to look at a plan’s star-rating history over several years.
• If you’re fine with the cost and coverage of a plan but concerned about its star rating, click through the Medicare Plan Finder for the star ratings subcategories. You’ll be able to see how the plan scored in the specific quality and member satisfaction yardsticks that matter to you.
If you have questions or need help choosing a plan, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (877-8392675, ShipHelp.org), which offers free unbiased Medicare counseling in person or over the phone.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior. org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Microsoft Launches AI Education Initiative in Washington State
Program aims to close tech access gaps and prepare students for an AI-driven future
Staff Report
Microsoft has announced a sweeping new initiative to bring artificial intelligence tools and training to every public high school and community college in Washington state.
The program - called Elevate Washington - is designed to close what the company calls the “AI opportunity gap,” ensuring that students, teachers, and communities statewide can benefit from the technology transforming workplaces and classrooms alike.
WHAT THE PROGRAM INCLUDES
Starting in January 2026, Microsoft will begin offering its Copilot Studio software free for three years to all 295 public school districts and 34 community colleges across the state.
Copilot Studio allows schools to create custom AI agents - no coding required - to help automate common tasks like scheduling, data tracking, and student support.
In addition, up to ten school districts and ten community colleges will receive $25,000 in consulting support to help them pilot and scale their AI programs.
Students aren’t left out: beginning July 2026, every Washington high school student will receive three years of free access to Microsoft 365 with Copilot Chat, along with educational versions of
Teams and other learning tools.
Community college students will receive a year of free access to Microsoft 365 Personal with builtin AI features.
Teachers will also be eligible for professional development and AI bootcamps, offered through partnerships with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Washington Education Association (WEA), and the National Education Association (NEA).
A new statewide AI Innovation Summit is planned to bring together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to share best practices and shape implementation.
WHY WASHINGTON - AND WHY NOW
Microsoft President Brad Smith said the company chose to launch the initiative in its home state as both a civic investment and a test case for broader national programs.
“AI will change nearly every job, and education must evolve along with it,” Smith said. “We’re not trying to run education - we want to be a partner in helping schools and teachers succeed.”
The company’s research found that AI adoption varies widely across Washington. In the Puget Sound region, more than 30 percent of working-age residents already use AI tools, while in some
eastern counties, fewer than 10 percent do.
By offering free tools and training, Microsoft hopes to narrow that gap and ensure students statewide are prepared for careers that increasingly depend on artificial intelligence.
Elevate Washington is part of a larger, $4 billion global education investment the company has committed to over five years. Microsoft says this is its largest per-resident
Confused About Open Enrollment?
Here’s What Washington Residents Need to Know
By Jordan Strobeck Director of Community Engagement and Growth Community Health Plan of Washington
Navigating health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when headlines are swirling, federal rules are shifting, and new plan options are entering the mix. With so much noise in the headlines, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed.
Whether you’re already enrolled in an Individual & Family plan or shopping through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (wahealthplanfinder.org) for the first time, we’ve outlined the key updates and important areas to keep in mind during this year’s open enrollment period.
First, a new lower-cost Gold-level plan called “Vital Gold” joins the current Gold plan, which has been renamed Complete Gold. Along with the Silver and Bronze options, that means additional choices for 2026. For many shoppers, Vital Gold may be more affordable than Silver plans due in part to subsidy calculation changes. If you’re currently on a Silver Plan, you may be able to save more by switching to Vital Gold. Additionally, there is a new hearing benefit
on most plans that now includes coverage before your deductible for hearing aids and hearing exams.
Next, the enhanced federal premium tax credits that have made Individual & Family plans more affordable in recent years are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts. Without them, most plans will see higher premiums in 2026. In Washington state, if these tax credits expire, we could see up to 80,000 recipients forgo coverage and net premiums increase by 65% (source: WAHBE Fact Sheet, May 2025). There is some good news, however: Cascade Care Savings, Washington’s state-funded subsidies, will still be available for Gold and Silver plans. These savings can help reduce your monthly premium.
Open Enrollment is your opportunity to make sure your health plan fits your needs for the year ahead. Mark your calendar because you can start browsing 2026 plans beginning October 21 at wahealthplanfinder.org. Open enrollment runs November 1 through December 15, 2025. From December 16 – January 15, 2026, you can still enroll in a plan, but coverage starts February 1.
Open Enrollment only comes once a year, so use this window to make confident, informed decisions about your health coverage.
Tinvestment anywhere in the world.
LOOKING AHEAD
The next 18 months will be for testing. The Copilot Studio rollout begins in early 2026, followed by student tool access that summer.
Observers will be watching to see which districts emerge as early leaders - and how results are measured. State officials and teacher unions are expected to play key roles in shaping training standards
helma Knox Gibbons Beck, for more than 30 years one of Seattle’s most admired dance instructors, passed away peacefully in her Oxnard, California, home on October 5, 2025. She was 93
The beloved mother of Roddy Gibbons and the late Randy Gibbons—plus devoted matriarch to grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many dear friends—Thelma’s remarkable life was filled with energy, creativity, and grace. These were qualities she shared freely with everyone she met.
Born in Renton, Washington, in 1932 to William and Beth Knox, Thelma’s fascination with rhythm began as a young child taking local dance classes near Seattle’s Green Lake. While still at Queen Ann High School, she accepted a rare invitation to dance with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo during its Pacific Northwest tour. Soon after, she founded the Magnolia Dancing School. Beginning with just two students, it grew swiftly into a cornerstone of Seattle’s performing arts community for more than three decades.
Forever an ardent student herself, Thelma expanded her school’s work to include tap, jazz, and Hawaiian dance—her personal favorite. She trained nearly 1,000 performers who went on to careers across the country, some even on Broadway. Parents often said her studio was as much about self confidence and joy as it was about technique. Students remember her gentle corrections and her ability to see potential in everyone.
Her love of dance never diminished. In her 60s and 70s she often performed Hawaiian dance with both the Wilson Ukulele Group and the United Strummers of Camarillo.
Away from the studio, Thelma was known for warmth, humor,
and oversight policies.
Questions also remain about sustainability: once the threeyear free period ends, will schools be able to maintain licenses and support?
For now, Microsoft’s move positions Washington at the forefront of AI-driven education reform. The initiative represents both a new opportunity and a new responsibility: ensuring that innovation is accessible, ethical, and equitable.
and quiet generosity. She was first married to Richard Gibbons and later, for 45 years, to Earl Beck—“the love of my life.” Through that marriage, she was also connected to Earl’s sons, David and Patrick Beck.
Thelma gave deeply to her community: six years with Hospice of Camarillo; two decades with Toastmasters; a long history of college scholarships for graduates of her high school, Queen Anne (Seattle); and more than 20 years as a model and spokesperson for the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program. With Earl, she also sponsored guide dog trainees for the blind.
She treasured her family deeply, including a special and enduring friendship with her
daughter in law, Kellee, whose presence remained a source of joy and connection through all seasons of life.
The Becks were avid world travelers, but while at home Thelma loved gatherings filled with music, laughter, and good food. Until two weeks prior to her passing, she continued to bake desserts for family, friends, and neighbors.
Thelma leaves a legacy of artistry, compassion, and joy in the countless lives she touched.
A private celebration of her extraordinary life will be held Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Emerging Spiritual Church, 405 Telephone Road, Suite 113, Ventura, California. (206) 297-1330
rural
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“Years from now, people will ask you: Where were you when democracy needed you? You will say: I was in the streets with my neighbors. I was part of a moment that chose courage over comfort. I was part of a moment that turned into a movement. And that is what will save our democracy.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal was the final speaker. She said, “We are at that moment where it is up to us to secure the safety and happiness of the people and to demand a government that works for us, not a king, not for the billionaires, but for poor and working people, whatever your
race, your gender, your zip code.” This promise of a more just government energized the crowd. Participants held signs reading “Protect the Constitution,” “Power Belongs to the People,” and “No Faux King Way!”
Age Fluidity and Liminality: Thinking Differently About Growing Older
By Nancy Weinbeck
Ijust finished a book that came highly recommended by a colleague (thank you Sarkis!), Learning to Love Midlife by Chip Conley. Wait, you might be saying. Your column speaks to older adults, not those in midlife. Well, Conley puts large enough brackets around midlife that it can include nearly any age starting with adulthood. He writes about “age fluidity” – not being boxed in by societal expectations of one’s alleged stage of life. And, dear readers, this is a theme that ties perfectly with a concept near and dear to my heart: liminality.
We all know it’s far too easy to get trapped into thinking about
“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
aging negatively. As aging individuals, we are faced with changes in our bodies and sometimes minds, and face the reality of our own mortality and those whom we love. However, instead of seeing our own aging as a march toward limitations, we can turn that idea upside down and instead see later life as a liminal phase, a time of transition, reinvention, and freedom from how we once defined ourselves.
Tying this to age fluidity, someone celebrating their 86th birthday can experience the excitement of a new friendship, a new romance, a new blossoming talent just as someone celebrating their18th birthday. By the same token, a 40th birthday can leave one easily feeling ancient if straddled by roles and expectations that don’t leave the soul singing. Age flows. Remember too the gifts that come with age. Our older brains are perfectly suited for reinvention, as we gain capacities for perspective, for synthesizing meaning in creative ways, for holding ambiguity without the need for certainty, for sharing well earned wisdom. Treasures of aging. And drawing on Dr. Becca Levy’s research, thinking positively about aging helps us age better, extending both our healthspan and lifespan. No gym membership required. Are we a bit slower? Sure, but all the better to bring deeper insight and connection. Beloved singer/ songwriter Leonard Cohen wrote: “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” Yes, aging brings more cracks. But aging also creates an opportunity to redefine, renavigate, and renegotiate ourselves. It’s a journey not toward less, but toward something more freeing, something deeply human, something to celebrate. As we enter into a time of less daylight, remember the cracks. And may they allow in precious rays of light to ignite your beautiful aging self.
Girmay Zahilay, Chair of the King County Council, received thunderous cheers when he stood before the largest crowd he’d ever addressed and declared, “In King County, the only King we recognize is Dr. Martin Luther!”
