June 2016

By Katy Wilkens, MS, RD

My strawberries are really early this year, probably due to that nice spell of hot weather we had a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, early berries in commercial fields are bad news because there aren’t enough pickers to harvest them with high school students still in school.

If you are lucky, like me, you tucked a few strawberry plants here and there in your yard last year. Then you will be enjoying this short, but oh so flavorful, season. Otherwise, try farmers’ markets or local berry stands. If you are ambitious, or just love our dark red flavorful berries, head up near Carnation, Marysville, Mount Vernon or Bellingham, where you will find lots of “you pick” places. Bring berries home and freeze them, make jam, and eat them in yogurt, salads and desserts.

Besides being delicious, strawberries are high in antioxidants, vitamin C and folate, and they are a fair source of fiber and potassium, which help kidney and heart health.

Greetings, Businesses and Community Groups,

I’m writing to ask for your help as I develop a “Seattle Legacy Business Program” proposal, which is intended to help preserve the bars, restaurants, cafés, and shops that give Seattle its unique character and sense of community. With the recent pace of development, neighborhood gems like Silver Fork, Mama’s Kitchen, and Piecora’s Pizza have been lost, and aren’t likely to return.

I’m working with partner organizations to:
• Survey community members to identify our most important business establishments
• Identify elements that contribute to the culture, character, and history of Seattle; and
• Establish tools to protect them.

An adult male, said by area residents to be known for erratic behavior was taken into custody by Seattle Police at the Cal-Mor Circle Apartments 5420 California Ave SW after discharging a gun. No one was hurt in the incident and only one shot was fired. He was taken into custody without incident.

The incident drew a heavy police response, including SWAT Team trucks. At one point two SWAT team members deployed assault rifles and full protective gear and took up a position across the street. Traffic in the area was temporarily blocked and detoured.

According to people on the scene who said they were neighbors, the suspect was said to be known to shout out his window at people outside and exhibited other strange behavior.

It was not known how he acquired the gun or what kind of gun was involved in the incident.

Kerry Coughlin, Director of Communications for Seattle Housing Authority, who own and run the low income housing, said they were "very appreciative of the response." She acknowledged that the resident has been known to be something of a problem in the past but "nothing that rose to the level of eviction."

The Boxing Gym West Seattle 9613 16th Ave SW is hosting an Open House so that people can check out what the space is all about and have fun in the process. Party goers will have a chance to chat with Coach Lee Torres and members of the gym. There will be a DJ, free pizza, and an art show.

Boxers were interviewed for a feature on KOMO News last October. Local resident, Susan, commented, “I’m using this more as fitness, but I have been told I walk a little bit taller.”

Mom and local champ, Taralynn stated in the segment that she feels empowered to come out swinging when taking punches. Her participation has increased her confidence in protecting her kids, should she ever end up in a “bad situation.”
Coach Lee is especially interested in giving adults a sense of confidence, belonging, and strength. Those interested in a different approach to fitness, whether it is bag drills, mitt work, or calisthenics will enjoy participation. All are invited to attend.

If you would like to obtain some well considered financial advice, contact Sarah Cecil 206-938-6017.

Brought to you by Sarah Cecil Financial Advisor with Edwards Jones Investments.

Sponsored post.

By Amanda Knox

There has been a lot of discussion and shaming surrounding the Stanford rape case—of the defendant Brock Allen Turner, presiding Judge Persky, and the criminal justice system as a whole. It’s the digital world equivalent of a lot of loud yelling, fist shaking, and rotten fruit throwing. There has, however, been fewer discussions—or lesser, quieter sentiments perhaps—about reparations for the victim. It’s like we consider punishment and shaming as society’s first responsibility, greatest strength, and ultimately effective means of seeking justice. As important as the prosecution and sentencing process is in the defense of sexual assault victims, we shouldn’t rely so heavily on the perpetrator’s punishment to right their wrong, especially when many, if not most, cases of sexual assault can’t lead to prosecution, a guilty verdict, and sentencing at all.

Deadline for receiving Calendar items is Noon Wednesday for the following week’s Herald/News. Events are published based on timeliness and space available. Email submissions as soon as possible to: calendar@robinsonnews.com. Items can be accepted from nonprofit groups and government agencies only. Others may call Richard Sherman at 206.356.7288 for inclusion in our “Out & About” advertising column.

Alki Skate Night
Alki Community Center
5817 S.W. Stevens St.
Fri., June 17, 6–7:45pm, Come join us for a fun-filled night with the entire family—this is the last Friday skate night until the Fall! Enjoy the latest in pop music, lights, games and prizes. $3 per skater. For theme night information call 206.684.7430.

Third Annual Swing Into Summer Dance
The Hall @ Fauntleroy
9131 California Ave. S.W.

By Pat Cashman

Merriam-Webster defines water as “The clear liquid that has no color, taste or smell that falls from clouds as rain that forms streams, lakes and seas, and that is used for drinking, washing, etc.”

In college, our dorm defined it as “A substance found in beer.”
Water is a pretty big deal, it seems---whether expectorated, perspired, peed or cried out.
And we gotta have it. Often.
After all, some people have been known to survive two weeks or more without food. For example, I can go a very long time without kale, lutefisk or pig’s feet.

Perhaps only a handful of men can last three weeks without a TV remote---except during the Seahawks season when some have perished in the middle of long commercial breaks.

But next to air---which all but pearl divers, cattle auctioneers and infomercial spokespeople need frequently---most people can’t go much beyond 3 or 4 days without guzzling some H2O.

            The Seattle Public Library will offer open mics and poetry readings at several Library locations in June. Event details with times and locations are outlined below.

·         It's About Time Writers' Reading Series - 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, June 9 at the Greenwood Branch, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-684-4086. A monthly series featuring author readings and open mics. The 320th meeting features readings by Yvonne Higgins Leach, Shannon K. Perry and Ann Hedreen with a short lecture by Leonard Orr on writer’s craft: "Thinking at Book-length: Crafting a Collection of Poems." Please note: this is the Ballard Branch's "It's About Time Writers' Reading Series," which has been temporarily relocated to the Greenwood Branch while the Ballard Branch is closed for improvements.

By Lindsay Peyton

Unhinged in a neighborhood park

When a child living near the 5200 block of 38th Avenue S.W. was reluctant to go outside to play with a friend around 4 p.m., Tues., June 7, her mother went to see what was wrong.

A woman outside was yelling and cursing—and that scared the child. The child’s mother approached the woman and asked her to stop yelling and to watch her language, since a number of children were in the neighborhood and a nearby park.

The suspect only grew angrier and started yelling at the woman and threw a cellphone at her. The suspect threatened to kill the woman adding, “I know where you live. I am going to come back and burn your house down.”

The suspect also threatened the woman’s child. She grabbed a bucket of water balloons and took them to her car and began launching the balloons at the victim, while continually cussing.

After the suspect left, the victim called the police. A witness saw the license plate and the suspect left her phone at the scene. Officers were able to locate the vehicle but are still searching for the suspect.