Did you know that every ten years, following the census, the city must redraw the city districts that our Council members represent? Due to the increase in population in our District 3, we need to shift some part of our district to another less populated district. Join our April meeting to see what the Redistricting Commission is offering us and what it would mean in our current alliances and identification with the Central District. There will be time for a Q and A. See this article as this is the clearest explanation (we have seen) of what these options will mean to us. April 6, 2022 at 7pm Pacific Time (US and Canada) Please join us online at Zoom: meeting link here. If you are joining manually: Go to https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 849 6085 7891 Passcode: 030649 If you can only join us by phone dial +1 (253) 215 8782 and enter the meeting ID and passcode above at the prompt.

Several years ago (before Covid), the city of Seattle entered into an agreement with Marina Management to take over the management of three marinas in our area: Lakewood, South Leschi (south of BluWater) and Leschi north (north of Daniel’s Broiler). The smaller marinas between the north and south Leschi Marinas are privately owned. Peter Joers of Marina Management walked us through the changes at our February 2 Leschi Community Council meeting. Improvements have been slow in Leschi as the city was supposed to install a large breakwater at the south marina but that has still not happened. Lakewood has seen many changes. The public will now have access to the island as the locked gate will be open. Instead, coded gates will limit access to the slips to boat owners only. New slips have been installed and despite an increase in rental fees, the majority of old owners have continued to rent. When asked about the increase in renting a slip, Mr. Joers said that it had risen to $12 per foot. The small boats are about 30 feet long. Rents had been $8 per foot for many years but slips are costly to install, and the fees were not providing the funds to make improvements. The current fee is below market for Lake Washington slips. Joers said they had gone ahead on upgrading the south Leschi Marina rather than wait for the breakwater. He showed a photo of the barge that carried away the old slips; there was an old sailboat on the barge which Joers said was an abandoned boat. When asked about the north marina, Joers said it would probably begin in the third quarter of this year. They are awaiting permitting. He said the shack will go away. During the Q and A period, parking was discussed as the signage seems to have changed. Joers promised he would look into it. He said that Marina Mgmt. had redone the blacktop. Reaction to the upgrades were positive but more was wanted! Will there be an opportunity to rent a boat? Will there be classes? Joers said he would investigate the possibility of offering these amenities. The pier is still under the management of Parks. I had to contact Mr. Joers to explain the “fish window” which I thought of as the window at the Locks where one can see the salmon navigating the fish ladder. Joers had mentioned the “fish window” complicating construction schedules. It refers to the window of time during which you can do over-water construction. On Lake Washington, different areas of the lake have different “windows” of time based on studies that have been done of fish in the area. The objective is to minimize any impact to fish. In the case of Lakewood, the window of time is late summer and is relatively short. Thanks to Mr. Joers for attending our meeting and bringing us up to date on marina changes and future plans. He generously offered his email if there were any further questions: peter@marinamanagementllc.com. ~Diane Snell

A nearly 100 year old Western Red Cedar defined by the City of Seattle as exceptional and marked for preservation was illegally cut down by the development company Millad VII LLC in April 2021. The tree graced the Leschi neighborhood on property zoned Single Family and in a slide prone Environmentally Critical Area (ECA). Although the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspection placed a Stop Work Order on the tree, the developers damaged the cedar and then paid their arborist to say the tree caused a potential danger. Without waiting for SDCI’s approval and a Stop Work Order wrapped around the tree, a demolition crew quickly cut down the tree before the SDCI Complaint Lines were staffed and an inspector was able to respond to the many calls from neighbors trying to save the tree. Recently a Paper Bark Maple, a small deciduous tree, was been planted near the sidewalk on the vacant lot where the Cedar once stood. The City fined the developer over $90,000 for violating the stop work order and removing the Western Red Cedar and required an approved restoration plan prior to replanting. To date, according to the Seattle Services Portal, the fine remains unpaid and a restoration plan has not been presented or approved. While these developers may regard they have appeased the City and neighbors who protested the removal of the cedar by planting this little tree, their actions are an excellent example of why the City needs to pass comprehensive tree protection to save trees important to the environment. The Paper Bark Maple with a diameter of a few inches will never provide the needed canopy and root stabilization of the Red Cedar with its 38” diameter and extensive root system that stabilized the hillside lot. Seattle has poorly managed the protection of trees and each year many trees are illegally cut down. For over 10 years, tree protection ordinances have been before the Mayor and City Council with no action taken. Without legislation for strong enforcement the only recourse is through imposing fines but a developer willing to violate City orders on a one million plus dollar residency can maximize profits by incorporating the cost of the City fine in the sales price. It is the new homeowner who essentially pays the fine as well as neighbors who have the invisible cost of damage to the environment’s necessary tree canopy. Seattle Council members Dan Strauss and Alex Pedersen have introduced Council Bill 120207 as a starting point for tree protection. The bill would require arborists and others who cut down and remove trees in Seattle to be registered and to act in compliance with existing tree protections. If this legislation had been in place when the Red Cedar tree was in question, the arborist and tree service would be as guilty as the developers as they knowingly sanctioned and removed a tree the City had designated as protected. Hopefully by the time you read this piece, Council Bill 120207 will have passed. For those wanting to stop the illegal cutting down of the City’s exceptional trees, its important to let the Mayor and the City Council know. Let Mayor Harrell know it is time for the passage of comprehensive tree protection legislation. The City Council has been waiting on the Mayor’s office for years to submit an updated comprehensive tree protection bill. The new Harrell administration needs to direct the various city departments responsible to get proposed legislation to the City Council immediately. If you want more action items for saving Seattle’s Tree Canopy, go to www.dontclearcutseattle.org. ~Mary-Carter Creech & Jayn Foy

Visit the Wild Isle at our March meeting. Paul Talbert, author and long-time advocate for Seward Park, will walk us through the first century of this remarkable park which seems to have a gift for everyone. Walkers and joggers enjoy the route around the park, picnickers enjoy the shelters or just sit on the lawn and watch the ducks while you eat your Bahn mi! Enjoy a production in the amphitheater or admire the crafts in the Pottery Barn. Let your toddler splash in the shallow water by the beach and enroll your ten-year-old in the search for bats at twilight. The importance of parks to city dwellers was best explained by Edward Otto Schwagerl, Seattle’s second Parks Superintendent, and he wrote these words in a report: “Parks are full of Nature’s innocent and holy inspirations, and in them are whispers of peace and joy. Parks are the breathing lungs and beating hearts of great cities… where rich and poor mingle to inhale the unalloyed, God-given perfumes to body, mind and soul. March 2, 2022 at 7pm Pacific Time (US and Canada) Please join us online at Zoom. If you are joining manually: Go to https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 817 4472 0727 Passcode: 914455 If you can only join us by phone dial +1 (253) 215 8782 and enter the meeting ID and passcode above at the prompt.

Our first Art Walk Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 2nd at 3:00 at BluWater. Bart Evans continues to kindly offer space for our meetings. If you are unable to make this one, please let me know. At that meeting we will determine if our meetings are better on Wednesdays or Thursdays. I plan to call on past chairs and volunteers for advice and assistance, should their schedules accommodate. Please call me with any questions. Janice Merrill Brown, 206-679-4004. NOTE: BluWater has been asking for proof of vaccinations and masks. Check with them to make sure these restrictions still in effect: 206-328-2233.

Meet the team from Marina Management updating our marina and bringing it into the current century after long delays. Peter Joers and Nick Bod will present recent changes and timelines. Feb 2, 2022 7pm Pacific Time (US and Canada) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88254418509?pwd=bTVqVHA0Y0VKdVpHdk5DeFRpZ1U2dz09 Meeting ID: 882 5441 8509 Passcode: 755406 One tap mobile +12532158782,,88254418509#,,,,*755406# US (Tacoma) +16699009128,,88254418509#,,,,*755406# US (San Jose) Dial by your location +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcFTZm4Zk0

Leschi Community Council arranged a special January meeting to introduce our local school to the community. The meeting was opened by Benson Wilder, PTA President, who described how he and wife wanted to live in the CD to be close to family members and checked out Leschi School. They liked the commitment to social justice, the diverse population and the emphasis on community events and community building. After introducing Principal Stephen Liu, we heard a similar message of community. Mr. Liu stressed the focus on racial equity and social justice. He said the school has 3 rules: Respectful, Responsible, Safe. The students help define these rules and craft the meaning together with staff. There are three levels of education: general education, special education for those with an IEP (Individual Education Plan) and Advanced Learning. The district is planning to refer all students for advanced learning. Kindergarten registration is open now. There will be a June orientation and a jump start in August. The PTA will arrange meet-ups for students and families. September 7 is the first day of school for grades 1–12 throughout the city. Kindergarten students will start on September 12. Leschi is an early start school: 7:55am; this means early dismissal: 2:25pm. While this can be an issue for working parents, there are numerous after school options, the most popular being Launch Learning. Launch’s website describes this program: “Launch teachers collaborate with one another as well as with public school teachers to create lesson plans that maximize enrichment learning. We incorporate teacher feedback and observations to identify student needs and plan activities with specific learning objectives that support each child while remaining fun and inclusive for everyone.” Launch is a 40-year-old program and longtime residents may know it as the Community Day School. Mr. Liu described what makes Leschi special? He listed the PTA as the number one reason; a strong PTA is critical to a successful school. Leschi is community based and well supported by the community, including local businesses and a long list of organizations. In non-Covid times, the events with family and community are important. He mentioned the Taste of Leschi, a potluck where families bring a favorite dish, perhaps an ethnic offering or maybe just a favorite of their birth state. Many photos were shown, including one of the gym which has a climbing wall (sounds very Northwest!) and unicycles. Another photo showed our wonderful crossing guard, Ms. Henrietta Price who has been safely crossing students across the street for more than 20 years. Leschi CC presented her with the Leschi Star award a few years ago. Mr. Donaldson, the Family Support Worker, was also shown. He has been an important fixture at Leschi School for more than 20 years and has been recognized by the city for his support and resourcefulness. Questions asked during the Q and A included one about in person tours: perhaps in the summer. Demographics: most teachers are white and have Master’s degrees. Student ratio is 37% white which bears out the new census findings: a majority of Seattle children are children of color. Construction: 4 new classrooms are being built; two will probably be for pre-school classes and there will be an expansion of the office in this construction and improved safety. The current layout offers access to the entire school once you get inside the main door. And how can we help? Once we are able to meet in person, volunteers are always needed! Support our community school! ~Diane Snell

Residents from all of our surrounding neighborhoods, from Leschi to Madrona, Madison Park to Seward Park and beyond, know that Steve Shulman, longtime Leschi Market owner and beloved community leader, was one of the first to pass away from the effects of COVID-19 in March of 2020. In January, Leschi Market and Shulman Estate Wines released Steve's Legacy Red , a big and bold Walla Walla wine to honor Steve and continue his many charitable contributions throughout our community. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold will be donated by Leschi Market to three charitable community organizations advancing causes that were near and dear to Steve's heart. $10 per bottle sold will be shared among Jewish Family Service of Seattle (Supportive Living Services Program), Rainier Valley Food Bank, and the Southeast Seattle Senior Center. The project has been in the works for more than a year, with many members in the community helping in various aspects. There was the formation of the Shulman Estate Advisory Council, a collection of some of Steve’s best friends, both personally and professionally throughout his life. The group – close to twenty in all – met over zoom a handful of times, we talked, obviously, a lot about Steve, and his beliefs, causes and outlook. In the end, we whittled down to the 3 charities and causes mentioned above, to be the first, initial partners and beneficiaries of Steve’s Legacy Project . The wine, a Walla Walla Valley blend consisting of more or less equal parts Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, retails for $39.99. There are 100 cases available for this vintage, and it is expected to sell very quickly. Each grape brings their A-game to the party. The Petit Verdot brings the structure, backbone and tannin, while the Malbec offers that brilliant Malbec-deep purple color with the Merlot showcasing the dark brooding fruits you’ve come to expect from Walla Walla grapes. The label is one of my personal favorites from the entire line of Leschi wines. The actual picture of Steve, in the middle of the wine aisle he created 25 years ago with a welcoming smile on his face. The photo was taken for a feature story on Leschi Market turning 70 years old in 2018. The morse code at the top pays homage to Steve’s father, Leonard Shulman, and his time as a railroad telegrapher. The series of dots and dashes “… -- … / - -… .- ” translates to “SMS / LBA,” the first being Steve’s initials, and the latter standing for “Loved By All.” The back label took quite an emotional toll to write, but the end result is beautiful and would make Steve proud. As many of his closest friends and family would tell you, he didn’t seek, or frankly even like the recognition or attention, even though it is more than well deserved. Legacy: a gift, handed down from the past for future generations' benefit. Steve Shulman was our gift. He was known to us all as a friend, neighbor, uncle, boss, business owner, community leader and papa to his pups, and cherished for his generosity, good deeds and commitment to our community. This wine will help ensure that Steve's legacy lives on. Enjoy this wine knowing that you are continuing Steve's legacy. Thank you all for your kind words and support over the last two years. May we all continue to build community together. ~Kenneth Benner Kenneth Benner, a Seattle area native, is a trained chef and has worked in such restaurants as Barbacoa, B.O.K.A. Kitchen + Bar, and Dahlia Lounge. Ken is the wine buyer at Leschi Market. He has a passion for learning, a meticulous palate, and a tenacity for searching out the best for his customers while offering some of the most highly coveted wines in the area. His monthly column is intended to inspire and explore new choices in wine, learn about wine with his readers, and share his knowledge and experience in the wine world. Check out the latest at www.LeschiMart.com or to request to be added to email updates at wine@leschimarket.com .

M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery at Seattle Central College 1701 Broadway, 2BE2116 Seattle, WA 98122; 206-934-4379 Hours: 10am–2pm, Monday–Thursday, admission is free Christina Reed addresses racism head on in her immersive exhibition “Reckoning” at the M. Rosetta Hunter Gallery at the Seattle Central College. The exhibition consists of three parts. The first is Reflection , a wall filled with large black and white prints based on historical photographs of white people: juries, businessmen, families, picket fences, interspersed with the words of the declaration of independence, maps of redlining. The white people are passive, but collectively they create a wall of oblivious privilege. Interspersed with the images are repeated quotes from the declaration of independence underscoring the racism of the white founders as they wrote of equality even as slavery was perpetuated and black people denied all rights. The artist added a round mirror every few feet in the mural. We can see our own white faces as part of the white racist gaze, or for a visitor of color, feel the insistence of this wall of privileged exclusion. We turn from this immersion in whiteness to the second part of the installation, Regard: White Gaze . Thick glass squares hanging from the ceiling painted with blue eyes gaze directly at us. A literal white gaze, the hanging pieces of glass feel claustrophobic as we approach them, suggesting the feeling of being watched, judged, monitored, and even threatened simply by the act of looking. It is very difficult to walk through this intense forest of glass panes, another wall of privilege, so we walk around it. The third part of the installation Repair suggests actions to counter racism. There is going to be a closing on February 17 from 5–7 pm (hopefully) in which people wear signs that have references to various aspects of ways to counter racism. On one side of the sign is an oblique reference. You have to turn the sign over in order to know what it means. In other words, you have to do more than look at the sign. Then once you turn it over a wide range of possible ways forward are offered some educational, some personal, some joining with others. They include references to the 1619 project, a history of slavery and the roots of racism. Another explains red lining, a third “12 out of 18” lists the 12 Presidents out of the first 18 who owned slaves. Other actions suggest observing microaggressions, euphemisms. And of course, speaking to our elected representatives about racism and supporting diverse cultural organizations. Revolution is not included but volunteering on projects related to the Criminal Justice System is one of the more specific community actions. Christina Reed received support for this project and did much of her research at the historic home and library of the James and Janie Washington Cultural Center 1816 26th Ave in the Central District. If you want to know more about this important artist, come to the unveiling of a bronze statue of Dr. James W. Washington and the restored “Fountain of Triumph” Washington’s last public monument. The “Fountain,” formerly located on 23rd Ave, addresses salmon migration as a metaphor of the difficulties of survival for African Americans. The Event will be at 24th and Union part of the newly built Midtown Center, February 26, 2022, 6:30–8:30pm. Call the Washington Foundation for Information 206-709-4241. Other exciting exhibitions: Lauren Iida’s Citizen’s Indefinite Leave at Art Exchange Gallery, Tuesday-Saturday 11am–5:30pm, until February 19. Iida bases this series of her extraordinary paper cut out art on her grandmother’s experience during World War II. Embodied Change: South Asian Art Across Time at the Asian Art Museum, until July 10. The first exhibition by the newly hired curator of South Asian art Natalia Di Pietrantonio, who oddly is not South Asian, but I will say that she definitely knows the field. The exhibition includes 16 artists in a wide range of media as well as stunning early miniatures. Most of it focuses on the female body and the rich Goddess traditions of India. More soon! Nancy Holt: Between Heaven and Earth at Western Washington University Art Gallery, Bellingham, 10am–4pm Monday–Friday and 12pm–4pm Saturday, until May 7. I am quoting from their description as I haven’t seen it yet: “the trans-disciplinary exhibition addresses not just the complexities of her artwork but her interests in sciences, from geology, biology, ecology, surveying technology to astronomy.” Western Washington University owns one of Holt’s works “Stone Enclosures: Rock Rings” as part of their exceptional collection of public art on the campus. This is probably the most major exhibition in the Northwest this spring. Make the trip! ~Susan Platt, PhD www.artandpoliticsnow.com

In 1906, the Seattle School Board purchased a parcel of land where a florist named O'Brien had operated a rose garden and greenhouses. Construction of Leschi School began in February 1909. The building was similar in style to Greenwood, Hawthorne, and Emerson, with Jacobean details, including steeply pitched roofs, red brick with terra cotta trim, and pointed archways. The eight-room school served approximately 300 students in grades 1-8 until 1918-19 when enrollment rose to 371. At that time, the boys' and girls' playrooms in the basement were converted to two additional classrooms. Because the school had no facilities for manual training or home economics, once a week older students hurriedly ate their lunches and walked over to Walla Walla School (later Horace Mann) for instruction in these subjects. Parkland opened at 32nd S Avenue and Charles Street in 1925 as an annex to Leschi. Two portables were used for classrooms until October 22, 1939. The Parkland property was sold in November 26, 1941. When Washington Junior High School opened in 1938, Leschi became K-6 and enrollment dropped. In 1940-41, enrollment rebounded to 374. The closing of Rainier meant that Leschi's area extended further west to 19th Avenue and encompassed a multiethnic neighborhood. Portables appeared on the school grounds, including one used as a lunchroom and as many as six used for classrooms. In 1954, Leschi served 509 students taught by 15 teachers, and the kindergarten operated on triple shifts. The playfield was blacktopped during the 1950s and the school's site enlarged to the south along 32nd Avenue. Enrollment peaked at 592 in 1958-59. A house standing on the enlarged site was used as an annex during 1958-60. During the 1960-61 school year, a much-needed addition was constructed, adding seven classrooms, an administrative-health unit, a lunchroom-auditorium, a gymnasium, and covered playcourt on the south side of the building. The original structure was also remodeled and modernized at this time. On property adjoining the school is Peppi's Park, named by the students in honor of a classmate, Peppi Braxton, who died in 1971. The park contains a wading pool, swings, and large free-form objects for climbing. With its trees and panoramic view of Lake Washington, the park was often used as an outdoor classroom. Beginning in 1968-69, as part of the district's 4-4-4 Plan, Leschi housed grades K-4. In September 1978, Leschi became K, 4-5 in a triad with Decatur and Wedgwood, both of which housed grades K-3. This configuration continued through spring 1988. In 1984, as part of a district-wide Capital Improvement Program, Leschi became one of 16 schools identified as needing renovation. Over the next few years, meetings were held with the community. Ultimately the decision was made to demolish the 1909 structure. Leschi students found a temporary home at Broadview-Thomson for the 1987-88 school year. The new addition, a steel frame structure with brick veneer, is a wing on the 1961 structure. The building now contains 18 classrooms plus arts/science and resource rooms, and a library. Also included are two kindergarten classrooms, an auditorium/lunchroom, a gym, and an administrative area. Credit: An excerpt from Historylink.org. Essay made possible by Seattle Public School District. Thanks to Anne Depue who found this article and asked for permission to reprint.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world.” –Margaret Mead The story of the peoples’ successful effort to preserve Pike Place Market was 50 years ago and the fight was celebrated again this past fall. It reminded me of Margaret Mead’s words and successful fights elsewhere. Baltimore was able to save its Lexington Market with the best crab cakes ever! It has been in existence since 1782. This is NOT changing the world, but it’s a start. It does mean that a group of citizens can take on a project to enhance their community and succeed against seemingly insurmountable odds. It isn’t always successful; witness the failure to save the Crystal Palace Market in San Francisco. The aim was to spruce up that part of Market St., but it only resulted in the loss of an iconic market with the Anchor Steam Brewery, an oyster bar, freshly ground peanut butter and a whole range of unique products. It was an adventure prowling the aisles, not knowing what delight might be around the next corner. And the last time I was in San Francisco, that end of Market St. still looked shabby. Where was the “new, improved” Market St.? I thought of the String of Pearls here in Leschi. These street ends were taken over as private property by adjacent homeowners until a group of residents argued that this was public property and belonged to SDOT. They took it from local public hearings all the way to the State Supreme Court where they won! This group was led by Karen Daubert who continues to lead the Friends of Street Ends today with these small parks popping up around the city, offering access to the water and providing a place for quiet meditation. Monthly local work parties keep these small parks dedicated to native plants. This group seems to be on the verge if extending their stewardship to the public stairways which are often in great need of maintenance. This is a task that the Leschi Community Council Board took on some years ago, partnering with the Madrona CC on their first endeavor. It was good publicity for residents to see their Board at work! Many residents joined us, even with their children as there are always smaller tasks involved. But unfortunately, Boards are subject to change as folks serve their terms and cannot run again. The effort waned; not everyone has weekends available and some of us aged out. We are encouraging the street end volunteers to pursue this endeavor as well! Another example of people power is the Leschi Natural Area. A dedicated group of residents have shepherded this lovely scenic park from its previous persona as a private yard to a public park with native plants. It is a striking place to watch the 4th of July fireworks from the north end of the lake southward to Renton…enjoying the displays of many cities without leaving Leschi. We have another opportunity here in Leschi for residents to create something beautiful to memorialize Steve Shulman, the owner of Leschi Market and the unofficial “mayor” of Leschi who passed away at the beginning of the pandemic. The proposed picnic area will be a citizen effort led by John Barber. There will be plans to review, permits to obtain and money to raise, but the result will be an enduring remembrance of Steve and a popular gathering place for the community. Anyone who wishes to participate in this project needs to get in touch with John Barber ( barber-osa@comcast.net or call 206-324-1548.) ~Diane Snell Op-Ed piece from reader: They Say You Want a Revolution Readers may recall that a Leschi resident was recently accused of standing and shouting in front of someone else’s house in Laurelhurst (where many residents probably deserve a good shouting ), as well as unlocking a door in a public building to let the public in. A small amount of misspent money was also involved—though only a fraction of the money spent on seeking to recall the alleged miscreant. Fortunately, thanks to (or perhaps despite?) the accused’s strident struggle, democracy prevailed and she/they/them was/were acquitted. The verdict was also interesting in that it cast a light on the workings of the most socialist district in one of the most socialist cities in the (still just about) United States. Among the shocking revelations: Only 53.5% of the voters voted; 50.3% of those who did decided that the ends (or at least the end of capitalism) justified the means. Socialism triumphed by a resounding 310 votes! So now we know: There are at least 20,656 socialists in Seattle. There may be a few in the U District too— but it seems purple would still prevail over any potential “red menace.” However, if Who Cares? had been a third option, they/them/whatever could have received the 36,061 uncast votes and secured an underwhelming victory. What the other half a million or so Seattle voters or so think about all this will have to wait for the next outbreak of democracy. However, the widespread threat posed by Who Cares? should not be underestimated—nor the risk of a further challenge from Why Bother Anyway?? Meantime, we’ve the Omigod variant to worry about, so the revolution will have to wait and keep its mask on–assuming someone somewhere really does care. ~Malcolm Harker

Consider this: When you live in a place alone, you need no rules—or you make them, discard them as you choose. You may not think about rules! You drink from the milk bottle/box or eat the ice cream from a quart container, return it to the freezer—who needs a bowl or cup? You make the bed or don’t, wash the dishes or don’t. You go to the bathroom when you choose, close the door if you choose, run downstairs dressed, partially dressed, or nude. You keep the house as warm or cold as you like. You select the food and cook or don’t cook what you want or when you want. You turn the lights on when you choose, keep them on as long as you choose. You play the music, television as loud as you want. You select, record the programs you want. You stay on the computer for as long as you want. You stay out as late or return home as early as you like. However, if one person moves into that house—regardless of how much you care about that person, want that person to be there, the age, gender, or ability of that person—life changes, possibly for the better. You don’t drink from the milk bottle/box, eat ice cream from its container, fail to wash the dishes regularly or alter bathroom patterns, dress, at least somewhat. You may have to change the house temperature, the food you eat, when you cook. You may have to turn the lights on or off earlier or later. You may have to adjust the volume, watch, or not watch different programs. You may not be able to get on or off the computer when you choose. You may have to return home earlier or later. If you add a third person, again regardless of how much you care about that person, want that person to be there, the age, gender, or ability of that person—your life changes. Now consider our country. Think about how life changed for the persons here. Think about what happened as more people came from more places. Remember, the Mayflower got here in 1620, but the USA came into being in 1776—and you know about some of the changes that took place here, England, and elsewhere. I have asked you to consider the above because now our country has more than 330,000,000 persons with all kinds of backgrounds and cultures from all over the world with its population of almost 8,000,000,000. “Attention must be paid,” as Willy Loman says, ought to be paid as Georgia McDade says. If not, problems are inevitable. There was a time when the country had few people and, therefore, few rules. But as more and more people arrived—regardless of the means—we had to make changes. It took us until 1887 to form the Interstate Commerce Act; businesses have been regulated so much that we had to make rules/laws to deregulate some of them! Do you know that once upon a time there were no dividing lines on the highway? (Yes, there were no cars, once upon a time.) There were no highways! There were no driver licenses! There was a time when “gun control” was not in our vocabulary. As the population increased, more attention had to be paid to health. Depending on the source, as far back as the year 900, persons were working on what we label vaccinations. (Check out the contribution of the Chinese and the African Onesimus to vaccinology.) Eventually much of the world came to see the value of vaccination: for the safety of the individual and the safety of the community. Merely a fraction of Americans was not vaccinated as children. To travel in many countries, vaccinations are mandatory. You have most likely guessed where I am going. The community—we—must be protected, sometimes from ourselves. So, just as persons who once lived alone lose some of their freedom when another person joins their household, we lose some of our freedoms—give up doing everything as we wish to do it—because we are in a community. We need to do a better job of protecting the environment—Earth is our only home! We need to support rules that allow all citizens to vote, make voting easier rather than more difficult—if we want to make our democracy better, closer to a “a more perfect union.” We need to do a better job of controlling guns—all of us are at risk. We need to do a better job of protecting the mentally ill—they and we are at risk. We need to get vaccinated—all of us are at risk. Scientists know much, and they are learning more. At this point, the best they have is vaccines. If we don’t use them, we put ourselves and others at risk. In many instances, some of us are in riskier positions than others, but as good community members, we ought to be concerned with the safety of all of us; many, perhaps all, of the nation’s problems could be solved if we admitted solving problems helps all of us, though not necessarily equally. Take the shot for the community; we can do little good when we are physically unhealthy. I hope 2021 was better than 2020 and you had a wonderful holiday season, that you can keep the spirit of that season throughout the year. I pray that 2022 will give you the best—that which hurts you nor other members of the community. And please remember that the world is the community. ~Georgia S. McDade Georgia S. McDade, a charter member of the African-American Writers’ Alliance, began regularly reading her writing in public in 1991. She occasionally writes for South Seattle Emerald and regularly writes for Leschinews. With Jim Cantú, she co-hosts Hearts and Soul for KVRU. Although she has published four volumes of poetry called Outside the Cave and a book of prose called Observations and Revelations: Stories, Sketches, and Essays, she is working to complete another book of poetry, two biographies, and a book of criticism on the works of Jessie Fauset. Check out her website at georgiasmcdade.org .