THE VOICE - May 2008
The Newspaper of Neighborhood House
Blue skies and warm breezes greeted His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Qwest Field on April 12 when he came to share his message of compassion and nonviolence with more than 50,000 people.
In a stadium where intense competition is usually celebrated, he stressed cooperation. Instead of celebrating the wonderful masculine strength of football players, he grasped the hand of Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and said simply, “We need more women leaders.”
The mood of the crowd was positive and peaceful. Strangers smiled and tied friendship bracelets for one another. And in his customary humble way, the Dalai Lama said, “I am just one human being — 73 years old. In my life I have observed
many events on this planet. Many of our
problems are man-made problems — and
I do mean man made. Sometimes women
make problems, too, but usually they are
not so much troublemakers.”
He went on to say that when we face
problems at any level — globally, locally
or nationally — we need to face them with
nonviolent dialogue.
“I think this century
will be the century of dialogue,” he said.
“The concept of war is outdated.
“In this century, we need nuclear disarmament.
But to do that, first we need inner disarmament. How do we do that?
It is not easy.”
He stressed that we need to emphasize
our universal values of warm-heartedness
and taking care of each other. He then
talked about the importance of parents and
teachers modeling compassion and caring
behavior for children, and of treating children
with love and respect.
“Our children are the basis of our hope,”
he said. “Our future depends on them.”
He answered a few questions from the
audience. Someone asked how we can
change the mindset of our leaders so that
they will be more compassionate.
In response he said, “I don’t know — we
may have to wait and get new leaders.”
But he went on to suggest that leaders
of the world’s biggest countries should get
together for a vacation with each other’s
families and get to know each other, make friends, with no agenda.
“Let their children play together, let
them all talk together — then when there
are problems to solve, they will be able
to work together better because they care
about each other.”
By Lynn Sereda
Section 8 Tenant
More than 40 residents from several high-rise and garden communities gathered at Green Lake Plaza March 27 to attend a training on resident participation and how residents can have more knowledge and input into decisions that affect their housing.
The training was organized by resident leaders who have been participating in a leadership development group that has been meeting for two years.
After a survey that residents created and presented at RAC meetings and RPF meetings was conducted, it was determined that
residents had an interest in trainings that would increase their knowledge of such things such as HUD regulations as well as how residents can organize to have a stronger voice in areas such as resident participation funding, and advocating for themselves on many levels from the local housing authority to the state and federal level.
Cinda Lium, who helped organize the training, said that being involved in the leadership development group has her “feeling excited and empowered ... residents can shape some of the trainings offered to fill our needs.”
Three staff members of the Tenants Union and a tenant counselor from Solid Ground conducted the all-day training. An overview of the Resident Participation federal regulation was presented to the group, and residents had a lively discussion of their experience in having their voices heard.
Some residents were not even aware of the resident participation regulation, while others, once they knew about it, were able to help get councils started in their buildings, as well as organize together to present their own budget at the RPF meetings, where each recognized council president gets to vote on the annual budget for resident funds.
Besides learning about resident participation in the housing authority, residents also were given information about how they can communicate with state and federal legislators who have a great deal of influence in funding for housing and crafting HUD rules.
Residents learned, for instance, that there is actually new legislation in congress currently that would strengthen resident participation in HUD-subsidized housing. Some residents noted they already e-mail their legislators regularly or even go to Housing Advocacy Day in Olympia.
Alouise Urness of the Tenants Union said what struck her most about the training “was the amount of knowledge in the room — SHA tenants from many buildings sharing their expertise and the knowledge they’ve gained by advocating for themselves.”
Jon Grant of Solid Ground gave a presentation on Fair Housing laws and answered many questions particularly about ADA issues and service animals.
All residents were given packets of information that included brochures from organizations that can help them with landlord-tenant issues.
Glenn Slemmer felt the training “went extremely well — meaningful and important information was given to residents.”
He is also part of the Green Lake Plaza Leadership Team, which hosted the event, and provided breakfast and lunch.
Slemmer noted that the Green Lake Community was “extremely happy to provide support for the event.” He also made a point of wanting to acknowledge Gail Ketterer of Ross Manor for working very closely with the Green Lake Team, especially in regards to how to organize to come do this training was unable to do so owing to their national housing organizer having been injured.
Plans are being discussed to have the center come do an in-depth training on HUD regulations later this summer, building on the knowledge presented at the March training.
By Virginia Felton
Seattle Housing Authority
Alfonso Jackson resigned his post as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development on March 31. Appointed HUD Secretary in 2004, his time in office was marked by conflict with housing authorities and allegations of illegally favoring Republican contractors.
On March 21, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT), chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, had called for Jackson’s resignation. They cited his unwillingness to answer questions about his management of HUD in recent congressional hearings as the primary reason he should depart.
With less than a year left in the Bush presidency, whoever is appointed to take Jackson’s place may fill a caretaker role, noted Andrew Lofton, Seattle Housing Authority Deputy Director.
“We are unlikely to see any new initiatives from HUD between now and the end of President Bush’s term. We hope that whoever is appointed will have low-income housing as their highest priority,” he said.
Lofton also noted that the appointment of a new HUD Secretary is unlikely to have a significant effect on public housing tenants here in Seattle.
A number of Democratic Congress members have suggested that HUD could be playing a much more active role in dealing with the housing finance crisis.
Murray noted that, “President Bush must now nominate a Housing Secretary with the experience and credibility to attack this crisis rather than hide from it. I hope [Jackson’s resignation] signals an end to the neglect of needy tenants and struggling homeowners and the beginning of an administration policy that responds meaningfully to the needs of both.”
Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama offered their perspectives on Jackson’s resignation.
“Secretary Jackson’s resignation ends a tenure at HUD marked by an indifference to Congressional oversight powers, cronyism, and corrupt contracting practices that have no place in our government,” said Clinton.
“Secretary Jackson’s resignation amid a housing crisis and charges of cronyism serves as a stark reminder of what’s at stake in this election,” said Obama.
Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, did not comment on Jackson’s resignation.
On the morning of Jackson’s resignation, Lofton and Director of Asset Management Ann-Marie Lindboe were in the cafeteria at HUD headquarters in Washington, D.C., prior to a meeting with HUD staff. Within 20 minutes of the announcement, a crew of workers showed up and began removing the double portrait of President Bush and Secretary Jackson that hung above the cafeteria entrance.
“Maybe it was just a coincidence,” said Lofton, “but it seemed like they weren’t wasting any time taking his picture down.”
Some information for this article was provided by the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities.
Health Notes
A column devoted to your well-being
Get going today to prevent serious falls tomorrow
By Pam McGaffin
Special to The Voice
Falling is a common and serious problem
among older adults, but it isn’t an
inevitable part of aging.
Simple steps taken now to improve your
health, strength and balance will help you
avoid falls now and into the future, according
to the Healthy Aging Partnership
(HAP), a coalition of 40 Puget Sound-area
organizations dedicated to the health and
well-being of older adults.
As one HAP representative put it: “The
more you do today, the more you can continue
to do tomorrow.”
You’re also less likely to become a fall
statistic. One out of three people aged 65
and older falls each year, and approximately
one in 10 of those falls results in a
serious injury such as hip fracture.
In 2003, more than 13,700 older adults
nationally died from falls, making falls
the leading cause of injury deaths among
people 65 and older.
That same year, 1.8 million seniors
were treated in emergency departments for
nonfatal injuries from falls, and more than
460,000 were hospitalized.
Fall prevention begins with awareness.
Know the risks and how they might apply
to you, then take action to reduce or eliminate
them, HAP advises.
The most common risk factors include:
muscle weakness and poor coordination,
multiple medications, vision and hearing
problems, foot problems, certain diseases
and conditions, alcohol or drug abuse, mental
confusion, and hazards in the home.
Ironically, a fear of falling can also increase
your risk. It’s okay to be careful, but
fear can lead to physical inactivity, which
can lead to weakness, balance problems
and other health issues.
On the flip side, sedentary older adults
can see surprising improvements in
strength, cardiovascular conditioning,
flexibility and balance when they start
and maintain a regular, moderate exercise
regimen, such as walking 30 minutes
every day.
Staying physically active also helps keep
your brain healthy, reduces depression
and builds self-confidence and a sense of
well-being.
Here are some other tips from HAP to
help you prevent falls and stay independent
as you age:
• Have your vision and hearing checked
regularly by a professional, and wear
glasses and use hearing aids if needed.
• Talk to your doctor about adjusting
medications to avoid dizziness and other
side effects. Older adults who take four or
more medications or take such psychoactive
drugs as tranquilizers and sleep aids
are more likely to fall.
• Eat regular, nutritious meals to keep up
your strength and energy. Make sure your
diet includes plenty of colorful fruits and
vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and
low-fat dairy products.
• Join a fitness class. Yoga, Pilates,
weight training, tai chi and dance all
improve balance. (Be sure to check with
your physician before beginning any fitness
program.)
• Remove hazards around the home.
Pick up clutter from floors, use non-slip
mats in the bathtub and shower, remove
or secure loose rugs, improve lighting
and install grab bars in the bathroom and
handrails next to stairways.
• Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes
that fit snugly but aren’t too tight. Avoid
high heels, slip-ons and shoes with slick
soles.
• If you live alone, prepare for the possibility
of a serious fall. Consider gettingan electronic device or portable help button
that alerts a response center in the event of
an emergency.
• Take your time. Get up slowly after
eating or lying down, be aware of your
surroundings, and use handrails.
For more information about fall prevention
and other issues related to life as an
older adult, call 1-888-4ELDERS (1-888-
435-3377). To learn more about HAP and
its partner agencies, visit the Web site at
www.4elders.org.
Pam McGaffin, of Moore Ink. PR, writes
articles about important health, family and
community issues for nonprofit organizations.
Mood in Washington, D.C. — “Wait and See”
Weakening economy, upcoming election impact funding for housing
By Virginia Felton
Seattle Housing Authority
In early March, two of Seattle Housing
Authority’s directors traveled east to
Washington, D.C. to meet with members
of Washington state’s Congressional
delegation and participate in a meeting of
the National Association of Housing and
Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).
Andrew Lofton, Seattle Housing
Authority’s deputy director, and Lisa
Cipollone-Wolters, director of rental
housing and advocacy, reported back that
the mood in Washington, D.C. is one of “wait and see.” Legislators and lobbyists
are waiting to see who gains the White
House next fall and what the impact on
policies and programs might be.
“The facts are sobering with respect
to the budget,” Lofton said. “The war in
Iraq will continue to require a high level
of funding, and the tax cuts of the last
several years are still a factor. The housing/
credit crunch is on everyone’s mind,
and is potentially a big drain on the next
federal budget.
“In general, there’s a lot of worry about
the economy.”
While the housing credit difficulties
have had the most visible effect on homeowners
who face foreclosure, renters are
also likely to be affected as more people
enter the rental market.
There is a ripple effect as the credit
market in general is tighter. This means
that bond financing and tax-credit projects
are more difficult to pull off.
With respect to the budget for 2009, no
one in D.C. expects to see this Congress
take much action, and the status quo will
likely be in effect until a new president
takes office. Congress will most likely
pass a series of continuing resolutions
to keep funding in tact for government
programs.
While in Washington, Lofton and
Cipollone-Wolters met with Senators
Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and
with staff members from Rep. Jay Inslee
and Rep. Jim McDermott’s offices. The
Washington State delegation continues to
strongly support housing for low-income
residents and to designate it a priority.
Another day, another caucus
By Robert Canamar
SHA Resident
At my Democratic Party precinct
caucus in February, I was elected as a
delegate to go to the April 5 caucus.
I
had thought that the precinct caucus was
crowded, but this was unreal.
My alternate and I got there at the
appointed time only to discover a line
that went around the block at Ballard
High School.
Once we got inside, there were more
lines to figure out where we belonged.
Once I had my voting card and got into
the gym where the actual caucus was
being held, I found a good place for my
service dog and myself.
Once the voting got underway (after
hearing from all of the speechmakers), we voted on our platform, spoke on the
pros and cons of voter-owned elections,
and generally felt like we made a difference.
Then came the time to vote for the
delegates who would go on to the next
caucus. Once again I was given 30 seconds
to make my case.
I was not selected to go on to the state
caucus.
I came home tired and my back
hurt, but I felt very satisfied that I was at
least part of the process — that at least I
had been able to have my vote counted.
To anyone who has not been to a
caucus, if you are registered to vote, go
to one. Get a new sense of being part of
something big.
Robert Canamar is a resident of Ballard
House.
Tips to increase your safety on the street
Editor’s note: This is the first installment of “Be safe,” a personal safety column written by Seattle Neighborhood Group. To submit questions to the Seattle Neighborhood
Group for consideration in this column, please e-mail Allan Davis at allan@sngi.org or Kelly McKinney at kelly@sngi.org.
Dear Be Safe,
I was walking on the sidewalk to the bus stop on 18th S. and S. Jackson, around 3 p.m., when two guys, about 16-17 years old, came toward me. One grabbed my backpack and pulled. I didn’t let it go and I fell down and hit my knees. I screamed, “Help! Police!” The boy gave up and ran away. Did I do the right thing?
From Dorothy, a smaller, 50 year-old woman
Dear Dorothy,
We can imagine that your experience left you feeling vulnerable to crime on the street. An attack on you and theft of your backpack can even affect your willingness to move about freely.
Practicing some simple prevention techniques can reduce your chances of becoming a victim and increase your general feelings of safety.
tip 1. Safety on the street
Be attentive to your surroundings, so that you notice the guys as they approach you. Be assertive, keep your head up and acknowledge the boys.
Saying “hello” lets the boys know that you see them.
Develop a plan before you see trouble and then act on it when you feel threatened. Crossing the street or entering a store may get you out of a potentially bad situation.
tip 2. Give up your backpack
The boys grabbed your backpack, and you didn’t let it go.
We think giving up the backpack and protecting yourself is a better strategy. (It isn’t so bad if you only carry in your backpack what you need for this trip)
If someone tries to go after you and not the backpack, make a scene by screaming, kicking and fighting. Attract attention.
tip 3. carry your backpack safely
Carry your backpack in front of your body, with an arm held loosely across it.
Don’t put your valuables in your backpack. Carry them in the front pocket of your pants or jacket.
For more information, please contact us: Allan Davis, 323-7094, or Kelly McKinney, 323-7084, at Seattle Neighborhood Group.
“Be Safe” Safety Presentations
Provided free to Seattle Housing Accommodations and interpretative Authority residential communities and services can be provided on request. Central, Southeast and Southwest Seattle For more information, e-mail allan@ community organizations, residential sngi.org or kelly@sngi.org, or go to buildings, and senior organizations, “Be Safe” presentations have been made to SHA communities.
The presentations include a 20-minute
PowerPoint session and handouts,
followed by questions and answers and
discussion.
Accommodations and interpretative
services can be provided on request.
For more information, e-mail allan@
sngi.org or kelly@sngi.org, or go towww.sngi.org.
One to grow on
Garden tips for community gardeners
Protect your crops from bolting
By Anza Muenchow
Special to The Voice
Didn’t we have challenging weather this April? We had all that late snow, and, even as I write, the temperature forecast is for more cold weather for a few weeks.
I noticed that a national weather service Web site forecasts a warmer than average July and August, but really, who can accurately predict?
For our farm, we are planting more and more broccoli, choy, rapini, cabbage, spinach, radishes and all those Brassicas. They can handle the cold, wet weather, and are just happy to have day-length increasing.
Growing all these Brassicas and spinach reminds me of how frustrating it is for gardeners when these crops bolt. So let’s discuss some specific problems gardeners experience with the cool season crops that tend to bolt.
Bolting is a premature formation of the seed stack (flowering). So, instead of forming big juicy leaves, the little plants suddenly put all their energy into shooting up a big stalk and forming flowers. Hot weather and lack of water or nutrients encourage bolting.
Once these plants start bolting, there is no turning back. It is most frustrating if the plant is only four inches tall and never even tried to make big leaves. Sometimes, when gardeners buy plant starts at a nursery or grocery store, these seedlings have already been stressed by lack of water or nutrients, and they will bolt as soon as you plant them.
If the vegetable seedlings are tall and leggy, yellowing, or root-bound, or the potting soil is dry and compacted, then the seedlings are too stressed. Choose nurseries or markets that know to care for Brassicas, lettuce or spinach seedlings properly before you purchase them.
Bolting is also a big concern for lettuces. Most lettuces are easily stressed by hot weather, though romaines are not as susceptible to bolting. The Black Seeded Simpson leaf lettuce has the best results in hotter weather. Northwest gardeners know that summer salad lettuces are hard to grow here.
Planting in a shady spot in the garden can help keep lettuces growing, but remember to water them often. For summer green salads, choose heat-tolerant greens like New Zealand spinach, sorrel, or a bolt-resistant hybrid lettuce.
When you do notice your lettuce plants bolting this summer, harvest all of them. If you keep this ‘almost bolting’ lettuce in the refrigerator for a day or two, it will lose that bitter taste that forms as lettuce plants begin to bolt. You may want to allow a couple of your best lettuce plants to flower and set seed for future plantings.
Another favorite crop in a spring garden is cilantro. This herb, like parsley, loves cool weather. But when the weather gets hot, cilantro will bolt.
Either plant it early enough to get leaf production before hot weather, or just plant it for production of the seeds (called coriander). I always save coriander seeds and then plant again in October.
Small cilantro plants will often winter over and give you delicious leaves in March and April. Watch out for those slugs, though, as they love munching cilantro leaves.
The bolting of basil is another story. Basil is a hot weather crop. The reason it bolts is when it is stressed by not enough water or nutrients. Never let its roots dry out.
Plant in a less windy, more protected spot. Give it a good drink of fish fertilizer every couple of weeks, or some other extra nitrogen source. You can keep pinching off the basil flower heads as they form. This encourages branching and you can get more leaf production.
Another tricky crop is Florence fennel. Sometimes it will bolt before forming the large bulb at the base. Some cultivars are sensitive to day-length, fluctuating temperatures, lack of water or transplant shock. Choose a Northwest cultivar that has been developed to resist bolting; none is perfect. Pleasantly warm summers with good soil fertility and plenty of moisture are ideal conditions for fennel.
Onion varieties vary widely in their susceptibility to bolting. Some are especially prone to bolting if rapid early growth is followed by a period of cool weather. Again, keep these well watered and check your soil fertility while the bulb is growing.
Disease will also stress the plants. Watch for the onion root maggot or onion molds. Always rotate where you plant the onion family.
Expect the plants to decline after the days begin to shorten, which is in July here in the north. You will know when it is ready to harvest because the stems will fall over and the shoulders of the bulb will be protruding. Stop irrigating at this point.
If you see some plants trying to form early seed stalks, break them off or step on the leaves so they will lie flat. You can still enjoy eating ones whose seed stalks began to form, but those should be eaten quickly, as they do not store as well as the other bulbs.
Of course, if you want to save seed for next year’s plantings, leave one or two onions to bolt and then carefully collect the seed heads in late summer or early fall.
Enjoy your spring garden!
Anza Muenchow is a farmer and a volunteer with P-Patch. You can reach her by e-mail at anzam@whidbey.net, or online at www.mahafarm.com.
Wheels on the bus: Your guide to Seattle Metro
Editor’s note: In this second part of The Voice’s series on riding Seattle Metro, we will focus on getting on and off the bus
By Claire McDaniel
Seattle Housing Authority
Getting on and off the bus
Once your bus has arrived at your bus stop, there is a polite way to file onto the bus with your bus pass or money ready. The important thing is to wait before entering to see if someone is going to get off the bus.
This doesn’t always happen immediately so it’s a good idea to look through the windows of the bus to see if people are standing up and moving forward. Or, you can ask the driver before you get on if anyone is coming off.
Sometimes he or she will ask you to wait. When it is okay to enter, it’s nice to greet the driver with “Good morning” or just “Hello.”
The bus driver will have a sign under the money box or card swiper that tells you whether to pay when you enter, pay when you leave or if it is a free ride area. (The Ride Free Area extends from north at Battery Street to South Jackson Street on the south and east at Sixth Avenue to the waterfront on the west and is in effect between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily in downtown Seattle.)
Usually the driver will put his or her hand over the swiper or money slot to keep passengers from using it automatically. Sometimes drivers forget to change their cards so it’s good to remember that the general rule is pay when you enter when going into downtown and pay as you leave when going out of downtown — but this varies based on time of day and day of the week.
You can enter the bus by the front entrance or the back entrance unless you need to pay, in which case you have to board by the front entrance.
Sometimes, if the bus is crowded, a driver will have you go out the back exit so you don’t have to try and squeeze by everyone who is standing in the aisle and show your bus pass as you walk by the front door.
When they leave the bus, most people thank the driver. This practice may be specific to Seattle but it seems like a nice thing to do. They have a hard job and it feels good to both the driver and the passenger to share positive energy.
The driver might respond with “Have a nice evening” or “Have a good day.” I have one morning bus driver who will sometimes say “Be safe out there” à la Hill Street Blues.
Another unspoken rule that is a pet peeve of mine is that when people are sitting in the front seats that face sideways and an older person, disabled person, pregnant woman or a woman with children gets on the bus, they should give up their seat to them. I get so mad when riders don’t do this!
There is a sign that says the driver will tell you to move but that rarely happens. When the bus is crowded and people are standing in the aisles all the way to the front of the bus, I am not too proud, being a middle-aged woman, to accept a seat if a man or younger person offers it to me. I figure I’ll take any benefits that come with age that I can get. I’ve earned them!
The crowded bus issue includes another pet peeve of mine. When all seats are taken and you have to stand, go as far back in the aisle as you can so more passengers can get on.
I get upset with the people who stop near the front and leave all this open room behind them. Next thing you know there is a big crowd at the front of the bus for no reason.
When I get on and see that this is the case, I just push my way past them and stand in the back where they should be. Usually the bus driver will eventually ask everyone to move back.
The rule is that no passenger should stand in front of the yellow line at the beginning of the seating area so they aren’t too close to the front windows, in the driver’s way or blocking the front entrance and exit.
If the bus gets full enough, the driver often stops picking up passengers. This can anger the people waiting, so one driver I have puts on his To Terminal sign (which is what they put on when they’re off duty) to distract them.
When you get on the bus and are looking for a place to sit, use your intuition to decide who you should sit next to.
Another pet peeve (seems I have quite a few) is when people put a purse or backpack on the seats next to them so no one else can sit there. Don’t let them get away with it! Stand there and nicely ask, “May I sit here, please?”
Another thing is respecting people’s personal space. I make sure I’m not touching someone at the legs, arms or shoulders if I can help it.
Social equity at the heart of Policy Link III
Recently I made a trip to New Orleans
to attend Policy Link III, a national summit
on rebuilding American cities through the
pursuit of social equity.
Since I no longer fly, I took the train and
enjoyed the luxury of seeing the countryside.
One thing that I noticed was that all
across our country, our housing situation
seems to be in decay.
As I got closer to New Orleans the devastation
from Hurrican Katrina became
more apparent, until just outside of the
railyards in the city — I saw a tanker car
lying on its side, after all this time.
I stayed in a hotel right in the French
Quarter. Of course, being a jazz musician,
I had to go out the first night and perform,
so I could say that I played in the French
Quarter, a Mecca for jazz musicians.
I was the only street performer playing
jazz — everyone else was playing zydeco,
rock or folk.
At the summit, I attended a series of
meetings and workshops, and spoke with
people from all over the country. King
County Executive Ron Sims was there,
as were many SHA employees, including
Director of Development Stephanie Van Dyke.
What I took away from there was that across the country there is a movement away from the idea of macro-communities to the creation of micro-communities that are self-sustaining.
The way this is done is by linking government services, nonprofit services, philanthropists and businesses together to help those who are in need. What we have in Seattle is a trend to move to one large community, with services that are disjointed, each splintering off to do their own thing.
What can we do as residents to improve what we have? One of the things that came out is that nothing gets done unless the people who are at the bottom stand up and speak.
This means forming community councils in your building if there isn’t one at this time.
If there is a council in your building, then send representatives to the different meetings that SHA, the city and county have from time to time.
This affects not only you, but your neighbors as well. Don’t be afraid to talk to your neighbors and discuss what is happening at every level. The more the better.
Send a representative to SHA meetings, too — even to HUD meetings.
Get involved in activism at the city, county and state levels. What your future looks like will depend on you.
Community Notes
Get assistance from ADS
Have you ever wondered how to fill out that form or contact that one agency that can help you with getting services you might need, like energy assistance, food stamps, Social Security benefits, SSI, medical benefits or a piece of adaptive equipment that will work with your “differing ability?”
If you have, there are people who can help you — and they are employed through the City of Seattle.
That’s right, the Aging and Disability Service (ADS) office, which is a part of the City of Seattle, employs individuals who can help you navigate the system to find the services, benefits and resources that can help you stay independent.
Where can you find these people? They work in your building varying days of the week (their schedules are usually posted in an easy-to-find location in your main lobby). Many folks may already know who their caseworkers are, but if you don’t, call 206-2335121 to get this information.
Greenbridge Senior Potluck
Come and enjoy a tasty lunch and afterward we will learn how to create a beautiful photo album. Bring your photos and we will supply the materials and the albums. Come and see how creative you can be.
The potluck will be at 11:30 a.m. May 8 at the Greenbridge Boys and Girls club.
There will be door prizes.
If you need transportation please contact Annie Edwards at 206-4614522 or 206-461-4568, Ext. 215, or on her cell phone at 206-261-2684. Or call Yohannes Hagos at 206-461-4554.
SHA presents draft of sign rule at JPAC meeting
Rule 42 would prohibit signs that are discriminatory
By Tyler R oush
The Voice editor
The Seattle Housing Authority presented a draft version of its Rule 42 at the Joint Policy Action Council (JPAC) meeting April 21.
The new Rule 42, or the sign rule, would prohibit signs that discriminate against a protected class, including “race, color, religion, national origin, creed, sex, familial status, mental or physical disability, marital status, ancestry, gender, age, political ideology, (or) sexual orientation.”
In January, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of the Resident Action Council (RAC) in a dispute with SHA over the validity of its previous Rule 42, which prohibited residents from hanging signs on the exterior doors of their residences.
James Fearn, SHA general counsel, said at the meeting that he didn’t believe a standard for abusive language was enforceable.
“It’s not an enforceable standard; it’s a community standard that everyone accepts,” Fearn said.
Eric Dunn, an attorney with the Northwest Justice Project who represents RAC, said he disagreed that it’s not possible for the housing authority to enforce a standard for abusive language.
“The standard is, what would a reasonable person consider to be legitimate expression?” Dunn said.
Some at the meeting wondered if what constitutes legitimate expression for one could be seen as discriminatory to another.
“If I put a star in my window at Christmas, is that offensive to non-Christians?” asked Sandy Trent, a resident of High Point.
Dunn said that the conversation represented progress. In light of the previous rule, which prohibited all signs on doors, he said that gathering to discuss a rule that protects residents’ rights “to engage in free speech and be free from living in a discriminating environment is a very positive development.”
New education office welcomes parents’ questions and gives help around the state
By Patti Carey
Office of the Education Ombudsman
There’s a new place for parents to turn to with questions about elementary and secondary public schools in Washington State.
The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) is a new agency within the Governor’s office. OEO provides information for parents about school districts, holds trainings and workshops, offers conflict-resolution and consulting, and produces publications — all for free.
The agency’s mission is “to promote equity in education and the academic success of all students attending elementary and secondary public schools in the state of Washington.” Staff members listen, inform, and bring families and educators together to solve conflict. They make certain that all students get what they need to succeed in school. They promote school/ family partnerships around the state.
Toll-free number and Web site make getting information easy
OEO’s toll-free telephone number is 1-866-297-2597. Calls are received from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The toll-free number makes it convenient for any parent in Washington to call.
Another service of the agency is a telephone language line. OEO staff can access interpreters for over 100 languages.
OEO has an easy-to-use website: www. waparentslearn.org. The site includes topics such as the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), graduation requirements, the Migrant Education Program and the Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program. Other resources include family and parent support services, conflict-resolution tips, and suggestions about getting involved in school.
Parents can download six different brochures at the site. Brochures are translated into Cambodian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. The brochures are:
Ombudsmen are trained, neutral problem-solvers
OEO has four education ombudsmen. They are multicultural professionals who understand the public school system well and have been trained as problem-solvers. They give neutral advice — advice that is fair-minded.
Ombudsmen are advocates for fair processes for students. They break down complicated issues or regulations into language everyone understands. They help families understand the system, participate in schools, and help kids get a good education. Conveniently, their help is only a free call away. Conversations with Education
Ombudsmen are confidential.
OEO also takes formal complaints in writing from parents, legal guardians or students about a school. Complaint forms are available at www.governor.wa.gov/oeo/ complaint/default.asp and are translated into seven languages.
Once a complaint form is received, the complainant gets personal attention from an ombudsman.
Ombudsmen are available to make presentations for parent groups, workplace brown-bag lunch meetings, and community meetings. To sign-up for OEO’s mailing list or electronic updates, contact Communications Manager Patti Carey at patti.carey@gov.wa.gov.
OEO is the first state-level ombudsman office focused on K-12 education in the nation.
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TRANSLATIONS
Translated Articles from The Voice
HIỂU BIẾT VỀ NƯỚC UỐNG AN
TÒAN
Đối với mọi người thì việc nước uống an tòan và sạch là điều quan trọng. Chất chì và các chất kim lọai khác có thể hòa vào nước uống qua các ống dẫn, các vòi nước và các khóa mở. Nước uống trong thành phố Seattle và trong quận King thuờng thì an tòan để uống, nhưng mọi nguời nên có phương cách để làm chắc rằng nước mà họ uống càng sạch bằng nào có thể đuợc. Đừng bao giờ uống hoặc dùng nước nóng từ vòi nuớc mà qúi vị dùng để nấu ăn. Đừng pha sữa cho trẻ em bằng nước ấm hoặc nuớc nóng từ vòi nước. Mà thay vào đó hãy lấy nước lạnh đun sôi lên. Nước nóng từ vòi nước thường hay có chứa chất chì và các khóan chất hòa tan vào đó.
Dùng nước nóng để tắm hay để chùi rữa thì an tòan. Trước khi dùng nước từ vòi nước vào buổi sáng, hãy xả nước ra độ 60 giây. Đợt nước đầu tiên tháo ra từ vòi nước đã bị ngâm lâu trong ống nước nên có thể chứa chất chì và các khóan chất độc hại. Nước uống trong nguồn nước của thành phố thì được đo lường cách cẩn thận và đuợc theo dỏi để bảo đảm lượng chì ở mức độ thấp. Trẻ em duới 6 tuổi có nhiều nguy cơ bị nhiểm độc chất chì. Các bà mẹ đang mang thai hoặc đang cho con bú phải nên tránh chất chì, nếu không chất chì có thể lây nhiểm sang trẻ con. Để biết thêm chi tiết về chất chì hay bị nhiểm chì, xin hãy vào trang mạng
www.epa.gov/lead.
Learn about safe drinking water Nadiif, nabadgelyo cabitaanka biyaha waa muhim qof kasta . Cabitaanka biyaha Seattle iyo King County waa mid nabad ah , laakin qof kasta wuxuu qaadi karaa tallabooyin oo lagu xaqiijinayo ku saabsan biyaha nadiif oo suuraalna ah Weligaa ha cabin ama isticmaal biyo kulul halaka laga cabbo jukadaada . Ha isku qasin biyaha kulul , halka biyo qabow, kulul , biyaha kulul waxaa aad loo jeceylyahay in laga helo wax yaabo kale oo jirro ah . Waa nabad isticmaalka biyaha kulul xagga qubayska keliya iyo xagga nadaa Inta aadan isticmaalin ka hor biyaha subax weliba biyaha socodsii siidaa ilaa iyo 6-seconds Biyaha hore marka aad socodsiiso wuxuu fadhiyaa tubada dhexdeeda waxaa la jecelyahay inuu ku jiro waxyaabo kale diwan. Biyaha la cabo si taxadar leh ayaa loo soo sameeyey daaweyntiisa si hoose ahna loo soo qoondeeyey. Caruurta da;deedu 6 jor ah iyo wixii ka hooseeya . Hooyooyinka kuwa uurka leh ama ilmahooda nuujinaya waxay khatar ugu jiraan . Wi wixii warar dheeraad ah kala xiriir dad shaqada ku leh...