12.03.2018 Monday Column

In today’s column:

• Weather Underground: Mostly Clear & Cold
  
• Good News Monday: New DNA Method Solves Cold Cases, Lab Grown Spinal Discs  
  
• FDA: Sunshine Mills Dog Food, Several Brands Of Tahini Recalled
  
• CDC: Multistate Infestation Of Tick Haemaphysalis Longicornis Signals New Threat
  
• Lewis County Solid Waste: Vermiculture
  
• Cat’s Meow SNAP! Fundraiser Thanks
  
• Not Strictly Toledo: Lewis County BOCC
  
• Today: City Council Meets, Adult  Spanish Class
  
• Tuesday: Early School Dismissal, Vision:Toledo A.R.E.
  
• Toledo High School Sports: November 2018
  
• Future-Tripping: Feeds, Fundraisers, Forms, Fun & More ​
  

Up close & personal, one young man is silhouetted by the lighted display getting a closer look while an evergreen in the background shows off beautiful colors. Saturday’s Tree Lighting Ceremony attracted a cozy crowd, a cheer as Toledo’s official tree lit up, and spontaneous caroling from the throng. Despite an event-packed day and chilly temps, this year’s small crowd still topped last year’s inaugural event. ​

Hizzoner Mayor Dobosh thanked everyone on hand, and especially thanks Dan The Man for donating time & high-lift equipment to drape the Christmas tree & hang 32 banners through the downtown district.

***

Final Day:

***

Correction: Friday’s Column incorrectly titled CNN’s article: Marriott Data Breach Affects 500K
In fact, the breach actually affects 500 Million.
Thanks to one sharp-eyed reader for bringing this oversight to my attention.  

***

Weather Underground Toledo: Mostly sunny, winds light. Nights below freezing, daytime highs mid-40’s through Friday.

Image credit Weather Underground

​***

Good News Monday:

• This DNA technology is helping police solve cold cases  DNA phenotyping is different from traditional DNA profiling, which relies on matching the relevant DNA from a crime scene with DNA that has been obtained from potential individuals. With DNA phenotyping, a match isn't being made so the relevant DNA is used on its own without having to compare it to DNA that's been collected beforehand and is in the system. Parabon NanoLabs, one of the companies that offers this technology, has been working with law enforcement since 2015. The service, which costs about $3,000 per composite image, has already assisted in over 40 cases. Full article here.   
• Back Pain May Soon Be a Thing of the Past After Scientists Successfully Implant Lab-Grown Spinal Discs  According to the study from Penn Medicine, scientists believe we will soon be able to grow new spinal discs from a patient’s own cells as a means of replacing the deteriorated ones that cause back and neck pain.  For the first time ever, spinal discs that were grown from stem cells were successfully implanted and provided long-term function in the largest animal model ever evaluated for bioengineered disc replacement.     
• Colorblind sheriff’s deputy gets life-changing gift   Humboldt County Deputy Dishmon said “For the first time in my life, I see all the colors… My wife is going to watch a sunset with me,” he said, wiping tears from his eyes.
• 96-Year-Old Man Helped Save Bluebirds In Idaho By Building Over 300 Nest Boxes Across The State   A 96-year-old self-taught conservationist has committed the last four decades of his life to saving North America’s bluebirds. The result: a 30-minute documentary YouTube film titled Bluebird Man

 

• Questionable news (Don’t Try This At Home):
• Exciting New Study Shows That Zapping the Brain ‘Acutely’ Relieves Symptoms of Depression
• FDA Grants ‘Breakthrough’ Status to Psilocybin Mushroom Therapy for Untreatable Depression

***

In other news:

FDA:

• Sunshine Mills, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Dry Dog Food Due to Potentially Elevated Levels of Vitamin D  November 27, 2018 - The (specific) products were distributed in retail stores within the United States as well as some export distributors in Japan, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Israel, Canada and South Korea. Complete announcement including products here.   

• Achdut Recalls Multiple Brands of “Tahini” Because It May Be Contaminated with Salmonella  November 27, 2018 - Achdut LTD. of Ariel, Israel, is recalling its Tahini products of all packages and sizes produced on the following dates: April 7th to May 21st 2018, because it may be contaminated with Salmonella… The recalled “Tahini” was distributed internationally in retail stores and through mail orders. Complete announcement including products here.  

​
CDC:

• Multistate Infestation with the Exotic Disease-Vector Tick Haemaphysalis longicornis - United States, August 2017 - September 2018. Summary:
• What is already known about this topic?
• Haemaphysalis longicornis is a tick indigenous to Asia, where it is an important vector of human and animal disease agents, which can result in human hemorrhagic fever and substantive reduction (25%) in dairy production. Human hemorrhagic fever is a newfound virus that kills up to 30 percent of its victims...
• What is added by this report?

Image credit  Tom Davis, Patch National Staff   

• During 2017–2018, H. longicornis has been detected in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia on various species of domestic animals and wildlife, and from two humans.
• What are the implications for public health practice?
• The presence of H. longicornis in the United States represents a new and emerging disease threat. Characterization of the tick’s biology and ecology are needed, and surveillance efforts should include testing for potential indigenous and exotic pathogens.
• In addition, parthenogenetic reproduction, a biologic characteristic of this species, allows a single introduced female tick to generate progeny without mating, thus resulting in massive host infestations. Full report here.

       
***

Lewis County Solid Waste Utility:
Composting with worms or vermicomposting is a very popular class the WSU Lewis County Master Recycler Composter volunteers teach during the year. Look for their 2019 schedule of classes to be published later this month.

Check out this 57-second time-lapse film covering 2 weeks of worm activity.
Facebook video link here.

***

Cat’s Meow SNAP! Of Lewis County: Giving Season Cat’s Meow Fundraiser
Toledo native Twila Collins invites you to Make A Difference.

Now until December 31st - Want to join me in supporting a good cause? This #GivingTuesday, and until the New Year, I'm raising money for The Cat's Meow Spay, Neuter & Adoption Project and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. And on Giving Tuesday Nov 27, Facebook and PayPal will match a total of $7 Million in donations.* Thank you for your support. I've included information about The Cat's Meow Spay, Neuter & Adoption Project below.

To stop euthanasia as a means of population control for cats in Southwest Washington through spay/neuter, adoption and education.

*Update 11.28.2018: $820 raised of $5,000 Raised by 19 people in 7 days
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED ON GIVING TUESDAY!!! MANY OF YOUR DOLLARS WILL BE MATCHED BY FACEBOOK AND PAYPAL.
GIVING TUESDAY MAY BE OVER, BUT THE GIVING SEASON IS JUST STARTING.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHARE...YOU ARE THE BEST!!

***

Review: Annual Toledo Senior Center Holiday Bazaar   
This year’s event overflowed the high school commons with homemade & handcrafted goods & edibles of every description…

...and declared a resounding success.
Congrats to Boone Bergsma, winner of the coveted electric fireplace, Susan Buker for scoring the Christmas quilt, and the event announcer who drew her own name to win the heirloom quilt!

According to my inside source, Lewis County Seniors garnered $50,000 funding from Lewis County for 2019 expenses, with an additional $50,000 earmarked for potential budget shortfalls.

Also: Toledo Senior Center met their fundraising goal to Keep The Doors Open, and thank everyone who supported Saturday’s Annual Bazaar and all community events throughout 2018.

***

Gallery 505 reported Saturday several vendors from the Holiday Bazaar stopped by to enjoy the art on display, potentially shopping new venues for their craftwork.

One vendor showed interest in Toledo’s Thursday Market for handmade wearables.

Next to the Library, hammering ceased long enough to allow a brief update on the remodeling underway on the mysterious boarded storefront. Three spaces opening on Cowlitz Way, off Steamboat Alley, and the South side are in the works, rain run-off in Steamboat Alley already mitigated, and future holiday lighting access is planned for Cheese Days, Independence Day and Winterfest.  

***

FILLED!! Santa's Workshop at the Morgan Arts Centre  
Sunday 12/9/18 from 1-4pm
www.morganartscentre.com

​***


Not Strictly Toledo: Lewis County BOCC              
The Lewis County Commissioners meet at 10:00 a.m. each Monday in BOCC Hearing Room – 2nd floor, Historic Courthouse, 351 NW North Street, Chehalis, Washington. A chair is elected annually to preside over these meetings. The current chair is Bill Schulte. The Commissioners also serve as the Board for the Lewis County Health Board, current chair is Gary Stamper; also the Lewis County Solid Waste Disposal District #1, Edna J. Fund is the current chair.

Lewis County Commissioners linked:
BOCC Legislative Agenda for Monday December 3, 2018.


***

Today: Toledo City Council meets 6 PM first and third Mondays monthly. Dates may change if scheduled on or near a federal holiday. Visit www.toledowa.us or call (360)864-4564.


And: Adult Spanish 6:30 PM @ Camp Singing Wind    

***

Tuesday:

​December 4: Toledo High School Hosts FCCLA Dine-In Dinner

​***

Future-Tripping: Feeds, Fundraisers, Fun & More

***

​Childs name & phone number must be written on the letter. Drop them off inside library. Top 3 letters (based on creativity) will be rewarded First, Second,Third prizes!! 

***

Image credit Chris Rust  

Beautiful Douglas fir Christmas trees for sale by Lewis County Fire District 2 volunteers.
$25 each. Now on sale. Proceeds benefit the Volunteer Association.


Fundraiser for Visiting Hooves by Victoria Leona Smith ($623 of $1,000 raised)

December 4: Toledo High School Hosts FCCLA Dine-In Dinner

December 9: Santa’s Workshop December 9 at Morgan Arts Centre* (filled)

December 10: Toledo High School Hosts Coffee House Revival 7 PM  

January 30: Library Page Turners Meets January 30 (NO December group)

***

Toledo Builds a High School
Information regarding the building of a new high school in Toledo, WA beginning in November, 2018. Regular updates.
https://chris-rust.blogspot.com/     

***

Check out Latest Earthquakes at USGS.   
Check out US Tsunami Warnings at NOAA/Weather.
Visit Weather Underground - ToledoTel for current conditions & AQI radar.  
Visualize wildfire smoke with NASAWorldview - https://go.nasa.gov/2T7olog        

The Other Toledo is delivered to your email inbox via MailerLite. If you're having trouble getting your Daily Column, your security settings might not recognize MailerLite as (your email)via mlsend.
Photos from TOT archives unless otherwise noted.
Send news and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com  
The Other Toledo is on Twitter.