- Toledo School District: School Board Recognizes Student Board Members *
- PSA: Alert Parent Warns Of Malls And Trafficking Dangers *
- National Weather Service: Storm Timeline, Flooding, Cascades Snow, Winds *
- Governor Inslee: Budget Proposal To Reduce Homelessness By 50 Percent *
- WA State ATG: Statement On Affordable Care Act Appeals Court Decision *
- WA Insurance Commissioner: Many Obamacare protections now set in state law *
- Health Corner: Staying in the Hospital? Safety Tips For Your Visit *
- Not Strictly Toledo: NAMI Connections Meeting *
- Today: Toledo Thursday Market, School District Board *
- Friday: Toledo Food Bank, Red Cross Blood Drive *
- Future-Tripping: Feeds, Fundraisers, Forms, Fun & More *
Toledo School District: Students Board Members Recognized
Public welcome & invited to attend.
***
PSA: Alert Parent Warns Of Malls And Trafficking Dangers
December 17, 2019 - ALERT CLACKAMAS TOWN CENTER
My almost-23-year-old daughter was at the mall this afternoon with a friend, that friend’s baby and small child. A man shined his phone light at them took a picture then put his phone in his jacket. They were confused, kept that (incident) on their radar.
My daughter and friend proceeded to another store. There, another man was creeping around them. They alerted someone in store; the employee noticed this man creeping up on them to the point that the employee called security, told this man (that) he was too close (for comfort). He had to tell this man 2 times.
These men were persistent.
Long story short, there were 4 guys working together.
(The) thought is: the person who took the picture sent it to the other men...
This is scary! Trafficking is real, it’s right here, so this is also for those parents (who) drop their young kids off at the mall.
*Special thanks to R. Anderson, Portland, OR for this cautionary tale.
***
National Weather Service Seattle: Storm Timeline, Flooding, Cascades Snow, Winds
Heavy rains this week could lead to river flooding. Those living near rivers should monitor the latest forecasts, and monitor river levels here: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=sew
*Includes Lewis County
Zip 98591:
- Thursday - Rain. High near 50. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
- Thursday Night - Rain. Steady temperature around 49. South wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
- Friday - Rain. High near 52. South wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
- Friday Night - Rain. Low around 41. South southeast wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
- Saturday - Rain. High near 48. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Mountain Pass Reports:
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Governor Inslee: Inslee’s Budget Proposal Lays Out Aggressive Plan To Combat Homelessness Statewide
Governor proposes to reduce homelessness by 50 percent over the next two years.
December 18, 2019 - Gov. Jay Inslee released his 2020 supplemental budget proposal Wednesday with substantial investments that address the statewide homelessness crisis, expand early learning and strengthen the foster care system, and enhance diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in government, schools and communities.
“I want everyone in Washington to benefit from our state’s shared prosperity, but we know our state’s successes are not shared by everyone,” Inslee said. “I am proposing investments that will require partnerships with local governments and community partners, and will bring people inside with dignity and compassion. This is a statewide problem and we need a statewide solution. It is morally and ethically wrong to have so many Washingtonians living outside. We can, and must do better.”
More...
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WA State ATG: AG FERGUSON STATEMENT ON AFFORDABLE CARE ACT APPEALS COURT DECISION
December 18, 2019 - SEATTLE - Attorney General Bob Ferguson offers the following statement on a ruling from the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on the Affordable Care Act (ACA):
“We will keep fighting in the courts to protect Washingtonians’ access to affordable health care.”
More...
***
WA Insurance Commissioner: Many Obamacare protections now set in state law
WA State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
December 18, 2019 - The Washington state Legislature took action this year to preserve many of the protections included in the Affordable Care Act (ACA)— or Obamacare.
Many of the benefits included in the federal law are not recognized by state law. So if the ACA is overturned by the pending federal court case in Texas or any future action by Congress, millions of Americans would lose the protections they rely on.
More...
***
Lewis County Solid Waste Utility shared: Your Guide To Planning A Green Holiday Party
- Decorating? Check out our Green Holiday Decorating Tips & Tricks that won’t get your tinsel in a tangle
- Exchanging Gifts? Get Your Guide to Green Holiday Gifting
- Avoid single-use items. Instead of plastic, paper, and Styrofoam plates and cutlery, opt instead for durable items you can reuse over and over. Don’t hesitate to mix and match your table settings to set a holiday table that pops. It’s OK if settings don’t match. Color is part of the magic of the season.
- Use cloth napkins. Fabric napkins not only look better, they’re also washable, reusable, and can be matched to your tablescape’s theme.
- Bring the outdoors inside. Embrace nature by using fresh greens, berries and pinecones, all items that are compostable and not wasted.
- Reuse cut greenery. You can use boughs from fresh-cut trees to create wreaths, mantle displays, or centerpieces. Whatever you do, these aren’t trash. They’re compostable.
- Use upcycled decorations – You can even craft these yourself (or with you kids!). Ornaments and decorations can be made from strips of newspapers, magazines, fabric, greenery, and more.
- Avoid food waste. Consider purchasing pre-cut produce or asking that produce be sliced while you’re at the store. There, they can cut produce down to specific sizes for you, ensuring you avoid overbuying and wasting excess.
- Rethink leftovers. Who wants to cook after a holiday party or get together? Leftovers can be a lifesaver during the holidays. Ever had mashed potato waffles with gravy? We have it on good authority that they’re delicious.
- Set out your recycling bin during parties. Don’t forget to make it easy for guests to recycle. Simply place your recycling bin next to the trash can. Before placing your items in the recycling cart, make sure that recyclables are clean and dry — so make sure that eggnog carton is empty.
- Check your recycling day. Your local, friendly recycling center staff are also celebrating the holidays. The season may alter the days your city picks up your recycling cart. Check your local recycling program’s website to be certain you’re putting your cart out on the right day.
- According to Stanford University, the U.S. wastes 25% more between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, more than any other time of year. That extra waste will translate to 25 million tons of garbage. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Taking the time to reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink – it can be your gift to the planet this holiday season.
For more tricks, tips, and resources to help you recycle more, better this holiday season and all year long, visit recyclingpartnership.org.
***
Health Corner: Staying in the Hospital? Safety Tips For Your Visit
Having a health problem can be scary. Add in a visit to the hospital, and it can become overwhelming. But there are things you can do to make your stay safer and more comfortable.
Hospitals are busy places. Different people may come in and out of your room. You might have many tests. And while you wait for answers, there can be harmful germs lurking around. These things can raise the chance for medical errors and infections.
Being engaged and asking the right questions can help lower the risks that come with a hospital stay, says Laura Lee, who oversees patient safety at the NIH Clinical Center, the nation’s largest research hospital.
Lee suggests you bring along someone you trust. Having someone with you can be a big help in making decisions and navigating your stay. It can be a friend or family member.
If you don’t have someone with you, a trusted member of your care team can be your advocate too. They can help explain things if you need more information. Some hospitals may have special patient advocates you can ask for as well.
Next, figure out who’s in charge of your care. Ask your care team: “Who is the captain of my ship?” Lee says. You’ll want to find out who is responsible for leading the team and resolving issues if something goes wrong. This person can help ensure that your needs are met.
Infections are a major concern during a hospital stay. The good news is that hand washing is a simple way to prevent the spread of germs.
It’s important that everyone coming into your room practice good hand hygiene. This includes you, your visitors, and the hospital staff caring for you. Don’t be afraid to ask: “Did you wash your hands?” if you didn’t see them do it.
It’s also important to talk honestly with your medical team. “Be an open communicator and partner with your health care team,” says Capt. Antoinette Jones, the NIH Clinical Center patient representative. “You have to be willing to speak up for yourself.”
Don’t be shy about asking the same question two or three times. Answers to medical questions can be complicated. You may get different answers from different people caring for you. Keep asking until you feel like you understand completely.
Don’t feel like you’re wasting your doctor’s time by asking questions. “That white coat is not armor that keeps you from asking questions or asking them to explain. It’s just a piece of fabric,” Lee says. Speak up if you have concerns. They’re there to help you.
Finally, keep a written record of your stay. At the NIH Clinical Center, patients can access many of their medical notes and test results electronically in real time. If your hospital doesn’t offer this option, you or your advocate can take careful notes instead. Record information about tests, medications, and the providers that come to visit.
Having this record can help prevent mistakes by allowing you to double-check information. And you can always request to have a complete copy of your electronic health record at any time.
By following these tips, you can take charge of your safety. For more info, see the Wise Choices box.
*Reprinted from NIH News In Health December 2019.
***
Not Strictly Toledo: NAMI Connections Recovery & Support Group
Public - Hosted by Centralia UMC
2 PM – 3:30 PM Thursdays
Centralia UMC, 506 S Washington Ave, Centralia, Washington 98531
This is a drop in group and there is no registration required.
Learn more about NAMI Connection by calling Debbie at 425.351.1595.
***
Toledotel: Customer Pick It Bowl Challenge - December 19th Final Day - Make Your Picks.
ToledoTel is excited to announce a Customer Pick It Bowl Challenge. To enter sign up with your email address at https://toledotel.pickitchallenge.com/
Here's How it Works: Fill out your picks, once Bowl Challenge match ups are announced Sunday, December 8, 2019. Watch the NCAA football bowl games Friday, December 20, 2019 - Monday, January 13, 2020. See how your picks compare with others!
Come out in the top 3 of the leaderboard and win a great prize!
PRIZES: Grand Prize: Two tickets to Blake Shelton's Friends & Heroes 2020 Concert at the Tacoma Dome on February 14, 2020.
Runner up: $100 McMenamin's Gift Card
3rd Place: $50 Amazon Gift Card
Sign up at: https://toledotel.pickitchallenge.com/
***
Gallery 505: This Sunday, December 22, is your last chance this year to buy handmade treasures from Toledo’s One (and only) Art Gallery. allery 505 Artist Co-op still has a great selection of "Holiday Gifts Under $100”.
All arts and crafts are handmade in America by these friends and neighbors:
Featured artists: Marcy Anholt, John and Vicki Brigden, Jesse Camerer, Bobbi Cannon, Marilynn Dove, Eileen Eddleman, Ilona Elliott, Bob Espen, Jeannette Fedorka, John Fish, John Glasser, Jeanne Hamilton, Carmen Hansen, Thelma Hauge, Curtis Johnson, Margaret Kincaid, Karen Leback, Cheryl Love, Patty Misch, Di Morgan, Jake Morgan, Katie Morgan, Mike Morgan, Vernadel Peterson, Richard and Susan Roth, Carlene Salazar, Linda Shepherd, Janice Sutherlin, the Toledo Art Group, and Pauli Wolfe.
Also, we offer Gift Certificates so those on your shopping list can come in and make their own choice of great arts and crafts. into 2020.
We are open TODAY through SUNDAY, December 22nd, from 2 pm until 6 pm.
***
Today: Toledo Thursday Market
Get your last-minute homemade & handcrafted goods plus farm-fresh produce, honey, mouth-watering baked goods & more at the final Thursday Market of 2019.
Re-opens in February 2020!
On Facebook.
***
Tonight: Toledo Planning Commission meets 7 p.m third Thursdays monthly in City Council Chambers. Open to the public. Contact City of Toledo for more information.
***
And: Toledo School District Board Meeting
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The regularly scheduled Toledo School Board Meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2019 in the Toledo Middle School Library. The public is invited to attend.
Agenda link here.
***
Friday: Red Cross Blood Drive @ Toledo Presbyterian Church
312 Augustus St, Toledo, WA 98591
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Note: FREE TEE! Give 12/19-1/5 for an exclusive long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last!
You can register online to donate.
Next blood drive date: February 14, 2020
***
Toledo High School SPORTS:
Boys Basketball
Dec. 20 @ St. Martin vs. Hoquiam 12:30 bus @ 10:30
Dec. 21 @ St.Martins vs. Forks 12:30 bus @ 10:30
Dec 27th @ Castle Rock 5:45/7:00 bus @4:45
Dec 28th vs. Ilwaco 5:45/7:00
Jan 3 @ Rainier 5:45/7:00
Jan 4th vs. Concrete @ 3:15
Jan 4th vs. Darrington 6:30
Girls Basketball
Dec 20th @ St.Martins vs. Graham-Kaposin 10:45am bus @ 9:15
Dec 21st vs. Seattle Lutheran 4:00/5:45
Dec 28th vs. Ilwaco 12:00/3:30
Dec 30th vs. Yakima Tribal 3:00/4:00
Jan 7th vs. Winlock 5:45/7:00
Wrestling
Dec 21st @ Tumwater Boys Tournament 7:00/9:00am bus 5:30 am
Dec.27-28 Pac Coast Tournament(boys) @ Mt View HS,Vancouver
bus 12/27 @7:15am
Jan 4th @ Castle Rock(boys) Tournament 8:00/10:00 bus @ 7:15 am
***
Future-Tripping: Feeds, Fundraisers, Fun & More
***
Lewis County Water Alliance - We are a citizens group in Randle, WA fighting to keep Crystal Geyser from bottling and exporting our water. Our goal is to protect our water and environment for our families, our farms, our fish, and our future.
Update: Lewis County Water Alliance has received so much support from other towns & regions seeking to halt commercial water interests that Washington Water Alliance has been created.
*Special thanks to Deanna Busdieker, who condensed posts & threads into a shared folder: Link here.
Updated several times daily. The Other Toledo is committed to supporting our upriver neighbors in their challenge to preserve this precious natural resource. After all, we all live downstream.
***
Wendy Carolan: Lewis County Kinship Support Group
There are many of us out here raising grandkids or other family members.
Join us as we share support and resources.
***
TES PTO invited: ISO Girl Scout Leaders
Toledo is looking for Girl Scout leaders. One person doesn’t need to be in charge, multiple people can lead a troop and split responsibilities. Let myself (Tina Lyon) or Kelly Schey know if you are interested or have questions.
***
The Cat's Meow Spay, Neuter & Adoption Project: Drive For New Clinic
We want to do more for the community!
Fixing 120 cats a month is not enough...we want to do 120 a week!
We NEED a spay/neuter facility in Lewis County.
If every person whose life we've touched would donate just $5 a month...or sign up with smile.Amazon and igive.com, we could have one up and running by this time next year!
Here's how: www.catsmeowsnap.org/join-us
Thank you for helping us help kittens & cats of SW Washington and the people who care for and love them!
Q: Is the Cat's Meow a 501(c)(3)?
A: yes, since 2011!
***
Visiting Hooves Miniature Therapy Horses & Bunnies:
*GoFundMe: Therapy animal Nonprofit devastated by hardships
***
Dancing Moon Yoga posted: Yoga Sessions Expanding In Toledo
Hello, friends! I have a couple of offerings to share with you all:
WOMEN’S GROUP: I am currently facilitating a weekly women’s yoga session in Toledo. Our focus is on feminine embodiment through a sensual fusion of vinyasa and kundalini. Our Friday morning group is currently full, but we are going to be adding a second weekly session! The new group will meet on Tuesday evenings starting in December. Interested? You can sign up for the Tuesday evening session or be added to the waitlist for Friday mornings by sending me a DM. Please feel free to ask me any questions regarding these sessions! I have been pouring my heart and soul into them and I am beyond excited to expand this work and continue sharing it with the amazing women in our community.
GENTLE YOGA: Every Monday and Wednesday morning I offer very gentle yoga at the Cowlitz Tribal Housing facility (aka The Mission or St. Mary’s) out on Jackson Hwy from 10am - 11am. These classes are sponsored by the Cowlitz Tribe and are FREE to the community! The class content has been designed with elders in mind, as this is an elders housing facility. But community members of all ages and backgrounds are welcome! I have had students in this particular class ranging in age from 7 to 92. Please DM me with any questions.
***
WDFW: WDFW approves seven-day razor clam dig; announces tentatively scheduled digs through February
Proposed razor clam digs for Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks include:
December 23, Monday, 4:35 pm, -0.4 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
December 26, Thursday, 6:47 pm, -1.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
December 27, Friday, 7:26 pm, -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
December 28, Saturday, 8:05 pm, -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
December 29, Sunday, 8:43 pm, -0.2 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
*Two more tentative digs slated for January & February, 2020
***
Thru December 20: Fundraising for Foster Kids in Crisis @ Donna’s Place
December 20: Red Cross Blood Drive @ Toledo Presbyterian Church
December 20: Feliz Navidad Potluck @ Chimi’s Mexican Restaurant
December 21: Pancake Breakfast @ Cowlitz Prairie Grange
December 24: Christmas Mass & Caroling @ St Francis Mission
December 24: Candlelight Services @ Toledo Baptist Church
December 25: CHRISTMAS DAY!
December 28 - 31: Toledo Lions Club Fireworks Sales @ Toledo Market Fresh pkg lot
December 31: Vision:Toledo Giant Cheese Ball Drop Midnight @ Toledo Waterfront
December 26 - January 12: Styrofoam + Christmas Tree Recycling @ LC Transfer
***
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/
***
Toledo Thursday Market 2019 TTM Vendor Application.
Toledo Thursday Market 2019 Application PDF link here.
Tax-deductible GoFundMe page here.
***
Check out Latest Earthquakes at USGS.
Pacific Northwest Seismic Network has a new Tremor Map: https://tinyurl.com/y2pcbust
Check out US Tsunami Warnings at NOAA/Weather.
Air Quality Forecast at https://airquality.weather.gov
Cliff Mass Weather & Climate Blog: https://cliffmass.blogspot.com/
Visualize wildfire smoke with NASAWorldview - https://go.nasa.gov/2T7olog
Emergency Alerts: https://www.ready.gov/alerts (concise list with links)
Lewis County Burn Restrictions lifted 09.18.2019. Check here for changes.
Keep abreast of burn bans statewide: WA Burn Bans
WDFW: Dangerous wildlife
To report poaching in progress and emergency dangerous wildlife complaints, dial 911.
For non-emergency poaching or violation reporting, or non-emergency dangerous wildlife complaints, call 877-933-9847, or submit an online report. You can also text your poaching/violation tip to 847411 (TIP411).
Dangerous wildlife incident reports
Review wolf, cougar, and grizzly bear incidents in Washington state.
Response to dangerous wildlife complaints
WDFW policy directs agency employees to respond appropriately to dangerous wildlife incidents.
Cougar Management Removal Permit Program
Cougar removals may be conducted if warranted by a human-cougar interactions or a livestock or pet depredation.
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