Archive for the ‘Around the Area’ Category
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Mar
07
Posted by James Lupori
State Legislators Honor Bastyr University
Recognizing Bastyr University’s accomplishments in the areas of education, research and clinical service, Washington state legislators presented resolutions on February 24, 2010, honoring Bastyr in the chambers of the state Senate and House of Representatives in Olympia.
Sponsored by state Sen. Paull Shin (D), and Rep. Roger Goodman (D), the resolutions acknowledged Bastyr’s commitment to a sustainable health care model, the University’s role in minimizing its environmental impact through green building practices, and its instrumental role in increasing research activity in the natural health sciences. The resolutions were presented as part of the first annual “Bastyr University Day” at the state capitol.
Kenmore Mayor, Dave Baker and Bastyr President Daniel K. Church PhD
Joining Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD, at the event were University founders, members of the board of trustees, faculty, staff and student representatives. City of Kenmore Mayor David Baker also attended in support and recognition of the University and its achievements. The following legislators spoke on behalf of Bastyr University: Rep. Ruth Kagi (D), Rep. Bill Hinkle (D), Rep. Jan Angel (R), Sen. Karen Keiser (D), Sen. Cheryl Pflug (R), and Sen. Dan Sweker (R).
“We are honored that the Washington State Legislature recognizes Bastyr University’s dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of the human community, and we are grateful to Sen. Shin and Rep. Goodman for their leadership in sponsoring the important resolutions that were read at ‘Bastyr University Day.’ We are especially grateful to Mayor David Baker and other representatives from the City of Kenmore who attended in support and recognition of the University’s achievements,” said Daniel K. Church, PhD. “The day’s events further inspire our mission as we continue to educate future health care leaders. We look forward to making ‘Bastyr University Day,’ an annual tradition celebrating the University’s contributions locally and globally.”
Located in Kenmore, Wash., Bastyr University is a nonprofit, accredited institution internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural health arts and sciences education. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, the University integrates the pursuit of scientific knowledge with the wisdom of ancient healing methods from around the world. Today, Bastyr University is the largest university of its kind in the United States, combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training. The University offers 14 accredited degree and certificate programs in the fields of naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, herbal sciences, health psychology, exercise science, and whole food nutrition.
This article was submitted to me by Jordan Lindstrom of Bastyr University. I’d like to thank him and all the highly talented and dedicated people at Bastyr University as well as those Washington State Legislators who support our local institutions and communities.
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Feb
11
Posted by James Lupori
After Some Unseasonably Beautiful Weather the Rain Is Back
Someone isn't happy!
I was at a grocery store yesterday and as I was heading back to my car I saw this poor creature hanging his head in disgust. He was clearly bummed-out about the rain….just look at him!
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKIN AT? YOU GOT A PROBLEM WIT DAT?
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Feb
05
Posted by James Lupori
Don’t Miss this Fascinating Conversation at Bastyr University
Warren Etheredge
A series of conversations on Body, Mind, Spirit, Nature and Medicine - Feb. 8
Bastyr University is proud to host a series of conversations examining the intersections of science, spirituality and medicine. The events are presented by the Bastyr University Center for Spirituality, Science and Medicine and will be moderated by Warren Etheredge of The Warren Report.
Event Details:
Where: Bastyr University Chapel, 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E., Kenmore, WA 98028
When: Musical conversation begins at 6:30 p.m.
Moderated conversation is 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $15/night, $40 for series
At the Door: $20
Students: $10/night, $25 for series
Dine in Bastyr’s award-winning, vegetarian cafeteria before the conversation. Open until 6:30 before the event.
Spirit conversation:
When: Monday, February 8, 2010
With: Rabbi Ted Falcon, PhD, Terrill Gibson, PhD, and Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, LAc
Music: By Thomas Arthur
Register online for this lecture.
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Jan
15
Posted by James Lupori
Water Water Everywhere
Ducks enjoying the flooded yard of this home
This neighbor is getting flooded by overflow from Swamp Creek!
The beginning of 2010 is reminding us that winter in the Northwest is all about rain and grey skies. I haven’t gone to any fancy meteorological websites to confirm exactly how much rain has fallen this last week. It doesn’t matter. I do know this: IT HAS BEEN RAINING A LOT and there’s evidence everywhere:
Water runoff on 80th Avenue
- Another shot of the runoff next to 80th Ave. NE
The creek in front of our neighborhood
This is the surface water runoff burm in our neighborhood...VERY FULL!
Here in the Seattle area we often forget how fortunate we are to have such a lush, mild climate. Along with the rains this year have come some fairly moderate temperatures (40°- 50°). Unlike last year’s brutal snowfall, we are enjoying a fairly normal weather pattern.
But, the picture below is a quintessential portrait of a winter day in Kenmore….wet, grey and subdued…..I can’t wait for the next “sun break!”
The Sun is out there!!! Really!
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Jan
06
Posted by James Lupori
Thinking Out Loud about Bastyr University
In a recent press release by Bastyr University, it was announced that the City of Kenmore approved a master-plan which will nurture a greater level of cooperation between this famous University and the city. Click on the link below to read the whole press release:
KENMORE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BASTYR UNIVERSITY MASTER PLAN
To me, this is really good news. There is no other institution in the City of Kenmore that commands national and, indeed international recognition as Bastyr. I feel it’s time to take the relationship one step further and have the city leadership approach Bastyr with a plan to create a satellite campus in the current Kenmore Village. This is not my idea. I’ve spoken with a number of residents who believe this would be both feasible and beneficial to everyone.
Think of the possibilities: The University could offer classes and also have a “store front” that might offer acupuncture, homoeopathic or herbal medicines and other products/services that are a reflection of Bastyr’s mission!
I would love to hear any other ideas Kenmore residents have about forming a deeper relationship with Bastyr University. Oh, and for some other Bastyr news:
BASTYR UNIVERSITY HOSTS 12TH ANNUAL SPLASH AND DASH
Students, faculty and staff plunge into new year with icy swimming tradition
These are some tough honchos and honchettes!!!!
ATTEND THE INNOVATIVE SERIES: BODY, MIND, SPIRIT, NATURE AND MEDICINE
BASTYR HOSTING SERIES ON SPIRITUALITY AND HEALTH
Events presented by the Bastyr Center for Spirituality, Science and Medicine
The Bastyr University Center for Spirituality, Science and Medicine is pleased to present “Body, Mind, Spirit, Nature and Medicine: A Series of Conversations.” This innovative series brings together Bastyr experts and leading local authorities on physical, mental and spiritual health to discuss how each focus area is vital to whole-person health and health care. Presented in early 2010, the three talks will focus on “body,” “mind” and “spirit” respectively. They will be moderated by Warren Etheredge, founder of The Warren Report.
The Jan. 11 talk will focus on “Body” and include the perspectives of Seattle physicians Christine Adams, MD; Cathy Rogers, ND; and internationally recognized mind/body expert Joel Levey, PhD. The Feb. 1 event will cover “Mind” and feature Bastyr University faculty member Brad Lichtenstein, ND; Seattle naturopathic physician Sheila Dunn-Merritt; and Robert V. Taylor, author of I’m Spiritual Not Religious: Making Sense of Finding Meaning. The discussion on Feb. 8 will revolve around “Spirit” and include Rabbi Ted Falcon, PhD, co-founder of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue in Seattle; Terrill L. Gibson, PhD, pastoral psychotherapist; and Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, LAc, FABNO, medical director of the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center (BIORC).
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Dec
13
Posted by James Lupori
RECORD LOW TEMPERATURES END THE SEASON
Click here and link to Google Maps
We 21 Acre farm subscribers were informed this week that freezing temperatures finally got the best of the crops and the growing season is officially over. This was sad news as we have become accustomed to the weekly organic food boxes we’ve been receiving since this June. Shopping for produce at the grocery store is going to be a bummer.
VISITING THE FARM IN WOODINVILLE
The greenhouse at 21 Acres
This Thursday I was fortunate to visit the farm and speak with Erik Gibson-Snyder who is one of the key farmers at 21 Acres. We talked about some of the huge challenges that face small, organic farmers these days and what the future holds for “community supported agriculture.” Both Erik and I agree that we are fortunate to have some extremely productive farm land in King and Snohomish Counties. If local farms continue to market to the growing number of food-conscious families here in the area, the movement toward locally grown food will continue to expand.
A frostbitten strawberry field
Winter frost hammers the crops
I asked Eric how successful Growing Washington has done over the last couple of years. Basically, this year the farm broke-even financially. This was due, in large part, to the huge increase in the number of subscribes which went from 60 in 2008 to 220 this year! One of these days, Eric believes there will be 5000 subscribers which illustrates just how committed Growing Washington is to the production of good, local food.
Right now, Growing Washington is in search of new farmland and it looks as if there are some good prospects in the Issaquah area for next summer. So, stay tuned as I will be communicating with Growing Washington throughout the winter and spring to find out what next year is going to look like.
For those of you who don’t know what community supported agriculture (subscription farming) is, I encourage you to visit the Growing Washington website. Also, if you want to see what a season’s subscription buys, check out my blog post entitled: 18 Reasons to Get Involved in Community Supported Agriculture.
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Oct
25
Posted by James Lupori
Kenmore Undressed is 400 Posts Old!
Click the picture to view my first Kenmore Undressed blog post
When I began blogging in April, 2008 I was convinced that having a presence on the Internet, in the form of a Blog, would allow me to reach out to the public and help build my Real Estate Business. At that time, it was obvious that a huge sea change had occurred in the real estate industry: the way in which the public worked-with and related to Realtors® had been forever changed by the Internet. As it turns out, the transformation has been stunning. The way in which real estate is purchased or sold and the role of real estate professionals has become incredibly integrated. Marketing and advertising has shifted almost exclusively to on-line products. Information and statistical data about property, which had been under the control of the agents, is now readily available to the public. Today, virtually all real estate professionals have a website or blog.
Kenmore Undressed is More than Real Estate
It didn’t take me very long to discover that Kenmore Undressed was becoming far more than a place where I wrote about home sales, open houses and statistics. The fact is: I really enjoy writing and blogging has allowed me a creative outlet that I never thought possible. Not only can I put down in words the things I’m pondering, but I can also point my readers to the very sources that inspire me in the form of links, pictures, publications, maps, etc.. It’s a synthetic, integrative process and it’s downright fun.
Some Favorite Topics
Alternative Energy, Localism and Sustainability
I have tried to understand how utilizing alternative energy technologies can transform our communities. My hope is that some of these articles might inspire some of our local Kenmore urban planners to consider how we can set some long-term goals to have more homes utilize these technologies.
Eric Teegarden's Solar Home - Click on the picture to read the article
Zero Energy Idea House - Click on the picture to read the article
My wife and I believe that it’s important for everyone to try and purchase the basics from local merchants and producers. We are fortunate here in Kenmore to be close to local, organic farms. As a result we purchased a “share” in a local subscription farm this summer. I was able to produce the following presentation to show you just how wonderful it can be to purchase fresh, local produce:
Click to view the presentation
Writing About Kenmore/Local Businesses
I have always been interested in how businesses work. When I became a Realtor® I became hyper-aware of the day-to-day challenges of running a business, trying to stay relevant and, at the end of the day, make a living. One of the most enjoyable things I do as a blogger is to write about businesses here in Kenmore and the surrounding area. Here are a few examples:
Crocodile Rocks – Stone Works and Fabrication
Click on the picture to read the article
James G. Murphy Co. – Auctioneers
Click on the picture to read the article
Maser’s Grooming and Pet Shop
Click on the picture to read the article
Mr. Freeze – The Financial Curmudgeon
We all have an alter-ego. You know, that grumpy (Andy Rooney of 60-minutes) self that hides in the background just waiting for a chance to unload on the world. Well, with the help of ElDave on flickr.com and years of experience in the Credit/Collections/Financial Education/Counseling industry I created Mr. Freeze as a way to express my perspective on the American proclivity for financial self-destruction. It also lowers my blood pressure which my doctor appreciates.
A Whole Slew of Other Topics
I Think, Therefore I Blog
As I mentioned above, Kenmore Undressed was supposed to be a new way to “market” myself as a Realtor®. Instead, it has turned out to be one of my passions which lives in spite of the real estate angle. It has made me far more knowledgeable about Kenmore, The City. It has allowed me to introduce myself to some very fascinating people and, frankly, it has made me think more deeply about how the world works. Indeed, it’s been a lot of fun so far and I intend to continue the journey for a long time to come………………………………….
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Oct
19
Posted by James Lupori
Oil Prices Up Today – We Never Learn
A vintage picture from the 1973 "oil crisis"
I was in Junior High School when the 1970’s and the oil “crisis” hit. It was a real wake-up call to Americans regarding our dependence on foreign oil. In response, there was a huge wave of interest in innovative solutions to problems that, at that time seemed imminent: dependence on fossil fuels, overpopulation, world-wide starvation, etc.. Back then it seemed as if our capacity for innovation and enterprise would lead the U.S. into the 21st Century with technologies and ideas making us more self sufficient than ever.
Alas, when the price of gas fell and the Reagan Administration declared “it’s morning in America,” we all but forgot about changing our way of life. After all, Americans have always had the attitude that our “lifestyle” is not negotiable. The 80’s, the 90’s and now the first decade of the 21st century have come and gone and we are only now coming to grips with some enormous challenges.
As a Realtor® and homeowner, I’ve been aware that the way we build and power our homes hasn’t changed in over 100 years. In spite of the technologies and building methods at our fingertips, our homes are extremely inefficient and wasteful. We are incredibly dependent on the “grid” for our existence. Sooner or later we will be forced to change our ways. We simply cannot continue to burn coal, natural gas and oil to run our homes and cities. Well, it was inspiring and enlightening to find a home that is blazing the path for others to follow: Zero Energy Idea House!
Home Building Pioneers in the Seattle Area
Last week the SeattlePI reported that there would be an open house in Sammamish at a home called Zero Energy Idea House which, by incorporating a number of “green” building technologies, results in the consumption of only $500 worth of energy per year. OK, I couldn’t resist checking this out. So, on Saturday I visited Zero Energy Idea House.
The owners, Donna and Riley Shirey (Shirey Contracting) have owned the land on which this home is built since the 1970’s. According to Donna, this home is the result of many years of thinking and planning. They want the home to be a model that others can use to incorporate “alternative” solutions to our modern-day energy challenges.
Notice the solar panels, pvc hot water system and wind turbine!
I asked Donna why there are so few home builders interested in incorporating alternative products into homes. Donna indicated that they have approached builders for many years and basically found none willing to incorporate green technologies. “It’s all about profit margins,” she said. Donna indicated that many of the components of her home are not “new.” Most are easily obtainable from suppliers and have been for years.
I did not take pictures of the interior of Zero Energy Idea House out of respect for the owners; however, I did have the opportunity to wander around and check out the huge number of green products including the surfaces, floors, appliances, the water and heating systems, etc. One of the most fascinating components of the house was the HelixWind turbine which is ideal for city applications as it does not require the straight-line winds that the propeller turbines need.
Click on this picture to view a video of how it works!
Overall, it was a great educational visit to Zero Energy Idea House. I believe that it’s time we begin a serious discussions with our governmental leaders and those who actually build homes to start utilizing these 21st Century technologies.
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Oct
18
Posted by James Lupori
A Wonderful Summer of Local Produce
Today we picked-up the last of our “share” of the produce grown by Growing Washington in Woodinville, WA. Living in Kenmore, we are only a few miles away from the farm and not only was this an affordable alternative to the foods offered the chain grocery stores, it was also an opportunity to eat some incredibly fresh food.
This week we received kale, blue potatoes, bush delicata winter squash, leeks, duck and hen eggs, arugula, baby lettuce, sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash, a winter braising mix and “bomb” cherry peppers…..and let’s not forget the hen and duck eggs:
AND NOW, THE GOOD NEWS – WINTER BOXES
Growing Washington recently announced it was going to offer two, four-week sessions:
- Session 1 will run from October 31st to November 22nd
- Session 2 will run from November 18th to December 20th
The cost for each is either $96.00 for a small box or $144.00 for a large box. For more information just click on the picture below:
Click on this picture to learn more about the Winter boxes!
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Oct
16
Posted by James Lupori
How Problems are Solved in the 21st Century
Tom Corrigan, staff writer for the Bothell/Kenmore Reporter has written a follow-up article regarding the ongoing flooding problem occurring at Wild Cliff Shores, a condominium complex in the City of Kenmore. The article entitled Kenmore residents, city dealing with another potential Wild Cliff Shores flooding problem revisits a problem that, it seems, everyone wants to be involved with, but no one wants to take responsibility for. Basically, the situation is this: a Kenmore (city owned) culvert is pouring huge amounts of water into a “salmon” stream next to the condos. The condo owners have put sandbags up next to the stream bank to prevent the waters from flooding their property. The State Fish and Wildlife Department says the owners are in violation of state law (no permit for the sandbags) so they will force the owners to obtain an expensive study to see if they can even put sand bags up!!!!!! Some snippets from his article:
- As the subdivision is private property, Kenmore officials said the clean-up was the homeowners’ problem
- He (Kenmore’s City Manager) added that looking at the bigger picture, Kenmore sits at the bottom of the Swamp Creek Watershed, 95 percent of which sits outside the city’s boundaries and is therefore, obviously, out of the city’s control.
- the state has said that while the subdivision needs a permit to put up the sandbags, they also need one to take them down. Both permits cost money and, reportedly, neither is easily obtained.
- He added that lastly, the city intends to mount a sort of Swamp Creek summit, hoping to bring together representatives from all the various jurisdictions involved. This is a regional issue that follows geography, not political boundaries
This is What the Flooding Looks Like!
Flooding at my friends home in 2006
I recently wrote a blog post, Kenmore Homeowners Are Getting Stiffed in which I describe the players involved in this ridiculous situation. As I mentioned, I have a friend who lives in Wild Cliff Shores. We’ve seen the flooding. We’ve heard all about the lame excuses used by the City and the State. Basically the homeowners are being muscled into paying huge amounts of money to “study” a mythical salmon stream so that the home owners can put sand bags up to protect their property.
Player #6
Kenmore City Manager Frederick Stouder has indicated this issue is “regional” and that it’s going to take more study and collaboration between various jurisdictions to find a solution. Frankly, I’m curious: why has it taken three years for the City of Kenmore and “other jurisdictions” to start studying this problem? The City of Kenmore has known about this and promises to keep the culvert clean, but I have a sense they’ve been putting off the inevitable. They have been very slow in searching for the TRUTH.
I suspect that construction in the neighboring communities above Wild Cliff has caused a serious runoff problem and that someone neglected to factor-in the surface water runoff problems that would be created by covering up more land with new homes. I don’t think it’s coincidental that this flooding started in 2006 after so much building. I’ll be the first one to admit that my argument is anecdotal; however, I would still like to know why it has taken so long for everyone to “wake up!”
But even more disturbing is the notion that putting up sand bags next to a flooding stream would impact salmon even if they do exist in the stream. To force the home owners of Wild Cliff Shores to spend $50,000 to pay for a study to justify putting up sand bags is, simply put, utter balderdash.
Does this Flooding “Protect” Salmon????
I can hardly wait to see if solving this serious situation is going to fall victim to the usual “Northwest Process.” Let’s see if this gets studied to death long enough that my friend’s neighborhood washes away by the time a solution is proposed!!!!
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