MAY

2024

We are asking for your help. If you haven't paid an annual membership this year, please consider doing so. We rely on our membership fees of $10 per family to cover expenses like the meetings, the summer events, the website, and the newsletters. A recent report from the Surgeon General's office discussed what is called a "loneliness epidemic" in our society. We would like to offer more events during the summer and winter months that bring people together and strengthen our connections with the community and with each other, but we currently don't have the budget to do so. Currently we have 450 subscribers to the newsletter and we know that 60-75 percent of our subscribers (read and hopefully enjoy) the newsletter, yet we currently only have 40 paid members in the association, which is less than 10%. We hope you will see $10 a year as a good investment in teh newsletters, meetings and activities we present to you. If you haven't already done so, please consider acting now.

You can bring cash or a check to the May 14 meeting or use THIS LINK to pay through PayPal. (You don't need a PayPal account to use this service.) You can also send in a check through the mail to CNA PO Box 30061 Bellingham, WA 98228.

The CNA Board and the neighborhood appreciate your support.

The City of Bellingham Arts Commission gathered a group of 8 or 9 people for a committee to jury the Horton Roundabout public art proposal consisting of artists, museum directors, Arts Commission members and several Cordata Neighborhood residents.

The artists chosen to create our roundabout art are Lin McJunkin (glass artist) and Milo White (metal artist). They team up on many public art commissions. Their studios are in Mt. Vernon and Sedro-Woolley.

They were chosen, along with 4 other artists from a field of 30 applicants. The 5 chosen artists then started their design proposals and scale models for a final, in person presentation. The committee deliberated, discussed and ultimately awarded the commission to the McJunkin-White team.

Early in the design process and while nosing around the neighborhood for inspiration, Lin McJunkin noticed the mushrooms sprouting in the woods around Julianna Park and it became the inspiration for the design

The solar panel that was installed recently will gather sunlight (when we finally get some!) and will illuminate the sculpture from underneath, at night, causing the glass inserts to glow. 

We are grateful to the City for putting aside money from the budget for public projects such as Julianna park to fund public art in our communities. We are also pleased with the City's inclusive process of selecting the artwork, including the CNA community meeting held last year that provided public input on style and features that were most desired.

You can see more examples of the work from these artists at their websites. Lin McJunkin PAGE and Milo White PAGE.

We have two resource links from Greg Hope (Education and Outreach Coordinator for the City of Bellingham) this month.

The first one is about a Grab-and-Go kit. the kit includes just the essentials for two to three days and is portable enough to enable rapid evacuation in an emergency. A grab-and-go kit does not replace 2 weeks ready supplies and should be refreshed SA grab-and-go kit does not replace 2 weeks of ready supplies and should be refreshed annually in the same manner as the larger stock of supplies. Each person's grab-and-go kit should have just enough water, food, meds, and small supplies for 23 to 3 days. Don't forget kits for the house pets.

Video Link HERE.

The second resource is on your Emergency Water Supply. Everyone needs water everyday! Your emergency planning should include one gallon per person per day for consumption, cooking, and hygiene. Store purified water in thoroughly cleaned, sealed containers, and replace it every six months. Don’t forget water for your house pets! Video Link HERE.

LOOKING FOR ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER?

The COB Parks & Recreation's Spring/Summer 2024 Playbook is out. If you didn't receive a copy in the mail, you can access it online with the link below. This Playbook is an excellent way to make sure you, your friends, and your family are enjoying all the wonderful benefits of Bellingham's recreational activities in our parks, trails and open spaces. Read Your DIGITAL Copy HERE

This information was provided from HOAs Management Services, Their website follows the article.

As members of an HOA community, it's natural to encounter moments of frustration with certain rules and regulations. However, it's essential to remember that HOA rules are established to maintain the integrity, safety, aesthetics, and well being of your community.

If you find yourself feeling frustrated with HOA rules, here are some constructive steps you can take:

Taking the time to thoroughly review the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) documents can help understand the reasoning behind specific rules and their implications.

Engage in Open Communication: Encourage members to reach out to the HOA board or management company to express concerns respectfully. Constructive dialogue instead of complaining allows for the exchange of ideas and may lead to a better understanding of certain rules or potential amendments.

Attend HOA Meetings: Participating in HOA meetings provides an opportunity for members to voice concerns directly to the board and fellow members. By actively engaging in these discussions, members can contribute to the decision-making process and advocate for changes that benefit the community.

Seek Clarification: If members are unsure about a particular rule or its enforcement, don't hesitate to encourage them to seek clarification from the HOA board or management. Understanding the rationale behind a rule can help alleviate frustration and promote compliance.

Propose Solutions: Instead of solely focusing on the problem, find a way to propose constructive solutions to address concerns. Collaboration between the HOA board and fellow members fosters a sense of community involvement and empowers positive change.

By approaching frustrations with HOA rules constructively and engaging in open communication, your community can work together to find solutions that benefit everyone. COMPANY WEBSITE

We are now able to take CNA Membership fees/donations through Paypal. You may continue to use a check and mail to the address below.

CNA Membership

We \happily accept memberships fees/donations to the Cordata Neighborhood Association. Join either through the Paypal LINK (You do not need a PayPal account to use this link.) or through regular mail at

CNA

PO Box 30061

Bellingham, WA 98228

All donations are tax deductible: ID# 17053217309029

The CNA is proud to support two other funds. Please consider supporting either or both by sending a check to the addresses below.

Donations to CNA Scholarship Fund

Whatcom Community College Foundation,

237 W Kellogg Road,

Bellingham, WA 98226-9912

Donations to a Children's Room in our Bellis Fair Branch Library

Whatcom Community Foundation

Attn: Children's Library Fund

1500 Cornwall, #202

Bellingham, WA 98225

Interested in learning more about serving on the Cordata Neighborhood Board, or just curious to know what we do? Send an email to k8mcdonald1016@gmail.com and I'll invite you to a Board meeting.

THANK YOU!

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The COB publishes a lovely Playbook each year with outdoor activities for everyone.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors has a Facebook page as well as a Hotline: 360-778-2762.

Bellingham Food Bank website is providing food boxes.

The Nextdoor app or website to stay in touch with your immediate neighbors.

Common Sense Media has resources for parents and caregivers working with children at home.

The Bellingham Library online has resources for children and adults.

Support local businesses with the help of this website.

Aging in Place: A Guide to Growing Older at Home

See you Tuesday, MAY 14 at 6:30 pm at the

Cordata Park Pavilion.