Rebuilding Together Seattle is trying to expand, to make these charitable repairs a year-round endeavor. But to do this, more recipients are needed (and we all know there are many out there), and more suppliers and tradespeople are needed to donate money, products and services. (The group has a pressing need for roofers, roofing-supply companies and carpet layers.)
Only a few hours of time are required from skilled tradespeople; there are no long-term commitments. Donations are completely tax-deductible, and those who donate receive public recognition and sometimes even media coverage — a very cost-effective and genuine form of commercial advertising. Sponsorships also are available.
Skilled and unskilled labor is always welcome. And, of course, tax-deductible donations of cash can be put to work in areas where volunteers are not. Rebuilding Together has offices covering homeowners in Seattle, the Eastside, North/South Sound, Kitsap, Whatcom and Grays Harbor counties.
John Thuma, executive director of Rebuilding Together Seattle, implores potential recipients to contact the organization as soon as possible. He said the organization traditionally receives a rush of applications in February and March, but that can be too late for the necessary screening and assessments. Reach the group at www.rtseattle.org or 206-682-1231.
Q: Why am I continually seeing dead and sickly spiders in my bathtub? Sometimes I will see three or four of them at a time. Do they come up the drain?
A: I know exactly what you are talking about. I have seen this many times myself, thinking my tub was becoming some kind of ritualistic altar of spider sacrifices.
But, rather than fabricating a believable answer to your question like I normally would, I thought I should go to a reliable source of authoritative information. Hence a conversation with Bob Merkel with the Washington State Department of Agriculture: His answer to your question? "No. That's where they happen to die."
This, of course, sounds awfully simplistic and bolsters the argument for my theory of the tub as a ritualistic altar of spider sacrifice while our government tells us all is well. I can hear the black helicopters slowly circling.
(Naturally, spiders die in other places, too; they just tend to show up well in tubs, which could attract spiders because of the water source and lack of wind.)
Q: In choosing chalk for a string line "chalk box," what color works best?
A: Red is permanent. It is best for use outdoors, where you don't want it to rub off with foot traffic or wear off in the rain. Blue will not permanently stain, so it works best for areas and materials that will become a finished product. Several other colors are available (pink, yellow, black). Before choosing, the key is to think of the material you will be "snapping" and whether the chalk line needs to be permanent. Each color will be marked on the container.
Darrell Hay answers readers' questions. Call 206-464-8514 to record your question |
