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State Legislator and Seattle City Councilmembers Receive Washington Champions for Children Award

Washington State Champions for Kids Sept 2018

Federal Way, Wash. (September 17, 2018) – State Representative Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) and Seattle City Councilmembers Rob Johnson and Lorena González received the Washington State Champion for Children Award from Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) at SCAN’s annual advocacy summit over the weekend. This is the first time that SCAN has given Champions for Children awards in Washington State.

“In Washington, we’re fortunate to have strong champions for kids who understand the critical importance of early learning. I’m so glad that we were able to recognize three elected officials who worked hard to prioritize early learning this year,” said Kris Perry, President of SCAN. “Every child deserves a strong start in life, and thanks to our champions, more children in Washington will get one. SCAN looks forward to continuing to work with these policymakers to make continued progress for early learning and children’s issues.”
Perry described why each winner received the award.

“Rep. Tana Senn fiercely advocated for more home visiting funding, ultimately winning an additional $2.3 million state dollars for home visiting across the state. Thanks to her efforts, hundreds more families and young children will have access to vital home visiting services that prepare kids for kindergarten and support healthy early childhood development.”

“Seattle City Councilmembers Rob Johnson and Lorena González worked tirelessly to create a balanced Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy that supports children from cradle to career. Thanks to their leadership, the final FEPP Levy includes a significant and critical investment in preschool and early learning. If voters support the FEPP Levy on the November ballot, the Seattle Preschool Program will not only be sustained, it will grow by 1,000 slots, translating to thousands of kids getting access to affordable, high-quality preschool. ”
On Saturday, dozens of volunteer advocates traveled from all over Washington State for the annual advocacy summit, in which they engaged in a day of learning and training, with the goal of empowering volunteers to use their voice for kids.

Photo: From left, Seattle City Councilmembers Lorena González and Rob Johnson and state Rep. Tana Senn accept the Save the Children Action Network State Champion for Children Award in Federal Way on Saturday, September 15. Save the Children Action Network has worked at the local, state and federal levels in Washington since 2014 to expand access to high-quality early childhood education in the U.S. and end preventable deaths of mothers and children around the world.

Save the Children Action Network is the political voice for kids.

Washington State Fair 2018

Washington State Fair

The annual Washington State Fair opened earlier this month for it’s 21 day return each Fall. Washington’s 2018 State Fair began August 31st and runs through September 23rd in the great city of Puyallup, WA. Bring together family, friends, and loved ones for a Fall kick-off with good food and entertainment at the Washington State Fair.
A long standing Washingtonian tradition of attending the fair has been around since the opening of the fair in 1900. Beginning as a small valley fair to show neighboring and nearby folk agriculture and food, it has blossomed into quite the function. Today’s fair brings visitors from all over the state back every year with the fun new and exhilarating things to see and do.

Exhibits, attractions, and rides are all the most ranted and raved about parts of visitor’s Washington State Fair experiences. This 2018 fair season features farm life exhibits, petting zoos, art showcases, stained glass blowing, cooking shows, the Farm at Sillyville, a Cirque Ma’Ceo Equestrian Stunt Show, Discover the Dinosaurs and much more. Classic rides include the Classic Coaster, Antique Carousel, and ultimate fair favorite– the Extreme Scream. For thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, the Sling Shot will fling you high into the sky while the Zipper, Zero Gravity, or Tornado can fill your adrenaline fix from a lower altitude. Get the most bang for your buck by purchasing an Xfinity Dizzy Pass– a wristband granting visitors unlimited rides. We may recommend hitting the rides prior to rolling over to the food courts. Washington State Fair food classics of Fisher Fair Scones, Elephant Ears, deep fried foods, barbeque, roasted corn, pizza, caramel apples, cotton candy, Earthquake Burgers, and of course Krusty Pups, are all awaiting visitors inside the fairgrounds.

The Columbia Bank Concert Series is by far the most popular attended fairground event. Located in the Grandstands near the North end of the fair, this venue’s capacity of over 10,000 allows for large and grand concerts. Headliners for this 2018 Washington State Fair Concert Series include Khalid, Florida Georgia Line, Macklemore, Brett Eldredge, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Cheap Trick. Get tickets here.

Help the Washington State Fair preserve their values of: Education, Family, and Fun. The fairgrounds commits itself itself to ensuring the enhancement of education in the Puyallup area by offering generous scholarships, hosting the annual Puyallup School District Science Fair, and in many other ways. Family friendly activities are held in the fair year round, from quilting shows, dogs shows, to Santa’s photo opportunities from his vacation from the North Pole. The Washington State Fair and these other year round activities are funded by the charitable donations made by donors. To help keep the fair up and running, donations may be made here. For more information on donating and ways to do so, please visit: http://www.thefair.com/foundation/giving-opportunities

Plan your 2018 Washington State Fair trip at: http://www.thefair.com/plan-your-trip

Commuting down to the fair? Save some gas and shuttle down with others here: http://www.thefair.com/plan-your-trip/transportation

Google Maps Directions from Seattle to Washington State Fair. You’ll want to take I5 south and get on the 167. Continue your journey on the 167 and it will turn into 512 and go by Puyallup. The Washington State Fair is on your right and you really can’t miss it. It is one of the top 10 fairs in the United State!

Op-Ed: Tacoma Teachers Strike 2018

Tacoma Public School Strike

My name is Evelyn Cook and I am an 8th grade Language Arts teacher at a south end Tacoma middle school. After my TEA meeting tonight, I felt compelled to share a piece of writing that I intended to share at the Tacoma School Board meeting at the end of last year. I didn’t end up sharing it because I had not leaned into my fear and let nervousness get the best of me; in other words, I chickened out.

Tonight, I take a different stance as I’ve been reflecting deeply on the phrase “persevere in fear”. All day long, I’ve been planning and prepping lessons for my new students. On day 2 of this upcoming school year, I will challenge them to speak their truth. Well, I can’t call myself an educator and not model what that looks like although it comes with fear and apprehension. So here it is…

Written last April, 2017. Notes with an *asterick are my new insights.
Dear Tacoma Board members, fellow educators and valued community members,

I am still fairly new to teaching. I am about to complete my 3rd year teaching, my 2nd year in my current assignment.

I have been serving in the Tacoma community since before becoming a teacher though. Before I went to get my Master’s in Education, I was a social worker through multiple Tacoma non-profits. In these roles, I specialized with working with gang affiliated youth, teenage parents, drop outs, struggling students, undocumented youth, incarcerated youth, and unaccompanied refugees. In these roles, I’ve served our city’s bleeding young hearts. The world has chewed them up and spat them out.

I did not go into teaching, I was called into teaching. Like the great Nelson Mandela once said “Education is the most powerful weapon in which you can use to change the world”. I teach my students from day 1 that education is the most powerful weapon that they can use to change their lives and I work in a school where their life needs changing. They confront racism, community violence, poverty, family instability, homelessness, and lack of resources daily; all while trying to be a teenager, which is hard enough.

Before I get to the questions and I know at this point you are wondering if I am ever going to get there, I wanted to show you some numbers. Being a board, I am sure that quantifiable and qualitative data is important to you.

So here are some numbers for this year:
1. I come to work with our security guards 5 days a week.
2. I work through my lunch break 5 days a week.
3. I stay after school 3 days a week.
4. I average around 15-25 hours of unpaid work time a week, sacrificing time with my family and myself to do so.
5. I use 2 of my planning periods a week to plan, the other 3 are used dealing with hot messes.
6. I averaged out my workload, I work the equivalent of 35 hours a week, every week, 12 months a year, without a vacation, without holiday, without sick time, every single day.
7. That previous number doesn’t include the summer time, I give up for professional development, my reflections in the shower or before bedtime, my stack of PD books that I read for “funsies.”

*** This summer alone, I have spent 9 full days in training and have been working for the last two weeks in my classroom.

However, these numbers are not as important as the numbers coming up because they are about my students’ experiences.

8. I have been the first adult that 2 students have disclosed that they are suicidal to. One of them had recently attempted. I was the 1st adult they told.
9. I assisted one student with getting immigration help/resources as well as counseled them on DACA.
10. I had countless students tell me about being bullied.
11. One student told me about how she was sexual abused up to last year. I made sure she was safe, got her mental and medical care. She had cut her arms to the point that they were more cuts then not.
12. I assisted with getting other students mental health help and IEP evaluations.
13. I’ve physically broken up 3 fights and countless almost fights.
14. I swiftly kept my students safe during two real lockdowns, and countless drills.
15. I smile at EVERY student I see daily. I make sure that my classroom feels like a safe home.
16. I spend on average $20 a week on granola bars, applesauce, and raisins to feed my students. They are hungry and not just because they are growing.
17. I found 1 student this year who was a missing person. When that student was missing, I hugged her crying friends.
18. I motivate, push and support every student that comes into my classroom, every second of the day.
19. I have more students with reading skills that are behind their grade level then I do have of those on grade level.
20. I support multiple students who are at elementary reading levels, who tell me they feel stupid and have almost given up. I have got them engaging in their learning, challenging themselves, having academic discussions daily; because of this they don’t give up; they have hope. Some of them have told me they never thought they would be able to graduate high school.

So now that I’ve gone through my narrative and the numbers, I am finally here at the question.
Hearing all of this, how can you not fully stand behind your teachers? This experience of mine is not uncommon. All you would have to do is go to the classroom next to mine to see this again and again.

This year the union is still arguing with the district for a raise we should have got in September. Next year, there are talks of cutting our salaries. The district cites budget cuts but in reality, they are receiving the funding, have money in reserves, have created multiple new CAB positions (*11 new CAB positions last year), and are individually very well paid.

If we are truly a district that believes the potential in our youth, and I believe that we are, how is it that we can’t give the resources needed to the people who help form these impressionable future leaders? We, as teachers, are in their life daily. We, as teachers, are the ones doing the work. Don’t we deserve to be paid?

*I have been learning about the inequality in pay for other TPS employees like paras, bus drivers, janitors, etc. This is a system wide issue.

Sincerely,
Evelyn Cook

So here I sit and reflect upon these words that have poured out of my heart. Last spring Yes, they may be rough but let me tell you what would be far more of a harsh reality if TPS doesn’t step up. This reality affects not only myself as an educator but also as a parent of a TPS child and as a community member who has invested her whole professional career into Tacoma. If the central office in Tacoma does not meet us in the middle, they will lose MANY valuable educators that have made Tacoma the innovative, successful district that it is. If I can drive over to the next districts to make $15, 000 more a year, it will be Tacoma’s loss. I am higher up on the education scale (Master’s+ 45 credits), but yet, if I stay in Tacoma, I will make near to the same salary as someone entering the profession with a Bachelor’s degree in other districts.

But it is not about the money, really it is not. It is about what will HAPPEN to our schools if educators and other staff members are not paid a fair, competitive wage that they deserve. There will be a mass exodus of high quality teachers to other areas. All research cites again and again that high quality instruction by dedicated teachers will overcome any educational deficit. As a social worker, I have seen the students who Tacoma has failed. They need quality, they deserve quality.

This is not what Tacoma needs. This is not what our youth need. Our community will be hurt by this. This community, I have worked countless hours for will suffer. I have spoken my truth.

So what do we need?
Educators, other Tacoma Public School staff members, please come and demonstrate your right to vote. We are aiming to meet on Sept. 4th. We have seen what apathy can do to our country. It is your right to come vote, whatever way you believe, please exercise that right.

Community Members– families. We need you. We need you to call the central office and put pressure on them. We need you to stand with us.

Central Office, I really need you to get back to the roots of education. Get back to your WHY of why you entered education. Step inside a classroom. Look at your students’ faces. Hear their stories. Talk to teachers. Remember what it was like, every second of the day, to really educate.

Bumbershoot 2018

Seattle’s most famous music festival is coming up at the end of this month. Sponsored by big time vendors like Corona, Fremont Brewing, Tito’s, StubHub, and many more, the 48th annual Bumbershoot festival is taking over Seattle Center beginning Friday, August 31st until Sunday, September 2nd. Festival goers from all over the country will be coming to rock out to this year’s lineup of artists including SZA, Lil Wayne, The Chainsmokers, Ludacris, Portugal. The Man, and J. Cole. Besides hosting the musical acts of the year, entertainment includes comedy acts, visual arts, dance, YOGASHOOT, theater, and B-Eats—making this event suitable to all sorts of people, not just music buffs. Venues primarily include stages in Seattle Center, but extend to Memorial Stadium and Key Arena.

Bumbershoot has also aspired to be as eco-friendly as possible while providing the festival of the year. They’ve teamed up with Seattle City Light to make this year’s Bumbershoot 100% hydroelectric and renewable. Water stations will be available for festival goers to refill their reusable water bottles in hopes to reduce plastic water bottle use. Additionally, composting and recycling stations will be available across the festival grounds.

Single day general admission, 3-day general admission, VIP, and Emerald passes are available for purchase at: https://www.bumbershoot.com/passinfo/

Festival Schedule is available at: https://www.bumbershoot.com/schedule-downloadable/

Download the mobile app on Google place or the App Store for easy access during the festival.
Plan your Bumbershoot weekend as soon as possible, tickets and passes are going fast.

Flyer Bumbershoot Seattle

Seattle’s Best Happy Hour Stops

Whether you’re looking for bites, brews, or anything in between, Seattle offers abundant opportunities to get your fix satisfied at that lower happy hour cost. While there are many happy hours available throughout this great city, there are a few that are just that much more exceptional than the rest. For all your summer happy hour needs, here’s a go-to guide on which to visit and impress your friends with your awesome happy hour pick.

Pablo Y Pablo
Seattle Happy Hour Cocktails

This restaurant is much more than amazing food and drinks. Brought to life by two best friends, Pablo and Pablo, they have created a masterpiece of an atmosphere with good vibes, bites, and hand-crafted drinks. Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm and weekends 3pm-4pm, enjoy your company during Pablo Y Pablo’s happy hour. Worried about dietary restrictions? No worries—Pablo Y Pablo offers many vegan and vegetarian options for the whole crowd to enjoy. From tacos, small bites, shared plates, and discounted cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits, guests leave Pablo Y Pablo satisfied, but wanting to come back for more.

Some Random Bar
Some Random Bar Seattle

Some Random Bar’s values lay in their promise to provide fresh, local, and seasonal cuisine from around town. Locals and out of towners are blown away by this inviting and social restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Seattle on 1st Avenue—also making this an easy and close walk for a happy hour after enjoying the sites of the city. From fresh season grilled peach salads, local catches of the day, witty named cocktails, wines, and beers, Some Random Bar will no longer be so random after wiping your plate clean. Enjoy their happy hour Monday-Friday 4pm-6pm.

Gold Bar
At The Bar Seattle

This bar’s Caribbean flavor and feels leave guests feeling refreshed and bright. Their services include: “FOOD & BOOZE.” So, if you’re looking for a good time of eats and drinks, enjoy yourself with company at this vibrant (both in decor AND flavor) of a restaurant. Don’t miss their happy hour Tuesday- Saturday from 4pm- at least 11pm. Indulge in fried chicken nuggets, empanadas, tacos, and any drink you can think up.

Super Bueno
Super Bueno Seattle

Need a happy hour joint you can bring the kids to? Look no further—Super Bueno has prepared for this and has got you covered. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 6pm. Whether guests bring large parties, a partner, or just themselves, Super Bueno can accommodate whomever guests bring in. This inclusive environment allows guests to save a little cash on babysitting and spend it on a happy hour priced margarita instead. Classic Mexican style food like tacos, burritos, chips and dips, snacks, and desserts await your arrival on your next happy hour prowl.

Radiator Whiskey
Radiator Whiskey In Seattle

For a hearty happy hour, enjoy the meats and flavors at Radiator Whiskey in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. This classic grub and beer spot offers their happy hour daily from 4pm-6pm and their Industry/Late Night Menu from Monday-Thursday 10pm-midnight. Wallow in Radiators Whiskey’s crafted drinks, tots-chos, and many different kinds of deliciously seasoned pork and beef.

Bite of Seattle – July 20-22

Bite of Seattle 2018 Flyer

Come one come all to this years biggest and best food festival, Bite of Seattle. Local foodies and dining connoisseurs will get all their needs met with over 60 different food and restaurant pop-up stands, food trucks, and desserts to sample from. Beer, wine, and cider fans—look no further, Bite of Seattle has something for you too.

This long time Seattle event is known for its hot days, free smells, and good eats. Come celebrate summer and food on July 20-22 at Seattle Center: Friday & Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-8pm. Family and friends of all ages can enjoy the amenities provided by Bite of Seattle. The best part — you don’t have to break the bank to get a good bite to eat. “Just a bite” items are sold from each booth for only $3.75 or less while no other larger combination plate items will be over $12.

Summer 2018’s restaurant lineup includes fan and local favorites from Ziegler’s Bratwurst Haus, Wicked Pie Pizza, Crepe Tyme, Pat’s Philly Steak Sandwiches, Agave Cocina & Tequilas, and many many more delicious and well-known restaurants. This year, 16 food trucks will be lined up ready to fulfill your hot summer cravings. Some of the trucks in this year’s lineup include the famous Fischer Fair Scones, ‘Wich Came First gourmet sandwiches, Tabassum with their perfectly seasoned flavors, and Stack Burgers providing a classic American summer bite.

Sweet tooth cravings will not be an issue to satisfy either. Classic desserts like Ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s, Beringer Farm shortcake, Blue Elephant elephant ears, and Funnel cakes make way for a perfect summer day. Or, switch up your go-to dessert and try Street Treats liquid nitrogen coated cereals, Peanut Butter Goodness’s deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or Whipped Raw’s CoCoWhip or Vegan Raw Soft Serve.

For 21+ Seattleites, the Beer Gardens and Craft Beer & Cider Tasting are perfect for enjoying your drink of choice. Don’t miss Heritage Distilling Co. serving up their most known fan favorite liquors, including their new Batch No. 12 Gin & Tonic, and Brown Sugar Bourbon “Pineapple Upside Down Slushie.” Additionally, Orca Wine will be donating a portion of their proceeds from each can of wine sold to Orca Conservations amongst the Pacific Northwest—so be sure to grab some guilt free wine.

Enjoy good food and drink among Bite of Seattle’s entertainment. “The Bite Cooks!” offers cooking demonstrations from fun food loving chefs wanting to share their knowledge of food with the rest of us. Lots of demonstrations will be done including Thai food, steaks, seafood, and even baking. Bite of Seattle will also be having “Mystery ingredients cook-offs” to test local chefs on their abilities to create edible masterpieces in only 25 minutes—you won’t want to miss this one. Family and friends can also enjoy the Bite of Seattle Free Movie Night’s showing of A League of Their Own.

For more information on Seattle’s 2018 Bite of Seattle, visit their website at:
https://www.biteofseattle.com

Seattle Pride To Tacoma Pride This Weekend

Tacoma Pride

With the recent ending of June, Pride month has come to a close, but the Pacific Northwest’s Pridefest
celebrations continue into July with The City of Tacoma’s Pride Festival. If you missed the Seattle Pride celebrations then you’ll want to take a trip to south to Tacoma. The Tacoma Pride Festival, “honors the LGBTQA community by fostering pride in who we are as valuable, creative members of a diverse population in the South Puget Sound Region by curating cultural events, establishing partnerships, and hosting Tacoma Pride, formerly Out in The Park, an Outdoor Festival.” This year’s festival is presented by the Rainbow Center and a City of Tacoma 2018 Green Event. Partnering with local businesses like The Mix, The Grand Cinema, Urban Grace Church, Black Kettle Bites & Brews, and the City of Tacoma will make this year’s prides one to be sure not to miss.

Tacoma Pride 2018 is being held on July 14th from 12pm-6pm on Pacific Avenue and South 9th Street.
The street will be packed with food and drink vendors, resource booths, musical performances, and beer
gardens of course. This year’s mainstage lineup consists of Sisters, Mirrorgloss, and The Little Donuts.
These performers will offer nothing but entertainment and a fun inclusive afternoon. Bring the whole
family to take part in Tacoma Pride’s Kid Zone and events for all ages—ASL interpreted as well!
But of course one day isn’t long enough to fit in all of the pride, so Tacoma has made a week of it.

Kicking off July 13 th with the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Broadway St, a Lea Delaria comedy show, a
Pride Film Series, and much more throughout the week, your pride side will be satisfied. Be sure to
check out the event poster below.

Get pride ready with your very own Destiny of Pride t-shirts from Tacoma’s very own Rainbow Center!
Get yours here.

For more information on Tacoma Pride Week, click here.
http://tacomapride.org/event/tacoma-pride-2018/

The Life and Career of Will Floersheimer, Finance Associate

New York - Will Floersheimer

As the grandson of renowned Swiss investment banker Stephen Floersheimer, Will Floersheimer has proven himself to be more than capable of following in his family’s footsteps. Also like his grandfather, Stephen Floersheimer, Will has developed into a dedicated philanthropist, breaking negative stereotypes about those working in finance. In truth, the world of finance isn’t an innately self-centered industry — all it takes is finance professionals willing to break the mold.

Born in New York City, Will spent the bulk of his childhood in suburban Greenwich, Connecticut. Overall, Will Floersheimer had an enjoyable childhood, growing up alongside his two siblings — an older sister and a younger brother. From an early age, Will received a high-quality education from the Brunswick School, something he is now deeply grateful for. The Brunswick School is a respected preparatory academy for boys, and Will Floersheimer attended the institution from preschool until his college graduation.

As a child and teenager, Will developed a passion for a number of sports. In particular, he was heavily involved in several of the Brunswick School’s varsity sports programs. Will played varsity lacrosse, soccer, and paddle tennis, all while in high school.

Sports: Will Floersheimer is very active playing lacrosse and golf.

Also during his high school years, Will first found his passion for philanthropy and volunteer work. This is an interest that has persisted from that point forward, as Will became involved in a number of charitable organizations over the years. This passion ended up having a substantial impact on Will’s professional career, moving forward.

As a student at the Brunswick School, Will discovered his interests in languages and humanities as well. Currently, he is fluent in both Spanish and Italian. Due to his high achievements regarding languages, Will received several humanitarian awards during his time in high school. Despite how busy his high school workload often became, Will Floersheimer never allowed his grades to drop, or his motivation to wane. Plus, he held a consistently positive reputation with both his teachers and peers.

Alongside a few of his high school friends, Will Floersheimer founded the Blue Blazer Fund. The Blue Blazer Fund is a registered 501c3, based around selling gently used blazers. All proceeds from the project went directly to Israeli youth. Through this campaign, Will and his friends were able to raise an impressive quarter of a million dollars, through a mixture of sales, fundraising efforts, and grants.

Will Floersheimer’s ambition and achievements certainly didn’t end once he began college — he further proved himself to be a driven and motivated individual. Will was accepted into the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. As a college student, Will majored in business, having already acquired a firm sense of where his career was headed. He also kept up with sports, playing on his school’s lacrosse team. Preferring to keep busy, Will participated in a fraternity, where he took on a number of leadership roles. These included roles relating to philanthropy and charity efforts.

Will Floersheimer chose not to slow down during the summer, either. During the summers he had off from school, he began to apply for and complete esteemed finance internships in both New York City and the northeast. This included Will’s internship with Van Eck Global, which is a mutual fund/ETF firm that specializes in commodities. Additionally, he interned at GoldenTree Asset Management, which is a hedge fund focused on distressed credit.

Later along in college, during his junior year, Will accepted an internship on the west coast with JP Morgan Asset Management. Specifically, he interned at their San Francisco office. Due to his fantastic performance as an intern, Will was then offered a full-time position at JP Morgan’s New York office, which is where he began his post-college career. This was wonderful for Will, as this position allowed him to achieve his goal of working for a major bank, as well as his hope to return home to New York City.

Will Floersheimer spent his first couple of years at JP Morgan as an analyst, where he managed multi-asset portfolios on behalf of both corporate and public pension funds. Not long after, he was promoted to the role of Associate, where he supported a 70 billion dollar portfolio. Will performed portfolio construction, as well as asset collection across both public and private markets. He also aided in fundraising new assets and meeting with clients, in order to deliver updates on investments, as well as give commentary on the relevant markets.

Given his experiences throughout high school and college, while at JP Morgan, Will was able to utilize his direct communication skills. He communicated with clients on market trends, for instance. His effective communication and speaking abilities also aided him in fundraising and philanthropic efforts, whether for clients or the company.

In his free time, Will Floersheimer regularly visits the west coast. He also enjoys spending time with his family, as well as following college football. At the end of the day, Will prioritizes his family and loved ones, above all else. He continues to have a passion for giving back however he can.

Seattle Pride Review

Seattle Washington Pride Review

The Annual Pride Parade in downtown Seattle has wrapped up for the year to support the LBGTQ community. The parade began with Dykes on Bikes revving their engines getting the crowd ready to celebrate. The four-hour parade boasted the best of Seattle and its long tradition of inclusion. This year’s theme was Pride Beyond Borders, which Seattle Pride President Kevin Toovey says is “a reminder that we can celebrate all the successes and strides of our history, but there is work to be done to keep our communities free, happy, and safe.”

All members of the LBGTQ community were represented in the parade. Local enterprises such as Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft were part of the parade. Candy, condoms, flags, frisbees, and other treats were passed out to those watching the parade. It was an afternoon of celebration and fun. Churches participated in the parade, Nordstrom employees, the Seattle Sounders came out to show their support, and the Seattle Police department, to name just a few who were out to support the day. It was diverse, inclusive, and just what Pride is about. Music was bumping’, bands were marching, and the celebration was colorful land lively.

As you continued towards the space needle that was proudly flying the Pride flag, people gathered outside the Pacific Science Center Water Fountain to play in the water, listen to music performers, and grab a bite from the many food vendors. The Seattle Center Pride Fest was packed. People were dressed up, dressed down, or dressed in nothing. The event was a nonjudgement celebration with no pretenses. People were there to celebrate in confidence who they are in an environment where they could be themselves fully with other people supporting them.

Those in political positions also came out to show their support. U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., — marched in colorful costume with a legion of supporters. An engaging Sen. Maria Cantwell, along with U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., were also among the marchers Sunday shaking hands and talking to the crowd.

Seattle celebrated the very first Pride Week in 1974, five years after trans and gay rights activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, among others, led the Stonewall riots in New York City and helped spark the fight for LGBTQ equality. We’ve come a long way, but there is still a long way to go. With the current political climate as tense as it is, the parade was a break from fighting and a moment to stop and celebrate. The parade was a way to fuel that who work hard for social justice in uncertain times. As we march forward into unknown and divisive times, Pride seemed more necessary than ever. Hopefully, as a country, we will strive to choose love over fear or hate. Pride helps us to remember where we have been as a country, how far we have come, and how that there is still a long road ahead for equality and justice. Seattle is a progressive corner of the country leading the way for the LGBTQ community.

Green Beret Challenges Feres Doctrine

Natalie Khawam Representing Sgt. Richard Stayskal

Time is of the essence when one is diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Healthcare providers and family quickly rally around the best plan of care for a patient. But what if your window of vital time was missed because doctors misdiagnosed an illness? Unfortunately, this was the reality for Sgt. Richard Stayskal. He is battling stage four cancer, but his future could have looked a lot different if doctors had found his tumor six months earlier. While he is fighting for life, he is also struggling to change regulations in the military that prevent active-duty members for suing for medical malpractice.

The Feres Doctrine prevents active military members from suing formal practice. The doctrine was enforced in 1950 by the Supreme Court. Doctors who were working with Stayskal did not do their job properly when they failed to find the cancerous tumor six months before another doctor did (a civilian doctor found the tumor in his body). As previously stated, with aggressive disease, time is of utmost importance. The window of time that passed allowed the tumor to double in size. And now, Stayskal is taking legal recourse because of his limited options. With the Feres Doctrine in place and Stayskal knowing his life will end sooner than later, he is trying to make a change for future active military members who have a similar experience.

Stayskal is now suing the U.S. government. Whistleblower attorney Natalie Khawam represents him at the Whistleblower Law Firm. The law firm is currently pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against the government for medical malpractice. Because of the Feres Doctrine, Stayskal will leave behind a family with little to no support for them. His life and their lives could have looked much different if the cancer was caught and aggressively addressed six months earlier. It’s unjust and a disservice to service members that poor quality health care is costing Stayskal his life. Service members should not have to worry about this on top of risking their lives to protect our country.

Stayskal was a Green Beret and awarded a Purple Heart after serving in Iraq. He is from North Carolina and is married with two small children. Hopefully, Stayskal’s fight will have a positive impact on future active military members who go through a similar experience. Doctors say Stayskal has at least a year left to live. This is a tragic event for the Stayskal family to go through.While Doctors are human and will make mistakes, there should be recourse left for patients, especially those serving our country. While some errors in healthcare are minor, some are live altering if they are missed. In Stayskal’s case, his life will be cut short, and he will leave behind a family. The ‘what if’s’ that will likely haunt this family for the rest of their lives are unimaginable and unfair. It is unjust that they are not able to take legal action.

The Veterans Affairs Administration has been in the news due to several national scandals. Between hospital wait times that were misreported, poor patient care, and those working to fix the issues being blackmailed and cornered into submission, the VA has a questionable history that needs systematic change. Stayskal’s case is just another example of how the government is failing its employees. Thankfully, some legal experts value the sacrifice the veterans in this country have made, and the Whistleblower Law Firm is ready to help defend Stayskal, and hopefully will be able to support future military members and families who run into this kind of opposition in their time of need. Stayskal is currently 36-years-old and could have had along life ahead of him. It’s a shame that the government is not taking this case more seriously. The Department of Defense has not commented on the case or been vocal about their position. It seems that silence can say a lot—perhaps they are unwilling to engage or unwilling to consider altering the doctrine.Attorney Natalie Khawam is focusing her efforts on arguing the point of medical malpractice.

Time was of the essence for Stayskal when he began experiencing medical problems. Now, time is of the essence for him to make a difference with the time he has left. Khawam and her team will fight hard for Stayskal and veterans like him who are seeking justice and a better future for soldiers. The sacrifice that veterans and active duty members give to protect their country is insurmountable. The least we could give them in return is proper and dignified healthcare.

Natalie Khawam believes that it’s her duty, and the duty of others, to give back to the soldiers who protect this country. She has encapsulated that ideal in the cases she represents, the team she works with, the organizations she gives her time to, and the aspects of law she both represents and advocates for with her colleagues.

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