At a reader’s request I am making a brief, public comment on the resources I used for last month’s column (July 2020). For clarification, I never use one specific resource for any column but refer to many resources and strive to always give accurate information. This can be challenging because of too much conflicting data. Thank you for your understanding and support.

This month’s column is to acknowledge several local businesses and organizations who are making life easier for us during this bizarre time in history. While many groups are working hard to help, I only have enough space to mention several. Next month I will share more. The organizations are listed in alphabetical order.

Ben’s Bikes (360-683-2666)

This shop offers a pick up and delivery service for those who need a new bike delivered or need their bike worked on. As a side note, since the pandemic started the bicycle industry has skyrocketed.

Sequim Boys & Girls Club (360-683-8095)

Since March 16, the club has provided childcare for parents who must work outside of the home. The center hosts as many as 50 children while adhering to the CDC guidelines and recently lowered their prices from $15 per day to $10 per day. At the end of this month (August), the center will close for three days to expand their space, preparing for more children. In addition, they created a program for teens who need computer access and help with schoolwork. Teens can call to reserve a three-hour slot. Snacks are provided.

KSQM Radio Station (360-681-0000)

Note: The following was written by Tama Bankston, KSQM’s Director of Office Administration: “KSQM is our local megaphone for activities to help us thru this trying time: Food Distributions & Services, reports from Dr. Unthank, Coffee with the Mayor, Diabetes Education, Weather, News, Emergency Radio Broadcasts, Road Conditions and many other special programs including KSQM’s 10 weekly Covid-Safe destination sites for Music Where You Park to get folks out of their homes for a bit. In addition, KSQM provides a huge variety of musical company 24 hours a day for us while we stay safely in our homes. Steaming Live at for Music Not Mayhem worldwide!”

Paisley’s Boutique (360-683-6100)

In addition to masks this boutique offers two types of face shields. The mask selection is varied and includes different patterns, fabrics and options for men, women and children. Employees work with customers to make sure each one has the correct face covering which fits properly and comfortably. The owner goes the extra mile in keeping the building sanitized, including the use of medical-grade UV sanitizing lights after hours. Paisley’s Boutique has donated more than 300 FDA approved masks and will continue to do so.

Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center (360-683-6197)

Note: The following was written by Executive Director Anji Scalf, Executive Director: “Our commitment is to support and advocate for local businesses. When the pandemic struck we hit the ground running. We converted our office into a walk up window, started hosting online events, and invested in a new website (launching soon). We partnered with the city to develop a grant program for local businesses. Like every business we had to figure out how to shift our staffing, update information, and face the challenges of uncertainty while balancing the needs of our organization, community, and folks who want to relocate/visit Sequim. It is not easy, and we continue to adapt and refine what we do. Our core values remain the same – everything we do is to lift up our strong and special town.

Sequim Food Bank (360-683-1205)

The food bank is involved in many charitable food-need causes, in addition to providing staples for families and children. I feel Sequim Food Banks does too much for me to correctly describe in my small, humble column. Please call to learn more and to donate. Since March the number of families the food bank serves has increased by 110 percent.

Sequim Gazette (360-683-3311)

The Gazette office is still closed to the public. There are notices on the front door and there is a box in the back of the building for all non-electronic communications. Behind those closed doors, Mike Dashiell and his (awesome) staff work long hours to keep the Gazette readers updated on what’s happening, and to be as encouraging as possible.

Sequim Spice and Tea (360-683-2050)

This local shop expanded the number of ways for customers to place orders. In addition to traditional phone calls, customers may order products via email or Facebook Messenger. The email address is on their business card. Even though the store is open, employees still provide curb-side delivery when requested. Sequim Spice and Tea Facebook page now has some fun recipes posted on it.

Shipley Center (360-683-6806)

The café walk-up window at Shipley Center is open for take-out meals from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. These meals are affordable with the highest option being $9.50. To place an order call the center any time after 9 a.m. Volunteers for the center have called every one of the (1,600) senior members to make sure everyone is safe and to offer resources. The center currently offers two on-line classes, meditation and Tai Chi, and is working to add additional programming. At this time there is no cost though donations are always welcome. Call the center for information on foot care.

Sunny Farms (360-683-8003)

The store designated specific shopping hours exclusively for the elderly and medical-fragile. The owners are in constant communication with vendors to ensure local customers have quality product as soon as possible. The store’s employees are always upbeat and friendly, even when dealing with rude customers. To quote one of the owners, Sarah, “We do our best to always smile with our eyes (above our masks).”

Wind Rose Cellars (360-681-0690)

The company donates to not-for-profits by selecting a specific wine for a specific organization. For example, their 2016 Library REaD supports the libraries in Clallam and Jefferson counties. Their 2019 Wild Coast White Albarino supports the Ocean Marine Sanctuary. For every sale of these selected wines Wind Rose Cellars donates a percentage of the sale to the designated organization. In August and September, all wines are 20 percent off and select wines are 30 percent off. The company has done much for the community, even er-pandemic.

The UPS Store (360-582-9534)

The main focus of this column was on local businesses and organizations as opposed to national companies. However, the employees of the UPS Store in Sequim deserve honorable mention. This pandemic has created a phenomenal increase in traditional mail services with both letters and packages. All store employees work long, hard hours to deal with the increase of mail flow and are always friendly, even when dealing with rude customers. On the Friday afternoon before Mother’s Day the store manager, Coley, personally called everyone of the box holders to inform them their stipend checks had arrived.

Email to let us know of other organizations which are working to make life easier for all of us. The email address is information@crystallinn.com and I personally respond to every email.

Crystal Linn is a multi-published author and an award winning poet. When not writing, or teaching workshops, Crystal enjoys reading a good mystery, hiking, and sailing with friends and family.