Today was the first day in over a year that I walked into a business without a mask. It was a surreal and joyful experience. Life feels, finally, to be on the verge of ordinary.

I entered Pilgrim Coffeehouse, which is celebrating its grand opening over the next few days. The coffeehouse is in Oak Tree Village, at the exact location that one of Starbuck's original North Seattle locations closed almost three years ago.

Even before its official Grand Opening, the coffeehouse has brought new life to the plaza, the freshly roasted coffee bringing me in almost every single day. This coffeehouse near the beautifully re-imagined Aurora Ave N Pedestrian bridge is in a way itself acting as Licton Spring's bridge to a post-pandemic world.

If you haven't been to Pilgrim Coffeehouse, or are just looking for something to do, or want to celebrate the return to some level of normalcy, now is a great time to go! Over the next few days, there will be some fun activities, give-aways, and food vendors. And, as always, a great cup of locally roasted coffee.

Find out more about the Grand Opening on Pilgrim's instagram.

Support Local is a customizable, turnkey marketplace that helps small businesses to band together as a neighborhood — getting them online and shoppable, all in one place.

Check out the new North Seattle Marketplace for some great local gift ideas. Our favorites so far are the North Seattle Proud shirts and Pilgrim's Coffee!

SupportSeattleSmallBiz

Do you have a small business in Seattle? Has your business been impacted by COVID-19?

The Small Business Stabilization Fund has reopened! The Small Business Stabilization Fund provides $10,000 grants to small businesses throughout Seattle who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. This fund prioritizes businesses located in areas of the city that are at risk of high-displacement, businesses with 5 employees or less, creative sector businesses, non profits that provide economic supports through education and job training, and businesses that have experienced the greatest economic impacts.

Applications open 11/9, the deadline to apply is 11/30, at 11:59 p.m.

For more information visit seattle.gov/SmallBusinessStabilizationFund

Questions or assistance contact Seattle Office of Economic Development at 206-684-8090 or [email protected]. In-language interpretation is available.

SupportSeattleSmallBiz

Next time you're walking around the neighborhood, take a stroll down 92nd and 100th between Fremont and Wallingford to see all sorts of art exhibits!

We had a chance to check out, "One Time, One Meeting: A Community Shrine” by Erin Shigaki. The wooden placards bear words of hope and contemplation by and for the community during the global pandemic.

Have you had a chance to see these art pieces in Licton Springs? Share a photo below!

We heard from the Licton Springs Community Council that the 2020 Licton Springs Halloween Trick ‘o Treat event is canceled due to Covid-19. The council discussed possible ways to try to navigate the safety issues, but given restrictions set by both King County and the city, they found there was no safe way to hold the event.

They hope to be back next year bigger and better than ever.

Stay safe!