Hamsters and Chickens and Sloths, Oh My: Discovering the Animal Mascots of Bellingham

Bellingham animal mascots
The sculpture "Velveeta Jones" has survived the original Homeskillet location and now represents Homeschool BBQ, named for its predecessor. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

Through schools, sports teams, businesses, organizations, and other aspects of pop culture, animal mascots can symbolize the character of a place. Even as a small city, Bellingham has gained several such symbolic creatures in recent decades.

In a 2023 article on symbols of Bellingham shows that representations of local identity and pride begin with enough people repeating them. Even within short periods of time since, new trends, associations, and memes can emerge.

As we can discover, Bellingham’s most popular symbolic critters range from funny widespread cultural trends to mascots peculiar to a specific organization.

Bellingham animal mascots
The Bellinghamsters include several original hamster characters as plushies and on various merchandise. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

Bellinghamsters

“Bellinghamster” has been an affectionate nickname for our residents since the 1980s, according to The Bellingham Herald. It was only a matter of time until hamster characters started appearing in local merchandise and culture.

The Bellingham Bells baseball club created one of the city’s most popular sports mascots with their hamster, Dinger. “Dinger loves to meet new people at the ballpark, eat yummy snacks from the concession stand and run across the field with all of his friends,” their site says, adding, “If you are from Bellingham, you are a proud Bellinghamster!”

As covered in a previous WhatcomTalk article, Katrina Martin’s online store, The Bellinghamsters, promotes civic pride through hamster-themed gifts. The plushies, apparel, stickers, and more have become fun collectables for all ages, with booths appearing at local events.

Bellingham animal mascots
The Sunnyland Neighborhood Association has embraced chickens as a local symbol ever since residents have owned them and the Sunnyland Stomp has included chicken races. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

Sunnyland Stomp-ing Chickens

Chickens have, in recent years, become a symbol of the Sunnyland neighborhood in particular. The ordinance allowing neighbors to keep chickens has played a significant role, as have various events and art in the area.

Since 2009, the Sunnyland Stomp festival, featuring games, activities, and arts in July, has included chicken races. Much of their official advertising and merchandise features chicken characters.

“Velveeta Jones” is a local chicken sculpture that is now popular enough to appear on local merchandise. This quirky figure outlived the Homeskillet restaurant after it closed in 2019 and now stands preserved by the new Homeschool location.

Many neighborhood signs have also recently emerged with designs representing the local character. Sunnyland Neighborhood Association uses a sign with a rooster, sunrise, and a weathervane.

In 2024, artist Keith Negley painted a colorful chicken mural at the neighborhood’s intersection of Texas Street and Dean Avenue. You can pass by this quiet area at a leisurely pace for a good look at the art.

Bellingham animal mascots
Businesses, organizations, and homeowners have quickly adopted the sloth as a new local symbol following the one found on Interstate 5. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

The Interstate-5 Sloth

Bellingham’s newest animal symbol emerged suddenly from the woods in 2024: a stuffed sloth high in a tree waving to drivers on Interstate 5. At nine feet tall, the toy earned the nickname “Slothy” after being placed by parties unknown.

At a time when Bellingham’s famous “graffiti rock” may face removal, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced the sloth can stay for now. This decision came after two attempts to remove the stuffed animal, which saw a dedicated replacement each time.

Ever since, many of us have spotted imitation sloths in storefront windows and trees around town. Like the nickname “City of Subdued Excitement,” originating with just one mural, locals can create a new regional phenomenon through enough word of mouth and the power of suggestion.

When looking out for the sloth near mile marker 249 headed north, always keep your eyes on the road. You can stay safe while enjoying a quirky bit of local character while it lasts.

Bellingham animal mascots
Copycat sloths have started appearing in store windows ever since the placement of one high in a tree above Interstate 5. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

Organizational Mascots in Bellingham

Bellingham’s schools, sports teams, and other businesses and organizations have introduced animal mascots that help to shape our civic spirit. As another WhatcomTalk article and its sequel describe, mascots include animal characters, in addition to those of Western Washington University and Squalicum High School’s Vikings.

“Baker the Mountain Goat” has appeared at the Ski to Sea parade since 1985, taking a hiatus from 2004 to 2022 when Whatcom Events rediscovered and reintroduced the original costume. “Wally Whatcom the Museum Mouse” has been entertaining children at the Whatcom Museum since 1988.

Whatcom Community College has had two orca mascots in its history, including “Willie the Whale” from 1989 to 2017 and “Finny Dorsalini” since 2017. The “Gathering Fountain” outside Heiner Center features an orca sculpture. Another memorable orca in town “swims” through the bricks of the Peter James Photography Gallery building in Fairhaven.

Salmon, another ubiquitous symbol of the Pacific Northwest, is featured in the Salmon Art Trail through sculptures, totem poles, and other pieces. Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) has presented its costumed mascot “Sammy” at sporting events since 1983.

As explained in a Halloween article, black cats became a symbol of Fairhaven, which is attributed to James Wardner, one of its founding entrepreneurs, who spun a tall tale about harvesting black cat pelts on Eliza Island. These cat tales inspired ghost stories about Wardner’s “castle” home, which once depicted the cats in a wall mural, and the “Fairhaven Kitty Committee” herding strays rumored to descend from the island cats. Le Chat Noir now occupies the Sycamore Square (Mason Block) building where the newspaper with Wardner’s story was first published.

With serendipity and civic pride, we’ll embrace new curious critters as they keep appearing around Whatcom County.

More Access, More Opportunity: WTA Expands Bus Service Across Bellingham

Whatcom Transportation Authority
Photo courtesy: Whatcom Transportation Authority

Submitted by Whatcom Transportation Authority

On June 15, Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) launched service improvements designed to increase the convenience of transit. These improvements include four brand-new routes and more frequent trips to key destinations, including St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Bellingham waterfront, the airport, Bellingham Technical College, and more.

While all service updates are shaped by rider feedback and data, this year’s changes are especially focused on access, making it easier for people to get to work, school, healthcare, or just out into the community.

One change is the introduction of more service to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. Route 9 now runs every 30 minutes between the hospital and Bellingham Station, and a second new route, Route 18, connects the hospital to Cordata Station every hour. Together, they offer more flexibility and longer hours of service than the former Route 4.

These improvements are also great news for local employers.

“At Smart Trips we are always excited to see better bus access for our employer partners,” said Blanche Bybee, Smart Trips Employer Coordinator at the Whatcom Council of Governments. “The bus can be such a great way to commute when you leave the chaos of driving to someone else. The increased service and new routes will make arriving by bus more convenient for some of Bellingham’s larger institutions, like St. Joseph’s Hospital and Bellingham Technical College.”

WTA is also improving service to the Bellingham Waterfront. Route 47, introduced in September 2024, now runs every 30 minutes between Downtown Bellingham and Squalicum Harbor. It connects riders to popular destinations, such as the Granary Building, Portal Village, and the numerous summer events that take place along the waterfront.

“The waterfront service is more than just a bus line,” says Dan Tucker, Executive Director of the Working Waterfront Coalition. “It represents a measurable step towards inclusion of the waterfront into downtown, allowing a broader demographic to access the services, shopping, recreation, and restaurants that make our waterfront unique. Everyone deserves the ability to walk, bike, or take public transportation to work, and we’re excited that our waterfront community is now able to access it. Thank you, WTA!”

Here are some additional highlights of our new service:

Route 50 now travels hourly between Lummi Nation and Cordata Station, connecting riders to Whatcom Community College, WinCo, and other Cordata-area destinations. Route 10 offers new service between Bellingham Station and Bellingham Technical College. Meanwhile, Route 3 now operates on Sundays, serving BTC, the airport, and Cordata Station. A new Route 45 brings hourly service to the King Mountain neighborhood, with stops along Kellogg, Creston, James, and Bakerview Roads.

“We’re excited to bring more service to more places,” said Ali Hawkinson, WTA Board President and Ferndale City Councilmember. “Reliable transit can open doors to jobs, education, healthcare, and community. That’s what makes these changes so important.”

Getting to Know the New Routes

To help riders explore what’s new, WTA has created a series of short route preview videos. You can find them, along with maps, schedules, and more info here.

Whether you’re commuting to work, meeting a friend for lunch on the waterfront, or heading to the airport, WTA’s expanded service makes it easier to get where you need to go.

Cue the Spotlight: Peoples Bank Named Season Sponsor for Mount Baker Theatre’s 99th Season

Peoples Bank
Photo courtesy: Peoples Bank

Submitted by Peoples Bank

Mount Baker Theatre (MBT) is proud to announce that Peoples Bank has been named the official 2025-2026 Season Sponsor as MBT prepares to unveil its 99th season of serving Northwest Washington and Southern British Columbia. In addition, they will continue as the annual Concessions Sponsor. The long-time supporter of the region, Peoples Bank, is a locally owned and operated community bank headquartered in Bellingham.

The upcoming MBT season will open with exclusive pre-sale access for MBT Members starting Wednesday, July 23 at 10:00 AM, followed by general public ticket sales on Wednesday, July 30 at 10:00 AM. Ticket packages and group discounts will be available. Select events for the 2025-2026 Season are already on sale. Visit MountBakerTheatre.com for more information about the season and MBT Membership.

“Peoples Bank is proud to expand our support with Mount Baker Theatre, which aligns with our goals of strengthening and energizing our communities, as well as our continued commitment to downtown Bellingham,” said Lisa Hefter, President and Chief Operating Officer at Peoples Bank. “We’re thrilled at this season’s line-up and look forward to enjoying the shows with the rest of the audience.”

About Mount Baker Theatre

Mount Baker Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to enriching the region’s cultural life through dynamic performances, arts education, inspiring community engagement, and stewardship of a national historic treasure. Located in the heart of downtown Bellingham’s Art District, MBT is the largest theatrical venue north of Seattle. Built in 1927, MBT remains the only surviving movie palace of the five constructed in Whatcom County between 1914 and 1930. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, MBT is committed to presenting top touring performances as well as community-driven events for audiences across the North Puget Sound and Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

About Peoples Bank

Peoples Bank is the leading locally owned and operated community bank serving the financial needs of individuals and businesses throughout Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish, King, Chelan, and Douglas Counties. With 23 branches and four core business units: business banking, personal banking, home lending, and investments, Peoples Bank provides reliable, convenient service and plays an active role in strengthening and supporting the communities it serves.

State Park Near Olympia-Lacey That’s Great for Picnicking, Walking and More

People on the shore at Tolmie State Beach during low tide, with an island in the distance and clouds in the sky
Find scuba diving, clamming, tide pooling hiking and more near Olympia-Lacey at Tolmie State Park. Photo credit: NorthAmericaTalk

One of the best things about Thurston County is our parks! If you are looking for a park near Olympia or Lacey that’s great for picnicking, walking and more, check out Tolmie State Park! Tolmie State Park offers clamming, tide pooling, nature trails and even a reef for scuba divers.

How to Get to Tolmie State Park

From Olympia or the Lacey area, head north on 1-5. Take Exit 111, towards Marvin Road S. Turn left off the exit onto Marvin Road NE. Go through four roundabouts, taking the second exit at each. When you come to the T in the road, turn right onto 56th Avenue NE. In .5 miles, turn left onto Hill Street NE. In .5 miles, take a slight left onto 61st Avenue NE. At the stop sign, turn right into Tolmie State Park.

You will need a Discover Pass, unless you go on a Discover Pass free day – check out the dates for the year on the Discover Pass website.  They do have an automated pay station at the park, so you can pay for just a day if you like. Other things to note:

  • Tolmie State Park is a day-use only park, no overnight camping. In the summer, the park opens at 8 a.m. and in the winter at 9 a.m. Gates close at dusk.
  • Bikes are not allowed on the trails.
  • Leashed dogs are allowed. Leashes must be less than 8 feet and used in all areas, including the beach. Remember to leave no trace and to pick up after your dog!
  • There are bathrooms, including ADA bathrooms.
Tolmie State Park is great for outdoor recreation near Olympia-Lacey. Photo credit: NorthAmericaTalk

Things To Do At Tolmie State Park

Tolmie State Park near Lacey is a great place to take the whole family, with plenty to see and do. The park’s beach at low tide provide the perfect opportunity for tide-pooling – kids will love looking for aquatic wildlife! Just remember to respect them and look, but not touch.

Tolmie State Park is a great place for clam, mussel and oyster harvesting year-round. Crabbing at Tolmie State Park is also popular! The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Department of Health will announce when these activities are permitted. Check with these departments before heading out. Harvesters have the best luck finding oysters and crabs at Tolmie State Park, more than clams.

The beautiful beach and evergreen forest provide a lovely backdrop for a picnic at this Thurston County park. Tolmie State Park has two kitchen shelters with electricity, tables, water, sinks and grills. These are perfect for hosting a birthday party, reunion, grad night and other events. You can reserve the lower shelter online or by calling 888.CAMPOUT. The upper shelter can be reserved by calling 360.456.6464 – reservation of this shelter includes an amphitheater. The park also has 11 sheltered picnic tables and 20 unsheltered picnic tables for those wanting to have a bite to eat with the family. There are firepits, be sure to check with the County to make sure there are no burn bans in place before lighting one.

Spend the afternoon searching for treasure with a metal detector, fishing (be sure to have a license!) or just reading a book in the serene atmosphere. Two trails are great for those looking for some exercise under a beautiful canopy of evergreen and deciduous trees. If the tide is in, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and boating are all allowed at Tolmie State Park. While the park is day use only, you can moorage for the night.

At low tide, Tolmie State Park is a great spot for tide pooling. It’s also a great spot for scuba diving in the South Sound! Photo credit: NorthAmericaTalk

Scuba Diving Near Olympia

One of the unique features of Tolmie State Park is its underwater park! An artificial reef was created to provide for scuba divers and diving. This fun activity near Olympia is something the whole family can do. Don’t worry if you have never done scuba diving, just contact Off the Hook Diving in Lacey.

Off the Hook Diving takes people to Tolmie State Park often, because it’s a safe place to dive with lots of interesting things hiding beneath the waves. Look for sunken barges, along with a myriad of marine life. They offer classes and even equipment sales, so when you get hooked, you can get set up to return on your own as often as you like!

Tolmie is a great state park near Olympia that offers a large variety of outdoor recreation for the whole family. Whether you want to walk, fish, look for sea life, picnic or just enjoy nature, you’ll be glad you check out this park.

Ready for another adventure? Walk the Mima Mounds, bike North Slope, or kayak Black River Gate area or, for a challenge, the northern part of the Black River.

Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Whatcom County Residents

Comcast Whatcom County
Photo courtesy: Comcast

Submitted by Andy Colley, senior director and copywriter for Comcast NBCUniversal

Comcast, Western Washington’s largest internet service provider, is rolling out a new pricing structure for its Xfinity Internet plans, promising simpler, more transparent pricing with no contracts and no hidden fees. The announcement, which includes a 5-year price guarantee option, could have significant implications for nearly three million Washington households that are navigating rising living costs and increasing demand for reliable home connectivity.

The new “everyday price” plans feature four national internet tiers ranging from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps, each bundled with unlimited data, a high-performance Xfinity WiFi Gateway, and a free line of Xfinity Mobile for one year. Prices start at $40/month for 300 Mbps with a 1-year guarantee, and go up to $130/month for 2 Gbps with the everyday price.

Additionally, the Xfinity WiFi Gateway included in all plans offers advanced features like parental controls, cybersecurity protection, and WiFi Motion—technology that turns connected devices into motion sensors for added home awareness. These features are accessible through the redesigned Xfinity app.

Why It Matters in Bellingham and Beyond

With many Whatcom County residents working remotely or attending school online, changes in internet pricing can have a direct impact on access to education, employment, and healthcare — especially in underserved parts of the county. Comcast’s new pricing model could offer relief to families seeking predictable internet costs, especially as remote work, online learning, and streaming continue to drive bandwidth needs.

Competitive Landscape: This pricing change comes amid growing competition. According to a research report last month from Open Signal, Xfinity has increased its tally of head-to-head wins from the previous report — not only does Xfinity beat the competition for Reliability Experience, it breaks out of a statistical tie with T-Mobile for Upload Speed, winning all match-ups with T-Mobile outright this time around.

What’s Next

Whatcom County residents can sign up for the new plans online or at local Xfinity stores starting today. A pricing change could directly affect a significant portion of the local population and Comcast’s new approach may offer a more stable and accessible path to high-speed internet for many.

Consumers can sign up for Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile online or at their local Xfinity store.

Sponsored

Acme Diner Serves Up Downhome Cooking and Homemade Pies

Acme Diner Whatcom County
The Acme Diner, sitting just off State Route 9, provides tasty meals to both locals and visitors alike. Photo credit: Matt Benoit

The roadside diner is often emblematic of classic American culture, evoking nostalgia for tasty meals served unpretentiously to weary travelers. In Whatcom County, mere feet from where State Route 9 cuts through the unincorporated community of Acme, you’ll find local diner eats as fresh as a slice of homemade pie.  

The Acme Diner – operated by Kim Cochran and owned by Jim and Julie Sutterfield – has become a local and regional favorite among both locals and visitors. Open every day but Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the diner serves up burgers, breakfasts, pies and other dishes that rely heavily on local sourcing and scratch-made preparation.

Inside the diner is a fun and vibrant environment, complete with counter and booth seating, various Acme and American-themed artifacts, and a large, chilled pie case. There’s also an old gas pump and a jukebox; the latter isn’t functional, but Cochran says that repairing it is in the works. 

Acme Diner History

Originally known as the Acme Café, the restaurant has been open since at least the 1980s.

Its former slogan was once “where real people come to eat real food,” according to an old Bellingham Herald article, and throughout its history, it has remained Acme’s only eatery. The cafe was renamed Acme Diner sometime in the 2010s and was owned for several years by former Acme Ice Cream and Rocket Donuts founder Jim Swift.

Acme Diner Whatcom County
Acme Diner evokes plenty of nostalgia with its interior décor, which includes an old gas pump and a jukebox. Photo credit: Matt Benoit

But by the fall of 2019, Cochran says the diner was facing closure under previous management. She signed a one-year lease to keep the business afloat and spent several months rejuvenating it. It reopened early in 2020, shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thrust back into survival mode, Cochran kept Acme Diner going during COVID by baking pizzas and delivering them within a five-mile radius. The diner also briefly adopted a classic “car hop” theme to allow customers to eat safely in their vehicles.

While Cochran was able to renew her lease for another three years, she couldn’t afford to purchase the property from Swift when he decided to sell it. The Sutterfields – who own and operate Bellingham company Signs Plus – stepped in during the spring of 2023 and bought the site, with Cochran continuing to manage the business.

“I couldn’t have better partners,” she says of the Sutterfields. “(They) have turned our little dive diner into something special.”

Acme Diner Whatcom County
Acme Diner is open six days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closing only on Tuesdays. Photo credit: Matt Benoit

Eats and Treats at Acme Diner

While Acme Diner used to close at 3 p.m. when Cochran took over, it now serves all three meals of the day.

It offers a variety of breakfast options, including eggs Benedict on weekends. Breakfast is available until 2 p.m. for those who prefer to sleep in.

Acme’s never-frozen burgers are also popular, including the locally-named Acme bacon cheeseburger and Twin Sisters cheeseburger. Acme also serves fish and chips, roast turkey dinners and even liver and onions. The chicken Caesar sandwich and Reuben are also popular lunch options.

Each Friday beginning at 4 p.m., the place fills with folks downing prime rib and homemade clam chowder. Proteins are sourced from Bellingham’s Claus Meats, and the diner’s soups and sauces are all homemade, as is its stuffing. Her aunt makes the eatery’s potato salad, as well as its coveted pies.

Cochran grew up on these pies, she says, and her aunt and cousin now make up to 30 pies a week, sold by the slice. Popular flavors include banana split, chocolate peanut butter mousse and raspberry.

“We never have pie left over,” Cochran says. Your best chances to snag a slice, she adds, are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Acme Diner Whatcom County
Acme Diner’s new expanded patio leaves plenty of room to enjoy both good weather, with live music on summer weekends. Photo credit: Matt Benoit

Live Music at Acme Diner

New for 2025 is an ample patio space and frequent live music.

The diner gave things a test run last summer with a few picnic tables and a local band playing several times, but this year they’ve expanded both outdoor seating and music offerings, which feature no cover and will take place most weekends this summer.

“It’s nice to have entertainment in the little town of Acme,” Cochran says. “People are loving it.”

The diner also features a full bar and offers six local beer taps from brewers such as Aslan, Kulshan, and the North Fork.

Acme Diner Whatcom County
Patio dwellers can also play cornhole, if so desired at Acme Diner. Photo credit: Matt Benoit

Angela Emery, a server who is one of several employees to follow Cochran to Acme Diner from another restaurant, says she loves working at Acme Diner. It’s a place, she adds, where it’s easy to be hospitable. 

“I try to make everybody feel like they’re coming to my house,” Emery says. “I feel like I’m home when I’m here.”

Between the friendliness and the food, what more could you want?

Acme Diner
2045 Valley Hwy, Acme360.595.0150

Flexible Funds, Your Way: The Unique Power of a HELOC

young multiethnic couple sitting on porch with laptop near modern glass house in countryside
Photo courtesy: First Fed

Submitted by First Fed

When homeowners need flexible financing, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) stands out as a versatile and cost-effective option. Unlike lump-sum loans or high-interest credit cards, a HELOC offers access to funds as needed—making it ideal for everything from remodeling to emergency expenses.

But what really sets a HELOC apart? It’s not just about borrowing—it’s about borrowing smarter.

Why a HELOC Is Different

  • Flexible Credit, On Your Terms

A HELOC works like a revolving line of credit, meaning you can draw from it multiple times during the draw period, repay, and reuse. You only pay interest on the amount you use.

  • Competitive Interest Rates

Because HELOCs are secured by your home, they often offer significantly lower rates than unsecured credit options—ideal for big purchases or strategic debt payoff.

  • Interest-Only Payment Options

During the draw period, most HELOCs allow for interest-only payments, reducing your short-term payment obligations while giving you breathing room for larger plans.

  • Reusable and Renewable

Unlike personal loans, which are closed once repaid, a HELOC can be reused as needed—perfect for ongoing projects or phased expenses.

Convenient Access to Your Funds

Most HELOCs, like the ones from First Fed, are designed for ease of use, giving you multiple ways to access your funds:

  • Debit Card: Make purchases or withdrawals directly from your HELOC, just like with a checking account.
  • Checks: Write checks for large expenses like contractor fees or tuition payments.
  • Online Transfers: Move money to your primary checking account or pay bills online in just a few clicks.
  • ACH Payments: Send funds directly from your HELOC to external accounts or vendors.

Whether you’re upgrading your home, investing in your business, or just creating a financial safety net, a HELOC gives you access to the equity you’ve earned—on your terms.

Real Customers, Real Benefits

Across Western Washington, First Fed customers are using HELOCs to fund their goals:

  • Consolidating high-interest debt
  • Buying land and/or future home construction

“We purchased a piece of land in Hansville about 5 years ago. We realized we had some equity in our personal residence to get a HELOC. We used our HELOC to build a vacation home using HiLine homes as the initial builder. This was a much easier process than a construction loan!” – Jamie T. from Hansville

  • Renovating kitchens and bathrooms

“Our remodel priorities focused on “age in place” features, including transforming our main bathroom into an ADA accessible space with tiled floors and a zero-rise shower entry. When a recent health crisis placed my husband in a wheelchair for several months, we were blessed to appreciate those upgrades much sooner than we could have anticipated. Life truly is what happens when you are making other plans.” – Colleen H. from Bremerton

  • Investing in small business growth

“We were staring down the barrel! We had sold our home on Bainbridge Island and purchased another home in Gig Harbor with a healthy down payment and plenty of equity. Problem was, we had a balloon payment coming due on some commercial property we owned and needed the line of credit to complete the commercial property payoff. If the balloon wasn’t paid off, we would sustain serious penalties, possible foreclosure, etc. 

We reached out to First Fed and within thirty minutes they had set us up with both a new HELOC and sufficient funding to meet our needs and then some. Thank you, First Fed, for coming to our rescue and being our future banking partner.” – Lee J. from Gig Harbor

  • Emergency fund for unexpected expenses

‘Our roof sprung a leak, but we had a hero on our side: the First Fed Home Equity Line of Credit we had opened but never used. With that HELOC we could take quick and fearless action to get a new roof installed right away.” – Richard Q. from Sequim

  • Covering education or medical expenses

“I was in dire need of dental work, so I used my home equity funds to get much needed teeth pulled, as well as bottom denture implants. Now I’m finally out of pain! I also used some funds for a kitchen renovation to bring it up to date.” – Tanna M. from Port Angeles

Ready to Put Your Equity to Work?

A HELOC from First Fed offers flexibility, competitive rates, and easy access—backed by local expertise and personal guidance. If you’re ready to make your next move, talk with a First Fed lending specialist today.

First fed is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

Governor Albert Mead: A Legacy From Whatcom County

Governor Albert Mead Whatcom County
Albert Mead, fifth governor of Washington, was from Whatcom County. He served from 1905 to 1909. Photo courtesy: Washington State Digital Archives, Portraits of State Governors, 1889-2004

Albert Mead was Washington’s fifth governor and lived in Whatcom County. Serving from 1905 to 1909, the Bellingham lawyer and former Blaine mayor was a reformer. Many of the laws he advocated for continue to make Washington a better place today.

Sunflower State Lawyer

Albert Edward Mead was born on December 14, 1861, in Manhattan, Kansas, to William Banks Mead (1833-1911) and Harriet Carlton Mead (1828-1867). Mead’s mother died in childbirth when he was six. Baby Hattie survived only four months.

The grieving family moved to Iowa, where William operated a hotel. Young Mead started attending court trials for fun.

Working vacations as a watchman at the Illinois Hospital for the Insane (his father was superintendent), he attended Southern Illinois Normal School. Mead taught for a year near the town of Anna before entering Chicago’s Union College of Law.

Graduating in 1885, he made his way to Leoti, Kansas, where he opened a law office. Business was slow, so Mead also dug wells and published the Leoti Lance newspaper.

He married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Pauline Brown (1864-1898) in October 1887. They would welcome four children: Mary Alice (1888-1949), Wendell Phillips (1891-1952), Rollin Carlton (1893-1976), and Damon (1896-1976). After Lizzie’s death, Mead married childhood friend Mina Jane Hosmer (1860-1941) in 1899. They had one child, Albert Vincent (1900-1955).

Governor Albert Mead Whatcom County
Albert Mead’s wife Mina and their children from the October 31, 1904 issue of the Bellingham Herald. Albert’s children did not follow him into politics. Mary was a nurse, serving decades as director of student health at Western Washington University. Damon was president of the Whatcom County Rabbit Breeders Association and Albert worked for the utilities tariff section of the State Public Service Commission. Photo courtesy: Washington State Library

Mead Comes to Washington

Opportunity beckoned in the West. The family moved to Washington in 1889, just months before the state’s admission to the Union. After a short stay in Bellingham, they went to Blaine, where Mead opened a law office.

He was elected mayor of Blaine in 1892, serving one term. That same year, Mead was also elected to the State House of Representatives, where he served another single term. He chaired the House Judiciary Committee, which selected the state’s senator to Congress. Senators were chosen by state legislatures before 1913.

The Meads moved to Bellingham after he was elected Whatcom County prosecuting attorney in 1898. He was reelected the following year.

Mead, Who?

Mead was under consideration for nomination as Whatcom County superior court judge when the Republican party convention was held in 1904. But Mead had a different ambition: governor.

It should have been impossible. Current Governor Henry McBride would have been the logical candidate, but his nomination was blocked by the powerful railroad lobby, whom he had alienated.

The party then selected its nominee at a convention rather than through a primary election. With the support of the Whatcom County delegates, he was chosen over better-known, more popular candidates. Many were surprised, but Mead had a solid reputation as an affable, honest, and straightforward man with a clean political record.

Bellingham welcomed Mead back from the convention with a procession. Flags flew everywhere. Mead won the whirlwind campaign, defeating Democratic candidate George Turner with 51% of the vote.

Governor Albert Mead Whatcom County
The Meads lived in this home, patriotically decorated to be featured in the October 31, 1904 issue of the Bellingham Herald, when Albert was elected governor. Photo courtesy: Washington State Library

Hello Governor Mead

Mead was sworn in before the start of a legislative session in January 1905. During the ceremony, the new (now “Old”) State Capitol was also dedicated.

An ally of the Progressive Movement, Mead advocated for many of the reforms that the movement had been lobbying for. During the 1905 legislative session, he successfully pushed for the creation of a state railroad commission and a state tax commission. To meet people’s demands for better roads, the office of the State Highway Commissioner was established. That year, Mead also vetoed a bill that would have put the location of the capital up to popular vote again. The matter, he declared, had already been settled. It was the last serious attempt to move the capital from Olympia.

When the legislature reconvened in 1907, Mead’s ideas were met with mixed success. While the legislature did not approve establishing the initiative and referendum, they did vote for direct primary elections.

Mead struggled with his worst crisis later that year as the Panic of 1907 gripped the nation. Banks began to close, wiping out many people’s hard-earned savings. To combat the situation, Mead declared a two-day bank holiday in October to help banks (and depositors). It proved very unpopular.

Ironically, the new primary law that Mead passed led to his defeat. Competing against 12 other candidates, Mead came in a narrow second to fellow Republican Samuel Cosgrove. Mead graciously conceded the primary. Cosgrove would win the general election, but he died shortly after taking office.

The Meads moved to Olympia during his term as governor, renting a house. It proved too small for the large family, and when important guests stayed, the children were sometimes sent to stay with neighbors. The Governor’s Mansion was built during Mead’s administration, but was not completed in time for them to move in.  

Governor Albert Mead Whatcom County
Albert Mead, fifth governor of Washington, was from Whatcom County. He served from 1905 to 1909. Photo courtesy: Washington State Digital Archives, Portraits of State Governors, 1889-2004

Mead Goes Back to Bellingham

After leaving office, Mead returned to Bellingham to practice law. A frequent speaker on many topics, he became very active with YMCA fundraisers and the Chamber of Commerce. He was elected president of the Chamber in 1911 and unanimously reelected the following December.

In 1913, Mead contracted a severe case of the flu. His doctors discovered he had a damaged heart valve, made worse by his illness. Refusing to rest, he resumed a limited work schedule. He died at his home (2311 J Street) on March 19, 1913. He was 51.

Over 2,000 attended his funeral at Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. Current governor Ernest Lister spoke.

Albert Mead is not one of Washington’s most famous governors. While many of the reforms he advocated for were not passed during his tenure, he left a lasting legacy of improved government. “What Governor Mead did for his state,” the Bellingham Herald wrote shortly after his death in 1913, “shall not be forgotten.” Nor should it.

Bellingham Symphony Orchestra Announces Winners of 2025 Young Artist Competition

Bellingham Symphony Orchestra
Photo courtesy: Bellingham Symphony Orchestra

Submitted by Bellingham Symphony Orchestra

Each year, the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra partners with the Bellingham Music Club to invite the winners of BMC Student Competitions to participate in the BSO’s Young Artist Competition. Three winners receive a scholarship prize.

This year’s competitors performed a variety of challenging pieces onstage at Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center Concert Hall on Tuesday, June 17.

Read below to learn more about each of this year’s talented winners.

1st place: Declan Hong, piano

Declan Hong is a rising sophomore at Anacortes High School and has played music since the age of 6. He currently studies with Dr. Judith Widrig (piano), Lisa Humphrey (viola), and Jennifer Weeks (oboe), and attended Interlochen Center for the Arts for piano performance.

“This is my first time participating in the Young Artist Competition,” Declan said, “and I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to share my passion for music with two esteemed judges!”

Declan has been honored with numerous awards, including 1st place in the Bellingham Music Club Piano Awards, 2nd place in the Bellingham Music Club Strings, and 1st place in Solo & Ensemble Regionals for viola and oboe. He especially loves playing chamber music, and recently won the Harmony Chamber Music Festival Competition with his fellow quintet members. Declan is also an avid composer and arranger. Declan’s Symphony No. 1 was performed by the Fidalgo Youth Symphony, composed when he was 10 years old. 

Declan has written several arrangements for the Anacortes school bands and chamber ensembles, including a movement of the All-Night Vigil by Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien. In his free time, he can be found playing golf and besting his brother on NBA knowledge. 

2nd place: Elsa Jonson, violin

Elsa Jonson is a junior Whatcom Community College Running Start student from Bellingham studying violin and piano under the guidance of Lisa Humphrey, Dawn Posey, and Dr. Kay Zavislak. Elsa is involved in a variety of local music groups including the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra, WWU Chamber Days, Marrowstone Music Festival orchestral program, and Bellingham Youth Chamber Players. 

“I’ve been able to compete in the BSO’s Young Artist Competition for the past two years and both times have thoroughly enjoyed the event,” said Elsa. “It’s so nice to have a local competition, surrounded by familiar and friendly faces. By being such a positive experience, it encourages me to strive for more opportunities, festivals, and competitions; to put myself out there and see where music will take me.”

Elsa recently received awards for the WSMTA Outstanding Artist Piano Competition, BMC Strings and Piano Competitions, and the Harmony Chamber Music Festival. Music is woven through her life: attending concerts, camps, teaching, and playing for church and special events.

3rd place: Maria Horja, piano 

Maria Horja is entering her senior year at Sehome High School. She began playing piano with Katie O’Rourke at age 5 and, since 2017, has studied with Judith Widrig. 

“I greatly appreciated the opportunity to play on the wonderful piano in the hall,” Maria said. “I liked having the option to play a solo piece ora concerto for the competition.”

Maria was a concerto winner at the Seattle Young Artists Festival in 2023 and concerto finals alternate in 2022. She was awarded 1st place at the Outstanding Artists Competition in 2022 as well as WSMTA Chapter Competition the preceding four years. She has received recognitions at festivals and competitions including: Gold Medals at the Bach Festival in Seattle and Russian Festival in Bellevue; Laureate of the Sanja Pavlovic Memorial competition; 1st place in the BSO’s 2025 Young Artist Competition, and 2nd place at the Bellingham Music Club Competition in 2023. 

She enjoys playing tennis in her free time and is on her high school’s varsity team. Maria speaks three languages fluently and loves to play the violin (she is concertmaster of the Sehome High School Chamber Orchestra), as well as a bit of jazz piano. Maria has two younger sisters who also play the piano.

About the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra

The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is the resident orchestra of the historic Mount Baker Theatre. It performs seven concerts per season in addition to a variety of community and youth engagement programs across the calendar year. Details about the BSO and ticketing information for the current season are available here.

Whatcom Wake Sports Opens up Opportunities for Locals to Get on the Water

Whatcom Wake Sports
A wakeboarder having a blast behind a Whatcom Wake Sports boat on Bellingham's Lake Whatcom. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Wake Sports

On any warm, sunny weekend, Lake Whatcom is sure to be buzzing with boaters. This nine-mile-long watery playground is the stage for those looking to play in the water. From wakeboarding to cruising, those with a boat understand the joy that being on the water brings. However, for those who don’t, access can be difficult, limiting the number of people able to experience the thrill of the ride and the rush of the sports that occur on a boat’s wake. That’s where Whatcom Wake Sports steps in. This new business, founded by Travis Wade and Sydnii Ray, has set its sights on getting locals on the water and exposed to wake sports.

“There’s a lot of boats out here, and there’s a lot of younger kids that you see out here skiing and wakeboarding, but the reality is, it’s a pretty difficult sport to access. We really want to make access to water sports available for everybody,” said Wade.

Whatcom Wake Sports
Whatcom Wake Sports owners Travis Wade and Sydnii Ray feeling at home relaxing on Lake Whatcom. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Wake Sports

The Inspiration for Starting Whatcom Wake Sports

Wade grew up on the water, skiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing as a family, and that has stuck with him throughout his life. He has fond memories of being on the water with his family as they all developed their skills under the watchful eye of his great-grandfather. For Wade, there is nothing like being behind a boat.

“It takes your mind out of whatever’s going on in life, and you’re just present in the environment, in the water, and just focused on what you’re trying to do with your body mechanics. Then, once you start to experience it, it’s just like you’re walking on water,” said Wade.

For Ray, while she loves water sports, that is second to her love of being out in a beautiful Pacific Northwest environment. Ray, who is also a backcountry medical guide, is constantly seeking ways to connect with nature. Whether she’s hiking with their dogs or mountain biking on Galbraith, she just wants to be in it and encourage other people to be in it as well.

“This feeling of just being out on the lake surrounded by trees is a different experience than you can get elsewhere in Bellingham. You’re in a completely different microclimate out here in the middle of the lake on a sunny day,” said Ray.

Whatcom Wake Sports
The friendly Whatcom Wake Sports coaches from left to right: Lucas, Kyler, Anders, Ellie, and Sean, with owner Travis Wade. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Wake Sports

The couple had watched friends in other locations operate a wake sports business and were baffled that there was nothing like that in Whatcom County. They watched the throngs of people at Bloedel Donovan on a hot day and knew that the desire to be in the water was there. They adopted the ‘if we build it, they will come’ mentality, and a couple of months ago, they dove in, establishing the business, obtaining the necessary insurance, and purchasing two boats.

One of the boats is designed specifically for wake surfing, built to create the perfect wake and operate at the optimal speed. Whereas the other is a ski boat, which is suitable for beginners and those seeking a traditional water ski or slalom ski experience.

The other piece the pair knew they needed was a team of knowledgeable coaches to get people up and have a great time behind the boats. For this, Wade reached out to the Western Washington University Water Ski Team and immediately sparked their interest. They added five more people to the Whatcom Wake Sports team and were ready to get people out on the water.

Whatcom Wake Sports
Excited customers board Whatcom Wake Sports’ Master Craft wake boat at Bloedel Donovan Park. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Wake Sports

Getting Behind the Boat With Whatcom Wake Sports

Whatcom Wake Sports has a variety of options for accessing the lake. They offer special nights where people can drop in and ride with others looking to do the same. They provide different nights for women, men, teens, and seniors. They also feature 2- or 4-day kids’ camps where children can safely be on the water, developing their water sports skills. If you have a group of friends looking to get on the lake, you can opt for a charter, which ranges from one hour to eight hours. You can also book a private lesson if you want a coach all to yourself.

The team at Whatcom Wake Sports wants everyone to feel welcome to be a part of what they are doing. Whether it will be your first time on a boat or if you are a seasoned rider, they are excited to have you. Safety is a top priority, which is why every coach is first aid and CPR certified and has been trained to drive the boats in a way that ensures both safety and success for the riders.

While wake sports may look intimidating, the culture amongst the team is these sports are for everyone. “It’s very low impact and very safe. At the end of the day, we’re all just out here to have a good time. There’s no pressure to get it your first time. To try and ease the pressure, they can watch someone who’s a little more comfortable do it or even just practice on land to see how to get up and see that it’s ok to fall,” said Ray.

While the sports do take some technique, the boat does most of the work. With some good coaching combined with good driving, Wade and Ray were able to get the author up out of the water and surfing the wake.

Whatcom Wake Sports
A group of thrilled riders looks on as a customer surfs the wake with Whatcom Wake Sports. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Wake Sports

Being Good Stewards of Bellingham’s Lake Whatcom

While Whatcom Wake Sports is all about getting out and having a great time, Wade and Ray want to emphasize the importance of respecting the lake. This means operating respectfully and safely for the benefit of others on the lake and those who live on its shores. It’s also making sure to refuel properly and keeping litter out of the lake. They view Lake Whatcom as a beautiful and pristine lake and are committed to maintaining its cleanliness.

Whatcom Wake Sports is open 7 days a week from May to October, from sunrise to sunset. Book time here or call 360.333.8774. Or stay up-to-date with them on Facebook and Instagram.

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