Building Trust through Community Involvement in Whatcom County

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springhill-salesmanager — The staff at SpringHill and TownePlace Suites by Marriott are so involved in the community that Sales Manager, Carolyn Gill, received the MVP award from the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce in May 2017. Photo courtesy: Marriott Properties.

SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Bellingham pride themselves on connecting with local businesses and individuals through community involvement in Whatcom County. From donating meeting space and gift certificates to local nonprofits, to offering complimentary overnight stays to cancer patients, staff at SpringHill and TownePlace Suites look for opportunities to build meaningful relationships with businesses and organizations of all sizes.

Business Built on Meaningful Relationships

The staff at SpringHill and TownePlace Suites looks for opportunities to build meaningful relationships with businesses and organizations of all sizes. Photo courtesy: Marriott Properties.

So much of the business that happens in Whatcom County occurs because of relationships. People here like to shop, eat and play where we feel a personal connection. Because locals like to support people they know, Director of Sales, Elisa George and her team seek opportunities to build authentic connections.

“I’m responsible for the revenue generated at SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites,” shared George. “Of course I don’t control 100 percent of that. Probably about 40 percent of our traffic flows in naturally because of the Marriott loyalty. Myself and the two people on my sales team are focused on the local corporations here, building relationships with people who book travel for their organization.”

“I used to work in Bellevue and Seattle before I moved up here and everything was so transactional,” she explained. “It’s so much different here in Bellingham because we don’t have those large tech companies up here. It’s not me picking up the phone and telemarketing. Instead it’s me showing up at a Chamber breakfast or going to a networking event and meeting that person. It slows down the process and it is so much more rewarding.”

Building community relationships is engrained in the culture of SpringHill and TownePlace Suites and that begins at the top with the properties’ General Manager, Keith Coleman.

SpringHill Suites donates use of their meeting facilities for a local nonprofit’s board meetings. “We’re not going to just let a space sit empty when there’s a need in Bellingham,” said Sales Director, Elisa George. Photo courtesy: Marriott Properties.

“I feel like he’s on every board,” shared George. That’s not surprising since Coleman sits on the Bellingham/Whatcom County Tourism Board, Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce Board, Tourism Commission, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Whatcom Community College Hospitality Advisory Board and he serves as the Washington Hospitality Association Ambassador to the 40^th and 42^nd Districts.

“He really understands that it’s not just running the hotel but that this business is about building relationships in the community,” said George.

In addition to serving in leadership roles on boards, the team members at SpringHill and TownePlace Suites look for ways to support local nonprofits by offering their unique resources. “We’ve been able to partner with local nonprofits, like Blue Skies for Children, to sponsor their monthly board meetings by providing a meeting space for them,” shared George. “We’re not going to just let a space sit empty when there’s a need in Bellingham … Offering a complimentary room night doesn’t bring in revenue, but yet the relationship defined from offering that has brought in so many more contacts,” said George. “It’s about building trust.”

Helping Businesses of All Sizes

The staff at SpringHill and TownePlace Suites by Marriott are so involved in the community that Sales Manager, Carolyn Gill, received the MVP award from the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce in May 2017. Photo courtesy: Marriott Properties.

If you’re a small business owner, you might not realize that you can reach out to George and her team to chat about discounts if you travel throughout the year. “You don’t need a ton of travel,” she explained. “There’s a handful of big businesses we work with but 75 percent of the businesses we work with are small businesses. We work with a ton of accounts who bring in maybe 50 room nights a year and offer a discount for that partnership. There are opportunities to save money on hotel stays by partnering with us.”

Developing a rapport with smaller businesses can be a bit more work to start with but George and her team find that the resulting relationships are well worth the investment. “While it takes more time and energy to make connections with all the different small companies, it equals what you would see from a large company,” said George. And while this approach has made her goal of bringing revenue into the hotels easier to achieve, it’s the relationships she’s built that are most valuable to her. “I really feel like most of my clients are my friends,” she said.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
4040 Northwest Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-714-9600
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/blish-springhill-suites-bellingham

TownePlace Suites by Marriott
4050 Northwest Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-714-9700
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/blits-towneplace-suites-bellingham

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Jennifer Leigh Couture Veils—Made in Bellingham

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Taylor Lisa Bailey

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One of Jennifer Leigh's lace veils, with her label on the comb. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.

When you enter the office of Jennifer Leigh Couture Veils and Accessories, you immediately know you are not in a typical business office. Hanging plants, large flowers and succulents fill the space. Big open windows flood in natural light. Two parakeets sing songs in the corner. The walls are painted cream, pink and black and are lined with framed magazine covers and articles. You spot quirky items like a giant ball of yarn for sitting and a massive golden-framed mirror. And hanging all around this beautiful art studio are bridal veils made right here in Bellingham.

Jennifer Leigh began designing and making these head pieces for a few close friends and family members who were getting married. It’s come a long way, with an expanding inventory of designs, since then. Cascading veils with ribbon, lace, gems and pearls and beads, a material called “horse hair” that causes a beautiful ripple, applications from gingerly placed lace – each veil is unique.

Jennifer (holding the veil) with employee Maggie (serving as the model) work on a new design. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.

Jenny and her husband, Jeff, have been able to partner together since the very beginning, turning this from a fun way to be involved in loved ones’ weddings, to a thriving business helping brides feel special and beautiful. It was 1998 when they decided to pack up and move back to Bellingham, where they both had attended Western Washington University and where Jeff was born.

“We decided to pick somewhere to really grow our business and start our family,” Jenny told me. And that they did. They now organize orders from as far abroad as Japan, make business trips around the U.S. for fashion weeks or trunk shows (where Jenny brings or sends a “trunk” of her veils to a shop or boutique for a special viewing) and have expanded to eight extra people helping them produce their veils. They also have two wonderful children, Lily and Julien, who are 14 and 12.

The giant ball of yarn serves as a chair while a veil is being sewn. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.

“This business comes with a lot of travel and before I had Lily and Julien I would go either alone or with Jeff on most of our trips,” Jenny said. “Trunk shows or our twice-a-year expositions in Chicago and New York City became a little too hard for me leaving the kids, so Jeff kept it up. Both Lily and Julien have had the opportunity to travel with Jeff and me throughout the years on these great adventures.”

The magazine covers and articles framed on her walls all feature Jenny’s veils. “We send samples out to magazines for photo shoots,” she told me when I first started sewing for her. “They’ll send them back after a bit, most of the time without notice of if it’ll be in the magazine. Once, when I was sent an issue that I had given some veils, I tore it open and went through every single page – nothing! I was disappointed, holding the magazine, when Jeff smiled and said, ‘Hey, you’re on the cover!'”

This collection of veils is ready to be sent to New York City for a show. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.

Now there are many covers and magazine spreads with Jenny’s veils, even though it is still a small, local operation.

Jenny still sews veils for friends and family getting married. When I got married in July of 2016, Jenny had me bring in my wedding dress and she helped me pick a veil to match it. Funnily enough, it was one that had been named after me!

Working with Jenny and Jeff really does feel more like a family than a business. There was one day when I was working late and Jenny brought me a sandwich from her home. The kids come in and hang out or bring odd things in like that giant ball of yarn. Jeff buys lunch for all the people sewing each Tuesday, just to be kind. We name the veils after our sisters, mothers, aunts, cousins and friends. And they always keep the kitchen stocked with little goodies like energy bars, fruit or chocolate candies.

A busy work station where lace is cut for future veils. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.

If you are in the market for a wedding veil or hair piece, ask your bridal stores if they carry Jennifer Leigh Veils. They are handmade, local and lovingly made. Of course, if you aren’t looking to buy bridal accessories in the near future, you can still smile knowing that we have such a special item being made here in Whatcom County.

Celebrate the End of Summer at the Ferndale Street Festival

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Kali Klotz-Brooks

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rsz_ferndale_street_festival_music — Listen to music from the main stage and relax in the beer tent, sponsored by Phillips 66. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

If you’re a local, you know there is no better place to be than in Whatcom County during the summer months. With the warm weather comes fun events like the Saturday and Wednesday Farmers’ Markets, Flicks in the Park, Downtown Sounds and, to wrap up the season, the Ferndale Street Festival. This will mark the Festival’s 14^th year and the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce has been busy planning everything you know and love, plus a bit extra. On Friday, August 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., come celebrate summer before school starts back up!

The Ferndale Street Festival will be fun for the whole family. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

Audrey Audette, the Chamber’s Event and Program Coordinator says, “We shut down Main, 1st, 2nd and 3rd and it branches out from those streets. There are about 10,000 people that visit over those two days.”

You know a town means business when entire streets are blocked off to anything other than dancing, eating and shopping. There will be live music all day on the main stage, featuring everything from blue grass to classic rock. You’ll even be able to listen to local bands such as Blind Fate and Marlin James from the beer tent, which is sponsored by Phillips 66. Stay tuned to find out what fun theme the tent will be this year, as it is yet to be decided.

Listen to music from the main stage and relax in the beer tent, sponsored by Phillips 66. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to music, the main stage will also be hosting something new and exciting – a pie-eating contest sponsored by Haggen Northwest Fresh. There will be three separate age brackets that include ages 10 and younger, an 11 – 18 bracket and an 18 and up bracket. Contact Audrey to sign up before the festival weekend so you don’t miss out on a chance to compete against your significant other or watch your little ones stuff their faces.

However, if pie isn’t necessarily your chow of choice, there will be plenty of other meal options. All down Main Street there are going to be local Bellingham and Ferndale food trucks available. “We have more signed up than last year so far, so lots to choose from,” says Audrey. And while the beer tent is sure to be a hit, there will also be some outdoor venues for the over 21 crowd at local restaurants.

What is a street festival without delicious street eats? Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

This year the festival is partnering with Sustainable Connections and participating in the Toward Zero Waste program. Audrey explains, “We are doing it on the food street, which is where most of our waste is produced.” The program helps businesses and events, like the Ferndale Street Festival, to reduce their waste by promoting the implementation of recycling and the use of compostable products. Volunteers dedicated to reducing waste will be around during the festival to help out with this specific program and make a noticeable difference.

If you are interested in being involved with the Toward Zero Waste program, or just helping out with the festival in general, volunteers are still needed and would be much appreciated. Please contact Audrey if you are interested in helping out for a couple of hours.

Apply to be a part of the Festival of Fenders Car Show! It is already shaping up to be bigger than ever. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

The Festival of Fenders Car Show is also happening at the Street Festival again this year. In fact, it has become so popular that it is going to fill up an entire block of its own! If you have a classic or antique car you want to show off, apply online and join all the other car owners and lovers. Maybe you’ll even win a trophy!

The car show will be happening from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a duck race put on by the Rotary Club of Whatcom County North.

Kids attending the Ferndale Street Festival will be well taken care of, as they have an entire street dedicated to them with their own attractions and stage. Reptile Isle, a show done by a zoologist who specializes in exotic animals, will make an appearance on the kids’ stage. “He brings reptiles the kids can play with,” Audrey explains. “They love him.” There will also be a bouncy house, a petting zoo, kid’s zumba and music, just to name a few of the happenings. “We are putting together the whole nine yards,” she says.

The Whatcom County North Rotary Club will be hosting their annual Ducky Derby at the Ferndale Street Festival again this year. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

Your furry friend is welcome as well. This event is pet friendly and there will even be two-hour pet sitting available at the local groomer. Don’t leave anyone at home!

The Ferndale Street Festival claimed the titles of 2011, 2012 and 2016’s “Ferndale’s Best Community Event,” and with all that is in store for this year, you wouldn’t want to miss out. Downtown Ferndale is only a 15-minute drive from Bellingham. You don’t have to travel far to celebrate the last bit of summer with everyone else in the area.

For directions, more information and contacts, visit the Ferndale Street Festival’s website.

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Creating Great Summer Eats from Joe’s Gardens

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Joe’s Gardens, written by Kevin Coleman

Food really is an extension of happiness, and I love creating happiness with those around me. Cooking is a passion for me. I’m always looking for new things and recipes that my family will enjoy eating, while still being healthy. Because eating healthy is important for me, as well as buying local as much as possible, there are a few places that are staples for my kitchen and cooking needs. If you are looking to find great local produce then you need to head to Joe’s Gardens. I love my weekly visits there in the late spring and summer. Many times, you can find great inspiration in the produce they have. Not to mention the local flowers, eggs, honey and the odd and end things you can get at Joe’s Gardens all the time.

This dish is delicious and easy to make. Photo courtesy: Kevin Coleman.

This week, I found a number of things that I just had to have to create a great lettuce wrap with curry and yogurt chicken, and a mild peanut sauce. Not only is this meal fairly easy to prepare, but it’s also refreshing, colorful and can be served hot or cold. I prefer hot but to each their own. Plus, my two teenage boys like it. So that’s a parenting win anytime!

First, you want to get the produce. The produce is the key to overall freshness and taste. I found a great crispy romaine and a beautiful, purple variegated butter lettuce for my wraps. This is delicious combined in a huge garden salad as well on the side if you wish. It was also important to get some green onion, cilantro (optional for those non-cilantro folks), garlic, ginger, jalapeno (just in case I wanted to add to the peanut sauce) and a tomato for the chicken part of the dish.

I love this dish because of the various options you can create with it, as well as the easy prep and clean up. So, let’s get started!

You’ll find the perfect ingredients for great summer eats at Joe’s Gardens. Photo courtesy: Kevin Coleman.

Marinade:

Combine the yogurt, ginger, garlic and curry powder in a shallow mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Add salt and pepper for taste. Chop chicken up in bite size pieces and add to the bowl. Let the chicken and ingredients marinate for an hour or two in the refrigerator.

Cooking:

Take a sauté pan and add a little sesame oil and olive oil and get the pan really hot. Place the chicken mixture into the pan and start to cook. Add green onions and cilantro half way through the cooking to add more flavor. I personally like to add it to my yogurt and curry mixture and cook it all together. Some may prefer more crispness in their green onion and cilantro. Right before the chicken is completely done, add one chopped tomato and sprinkle a little feta on top. Cover and prep the lettuce leafs for the wraps.

Peanut Sauce:

Simply saute ingredients to perfection. Photo courtesy: Kevin Coleman.

Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, red chili paste, brown sugar, finely diced jalapeno and lime juice in a food processor or blender. Puree to combine. While the motor is running, drizzle in the hot water to thin out the sauce – you may not need all of it. Pour the sauce into a nice serving bowl and garnish with the chopped peanuts. (This is optional as well.)

Prep:

Take the lettuce leaves off one by one from the head and wash them. Then dry them with a paper towel. Put them into the refrigerator to crisp up. The larger lettuce leaves do great for that perfect burrito wrap style and feel. Put two spoonsful of chicken mixture onto the lettuce leaves and then drizzle the peanut sauce on it. (You can also have the peanut sauce to the side for dipping if you prefer.)

This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. Photo courtesy: Kevin Coleman.

Ingredients Needed

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 diced tomato
½ cup feta cheese
Olive and sesame oil for sautéing
Fresh butter or romaine lettuce leaves
½ cup diced fresh green onions
Fresh cilantro leaves

Marinade

1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt adds a little more tang if you want that taste.)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons curry powder

The key to this recipe is in the fresh produce. Photo courtesy: Kevin Coleman.

Peanut Sauce

1 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons red chili paste, such as sambal
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 jalapeno pepper
2 limes, juiced
1/2 cup hot water
1/4 cup chopped peanuts for garnish

This is one of many meals that are easy to make and create enough. You can get the whole family involved in the cooking. You also have the option to switch out the protein – beef for land lovers, jumbo prawns for those seafood lovers or a bean combination for those who are vegan. You can even create an entire platter of wraps for a summer outdoor gathering or a fun get together with friends and family. The options really are up to you and your creativity. So be sure to find the ingredients for your favorite summer eats at Joe’s Gardens—your local source for inspirational cuisine. Have fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking!

Marilynn Huffman Makes a Difference for Heart Patients

By

Tessa Kilcline - Intern from Bellingham High School

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Marilynn Huffman with Jessica — "I was privileged to introduce Jessica Rogers, prior to her recent heart transplant, as the winner of the Mended Hearts national award for her video telling about her experience with an LVAD (left ventricular assistance device) and how it had effected her and her life," Huffman says. Photo courtesy: Marilynn Huffman.

In December 2010, Marilynn Huffman was told that she needed heart surgery. Now, over six years later, she devotes herself to helping others who are going through the same experience.

Huffman advocates for heart patients and represents Mended Hearts at a Cardiac Nurses conference. Photo courtesy: Marilynn Huffman.

Mended Hearts is a, “peer to peer support group for heart patients and their caregivers.” Huffman is the president of Chapter 382 in Bellingham. It is a volunteer position and Huffman was elected for the first time in 2015 and for the second time in 2017. Prior to that, she held positions as secretary and vice president.

Huffman is present at meetings for the board of directors and at meetings for the members. The meetings are held monthly. Besides attending meetings, Huffman has a variety of jobs which she does in the hopes of carrying out the Mended Hearts mission to help patients. Often she seeks out opportunities to give presentations to hospital staff, service organizations and community members. Other parts of her job include interacting with Mended Hearts members, answering their questions and helping calm their fears.

In April 2017, Young Mended Hearts of Northwest Washington celebrated two years of making a difference in the lives of young heart patients in the northwest. Photo courtesy: Marilynn Huffman.

“After my own open heart surgery I found I could relate to the fears and anxiety people feel when they learn they have a serious heart issue,” Huffman explains. “I also realized that by helping others, I was helping myself.” Huffman devotes much of her time to helping others and she does it because she wants to, not for pay. Not only does she take time out of her schedule to visit members in the hospital after their surgeries, but she encourages others to make a difference in the lives of fellow heart patients.

In 2014, Mended Hearts had 50 volunteers through PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. These volunteers work with both heart patients and their families and caregivers. Many make a difference through Young Mended Hearts, which is a Mended Hearts group aimed specifically at younger people, from their teens to their forties. Younger heart patients often have different concerns than older heart patients because they are in a different phase of life. Young Mended Hearts recognizes these differences and needs and makes sure to give people of all ages the support that they need. In order to help people in a variety of circumstances and phases of life, former heart patients and caregivers volunteer through both Mended Hearts and Young Mended Hearts. For Huffman, it is inspiring to see these former heart patients and caregivers help others after their own experiences.

“I was privileged to introduce Jessica Rogers, prior to her recent heart transplant, as the winner of the Mended Hearts national award for her video telling about her experience with an LVAD (left ventricular assistance device) and how it had affected her and her life,” Huffman says. Photo courtesy: Marilynn Huffman.

“Our members make Mended Hearts and Young Mended Hearts special,” Huffman says. “They are people who have faced challenges either as patients or their caregivers, risen to that challenge and now want to make a difference in the lives of others.” Mended Hearts members come together to express concerns, share ideas and encourage one another. It is a special group, where people come to support one another and feel supported in return.

Members also receive another form of support through guest speakers who come to meetings. Cardiologists and other doctors share their knowledge, answer questions and clear up misconceptions. These sessions are free of charge and open to all.

Huffman draws extreme satisfaction from helping people. Through her position at Mended Hearts, she is able to extend her helping hand to a large group of people. Huffman reflects, “When I leave a patient’s hospital room, answer a call from a frightened patient, leave a meeting with hospital staff and most especially leave a Young Mended Hearts meeting, I know that I am doing exactly what I am meant to do.”

Whatcom Women: Jan Hayes of Domistyle Design Makes Residential Design Bold and Sustainable

By

Patricia Herlevi

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Hayes' designs portray the intersection where vintage meets modern technology. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

In Bellingham, historic houses await new and veteran home-buyers. And often these home-buyers remodel the vintage bathrooms and kitchens in the Craftsman, Victorian and mid-century homes. While some home owners slap on white paint and cover the wood floors with gray carpet, Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer Jan Hayes shows up with color swatches to get home owners to think outside of the box. She asks them to be bold and splash darker colors on their walls.

When I visited Hayes’ home where her Domistyle Design business is located, she mentioned that gray is her least favorite color. Hayes inspires her clients to brave the color spectrum. “We love color. And we use color. It’s not uncommon to come into a situation where the clients have three examples of off-white.”

Jan Hayes home features darker tones (featured in the 2016 Sustainable Connections Home and Landscape Tour). Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

Her living room features reds, browns and a blue accent that appears on the hearth. As far as materials, Hayes said that granite is on its way out and quartz and quartzite are trending. And for the budget-conscious homeowner, Hayes mentioned that laminates provide substitutes for wood and stone. Most people can’t even tell the difference between laminate and the natural materials.

Hayes’ design team includes Thea Stephens, who Hayes has worked with since 1982, and Anne Carmichael who came on board in 2016 by way of a design school in Denver. During my interview with Hayes, Carmichael worked on her design in the downstairs office—soft jazz wafting in the background. The basement office afforded an expansive view of the foothills and forest where Happy Valley intersects with the Chuckanuts. This setting no doubt inspires the rustic and vintage designs associated with Domistyle.

Hayes relocated to Whatcom County 35 years ago. She worked for Sash and Door and A-1 Builders/Adaptations Design Studio before launching her own residential building design firm. In addition, she brought her expertise to her own homes, including her latest 2,300 square foot residence.

“We love color. And we use color,” says Jan Hayes of Domistyle Design. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

“My first house was designed together with my husband in my early 20’s. We then built and designed two more houses with a break to remodel one 1910 house,” says Hayes.

Hayes relocated to Happy Valley from a 4,000 square foot Silver Beach home that overlooked Lake Whatcom. While she misses the lake views, a current view from her kitchen and deck overlooks a greenbelt that stretches toward the foothills.

And across the street from her front door, the Larrabee Elementary School provides a historic landmark of Bellingham’s past. While Hayes designed her current home from scratch (Moceri Construction built the house), it possesses a vintage or classic look. And it fits like a hand in a glove with the Craftsman and Victorian homes that pepper Happy Valley. It’s no wonder that Sustainable Connections selected Hayes’ home to appear in the Sustainable Connections Home and Landscape Tour for 2016.

Newest designer with Domistyle Design, Anne Carmichael enjoys the view from the basement office. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

And while the publicity from the tour provides a boon, Hayes and her design team keep on their toes as they experience a steady flow of clients. “We work with an average of 15-20 clients at any one time. Some only require one to two meetings, others require months of meetings, technical drawings, engineering and specifications,” says Hayes.

The clients range from age 35 to 80. And no matter the age of the client, Hayes designs for aging in place—a popular concept both with residential building designers and architects. The clients come from as far away as Hong Kong and England. And many of the clients come from a listing on Houzz—a competitive directory for the design and construction trades.

“Houzz represents perhaps 10 percent of our clients at present. The work requested can be for design work for a new house, additions and remodeling existing space – often involving kitchens and bathrooms. Interior and exterior color consultations are often requested. We do not hire contractors. We can provide many types of materials that relate to this design work, from surface materials for countertops and floors, fabrics and window treatments, light fixtures, cabinets and furniture,” says Hayes.

Hayes’ designs portray the intersection where vintage meets modern technology. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

While Hayes has her eye focused on retirement, she said that the design business is in capable hands with Stephens and Carmichael for when she retires. As we watched Carmichael work with the CAD program on her large screen, Hayes mentioned that she still prefers designing by pencil as opposed to design software—not that any clients are complaining.

Hayes’ designs are turning heads and changing minds, especially around imaginative colors used in the interiors of Pacific Northwest homes. And for the time being, Hayes enjoys coming up with solutions for homeowners. “I love spatial puzzles. The 3D considerations of residential design are what make it fun for me. The payoff is the satisfaction the results give our clients.”

Neighborhood Notes: The Lynden Toy Store That’s the Bee’s Knees

By

Daniel Meyer

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Bumblebees Kids 2 — Bumblebees Kids opening up shop for the day. Photo credit: Daniel Meyer.

When Rick and Jenny Meyer took over ownership of the Lynden toy store Bumblebees Kids in 2012, they were excited to own a store that had been a part of Lynden for so long. They also saw a lot of potential.

They began making changes as they settled into their new business. First, they rebranded Bumblebees Kids’ logo to give it a more modern and fun feel to freshen up the store’s vibe. Then, they relocated to the Fairway Shopping Center and set up shop right next to Surroundings and The Woods Coffee. They saw an increase in traffic immediately and have enjoyed the new location.

Bumblebees Kids is nestled between The Woods Coffee and Surroundings on Front Street in Lynden. Photo credit: Daniel Meyer.

“It’s great having Surroundings next door. Moving to this location brought in some more traffic and about doubled our floor space which allows us a lot more variety in what we carry,” says Rick.

That wasn’t the only perk. Jenny adds, “I love being next to Woods Coffee. It’s nice to have coffee next door. It’s the greatest thing!”

Both rebranding and relocating were good moves for Bumblebees Kids. The other big change came in the types of toys, games and clothes they chose to carry. According to the Meyers, choosing what products to carry is one of the most fun aspects of owning a toy shop. For guidance, the Meyers continuously seek wisdom and insight from their grandchildren. “We have our grandkids look through and mark our toy catalogs to tell us what they think would be fun and neat to sell at Bumblebees. We figure kids are a good resource for deciding what kids would like best,” says Jenny.

Yes, Bumblebees Kids carries plenty of Fidget Spinners to meet the high demand for the latest toy craze. Photo credit: Daniel Meyer.

They also decide by talking with their customers, especially those seeking a particular product that may not yet be carried in the store. On some occasions, they’ve even found great products just by keeping their eyes open and seeing kids playing with something they don’t yet carry. For example, while at a wedding, the Meyers saw a little boy playing with a toy called Automoblox during the rehearsal. They ordered them soon after and continue to carry them in the store today.

Rick adds, “We want our selection of toys and games to be unique, well-made and fun focused. We also want to carry what our local customers want. Our goal is to save folks from having to leave Lynden to find a gift.”

The Meyers have really enjoyed owning a small business and a lot of that seems to be because Lynden is such a tight-knit community. Rick mentions the fact that there are many community-focused events right around where their shop is located. These include the Lighted Christmas Parade and Fairway Center Date Night in the winter and the Northwest Washington Fair in the summer. There’s always something fun coming up to look forward to.

Bumblebees Kids opening up shop for the day. Photo credit: Daniel Meyer.

It’s easy to sense that the aspect the Meyers most enjoy about owning and operating Bumblebees Kids is the customers they serve. “The people of Whatcom County are great people to have as our customers. We’re really glad we get to have a store like this in a town like this. They’re good people,” says Jenny.

The Meyers are thankful for their community and for the strides Bumblebees Kids has made thus far. Currently, they’re looking forward to the new supply of toys and clothes they have coming in for this summer season.

To find out more about Bumblebees Kids you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bumblebeeslynden or just stop by at 1758 on Front Street in Lynden and say, “Hi!”

Community—A Handshake Away

By

Kenneth Clarkson

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Arlen Coiley operates a hand-pulled espresso machine at Handshake Coffee's mobile coffee bar. Photo courtesy: Arlen Coiley.

Ah, the era of mobile food service. Throughout the last decade, we have seen an influx of food trucks, pop-ups and bars on wheels burst onto the food and beverage scene. This new fad combines the idea of convenience with that of community. The proprietors of these literal “meals on wheels” set up anywhere and everywhere to share their product with the world. From farmers’ markets to neighborhood gatherings, breweries to music festivals, you’re bound to run into a pop-up food or beverage stand somewhere. Arlen Coiley of Handshake Coffee aims to take the movement one step further, using his mobile coffee bar to forge relationships between the coffee drinker and the local coffee roaster.

Handshake Coffee is a mobile business unlike any other. Not only is Coiley’s company one of the few transportable coffee bars, but it is also a business with a clear goal – connect people with others around them. Think about it. When is the last time you stopped to ask where your coffee was from? Just like every person, every product has a story and Handshake Coffee is there to help tell it.

Handshake Coffee’s mobile cart set up at Maritime Heritage Park in Bellingham, WA. Photo courtesy: Arlen Coiley.

“I love the pop-up business model. It is truly an amazing outlet. I’ve learned so many different things through pop-up business,” Coiley says.

Coiley has been an active member of the food service industry for many years, most recently as one of the chefs at Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine in Deming, WA. A stalwart of the Bellingham community, he graduated with a degree in ethnic gastronomy and a minor in entrepreneurship from Western Washington University.

The idea for the small-scale specialty roaster came shortly after Coiley travelled to Central America for three months. During his travels, he and a friend visited coffee farms and developed relationships with the local farmers. Upon returning to Bellingham, he enrolled in Western Washington University’s newly created entrepreneurship minor. The program calls for students to create their own small business. Coiley settled on Handshake Coffee for his business proposal but it wasn’t his first idea.

“The very first idea I pitched for the minor was to create a waterfront restaurant in Bellingham called the Salish Circle,” Coiley says. “As more time went by I thought about my trip to Central America and realized I wanted my business to be involved with the coffee trade,” he says.

Arlen Coiley operates a hand-pulled espresso machine at Handshake Coffee’s mobile coffee bar. Photo courtesy: Arlen Coiley.

Handshake Coffee’s original idea was to serve as a local coffee roaster that only sold bags of coffee. Coiley wanted to establish a relationship with farmers and then help sell their high-quality product. Handshake’s first incarnation operated on this platform for a while but Coiley wasn’t satisfied with the model. He wanted more. After some frustration and a few trips back to the drawing board he came up with the idea to not only establish relationships with the farmers, but to create meaningful connections with the people drinking the coffee.

“One day in the spring of 2016 I grabbed my barbecue, a table and my coffee gear and set up downtown,” he says. “I knew my strengths laid in meeting and interacting with people, so it was logical that a mobile coffee bar was the next step for Handshake Coffee.”

Using pour over and aeropress methods of brewing for their coffee, Handshake Coffee ensures no one cup of coffee is the same. In addition, the coffee bar is a great staging area for conversation. When you walk up to the coffee bar, not only do you get a fresh cup of hand-ground locally roasted coffee, but you interact with community members you may have never encountered before. Coiley dubs it his “coffee theater.” Coiley uses social media to announce when and where Handshake Coffee’s mobile coffee bar will be located at on certain days.

Handshake Coffee’s mobile coffee bar set up at the Alternative Library in Bellingham, WA. Photo courtesy: Arlen Coiley.

“I want to create spaces and events that are positive for everyone involved,” he says. “Community support is one of the most important things and Handshake Coffee is built on the idea of human interaction.”

Right now, the name of the game in the food industry is hyperlocal, and Handshake Coffee is most certainly a player. With all roasts coming from various local roasters, or Coiley’s own private roasts, he wants to connect his customers with the many great coffee producers in their area. And if you find that one of the roasts quickly enters you into a state of caffeine-fueled bliss, you’ll be happy to know that Handshake Coffee sells roasts by the bag. After visiting Handshake’s coffee bar, you may just walk away with your new favorite coffee blend.

Coiley is a man with many ideas and what it means to be Handshake Coffee keeps expanding. With an eye on the future he plans on Handshake becoming a hub to help future entrepreneurs. He will be using a 3D printer to create more mobile carts and will then sell the carts to other small business owners and offer instructional courses on mobile entrepreneurial endeavors.

“I want to see real change in our business models and in the community,” Coiley says. “Active collective participation in your local economy is what will bring people together and allow them to work side by side.”

Whatcom County Weekend Events for July 21—23

By

Events Editor

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Hallelujah! Another wonderful weekend is upon us! So much to see. So much to do. But where to start? I’d recommend you start by checking out these fun Whatcom County weekend events, including our great local farmers’ markets. Don’t forget to check our full events calendar for all the great local happenings this weekend.

Contribute to a legacy project with the Deming Community Quilt Project.
Root for your favorite Hogwarts house at Quidditch Fest.
Go behind the scenes at Mount Baker Theatre’s Embark! Open House.
Cheer on the Bellingham Bells.
Check out BAAY’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone.
Take an interest in local government at the Bellingham City Council Meeting.
Learn how to make no-bake summer desserts.
Forage for Fun.
Stock up on fresh, locally grown, healthy produce at the Ferndale Farmers Market, Bellingham Farmers Market and Twin Sisters Farmers Market.
Try some delicious Ethiopian Food.
Indulge in some classic summer activities.
Take the family out to eat at these delicious and affordable local restaurants.
Jump in the water and go for a swim.
Set sail.
Hit the trails for some of the best mountain biking in the state.
Hike the great outdoors.

Up Next Weekend:

WhatcomTalk aims to be your source for positive information and events happening in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and throughout Whatcom County. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@whatcomtalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Bellingham and the surrounding area, visit our events calendar. To submit an event of your own, visit our events calendar and click on the green “Post Your Event” button.

Main photo credit: Jodi Broughton

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham – Bellingham’s Pet Friendly Hotel

By

Sara Holodnick

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park and fly at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham — This property is located within walking distance of the Bellingham airport. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham.

Traveling with pets is easy with the generous pet policy at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham, the area’s newest full-service hotel. Conveniently nestled between Interstate 5 and Bellingham International Airport, hotel guests could easily walk to catch their flight or explore the best of what Whatcom County has to offer. And because the Holiday Inn brand promises to champion the joy of travel for everyone, the new hotel has been developed to create a guest experience that is comfortable for anyone – including pet owners.

Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham’s friendly hotel staff will provide dog owners with a dog goodie bag upon check-in that includes a water bowl, leash, waste bags and treats. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham is the first new build that has embraced the company’s H4 Solution. Representing Happiness, Hospitality, Home and Holiday Inn, H4 design provides a home away from home atmosphere for travelers of all backgrounds. This makes it especially comfortable for folks who like to travel with their four-legged friends. After all, what makes a pet owner feel happier and more at home than being with their furry travel buddy?

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham’s pet friendly hotel staff will provide dog owners with a dog goodie bag upon check-in that includes a water bowl, leash, waste bags and treats. You and your dog will feel right at home. “Man’s best friend is welcome here and we try to give them rooms on the second floor so they can access the outside easier,” shared General Manager Ragan Humphrey. “We have a designated pet area for them to visit as the need arises as well as many areas to walk in the immediate vicinity.”

Pets aren’t allowed to be left unattended but that doesn’t mean you need to be confined to your room. Bellingham is full of attractions for you and your dog, including a bunch of off-leash parks, a pet-friendly tavern and plenty of dog-friendly hikes. And when you and your pet are ready to take a break in your room, you can take advantage of high-quality goodies delivered right to your door. northwater Chef Christy has even created a pet room service menu. That’s right: You don’t have to feel guilty for chowing down on that dry aged pork chop in front of your pet since they can eat their own gourmet treats!

And you and your pet are sure to get a good night’s rest in the ultra-quiet hotel. “When designing this property we opted to install a much higher quality and very sound proof window to minimize outside noise typically assumed with a hotel next to an airport,” shared Humphrey. “We continue to receive great guest feedback about how quiet our rooms are, especially being next to the airport and near the freeway.”

Rest easy while you travel with your pet at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham, located at 4260 Mitchell Way in Bellingham – just steps away from the Bellingham International Airport terminal. Reservations can be made now on their website or by calling 360-746-6844.

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