Learn about Food, Wine and Wellness at Community Food Co-op’s Healthy Connections Classes

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healthy connections class annalee dunn-1890 — Healthy Connections classes are taught by engaging and knowledgable instructors. Photo courtesy: Community Food Co-op.

When you think of Community Food Co-op, you probably think of fresh, local produce and a bevy of natural food and wellness products. But you might not realize that they also offer dozens of Healthy Connections classes on a monthly basis, all of which are open to the public. “Our Healthy Connections classes include everything from beer tasting and wine sampling to gourmet cooking,” shared Community Food Co-op Outreach Manager Adrienne Renz.

Community Food Co-op offers a variety of enriching classes. Photo courtesy: Community Food Co-op.

Community Food Co-op has offered Healthy Connections classes for many years but their offerings have expanded with the addition of their beautiful Local Roots Room and Healthy Connections Building classroom.

“We’ve partnered with Whatcom Community College on food and wine classes since 2009,” shared Renz. “Classes are open to everyone and they’re variable prices depending on experience. We also have kids’ classes in the summer.” Whatcom Community College’s quarterly mailer lists the classes, and a calendar is also available online.

Talented instructors from all backgrounds teach classes catered to just about any interest. “We end up getting quite a few experts at their craft,” shared Renz. “I’d say Hayley is a coffee guru. Robert Fong, who used to own the Pacific Café, offers super popular classes. Coco from Elizabeth Station does beer sampling so people can learn about beer.”

Healthy Connections classes are taught by engaging and knowledgable instructors. Photo courtesy: Community Food Co-op.

Two Beer Tasting 101 classes in July will focus on summer beers and IPAs. Participants will learn about the history of the styles, food pairings, proper glassware and tasting notes in a fun and easy-going setting. Instructor Coco Ryan is a beer educator and enthusiast who works at Elizabeth Station, so participants are sure to get valuable insight from an enthusiastic teacher.

It’s that enthusiasm from instructors that makes Healthy Connections classes at Community Food Co-op so engaging. “We look for people who are passionate in their fields,” Renz said.

Sometimes they don’t have to go far to find capable instructors. “As a Co-op employee it’s nice because I get to see some of my regular customers in a different setting,” shared Cordata Assistant Cafe/Deli Manager and Healthy Connections Workshop Instructor Hayley Forney. As Community Food Co-op’s resident coffee guru, Forney teaches classes about coffee extraction methods and how to use them at home. During her July class, Cold Brew Coffee with Hayley, Forney will demonstrate how to cold brew coffee and how to concoct a couple different drinks participants can make at home.

Healthy Connections classes are fun and educational. Photo courtesy: Community Food Co-op.

“As someone who really loves coffee and has gathered a lot of information about coffee, it’s a great opportunity to nerd out,” she shared. But as much as she’s learned about the art and science of coffee, Forney also looks forward to what she can learn when instructing a Healthy Connections class. “I love sharing what I know with our co-op and community members but I learn a lot too. This is probably my favorite part about teaching a class – learning so much from the students attending. It’s more of a collaboration between me and the people taking the class.”

Interested in signing up for a Healthy Connections class? Check the online calendar and register online. There are courses for anyone, from kids to kids at heart.

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Summer Comic Relief: Up Close in Mount Baker Theatre’s Harold & Irene Walton Theatre

By

Lorraine Wilde

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PlymouthPlay mount baker theatre — "Help! My Husband has Gone Missing, My Daughter is Getting Married and I’m having Hot Flashes," starring Kimberly Richards is hilarious. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

Located in the Downtown Bellingham Arts District, Mount Baker Theatre (MBT) showcases some of the best live performing artists on both the professional and community level. But did you know MBT encompasses three venues? In addition to the architectural treasure that is the Main Stage and the community-friendly Encore Room, MBT’s Harold & Irene Walton Theatre is the perfect venue to take in a world-class show up close and personal.

This August, audiences will have at least two chances to experience a little summer comic relief with multiple shows by two solo performers. Each show turns a clever eye on everything we know and think about men and women in our shifting culture.

If you’ve ever been confused and amused by the opposite sex, or your own sex for that matter, you’ll love these upcoming one-person comedy shows. Each pokes fun at the differences—and similarities—between the sexes. From their own unique point of view, each looks at the wacky yet common milestones in our diverse life experiences.

Help! My Husband has Gone Missing, My Daughter is Getting Married and I’m having Hot Flashes Starring Kimberly Richards

This August, MBT will host the gut-busting one-woman play, “Help! My Husband has Gone Missing, My Daughter is Getting Married, and I’m having Hot Flashes,” by one of England’s most exciting and popular playwrights, Louise Roche.

Having just survived her 50th birthday, Barbara has been thinking about many things, including the merits of Spanx and Botox. We follow her emotional, side-splitting journey through life as a modern middle-aged woman.

Award-winning actress, aerialist, choreographer, comedienne, dancer, director and illusionist Kimberly Richards has been playing the insightful Barbara since 2012.

Although this show is perfect for a girl’s night out, men will also appreciate this funny and tender look at life through the eyes of an older woman. Audiences have eight rollicking shows to choose from in MBT’s Walton Theatre between August 10 and 20.

Robert Dubac’s The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?

The best humorists make us laugh by drawing our attention to the everyday absurdities that surround us. Robert Dubac’s humor is informed by his diverse background in show business. He was a film and television actor who also performed on a soap opera, worked as a television writer and was a stand-up comedian.

He’s melded the best of those experiences to create the clever combination of theater and stand-up comedy, “The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?” The show was described as,“Hilarious … a one man tour de force!” by The New York Times.

Dubac explores social mores, political ideas and the complexity of the human experience by shifting effortlessly between several unique characters. Each contributes in their own way as they tell Bobby’s story. Bobby just doesn’t understand women. Everything he has learned about them, he’s learned from other men—men who are just as clueless as he is, handing down the same lack of expertise, generation after generation.

“As Bobby grows older and becomes more mature, he tries to figure out what women want. He gets lots of advice from the bone-head friends he grew up with,” explains Dubac. “Some of the characters are chauvinists who think they’ve got it all figured out. Although limited in their points of view, the little kernels of truth within each make us laugh—both at them and at ourselves.”

Dubac originally began developing the seeds of this show back in the late 1990’s and it has evolved gradually ever since as he’s toured around the world. Some may remember that the show came to Bellingham more than eight years ago but Dubac isn’t worried that someone seeing it twice wouldn’t enjoy it. “The men I know don’t remember half of a show by the time they get to the car,” Dubac says. “Couples love this show because they see themselves and parts of their own relationships in the characters. The humor is in the way we think about and approach relationships. How we respect that other person we’re involved with.”

Audiences of any age will laugh out loud at these insightful, witty characters. With five shows to choose from between August 23 and 27, there are many chances to take in this hilarious hit.

The Beauty of the One-Person Show in Walton Theatre

In the more intimate setting that the Harold & Irene Walton Theatre provides, you’ll feel like you’ve personally met and laughed with each comedian. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

In the more intimate setting that Walton provides, you’ll feel like you’ve personally met and laughed with each comedian. Since it’s still equipped with state-of-the-art acoustics, sound and lighting, you get the benefits of a larger venue while still being close to the action. Solo performers also get used to carrying all the weight, making their shows shine as they perfect their craft.

Even before “Help! My Husband has Gone Missing, My Daughter is Getting Married, and I’m having Hot Flashes,” Richards was no stranger to the one-woman show. Since 2005, she’s given over 700 performances as “Sister” in the one-woman show, “Late Night Catechism,” garnering her an Outstanding Performance Award, two Drama-Logue awards and three Dean Goodman Choice awards.

To Dubac, a one-person show is a double-edged sword. “It’s great because you get to massage and work a piece that focuses on what you think is important. If it works, the success is yours. But if it doesn’t, it’s up to you to go back to the drawing board.”

Whether you relate to Richard’s portrayal of Barbara’s uplifting journey that includes menopause or to the elements of truth buried in Dubac’s absurd archetypal characters, these uproarious, cozy summer shows in MBT’s Walton Theatre will guarantee lots of laughter and self-reflection for you, your partner and pals.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-733-5793
Tickets: 360-734-6080
www.mountbakertheatre.com

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Sehome Earns Third Consecutive State Scholastic Cup

By

Grant Clark

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sehome softball — The Mariners' softball team collected points by advancing to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Photo courtesy: Sehome High School.

The trophy case at Sehome High School should be in line for a much-needed expansion this summer as available space continues to shrink.

The Mariners capped the school year by claiming yet another Scholastic Cup, winning their third consecutive title in the 2A classification.

The Sehome boys’ soccer team finished third in the state academically this year. Photo courtesy: Sehome High School.

Presented by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and Washington Army National Guard, the annual Scholastic Cup is a year-long competition based on athletics, academics and sportsmanship with points awarded in sporting events and activities throughout the year.

Sehome, which finished with 1,490 total points, was joined by Mead (4A), Interlake (3A), Freeman (1A), Northwest Christian (Colbert) (2B) and Almira Coulee Harline (1B) as state Scholastic Cup champions.

The Mariners’ point total was 145 more than runner-up Selah and 410 higher than Liberty of Issaquah’s third-place finish.

Sehome’s total for this year represents the fourth highest ever in the 2A ranks. Connell (2004-05) holds the top spot with 1,545 points with Archbishop Murphy (2009-10) posting the second highest total with 1,520.

The Mariners also own the third spot on the list, registering 1,515 points during the 2007-08 school year.

Sehome High School won its third consecutive 2A Scholastic Cup championship this year. One of the highlights for the Mariners was the girls’ track and field team which won both state athletic and academic titles. Photo courtesy: Grant Clark.

This year’s Scholastic Cup title was the sixth all-time for Sehome – top among 2A schools.

It also places the Mariners in a very rare fraternity as they join nine-time winners Mercer Island (3A) and Kings (1A), seven-time champion Bear Creek School (2B) and Mead, which also collected its sixth title this year, as the only schools in the state to earn six or more Scholastic Cup titles.

Last year Sehome edged Selah by a mere 10 points to notch Scholastic Cup No. 5.

This year the margin of victory over the Vikings was far more significant as the Mariners collected points in a variety of activities with a strong balance between athletics and academics.

Sehome earned points in 11 athletic events, highlighted by three state championships.

Sehome’s boys’ cross country won its fifth consecutive state crown with seven runners at the state meet registering an average time of 16 minutes, 39.8 seconds. Three runners, including senior Bruce Johnson (ninth overall, 16:27.2), senior Logan Franey (18th, 16:36.6) and sophomore Reed Smith (19th, 16:36.6), placed in the top 20.

The Sehome baseball squad also excelled in the classroom, placing fourth academically in the state. Photo courtesy: Sehome High School.

Over the past 11 seasons, the Mariners have won seven boys’ cross country state titles and placed second four times.

The boys’ tennis squad was also able to successfully defend their state crown after receiving second-place finishes at the state tournament from singles Shane Lynette and doubles Darren Ma and William Zhang.

The girls’ track and field team, which nipped Fife, 57.5-52, to secure the overall team title, showed off its brains and brawns as the Mariners also took home the state academic title (3.823 GPA). Sehome received individual state championships from junior Mary Carbee (shot put and discus) and senior Abby Johnson (3,200).

Sehome also finished third in girls’ cross country, fourth in girls’ tennis and seventh in both gymnastics and girls’ bowling.

Academically, the Mariners won state titles with their dance and drill team and in gymnastics. The 18-member dance and drill team, coached by Selena Storey, finished with a combined GPA of 3.598, while the Stephanie Mullins-coached gymnastics team had a GPA of 3.681.

The Mariners’ softball team collected points by advancing to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Photo courtesy: Sehome High School.

Additional top three state academic placings for Sehome include second-place finishes in boys’ tennis and boys’ wrestling and third-place finishes in girls’ bowling, choir, orchestra and boys’ soccer.

Points are also awarded for sportsmanship with teams suffering substantial point reductions for ejections from contests. The Mariners earned 25 points for sportsmanship, the highest total a school could receive.

Bellingham (635 points) finished 12th among 63 schools in the 2A ranks, while Lynden was 17th.

Squalicum (595) came in 16th in the 3A classification. The Storm captured the academic state championship in girls’ soccer with a team GPA of 3.830 and girls’ tennis with a 3.918.

Lynden Christian finished second in the 1A Scholastic Cup standings. The Lynx were the state academic champions in fastpitch. Photo courtesy: Lynden Christian High School.

Lynden Christian earned a second-place finish in 1A with 1,160 points – a mere 15 points shy of matching the total posted by state champion Freeman. It marks the third time the Lynx have finished as the runner-up in the Scholastic Cup.

Lynden Christian also produced three state academic champions, taking top honors in soft ball (3.799 GPA), band (3.691) and orchestra (3.637).

Train, Compete, Recuperate, Repeat—Restorative Therapies at Still Life Massage and Float

By

Janine Johnson

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restorative therapies at Still Life Massage — Medical massage accounts for 90 percent of Still Life Massage and Float's massage practice. Photo courtesy: Still Life Massage and Float.

From the age of 17 I have been running to keep healthy. It is normal for me to do, on average, four miles a day five times a week. It is also normal for me to do zero miles a day seven times a week. My mileage has always been a direct reflection of both my work status and the weather. If I am home and it is nice, I’ll head out for a jog.

recuperative therapies at Still Life Massage — Still Life Massage and Float is a sponsor of The Lake Whatcom Triathlon, an olympic-distance race to be held July 15. Photo credit: Marc Blake, Lake Whatcom Triathlon.

At my peak performance, I could routinely complete 13-mile jogs at a pretty good clip, always on my way to that half-marathon goal. I have, however, never actually entered a half marathon. I have not run a race since 7th-grade track and field when I would be physically sick every time I stepped up to the start line. But training like a racer is a great motivator for me even if I never pin a number to my running shirt.

Currently, my fake-half-marathon training is being replaced by long walks pushing a stroller to get my baby to sleep, short sprints to catch my two-year-old as she breaks free of my hand in a busy parking lot, and scrambles over playground equipment to maintain relevance with my four-year-old. It’s been months since I stepped into my running shoes. But lately it feels like everyone around me is talking about the Lake Whatcom Triathlon, which is being held for the first time this year, and I was inspired. Plus, I am always home now. And the weather is starting to improve. So I started running again a few days ago.

Ouch. I only got halfway into what was meant to be a relaxed mile jog followed by a brisk mile walk home. I am not at peak performance. I am also nowhere near 17. I am 37. I think my training is going to be a little different these days and I wonder if there are ways I could be more careful with and kind to my body.

Who better to talk to about protecting your body during training than an avid swimmer/cyclist/runner? I called up Marc Blake, the lead organizer of the Lake Whatcom Triathlon, which he was motivated to start due to the popularity of the Lake Padden Triathlon, the absence of any Olympic-distance event of its kind in our area and, mostly, his love of organizing a community. I think we can all agree that a guy who spends time not only competing in, but organizing Olympic-distance triathlons is an accomplished athlete.

So I asked Marc what he does to keep his body safe and strong for intense training and competing. Turns out, he’s also self-deprecating. “I’m an older athlete now and recovery is important to be able to train for the next event,” he tells me. In addition to plenty of rest, he explains that most competitors will seek out recuperative therapies. Many of Whatcom County’s athletic set turn to restorative therapies at Still Life Massage and Float to aid in race recuperation.

A sponsor of the Lake Whatcom Triathlon, Still Life’s owners Shannon and Tim Fuller are fully rooted to the community’s wellness. Their livelihood is inextricably linked to the physical activity of our community. They want to help you exercise healthier, longer and with confidence. Whether you need simple relaxation, a meditative float or a vigorous massage to aid injury treatment, Still Life has the highly trained, skilled staff to help you. “We are 90 percent medical massage,” Shannon tells me.

This is the draw for an athlete like Nick Kelly, a competitive paddler, who frequents the clinic as a “pre and post-race thing.” He tells me that often after a race it can feel like he’s been beaten up—there are just so many parts at work. For Nick, Still Life “speeds the healing.”

But Shannon and Tim want to be clear about something. Still Life Massage and Float is not only for triathletes and marathoners recuperating from an event. They help people like me too. Shannon is quick to tell me that many of her clients come from the popular Love to Move Studioz, which offers Zumba, yoga, Pound, belly dancing and personal training to teens and septuagenarians alike. “We work them out and they relax them,” says owner and personal trainer Alicia Kennemer, who is a regular for both massage and float treatment at Still Life. There is a reciprocity from these area businesses. They fuel each other. And their missions are remarkably similar — “To work our bodies in an intuitive and focused way,” as Alicia puts it.

And as this “older athlete” sees it, there is no excuse for not lacing up those running shoes today. A little discomfort in the name of health and wellbeing can easily be fixed with a restorative session at Still Life.

Still Life Massage and Float
19 Bellwether Way #101
Bellingham
stilllifemassage.com

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Haggen Family 4th of July—A Community Tradition

By

Jennifer Dodge

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Haggen family 4th of july celebration Little girl with cow.2 — Little Ava looks forward to seeing her cow every year. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

Ask little 4-year old Ava about her favorite part of the Haggen Family 4^th of July Celebration and she squints her big blue eyes, scrunches her little nose and belts out a loud, “mooooo!” Her mom laughs and explains that Ava was fascinated by the miniature cow at the Haggen booth at last year’s festival. “July 4th is traditionally a community celebration and we wanted Ava to be exposed to community celebrations at a young age. And you can see that it made an impression,” said her mother with a proud smile.

Little Ava looks forward to seeing her cow every year. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

The Bellingham community is once again gearing up for the annual 4th of July celebration, which has been a staple for nearly thirty years. This annual event features a 3×3 basketball tournament, festival, children’s games, live music, a beer garden and fireworks thanks to a partnership between The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, Haggen Northwest Fresh and the Port of Bellingham.

Zuanich Point Park at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham is the hot spot for fun activities starting at 11:00 a.m. on the 4^th of July. The event begins with the Haggen Hoop It Up 3 x 3 basketball tournament. Anyone 8 years old and older can compete. The entry fee ranges from $100 – $140 depending on age and talent level. Anyone interested in signing up can do so at haggen.com/hoopitup.

fourth july bellingham — The Haggen Fourth of July celebration has been happening for almost two decades.

“We’re really excited to announce that we’ve added a Special Olympics division to Hoop It Up this year,” said Shelli Jones, Marketing Coordinator for the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce. “It’s our goal to make the tournament accessible for anyone who wants to participate.”

From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., there will be Olde Time Games for kids including potato sack races and Hula Hoop races. Kids of all ages will enjoy these timeless games.

Starting at 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., there will be vendor booths and food trucks including Delicious Mischief, Street Dogz, Jeckyl & Hyde BBQ and Ale House, Excellent Kettle Corn, Reeds Reindeer Dogz, Lindsay’s Crazy for Kettle Corn and so much more! “There’s more food choices than one person can eat!” Jones said.

Haggen’s Hoop It Up 3×3 basketball tournament is one of the highlights of the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

The live music program will include the great sounds of the Bellingham Youth Band at 12:30 p.m., the Chris Eger band at 2:30 p.m., Baby Cakes at 5:30 p.m., and the 133D Army National Guard Band “Full Metal Racket Rock Band” at 8:30 p.m.

For those looking for an adult beverage, the Boundary Bay Brewery beer garden opens at 2:00 p.m. in the Squalicum Boathouse.

Attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or use the free passenger shuttles that will be available from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Bellingham High School is the Bellair Charters shuttle pick-up with the drop-off at the CityMac parking lot by the entrance to Squalicum Harbor. You can then walk over to the event using the pedestrian path.

The Haggen Family 4th of July includes lots of fun games for the kids. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

The event closes with the anticipated fireworks show scheduled to begin around 10:30 p.m. Featuring Port Gardner/Wolverine West Fireworks and Head Pyrotechnician John Fisher for the 27th straight year, the fireworks will be another amazing display of dynamic color and showmanship.

“Stop by and bring your family for a day of fun, food and fireworks.” Jones encouraged.

See you at Zuanich Point Park at Squalicum Harbor for the annual Haggen Family 4^th of July Celebration!

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Summer at the Bellingham Sportsplex

By

Jennifer Dodge

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Whatcom Sports and Recreation Bellingham Sportsplex — The Learn to Skate program is the perfect way to stay cool and develop a skill. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Sports and Recreation.

Every day at the Bellingham Sportsplex is different, particularly now with all the fun summer programs being offered. From Bocce Ball for seniors to ice skating camps, the Bellingham Sportsplex definitely has something for everyone. It is the perfect place to keep busy during the summer months.

spring break camp bellingham — Kids stay active during the Sportsplex Youth Activity Camp. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Sportsplex.

One of the largest programs is the Sportsplex Youth Activity Camp, known as SYAC, which serves up to 40 kids ranging in age from approximately seven years old to 12 years old. The program runs Monday through Friday during the summer months. Kids arrive each day to an array of activities throughout the facility. “We are very creative in how we use our space,” described Bellingham Sportsplex Front Desk Manager Alyssa Jackson.

SYAC also offers outdoor adventures such as trips to the park and nature walks. SYAC activities range from soccer and dodgeball to ice skating and swimming at the aquatic center. Kids can bring their lunch or the Sportsplex will provide it for an additional four dollars per day.

The Bellingham Sportsplex also offers several soccer camps in June, July and August and a six-week Learn to Skate program beginning July 10. A shorter, four-day all-skills skate camp will be held from August 14 through 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with lunch available for purchase. This great camp is open to anyone learning to lace up their skates to those learning to spin and jump.

Feel like a quick game of hockey or soccer? You can do that at the Bellingham Sportsplex! With Drop-in Hockey and Drop-in Soccer for adults age 16 and older, anyone can grab a quick game. It is an easy and affordable source of exercise at only $4.50 for drop in soccer or $9.25 for drop in hockey.

Bellingham United goalee — Watching Bellingham United is fun for the whole family. Photo courtesy: Bellingham United.

For our avid soccer fans, summer brings Bellingham United games at Civic Field. Bellingham United is our local semi-pro soccer team which features the best in local talent and even players from abroad. Watching a game is a great way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon!

The Bellingham Sportsplex is operated by Whatcom Sports & Recreation, a local not-for-profit that also operates and maintains Phillips 66 Soccer Park, along with operating Bellingham United FC semi-pro soccer squad and Bellingham Blazers Junior A Hockey Club. For the latest on activities at the Bellingham Sportsplex including dates, times and costs, check out their website and choose your activity! It is a great way to spend the summer!

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Whatcom County Weekend Events Calendar

By

Events Editor

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Scenic Whatcom County mountain — When engaging in outdoor recreation, participants should take care to respect Whatcom wildlife. Photo credit: Justin Pedigo | FC Photography.

Summertime and the living is easy! I love summer, especially here where there is always so many fun Whatcom County weekend events going on. And this weekend includes Father’s Day! So get out there, celebrate good old dad and have some fun! Here are a few ideas to get you started. Don’t forget to check our full events calendar for all the great local happenings this weekend.

Stock up on fresh, locally grown, healthy produce at the Ferndale Farmers Market, Bellingham Farmers Market and Twin Sisters Farmers Market.
Pick up some fresh, locally grown, organic garden starts and get planting.
Have some fun (and win some prizes) at the James Street Block Party and Tool Fair.
Cheer on the Bellingham Bells and Bellingham United.
Celebrate Father’s Day on the Farm.
Indulge in some classic summer activities.
Take the family out to eat at these delicious and affordable local restaurants.
Get your tickets for the upcoming Evil Dead: The Musical. They’re going to go fast!
Get your groove on with Jazzercise.
Jump in the water and go for a swim.
Hit the trails for some of the best mountain biking in the state.
Break out of the mold with Dancing for Joy’s “Out of the Box” at Mount Baker Theatre.
Hike the great outdoors.
Grab a cup of coffee with friends.
Take a Gallery Tour at Jansen Art Center.
Support our furry friends at the Puppy Rescue Mission Fundraiser.

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.

Photo credit: Justin Pedigo | FC Photography.

The Ultimate Guide to Whatcom County 4th of July Fun

By

Dan Burwell

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This year Whatcom County is going to be booming with fun events celebrating our nation’s birth. With all these wonderful offerings, there is sure to be something to delight the whole family. This guide includes events on and around the 4^th, so get out there and enjoy as much Whatcom County 4th of July fun as you can!

Haggen Family 4^th of July Celebration, Bellingham

Festivities go all day! Starting at 9:00 a.m. is the registration pickup for the 3×3 Hoop It Up basketball tournament with games starting at 11:00 a.m. Live music starts at 12:30 p.m. in Zuanich Park including the Bellingham Youth Jazz Band, Chris Eger Band (2:30 p.m.) and Baby Cakes (5:30 p.m.). At 8:30 p.m., the Washington Army National Guard “Full Metal Racket Rock Band” will be playing along with the fireworks show on Bellingham Bay.

Day time activities at Zuanich Park and Squalicum Harbor also include Olde Time Games, Vendor booths and a beer garden. To help with access and parking, there are free shuttles from Bellingham High School to the front of the CityMac store on Roeder Street just north of the Squalicum Harbor main entrance.

The fireworks show can be viewed throughout Bellingham. Consider high and near points such as the Fairhaven Cruise Terminal, Sehome Arboretum, the end of Broadway at Holly St and Eldridge, Western’s Viking Union and PAC plaza, and even your or your friend’s deck on South Hill, Alabama Hill, Fairhaven or Eldridge for a good view. Another great option is the San Juan Cruises 4^th of July Fireworks cruise.

Elizabeth Park 4^th of July Kids Parade, Bellingham

junior ski to sea parade — Decorate your bikes and scooters and join the Kid’s Parade!

In addition to the goings on at Zuanich Park and Squalicum Harbor, check out Elizabeth Park’s kids’ parade and music by the Sweet Goodbyes. Decorate your bikes and scooters and head to the kids’ parade at 12:15 p.m. Elizabeth Park will be decked out in red, white and blue!

Old Fashioned 4^th of July Celebration, Blaine

Head north to Blaine for the Car Show (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., downtown), Pancake Breakfast (8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Blaine Community Center), Library Book sale (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), Arts and Crafts Fair (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Peace Portal and H Street), Parade (12:00 p.m., Peace Portal), Plover Ferry Rides (12:00 to 8:00 p.m., Marina), Live Music all day and a Beer Garden (11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pizza Factory Parking lot), Clam Bake BBQ (4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort) and Fireworks (10:15 p.m., Marine Park and Peace Portal Drive). Plenty of fun for the whole family all day long!

Concerts in the Park, Bellingham

Concerts in the park are a great way to get together and enjoy some summer fun.

On Thursday July 6, Midnight Legend plays classic rock n’ roll at Elizabeth Park in the Columbia neighborhood. Bring a picnic and listen to some great tunes under the biggest Silver Maple Tree this side of the Mississippi. Donations accepted. Dancing optional and encouraged. Music continues Thursday evenings at 6:000 p.m. from June 15 to August 17. The Sweet Goodbyes play again on Thursday July 13 at Elizabeth Park. Shows start at 6:00 p.m.

Bilongo Qunitet with Sabrina Gomez plays Latin and African Grooves at Boulevard Park on Saturday July 15 at 7:00 p.m. Come on down to Boulevard Park and enjoy the sunset and free live music. Bring a picnic and your sunglasses to watch the sun sink behind the Bay.

Bellingham Festival of Music, Bellingham

Celebrate classical music in Bellingham by attending several concerts and talks. The Calidore String Quartet will be playing July 1 and 2. Guest performers include Marc-Andre Hamelin, Jeremy Denk, Tim Fain, Zuill Bailey and Robert McDuffie. Most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. with free concert lectures at 6:30 p.m. at the Western Washington University Performing Arts Center (PAC). The Chamber by the Bay concert on July 9 will be at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal beginning at 4:00 p.m. Tickets will be available for single events or the entire festival. Come on up to Western (and down to the Cruise Terminal) to hear some beautiful classical music.

Improv at Boundary Bay Brewery from the Upfront Theatre, Bellingham

Four Upfront Theatre improvisers will present two sets of short-form improv comedy games at Beer + Improv + Food Truck (BIFT) shows. The shows will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Boundary Bay every Tuesday from June 20 through August 29, excluding the 4th of July.

Northwest Raspberry Festival, Lynden

July 14 and 15 head to Lynden to take part in the Curt Maberry Memorial Classic 3×3 Basketball Tournament. The Razz and Shine Cruise-in car show will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 15. An all you can eat Raspberry Pancake Breakfast supporting the Lynden Community Center will be held July 15 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Children’s’ events include the “Fill the Raspberry! Sticker Scavenger Hunt” and Little Pickers Kid’s Zone. Enjoy Berry Tasty Treats on Friday July 14 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Raspberries and Edaleen Ice Cream – Yum! Razz-tastic sounds will be played both days at the food area on 4^th Street and the dessert area on 6^th Street.

Fairhaven Steampunk Festival, Bellingham

Come down to Fairhaven on July 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to listen to live music from Rogue’s End. Enjoy additional entertainment from One Man Folk Punk Cabaret Rioteer, MC Extraordinaire, Strangely Doesburg, The Penny Stinkers, The Sound and Fury Morris Dancers and Trevor the Sword Guy. Indulge in some delicious food, purchase raffle tickets, visit local and steampunk vendors, meet guest authors and enter the costume and art contests.

There is a bevy of fun and fascinating Whatcom County events to enjoy on or around the 4^th of July. So get out there and have some fun! After all, it’s our nation’s birthday and that’s something worth celebrating.

Start your Garden Right with Community Food Co-op’s Organic Plant Starts from Sunseed Farm

By

Sara Holodnick

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Sunseed Farm Nick - please credit Diane Padys www.dianepadysphotography.com — Sunseed Farms grows each plant start with care. Photo courtesy: Community Food Co-op.

The Community Food Co-op works with many local growers to get healthy, nourishing food into the hands of community members. Their partnership with Sunseed Farm helps accomplish this by providing access to locally grown, high-quality, organic plant starts grown with care right here in Whatcom County.

About Sunseed Farm

Pick up your Sunseed Farm organic plant starts at Community Food Co-op. Photo courtesy: Community Food Co-op.

Sunseed Farm is the home and livelihood of Nick, Saheli and Asa Guilford. Tucked away on 42 acres in Acme, the Guilfords have been using organic growing methods since starting the business in 1997. Sunseed Farm obtained organic certification from the USDA in 2001. Today they grow organic garden starts available at Community Food Co-op, as well as organic produce such as berries, tomatoes and vegetables which they sell at Bellingham Farmers Market.

Since the beginning, Sunseed has strived to tend to the earth and to the community in thoughtful, responsible ways. In fact, a portion of their field is dedicated each year to growing starts specifically for donation to the Bellingham Food Bank.

Starting Plants out Right

Sunseed Farms grows each plant start with care. Photo courtesy: Community Food Co-op.

Because many plant starts are chemically raised, they can have a hard time being transplanted into home gardens. They struggle since they are no longer being fed a nutrient solution every day like they were in the nursery. According to Sunseed, their organic starts come with a longer-lasting nutrient base in the pot which helps mitigate transplant shock and provides an earlier, more abundant yield.

Sunseed also grows their garden starts alongside the plants they grow for vegetable and herb production. This ensures that the plant starts you buy at Community Food Co-op are the same quality the farmers use to grow produce for market.

And because Sunseed has been growing starts in Whatcom County since 1997, they have plenty of experience with gardening in our (sometimes challenging) climate. They have used their experience to select varieties of crops that are most likely to succeed here in Whatcom County.

Gardening Resources

Buy local and organic plant starts from Sunseed Farm at Community Food Co-op. Photo courtesy: Community Food Co-op.

Sunseed’s website is full of great resources for home gardeners, complete with gardening tip sheets and planting schedules. Here are a few tips to make sure your transplants thrive.

Plant your starts within one week of purchase. If you aren’t able to transplant them immediately, keeping them moist and between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit will help them stay healthy until you can give them room to grow.
Soil preparation should begin well before planting time. Ideally, the soil should be forked, shoveled or tilled to break up clods and work in compost, manure, minerals, etc., at least two weeks prior to planting.
Give plants room to grow by spacing them out according to their tags. Can’t find how far apart to space your plants? Contact Sunseed or get help at your Community Food Co-op Garden Center.
Make sure the entire root ball and top of the potting mixture is covered with garden soil, giving it a firm pat into place. Keep your transplanted starts moist but not soggy and make sure to keep an eye out for slugs (Sunseed says dusk, dawn and rainy days are the best times to scout for them).

Find Sunseed Farm’s organic plant starts at either of the Community Food Co-op’s two locations and get your garden started right!

Community Food Co-op Downtown Store
1220 N. Forest Street
Bellingham

Community Food Co-op Cordata Store
315 Westerly Road
Bellingham

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Launching Success Workshops Make Summer Fun for Everyone

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Launching Success kids class — Launching Success offers workshops, classes, summer camps and a summer reading program. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.

Submitted by: Launching Success

For kids, workshops are what it is all about at Launching Success during the summer months. With an eye towards education and encouraging creativity by kids, we run many different classes and camps. In these classes, we provide everything necessary to do the activity. All the kids have to do is come ready to have fun!

At Launching Success workshops kids play in an educational way. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.

This year’s offerings include the ever-popular Stepping Stones class, where the kids get to make their very own stepping stone and decorate it to their heart’s content. In August, we’ll be holding a three-day Science Camp for budding scientists. During the camp, kids will get to try many different fun experiments designed to introduce them to the fun of science. We’re also offering a three-day Harry Potter Camp. We’ll even be holding a series of art classes for those kids who want to learn different art techniques, all while having fun making pretty art!

In addition to the workshops, parents can choose to register their children for the free Summer Reading Program. Once kids read 12 books and complete the form, they can turn it in for a free book. Completing the program also enters them for a chance to win a $10 gift card to Launching Success.

Launching Success offers workshops, classes, summer camps and a summer reading program. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.

All workshops require pre-registration and prepayment. Workshops are $5 per child per class, while the three-day camps are $75 per child. For a listing of all the workshops, and a full description, visit LaunchingSuccess.com/workshops. Registration is available online, as well as in store, or by phone. Summer Reading Program forms can be picked up in store.

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Starting Plants out Right

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