Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! I love a good holiday that’s all fun and none of the work and Cinco de Mayo is a perfect example. So get out, get together with friends and have some fun! You’ll find plenty of great Whatcom County weekend events to keep you busy. Here’s a few to get you started. Don’t forget to check our full events calendar for all the great local happenings this 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.
These beautiful baskets add a pop of color to the streets of downtown Ferndale. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.
You know that spring is in the air when you see the colorful flower baskets hanging in the streets of downtown Ferndale. These beautiful baskets stay bright and healthy all summer long thanks to Ferndale resident, 85-year-old Bob Curtis, who has made it his job to keep Downtown Ferndale’s blooming baskets looking their best.
Bob Curtis has made it his job to keep Downtown Ferndale’s blooming baskets looking their best. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.
Each year, the City of Ferndale purchases 120 hanging baskets to line the streets in downtown Ferndale. And, each year, the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce guides the installation and maintenance of those hanging baskets. Curtis takes time each day, about six hours in total, to water all of the baskets keeping them fresh and vibrant. He can be seen in the morning hours or later in the evening depending on the weather and temperature.
As a former employee of the City Parks Department, Curtis took on the job around eight years ago at the request of the person previously in charge of keeping the baskets watered. Curtis found that he liked the commitment and enjoyed keeping the flowers fresh all summer, so he just continued doing it as the years progressed.
These beautiful baskets add a pop of color to downtown Ferndale. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.
“I like being out in the good weather,” says Curtis. “And, because I’m retired, I can set my own hours just as long as the job gets done. And I get to take the winters off.”
Curtis goes on to say that he’s the only one responsible for ensuring the baskets get watered. “I keep them looking good. I know it is up to me.”
You can expect to see those flower baskets hanging all through the summer months. Next time you see them getting watered, stop and say hello to Bob Curtis and thank him for keeping the streets of Ferndale looking beautiful.
Nonprofit organizations throughout Whatcom County work tirelessly to help those in need.
Submitted by: Monea Kerr of the Mayor’s Office
The City of Bellingham is excited to announce the launch of the Bellingham Block Party trailer, stocked with everything needed to host a block party in your neighborhood. Simply add food, drinks and your neighbors!
The fun will follow as your neighborhood enjoys the contents of the trailer — tables and chairs, coolers/utensils, a variety of games, equipment for closure of the street, safety supplies and so much more. A City staff member will drop off the trailer to you on Friday and it’s yours for the weekend until we pick it back up on Monday.
The trailer is available for weekend reservations by any Bellingham resident, at no cost, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. While there is no charge for the trailer, it must be reserved in advance and the renter must complete an application and obtain a free special event permit.
The project, modeled after a highly successful example from Boulder, Colorado, was made possible with a grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation’s Project Neighborly, which encourages projects that develop a sense of community and promote neighborliness. In addition to the grant funds, multiple City departments contributed resources and supplies to make the trailer a reality.
The Ferndale Arts Commission is seeking design ideas for painting the water tank at the intersection of Vista Drive and Thornton Street. Submissions will be accepted from May 1 – June 9 at City Hall in Ferndale, with the goal of completing the painting by August 31.
The mural project is an excellent opportunity for both professional and aspiring artists. Photo courtesy: City of Ferndale.
“This is a highly visible spot. We hope this mural quickly becomes a beloved Ferndale icon,” said Colleen Harper, Ferndale Arts Commissioner. “Successful design ideas will reflect a sense of Ferndale identity.”
The mural will occupy up to 10 feet by 140 feet and will adorn the side of the water tank facing the intersection. The Ferndale Arts Commission will help facilitate the painting of the mural. More details are available at www.cityofferndale.org/artscommission.
This herd of mountain goats were visible from the Chain Lakes Loop trail. Photo credit: Patty Fralic.
Whatcom County forests are alive with wildlife. From the Chuckanut Mountains to Mount Baker and the Snoqualmie National Forest, the North Cascades are home to a wide variety of wild mammals. Tiny pika scurry along talus slopes. Mountain goats graze among high-country meadows. At the top of the food chain, ever-elusive cougars hide out in rocky outcroppings and dense vegetation.
Many of these mammals – particularly the little guys – are often overlooked or misunderstood. What’s that whistling sound? Why do they make it? How do they survive the winter? Larger species may be a cause for concern, especially if your own little ones are in tow. What are the best practices when recreating in cougar country?
Learning about these animals and what to expect from them can put hikers, backpackers, and other explorers at ease in the wild. And you’ll have better trail stories to tell if you can identify them. In this roundup, we’ll introduce several species of wildlife in Whatcom County and recommend useful resources for further reading.
Pika
This adorable Pika blended perfectly into its rocky habitat in the North Cascades. Photo credit: Brandon Fralic.
The smallest, cutest mammal on our list is the Pika. These tailless creatures often go by the nickname “rock rabbit” – a telling description. They prefer to live among rocks and are related to rabbits, after all. Pika do not hibernate, but instead gather tiny mouthfuls of vegetation to build their burrows. In order to stockpile enough food for winter, they must stay busy the rest of the year gathering their “haypiles.”
You’ll find Pika at high elevations during summer and fall hikes, sounding their telltale “meep” call. Listen for them on trails like the Chain Lakes Loop and Ptarmigan Ridge at the end of Mount Baker Highway. Keep a close eye on talus slopes. They are surprisingly quick and blend in with their surroundings. Always keep your distance and respect their hard-earned homes.
Marmot
This fierce, whistling Hoary Marmot makes its home in the Cascades. Photo credit: Brandon Fralic.
You’ll likely hear their whistle before spotting them. Hoary Marmots like to bask in the sun on high rock perches, whistling to alert other marmots to possible danger. Part of the ground squirrel family, marmots are much larger than squirrels, weighing in between 8 and 20 pounds. They hibernate the winter away, surviving on ample fat reserves.
Hoary Marmots are so-called for their silver-gray shoulder and back fur. Like Pika, they live at high elevations above the tree line and eat vegetation. They are not particularly afraid of people, and will generally ignore passing hikers as they forage. Give them plenty of space to do so.
Elk
Elk can often be found grazing among the Cascade foothill meadows. Photo credit: Jodi Broughton.
Another mammal that you may hear before seeing, elk can be found grazing among the Cascade foothill meadows. You’re most likely to spot Rocky Mountain elk or hybrids (genetically mixed populations of Roosevelt elk and Rocky Mountain elk) in Whatcom County. As large members of the deer family, these beasts can weigh up to 700 pounds.
Elk feed on vegetation year-round. Because they live in herds, you’re likely to see more than one at a time. Watch for them at dusk and dawn, especially during their fall mating season. Listen for their shrill bugle — a downright bone-chilling sound if you’ve never heard it before — at Silver Lake Park in north Whatcom County. Always admire elk from a safe distance.
Mountain Goats
This herd of mountain goats were visible from the Chain Lakes Loop trail. Photo credit: Patty Fralic.
“A Beast the Color of Winter,” mountain goats are indeed snow white. They prefer to live at high elevations, climbing and scrambling among rocky cliffs. Yet despite their goat-like appearance, mountain goats aren’t really goats at all. They are members of the antelope family.
Mountain goats’ muscular makeup and specialized climbing abilities are survival mechanisms: they can travel where predators can’t. With thick fur, they shrug off wind, water, and snow. They are completely adapted to their harsh environment. You can often see them around Mount Baker. Try hiking trails that begin from Artist Point. If you encounter a mountain goat on the trail, give it plenty of space and let it move at its own pace. These animals can be aggressive and should be left alone.
Cougar
Cougars are reclusive and rarely seen in the wild. Photo credit: Lila Steffan.
It’s unlikely that you’ll ever see a cougar in the wild. Despite being the largest members of the cat family in North America, mountain lions are expert hiders. They are predators, eating mostly deer, with a diet that includes elk, moose, mountain goats and wild sheep. Incredibly fast and strong, a cougar is capable of taking down prey much larger than itself.
Because of this, special care should be taken when hiking in cougar country. Hike in groups and keep children nearby. Educate yourself on what to do in case of an encounter. For detailed information, see the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Cougar factsheet.
Additional Resources
Whatcom County has some amazing bird watching opportunities. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to wildlife in Whatcom County. You’re more likely to encounter black bears than cougars, so be sure to read up on “Do’s and Don’ts in Bear Country”.
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Bellingham, a leading home remodeling franchise, recently announced that the company has been awarded a 2017 Guildmaster Award.
Ron Faber is the owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Bellingham. Photo courtesy: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.
The service-oriented approach and exceptional quality of work of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen have earned them rave reviews in 2016 client satisfaction surveys.
“We were very grateful to receive the Guild Quality award, but most of all, extremely pleased that so many of our clients had such a great remodeling experience with us,” says DreamMaker franchise owner Ron Faber. “We will continue to strive for industry excellence, and through our commitment to quality and to our clients’ satisfaction, have every intention of ensuring the best outcome in each of their remodeling experiences.”
In order to be recognized as a Guildmaster Award winner, a Guild Quality member must achieve a recommendation rate of 90% as well as a certain response rate based on volume.
The annual Guildmaster Awards recognize service excellence in the building, remodeling, contracting and real estate professions. Each year the awards are given to companies that demonstrate an ability to deliver a consistently superior customer experience. In granting awards, Guild Quality considers two primary metrics for each candidate: the percentage of customers who would recommend and the percentage of customers who responded.
You'll enjoy the outdoor ambiance as much as the sun. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.
Those of us who have relocated to the damp Pacific Northwest climate may not have ever heard the term “sun break” before moving here, but we’ve all learned how to take advantage of them when they arrive. As the days grow longer and summer slowly draws closer, we’re all itching to get outside and soak up whatever bits of sun we can.
There are so many places to bask in the summer sun at SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.
Take advantage of beautiful outdoor spaces in unexpected places at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bellingham. From stunning sunsets outside their Chuckanut Lobby Bar to impeccable views of downtown Bellingham from their fourth floor terrace, this hotel has plenty of opportunities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the changing weather.
Step Outside for a Beautiful Sunset
Outdoor spaces are at a premium in the spring and summer. After a morning buying local produce and handmade goods at Bellingham Farmers Market, going out for a hike, or heading out for a tasty brunch, many locals search for a nice outdoor patio where they can soak in the Vitamin D while enjoying a beer, wine, or a cocktail, of course.
I’ve often heard friends debate the merits of various outdoor seating areas – Which ones end up shady after a certain time, who has umbrellas, who has the best views of the sunset. The newly renovated outdoor space at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bellingham will take care of all of the most important requirements for spring and summertime lounging. Adjustable umbrellas will keep those of us with that “Northwest pallor” safe from harmful rays, the west-facing orientation allows for stunning sunset views, and a toasty fire table and heat lamps will keep you cozy even if the air is a bit chilly.
These umbrellas can provide a shady respite or protection from a short rain shower. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.
“It’s the great Northwest, so even though it’s the spring or summertime you never know what you’re going to get,” shared Director of Sales, Elisa George. “It’s really just an expansion of the great bar.”
“We’ll have umbrellas out so you can feel the sun but be in the shade,” shared Operations Manager, Becky Doll. “Or you can feel the sun on your face, which is what I like to do. The view of the sunset makes it a really great space.”
Ready to take advantage of this great outdoor space? The newly renovated patio is scheduled to be open in late spring, but you don’t have to wait to drop by for sunset views from the bar. The SpringHill Suites Chuckanut Lobby Bar is open to the public, with a great happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Breathtaking Views from the Terrace
This lovely terrace offers the perfect place to gather and celebrate. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.
There are many beautiful indoor and outdoor event spaces in Bellingham and Whatcom County but it’s not every day you find one with views of downtown Bellingham on one side and Mount Baker on the other. The open-air fourth floor terrace at SpringHill Suites has just such a vantage point.
“It is just a stunning view of downtown Bellingham,” said George. “It’s the perfect spot for a summer cocktail party or other special event.” From weddings and other milestone celebrations to corporate parties and fundraisers, the fourth floor terrace is a great, open spot that is perfectly customizable for your special occasion.
Home Away from Home at TownePlace Suites
Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.
Home is important to the folks who work at SpringHill Suites by Marriott and the adjoining TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Every staff person I’ve spoken to has shared the same common goal: To make guests feel right at home even when they’re on the road. Neighborhood-style living with thoughtfully designed communal areas and well-appointed living spaces make any guest feel welcome at TownePlace Suites. Their patio space even includes a well-appointed barbecue for cookouts any time of year.
“We’ve got all the spices and tools you need,” shared George. “Having that barbecue really allows guests to feel like this is their home away from home.” After a long week, hotel guests can crack open a few beers and throw something on the grill as if they were in their own back yard.
There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as relaxing in the warm summer sun. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.
Plus visitors can easily take advantage of the beautiful attractions surrounding Bellingham from the hotel’s convenient location and handy amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. “We have a great bike storage space in the parking garage,” shared George. “A lot of our visitors come in for the weekend to see the sights on their bike and we have a locked area for them to keep their bikes safe.” Guests can take advantage of everything Whatcom County has to offer knowing that they have a secure location to tuck their wheels away when not in use. And when they come back to the hotel after a long day on their bike, they can enjoy the homey, neighborhood feel.
“In the summer we’ll have people barbecuing on the TownePlace patio or sipping cocktails just across the way outside the bar,” shared George. It’s lively and fun, and exactly the vibe they want to provide for guests and locals alike.
You just have to cross the street for a Peruvian sandwich at Cafe Rumba. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
April saw the addition of many new and interesting local reads to the pages of WhatcomTalk. Each month we like to take a look back at what most resonated with our community. Here are some of WhatcomTalk’s most read stories in April:
Stop in for a delicious Peruvian sandwich at Cafe Rumba. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
This handy guide takes you on a culinary tour of the hidden gems of North State Street. From Pelmeni to Café Rumba, Leaf and Ladle to the Cosmos Bistro, you’re sure to find plenty to delight your senses and satiate your palate.
Candy Mathews stands at the doorway of Shannon Carlton’s new tiny home. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.
Cascade Tiny Houses have all the charm of a dollhouse and the functionality of a full-size home. In custom building affordable tiny homes, the Cascade team’s shared vision serves as a doorway to creative, multi-purpose design which helps their clients discover an altogether different way of defining spatial requirements.
Tuttle begins the process of introducing electrical current to his newest virgin tabletop. Photo credit: Image Smith Studio, Joe Tondro-Smith.
This is a fascinating story about local artist Paul Tuttle. Tuttle uses a transformer he salvaged from a repurposed microwave to conduct electrical current through the wood. The process is slow and methodical. Even though he cannot predict where the burning lines will travel, he continually moves the contact handle around the table until it’s covered in one of a kind fractal patterned magic.
“Tomatoes are the holy grail of fruits we grow,” says Jason Weston. Photo courtesy: Joe’s Gardens.
A good tomato is hard to come by. Maybe the rarity of tomato perfection is what makes it so sought after and what drives people to want to grow their own. Co-owners of Joe’s Gardens, Nathan and Jason Weston, explain the process so you too can enjoy tomato perfection.
WhatcomTalk is a digital media company sharing positive stories about people, places and businesses in Whatcom County. WhatcomTalk offers content marketing and online options to advertise across our community social network in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale and beyond. Advertise with WhatcomTalk to reach your target market, grow your brand, and measure results.
The 2017 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest has awarded Scratch and Peck Feeds as a Bronze Level Winner. Since this contest first began in 2013, FedEx has awarded $250,000 in small-business grants to help entrepreneurial companies grow their businesses, and now Scratch and Peck joins these ranks.
Diana Ambauen-Meade visits Brittle Barn Farm which uses Scratch and Peck Feeds for their chickens. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.
“We are honored and grateful for this opportunity,” said Diana Ambauen-Meade, founder of Scratch and Peck Feeds. “Our entrepreneurial spirit, dedicated team of employees and passion for quality and wholesome animal feeds made us well aligned for this grant. The generous contribution by FedEx will allow us to further meet the needs of our customers while operating in our new facility.”
As a Bronze Level Winner, Scratch and Peck receives $7,500 plus a $1,000 credit toward FedEx print and business services. The company will be honored and join other grant winners for two days of sharing and learning at the Small Business Grant Winner Forum in Memphis September 12-13, 2017. A tour of the Memphis FedEx Global Hub is included.
A family-owned company founded in 2010, Scratch and Peck Feeds was the first feed mill in North America to become both Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Products are also Animal Welfare Approved and the company is B Corp Certified. The grant funding will be used to expand shipping opportunities that will increase efficiency and productivity, while decreasing turnaround time to better assist a growing customer base.
Scratch and Peck’s sustainable business practices support local agriculture, the community, and the planet. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.
“Reflecting on how far we’ve come as a company – from starting this idea in my own backyard – it has been awe-inspiring to recognize how many people support our mission toward developing better food, a happy planet and well cared-for animals,” said Ambauen-Meade. “We are grateful for our family and friends and for the incredible support we have received from customers who are as passionate about chickens and homegrown food as we are!”
Scratch and Peck Feeds specializes in producing high quality soy free and whole grain feeds for chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs, goats and supplements and treats for poultry. By buying grains direct from regional farms, their sustainable business practices support local agriculture, the community and the environment.
Launching Success Learning Store is a fun, educational toy store filled with a variety of amazing things. You’ll find anything you can think of! We carry a huge range of workbooks for all core subjects such as social studies, math, science and language arts. You’ll find helpful, supplementary books that can aid with even the most specific aspects of a subject. If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, we have plenty of tools for that as well! Our mission is to facilitate and promote learning for all ages. We’ll do our best to find what you’re looking for.
Launching Success offers a wide variety of LEGO products. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.
Not only do we provide educational assistance, we also carry plenty of fun toys! Dolls, LEGO®, crafts, puzzles, science kits and games for the whole family can be found here! It’s perfect if you’re searching for a fun, unique gift or simply something to do. Some of our featured products include SleepyLights, Calico Critters, Magna-Tiles and Rubik’s cubes! We have a large selection of games as well! We offer a healthy, fun middle ground between play and learning in many of our products. Games like Spelligator, Kanoodle, Math Lotto and many others encourage players to use critical thinking skills and apply their in-class learning in a creative way.
Launching Success is a teacher’s dream. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.
And of course we have a surplus of tools for teachers to use in the classroom as well. Charts, posters, books with activity ideas, borders, decoratives and your basic classroom supplies can all be found at Launching Success.
In addition to materials for teachers, we offer a wide variety of resources for homeschooling. We offer several curricula like Horizons, Explode the Code, Wordly Wise and much more! If you’re new to homeschooling, we provide a curriculum guide and are always willing to offer our input as well.
The employees are always willing to lend a hand and give advice on choosing a product that is just right for you. We want to ensure that you get the help you are looking for and welcome you to ask questions about our products. You will always be greeted by a friendly and informed employee at Launching Success Learning Store.
