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northwater – Revitalizing Locally Inspired Cuisine and Restaurant Culture

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.

Now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, northwater at Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham aims to share what makes our region so special, from the mountains to the bay and everything in between. Their goal is to bring the outdoors indoors, serving the freshest, local ingredients in beautiful preparations.

The menu was handcrafted by Chef Christy Fox. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

northwater is the brainchild of Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham’s Director of Operations and General Manager, Ragan Humphrey, and his wife, Martha. After decades in the restaurant business, Humphrey leapt at the opportunity to share his vision for a restaurant that is deeply inspired by the natural beauty of our region.

“This has been a labor of love and it’s neat to be able to share it with the community,” shared Humphrey. “This is going to be the swan song of my career.”

Bringing the outdoors in is reflected in the restaurant’s decor as much as it is on the plate. The northwater logo was designed to look as if it had been eroded by water, the seat backs inspired by the colors of sea glass, and if you look close at the wallpaper you’ll see that it looks like tiny rain droplets or birch bark. The wavy glass water feature was made in Canada from a decorative glass called Mirage by internationally acclaimed designer and glassmaker, Nathan Allan Glass Studios. The bar is even outfitted with a custom glass top with river rocks below. “It’s like you’re looking down into a stream,” shared Axelsson.

The northwater menu is diverse and delicious. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

The design elements of northwater celebrates being in harmony with the natural world. That same concept of harmony translates back to the restaurant’s team culture. Instead of being treated as resources to be used, staff are valued for being living, breathing, emotional and intelligent human beings. Theirs is a culture of fostering trust between team members at every level, regardless of title.

“That’s why northwater is spelled all lowercase,” shared Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Randi Axelsson. “When a team works together, no one is above anyone else. We are all equal.”

This culture of trust fosters a collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to work together toward common goals and individual ambitions. The culture of trust extends to restaurant guests.

At northwater, the food is as beautiful as it is delicious. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

“We’re really looking forward to people sharing their thoughts about our place and their reactions to it,” shared Humphrey. “It’s a very nimble concept where we’ll be able to take feedback from guests and our team. It’s a very open, collaborative culture.”

“Yes, it’s my menu,” shared Executive Chef, Christy Fox, “but everyone on my team has a say and has some ownership.” Known to many locally as co-owner/co-founder of Evolve Truffles, Fox brings 25 years of experience as a chef to northwater. She has found the experience to be humbling and intimidating so far but is obviously passionate about the opportunity to foster creative collaboration in an industry often known for indulging hierarchy and ego. “It’s a culture we’re creating for ourselves,” she said.

At northwater, all team members are equal. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

And with the opening of northwater, Fox is now able to share her longtime passion for regional cuisine through food produced in her new kitchen. The restaurant roasts its own northwater blend coffee and the kitchen comes equipped with new Wood Stone ovens and a vertical rotisserie that allows Fox’s team to cook everything from chickens to vegetables side-by-side without any cross-contamination.

“We’ll be marinating vegetables for 24 hours and then hanging them on the rotisserie to roast,” shared Fox. (You read that right – marinated, rotisserie vegetables. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Add a single malt Scotch with their cold-smoked ice to the party and I’ll be good to go.)

There is something to please any palette at northwater. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

“We’re trying to make a very diverse offering,” shared Humphrey. “We really are locally committed.”

northwater also uses technology for efficiency, turning things like once-discarded vegetable scraps into dehydrated seasonings. The goal: Zero food waste from the kitchen. “We’re just about as green as you can possibly be,” shared Axelsson.

This commitment to sustainable practices and supporting local agriculture is a reflection of Bellingham’s values. The responsibility of being the first restaurant visitors see outside of the Bellingham International Airport isn’t lost on Humphrey and his team. “We’re trying to weave a unique culinary experience into a comfortable environment, not only to appeal to our local population but also to make sure we welcome our guests to the north.”

Menu items are creative and inspiring. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

And now, after months of preparation, Chef Fox is excited to provide a place for folks to gather. “We’ve been planning, talking, dreaming for so long,” shared Fox. “I’m ready to go.”

northwater is located at the new Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham, situated across the parking lot from the Bellingham International Airport terminal. Like them on Facebook to stay updated on opening plans and ongoing specials.

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Sehome’s Marcus Polous’ DJ Debut Raises Money for Whatcom Humane Society

By
Abigail Johnson - Intern from Sehome High School
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Polous successfully turned a passion for music mixing into a fundraiser for the Whatcom Humane Society. Photo credit: Michael Polous.

When he was in 10th grade, Marcus Polous entered the world of DJ-ing. Now in his junior year at Sehome High School, Polous has already successfully organized and hosted his own event.

At DJ camp, Polous learned that it’s all about the flow of music. Photo credit: Michael Polous.

It all started when a friend introduced him to electronic music. “That’s when I got into DJ culture,” says Polous. “It seemed like a fun thing to do. I’ve always admired how they can control a crowd and put energy into a room.”

Polous’ interest took on a more active form when he applied for an Assistance League scholarship and his essay won him a trip to DJ camp. It was there that he learned the basics. Since then, Polous has been exploring new techniques and honing his music-mixing skills.

Early in his junior year, Polous was eager to test his DJ-ing abilities. He got the idea to host a school dance as a fundraiser for band tour. When he presented his idea to administration, it was shut down due to the school’s strict fundraising regulations. “I went home that day and I didn’t feel done,” Polous recalls. “I thought, why not try and keep going?” And he did. Just a few months later, posters lined the hallways reading, “Animal Jam with DJ Polous: Dance the night away to support the Whatcom Humane Society.”

In one night of music, Polous raised over $500, all of which will support the Whatcom Humane Society. Photo Credit: Michael Polous.

Polous worked hard to prepare for his first public event as a DJ. “I went out of my way to get the right equipment,” he says. However, there was only so much he could do to prepare. “I have to read off the crowd and improvise a little,” he explains.

Polous was hoping to offer local high schoolers a fun and energetic night with a different feel than a typical school dance. “A lot of dances are just really high energy the whole time but I try to present a smooth flow from low to high energy,” he says. Polous hoped that as a high schooler, he would have a better understanding of what kids wanted to hear than a typical DJ.

In the end, Polous was glad that his dance didn’t take place at school. “It actually worked much better to do it privately,” says Polous, of Animal Jam. “I was able to have much more freedom than I would have at school.” The dance took place at the Bellingham Yacht Club and was open to all local high school students with ASB cards. “I thought this event would really bring together all the schools,” says Polous. “If I had done it at Sehome, it would have been harder to have students from all over town.”

Polous successfully turned a passion for music mixing into a fundraiser for the Whatcom Humane Society. Photo credit: Michael Polous.

It was a success. By charging $5 at the door, over $500 was raised in one night to support the Whatcom Humane Society. “Everything went better than planned,” says Polous. “I wasn’t really expecting that many people or to make that much money.”

Although Polous has no plans to become a full-time DJ, the success of this event gives him excitement for the future. “I can see this being my thing next year,” he says. “Maybe I’ll keep being able to do bigger and bigger events. If I get good, I can work part time doing weddings or something.” The success of Animal Jam gave Polous new confidence in his abilities. He mentioned plans for another event as soon as this June. “I know I can do it now. I know it will work.”

Superintendent Greg Baker Supports Bellingham Students

By
Tessa Kilcline - Intern from Bellingham High School
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One of the things Baker loves most about his job is trying to find solutions to complex problems. Photo courtesy: Greg Baker.

In July 2010, Greg Baker took on the role of Superintendent of the Bellingham School District. Since then he has worked diligently to promote equality for Bellingham students and keep the public schools running at a high level.

During the 2013-2014 school year, Baker began his Walking in the Shoes project, in which he spent a day at school with a student from each grade level. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Public Schools.

Baker first considered becoming a Superintendent when he was first starting as a teacher in Alaska. His Assistant Principal told him, “Someday you’re going to be a Superintendent.” This comment would prove to be the beginning of a long journey.

Baker spent some time teaching in Alaska before going to work in the Spokane Public Schools. There he worked with struggling students. He also helped design a school, similar to Bellingham’s Options High School, which gave students an opportunity to learn in a different environment than the traditional high school setting.

Following his time in Spokane, Baker attended an Urban Superintendents Program at Harvard University. When his program finished, he moved back to the Pacific Northwest to work in the Portland Public Schools. By the time he left Portland to come to Bellingham, he was the Portland School District’s Deputy Superintendent.

The district recently had a groundbreaking ceremony for work on Sehome High School. Construction of a new turf field for Bellingham High School is also beginning now. Photo courtesy: Greg Baker.

One of Baker’s first projects as Superintendent was writing the Bellingham Promise. According to Baker, the promise outlines what the community expects the school district to do, “on behalf of the kids.” It lists nine beliefs that the school district holds and 16 characteristics that the school district hopes to develop in its students. The Promise was created through a collaboration between staff, students and parents in the Bellingham Public Schools. It especially emphasizes the development of well-rounded children, equality for all students and teamwork in achieving these goals.

In his everyday work, Baker constantly looks at the Bellingham Promise and asks himself how he can deliver upon it. When he is deciding whether or not to implement a proposed idea, one of the main factors he takes into account is whether it fits within the Bellingham Promise.

One of the most widespread of Baker’s projects so far is Project Free Education. The project aims to reduce extra financial burdens placed on families in Bellingham Public Schools. “We’re trying to do everything we can so you shouldn’t be getting a letter home every week saying, ‘You need to give more money to this teacher for this art class,’” Baker explains.

The Bellingham Promise emphasizes the importance of early childhood education and development. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Public Schools.

The school district has put in a large effort to reduce extra costs to families. When Project Free Education was launched in 2011, very few school supplies were provided to students. By the 2016-2017 school year, school supply lists had been completely eliminated. The school district now provides students with all of the supplies that they will need. In addition, fees for AP testing, calculators and instrument rentals have been greatly reduced, and athletic fees have been eliminated completely. Baker modestly admits that they have not figured it all out yet. However, Project Free Education is constantly growing, and it has already made a profound impact on the families aided by its efforts. It has also helped put all students on equal footing.

“Every student that goes to our school district should have the opportunity to achieve at high levels,” Baker says. “And it shouldn’t matter what neighborhood you live in, what school you go to, how much money your parents have, whether you have a disability, what language you speak. So my number one goal is to make sure that all kids have equal opportunity to achieve.”

His viewpoint is reflected in the school district’s One Schoolhouse strategy. Baker describes this strategy as the feeling that everyone in the district takes care of each other. No one school or student is left behind to struggle.

One of the things Baker loves most about his job is trying to find solutions to complex problems. Photo courtesy: Greg Baker.

Part of this approach means making sure that all of the schools in the district have good facilities, from the sports fields to the buildings. Lowell Elementary School, Birchwood Elementary School and Sehome High School are among the schools that have become focuses for renovation recently. Baker hopes to continue to update the school facilities in the coming years.

In the future, Baker also plans to implement the 1:1 Initiative, which will provide all students and staff with a computer to use for school-related work. Additionally, he hopes to get better at working closely with community partners to help provide students with access to food, clothes, counseling and whatever else they need.

“I don’t get to decide everything but I get to influence and I love trying to figure out how we do something that we haven’t done before that will help a student to be successful,” Baker says when asked about his favorite part of his job. Since he became the Superintendent of the Bellingham School District, he has done an excellent job of doing just that.

Whatcom County Weekend Events Calendar

By
Events Editor
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Rogel Media Gabe Rogel captured Carl Jonson biking through the trees of Mt. Fromme, North Shore, BC. Photo credit: Rogel Media.

Happy Arbor Day everyone! Why not celebrate by relishing in the natural beauty of Whatcom County? Or, better yet, pick up a few trees, get your hands dirty and do your part to enhance the beauty around us. No matter what you choose to do, you’ll find plenty of fun 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.

Get Lost with Mister Lost’s Mobile Bike Shop

By
Kali Klotz-Brooks
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The bike shop was designed to be simple. Photo courtesy: Mister Lost's Mobile Bike Shop.

If you live in Whatcom County, you know the dirtbag life. You’ve smelled it, at least, standing too close to someone in line at the grocery store. It’s the skier refueling from a gnarly powder day at Baker, the biker caked in Galbraith mud or the van dweller preparing for a parking lot feast.

The shop offers services like any other bike shop, except it comes to you. Photo courtesy: Mister Lost’s Mobile Bike Shop.

Meet Mike Randol, Callie Waldschmidt and their dog Dusty. Mike and Callie started as your typical dirtbags. Age: under 30. Occupation: local bike shop employees. Hobbies: biking, skiing, trying out (and falling in love with) van life, etc. Having already created a tee-shirt company, website and blog known as Mister Lost’s Dirtbag Society, however, it was not long before the couple found themselves seeking more.

After returning from a road trip (in a van, of course) and back to their bike shop day jobs, Callie recalls, “We both said, ‘We can’t do this anymore. We need to get on with the next phase of our lives.’ So I said, ‘Let’s quit our jobs!’ We didn’t have any savings or anything, so Mike said, ‘Eh, we should probably wait two years.’ But I said, ‘No we have to do it now.’”

So they did. The happy-go-lucky trio has since then turned their love of biking and inspiration from the Dirtbag Society into a business model for their current adventure: Mister Lost’s Mobile Bike Shop.

Both Mike and Callie’s “van life” experiences have been sources of major inspiration for the young business. Photo courtesy: Mister Lost’s Mobile Bike Shop.

If you are a regular on Galbraith or a loyal Kulshan customer you know the ramped up U-haul I am about to describe. The one with the rough-cut cedar siding, hand painted logo and rambunctious dog. This bike shop offers everything any other shop does but has one crucial component that makes it different from all the rest. It’s on wheels.

You forget your helmet? Mister Lost will bring you one. You’re fixing your bike but don’t want to run around town trying to find the right part? They’ll get it to you. You need a tune up and don’t have time to haul your bike to the shop? “We’ll pick up the bike, repair it and deliver it for free,” Mike explains. “Or we can bring the entire bike shop to your front door. That’s just something nobody in town offers.”

Aside from the service aspect, customers can purchase parts and accessories from the shop online. “Repair is obviously super neat but, at the same time, there is the whole consumer aspect where selling things actually makes us more money, which kind of sucks,” Callie says. This side of the business was not exactly planned but the past eight months have proven to be a rather successful trial and error for Mister Lost’s Mobile Bike Shop.

Check out the Dirtbag Society website for more original artwork, design and inspiration. Photo courtesy: Mister Lost’s Mobile Bike Shop.

The couple opened the business in August of 2016 with little to no money. Now, not even a year later, they have paid almost everything off. “Which is remarkable,” Callie beams.

The two are the only shop workers currently, so their separate roles are vital to keeping the business up and rolling. “Right now it’s kind of weird because I am doing electrical work at the same time. I am basically moving all the money I am making into the business,” Callie explains. Otherwise, “I am just kind of the silent, secret, behind the scenes worker that doesn’t work at the truck very often.”

Mike, on the other hand, spends all his time with the shop. He says, “I mainly work on bikes, sell things online, upload Instagram posts and Facebook posts, work on the website and train the dog.”

Both are certified mechanics, so they share that responsibility but both are also highly creatively driven. Every part of the business they did themselves, from the tee-shirts, stickers and logo design to the truck. “We could have hired people, which would have added to the whole sanity of things but we decided not to,” Callie explains.

The shop is still young but when asked about future plans, both Mike and Callie’s wheels were spinning. Mike speaks up over a barking Dusty, “It’s kind of crazy how we started. We did the whole thing to keep things super simple and small, super cheap with low overhead. But we are finding that we have so much business that we are running out of room to operate small and simple. The next step is inevitable, to at least have storage, but if we are paying for storage we can also double as a store front that is open several days.”

The bike shop was designed to be simple. Photo courtesy: Mister Lost’s Mobile Bike Shop.

Callie adds, “Well I’ve been a skier my whole life. Mountain biking is kind of new for me. So a mobile ski shop would be awesome.”

Being able to live a dirtbag lifestyle and still make a living is a major accomplishment and a dream for many adventure seekers. Both agree that whatever the future brings it is important to stay true to their inspirations and why they started in the first place. Mike elaborates, “I mean, it started as the Dirtbag Society and we want it to be the main goal. A lot of people start businesses so they can buy a big fancy house and they can buy new cars.”

Callie agrees, “Our business mission is to inspire people to go have fun. Our personal mission is to be able to live in our van again.”

You can find Mister Lost’s Mobile Bike Shop Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Dollar lot on the south side of Galbraith, and on Saturday nights outside of Kulshan Brewing.

Check out the shop’s website for more information, appointment scheduling, gear, membership opportunities and inspiration.

BP Cherry Point Refinery Partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County to Deliver Youth Development

By
Jennifer Dodge
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boys girls clubs whatcom
Community members find joy in volunteering at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. Photo courtesy: Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County.

Mike Mallernee is a BP Cherry Point Refinery employee who dedicates his time to working with the teens at the Ferndale Boys & Girls Club — one of the four Clubs that make up the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County.

“He shows up and works with the kids,” says Heather Powell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. “He’s building a connection with the kids and showing them real-life opportunities.”

Mallernee, a process engineer at the refinery, moved from Ohio to Whatcom County in 2015. He was looking for a way to put down roots and get involved in his new community.

“I wanted to pay it forward to all of the volunteers I’ve had in my life,” he says. “Without those people, I wouldn’t have the success or the life I live today.”

boys girls clubs whatcom
Mike Mallernee, a BP Cherry Point Refinery employee, finds joy volunteering at the Ferndale Boys & Girls Club. Photo courtesy: Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County.

“Anytime you go into a Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County branch, you understand it is a place that makes a difference in the lives of kids in our communities every day,” says Rayanne McKeon, internal communications advisor for BP Cherry Point Refinery and member of the Boys & Girls Club Resource Development Committee.

With a long history of supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County, BP invests in an organization that is investing in our kids.

When a fire resulted in the devastating loss of the Ferndale Clubhouse in January 2007, BP donated $250,000 to rebuild the building, embedding the company’s logo into the new gym floor to signify the strong community partnership.

“BP was one of the first to step up and say, ‘What’s it going to take?’” says Powell.

Community Support

“Our employees are a part of this community,” says McKeon. “We want kids to have a great place to go — a safe space that provides homework help, activities and sports. That place is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. The skills club kids learn stay with them for a lifetime.”

Volunteering in the teen center, Mallernee says that it took some time to make a connection. By consistently volunteering every week, he was able to break down walls and get to know the kids.

boys girls clubs whatcom
Sunaura Dowd was recognized as the 2017 Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County Youth of the Year. Photo courtesy: Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County.

“Follow-through is important,” he says. “Actions speak louder than words. I try to demonstrate through my actions that I really care about the kids.”

“BP genuinely cares about the community,” McKeon adds. “It’s important for a global company like BP to invest in the communities where employees live, work and raise their families.”

She adds that BP employees like Mallernee are encouraged to volunteer with and support a number of local charities and nonprofits such as the Boys & Girls Clubs.

BP’s employee match program makes it easier for employees to contribute and volunteer. The company matches employees’ financial contributions and converts volunteer hours into a monetary contribution.

“BP delivers on a promise,” adds Powell. “BP invests in organizations that matter to their employees, and they are definitely a company that shows up.”

Describing when BP was asked to help finance the costs of a new gym floor at the Bellingham Clubhouse, Powell says, “BP’s approach was that if the kids need it and we can create impact with it, then it should be done.”

BP is proud to return as the title sponsor of this year’s Inspire Higher Dreams Gala and invites a number of employees to attend as guests.

boys girls clubs
The Ferndale Boys & Girls Club is one of four Clubs within the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. BP Cherry Point Refinery employees volunteer time and donate money to this local non-profit organization, benefitting kids who live in our community. Photo courtesy: Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County.

“And when the paddles go up to give, it’s those individual employees who are also contributing,” says Powell.

Contributing Locally

In total, the businesses in the Cherry Point Industrial Zone, which includes the BP Cherry Point Refinery contributes 12,500 meals and more than 4,100 staff hours.

“It takes one company to say this organization is worth supporting,” says McKeon. “Then others are quick to follow.”

“Boys & Girls Clubs have such an important role in ensuring kids have a positive place to spend their time,” she adds. “Because our employees and their families are also part of these clubs, and it’s even more of a privilege for BP to be a part of it.”

Powell says that the consistency of BP’s support has been invaluable to the organization.

“BP makes sure that people’s families are taken care of. They really invest in the community. I hope the work we do makes them proud.”

To learn more about the impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County, visit http://www.whatcomclubs.org/our-local-impact. Get to know BP Cherry Point Refinery by clicking here.

The Bellingham Community Flag Design Takes Its Place on the Map

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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The Bellingham Community flag was designed by Brad Lockhart of LARIAT Creative with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. Photo courtesy: Signs Plus.

Submitted by: Signs Plus

By now you have seen the brilliant blue and green Bellingham Flag, designed by Brad Lockhart of LARIAT Creative with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. The symbolic Bellingham community flag is seen flying high all over the city and displayed in business and car windows in the form of a sticker – as well as drawn, painted and colored by local children in educational settings.

Bob Pritchett, owner of Faithlife, was inspired by the Bellingham Community flag. With the help of Jim Sutterfield and his Signs Plus team, he made the sign a reality. Photo courtesy: Signs Plus.

On April 24, the Bellingham City Council passed the Bellingham Flag Resolution, making Lockhart’s design the city’s first ever official flag.

“I’m excited to see so many adopt it,” says Bob Pritchett, owner of Faithlife.

In fact, inspired by the community spirit and pride, Pritchett worked with Signs Plus to have a larger rendition of this iconic flag design created for display just outside of the Faithlife building in Downtown Bellingham.

The Bellingham Community flag was designed by Brad Lockhart of LARIAT Creative with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. Photo courtesy: Signs Plus.

“We were inspired by the image of the flag as a sticker with the rounded corners,” says Pritchett. “It was like a sticker you would put on a stick pin for a map.”

With that vision in mind, the large sign was created with the pin red round top and the stick below as if to signify Bellingham’s placement on the map. And now, as a result, you’ll see local residents and tourists alike pose under the sign for a quick picture of their time in Bellingham or as a sign of pride for their community.

“I’m an enthusiastic fan,” says Pritchett of the design and purpose behind the flag – and now the large sign housed just outside the Faithlife building.

Providence Hospitality Group Announces Opening of B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar will offer the Bellingham community a fresh, fun, urban dining experience. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham.

Submitted by: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center

Providence Hospitality Group has announced the opening of B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar, a new restaurant concept at the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center, located in the former Poppes 360 space. B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar will offer the Bellingham community a fresh, fun, urban dining experience beginning May 5, 2017. To celebrate the opening of Bellingham’s newest dining destination, B-Town will feature giveaways and an all-day happy hour including $1 oysters and signature cocktails on Friday, May 5. Celebratory $1 oysters and specials throughout the Grand Opening month of May.

B-Town’s innovative new menu promises to delight. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham.

Conveniently located near downtown Bellingham, B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar offers a fusion of familiar northwest coastal vibe and an innovative mod twist. One of the only raw bar destinations in the area will delight seafood lovers with oysters, clams, crab and other seasonal selections. With more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, John Burns, a Seattle native and General Manager of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, leads the restaurant’s opening together with Chef Evan Morrison.

“This project has been in development for the past fourteen months and we are thrilled to introduce B-Town to our community,” Burns says. “With close attention to detail and innovation, the design and creative culinary concept has culminated into a very unique, enticing restaurant, one that we feel offers Bellingham an enduring dining destination that is second to none!”

Inspired by the land and sea, B-Town sources sustainable seafood from both local and international waters, respecting seasonality and the natural essence of the sea. Featuring seafood, poultry and beef from Pacific Seafood and Barlean’s Fisheries, as well as bread and pastries from Avenue Bread and fresh produce from Charlie’s Produce, B-Town celebrates local connections. Under the culinary direction of Chef Evan Morrison, the menu is a fusion of Pacific Northwest, Asian and Mediterranean influences, featuring fresh fish and shellfish harvested from the beds of Washington, California, British Columbia and Alaska.

B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar will offer the Bellingham community a fresh, fun, urban dining experience. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham.

The emphasis on local offerings extends to an impressive local craft beer selection. Enjoy draft beer from Bellingham’s top craft breweries, including Aslan Brewing, Boundary Bay Brewery, Chuckanut Brewery, Kulshan Brewing and Wander Brewing. An extensive wine list includes vintages from Bellingham’s Vartanyan Estate Winery. Add signature cocktails and you will see how B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar can promise a one-of-a-kind dining experience to Bellingham locals and beyond.

Starting May 5, B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar will be open from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center, managed by Providence Hospitality Partners, is a full-service property located at 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, just off Interstate 5 at Exit 253. Four Points by Sheraton is a brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, part of Marriott International.

Four Points Bellingham is totally smoke-free throughout its 132 guest rooms, two restaurants (B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar and Chinuk), indoor pool, fitness area and 14,000 square feet of meeting-room space. For more information, call 360-671-1011 or 888-671-1011 or visit www.FourPointsBellingham.com.

For more information please visit: www.btownkitchen.com
 
B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar
714 Lakeway Drive
Bellingham, WA 98229
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BTownKitchen
Twitter: @BtownBellingham
Instagram: @btown_kitchen

Chrysalis Inn & Spa Donates to Compass Health to Support Summer Camp for Children Facing Family Substance Abuse Challenges

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Chrysalis Inn & Spa donated $2,160 to Compass Health as part of its monthly non-profit contribution program. Photo courtesy: Chrysalis Inn & Spa.

Submitted by: The Chrysalis Inn & Spa

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa is proud to announce a donation in the amount of $2,160 to Compass Health, as part of its monthly non-profit contribution program. This donation will specifically benefit the organization’s Camp Mariposa® program, a nationally recognized addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth who are impacted by substance abuse in their families.

Chrysalis Inn & Spa donated $2,160 to Compass Health as part of its monthly non-profit contribution program. Photo courtesy: Chrysalis Inn & Spa.

More than nine million children in the U.S. are living in a home with a parent who uses illicit drugs. Many of these children struggle in school, develop physical and emotional issues, are witnesses or targets of family violence or sexual abuse, and are even four times more likely to develop a future addiction of their own.

At-risk children and youth attending Camp Mariposa® have access to a safe, high-quality, specialized camp where mental health professionals and trained volunteers can assist them. People can learn more about Camp Mariposa® on the Compass Health website.

“By supporting Camp Mariposa with this generous donation, the Chrysalis Inn & Spa is providing a lifeline to some of the most vulnerable kids in our community,” said Tom Kozaczynski, Director of Development for Compass Health. “We have been able to help over 75 kids who are facing family substance abuse issues through this camp, and this donation and others like it will help even more children get the support they need.”

For more than 115 years, Compass Health has provided innovative behavioral health services in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom and Snohomish counties to children and adults from all walks of life, suffering from mental illness. Most individuals who receive their services are on Medicaid, and many are homeless. Compass Health clients and their families typically have incomes below 50 percent of the area median income, and many are living with incomes below 30 percent of the median income.

About the Chrysalis Inn & Spa:

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa, a locally owned hotel, spa & restaurant on Fairhaven’s waterfront, recently announced that it will contribute one percent of revenue from the Spa to a Whatcom County non-profit each month. Compass Health was its March donation recipient. Whatcom County Food Banks will be its April recipient.

Tee Off for Scholarships with the Chelsey Ebert Celebrity Weekend Fundraiser

By
Patricia Herlevi
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Mark Lee, Sam Adkins, Jordan Babineaux, Paul Johns, Stephanie Ebert, Jay Ebert, Jim Sandusky and Colin McCarthy honor the legacy of high school athlete Chelsey Ebert. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

Spring has arrived in Whatcom County. Cherry trees punctuate gray skies and golfers head onto the green. Meanwhile, high school seniors prepare for college and fortunate student athletes win scholarships, paving the way to becoming legends like their sports heroes.

While the late Chelsey Rae Ebert never graduated from Ferndale High School, she did leave a legacy. The former high school volleyball and basketball player died in December 2007 after a battle with a rare form of cancer. She and her father, Jay Ebert, founded the Chelsey Ebert Trust that awards scholarships to female high school athletes from Whatcom County to fund their university education. Thus far, the trust has awarded scholarships to over 85 female high school athletes from Whatcom County.

Former Ferndale High School athlete Chelsey Ebert chose to create a humanitarian legacy. Photo courtesy: Ebert Family.

The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce partners with the Chelsey Ebert Trust in hosting the Chelsey Ebert Celebrity Weekend Event. The weekend includes a dinner with an auction and a golf tournament. The ninth annual dinner-auction will be held at the Silver Reef Event Center on Friday, May 12 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. The ninth annual celebrity golf scramble will be held at the Shuksan Golf Club on Saturday, May 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start.

This year’s celebrities include Jordan Babineaux, Luke Willson, Sam Adkins, Mark Lee, Jared Zabransky, Colin McCarthy, Randal Morris, Jay Hill, Tali Ena, Jessica Hopkins (Ferndale High School graduate, LFL Hall of Fame, Seattle Mist) and Paul Johns, just to name a few. A long-time supporter and returning celebrity this year is Sam Adkins who formerly wore the number 12 jersey as a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. The dinner, auction and golf tournament offer attendees the opportunity to rub elbows with celebrities and raise funds for university scholarships and an array of charities dear to Chelsey Ebert’s heart.

Mark Lee, Sam Adkins, Jordan Babineaux, Paul Johns, Stephanie Ebert, Jay Ebert, Jim Sandusky and Colin McCarthy honor the legacy of high school athlete Chelsey Ebert. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

According to Ann Serwold at the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, “Chelsey decided at the end of her illness that she wanted to do a girl’s basketball scholarship for Ferndale as her legacy. From there it has grown to two scholarships for senior girls in any sport for every school in Whatcom County.”

While the scholarship grabs the limelight, the Chelsey Ebert Trust also donates funds to Whatcom County Veterans, the Seattle Children’s Hospital, Pretty in Pink Walk, Ferndale Food Bank and other worthy organizations. Ebert not only shone as a high school athlete, she was also on the honor roll and she excelled as a leader by volunteering in her community.

At the annual Chelsey Ebert Trust Celebrity Weekend Dinner locals mingle with stars. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

In 2016, the annual dinner and golf tournament raised $160,000 which contributed to the scholarship fund and other organizations. The 2017 recipients include scholarship winners, St. Joseph Medical Center, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Ferndale High School, Mount Baker AAU Basketball, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Department and Ferndale Police.

The athletic scholarships are competitive and recipients must meet strict criteria. “Chelsey gave us the requirements she wanted used,” says Stephanie Ebert. “The students had to have played their senior year in high school, have a 3.5 or higher GPA, no ejections, technical fouls or disqualifications and they show positive leadership.” The recipients must also have been starters, however, they did not need to be the team captain or the best player.

Colin McCarthy, Jordan Babineaux, Paul Johns and Mark Lee compete in a celebrity golf scramble. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets for the Celebrity Dinner are $54.44 per ticket with tables of ten for $544.44.  Sponsorships range from $5,044 for the Title Sponsor which includes two ten-tops and VIP passes for the dinner and auction and two golf teams plus the company logo on all promotional material. The Celebrity Dinner and Auction Sponsorship Package costs $3,544.00 and includes the company’s logo on all the dinner and auction promotional material, a logo banner at the dinner, one golf foursome, a ten-top dinner table and 10 V.I.P. tickets to Friday’s VIP reception.

Participating golfers have a few weeks left to work on their game. Meanwhile, Whatcom County philanthropists count down the days until the event that honors a very humble young lady that excelled, not only at sports, but also as a humanitarian.

Business sponsors include Phillips 66, Ancon, Agent Pipeline, Bellingham Professional Office Cleaning, Fortiphi Financial, D&D Insurance Agency, Signs by Tomorrow, Whatcom #7 Fire Fighters, Silver Reef Casino, Swinomish Casino, Bellingham Grocery Outlet, Mills Electric and several small businesses. Tickets can be purchased at the Chelsey Ebert Trust website, https://www.chelseyebert.com/.

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