Blaine Harbor’s Community Presence

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Blaine Harbor 3881 — Blaine Harbor is the heart of the seaside town of Blaine. Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

With deeply-rooted ties to the commercial fishing industry, Blaine Harbor sees commercial fishing vessels as an important part of the waterfront.

Picturesque Blaine Harbor is ideal for boaters and land lubbers alike. Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

Today, a smaller fleet sets out each day to harvest Dungeness crab and salmon during those respective seasons and supplies to four local seafood buyers.

Port Commissioner, Bobby Briscoe, and his wife call Blaine home. Briscoe, a fourth-generation fisherman born and raised in Bellingham has operated commercial fishing vessels for over forty years in Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California.

“Being a maritime family, a part of the Blaine community and now Port Commissioner gives me a unique perspective. As the gateway to the Pacific Northwest, Blaine harbor and the local commercial fishing fleet are an integral part of this hard working picturesque seaside community.”

Beyond being the longtime home of commercial fishing, Blaine is only minutes from the Canadian border as well as right off Interstate 5 offering the convenience of travel into the Canadian city of Vancouver or even heading south to Seattle.

Across the harbor entrance sits the Semiahmoo Resort, located at the end of a sand spit reaching out into Drayton Harbor. The resort is built on the foundations of the historic Alaska Packers Association fish cannery. The Plover, a seasonal foot ferry operating between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Resort, allows guests and residence alike to go between the resort and town. This historic foot ferry was the same route used to carry the cannery workers from Blaine to their job at the Semiahmoo location.

Come see what Blaine Harbor has for you! Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

With strong community ties as well as a place for boats to come in and dock and moorage available, Blaine Harbor exemplifies the mission of the Port of Bellingham through its consistent activities supporting a strong connection and stability to the community.

As an element of community outreach Port of Bellingham Harbor staff partners with the Blaine School District, Puget Sound Restoration, Drayton Harbor Maritime and the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District to provide class field trips as a part of the Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum for Blaine Elementary fifth grade students. Students participate in hands-on experiences and activities promoting environmental stewardship. Everyone enjoys seeing the children at the harbor learning about environment stewardship and the marine ecosystem.

With its proximity to Canada and walking distance to restaurants and the new waterfront playground, the Port of Bellingham operated Blaine Harbor is at the heart of the sea-side town of Blaine.

Port Commissioner Bobby Briscoe is a fourth-generation fisherman. Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

“Blaine is only 20 minutes north of Bellingham, but you’ll find all of the elements of a summer cruising destination in this quaint, little town,” says Andy Peterson, Blaine Harbormaster. “It’s our best kept secret.”

Peterson, who has worked for the Port of Bellingham for 20 years, grew up a part of his family’s marine hardware and repair business and has been a part of the Whatcom waterfront his entire life. A fifth generation Whatcom County resident, he’s seen the changes to the waterfront that have made the shores of Whatcom County even more desirable over the years.

“I grew up around boats and boatyards,” he fondly recalls. “We explored just about every inch of the shoreline from the Bellingham waterfront to Patos Island.”

Working for the Port of Bellingham, he has worked at the marinas, the shipping terminal, the Alaska Ferry terminal and even the airport before coming back to Blaine Harbor. In 2010, Peterson became the harbormaster at Blaine Harbor and was back to working on the waterfront.

“A leisurely walk from the harbor will get you into downtown Blaine with dining and pubs and loads of small town character,” describes Peterson. “For the boater looking for a quiet place to reconnect, it doesn’t get any better than this. “

Andy Peterson has been a part of the Whatcom waterfront his entire life. Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

The end of April marks the 19^th Annual Semiahmoo Bay International Regatta, when race participants from the United States and Canada rendezvous at Blaine Harbor for a two-day sailboat race. Opening Day of Boating and the Fishermen’s Memorial and Blessing of the Fleet is celebrated the first weekend of May.

The busiest day in Blaine is the Fourth of July with a parade, festivities and fireworks over the harbor. Followed by the Drayton Harbor Days the first weekend in August held by the Blaine Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Bellingham, with assistance from the Drayton Harbor Maritime, Blaine/Birch Bay Parks and Recreation District and the City of Blaine. From raft races and steamboats to the children’s pirate costume contest, this event is a celebrated favorite each year.

Whether you are a boater looking for a new homeport or just looking for a seaside destination to spend a sunny afternoon, Blaine Harbor provides incredible opportunities for both from its locally caught fish and crab to the beautiful sunsets over the harbor. Come see what Blaine Harbor has for you.

Sponsored

Make Summer Great with Whatcom County Youth Summer Camps

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Jennifer Dodge

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Whatcom County youth summer camps Kids with Whatcom Wild — Outdoor adventures with Wild Whatcom means learning new and amazing things about our local environment. Photo courtesy: Wild Whatcom.

Do you have a child who would enjoy a unique summer experience? If so, summer camp could be just the ticket. There are many amazing Whatcom County youth summer camps including overnight camps, day camps and sports specific and academic-based camps. Your child can have virtually any experience they want this summer tailor-made to his or her own interests!

Here are just a few of the many options in our area:

Fir Creek Day Camp

Fir Creek, located near Lake Whatcom in a grove of fir and cedar trees, offers a variety of activities for campers from 1^st through 8^th grade. Providing an environment for fun, new friendships and finding new interests, Fir Creek offers kids the opportunity to grow and experience new things.

Activities at Fir Creek Day Camp include water sports like ski boating, aqua jumping and tubing as well as land activities like giant tree swinging, rock climbing and zip lining. They also offer activities from the other end of the spectrum like drawing, ceramics, tree houses, sports, games and a lot more.

Each week has its own crazy theme with equally crazy adventures so kids and families can choose which one works best for them. Fir Creek Day Camp is now taking registrations.

YMCA Summer Adventure Camp

Kids enjoy a variety of activities at YMCA camps.

The YMCA Summer Adventure Camp offers kids the opportunity to meet new friends and learn new skills in an exciting and fun outdoor environment. They offer great activities such as archery, hiking, kayaking, cooking, science, art and much more.

Hope Thompson, Adventure Camp Coordinator, says the camp curriculum is built on the key components of achievement, relationship and belonging with a focus on the YMCA Core Values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. Their open house on June 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. is a great opportunity to meet the staff and learn about their summer program.

The Seekers (for children entering grades 1 and 2) learn new skills, work on projects with new friends and enjoy some undirected time in an environment perfect for fostering resilience and confidence.

The Explorers (grades 3 to 5) learn to respect and enjoy nature through hiking, crafting, field trips and other activities based on exciting themes that change weekly.

And the Challengers (grades 6 through 8) get the opportunity to explore the community through learning a new talent such as art or tennis. They also head outdoors for some adventure and new friendship cultivation. Each week sees a new theme that shapes each day’s plans.

Adventure Quest

Adventure Quest has been offering programs in Bellingham since 2011. They offer a great opportunity for kids to experience a mythical and magical world as they overcome challenges and solve riddles to become the heroes of their quest.

Each week of the camp entails a different “quest” or interactive story involving games and acting in an environment promoting good sportsmanship and respect for others along with creative conflict resolution and problem solving. Activities include magical dueling with foam swords and fending off ogres and bands of pirates. Campers leave feeling excited and empowered and ready to share the story of their mythical adventure with you!

Summer camps are now open for registration for ages 6 to 16.

Wild Whatcom

Wild Whatcom summer programs are all about adventure. Days exploring our local forests, rivers, meadow, waterfalls and beaches provide a mentor-led opportunity to learn and experience our local surroundings.

The day camps are all three to five-day adventures (sometimes including an overnight) with facilitated learning. These day camps are open to kids grades 1 through 8.

Also available to kids grades 5 through 11 are Wilderness Explorations featuring three to eight- day backpacking trips full of facilitated learning opportunities.

With separate camps for girls and boys, the types of adventures and locations vary. Many sessions are available for each adventure in a variety of locations.

Registration is now open for all summer camp sessions. Your adventure awaits!

These are just a few of the camps around town. Check local resources, such as schools, churches and local businesses like Bellingham Bay Gymnastics, to get the latest information on available summer camp options for your family.

Jennifer Lovchik: Reaching Teens Through Books, Games and BA-CON

By

Lorraine Wilde

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These cosplayers attended BA-CON 2016. More than 1000 enthusiasts are expected to attend this year. Photo courtesy: BA-CON.

Teen Services Librarian Jennifer Lovchik loves her job at Bellingham Public Library (BPL). As a mentor and coordinator of BPL teen programs and founder of the Bellingham Anime Convention (BA-CON), Lovchik connects with the teens of Whatcom County by speaking their language through books, games, anime and fandom of all kinds.

Lovchik grew up in the Seattle area and attended Western Washington University. She took a job as a librarian at BPL 20 years ago and in 2001 she became the Teen Services Librarian. “Being a teen librarian is my dream and always has been,” explains Lovchik. “I love my busy, wonderful job.”

Many parents struggle to relate to the interests of their teens. Some don’t have time to keep up on teen culture and some struggle to understand it, but Lovchik has found a way to stay immersed in some of the areas teens care about through her work at BPL and within the community.

Teen Programs at BPL

BA-CON Steering Committee Members attend Anime Night at BPL, some in cosplay. Left to Right: Anya Mueller, Kambria Mcdonald (Super Pochaco), Jennifer Lovchik, Ben Bernard (Dandy Universe) and Kai Imani (Asnort). Photo credit: Lorraine Wilde.

“Our programs provide a place for teens to explore and learn and grow,” notes Lovchik. “It’s another way of helping them tell their story and be part of the community.” Many kids who haven’t found their ideal social setting through school or other places are drawn to BPL programs. “I’ve seen amazing friendships develop from participation,” adds Lovchik. “One of my joys is to see the kids come in as awkward, impulse-control-challenged 6^th graders and then to watch them blossom.”

Anime Night has been on the second Monday of each month since 2007. Pizza and other refreshments from McKay’s Taphouse & Pizzeria and Rudy’s Pizzeria are provided by Friends of the Library. Candy is given to anyone dressed in fandom-related cosplay. Young adults 12 to 23 are welcome to attend. About 40 to 50 people attend each month.

Game Night is an informal meet up on the third Monday of each month. Kids age 12 to 19 watch and play Wii games and traditional board games. Both groups meet at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in a positive, safe, hate-free environment at BPL’s Central Library Lecture Room.

An off-shoot of Anime Night called Toshokan Cosplay (which means ‘library’ in Japanese) also meets once a month on a Friday. Students watch YouTube videos, take photos, dance and socialize from 4 to 6 p.m.

“The kids have a lot of opportunity to interact, even the shy ones,” adds Lovchik. “I encourage everyone to be kind. It’s a safe, happy place to hang out.” Students that participate have fun while also building friendships and learning new social skills in a respectful environment.

Middle School Lunch-Time Book Groups

These cosplayers attended BA-CON 2016. More than 1000 enthusiasts are expected to attend this year. Photo courtesy: BA-CON.

Each of the four middle schools in Bellingham School District has a different name for their monthly lunch-time book groups, but they have a common goal: to share their mutual love of books. Middle school teens meet to discuss book-related themes and have a chance to win free advance reader copies of books provided by local book store Village Books.

Lovchik also brings this program to other area groups. The Bellingham School District’s Family Partnership Program provides resources and support to Bellingham’s homeschooling community. Lovchik also meets at least monthly with residents of Sterling Meadows, a program of Mercy Housing of Northwest Washington, which has been providing housing to agricultural workers and their families since 2002. “I go to where the kids are because they can’t always get to the library,” explains Lovchik. “I love anime, I love games but I really love books so it’s nice to be able to talk to kids about that too.”

Bellingham Anime Convention (BA-CON)

The 2016 BA-CON Cosplay Competition at Whatcom Community College was well attended. Photo courtesy: BA-CON.

“I knew about Sakura-Con and other fan conventions, and I figured we needed something for young people who couldn’t get to Seattle so they could dress up and hang out with friends at a dedicated event. So I started one,” explains Lovchik. The original monthly evening event inspired an annual, full-day event, now in its seventh year.

In 2010 the first all-day anime convention, then called ADA-CON, was held at BPL. Approximately 20 kids were in attendance. The following year the name was officially changed to Bellingham Anime Convention (BA-CON for short) and it drew more than 90 area enthusiasts. The annual convention continued to grow each year until it reached BPL’s capacity of 250 people. A larger venue was needed to address the increasing interest.

“Although I’m not a personal fan of anime, I try to keep up on everything so I at least know what the kids are talking about,” explains Lovchik. In 2014, the teens in her BPL program told her about an Animation Club at Whatcom Community College (WCC). That’s where she found Jarrett Martin. As a WCC student, Martin had started the popular club. Martin was brought on as Director of Programming in 2014 and BA-CON moved to WCC in 2015. “He’s currently the Convention Director and he is the main reason BA-CON is and will continue to grow.”

“When I joined, it was with the condition that we make it a ‘real convention,’ with guest speakers, workshops and that it become more representative of the kinds of conventions you’d find in other larger cities,” remembers Martin. “Since then we’ve obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and taken the event from six to twelve hours, growing to the more than 1,000 we expect to attend this year.” Last year, the event was attended by many locals, but also by vendors and enthusiasts from Vancouver, B.C., Seattle and Oregon.

BA-CON Artists Alley will expand from 20 in 2016 to more than 50 local and Pacific Northwest artists and vendors this year. Photo courtesy: BA-CON.

In prior years, the event was free for vendors and attendees and funded solely by BPL and donations. In 2016, they began charging a small fee in order to support guest speakers, advertising and to pay for overhead costs associated with the ever expanding event. This year, the event will triple in size, expanding from one to three buildings on the WCC campus. Artists Alley will occupy an entire gymnasium due to growth from about 20 to more than 50 local and Pacific Northwest artists and vendors. The area will take on more of an expo feel.

“It’s not just anime either,” adds Lovchik. “It’s all fandoms. We’re inviting and inclusive. Most people feel it’s a warm and happy event where people love what they’re doing.” Many of the teens that have participated in BPL programs have become members of the BA-CON Steering Committee, helping make decisions and learning new leadership and social skills along the way.

This year’s event will also feature industry professionals, three musical performances and more than 70 hours of content during the 12-hour event. They’ll bring big name guest speakers in the anime world including Raj Ramayya, a California-based Indo-Canadian singer, composer and lyricist. His anime fame is in his musical collaborations with famed Japanese composer Yoko Kanno as a member of The Seatbelts. Ramayya sang wrote the lyrics for songs from the fan favorite feature film Cowboy Bebop: the Movie.

Also, Matthew Erickson, a Canadian voice actor based in Vancouver, B.C. will speak about his experiences in his anime roles that include “Trunks” in Dragonball GT, “Van Flyheight” in Zoids: Chaotic Century, “Harvey” in Sabrina, Secrets of a Teenage Witch.

BA-CON’s website and podcasts have loads of details about past and upcoming events.

Lovchik has remained in touch with many of the kids that participated in BPL and BA-CON programs over the years, many who are now adults in our community. “I’m Facebook friends with a lot of them. I love that I’m more of a mentor. We have a different relationship than they have with their parents or their teachers,” adds Lovchik. “I can be there for support without that layer of authority or judgment. I encourage them to explore what they’re passionate about without having to dictate it. I get to help them learn to manage in the world and they just get to be themselves.”

For more information on Bellingham Public Library Teen Programs visit www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/kids-teens/teens.

Bellingham Anime Convention (BA-CON) will be held May 13, 2017 at Whatcom Community College.

Robert Hall Releases “This Old Building”

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Kane C. Hall

Robert Hall’s new book, “This Old Building,” is an essential guide for first-time restorers and a must-read for anyone who cares about preserving the historic character of our cities. For three decades, Robert Hall has been on a mission to rescue old buildings and take them back to their original glory, first through restoration, and then by managing them in such a way as to enhance the community, as intended when newly built.

In this book, he shares entertaining stories and valuable trade secrets from first-hand experience. Hall demonstrates how to restore the integrity of the architecture while making these old timers fit to thrive another hundred years and earn a healthy profit for the owner. With practical guidelines, do-it-yourself tips, and before and after photographs, this book has everything needed to make an old building restoration a success.

“…This Old Building illustrates how deeply these structures are woven into the economic, cultural and social fabric of historic downtowns and Main Streets. Hall’s work is an inspiration … his book provides a blueprint for historic property redevelopment—a perfect primer for anyone afflicted with the historic building bug!”

—Chris Moore, Executive Director, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

Also announcing the release of a new documentary film about Robert Hall’s journey: “Oldies but Goodies,” produced by Lanny Little.

Robert K. Hall is a pioneer in the restoration and preservation of historic commercial properties. Hall’s company, Daylight Properties, owns and manages over 30 heritage buildings in the state of Washington. Hall is recognized as the force behind the urban renaissance in Bellingham, where he revitalized the historic downtown. Hall’s restorations, including award-winning façade renovations, are listed on the Washington Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Hall and his management team share a vision to preserve and showcase historic buildings by establishing healthy, sustainable businesses, and well-managed residential housing.

This Old Building—A Guide to Buying, Restoring, Financing and Managing Historic Commercial Property
$24.95 (paperback)
Available online at CreateSpace.
Available online at Amazon.

Veronica Wisniewski and Tricia Otto’s Nest Box Program Gives Swallows, Barn Owls and Wood Ducks a Home

By

Rob Rich

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This Swallow has found a safe, new home. Photo credit: Rob Rich.

Like wet newspaper, another old wasp comb clings to a swallow box roof. “Aww, darn. This is why the boxes must be checked,” says Veronica, scooping out the mess and replacing it with a layer of fresh wood shavings. In a successful nest, the swallows will thatch this faux wood rot with dried grasses, then line it with feathers gleaned from molting larger birds. But for now, Tricia kills off the few winter-weary insects on the front board, raises it and with a quick – bzzzzz – Veronica drills it back in place. “Two more to go,” she says, climbing down the ladder.

The six boxes at Sisters Christmas Tree Farm near Van Zandt are among 120 swallow boxes that Veronica Wisniewski and Tricia Otto have installed in fields and meadows throughout Whatcom County. In agricultural areas with rough pasture (and perhaps a good barn), they have 51 barn owl boxes. And along forested ponds and streams? 120 wood duck boxes. Each species has a unique cavity and hole fit to its body. And though unwanted nest-fellows may slip in, most all are proofed against intruding raccoons and raptors.

It takes a lot of work to get some of the boxes into place. Photo Credit: Rob Rich.

Birds haven’t always lived in boxes. Historically, the wounds of dead, standing trees made life possible for these cavity-dependent nesters. But in 1988, when Tricia moved to a cutover property along a creek that flows into Lake Whatcom, she found few of these “snags” for birds to use. So she gave nest boxes a try, in all style and circumstance: little ones (for chickadees), medium ones (for flickers) and big ones (for ducks); in the woods, near the water, out in the open. After five years, the real estate trends were clear: without good snags in the forest, the ducks were desperate. “The more boxes I put up,” Tricia recalls, “the more were occupied.”

Anyone who loves birds, or knows Tricia, will understand why this was no small temptation. As Tricia’s energy mounted to extend the project beyond her property, she met Veronica, who was then working with the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA).

Sometimes collaborating landowners come out for the box-raising. Here, Veronica (left) leads a helper to install a barn owl box up high.
Photo Credit: Tricia Otto

Veronica had also started to experiment with wood duck boxes, along the creeks that NSEA helped restore. Initially, Tricia challenged Veronica’s placement among NSEA’s newly planted trees, thinking her boxes should be deeper in the woods where starlings wouldn’t pirate them. But soon enough they reached an agreement and, today, they have extended the project with 82 collaborating landowners countywide.

Even if the big, holey trees were lacking, their stumps remained useful. Purchasable boards proved insufficient for duck and owl boxes – which require at least a 12″x12″ base – so Tricia and Veronica enlisted Jack Sturgeon, Wally Clark and George Garlick to salvage what they could from the hefty stumps that logging crews left behind. They found durable success with cedars, and using Wally’s sawmill and their collective tinker-power, they improved the duck box designs of the legendary waterfowl conservationist Frank Bellrose. Instead of an awkward reach from above, their boxes would open from the side, an accommodation that greatly enhanced safety and access from their simple orchard ladders.

Like creating the boxes, positioning them takes a lot of creativity. Photo credit: Rob Rich.

With duct-taped foam padding worn from frequent shoulder carries, their ladders have gotten a lot of mileage. They visit every box at least once per year, transported back and forth and back on Tricia’s 1987 Volvo, whose trunk is stuffed with drills, hammers, a posthole digger, a shovel and a whole lot of screws. One day a week, Tricia and Veronica make rounds to maintain boxes for their landowners, most of whom they’ve met through word of mouth. Scott Delbecq worked with them in the early years too – when he grew from age 12 to 20 – providing the crucial teenage muscle that heaved most of the original boxes into place. In 2006, this trio won Re-Sources’ Environmental Heroes Award for their efforts, which by then had already nurtured thousands of birds that Whatcom County might never have known.

And over a decade later, their work goes on, with many more birds on the wing. Scott is now a doctoral student at UW, but Tricia and Veronica still follow nesting seasons like fishermen do tides. Duties ramp up in late summer, when the great cycle of cleanouts begins with the wood ducks, then by early fall, the barn owls. This intensive housekeeping deters invaders and prevents next year’s nesters from laying in last year’s failures. But it also extends the meticulous tally that Tricia and Veronica keep on each box’s history. With this information, they might add or move boxes to better locations through winter. By early spring, they’re racing to clean and erect any storm-fallen swallow boxes before their early-migrating tenants return from Central America.

This Swallow has found a safe, new home. Photo credit: Rob Rich.

Changes in climate and land use practices are making this trek more challenging each year. Even for our non-migratory wood ducks, loss of wetland habitat remains an obstacle that goes beyond what boxes can do. But the barn owl program is growing, which should be great news for local farmers, given how these birds offer some of the most organic, effective rodent control around.

As Veronica and Tricia closed out their day in late March, more good news arrived, just in time: three male tree swallows swooping down, announcing themselves with twitters and scolds. After a few tumbles and taunts, one landed on the last, just-cleaned box to stake his claim. It was a successful one last year and it seemed to hold promise for this year, too.

Whatcom County Weekend Events Calendar

By

Events Editor

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Easter Egg Hunt bellewood-easter-egg-hunt — In addition to their fun Easter egg hunt, BelleWood Acres offers a delicious country Easter brunch, petting zoo, pony rides, scavenger hunt and more. Photo courtesy: BelleWood Acres.

Happy Easter weekend everyone! The next few days are chock full of great opportunities to celebrate spring, get out and play and hang with the Easter Bunny. Here are a few fun Whatcom County weekend events to get you started. Don’t forget to check our full events calendar for all the great local happenings this weekend.

There are a lot of great art exhibitions in town, so go check them out. Haunts of the Heart: Landscapes of Lynn Zimmerman is at the Jansen Art Center. The paintings of Kayla White are showing at the Inn at Lynden. The Spring Juried Exhibit is at the Jansen Art Center. And Emerging Nature: Painting by Mike Bathum will be on display at Jansen Art Center.
Or create your own art with classes by the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival’s 2017 poster artist at Whatcom County College.
Laugh out loud with The Upfront Theatre’s rendition of “Baywatch” and “Pirates.”
Get some fresh air and stretch your legs at the Deception Pass Marathon and 1/2 Trail Run.
Join the first trail building day on the recently adopted, well-loved Cedar Dust on Galbraith Mountain. This is a family-friendly event! They’ll be bringing along their house-made Root Beer and lunch for the helpers and will be hosting kid-friendly and adult-friendly egg hunts!
Hop on down to the New Hope Foursquare Church Easter Egg Hunt or one of the many great Whatcom County Easter Egg Hunts happening this weekend.
Celebrate Easter with brunch at the Semiahmoo Resort.
Or enjoy the holiday at Boundary Bay Brewery’s Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt.
Then unwind from all the celebratory fun by exploring the Hidden Eateries of North State Street.

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.

Find Health and Wellbeing at Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center

By

Sara Holodnick

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Creating relationships is key to the quality of life for the members of the program. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center.

Update: As of August 10, 2018, Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center is closed. Alternative resources can be found by clicking this link.

Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center provides a range of services that support the physical and mental health of seniors and individuals with chronic illness. A program of Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center’s team provides a range of specialized programs for their members.

Mary Faber Wynstra is passionate about her work with the Adult Day Health Program. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

These programs help older adults and people with long-term illness and disabilities build strength and maintain their independence while bringing meaning and enjoyment to each day. With opportunities for members to visit daily, Monday through Friday, these programs also offer much-needed respite to caregivers. And thanks to strong community partnerships with Whatcom Transportation Authority and Christ the King Church in Bellingham, roundtrip transportation is provided for free for many.

Valuable Therapeutic Care

Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center (NWADH) operated in Bellingham for 37 years but when PeaceHealth announced in 2014 that they would be discontinuing the program, clients and families weren’t sure if anyone would step up to continue the valuable service. Thankfully Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, a long-term health care facility, volunteered to take over the program. Mary Faber Wynstra, who had been employed by Christian Health Care Center for many years, became manager of the adult day health program.

Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center keeps an occupational therapist, nurse and social worker on staff. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

“When the opportunity to help run the adult day health program came, I jumped on it,” she shared. “Our goal is to help members stay in their homes with their caregiver for as long as possible.” The center has an occupational therapist, nurse and social worker on staff who care for members’ health and cognitive well-being.

“There’s always a purpose behind what we’re doing,” said Wynstra. “Our program members spend time with a therapist working on their goals and they have regular visits with our nurse.” These appointments can be incredibly valuable, offering quality preventative care that can catch illness early and even keep folks out of the hospital.

Engaging Activities

NWADH staff gathers information from members and their families about interests and favorite hobbies. Daily activities developed around these shared interests provide meaning and enjoyment for all members. Scheduled activities include guest speakers, live music, art classes, holiday programs, travel programs, health education and group games.

“We have a lot of entertainers who come and volunteer their time with things like live music and travel slideshows,” shared Wynstra. “We have a great volunteer named Mary who comes in every week and leads an art group for us.”

Volunteers enjoy sharing their talents at the center. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

The community also shares their talents by providing valuable companionship. Volunteers at NWADH help serve coffee, visit with members and even go on walks together. “Walking and talking with our program members is a great volunteer opportunity,” said Wynstra. “Walking is always more fun with a friend!”

Care for Caregivers

In addition to therapeutic care and activities for members, NWADH provides much-needed opportunities for caregivers – often family members – to have a break from the challenges of tending to their loved ones’ needs. “Most of our members come twice a week and some come five days a week,” shared Wynstra.

Creating relationships is key to the quality of life for the members of the program. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center.

Program days last from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., which gives family caregivers time to run errands, go to appointments or simply take advantage of much-needed respite. The center also supports caregivers by offering Caregiver Connection support groups. “We want to help strengthen the caregiver and make sure they feel taken care of too,” Wynstra explained.

Free Transportation

Transportation is key for getting folks from all parts of the county to NWADH’s healthcare campus in Lynden. Three vans go out to layover sites such as church parking lots to pick-up members and bring them to NWADH. Round-trip transportation to the facility from various layover sites is provided free of charge thanks to partnerships with Whatcom Transportation Authority and Christ the King Church in Bellingham.

Round-trip transportation to the facility from various layover sites is provided free of charge thanks to partnerships with Whatcom Transportation Authority and Christ the King Church in Bellingham. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center.

“Program members who live in Bellingham are brought to Christ the King Church by paratransit buses or by their family members,” explained Wynstra. “Christ the King Church has provided a space for our members to gather while we wait for a large WTA bus to arrive. We load everyone on that bus and bring them directly to Lynden, then do the same in reverse in the afternoon.”

This strong partnership with Christ the King Church in Bellingham was a critical piece for making the program accessible to clients in Bellingham. “Had they not been willing and volunteered their space and facility, it would’ve been a huge struggle for Bellingham clients to access our program. They’ve opened their doors to us Monday through Friday.” NWADH maintains a reciprocal, mutually beneficial relationship by leading a caregiver support group at the church.

Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center operates Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with extended hours available. Transportation is available with pick-up locations throughout the county in Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Lynden and Sumas. Members must be over the age of 18 and individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, depression, memory loss, heart disease or stroke are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the program visit Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center’s website or give them a call at 360-306-3031. Informational tours are available.

Sponsored

Kulshan Quest – Join the Adventure

By

Kenneth Clarkson

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Kulshan Quest 983 — These team members are getting ready to participate in one of the Cascadia Adventure Race Series' adventure races. Photo credit: Brent Molsberry.

Ever wanted to feel like Indiana Jones? Well look no further than the sport of adventure racing. Although you won’t be facing any dastardly foes, you will be navigating a secret wooded-course by way of mountain biking, sea kayaking and trail running.

Adventure race team members always discuss strategy before taking to the sea. Photo credit: Brent Molsberry.

Kulshan Quest is Whatcom County’s own adventure race and takes place May 13. Created by Brent Molsberry in 2014, this year will mark the third Kulshan Quest. Molsberry started Kulshan Quest a few years after he started Island Quest, an adventure race that takes place on the San Juan Islands.

A graduate of Western Washington University, Molsberry wanted to expand adventure racing to Bellingham, the place he loves so much and calls home. Molsberry said there wasn’t any adventure racing in the upper Northwest part of Washington until he created Island Quest and Kulshan Quest.

“Bellingham is a spectacular area. When I design adventure race courses I want to make them specific to that area by showcasing the area’s natural beauty,” Molsberry said. “I really try to bring to light the recreational opportunities in the area.”

Kulshan Quest has both a 12 hour and three-hour race. Molsberry said the number of participants has grown since the inception of the race, even though last year he couldn’t host the race because he was in paramedic school in Seattle.

Unlike a relay race, adventure racing requires the whole team to finish together, going at one unified pace. Teams are made up of two to four members. “It really is the definition of a team sport,” Molsberry said. “Team members should ideally be within 10 meters of each other for leg sections and 25 meters for biking sections.” Molsberry races with his team, “Quest Racing,” but because he is the course designer for Island Quest and Kulshan Quest, he cannot compete in those races with his team.

Two team members share a quick moment during the mountain biking portion of the race. Photo credit: Brent Molsberry.

At Kulshan Quest, participating teams receive their course-specific maps 30 minutes before the race begins. The only navigational materials you can use in adventure racing are the given map, a compass and watch. Molsberry said teams start drafting strategy immediately after they receive the maps. The topographical maps Molsberry hands out show where the checkpoints are. The objective – find the checkpoints as fast as you can.

Kulshan Quest’s 12-hour race will be the Pacific Northwest qualifier for the US Adventure Racing Association National Championships. The national championship this year will be taking place in Lake Harmoney, Pennsylvania on September 21-23.

Molsberry said Kulshan Quest does have prizes from their sponsors for the event’s top three winning teams. But the biggest part of Kulshan Quest is placing and getting points toward your Cascadia Adventure Race Series total, he said.

The Cascadia Adventure Race Series is a series of 10 different adventure races. Teams competing in the race series earn points based on their placement in the races. At the end of the 10-month season teams choose their top five races to create their point total for the season. The top three teams at the end of the season split $3,000. First place receives $1,500, second $1,000 and third $500.

These team members are getting ready to participate in one of the Cascadia Adventure Race Series’ adventure races. Photo credit: Brent Molsberry.

Any team that does any of the qualified races is entered into the point system, Molsberry said. And you want your team to do as many races as they can to receive the most possible points. In addition, your team gets more points if you place first in a race with more participants than if you place first in a race with less participants.

Molsberry said he wouldn’t be able to host Kulshan Quest without the help of Recreation Northwest. He said Recreation Northwest helps with a high amount of logistics on the back-end, such as sponsorships, web page design and registration assistance.

Molsberry encourages anyone to sign up for Kulshan Quest, and is hoping to get people of all skill levels to participate in the race by offering both the three and 12-hour race.

He recalls his own story of how he got into the sport, “A lot of people get into adventure racing the right way, starting off with short races, but I didn’t decide to do that when I started,” Molsberry said with a laugh. He did the complete opposite and went right into a sponsored race in 2004, called Primal Quest. Despite his whole team being inexperienced and the race being challenging, Molsberry said he really enjoyed it and fell in love with the sport.

“The sport is eye-opening and truly pushes your limits,” he said. “With adventure racing, anything goes.”

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Bellingham’s Hidden Eateries of North State Street – Seven Pedestrian Friendly Finds for Foodies

By

Patricia Herlevi

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You just have to cross the street for a Peruvian sandwich at Cafe Rumba. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

Take a stroll on North State Street between East Holly and the round-about and discover a treasure trove of Bellingham’s hidden eateries. While most Bellinghamsters are familiar with Rudy’s Pizzeria and the Old World Deli, other offerings on North State Street include Southwestern, Peruvian, Russian, French and American comfort food. Or why not enjoy a cup of artisan tea before walking the South Bay Trail?

There are so many options that, for the sake of this article, I am focusing on seven eateries ranging from the popular Rock and Rye Oyster House to Pelmeni which serves Russian dumplings in a bohemian setting complete with a turntable spinning vinyl.

Park your car downtown or take WTA Bus #1 to the bus stop in front of the Herald Building. Start walking south at the intersection of East Holly and North State streets.

People head to Pelmeni for the dumplings but it’s also a fun place to step in from the cold. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

Stop first at Pelmeni (1211 N. State Street). When you step through the door of the European-style restaurant, you are greeted by the aromatic steam curling up from simmering soup pots. Expect to see a variety of diners indulging in one of Bellingham’s best kept secrets.

Pelmeni has two items on its menu—beef or potato dumplings. One Facebook user mentioned that she traveled to Bellingham from Oregon to eat Pelmeni’s dumplings on her birthday. In fact, word-of-mouth and favorable reviews on social media fill the seats in this hidden eatery which is open for lunch and dinner.

You just have to cross the street for a Peruvian sandwich at Cafe Rumba. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

If dumplings don’t entice you, hop across the street and enjoy Peruvian sandwiches served at Café Rumba (1140 N. State Street). Practice your Spanish and Indian dialects when ordering from the exotic menu. Try the beverage Chicha Morada made from corn juice, cloves, cinnamon and pineapple. Or, if you are vegetarian like me, try the Peruano sandwich made with yams, avocado, mozzarella cheese, spinach and Huacutay Sauce (Peruvian black mint pesto) or grilled potatoes. This cozy café sets a lively atmosphere. A big screen on the wall features a soccer game, while nearby window seats are available for relaxation. Patrons can watch chefs preparing food with names that resemble Latin dance steps.

Leaf and Ladle’s Asian Pork Wrap to go looks delicious. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

Carefully cross the street for American comfort food. Leaf and Ladle (1113 N. State Street) serves fresh fast food made with local and sustainable ingredients. As the name suggests the owners Linda Melim, Taylor Melim and Morgan Gaunt ladle soup and serve up sandwiches, wraps, salads and other take-out selections.

The Cosmos Bistro (1151 N. State Street) also serves local and sustainable comfort food in a kitsch setting. Similar to the other eateries on the west side of N. State Street, the bistro is long and narrow with a loft in the back. I strode past the kitchen with the cook hard at work. Above, a bust of the late Elvis Presley stared down, probably desiring a hunk of comfort food love.

As the weather warms up this bistro entices me to enjoy its outdoor seating while munching on an Earth Burger (vegetarian). There are plenty of options on the menu to please any palate or dietary preference.

Pepper Sisters has the terracotta decor down to a T. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

On the same block, Rock and Rye (formerly the oyster bar for Bayou on Bay) serves local and sustainable seafood, craft food and cocktails. This restaurant features a 25 foot bar that stretches towards the back. Diners have the option of downstairs seating or upstairs seating in the loft. Located at 1145 N. State Street, Rock and Rye is open from 3:00 to 11:00 p.m. for diners to enjoy French and New American cuisine.

Head south one block and explore Southwest cuisine at Pepper Sisters. Clarissa Mansfield (Vegan in Bellingham) recommended Pepper Sisters (1232 N. State Street) and Leaf and Ladle based on their vegan menu options. Pepper Sisters also serves gluten-free options and substitutions. When I showed up on a Wednesday evening to photograph the restaurant it was in full swing. I soaked in the terracotta decor and headed to the loft in the back to get an expansive view. This family-friendly eatery has a wide selection of enchiladas, burritos, tostados and quesadillas. It is open from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and until 9:30 on Friday and Saturday.

World traveler and tea lover, Kuros Zahedi, creates a meditative space. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

Finally, at the end of N State Street, stop by the peaceful Saku Tea shop (833 N. State Street). Imagine sitting down with owners Sandra Loeffelmann (Austrian) and her partner Kuros Zahedi (Iranian) sipping crafted tea and joining a conversation about international travel and culture. This tea shop offers a respite for people who live yoga or meditative lifestyles. Where else in downtown Bellingham can we order lattes made from beetroot, Matcha (green tea), turmeric and cacao?

That ends our tour of seven eateries tucked away on North State Street starting at East Holly and stopping at the round-about. So get out of your car and take this journey on foot. Then top off your culinary adventure by walking the trail to Boulevard Park.

RE Sources, Whatcom MRC launch North Sound Stewards Program to Train Volunteer Citizen Scientists

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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NorthSoundStewards1 — Free trainings give program participants tools to participate in a variety of beach surveys and play an important role in protecting marine resources. Photo courtesy: RE Sources.

Submitted by: RE Sources

This spring, RE Sources for Sustainable Communities and the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) are launching a comprehensive North Sound Stewards volunteer program that will train participants to become citizen scientists and play an important role in protecting our marine resources.

Free trainings give program participants tools to participate in a variety of beach surveys and play an important role in protecting marine resources. Photo courtesy: RE Sources.

The program is in partnership with the Northwest Straits Initiative, the Northwest Straits Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, and the Cherry Point and Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserves Citizen Stewardship Committees.

The program offers a variety of citizen science opportunities, including intertidal surveys, forage fish surveys and sea star wasting syndrome surveys. Participants can also connect with other nonprofits and government agencies to receive additional trainings and participate in green crab surveys and ocean acidification surveys, among other opportunities.

“North Sound Stewards connects a group of people passionate about protecting the North Puget Sound,” said Eleanor Hines, program manager and lead scientist at RE Sources for Sustainable Communities. “The information we collect provides a baseline of data that informs policy, restoration efforts, cleanups and more. Citizen scientists are integral to support important work that underfunded agencies cannot do themselves.”

The program requires 50 hours of trainings and surveys throughout a one-year period. Program participation can reflect individual skills, from the actual survey work to photography, data entry or event coordination. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Upcoming intertidal survey trainings (participation in one of two trainings is required):

Whatcom County: 12:00 – 4:30 PM, Saturday, April 29, Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park, 7290 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine.
Skagit County: 12:00 – 4:30 PM, Sunday, April 30, Interpretive Center, Padilla Bay Reserve, 10441 Bayview Edison Road, Mount Vernon.

For more information about North Sound Stewards, visit re-sources.org/north-sound-stewards. To sign up for the program, click the “Register Today” button. Questions? Contact Eleanor Hines at eleanorh@re-sources.org or 360-733-8307 ext. 213.

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