Bellingham Bay Swim Team’s (BBST) Elite squad finished up their short course championship season Sunday, March 19 with some outstanding swims and big wins at the 2017 Speedo Spring Senior Sectionals in Federal Way, Washington and their head coach Sean Muncie was named Pacific Northwest Swimming (PNS) Coach of the Year.
Coach Sean Muncie, looking up at his women’s A-relay after winning the 200-free relay at Speedo Sectionals Friday, March 17. Photo courtesy: BBST.
Muncie, has directed the Bellingham Bay Swim Team since 2011 and has lead BBST to new heights: breaking team records, producing state champions, developing nationally ranked Top 10 qualifiers—Sectionals, Junior Nationals and Olympic Trials. In an interview on Monday, on what keeps him motivated, Muncie said, “Knowing I can always do something to improve myself, my team, and my swimmers …. The challenge to keep moving forward and not accept status quo regardless of situation or temporary obstacles and setbacks.” His vision for BBST is to continue to build the expectation for character and success from the top down with his National-level swimmers and to build a sustainable, well-balanced program up through Age Group swimmers.
With a team of 130 swimmers, BBST is small in comparison to teams around the state and U.S. but currently has 16 Top-200 nationally ranked swimmers, ages eleven to seventeen. Muncie strives to instill in all his swimmers that “Everything is possible. The limits you put on yourself are often ones that others have placed on you. Eliminate your fear. Stop expecting things to happen for you. Take control and stop being afraid to make the commitment. Swimming builds habits and one of the most valuable habits we can teach the swimmers is to constantly challenge yourself.”
He said he was honored to be recognized by his peers as the Coach of the Year in the Pacific Northwest. “It’s good for the program. Getting BBST to this point has been a team effort by all the coaches, swimmers, and parents on BBST. We are all invested in the swimmers and in creating something larger than ourselves. It’s another win for the team.”
WCC’s paralegal studies program coordinator Nancy Ivarinen (left) was among statewide legal professionals who advocated for the LLLT program. WCC is one of five community colleges in the state to offer the core curriculum. Washington state is leading the LLLT effort in the U.S. Photo courtesy: WCC.
Whatcom Community College was recently approved as one of five community colleges in Washington state to offer the core curriculum required to become a Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT). Indicating the strength of its paralegal studies instruction, Whatcom is the first college to offer the curriculum that isn’t currently part of an American Bar Association-approved program. Retroactive to fall 2016, graduates of Whatcom’s paralegal studies program who continue and successfully complete LLLT requirements may become independent law practitioners who assist clients with a limited scope of family law legal issues.
WCC’s paralegal studies program coordinator Nancy Ivarinen (left) was among statewide legal professionals who advocated for the LLLT program. WCC is one of five community colleges in the state to offer the core curriculum. Washington state is leading the LLLT effort in the U.S. Photo courtesy: WCC.
Approval of LLLT education programs is granted by the LLLT Supreme Court Board. The Washington State Bar Association provides program support. The Washington Supreme Court approved this first-in-the-nation program to expand access to affordable legal services. Legal technicians or LLLTs are trained and licensed to advise and assist people going through divorce, child custody and other family-law matters in Washington.
WCC’s paralegal studies program coordinator Nancy Ivarinen is among legal professionals who have advocated for the establishment and expansion of the LLLT program in Washington. “This new program creates a legal support option for Washington state residents who maybe cannot afford to hire an attorney but want assistance navigating the sometimes confusing legal system,” Ivarinen says. “Access to the justice system is an important and fundamental right. I’m proud that Whatcom’s paralegal studies program will help expand access to justice by graduating students who are prepared to pursue LLLT requirements.”
Whatcom is approved by the LLLT Board to provide the 45 credits of core curriculum; one component of the pathway to becoming a LLLT. The other components require the LLLT to obtain 3,000 hours of supervised legal experience, pass 15 credits of family law taught by the UW and Gonzaga Law Schools, pass exams on ethics and LLLT practice, post a bond, and pass a background check. More information regarding the LLLT program can be found at the WSBA website.
Brotha Dudes, the new "fresh eats" restaurant is located at 202 East Holly Street in Bellingham. Photo credit: Conor O'Keefe.
Bellingham transplants Briana and Julius Stoker run one of our area’s newest restaurants, the “fresh eats” eatery, Brotha Dudes. Brotha Dudes’ mission statement is to create fast, affordable and healthy food, three things much needed in the college town.
The Brotha Ruben sandwich from Brotha Dudes contains corned beef, sauerkraut, mustard and Dude’s sauce packed tightly together in rye bread. Photo credit: Conor O’Keefe.
The Stoker family relocated to Bellingham from Redding, California then opened the restaurant on East Holly Street, in the space the Black Pearl formerly inhabited. The origin of Brotha Dudes’ namesake is every bit as unique as the food they serve up.
Duncan Stoker, son of Briana and Julius, decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. His trail name was Brotha Dude. During his time on the trail, his parents supplied him with homemade high calorie and protein snack bars. Fellow hikers told Duncan his parents should sell the protein bars and market them as Brotha Dudes. Although that wasn’t the route the Stokers took, the name Brotha Dudes stuck and became Bellingham’s newest, delicious but health-conscious eatery.
The menu at Brotha Dudes features both vegetarian and carnivore options. Freedom of choice in restaurants is an ever-evolving trend in the food industry these days and offering a plethora of options for all kinds of eaters is extremely beneficial, especially in a town like Bellingham.
There are two go-to types of meals served up at Brotha Dudes, wraps and bowls (wraps at the restaurant are called blunts). A staple carnivore menu item at the restaurant is the “Dude’s Chicken Blunt.” Chicken, rice, beans, cilantro, fresh jalapeños and Dude’s slaw make up this savory wrap.
Colorful signs reading Brotha Dudes are on display in the restaurant at 202 East Holly Street Bellingham. Photo credit: Conor O’Keefe.
If you order a bowl at Brotha Dudes, you will find yourself ditching the tortilla and enjoying a tasty hodge-podge of ingredients that mingle together inside a bowl. One of Brotha Dude’s various bowl-type entrees, the “Hippie Bowl” contains spinach, kale, quinoa, sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, tofu, avocado and goji berries. There are many adjectives to describe this dish, but earthy, hearty and healthy come to mind.
Manager Theo Radke said people are excited about the food Brotha Dudes prepares and that they enjoy the menu item names that usually feature a play on words as well, like the newest addition to the menu “The Queso-Dude-A.”
“I was super excited I got to name The Queso-Dude-A’ and people are really loving it,” Radke said.
The staff at Brotha Dudes is a tight-knit community. This can be shown by the story of how Radke joined the team. He lived above the restaurant and met the Stokers and rest of the crew during their renovations of the space. After getting to know them, they decided he would be a good fit to start working at their newly opened restaurant.
Brotha Dudes, the new “fresh eats” restaurant, is located at 202 East Holly Street in Bellingham. Photo credit: Conor O’Keefe.
“It’s cool. Both of Julius and Briana’s daughters work here, their son is the Brotha Dude and everyone else who works here is really close,” Radke said.
In addition to being family-owned and serving up tasty eats, Brotha Dudes is also trying out some new ways to attract business involving technology, Radke said.
Radke explained Brotha Dudes has started using a new technology via the Facebook Messenger app called the Brotha Bot. While on your Facebook messenger app, if you use your mobile phone to scan a barcode posted on the walls in the restaurant you are immediately directed to the Brotha Bot. The Brotha Bot is an automated answering service that can direct you through the ordering process, assist you with menu options, help you get special discounts and provide you with an email address or phone number if you wish to contact a human directly.
“It’s awesome,” Radke said. “It’s the future and I don’t think anyone in Bellingham is doing it yet. This way you can have everything in one place. You can make an order, or just figure out what kind of food we make.”
A laid-back environment, innovative ordering technology and fresh eats – Brotha Dudes is ahead of the curve in a really good way.
Brotha Dudes
202 East Holly Street Suite 117
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-933-1927
From seasonal vegetables to beautiful flowers, Bellingham Farmers Market has offered the very best in local, sustainable agriculture for 25 years. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Farmers Market.
The Bellingham Farmers Market supports local sustainable agriculture by connecting the public with local farmers, artisans and other producers in an economically viable marketplace. What started as a dream for the founding members has grown into one of the largest farmers markets in Washington State, and a destination for both locals and tourists. Their 25th season opens Saturday, April 1 with a fun celebration for the whole family.
A Brief History
Bellingham Farmers Market’s partnership with organizations like Sustainable Connections has given them an opportunity to help members of our community learn how to use the fresh, local produce available at the market. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Farmers Market.
In 1992, nine board members consisting of vendors and community members met weekly to plan the Bellingham Farmers Market’s grand opening. The board gained commitments for farmers and craftspeople, which allowed them to approach the City of Bellingham for additional support. City officials recognized that a celebration of local farming in downtown’s urban environment could help revive the area.
The market opened on June 19, 1993 with nearly fifty vendors participating. Mike Finger, the first president of the market and a farmer vendor, initiated the tradition of tossing a cabbage from a city official to a market vendor at the opening of the market season. The tradition, which continues to this day, is modeled after the opening throw at a baseball game.
Depot Market Square was developed through a public/private partnership between the City of Bellingham and local businesses and organizations. The facility pays homage to the former Victorian-style depot that was demolished in 1945. Travelers would arrive on steam engines at the depot and folks all around could hear the bronze bells ringing as they pulled into the station. Busy days at Bellingham Farmers Market harken back to the former hustle and bustle of Railroad Avenue, with the opening bell paying homage to the sound of the trains arriving downtown.
Celebrating 25 Years of Supporting Sustainable Agriculture
Mayor Kelli will kick off Bellingham Farmers Market’s 25th opening day celebration with the traditional cabbage toss. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Farmers Market.
“People have Opening Day at the back of their mind,” shared Bellingham Farmers Market Director, Caprice Teske. “As soon as they hear it’s coming, they want to be there. People are really dedicated to coming out for the tradition.”
The 2017 Opening Day will be a joyous celebration of the hard work and commitment of public and private stakeholders and the ongoing support of the community. The block of Railroad Avenue where Depot Market Square is located will be closed to accommodate the busy opening day, making it easier for market-goers to enjoy the festivities.
“It will be a really robust market with a lot of product,” shared Teske. Opening day will feature around 90 vendors, some whom have been longtime market staples while others are brand new this year. All participating market vendors will be encouraged to offer at least one item at 25% off in honor of the 25th Anniversary.
“We’re so excited, I can’t even tell you,” shared Sea Witch Botanicals Cultural Attaché, Cat Carnell. Their business will be vending at Bellingham Farmers Market for the very first time starting on this momentous opening day. “It’s one of the biggest things that’s ever happened to our business.”
From seasonal vegetables to beautiful flowers, Bellingham Farmers Market has offered the very best in local, sustainable agriculture for 25 years. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Farmers Market.
Countless local farmers, crafters and artisans have gotten their start at the Bellingham Farmers Market, testing their dreams and ideas with customers who like to support the little guy. Vendors gain confidence and success with sales but they also get opportunities to build relationships with customers and receive valuable feedback.
“We’re going to be able to really interact with people on an ongoing basis,” shared Carnell. “Not only are we going to be able to present our products but then they’ll be able to give us feedback.”
Plus the market helps surrounding businesses thrive by attracting locals and visitors to the downtown core. “It fosters a social life and acts as a gathering place for friends and family,” shared Finger. “Not only is it a place for locals to congregate but the market is also a tourist attraction. The market brings many people to downtown Bellingham that might not come otherwise.”
Learn More about Bellingham’s Past with Historical Walking Tours
The cabbage toss is an annual tradition at teh Bellingham Farmers Market. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Farmers Market.
Because Bellingham Farmers Market is making history, the Good Time Girls will be launching their 6th historical walking tour season during the opening day celebrations. Their smart and sassy Holly History tours cover a wide variety of topics, focusing specifically on the history of marginalized people in Bellingham including women, people of color and the LGBTQ community.
“Whether it’s tourists or locals, it’s fun to engage the crowd by telling them stories of our unique history,” shared Good Time Girls guide, Hayley Boothe. “They always walk away learning something.”
Tours will meet at the market at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and attendance will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis until capacity. These tours are free, but a suggested $5 donation will support Good Time Girls guides and their mission of furthering history education in Bellingham. Recommended for ages 12 and up but parents are welcome to use their best discretion.
The opening day of Bellingham Farmers Market’s 25th season is Saturday, April 1, starting with Mayor Kelli Linville’s cabbage toss at 9:45 a.m. See their website for details.
Maybe you are a business traveler looking for a simple night’s rest. Or, perhaps you are in town to do some shopping and you want to be close to the action. Then again, you might only want a nice getaway, a reprieve in a calm city of the Pacific Northwest, with rolling hills and waterfront just down the road and a hot tub waiting for you upon your return.
Holiday Inn Express Bellingham treats their guests to a delicious, hot breakfast every morning. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Express Bellingham.
At the Holiday Inn Express in Bellingham, we believe every stay should have the fullest of possibilities. A hot breakfast is offered every morning. It makes for a great start to a day. Our signature cinnamon rolls and pancakes are always hot and ready, and go great with our freshly brewed coffee. You can also find our staff baking every evening, filling the lobby with rich smells of cookies. For dinner, take a stroll down our driveway to the Extremes Bar and Grill, an excellent place for filling meals and local beers on tap.
Our hotel also offers the best in high-speed, fiber-optic internet, with free wi-fi included with every stay. And to help with your travel expenses, we offer free cab rides to and from any transport terminal: airport, Greyhound or ferry.
What better place to unwind than in this luxury pool? Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Express Bellingham.
In the mood for a workout? Don’t sweat it. Your stay at the Holiday Inn includes instant access to a full-sized gym right next door. Afterwards, relax in our indoor pool and hot tub spa, open till 10 p.m. for kids and midnight for adults.
And when it comes to the end of your stay, we won’t rush you out the door, so enjoy a 12 p.m. checkout time, with further extensions possible by request.
At the Holiday Inn Express in Bellingham, we want to make sure you get the most out of your stay, whether it is just the basics or the best of commodities.
The team of Nurse Practitioners from Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology care about their patients. Photo credit: Anda Photography.
Kirstin Curtis, ARNP and owner of Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology, is passionate about giving more in the care she provides. “I’m passionate about preventive care for optimum health,” Curtis says.
Curtis started her own clinic six years ago and has since expanded her repertoire to provide dermatological care including skin cancer screenings, excisions and treatment of many other skin related disorders. Curtis began with a vision of providing a higher level of care to patients and creating a work environment conducive to “having a life” as she describes the ability to be flexible with her schedule. “I wanted to make my work work for me,” she says. “I’m very committed to providing the care my patients want in as unrestricted ways as we can with no judgment on people’s lives.”
Kirsten Curtis, ARNP, started Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology with a passion for preventive care and optimum health. Photo courtesy: Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology.
In Washington State, Nurse Practitioners can be fully independent of physicians when it comes to seeing and treating patients. They can prescribe the same medicines, do many of the same procedures and treat patients from infancy to old age as family care providers.
Nurse Practitioners are highly educated. They undergo many years of college and must pass national Board Exams in order to be licensed to practice. Nurse Practitioners become a Registered Nurse first then receive a Masters Degree in Clinical Practice before proceeding to their Board Exams.
“I gained a lot of confidence seeing my husband successfully manage his own practice,” Curtis says of her husband, Dr. Robert Curtis’ chiropractic and massage practice. The two practices now share a building.
Wanting the flexibility to spend more time with her three children, Curtis initially started her clinic with four half-days per week when she first opened just over six years ago. This increased over time as she was able. Upon opening her doors, Curtis set out to create a patient environment composed of open listening, comprehensive care and treatment with compassion and sensitivity.
Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology experienced explosive growth. Curtis brought on two more Nurse Practitioners over the next four years and was still able to reduce her own work schedule to three days a week. In addition, Curtis has successfully created an environment of family importance and an atmosphere of openness between patients and staff. Each of the other two Nurse Practitioners work three days a week as well. This ensures that the clinic is open full time while making room for that goal of flexibility and the importance of family time.
The team of Nurse Practitioners from Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology care about their patients. Photo credit: Anda Photography.
“We’re all very committed to creating a connection with our patients in a holistic way,” says Curtis. “It’s about community and family versus just treating the illness.”
Megan Gruber, ARNP, wasn’t even looking for a job when she came to Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology three and a half years ago. As a new mom, she liked the idea of working a more flexible schedule than a full-time position. “I love working with my patients and appreciate the ability to spend more time with them,” says Gruber. “It’s all about what we can do together to make life better.”
Heather Thomson, ARNP, shadowed Kirstin Curtis as a nurse before coming to Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology in 2014. “I’m so excited to work in primary care,” Thomson says. “I love that we get the opportunity to see and treat entire families.”
Thomson describes her shared passion of putting the client first. “I feel like I can spend more time with each individual I see. And I love that we have a well-oiled machine here.”
The team from Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology have built a family environment creating comfort for patients. Photo courtesy: Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology.
Rancy Gill, one of the two medical assistants at Mt. Shuksan, says she likes the friendly climate of the clinic that really connects with patients.
Lisa Van Duisen, Certified Medical Assistant, has been with the clinic for over five years and loves the small, patient-oriented atmosphere. She appreciates the diversified clientele and describes it as a connection with compassion. “We take care of you as a person no matter who you are or what the issue is.”
“We have an office full of laughter,” Van Duisen continues as she describes the comradery among all of the staff. “Our patients seem to be more at ease and I think it’s because of that laughter and compassion.”
Rebecca Secrist, the office manager, echoes that sentiment. “We have a small, family-like atmosphere. We play and joke but the work gets done in a very down to earth way. These are really good people.”
Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology began with a passion for the ability to create an environment that embraces life and that is open to all walks of life. That passion has transferred from the staff to the patients they treat. The patients know they have a place to go that is focused on complete and unrestricted care.
Mt. Shuksan is unique as a small practice in Bellingham. Their patients feel part of something more intimate. “Our big passion in this clinic is to help motivate patients to take charge of their own health, improve nutrition, exercise more and prevent illness, instead of reacting to it,” Curtis said. Mt. Shuksan is a small clinic with a big heart and a focus on providing connection with compassion.
Riders can catch WTA’s Route 3 at Bellingham Station, at Cordata Station or at stops along the route. Route 3 operates from about 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and from about 7:40 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays.
Route 3 will drop riders at a bus shelter located on Bakerview Road near Airport Way. From there, riders call POB’s Airport Shuttle. POB’s Airport Shuttle will pick them up and drop them off at the airport terminal. The POB Airport Shuttle operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No advance reservations are required.
The cost to ride WTA is $1 per trip. All valid WTA bus passes will also be accepted. The POB Airport Shuttle is free of charge.
WTA and POB are using the “Ride-Shuttle-Fly” program to explore the demand for bus service to the airport. If demand is high, both organizations may consider transit service directly to the terminal building in the future.
“The Port is pleased to have been able to work with WTA to provide a new and reliable bus connection to Bellingham International Airport,” said Port Commission President Dan Robbins. “The Port is always looking for opportunities to improve service to its airport customers. This new transit service will add options and value for those traveling to and from our region.”
Kids learn soccer skills through fun games and exercises. Photo courtesy: Hammers FC Academy Soccer Camps
The Bellingham Sportsplex Youth Activities Camp provides parents of school-age kids with an option for supervised fun with their friends during Purple Fridays and Spring, Summer, and Winter Breaks.
Soccer builds strength and endurance while creating a sense of camaraderie and team spirit.
The Youth Activities Camps are structured in such a way that the kids, ages 7-12, attending have an opportunity to engage in a variety of activities all day, while being a part of the decision-making process for their activities.
Each day the camp is in session, kids meet with the counselors and discuss the options for the day, including ice skating, walking to the park, swimming at the Aquatic Center, playing football outside, playing soccer, arts and crafts and even just quiet time.
And, with a ratio of one counselor for every ten kids, the opportunity to experience many activities throughout the day is sure to happen.
Skating is a great way to have fun and burn off energy. Photo courtesy: Keri Ferguson.
Kids can even bring a special game or roller blades from home if there is a specific interest they want to pursue while at the Bellingham Sportsplex.
One of the highlights of the camp is the bouncy house that is set up in a portion of the Sportsplex. It’s all part of the day’s activities and fun.
Kids can come for half a day, a full day, or the whole week. If desired, lunch will be provided for an additional nominal fee. Kids can bring their own lunch and snacks as well.
Kids can have fun and cool off in the aquatic center.
The Sportsplex will be operating the Youth Activities Camp during the Spring Break April 3-7. Camps run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Preregistration is encouraged as space is limited. Registration can be done online.
Have questions? Call the front desk at 360-676-1919 any time.
This piece was made for a local eight member musical group. Photo credit: Marla Bronstein.
Walking around Bellingham’s Fountain District, I happened upon WindWorks, a locally owned instrument repair shop specializing in the highest quality wind instrument, percussion and string repair. I spied in the window something that looked like a tangled mass of brass.
In fact, the object was a working piece of art made as a wedding gift for owners Ed and Kat DeVaney by Bellingham’s Jack Champagne, French Horn player, brass teacher and musical instrument builder. Jack designed this one-of-a-kind three-belled horn specifically to play “Here Comes the Bride.”
This wedding present was made specifically for Ed and Kat DeVaney. Photo credit: Marla Bronstein.
Jack picked up his first brass instrument, the trumpet, when he was ten years old while living in Taylor, Michigan. He moved to Whatcom County in the early 80s to attend school at Western Washington University. His classmates led by example and taught Jack that he needed to practice “a lot” to be a good musician. His dedication and passion for music has endured the decades, as he continues his almost daily morning practice routine. Jack is a regular member of both the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra and the Glacier Bay Brass Quintet. He also plays other gigs as requested.
Jack teaches all levels for all types of brass. “All of them, trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, euphonium,” he emphasizes. He usually starts beginners with the euphonium, as it’s the easiest to play and make a good sound. “If you can buzz a D, you can play a horn,” he says.
A piece was performed by four players, including a member of the Portland symphony, on this instrument. The first player blew and used the first keys, the second player used the second set of keys, the third player used the third set, and the fourth laid on the ground and played the stop notes. Photo credit: Marla Bronstein.
Enabling a student to make a good sound in under two minutes encourages them to continue. As they progress, they play other instruments. Jack introduces the trumpet last as it’s the most challenging and a frustrated student is no fun for anyone. Jack is fulfilled by watching an excited student getting a kick out of what they are able to do. He also has a “library” of usable instruments.
I recently spent some time in Jack’s Bellingham studio and workshop, looking at many finished sculpted works, the works in progress and the hundreds and thousands of pieces of brass that line the walls and fill the drawers in his shop.
I wanted to know why Jack (or anyone) would do what he does to perfectly good brass instruments. As it turns out, most of the materials he uses were never made into finished instruments in the first place. Instead, they were sitting in warehouses gathering dust. Other materials are repaired or repurposed. Jack admits he knows enough about brass instruments to repair everything on the horn except for the valves.
This three-player instrument was made to honor Champagne’s late friend Ray Downey. It’s built with three bugles that play in different keys. When all three bugles are played together, the last chord is a jazz chord. Photo credit: Marla Bronstein.
About three years ago, Jack sculpted his first multiple instrument. Multiple means there are at least two mouthpieces (places to buzz). “That first multiple chord was magic,” he says. He has been building multiple instruments ever since.
Jack found a few brass instrument manufacturing and re-furbishing plants in the midwest. He traveled to Elk Horn Wisconsin and met Craig Anderson. When Craig saw photos of Jack’s creations, Craig gave Jack a van full of brass instrument material.
Since then, Jack has developed relationships across the country with other current and former brass instrument manufacturers who sell and sometimes give him instrument components that aren’t patented and that they wouldn’t otherwise use. Jack will take just about everything they are willing to let go of that can fit in the back of his van. The manufacturers like that Jack is turning what would otherwise be landfill into creative and usable instruments.
This piece was made for a local eight member musical group. Photo credit: Marla Bronstein.
He’ll turn bells, tubes and valves into beautiful (and often odd-looking) working pieces of art. “All of them play,” he says proudly, although he admits that there is one creation that he has not quite figured out how to get a sound out of yet. Jack’s productions are special, one-of-a-kind and usually made with someone in mind.
Jack gifts the finished products away to acknowledge the recipient’s kindness. “I’m thankful that the recipients are willing to take it home,” he says. Sometimes, he admits, he doesn’t tell the recipient their instrument is ready, as Jack isn’t quite ready to say goodbye and let it go.
This piece was built as a message to trumpet players. He constructed the bell to go “in your face.” Photo credit: Marla Bronstein.
After more than 25 summers of working with participants of the Brass Chamber Music Workshop at Humboldt State, the sense of cooperation and kindness he observed there prompted him to embrace and spread kindness. “Make America Kind Again” will be a presence in the Jr. Ski to Sea parade this spring in Bellingham with T-shirts and silicone wristbands that say “Extra Special Kindness.”
I asked Jack what’s next for him. As he continues to work in his shop, he’s working towards a kinder society and, he said with a smile, “I’m doing what I want to do until I die.”
Chrysalis Inn & Spa was proud to present a donation this month in the amount of $1,890 to Skookum Kids, as part of their ongoing monthly donation program. Photo courtesy: Chrysalis Inn & Spa.
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa was proud to present a donation this month in the amount of $1,890 to Skookum Kids. Established in 2014, Skookum Kids is located in Fairhaven and cares for foster kids in Whatcom County. The Skookum word is of Chinook origin meaning “strong.” One of the non-profit’s initiatives has created a volunteer-staffed facility to care for children entering or transitioning into foster care. With the children in safe care during their first week of foster care, the organization buys critical time for caseworkers to find the right long-term placement. Volunteers for their programs are always needed.
The Chrysalis, a locally owned hotel, spa & restaurant on Fairhaven’s waterfront, recently announced that they will contribute one percent of revenue from the Spa to a Whatcom County non-profit each month. Skookum Kids was their February recipient. Compass Health will be the March recipient.
Kevin Wiebe is a Ferndale native. Although he graduated from Ferndale High School, he admits he wasn't a model student. His teachers and administrators...
