Meet, Drink and Paint Happy at Bellingham’s Uptown Art

By

Tessa Kilcline - Intern from Bellingham High School

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uptown art participants with cardinal paintings — "We see people from age five to 85. They come alone, they come in small groups, they're sometimes part of a team-building event. They could be attending a birthday party, participating in a bachelorette party or a social network. We even have red-hat ladies," Mishkin says. Photo courtesy: Uptown Art.

Everyone was an artist as a child. Many adults, however, have lost touch with their artistic sides and do not feel very confident in their abilities. After a class at Bellingham’s Uptown Art, all of that changes. Here, people of all ages come together, socialize and paint in a stress-free environment.

Uptown Art's Bellingham studio, located on Bellwether Way, opened a little more than three years ago. Photo credit: Tessa Kilcline. — Uptown Art’s Bellingham studio, located on Bellwether Way, opened a little more than three years ago. Photo credit: Tessa Kilcline.

Uptown Art in Bellingham is one of 19 Uptown Art locations across the country. The business belongs to the paint and sip industry, defined as group painting lessons accompanied by wine or other beverages. The industry began in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, when a pair of women decided to hold a painting class for the families affected by the disaster. It began as one small class in Louisiana but eventually it became very popular and spread across the country. Uptown Art in particular was founded by Vicky Meade and Tiffany Nesmith in Franklin, Tennessee. The Bellingham location is the only one on the West coast and is owned by Robert Mishkin.

Mishkin describes the paint and sip studio as an entertainment venue, rather than an art class or an open studio. He also says that it is not a place where accomplished painters come to paint. “It’s really a place for people who haven’t held a paintbrush in years, or decades, who are looking for something fun to do—a new kind of entertainment,” Mishkin explains.

Participants do not need to be professional painters. It is designed to be a social activity, something for people to do with their friends when they want to go do something different. Uptown Art caters to people of all ages. Mishkin says that they get people from ages eight to 85. Classes are very welcoming and are filled with a variety of people.

A large class paints a wintry scene, one of over 20 paintings that participants can paint at events. Photo courtesy: Uptown Art.

Uptown Art holds regular classes nearly every day, with multiple classes per day. A typical class is two or three hours long. Each individual event has a painting chosen to go with it in advance. There are many different options, so would-be participants can pick a day and time based on which painting they would like to create. In addition to regular classes, they also host private parties. They have groups come for birthday parties, bachelorette parties and team-building events, among other things. A full schedule of classes can be found on Uptown Art’s website.

The first thing one sees upon entering Uptown Art for a class is the many brightly-colored paintings on the walls. Those paintings show the options for those who wish to come and paint. Besides the paintings on the walls, the studio has tables with stools and easels with blank canvases. There is a bar near the door.

At an average class, participants will arrive, get a drink and find a seat. The instructor will introduce him- or herself and give each participant all necessary paints, paintbrushes and other tools. The instructor then begins demonstrating how to recreate the chosen painting, step by step. Instructors tell participants which color and which paintbrush to use. Then participants slowly create their own paintings. One instructor likens it to painting by numbers. There are frequent refill and bathroom breaks. The atmosphere in a class is very relaxed.

"We see people from age five to 85. They come alone, they come in small groups, they're sometimes part of a team-building event. They could be attending a birthday party, participating in a bachelorette party or a social network. We even have red-hat ladies," Mishkin says. Photo courtesy: Uptown Art. — “We see people from age five to 85,” Mishkin says. Photo courtesy: Uptown Art.

First-time participants Melissa Goff and Nicole Perratta were excited when they walked into class but they were also nervous that their own paintings would not look like the example. Both said afterward that it was easier than they expected.

“First and foremost,” Mishkin says of the experience he hopes people will have at Uptown Art, “we want people to feel comfortable, to feel safe, to feel that they are not going to be judged by their efforts. And in return, we ask them to promise not to judge themselves.” He hopes that people will not become self-critical and will instead use the opportunity to express themselves and to feel good. His goal is certainly carried out well. Participants come out of the experience feeling relaxed and good about themselves. Most are surprised by how well their paintings turn out.

Uptown Art provides a unique opportunity for people of all ages to hang out, relax, paint, get their hands a little dirty and have fun with their friends. “I am proud of what we do,” Mishkin says. “I see people coming anxious and I see them leaving feeling good. It’s very rewarding.”

Bellingham Baha’i Kids Spreading Cheer Downtown

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Celina Tate

Bellingham Baha’i kids recently engaged in a special project in an effort to bring happiness and unity in the Whatcom County community.

These hand-painted rocks were designed to uplift others. Photo courtesy: Celina Tate and the Bellingham Baha'i kids. — These hand-painted rocks were designed to uplift others. Photo courtesy: Celina Tate.

These 6-10 year-olds, who are members of a Baha’i virtues class called “Brilliant Stars,” spent the morning offering free hot cocoa and hand-painted virtues rocks to passersby.

Their goal was to spread good cheer and warm people’s souls on this February day. The effort was inspired by the Baha’i celebration of Ayyám-i-Há, a time of gift-giving and charity.

Adventure Awaits with the Ultimate Whatcom County Mountain Biking Trail Guide

By

Taylor Lisa Bailey

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Mountain Biking IMG_3315 — This mountain biker is ready to hit the pump track. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.

Whatcom County is one of the best places for mountain biking. With Whistler to the north, Stevens Pass to the east, and Issaquah to the south, well-loved trail systems surround us, making access to riding easy. There are myriad options for Whatcom County mountain biking trails, the main hubs being Lake Padden, Galbraith Mountain and Chuckanut.

Here is a verdant taste of the beauty found up in the mountains. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.

There is a pump track (a circular track with small mounds, where you use your body weight to propel yourself forward, possibly using the mounds as jumps) at Whatcom Falls and a full jump park with a small pump track at Civic Field. And, of course, riding up the mountain means surrounding yourself with ferns, tall evergreen trees, beautiful rock faces covered in moss, waterfalls, birds, squirrels, lakes and creeks. Not to mention beautiful views of the ocean, islands, mountain ranges and a tree-covered landscape.

It’s not just a local lore that mountain biking here is amazing; biking enthusiasts, professional riders and even Olympic athletes have traveled here from far and wide for our trails. So, of course, within a year of moving to Whatcom County, I found myself on a bike, staring down a mountain.

Jumping on a bike and riding down a mountain sounds intimidating but with the abundance and variety of trails you can ride here, it’s all about where you go. Grab a bike and sturdy shoes and hit the trails!

So there I was, unstable and inexperienced, with my helmet tightly secured and fingers hovering over the breaks. Every little twig, rock and downhill magnified before me, becoming treacherous and dangerous obstacles. “No, I’m not doing anything crazy,” I thought to myself. That was when I found the beginner’s dream: Lake Padden.

This breathtaking view is from Double Black and Double Down on Chuckanut. Photo credit: Kevin Bailey.

I had no idea this other trail system even existed. I’d only ever walked around the lake and picnicked at the tables. Yet there they were, two loops perfect for an introduction to trail biking.

Once I could race down a hill, take a corner confidently and keep my front tire going in a straight line, it was time to try some downhill runs at Galbraith. Entering from the South, you ride down Galbraith Lane and find yourself on Gate & Switch. Crossing the beautifully made bridge, you are now officially on the mountain.

You’ll soon find yourself at one of the many kiosk and map centers, each with a unique checkpoint name. Here you can find your location, and plan your next routes.

The WMBC has a great description of how to access Galbraith on their website: “There are two main points to access Galbraith, the northside or the southside.”

Northside: “The northside accesses the mountain at Birch St. from downtown Bellingham off of Lakeway Dr. with a parking lot and on street parking or park in Whatcom Falls Park and ride to the entrance. The Miranda trail gets you onto the mountain and from there you can access a number of trails options.”

Southside: “The southside is accessed via Samish Way with a parking lot directly across the street from Galbraith Lane road. Park here or at the Lake Padden parking area near the dog park.”

This narrow cross-country style trail is at the top of Galbraith. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.

When you are just starting out, try sticking to some of the easier-ranked trails. Dog patch is a wider trail with fewer roots and rocks than most, and it crosses a stream on a beautiful bridge. Dog patch runs into Lost Giants, which you can then ride on to Mole Trap for a good beginner route. Lost Giants and Mole Trap are both out in the open, without trees to worry about hitting, and are more cross-country. If you like the cross-country trails, try Pony Express.

Pooled from a variety of local bikers, with a special thanks to the women’s Joyriders club, here are some of the top trails for you to try:

All levels:

Jack and the beanstalk: A good and exhausting cross-country climb into Galbraith.

The Three Bears: Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear are three connected trails that offer a great cross-country ride.

Intermediate:

911: With a BMX style flare, this trail is one you can take at your own pace and has plenty of stuff to play with- some table top jumps, step downs and a long skinny log ride (optional) to name a few.

Wonderland: Nestled at the top of Galbraith, this is a fun and fast ride that doesn’t have the intimidating jumps of other downhill routes. Ride this to Naughty Nellie for a longer ride.

Whoopsie Woodle: One of the longer trails, this cross-country classic is on the technical side with roots and rocks but can be enjoyed by everyone.

Oriental express: Exclusive to downhill bikers, this route offers jumps and riding it fast is a great way to enjoy it.

**Kiosk Hotel is the first kiosk and map station on the South Entrance of Galbraith. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.**

SST: One of the coolest trails due to its mix of items; it’s fast, flowy and has drops, jumps, berms, rocks and roots.

Atomic Dog: This fast, flowy trail has jumps, berms, and, most importantly, a sweet rock face wall ride. Be careful- some of the jumps have gaps.

Bob’s: Jumps, log rides and drops in this trail reminiscent of SST; the bottom section has been logged so it no longer has the beautiful forest, but is still a great trail!

Unemployment Line: It has a lot of jumps, all with tabletops- so you can roll over them if you need.

Expert:

Irish Death: A downhill-only trail with drops, jumps and plenty of roots and rocks, you can ride this one even in the rain! The downside is that it is a short ride.

Evolution: Ride this downhiller for jumps, ladders, drops and a long log ride titled “the Stinger.” There are tabletop jumps and ride-arounds for harder sections.

Canyon Ridge: This trail is located at Mount Baker and is an adventure ride. For miles and miles, you ride up a road and find yourself in picturesque, French Alp reminiscent mountain terrain. Spend all day on this track and it’ll be worth it.

Double Black/Double Down: This Chuckanut trail is a one that people travel to from all over to ride- it’s a raw trail, not as refined as Galbraith, with a wild feeling best left to expert riders.

The sport of mountain biking has been exploding here in recent years and is showing no signs of slowing or stopping. Trails are being planned, North Lake Whatcom is being developed and new pump tracks and skill zones are in the works. Meanwhile, surrounding areas (such as Darrington) are expanding their own mountain biking areas.

This mountain biker is ready to hit the pump track. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.

The Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC) has worked for years building, maintaining and protecting the land for recreational use in our county and is now being rewarded with “hundreds of volunteers amounting to thousands of volunteer hours for the trails.” They work with youth, including but not limited to the Bellingham School District, Ferndale School District, Lummi Nation Tribal School, Mount Baker School District, and the Boy Scouts of America, to provide education and recreation.

This area has a bounty of varied, exciting trails to ride, and it’s only getting better!

Pickford Film Center Presents the Bellingham Children’s Film Festival

By

Patricia Herlevi

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Pickford Film Center PFC5 — Spend the last two weekends of winter watching fresh children's movies on the big screen. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

In March, the children of Whatcom County will get the chance to explore other worlds via the big screen. From the life of a friendly vegetable to the destiny of a news boy, the Bellingham Children’s Film Festival is sure to delight. Produced and hosted by Pickford Film Center, the festival runs from March 10 through 19 and delights children of all ages.

"My Life as a Zucchini" is sure to please. Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center. — “My Life as a Zucchini” is sure to please. Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center.

According to Executive Director and Festival Organizer, Susie Purves, this children’s film festival has pure intentions. “The mission of the festival is to expand the world for children, exposing them to culture, imagination and artistry from all over the globe,” says Purves. “Our films have no marketing or merchandise schemes behind them. If we are trying to sell anything it’s the magic of attending the cinema, having a shared experience with an audience made up of friends, neighbors and total strangers. And going places that are new and exciting without having to leave town.”

This year’s festival spans two weekends in March. In addition, PFC features special screenings throughout the week for schools. The programs include a gaze at indigenous cultures, ecological lessons about saving the planet and special programs for younger children beginning at age two.

The Owl and the Lemming will show at the Bellingham Children's Film Festival. Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center. — The Owl and the Lemming will show at the Bellingham Children’s Film Festival. Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center.

The film festival showcases animation features, animation shorts by John and Faith Hubley, live- action features and live-action shorts. In fact, this line-up of films entices adults too. Purves aims to stimulate minds with the crème of the crop of international movies produced with astute children in mind.

“These programs are for everyone. They don’t aim at the lowest common denominator or lull you to sleep. Children are children but that doesn’t mean they aren’t bright and inquisitive,” says Purves.

Regular film festival goers will appreciate “Longing and Belonging: The Best Live Action Films from Children’s Film Festival Seattle 2017.” And the Bellingham Children’s Film Festival will also feature two full animated shorts programs by John and Faith Hubley, “Driven by Children” and “A World inside a Moment.”

The Bellingham Children's Film Festival will expose local kids to cultures different from their own. Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center. — The Bellingham Children’s Film Festival will expose local kids to cultures different from their own. Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center.

The collection of Indigenous films co-presented by Longhouse Media captured my attention. At a time when indigenous rights are threatened, educating children about the beauty and strength of indigenous cultures is crucial. Cinema, when done right has a way of shaping our minds and opening our hearts.

Purves mentions her favorite highlight of the film festival. “The programs ‘Driven by Children’ and ‘A World Inside a Moment’ contain nothing but beautiful, hand-drawn animation from Faith and John Hubley, masters and innovators who received seven Academy Award nominations for their work from the 1950s into the 1970s.

“They were true artists living and raising a family in New York completely outside of any studio animation system. They would record their preschooler’s conversations and then animate a drawn world to the dialog or they would work with some of the most dynamic musicians of the era to make visual responses to musical improvisation. A bit wild, often funny, arty, beautiful, I recommend these programs to everyone,” says Purves.

The Bellingham Children's Film festival will feature a wide variety of films including "Silence for Pete's Sake." Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center. — The Bellingham Children’s Film festival will feature a wide variety of films including “Silence for Pete’s Sake.” Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center.

With so many children’s events on-going in Whatcom County, attending at least one day of the Bellingham Children’s Film Festival offers both education and entertainment. Why not attend opening night which showcases a sneak preview of Clyde Barras’ “My Life as a Zucchini”? And in the PFC lobby, families can enjoy an Ice Cream Social and Root Beer Garden sponsored by Trader Joe’s. (Opening Day Ticket Prices: $5 for kids / $7.50 for PFC members / $10.75 general admission).

According to the PFC Marketing Director Lindsey Gerhard, Pickford has presented the film festival for several years. “It began as one weekend showing a feature film run and two shorts packages: the best of the festival live-action and animation from the Children’s Film Festival Seattle. In the past two years, it has grown to encompass two weekends and a wider age range. It includes international feature films, an opening night party with an ice cream social and root beer garden and activities in the lobby.”

The stellar film line-up derives from a partnership with the Northwest Film Forum in Seattle.

Spend the last two weekends of winter watching fresh children’s movies on the big screen. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

“We work with master programmer Elizabeth Shepard who showcases selected shorts and the ‘Best of the Fest’ from the Children’s Film Festival Seattle. Liz works hard all year to find amazing films for kids from all corners of the world,” says Gerhard.

Most adults can recall movies from their childhood that shaped their lives. And most adults pass their love of animated shorts and features to their children. In this brave new world, cinematic traditions continue. And not only are the kids alright, so is kids’ cinema.

The Bellingham Children’s Festival opens on March 10 and runs through March 19. Sponsors include Trader Joe’s (Ice Cream Social and Root Beer Garden) and Piper Pediatric Dentistry.

Talking to Crows Recognizes the Whatcom “Women Among Us”

By

Lorraine Wilde

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Talking to Crows Group_Rainbow_STACKED — Talking to Crows is a female-majority-owned video production company based in Bellingham. Photo courtesy: Talking to Crows.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Bellingham-based, female majority-owned video production company, Talking to Crows, will recognize inspiring women in the Whatcom County community through their “Women Among Us” campaign. This will take place each day throughout the month of March. Western Washington University (WWU) Professor of English, Laura Laffrado, and I are among the 30 Whatcom women being celebrated.

The 'Women Among Us' campaign is about recognizing the powerful women all around us making a difference in our community. Photo courtesy: Talking to Crows. — The ‘Women Among Us’ campaign is about recognizing the powerful women all around us making a difference in our community. Photo courtesy: Talking to Crows.

Congress first set the wheels in motion in 1981 to establish the month of March as Women’s History Month. “Stacy and I were searching for ways to network within our community so that we wouldn’t have to move away to build a successful video production business,” explains Talking to Crows Co-Founder and Director of Photography, Cassidy Young.

“Since we’ve embarked on this journey as filmmakers we’ve been incredibly overwhelmed by the women we’ve networked with, those who have helped us get to where we are,” adds Talking to Crows Director and actor, Stacy Reynolds. “Appreciating them this way was very exciting to us.”

Talking to Crows will recognize 30 powerful women in the Whatcom County community, one each day throughout the month of March. A photo and a note about why they were chosen will be posted on the Talking to Crows Facebook page, Instagram account and Website each day. On March 31, a complication video of all 30 women will be shared. “There are all these powerful women throughout our history who have had an effect in their moment but then they were forgotten. We want to help change that,” explains Young. “We are trying to give credit where it is due to all the lovely ladies out there in our community working hard and contributing, making Bellingham a great place.”

Presenting the six-member team of Talking to Crows LLC video production company. Photo courtesy: Talking to Crows.

“‘Women Among Us’ is also about recognizing the incredible women in every local community,” adds Reynolds. “We want others to adopt this campaign in communities around the world because these women are out there, all around us.”

Talking to Crows formed as an LLC in 2013 and includes a team of six multi-media artists. Four of the six are women. Together, the team produces video products from initial concept to final release. “All of our work as filmmakers thus far has been about empowering women and preserving their legacy. We want to give a voice to the women who might have been overlooked or forgotten but who made it possible for us to choose this work and journey,” explains Reynolds.

A diverse cross section of women will be recognized, from varying professions, age groups, backgrounds and mode of impact. Young and Reynolds chose WWU Professor Laura Laffrado as a way to recognize her contributions as a teacher, feminist scholar and supporter of women in American literature. She has been with the WWU Department of English for more than 20 years and specializes in 19^th century American literature. “Dr. Laffrado is an excellent example of the many women we’re excited to recognize in March,” adds Reynolds of the “Women Among Us” campaign.

WWU Professor of English Dr. Laura Laffrado will be recognized as one of 30 Whatcom 'Women Among Us. Photo courtesy: Talking to Crows. — WWU Professor of English Dr. Laura Laffrado will be recognized as one of 30 Whatcom ‘Women Among Us. Photo courtesy: Talking to Crows.

Much of Laffrado’s scholarship is devoted to publishing on a little-known but prolific award-winning Pacific Northwest (PNW) writer, Ella Higginson, for whom WWU’s Higginson Hall is named.

While looking for material for her 2009 book, “Uncommon Women: Gender and Representation in Nineteeth-Century U.S. Women’s Writing” at WWU’s Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Laffrado discovered 12 linear feet of written work by Higginson. “She was said to have been the leading PNW writer to the turn of the 20^th century and to have put the PNW on the literary map,” explains Laffrado. “In the early 20^th century, the PNW was remote and not well traveled. What they knew of this area was largely from Ella Higginson’s writing. She published over 800 works of prose and poetry and won major national awards.”

As has happened to many writers of that time, by the end of her life, Higginson had been almost forgotten. “It became my mission to bring her and her writing back to prominence,” adds Laffrado. “Since then I devote most of my scholarship to publishing on Ella Higginson so that others can become aware of and teach her work.”

This is a rare photo of prolific award-winning Pacific Northwest writer, Ella Higginson. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Museum.

March’s “Women Among Us” campaign is just the start of Talking to Crow’s plans to honor the women making history in our community. “We’re currently adapting a screenplay by Ella Higginson that Laura Laffrado first brought to our attention,” explains Young. “Almost no one knows who she was but we can help correct that.” Higginson wrote at least three screenplays but none were ever produced, despite shopping at least one to the founder of United Artists who helped to establish the Academy, Mary Pickford, for whom Pickford Film Center is named.

Talking to Crows plans to produce Higginson’s adapted play, “Just Like the Men” in Whatcom County using local actors, crew and locations. The play is about the first woman running for the Washington State Legislature and how ill-prepared society was to deal with it at the time. It considers big issues of the time including women’s suffrage, prohibition, government corruption, the introduction of cars and living in the PNW at that time. “Cassidy and Stacy are determined and have great follow-through on this worthy project,” adds Laffrado. “I honestly think they have a very good chance of succeeding with this film.” Talking to Crows’ grand plan includes a projected release in 2020 in honor of the 100^th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States.

Talking to Crows is a female-majority-owned video production company based in Bellingham. Photo courtesy: Talking to Crows.

“When we started brainstorming our list of Whatcom County women for ‘Women Among Us,’ we realized this needed to be an annual event. There are way more than 30,” notes Young. Talking to Crows will use #WomenAmongUs as the campaign tag and encourage others to witness and share about the amazing women in our midst. They welcome nominations from the community for next year’s continued “Women Among Us” campaign in honor of Women’s History Month.

Talking to Crows
talkingtocrows@gmail.com
206-486-2439
www.talkingtocrows.com

Tillie Lace Gallery Becomes Cooper Lanza Gallery

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Tillie Lace Gallery

Cooper and Morgan Lanza, the mother-daughter duo who started Tillie Lace Gallery and School of Fine Art in April 2016, have decided to change the name of their multi-faceted art space to Cooper Lanza Gallery. “We received a lot of feedback from people that contributed to our decision,” said Morgan. “But, really, I think it’s important for Cooper to claim her space in the art world by putting her name out there. She is the Artistic Director of the space, teaches all of our fine art classes and curates the gallery … And she’s got a great name! To me, it just makes more sense.”

Cooper Lanza Gallery will continue to offer painting and drawing classes, live music and events, as well as the fine art gallery. The gallery is still located at 1415 13^th St. in Fairhaven.

Along with the name change comes new gallery hours! Starting in March, the gallery will be open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:30 – 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Cooper and Morgan are often in the space teaching classes and working with students, so if you see the “Open” sign on, feel free to stop in!

More information about Cooper Lanza Gallery, including a schedule of classes, can be found at their new website, www.cooperlanzagallery.com or at www.tillielacegallery.com.

Bellingham’s Brisen Pearson Wins Two Titles at State Swim Meet

By

Grant Clark

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whatcom state swim 1 — Bellingham senior Brisen Pearson won two state championships at the Class 2A swim and diving meet. Photo credit: Grant Clark.

Following a year away from competing for his high school swim team, Bellingham’s Brisen Pearson was left wondering three months ago how his senior season would pan out.

Pearson, pictured on platform No. 4, at the state of the 50 free state finals. Photo credit: Grant Clark.

The answer came after not one, but two impressive displays at the state swim and diving championships.

Pearson captured a pair of state titles, winning the 50 free and 100 butterfly, at the Class 2A state meet at the King County Aquatic Center.

“I came in this year not knowing what to expect because I didn’t know how the high school season went last year,” Pearson said. “I came in and started getting a grip and I finally hit that point where I said, ‘I’m just going to do this. I want to win,’ and it got me to where I am.”

Pearson had advanced to the state meet during his freshman and sophomore years but opted against turning out last year and instead focused on swimming solely for the Bellingham Bay Swim Club.

Sehome's Ean Chalfie prior to the state of the 200 free consolation race. The Mariners finished ninth overall as a team. Photo credit: Grant Clark. — Sehome’s Ean Chalfie prior to the state of the 200 free consolation race. The Mariners finished ninth overall as a team. Photo credit: Grant Clark.

He placed eighth in the 50 free and 11th in the 100 fly two years ago the state meet.

This time out, however, Pearson showed he was the swimmer to catch at the preliminaries where he established the fastest times in both events, stopping the clock in 21.24 seconds in the 50 and 51.30 in the 100 fly.

As impressively quick as his times were, he would better both of them the following day.

Up first was the 50 free where Pearson covered the distance in a speedy 21.19. It was the third fastest time in 2A state meet history, trailing only the 21.10 put up by Sammamish’s Jacob Tower in 2015 and the 21.17 clocked by Andrew Franco-Munoz in 2014.

“The goal was to break the record. I was super close,” Pearson said, “but nine-one hundredths off isn’t bad. I wanted to get sub-21, but close enough. I went in telling myself I was going to win it. It’s amazing. You look from the water and see your name with that number one next to it and it’s the best moment of your life.”

Pearson finishes the 50 free state finals in 21.19 - the third fastest time in 2A state meet history. Photo credit: Grant Clark. — Pearson finishes the 50 free state finals in 21.19 – the third fastest time in 2A state meet history. Photo credit: Grant Clark.

Pearson was far from done, notching his second state title two events later by winning the 100 fly in 50.41 – a full second ahead of runner-up Tyler Goodspped of Highline (51.52).

“The 100 fly is my favorite,” Pearson said. “Just because it’s more about your technique and less about just being able to muscle through it like the 50 free is.”

Pearson was joined by Columbia River junior Josh Bottelberghe as the 2A meet’s only dual individual winners. Bottelberghe won the 100 breast and 200 free to help the Chieftains finished fourth in the team standings with 165 points.

“The beginning of the season was kind of rough. I was not doing as well as I wanted then coach, Matt Buckmaster really started pushing me, and we started going harder and harder at practice,” said Pearson, who will swim at Southwestern Community College in Oregon next year. “As the season progressed, I found the college I wanted to go to, and I needed to show them I deserved to be there.”

Brisen receiving his medal after winning the 50 free. Photo credit: Grant Clark.

Two state championships later and Pearson more than showed his worth.

The Red Raiders had two divers place in the top 10 – the only school to accomplish the feat – getting a third-place finish from junior Drew Brennan (331.20) and a 10th place from senior Koa Hanks (272.15).

Kingston won the team title with 225 points. The Buccaneers were followed by Steilacoom (213.5 points) and Anacortes (193).

Sehome finished ninth overall with 99 points, while the Red Raiders came in 12^th with 63.

Bellingham senior Brisen Pearson won two state championships at the Class 2A swim and diving meet. Photo credit: Grant Clark.

The Mariners received a fourth place in the 200 free relay as the team of David Leung, Alexander Evans, Rudi Berry and Brian Whitney posted a final time of 1:31.86.

Leung, Berry and Whitney later teamed up with Ean Chalfie to register a sixth-place finish in the 400 free relay. The team’s final time of 3:25.20 was a full 5 seconds faster than their seeded time coming into the state meet.

Whitney, a senior, also grabbed a fifth place in the 50 free (22.43), while Payton Johnson finished 11th in the 500 free (5:03.94) and Berry was 15th in the 100 free (51.83) for Sehome.

In the 3A meet, Squalicum got a sixth place from Wilson Dierforff in diving (341.00) and 14th place from Franz Allendorfer in the 100 fly (54.57).

Moving Toward Zero Waste in Whatcom County

By

Kali Klotz-Brooks

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Zero waste Terra TZW — Terra Organic is proud to be working Toward Zero Waste. Photo credit: Kali Klotz-Brooks.

As Whatcom County residents, we pride ourselves on our region’s recycling and waste reduction efforts. Travel outside of our small bubble and you cannot help but realize how fortunate we are to live in a place where curbside recycling exists, composting isn’t some lost hippie practice and using reusable grocery bags is the norm.

The Leopold implemented an in-room resident recycling program for mixed paper, bottles and cans. Photo courtesy: The Leopold.

Adhering to the strong sustainability values our community possesses, an abundance of impactful programs and resources help make these efforts a top priority.

Ten years ago Sustainable Connections launched the Toward Zero Waste (TZW) campaign in Whatcom County. Through free waste audits, employee education and waste reduction planning, the campaign has been significant in helping local businesses to reduce waste and decrease revenue and energy losses. Over 450 businesses have engaged in the campaign thus far and the majority of them have seen positive results in the form of financial savings and enhanced competitive advantage. Sustainable Connections’ Sustainable Business Manager, Mark Peterson, shared some of the campaign’s past successes and upcoming “dreamy” goals.

Food-based business are one of the largest waste sources. Photo courtesy: Sustainable Connections.

“We like to celebrate all successes, no matter how large or small,” Peterson responds when asked what constitutes a business participating in the program as successful. A humble response considering the campaign has helped companies like Samson Rope divert 300 gallons of waste per week and save $30,000 in costs. In 2016, the campaign helped itek Energy evaluate their waste processes and eliminated roughly 7,000 caulking cartridges by purchasing caulk in bulk instead.

A lot of waste reduction happens when businesses are, “forced to look critically at processes,” Peterson explains. It is important to understand the job isn’t done when something is thrown out. So much consideration goes into production processes, but little goes into a product’s afterlife or a service’s residual. “Waste is part of the management process,” he emphasizes.

The exciting thing is that consumers, especially in the Whatcom community, want to support sustainable business. Many local businesses have an incentive to make changes and reduce waste to gain that competitive advantage. Working to reduce seems like an obvious choice when the price is small for big rewards.

Sustainable Connections' Sustainable Business Manager, Mark Peterson, shared all about the TZW campaign. Photo courtesy: Mark Peterson. — Sustainable Connections’ Sustainable Business Manager, Mark Peterson, shared all about the TZW campaign. Photo courtesy: Mark Peterson.

Of course, successes do not come without challenges. For instance, Peterson stresses how important the education aspects of the campaign are due to issues like single stream recycling and compost contamination and confusion.

“We use PTAG recycling,” he explains. This is a process in which paper, tin, aluminum and glass are sorted at the source. However, older facilities like Fairhaven’s historical district have shared waste enclosures and are not required to separate recyclables. This is considered “single stream recycling” in which case, Peterson explains, “recyclables get mixed up.”

Then there is the issue of compost contamination and confusion. “Greenwashed products are those that are contaminated but are marked otherwise,” Peterson explains. He walks into a back room and brings out a box of “plant-based, biodegradable” cutlery to explain. Based on the box’s description anyone might assume they would be okay to compost but on the back in small lettering it is indicated that this product is not actually compostable at all. Not only is this product labeling confusing and misleading, but it is responsible for real world contamination.

The Co-op has uses this helpful recycling area. Photo credit: Kali Klotz-Brooks.

The campaign acknowledges that education about such issues is vital to achieving proper waste reduction processes. While TZW businesses are provided employee education services, the campaign also participates in regular sustainability workshops and presentations to convey correct messaging to the community.

Looking ahead, the TZW campaign is expecting 2017 to be a particularly impactful year. They are determined to raise the profile of waste production within the community as well as divert even more waste from construction and food-based business.

Historical Fairhaven is up to date with this shared waste location. Photo credit: Kali Klotz-Brooks.

A Waste Characterization Study done by the Department of Ecology suggests that across two different sectors, construction materials and organics are the two largest waste sources. Peterson explains that disposing of organic materials in landfills is an issue because decomposed organics let off methane, a gas that is twenty-five times more potent than carbon dioxide. In addition landfill processes often involve “flaring” or incineration, which sends the gas directly into the atmosphere.

Peterson emphasizes the fact that the process of composting organics, “is the only closed loop waste system,” and that through this, “organics can be turned into a value-added product instead.” The positives of composting out-weigh the negatives and by setting their sights on construction and food-based businesses, the campaign is hoping to be especially efficient in their influence.

Terra Organic is proud to be working Toward Zero Waste. Photo credit: Kali Klotz-Brooks.

As far as raising the profile of waste production, TZW is excited to be collaborating with the Bellingham Farmer’s Market this upcoming year in a big way. It’s obvious this campaign is making its mark on our local community and Peterson is enthusiastic to be creating programs and opportunities that are replicable in other communities as well.

Whatcom County Weekend Events Calendar

By

Events Editor

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Paulee Offerson scenic — Photo credit: Paulee Offerson.

Spring is just around the corner! As I write this, the morning has brought rain, snow and now brilliant sun. In true early spring style, the weather can’t make up its mind. No matter what the weather brings, one thing is for sure – there are plenty of fun Whatcom County Weekend Events coming up. Here are some fun ideas on ways to jumpstart your spring. But remember to check our full events calendar for all the fun happenings this weekend.

Kick back to the enjoyable tunes of guitarist, singer and songwriter, Jonathan McNeely. It’s family-friendly and free. Plus there are food carts available.
Delve into whole new worlds with the Bellingham Film Festival. This ongoing series of films is sure to broaden your mind and expand your horizons.
Travel to exotic locations in the talented hands of the world’s foremost acoustic guitarists at International Guitar Night, North America’s premier touring guitar festival.
Laugh your socks off as you watch the dating antics of Cupid’s Arrow. This improvised dating game, inspired by the classic 1960’s and 70’s show, “The Dating Game,” has the contestant choosing from three outlandish characters that are inspired by audience suggestions.
Now that spring is approaching, learn how to look at your yard as a landscape designer would at a Garden Design class. Where is the best placement for fruit-bearing trees, bushes and vines? This class covers hardscape assessments, project scope, materials use, home and view integration, sunlight, air flow and other landscaping decisions.
Attend the Chuckanut Brewery open house. Chuckanut’s breweries will be among hundreds of Washington breweries to give the community a sneak peak of their facilities and brewing process. And the Port of Skagit, where Chuckanut’s South Nut is located, will have other agriculture-related industries open their doors as well. This includes Skagit Valley Malting Company, Skagit Valley College’ Cardinal Brewing Program and the new Skagit Mills all within a block of Chuckanut’s Skagit location. Plus Random Acts of Food truck will be on hand for those that work up an appetite while out and about at the Port!
Connect with the active outdoor community at the Recreation Northwest EXPO. Here you’ll find 70 exhibitors and 700 runners, bikers, sailors, paddlers and others who are looking for new ways to play outside. Attendees can take advantage of one-on-one time with representatives from local and regional events and races, as well as bike and running shops, outfitters, outdoor activity clubs, stewardship organizations, sports health professionals and outdoor media companies.
Follow the trail of rollicking and rousing Irish tunes alongside two generations of musical ambassadors from the Emerald Isle. The Irish Rovers and We Banjo 3 will be performing at Mount Baker Theatre in a musical bash sure to thrill.

WhatcomTalk aims to be your source for positive information and events happening in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and throughout Whatcom County. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@whatcomtalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Bellingham and the surrounding area, visit our events calendar. To submit an event of your own, visit our events calendar and click on the green “Post Your Event” button.

Photo credit: Paulee Offerson

Whole Planet Foundation

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Whole Foods Market

How would you spend $275? Would this money impact the rest of your life?

For Yuma, a Whole Planet Foundation microfinance credit recipient in Tanzania, $275 helped her rent a storefront, build a counter and purchase a refrigerator, which helped her expand her store’s inventory. $275 made her business sustainable and profitable, so she and her five-year-old son can live a better life.

Learn more about Yuma’s story and other entrepreneurs’ stories here.

Whole Planet Foundation was borne out of Whole Foods Market’s desire to give something back with a focus on the persistent problem of world poverty and hunger. Whole Planet Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization established by Whole Foods Market. The foundation provide grants to microfinance institutions in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East, who in turn develop and offer microenterprise loan programs, training and other financial services to the self-employed poor.

This March, every Whole Foods Market across the county, including Bellingham, will be fundraising for Whole Planet Foundation to alleviate poverty in regions Whole Foods Market sources products. One hundred percent of funds raised through customer donation and vendor support will benefit entrepreneurs across 69 countries and 15 U.S. cities. As entrepreneurs grow their businesses, they repay the loans. Whole Planet Foundation’s microfinance partners around the globe have a 97 percent repayment rate, which proves the impact of the foundation’s work.

Whole Foods Market team members have an opportunity each year to travel abroad with Whole Planet Foundation to meet microcredit loan recipients and help with community service projects. To date, 671 have volunteered in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Togo and the United States since 2007!

To support Whole Planet Foundation’s fundraising campaign in March, visit Whole Foods Market in Bellingham, which is located at the corner of Lakeway and Lincoln. The store is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sales, coupons, events and more are available at wfm.com/bellinghamlakeway.

Written by Olivia Yates

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