This week has flown by in a hurry. It seems like it was just New Years and now we’re a full month into 2017. After spending most of this week working, fulfilling family obligations and trying to find that thermostat sweet spot between freezing and financial ruin, I am ready to go have some weekend fun. I hope you are too. Here are a few Whatcom County and Bellingham weekend event ideas to get you started. Don’t forget to check out our full events calendar for all the fun happenings in Whatcom County this weekend.
Get your groove on at MiniHam. This event is held on both Friday and Saturday at Tillie Lace Gallery and is jam packed with music and activities.
See what’s new in health and wellness at the Health & Fitness Fair where you can meet local natural health practitioners, sample and learn about supplements that can support your fitness goals, and enter to win great door prizes. Then swing by the Wellness Fair where you’ll find free samples, raffles, free massage coupons and more! Your body will thank you.
Speaking of health, try out some veggie based dishes at these great local restaurants.
Finally figure out how to use that digital camera at Turner Photographic’s Digital Photography Workshop. You’ll learn to take control of your camera and develop the confidence to make better photos.
We’re deep into winter now, but spring is just around the corner. Get ready to sow those seeds with the class, “Learn to Grow a Vegetable Garden.” Staff from Cloud Mountain Farm Center for a practical overview of how to successfully grow a wide variety of produce throughout the year.
Go for a walk downtown and check out The Phone Booth. This grassroots art project exemplifies the spirit of Bellingham.
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.
Western Solar focus on what they do best and that provides value to their community. Photo courtesy: Western Solar.
When asked about their newest product, a small-scale battery system, Markus Virta of Western Solar says, “We were inspired by the idea. There wasn’t a cost-effective solution on the market so we built one.”
This battery solution is safe enough to be in your indoor living space. Photo courtesy: Western Solar.
Virta explains that many of their solar clients were looking for more flexibility with their power, especially if the utility grid went down as is the case with a power outage. Western Solar created a more affordable solution that has a small footprint and everything you need to keep your power on during an outage. A battery system coupled with solar panels can provide a long-term solution that is not dependent on a fuel supply. This solution can be designed to fit customers’ needs.
The small scale battery storage system created by Western Solar is more affordable than a conventional battery system providing all the electricity needed and with a more localized generating capacity. “The size of the battery system can be customized based on the individual needs of the customer,” says Virta. “Energy consumption can feel like an ambiguous thing for many people. We like to help our customers determine and understand what their exact electric consumption is. This enables us to design a battery storage system that fits their specific needs.”
Virta goes on to explain that their battery system is an alternative solution to a home generator. A typical solar installation does not supply power during an outage (as required by the National Electric Code). This battery system ensures continued production of solar panels despite loss of utility service. It can provide an uninterrupted power source which is important to those customers with vital medical devices which can’t afford to lose power.
The battery solution provided by Western Solar is sourced within Washington State, supporting local manufacturing. Western Solar takes pride in doing business with companies they know, who create quality products, treat their employees well, and believe in ethical business practices.
Stackable and custom-sized to fit the needs of any customer based on personal power consumption. Photo courtesy: Western Solar.
Virta also describes the great deal of intellectual property surrounding battery storage solutions that were pioneered in Washington. This further tells the story of Western Solar’s quality and commitment to power solutions. Washington State has made it a priority to begin exporting these types of solutions globally. Washington will continue to play a large role in this area as power goes from single utility generation to distributed power models creating autonomy and flexibility for the utility and its customers.
These battery solutions provided by Western Solar are turn-key packages. They meet all of the local code and utility requirements providing one solution for one price. They can be safely installed indoors or in an outdoor enclosure. The batteries are sealed, maintenance free, with minimal off-gassing and no watering required.
“Our customers are often concerned about flexibility and their future wellbeing. We get a lot of calls from people looking for a power solution when the grid goes down. Solar with battery storage can give them a more stable generating capacity.” Storage solutions alleviate the strain on generators and the need for fuel. “The battery storage systems we have engineered are simple, scalable and intelligent,” says Virta.
Virta also describes the basic lifecycle of these batteries. With a shelf life of 12-15 years and a cycle life of 2,000 to 3,000 cycles, a battery solution will provide reliability and flexibility long term. To give some perspective on cycle life, the power would have to be out every day for three years to get to 1,000 cycles.
Western Solar focus on what they do best and that provides value to their community. Photo courtesy: Western Solar.
Describing the role of Western Solar in the industry as well as in the local community, Virta says he appreciates the flexibility to be nimble and respond ahead of the curve when it comes to creating and being a part of change. “I love the open space to innovate and grow. Every year we see dramatic change.”
As a member of the Solar Installers of Washington, Western Solar is intent on working with utility companies to develop solutions such as small-scale battery storage that make sense as future needs for power consumption and storage change. And, with the growth of tiny homes and a higher commitment to the environment, the need for energy management systems is also growing. Western Solar continues to respond to the community by developing solutions to fit those needs.
“You have to focus on what’s close and what you know,” says Virta. “That’s how you’ll make an impact around you. And that is who we are at Western Solar.”
Starting in early childhood we are taught to occupy our time and our minds. We soon begin to believe an idle mind is a wasted mind. We then fill up our brains with tasks and goals to achieve. Before long our minds become overloaded with “voices” telling us where we need to go, when we need to be there, and how much we should have once we arrive. Luckily as children, we are still encouraged to use our imagination and stare at the clouds. It’s in that wandering mind that we reach new levels of understanding.
As adults, idle time is even more scarce. We are bombarded with our daily life of flashing lights, loud noises, and unwarranted opinions. These come from the outside but eventually make their way into our inner dialogue. Our minds become scattered and frantic but we live in this state for so long that we don’t know any other mindset.
From time to time we need to turn this chatter off. We need to reach that deeper part of ourselves that is who we truly are and not who we perceive ourselves to be. Meditation, being in nature, and yoga can help reach that state.
Another way is floating in a float tank. You are literally blocking out all stimulus. Cutting off the food source of a frantic mind. Once the mind begins to slow down, a deeper self emerges. One that is not concerned with when, why, and how. You are simply existing in the moment.
Physically, floating is a peaceful experience. It may take a second to adjust to the new environment but once you do, it is very relaxing. It feels as though your whole body is weightless. You feel yourself stretch out physically and mentally. Your pupils open completely to the darkness. We rarely get to experience this complete darkness. Even at night we are still bombarded with various blinking lights and noises. However this is a darkness that is relaxing and inviting. Once I experienced it I began to crave it.
Upon waking I usually feel very relaxed and refreshed. Energized in a peaceful way. Colors seem a little more vibrant and food tastes better. The chatter has been turned down and all of my perceived problems seem a lot less daunting.
Christie Tomlin has been making plant-based personal care products for 37 years. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
After walking down a long road in the Birchwood neighborhood with its large lots peppered with Craftsman houses, I arrived at Christie Tomlin’s home. I imagined the lavender, calendula, mint, and motherwort blossom on the three-and-a-half acre farm during the warmer months.
According to Christie, her husband grew up on the farm which has been in his family since 1946. “When he was a child they had cows, pigs and chickens. This acreage was in the county in those days,” says Christie.
Hand-crafted soap made from locally-grown plants. Photo courtesy: Christie Tomlin.
These days, Christie and her apprentice Brenna cultivate the land growing and harvesting the flowers that become soaps and essential oils. They make the Birchwood Botanical products in a special kitchen-office tucked away in the corner of the farmhouse.
Christie started her business 37 years ago. She sells oils, soaps and other home-crafted personal care products at the Bellingham Farmers Market. During the holiday season, Birchwood Botanicals appears at the Allied Arts Holiday Festival. Christie also sells her products through her website.
For Christie, her natural body care business finds its origins in a personal connection to the land. “I started working with herbs when I was around 21 and I was pregnant with my first child. I started reading and exploring the uses of herbs. I found myself fascinated with the history and folklore of herbs and their many uses. This led me to explore the medicinal uses of herbs and turning these precious plants into oils and salves to use on our bodies for gentle and safe nourishment and healing.”
Calendula growing on a three (and a half) acre farm in Birchwood. Photo credit: Christie Tomlin.
On a rainy January day, I sipped a chamomile-mint blend tea while Christie and Brenna described their seasonal work and connection to the earth. As we sat at an oak table, Christie’s two dogs relaxed in the background seemingly enjoying our conversation. These two women along with Mary Ann preserve a folkloric tradition that brings renewal to the earth and our bodies.
“My love of herbs was a self-discovery,” recalls Christie. “However, I did grow up helping and learning to grow and preserve food that came from my Grandfather’s gardens and orchards. When I was in my twenties, I met an older woman, MaryAnn who quickly became my gardening mentor and my dearest friend, teaching me how to get my hands dirty.
“To date Mary Ann continues to guide me through the process of growing and creating herbal products. With her encouragement and support, I now have a part-time employee, Brenna, who has fulfilled an apprenticeship with us. Together we are finding joy and fulfillment passing on to her all the knowledge and experience we have learned.”
Christie Tomlin sells her oils to customers at the Bellingham Farmers Market. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
Several years ago, I bought Geranium essential oil from Christie. And several times since then, I have browsed through her diverse soaps, salves and oils at the farmers market. Like many other herbal product makers in Whatcom County, Christie grows the flowers that make up her products. Who wouldn’t want to visit the farm during the height of growing season?
“We grow a large variety of plants, including an array of aromatic herbs, culinary and medicinal herbs, several mints; peppermint, ginger mint, apple mint, Swiss mint, Kentucky colonel and even a strawberry mint. Our main crop is calendula officinalis. You will find calendula in most of our products and blends. In 2014, we put in another 40 lavender plants that we simply love,” describes Christie.
Christie Tomlin grows and harvests the calendula flowers for her oils. Photo courtesy: Christie Tomlin.
We contemplated the best time of year to interview Christie. Winter lacks photographic opportunities and during the spring and summer, Christie is too busy growing, harvesting and making products.
“Through the growing season, we harvest and bundle ornamental flowers for sale at market and by special order starting with lily of the valley in the spring,” Christie says. “About mid-summer, we have a beautiful crop of Calla lilies and we finish the season with a crop of fiery orange Chinese lanterns which provide a beautiful harvest color that our customers enjoy.
“We harvest our herbs as soon as they are ready, depending on the weather – Comfrey, herwort, nettles, bergamot, rose petals, chamomile, red clover, St. Johns Wort to name a few.”
Christie Tomlin has been making plant-based personal care products for 37 years. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
An artist as much as an herbal craftswoman, Christie demystifies the production of our favorite self-care products. “Over the years, I’ve organized our herb kitchen so that making the products is an easy and smooth process. We’re always a season or two ahead in our planning. All our herbs and flowers are harvested by hand and processed one stem-at-a-time. After the herbs are processed, they are brought into the herb kitchen to store and create our herbal oils, infusing the plant material into a high-quality olive oil for our skin care line.”
As I conclude my interview with the wise women, I give thanks for the preservation of a folkloric tradition.
Classic Hollywood glamour is coming to Whatcom County at the 16th Annual Lydia Place Hearts for Housing Gala and Auction presented by Innovations for Quality Living. Saturday, February 11th, 400 guests will join hands and hearts at Bellingham’s premier Four Points by Sheraton. A red carpet runway, sky lights, luscious drapery, and sweeping floral displays will bring sophistication and Hollywood style to the region’s most elegant event of the Valentine season. Through sponsorship, ticket sales, contributions, and event activities, attendees will help to raise $200,000 to support housing and essential supportive services at Lydia Place, working to end family homelessness.
Hearts for Housing attendees will enjoy an array of activities throughout the evening, including a chocolate bar by Evolve Truffles, photo booth by Oh Snap! Photo Booth, Hello, Sweets! cupcakes, music by GMB Entertainment and Roosevelt Elementary Choir, and Valentine inspired silent and live auctions. In addition, Lydia Place will be awarding several outstanding community members with their Heart of the Organization awards to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of the Lydia Place mission and commitment to end homelessness in Whatcom County.
“Raising $200,000 in one night is an ambitious goal,” said Community Outreach Director Shultzie Willows. “But when asked, this community steps up, and steps up big. We have complete confidence that together we can not only reach our goal, but surpass it.”
For over 27 years, Lydia Place has been a key partner in the community’s efforts to end homelessness. In addition to its cornerstone housing programs – Family Services, Community Re-housing, and Campus Support – Lydia Place is expanding its capacity with the goal of breaking the cycle of homelessness for families with children. Funds raised at Hearts for Housing will support the Lydia Place Parent Support Program, providing in-home evidence-based parent education for children prenatal to age 5, along with a new Counseling Program that provides in-home mental health counseling services to Lydia Place program individuals and families.
For more information about Hearts for Housing, or Lydia Place programs and services, please contact the Lydia Place business office at 360-671-7663. For event images, quotes, or media inquiries please contact Community Outreach Director Shultzie Willows at shultziew@lydiaplace.org.
While you wait for a table, you can order drinks from the Mimosa Garden, also known as the Sunnyland Social Club. Photo credit: Tessa Kilcline.
When you drive into Homeskillet’s parking lot, you immediately know that it is a unique place. The outside walls of the tiny restaurant are painted in bright colors. Decorative frying pans hang from the posts of the Mimosa Garden, also known as the Sunnyland Social Club. Inside it is colorful, crowded and loud. Not only is the interior busy, but people gather outside waiting for a table. The wait is worth it.
breakfast plate.JPG: Homeskillet offers a variety of unique dishes in large portion sizes that can easily last two meals. Photo credit: Tessa Kilcline.
Homeskillet, located in Bellingham’s Sunnyland neighborhood, has a reputation for delicious food and a quirky atmosphere. It is best known for its breakfast menu but also serves lunch. The restaurant was opened in May of 2012 by owners Kirby and Tina White. The pair met while cooking in
The pair met while cooking in Antarctica but eventually settled in Bellingham. Kirby is a Western Washington University alumnus and Tina used to live in Seattle, so the transition was easy for them. Before they opened Homeskillet, Tina was a scrimshander, a bone and ivory carver, and Kirby was an independent contractor, but both had worked as cooks on and off for decades. When the building’s previous owner retired, they asked about the space and eventually bought it.
As anyone who has ever been to Homeskillet knows, the menu is wonderfully unique. “Well,” Tina says, “let’s just say that if your friends use the phrase ‘shut up’ when you describe a food idea… you’re onto something.” One of the classic favorites is a Pulled Pork Tater Tot Hash & Eggs which, just like it sounds, combines tater tots and pulled pork into one mouthwatering plate with a side of eggs. Other top choices include The Meaty Veggie Skillet, The Barnyard, Homemade Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, and Hot Green Mess.
Outside of the restaurant, chicken statue Velveeta Jones proudly represents Homeskillet and its quirky energy. Photo credit: Tess Kilcline.
All of these unique dishes are made by one man: Kirby. Tina calls him “the real heart and soul of the place.” The wait outside is always so long in part because there is only one cook and also because of the restaurant’s small size. Due to limited space, they cannot seat parties larger than four.
It might take some time for a table to free up, but while you wait, you can get a drink from the Mimosa Garden, talk to your friends or meet new people, and enjoy the artwork outside. Most of the art is done by Tina herself, who loves to find any excuse to do art. Various friends, all of whom live in Sunnyland, also contributed.
One interesting piece of artwork that you can find on Homeskillet’s property is a large, colorful sculpture of a chicken, dubbed “Velveeta Jones.” Tina got the inspiration for Velveeta on a trip to Burning Man, where she was impressed with the size of the art. As a scrimshander, she was used to working on a much smaller scale and she wanted to give something bigger a try. Out of it came Velveeta. Velveeta is covered in patches, each displaying bright colors, patterns, symbols, peace signs, quotes, or little phrases such as “Be kind” and “Go green” that perfectly capture Bellingham’s essence.
The inside is just as bright and fun. It is colorful and various knickknacks, gathered from world travels, customers and countless other places, line the walls. Walking into the bathroom, you are met with yet another surprise: the walls are covered in pictures of clowns.
While you wait for a table, you can order drinks from the Mimosa Garden, also known as the Sunnyland Social Club. Photo credit: Tessa Kilcline.
No matter how you feel about clowns, you cannot deny that simply being inside the restaurant has the power to cheer a person up. The combination of comfort food and good company makes it so that sometimes people forget that they are even in a restaurant. Instead, they feel as though they have been eating brunch at a friend’s house. Homeskillet has positive reviews on Zagat, Yelp and Trip Advisor and a segment on King 5’s Evening Magazine, but it is also a small neighborhood place where people can feel at home.
“Homeskillet is not for everyone,” Tina explains. “It’s loud, raunchy, chaotic and cramped. But it’s us, no formula or business plan. People like it here because people actually talk to one another, connect with one another, share their dishes with strangers or pay for the meal of someone they just met that they had a great conversation with. In the ‘connected’ world of social media, nothing satisfies like a real live connection. We knew people are hungry, not just for honest food, but real human connection. We had no idea it would blow up like it did.”
Homeskillet is a place where you can strike up a conversation with the person seated next to you and end up making a great friend. It is a bright place where you can escape the cloudy, gray weather, eat some quality food and really connect to the people around you.
Whatcom Community College will use a five-year, $650,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to provide scholarships and academic support for 36 low-income, academically talented students pursuing associate degrees in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics and physics. Leaders of the “STEM Excellence through Engagement in Collaboration, Research, and Scholarship” (SEECRS) grant will employ strategies that help students to successfully complete STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) associate degrees and promote transfer and completion at four-year institutions.
Biology classes learn in the field by collecting and discussing samples of pond water. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Community College.
“The fact that Whatcom’s proposal was selected in this highly competitive grant process indicates the caliber of WCC’s faculty and the stature of the College’s innovative STEM instruction,” says Kathi Hiyane-Brown, WCC’s president. “We’re honored and eager to begin this important work.”
Beginning fall 2017 and continuing through fall 2019, 12 SEECRS scholarship recipients will be selected annually to participate in the STEM Scholarship Academy at WCC. The project will use what is called a guided pathways approach to provide a distinct road map to the destination of STEM degree achievement, meaning students will spend less time and money earning their degrees. Together, students will experience faculty mentoring, STEM pathway degree planning, and optional research and internship opportunities. The program will support a national need to attract and provide access to students who do not typically pursue, persist in, or earn STEM degrees.
“The program will help boost students’ confidence and concept of themselves as STEM scientists and leaders,” says project leader Dr. Tommaso Vannelli, a chemistry instructor at WCC. “To accomplish this, it will do more than provide scholarships. It will activate strategies that are proven ingredients for STEM success such as mentoring and internships.”
The SEECRS project will contribute to the national conversation on guided pathways and can serve as a model to other institutions. It builds on the strengths of existing College programs and initiatives, including student support, active and collaborative learning, and faculty involvement with other grant programs.
This academic year, WCC has been awarded four new NSF grants totaling $1.3 million. WCC currently leads or collaborates on eight NSF grants totaling $8.1 million. The College ranked third in the state and 150th in the nation among higher education institutions receiving NSF grants in 2015, the most recent year for which statistics are available.
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.
The daily bus arrives with members of Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center (NWADH). The connection and comradery is apparent as they sit and enjoy their coffee and snack before the day begins at the center.
The warmth of the center greets the members as they begin their cognitive exercises. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center.
“Our members truly notice when someone they care about isn’t there,” says Kevyn Avery, MSW/MHP social worker for NWADH. “The relationships formed here are significant to each one of them and those relationships can help improve quality of life.”
Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center, located in Lynden on Aaron Drive just off Bender Road and a part of Christian Health Care Center, provides specialized care for adults and individuals with long-term illness and disabilities.
With a goal of helping to keep people living at home as long and as comfortably as possible, NWADH provides activities and healthcare services that work to build strength and maintain independence through cognitive and physical stimulation.
The program starts with a 20-minute walk to music, at individual paces that are monitored by the onsite nurse and an occupational therapist.
As the bus pulls up, members of the Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center are met with care and compassion. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center.
“There’s always an extra set of eyes,” says Avery of the caring oversight provided by the professional staff during the day.
And, throughout the morning, adults participate in cognitive exercises like word associations and number games along with reminiscing discussions on such topics as travel and hobbies.
The beautiful grounds around the adult day health facility also provide a place for outdoor activities, including a walking path, when the weather is good. Each day, if the weather is good, a veteran in the program raises the flag on a pole at the center.
Physical activities include games such as horse shoes. Seated and standing endurance exercises and even stationary biking are also part of the wellness program.
Each adult day health program member is monitored as therapeutic goals are set and reached based on individual needs. Staff also work with families to understand members’ hobbies and passions so that they can work them into the program.
After a nutritious lunch, special programs are always a fun part of the day and feature a musician or a presentation or even animals visiting from the Whatcom Humane Society.
Creating relationships is key to the quality of life for the members of the program. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center.
“The goal of adult day health is to keep individuals at their highest functioning level for the longest amount of time,” says Mary Faber Wynstra, manager of NWADH. “The program is very intentional in a very intentional order.”
Mary goes on to describe the special training and certification that each staff person involved with the program directly must undergo for the enhanced mobility program. Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center has an onsite RN, social worker, occupational therapist and assistant occupational therapist which differentiates it from local senior centers.
The facility also includes a healthcare room with a bed for resting and accommodations for tasks such as blood glucose testing, wound care, foot care and any other minor medical needs that the onsite registered nurse is able to treat.
With a nurse onsite, communication with doctors and families about any medical concerns is fast and effective as the nurse is able to work directly with physicians regarding concerns.
Kevyn works as a Social Worker for the Adult Day Health Program. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center.
“We are often able to catch health issues before they worsen,” says Avery.
Avery also describes the ongoing interaction staff have with the families of program members. Each staff member is assigned a client which means continuous individual care and attention to each member in the program.
“Working with families, we’re able to educate them about the natural progression of any aging or diseases our members may have,” says Mary. “We help them see and plan for the next steps as needed.”
Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center staff communicate directly with families about anything that may be changing with their loved one, both positive and concerning. By monitoring health and wellness during their time at NWADH, they are able to reduce the number of emergency room and doctor visits.
NWADH works closely with individuals and families who are providing care for their loved one at home. Their Caregiver Connection meetings provide continuing education for caregivers while also offering those caregivers a chance to engage with others who are also caring for a loved one.
Rolf volunteers with his calf, Jersey. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center.
“Creating really strong partnerships is the name of the game,” Wynstra explains about working with family caregivers, medical practitioners and other local adult care resources. “We frequently speak with others about partnerships and collaboration opportunities.”
That networking of resources, both between organizations and families is key to creating and finding those next steps beyond NWADH, Wynstra continues, and that networking is an important part of supporting program members and their caregivers.
Volunteer opportunities are available at the adult day health center as well – providing a great way to give back and engage with members. Opportunities from helping with art or music programs to one-to-one visits to sharing hobbies to helping at NWADH’s transportation hub in Bellingham, volunteers get the unique opportunity to interact with the wonderful members.
“We want this program to be anything the member needs it to be,” says Avery. “Some call it their club, some call it their school or even work, and that works for us.”
Kale is a favorite vegetable for vegans. It's versatile and contains high protein content. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
Bellingham is home to a variety of alternative diets ranging from the protein-based Paleo to the animal-friendly vegan diets. At local eateries, wait staff don’t blink an eye when customers ask about the ingredients that go into the cuisine, based on their personal dietary preferences. However, it does help to have a guide to walk us through the maze of local eateries. That’s where Clarissa Mansfield, founder of the “Vegan in Bellingham” blog-turned-website comes in handy. She can help you find Vegan-Friendly Whatcom County Eateries.
Mansfield declared herself a vegetarian on Thanksgiving Day while still a teen. She grew up in a small town in West Texas where cattle-raising dominated the community. “I stopped eating meat when I was 14, although I had been thinking about it for a number of years before that,” Mansfield recalls. “When my family first moved to Texas when I was around nine or ten years old, we had an opportunity to have sheep as pets. I discovered they were such smart, sweet, loyal and wonderful creatures with their own unique personalities and social relationships.
Clarissa Mansfield says that there are too many vegan dishes in Bellingham to choose only three top favorites. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
“My experiences with them made me question the reasons why some animals are considered to be companions while others are considered to be food. I became very conscious of my own discomfort with eating animals.”
While many dietary-conscious folks would stop at becoming a vegetarian, Mansfield took her diet one step further. “I later became vegan in 2000 when I was an undergraduate at Western after meeting a vegan student. I grew very interested in veganism. The more I read and learned about the connection with the meat and dairy industries and how animals are harmed in the production of dairy products, transitioning from vegetarian to vegan seemed to be the next logical step for me.”
Ambo Ethiopian lands is one of Clarissa’s top favorite eateries for vegan cuisine. Photo credit: Clarissa Mansfield.
Eight years ago, Mansfield launched the blog, “Vegan in Bellingham.” Visitors to her blog include vegans thinking about moving to Bellingham and the local vegans already living here. She also receives e-mails from vegans in British Columbia. Her website currently features luscious photographs of Mansfield’s favorite dishes from local chefs.
When asked to choose her Top Three vegan-friendly eateries, Mansfield responded, “I don’t think I can choose just three! There are so many great places to get a good vegan meal in Bellingham. As you know, I adore the vegan food at Ambo Ethiopian (located in the Public Market). And I think Mulu is an amazing chef.
“The Soy House is another one of my go-to places. There are many delicious vegan options there. Everything they make is yummy. I think the Soy House might be the most vegan-friendly place in town.
The Soy House pizza. This Vietnamese restaurant serves up the most vegan entrees in Bellingham. Photo credit: Clarissa Mansfield.
“D’Annas has a dish called ‘Aglio E Olio’ that I love to get with their vegan spinach rigatoni. It has walnuts, garlic and olive oil. I usually add mushrooms to that dish. I am in heaven. D’Annas is awesome and they have vegan options right on the menu. They are always super friendly. I have been going there for years. It’s definitely one of my favorites.”
As Mansfield and I ate Ethiopian lentils and kale at Ambo Ethiopian, the foodie’s eyes lit up as she rattled off her favorite vegan eateries—all which are featured on “Vegan in Bellingham.”
Clarissa Mansfield includes her favorite local vegan cuisine on her website, “Vegan in Bellingham.” Photo credit: Clarissa Mansfield.
It wasn’t that long ago when the average person relegated vegans to the dietary fringe. Vegans still face obstacles such as finding restaurants where they can take their omnivore family members and still eat vegan. “When I hosted meetups, potlucks, or other vegan food-based get-togethers in the past, I frequently heard from vegans that they appreciated the chance to connect with other vegans because the biggest challenge for them, especially when they were newly-vegan, was feeling isolated,” Mansfield says.
“I think the internet and social media have really helped people deal with this because they are able to reach out and connect with each other online when they may not have otherwise had that opportunity in their daily lives. I think that’s been a positive development. Because of that, things have improved greatly, including the mainstream awareness of what it means to be vegan.”
Kale is a favorite vegetable for vegans. It’s versatile and contains high protein content. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
As far as her own experiences as a vegan, Mansfield grew passionate about cooking and trying out different recipes. A vegan diet provides wonderful opportunities to see food in a new light.
“I feel healthier, happier and more in touch with my values,” Mansfield says. “Being vegan has enriched my life in many ways and has made me more adventurous with food and with cooking. I love to cook. And I have grown more skilled over the years in creating wonderful flavorful dishes. I feel nourished, satisfied and more connected to people, to animals and to the earth.”
Timmer gained her real estate sales license in 1990 and has been one of Whatcom County’s top agents since then, ranking No. 1 in the Lynden area and No. 4 countywide in 2016 home sales. She joined Windermere in 2000 and has been involved in the sale of more than 300 properties in the last five years.
“I enjoy real estate and working with people,” Timmer said. “I like making things fun and this doesn’t seem like a job to me. I love working hard for my clients to see them reach their real estate goals.”
Timmer’s WCAR involvement includes serving as its president and on its board of directors. She was named WCAR’s Realtor of the Year in 2002.
“Over the last 25 years Karen has consistently been one of the top producing agents in Whatcom County and has served Windermere well as our Lynden Branch Manager,” said Dan Washburn, owner of Windermere Real Estate Whatcom, Inc. “Karen has been a valued asset for us as well as for our industry.”
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...
