Tuesday, July 22, 2025
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ReUse Works Provides Job Training and Gives Discarded Items New Life

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Ragfinery
ReUse Works keeps items out of the landfill and offers skills training to the community. Photo courtesy: Ragfinery.

Submitted by: ReUse Works

In 2005 ReUse Works launched our first training business, Appliance Depot – an innovative business model that provides job training for low income residents of Whatcom County by tapping into the appliance waste stream. Since its inception, 400 residents have received job experience and training. These hard-working individuals have helped salvage, repair and sell appliances.

Jun D. Mariano disassembles a donated appliance to salvage reusable parts. Credit: Celina Tate.

In the eleven years since Appliance Depot opened its doors, we’ve made a significant impact on our local economy and environment:

  • 40,000 appliances diverted from the waste stream
  • 10,500 appliances saved for reuse by low income households
  • 3000 tons of scrap metal recycled
  • $3 million revenue generated by converting trash into treasure!

In 2014 ReUse Works added a new venture to its training and reuse program: Ragfinery. Ragfinery built on the success of Appliance Depot’s business model, utilizing discarded textiles as source material to provide jobs, job training, resources for artists and education about creative reuse.

In two-and-a-half years, this textile reuse center has made a big impact:

  • 27 worker trainees have gained essential skills for entering or re-entering the workforce
  • 400,000 pounds of textiles have been diverted from the landfill. YES, 400,000 POUNDS!
  • 4,200 community members have recycled textiles
  • 600 people have learned new skills at our fun upcycling workshops

Here is some of the feedback we’ve been receiving from the community:

Ragfinery also helps people channel their creativity. Photo courtesy: Ragfinery.
Ragfinery also helps people channel their creativity. Photo courtesy: Ragfinery.

“My head just spins with creativity when I visit your shop!” Margaret said. “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for what you do.”

“I am so excited by Ragfinery and what it is doing in, and for, Bellingham,” Kathleen said. “Having access to such wonderful fabrics, that are about to be dumped into the landfill is so great. Learning how to use fabrics, and turn them into art pieces is really expanding my artistic and sewing horizons. Classes are great and building community is an asset to the northwest.”

The long-term goal of ReUse Works is to make our operations for both Appliance Depot and Ragfinery financially sustainable. While Appliance Depot became self-sustaining in 2010, over the last two years scrap prices disappeared, leaving a significant hole in our budget that appliance sales alone cannot cover. Over the long-term, our hope is that scrap prices will return. In the meantime, in order to provide life-changing job training opportunities and continue our sustainable business model, we need the financial support of our community.

Ragfinery is still in the development phase, working toward being self-sustaining in the next two to three years. Our staff, trainees, volunteers, students and customers are passionate about what we do. We’ve tapped into something very special with this program, and it is truly a community supported endeavor.

You can help provide job training opportunities and care for the environment by supporting ReUse Works. Photo courtesy: Ragfinery.
You can help provide job training opportunities and care for the environment by supporting ReUse Works. Photo courtesy: Ragfinery.

You can help provide much needed job training opportunities for those struggling to find work and make a positive impact on our environment by keeping valuable resources out of the landfill. Your support helps ReUse Works continue to help others in need and to lessen our community’s impact on the earth.

Would you consider donating to help us achieve our mission? You can either donate online at ragfinery.com, call us at 360-527-2646, send a check in mail (address below), or swing by Ragfinery or Appliance Depot to drop off a donation. Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to purchase the tools and to pay for the infrastructure needed to keep our operations running. We thank you in advance for your support!

 

Bellingham Weekend Events Calendar

By
Events Editor
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Santa and Mrs. Clause
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Holiday Port Festival on December 2, 3 and 4. Photo credit: Mark Turner | TurnerPhotographics.com.

Only two more days left until Christmas! Whether this statement fills you with hope and joy, or mounting angst at the thought of all you have left to do, one thing is true: Santa Claus is coming to town. (Ok, so “true” may not be the right word to use there, but you know what I mean). At this point in the holiday season you’re probably bursting with joy, bursting to get it over or just bursting to get the kids out of the house and have one blessed moment of piece. However you’re feeling, here are a few fun ideas to keep you busy. Be sure to check our calendar for a full list of all the fun Whatcom County happenings this weekend.

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

A Local Writer, a Book Club, and a Novel – Author Jeannette Dashiell’s Heroic Journey

By
Patricia Herlevi
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Bellingham author Jeannette Dashiell pens women's fiction set in Manhattan. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

While many people dream of becoming an author, local author Jeannette Dashiell literally wrote her first novel after experiencing her characters in a dream. She had no prior writing experience, even if writing her first novel was a dream come true.

Jeannette Dashiell's debut novel takes place at a Manhattan restaurant. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
Jeannette Dashiell’s debut novel takes place at a Manhattan restaurant. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

I met with Dashiell at Village Books. For someone who recently suffered the tragedy of losing a daughter, Dashiell appeared vibrant and even enthusiastic on her journey as an author. She says that writing the novel provided a healing experience. She channeled her grief into the creative process.

“I had never thought to write before this dream came to me. In fact, in the beginning, I wrote just to get through the day. It was my way of distracting myself from the overwhelming pain of losing my daughter. It wasn’t until much later that I thought to myself, ‘Why not give it a shot? Put the story out there for others to read. What’s the worst thing that might happen? People might not like it, big deal. After what I’ve gone through there’s nothing that can faze me,’” Dashiell says.

The characters, a group of women who formed a book club that met at Franc’s restaurant in Manhattan, holds a resemblance to Dashiell’s Books and Booze club that also meets on a regular basis. But the author says that the characters in her novel came to her through a different avenue—as dream characters.

Local Author Jeannette Dashiell hangs out in the literary paradise, Village Books. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
Local author Jeannette Dashiell hangs out in the literary paradise, Village Books. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

“I wanted to see this group of book club women again,” Dashiell recalls. “I wanted to join them in the booth at Franc’s and listen as they told stories of their lives while drinking bottomless bottles of wine. I wanted the laughter and quips to continue. I wanted to know how they found resolution and triumph over their obstacles. I wanted to know the ending.”

For most authors, it’s not enough to dream about writing a novel which in fact is an arduous task in itself. Successful authors create space in their lives to piece a novel together or they carve out time in their day to sit down to the task. Dashiell is no exception and she fought with distractions.

“I’d like to say my writing process is pretty structured, but I can’t,” Dashiell says. “Don’t get me wrong. I do set certain days aside each week for writing. However, a friendly head nudge from our older dog Molly or the pawing of our rambunctious younger dog Lola can quickly lure me away for a game of fetch in the backyard.”

Jeannette Dashiell literally pursued her dream of writing a novel. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
Jeannette Dashiell literally pursued her dream of writing a novel. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

What began as a dream and a healing balm for the author’s grief of losing her daughter Hannah, transformed into a delightful read that qualifies as quirky women’s fiction.

“I am happy to say that I have heard from lots of readers that say they really connect to and like the characters in my book,” Dashiell says. “And they wish they could be part of the book club seated at Franc’s each month.

“Each character has attributes and quirks that I can relate to: Melissa with the challenges and rewards of parenting and Diane’s journey to begin living again after the tragic of loss of her husband. Sarah’s necessitate to have things in order, Kathy’s strong will to defend those in need, Ali’s fight against our society’s obsession with youth and beauty, Rita’s commitment to her marriage and Bette’s realization that a woman can have it all.”

Now that the writing bug has bitten Dashiell, she started writing her second novel following the character Franc and her family. It’s part of a series.

Debut novelist Jeannette Dashiell channeled grief through a creative process. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
Debut novelist Jeannette Dashiell channeled grief through a creative process. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

“This next book also continues the story of third generation restaurateur, Frances Giuliani as she continues to struggle with her feelings for the general manager, Derek,” Dashiell says. “Her strict rule to never get involved with someone she works with is quickly becoming less strict. The complexity of Frances’ dilemma is compounded by her well intentioned, yet overbearing mother Sophia whose sole mission in life is to find her daughter a husband.”

In the course of our photo shoot, I worked on recreating Franc’s restaurant atmosphere at the Colophon Café and at Village Books. And while only some of the photos turned out due to the low-light ambiance, I enjoyed meeting the author behind the independently-published novel, “An Evening at Franc’s.”

It takes courage to grieve the loss of a loved one. And it takes courage to write a novel. But it helps to have cheerleaders on the sideline.

Bellingham author Jeannette Dashiell pens women's fiction set in Manhattan. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
Bellingham author Jeannette Dashiell pens women’s fiction set in Manhattan. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

“With the encouragement and support from family and friends I sat down to the computer and began to write the story in my dream. My writing soon became a lifeline through my consuming grief,” Dashiell says.

Check Dashiell’s website for availability of her novel.

Mark Turner – Connecting Relationships with a Love of Nature

By
Jennifer Dodge
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Turner Photographics
It took a little patience, waiting for the sun to peek beneath the clouds for this sunset portrait on Chuckanut Bay. Photo credit: Mark Turner/Turner Photographics.

Mark Turner, owner Turner Photographics, recently discussed his path to becoming one of Whatcom County’s premier environmental photographers. “My original career goal was to be a photographer,” Turner says. “In fact, I still have the negatives from my high school days of working on the school newspaper.”

These Russell Hybrid Lupines and 'Fireglow' Euphorbia grow in Turner's front yard garden. Photo credit: Mark Turner.
These Russell Hybrid Lupines and ‘Fireglow’ Euphorbia grow in Turner’s front yard garden. Photo credit: Mark Turner.

Turner remembers taking his earliest photos when he was around the age of seven or eight years old. “I remember being in the garden with my dad and grandma,” he says of the memory. Turner grew up in a family of gardeners.

His first camera was a box camera, the same camera he used when taking those memorable photos of his family in the garden. He describes his excitement when he upgraded to a camera with a flash when he was nine. This was the camera he used to create memories on a trip to Europe when he was eleven years old.

Turner has always had a love for nature that is vividly apparent in the way he photographs his outdoor portraits, native plants and gardens. “I’m really an interpreter of the landscape,” Turner says. “It’s about where you put the camera.”

Turner began his photography business in 1993, producing note cards with images of Northwest landscapes. Eventually he grew the line of note cards to include 48 individual images.

Turner captured this old-growth Western Red Cedar trunk framed by Western Hemlocks along the Boulder River Trail near Darrington. Photo credit: Mark Turner.
Turner captured this old-growth Western Red Cedar trunk framed by Western Hemlocks along the Boulder River Trail near Darrington. Photo credit: Mark Turner.

Yet, with changing technology, the market for note cards diminished and Turner turned his attention to constructed landscapes and gardens, keeping with his love of nature. He began making important connections with gardeners and going on garden tours while connecting with book publishers. As a result, Turner’s work appears in books from Timber Press, Audubon Field Guides, Lone Pine Press and Cool Springs Press. Turner also has a presence on stock photo sites.

Turner describes his love of the natural world as a place of peace and comfort for him. “I listen, breath and enjoy an understanding of the relationships among natural organisms.”

When he’s creating his work, whether it be nature or family portraits, Turner is continuously looking at compositional relationships. “For example, I look at the environment and the placement of the flower in the meadow,” he explains. “Or the patterns between the old growth tree and the young tree in the light.”

Some of his favorite projects have been creating the field guides, “Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest” and “Trees and Shrubs of the Pacific Northwest.” These were favorites because he enjoys sharing information and teaching. These projects were a way of teaching indirectly to interested readers.

Photographer, Mark Turner is adept at photographing scenery, people and combining the two. Photo credit: Mark Turner.
Mark Turner is adept at photographing scenery, people and a combination of the two. Photo credit: Mark Turner.

Turner immersed himself into the Native Plant Society of Washington and Oregon and went on field trips and study weekends where he cultivated relationships with experts. After two full years and 40,000 miles of driving for each book, the guides were complete.

As a self-taught botanist, Turner approached the creation of the guides from the perspective of an artist with the scientific knowledge necessary to understand these native plants. Often books like these are created by scientists whose photography may be hit-or-miss.

Along the way Turner learned that creating the books and photographing gardens was about solving problems by finding the best specimens and creating a space around them. It’s that understanding of environmental relationships that helped create the end result.

Turner takes this same approach to the creation of family portraits. He is a firm believer in the idea that the environment chosen by a client must have meaning to them. This environmental relationship is reflected in the portrait he creates with them. Watching families in their favorite places, Turner works to capture the relationship between family members and the meaningful location. “You see the comfort level in people when they are in a place that has meaning to them,” he says. “Generally, people are automatically uncomfortable with having their picture taken. I want them to feel good about themselves and feel comfortable and relaxed. Ultimately, I want them to have a good time.”

That’s where the understanding of the environmental relationship comes in to play. That comfort level is reflected most often when a family is in a place of meaning to them.

Mark Turner took this family portrait on the abandoned railroad trestle at the south end of Lake Whatcom. The family lives just up Blue Canyon Road and chose this location for the meaning it has to them. Photo credit: Mark Turner.
Mark Turner took this family portrait on the abandoned railroad trestle at the south end of Lake Whatcom. The family lives just up Blue Canyon Road and chose this location for the meaning it has to them. Photo credit: Mark Turner.

When Turner meets with a family for the first time, his goal is to get to know them, ask a lot of questions and understand what is important to them. With this information, Turner is able to translate that into a comfortable session. The connection between nature, family and environmental relationships is what creates the connection between a family and their portrait.

“It goes beyond the training as a photographer,” Turner says. “I’ve really learned it is about the subject, whether it be a beautiful garden or native plant or a beautiful family.”

For more information or to schedule a portrait of your own please visit the Turner Photographics Website.

Sponsored

Building a Home with Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County

By
Theresa Golden
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Habitat for Humanity utilizes teams of 10-12 people, such as the Women Build program, to construct the homes. Photo courtesy: Habitat for Humanity.

Ever thought it would be fun to hammer and nail or learn how to use power tools? Alyssa Carpenter thought it would be a fun idea when she signed up to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County at the Lynden Home and Garden Show. She soon received a call to see if she would be interested in taking on a leadership role with the Women Build program. Now she works with teams of women to help build homes and raise funds for the families struggling with poverty who benefit from the organization.

Alyssa Carpenter helps build Habitat for Humanity homes through the Women Build program. Photo courtesy: Habitat for Humanity.
Alyssa Carpenter helps build Habitat for Humanity homes through the Women Build program. Photo courtesy: Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County.

Habitat homes are generally built in 12 to 15 days, spaced apart by a day a week. Teams of 10 to 12 volunteers show up on their build day and work on the home together. “I really like Women Build because construction is generally a male dominated industry,” Carpenter shares. “It was really cool to see so many women out there building and taking charge. It was a great bonding experience.”

John Moon, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County adds, “Women are actually really good builders. They are meticulous builders and careful builders and they know how to ask questions.”

“It’s really empowering, getting comfortable with learning how to use the power tools,” Carpenter shares. “And it’s funny because in Ferndale this past summer they built Star Park in a week. It was like a marathon build. You had to sign up. If you had a red name tag it was because you were comfortable with power tools and if you had a blue name tag, maybe you weren’t. Right away I said, ‘Oh yeah, I’ll use those power tools’ and it was because I’ve used them on the Women Build projects before.”

At the beginning of a Habitat for Humanity build day, time is taken for volunteers to learn a particular skill that will be used during that day’s build, so someone who hasn’t used that tool before can easily pick up the new ability and then apply it during the day. “It’s a little scary at first but then you use it over and over on the build day and you become a pro,” Carpenter shares. “If you have questions you just ask the Construction Manager.”

Habitat for Humanity homes, built by volunteers such as the Women Build program, greatly enhance the well being of the partner families who come to own them. Photo courtesy: Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity homes, built by volunteers such as the Women Build program, greatly enhance the well being of the partner families who come to own them. Photo courtesy: Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County.

Habitat for Humanity was started decades ago by Millard and Linda Fuller. It now has projects all over the world with about 35 affiliates in Washington State. The Whatcom County affiliate is currently working on the 37th home since its inception in 1988. Based on standards such as not profiting from the poor and giving “a hand up, not a hand out,” home owners through the program contribute 500 hours of sweat equity alongside volunteers. They also provide the $500 down payment on the home and continue to pay its mortgage, financed at a 0% interest rate.

In addition to the affordable mortgage payment, Habitat for Humanity homes are built to be energy efficient and produce a very low monthly maintenance cost. “You can heat these homes with the wattage of a hair dryer,” Moon shares. “That’s less than $20 a month.”

For our community, the charity’s “What Will You Build” pamphlet states that “42 percent of Whatcom County Residents earn less than the basic cost of living.”

John Moon, Executive Director, and Alyssa Carpenter, Women Build leader, stand next to the insulating model that helps keep Habitat for Humanity homes energy efficient. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.
John Moon, Executive Director, and Alyssa Carpenter, Women Build leader, stand next to the insulating model that helps keep Habitat for Humanity homes energy efficient. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.

“Typically, the habitat client is a single mom with kids working a job and a half,” Moon explains. “What we’ve found though working with single parents, but typically single moms, is that it’s incredibly empowering. Given the right nurturing atmosphere, when you’ve built your own house, you feel like you can do anything.”

Owning their own home not only moves a struggling family into a safe environment, it also means the children can continue education without the risk of moving or changing school systems. In addition, the home can be passed on for generations allowing permanent home ownership to extend down the family line. “With that major goal of elevating the poor out of poverty forever, the building of the home actually has become the greatest tool in our tool box,” Moon shares.

When it comes to volunteering for the organization, there are many ways to get involved. The Whatcom affiliate operates the Habitat for Humanity store where volunteers can work as cashiers, receive donated materials, price merchandise or drive a truck to pick up donated items. Volunteers are also needed in the office for data entry, mailings or reception. For building homes, individual volunteers can help out or preexisting community groups can decide to team up together. There are also youth builds where kids ages 5 to 25 can build on the home. And there is the Women Build program. “Just come out and try it,” Carpenter shares. “Don’t let the intimidation factor keep you away.”

Habitat for Humanity utilizes teams of 10-12 people, such as the Women Build program, to construct the homes. Photo courtesy: Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity utilizes teams of 10-12 people, such as the Women Build program, to construct the homes. Photo courtesy: Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County.

Moon adds, “No matter what you feel your skill level is, it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to have any skills. You just have to have a willing heart to help.”

If you would like volunteer contact Janet Straka, Programs Manager, at volunteer@hfhwhatcom.org.

The Habitat for Humanity Store can be found at 1825 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham. Merchandise is available for sale. Items for the store can also be donated by individuals or businesses.

Whatcom Smart Trips Creates Community Connections

By
Jennifer Dodge
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whatcom smart trips
Dr. Laurie Brion uses her Smart Trips activities as a time to rebalance and chill. Photo credit: Evantide Photography.

Encouraging people to make more of their trips by walking, biking, taking the bus or sharing a car ride is the purpose of Whatcom Smart Trips, a community program created over ten years ago.

Susan Horst, Director of Mobility Programs, Whatcom Council of Governments says, “Nineteen thousand people have participated over the last ten years. We’ve gotten thank you notes from people who have participated and really seen and lived the benefits. It’s a great community program.”

 

whatcom smart trips
Darlene Edwards makes Whatcom Smart Trips activities a way of life each day. Photo credit: Evantide Photography.

From the Trip Diary that keeps track of your Smart Trip activities to instruction for school children in building independence, to helping seniors get around town, there’s definitely something for everyone in this program. Not to mention the health benefits you receive from simply getting out and moving with others.

 

Darlene Edwards of Bellingham participates in Smart Trips. “It literally saved my life,” she says of her experience. “It got me motivated and keeps me motivated.”

Edwards describes how she got involved in the program.  As an instructor at Bellingham Technical College for over twenty years who sat behind a computer, Edwards knew it was time to get moving for better health.  She started with walking to and from the library each day.  Then she discovered Smart Trips and liked the ability to see her progress using the Trip Diary. 

Edwards walks along a bus route in case she gets tired and needs to just hop on to get home. “The bus drivers are so nice,” she says. “I know they will always get me home safely if I need it.”

Edwards utilizes the WTA buses as a matter of practice each day. She takes the bus anywhere she needs to go and then incorporates a walk into her daily journey.. “Smart Trips and WTA have taken away the fear of being too far from home to walk back,” she says.

 

whatcom smart trips
Dr. Laurie Brion uses her Smart Trips activities as a time to rebalance and chill. Photo credit: Evantide Photography.

By logging her activities into the Trip Diary, Edwards keeps track of her miles, calories and even how many car trips and gas she’s saved. “I like the incentive. It tells me how much I’ve done and how great that accomplishment is.”

 

As a result of incorporating the Smart Trips program into her life, Edwards feels great and enjoys staying motivated and moving. “I dropped 50 pounds!”“It takes the stress away,” she continues. “It’s about taking that first step and keeping it going.”

Dr. Laurie Brion, with Unity Care NW, also participates by incorporating biking to work into her schedule. She recognizes the importance of fitting physical activity into her day. “My bicycling Smart Trip helps me stay mentally sharp and happy,” she says. “It’s a great time to chill and rebalance, keep oxygen flowing to my brain and it makes me feel good about myself.”

When you sign up for Smart Trips, you can make use of the Trip Diary by tracking your trips made by walking, biking, sharing rides or taking the bus. The Trip Diary tracks your activity including money saved, calories burned and distance traveled.

 

whatcom smart trips
The Whatcom Smart Trips Summer Camps teach kids how to navigate the city on their own. Photo credit: Kirsten Wert.

According to Horst, since this community program began , over 19,000 people have made over 3.1 million Smart Trips saving over $7.4 million. In addition to money saved by individual participants, the community saves on health care costs. The increase in physical activity, experienced by Smart Trips participants, leads to reduced heart disease, depression, anxietydementia and arthritis pain..

 

And, there are other incentives as well. Once participants have made ten trips, participants receive a discount card for use with local businesses. For every 100 trips, you receive a thank you gift. Also included are monthly and quarterly drawings for those who consistently make Smart Trips.

Through Smart Trips, you have access to educational materials on virtually any topic related to walking, biking and busing around the city, making it easy to get started.  Materials include information such as Smart Trips Maps, cycling for adults and kids and even how to haul your groceries when you’re taking the bus. These are all free of charge to anyone participating in the program.

Smart Trips even offers basic bicycling skills for elementary school children as well as a more advanced education program that includes navigation, taking the bus and reading maps for middle school children. A summer camp that involves teaching how to get around the city and ends with a scavenger hunt leaves participating kids with a sense of independence and responsibility when it comes to traveling the community on their own.  The Seniors program gets our community seniors out for a fun, social trip while learning to navigate the city by bus.

whatcom smart trips
Out for some fun, Bellingham seniors learn how to use the WTA bus system to get around town through Whatcom Smart Trips. Photo credit: Kirsten Wert .

Over 200 employer partners including Peace Health, Family Care Network and Unity Care NW want to be a part of the program because they really want to do the right thing. They are able to create their own incentive programs tied directly to participation in Smart Trips.

“The benefits are endless with Smart Trips,” says Horst. “And what a great way to connect with the community while you walk, bike, take the bus or share a ride.”

To become a participant in the Smart Trips programs simply sign up for the Trip Diary online and get moving.

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Friends of the Lynden Library Awarded for Outstanding Service

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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friends lynden library
Friends of the Lynden Library receive Outstanding Friends Award. Pictured (from left) is Joan Van Wyckhouse, Connie Orfanos, WCLS Deputy Director Michael Cox, Nancy Rouke (holding blue sign), Arlene Carlson, Alice Dusenberry, Judy Gauer (holding wooden plaque), and WCLS Executive Director Christine Perkins. Photo courtesy: Whatcom County Library System.

Submitted by Whatcom County Library System

Each year, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) honors one local Friends of the Library group or individual with an award for Outstanding Service. This year the award was presented to the Friends of the Lynden Library (FOLL) for their work to support the Lynden Library through the past year.

Lynden Library Branch Manager Dianne Marrs-Smith, nominated her the Lynden Friends for the award. “Our Friends group works every day to keep their in-library book store, 2nd Hand Prose, fully stocked and looking attractive for our patrons,” said Marrs-Smith. “This year, the Friends made roughly $15,000 between the book store and book sale events.”

friends lynden library
Friends of the Lynden Library receive Outstanding Friends Award. Pictured (from left) is Joan Van Wyckhouse, Connie Orfanos, WCLS Deputy Director Michael Cox, Nancy Rouke (holding blue sign), Arlene Carlson, Alice Dusenberry, Judy Gauer (holding wooden plaque), and WCLS Executive Director Christine Perkins. Photo courtesy: Whatcom County Library System.

In her nomination, Marrs-Smith praised Friends President June Hahn, Leslie Williams, Connie Orfanos and Nancy Rourke for their dedication, generous support, and hard work. The money FOLL raised was used for special library programs and for landscaping around the building.  “We will also make a few upgrades to our workspace this year with the Friends assistance,” said Marrs-Smith.

The Lynden Friends have purchased and will install a Little Free Library in honor of Serena and Bob Haugen. Serena and Bob were presented with the 2007 WCLS Outstanding Friends Award in its inaugural year in honor of their long-time volunteering and outstanding service as Friends’ Book Sale caretakers.

WCLS Deputy Director Michael Cox presented the Friends with the engraved “Traveling Plaque” to be displayed for the next year at the Lynden Library. “Our Friends groups are our biggest advocates,” said Cox.  We thank the Lynden Friends for their hard work and dedication.”

Congratulations go to all the honorees for the Outstanding Friends Service Award: the Friends of the Deming Library, Friends of the North Fork Community Library member Susan Lafferty, and the Friends of the Point Roberts Library.

Scratch and Peck Feeds’ Search for Sustainable Bugs

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Black Soldier Fly Larvae are a source of protein and oil that is ideal for the animal feed industry. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.

Submitted by: Scratch and Peck Feeds

Black Soldier Fly Larvae. Sounds like something pretty powerful, doesn’t it? Bugs with a mission. And really, that’s how Scratch and Peck Feeds sees these little protein-packed buggers. It’s one of the many reasons the Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified animal feed manufacturer brought them on as part of their Cluckin’ Good product line of chicken supplements and treats.

Black Soldier Flies dried larvae are upwards of 40% crude protein. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.
Black Soldier Flies dried larvae are upwards of 40% crude protein. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.

When Diana Ambauen-Meade, Founder and President of Scratch and Peck Feeds, first started researching ways to supplement the diets of chickens and ducks, she considered mealworms. Birds love mealworms, and they are a good source of protein. At first glance, it made sense to consider those insects as something the company wanted to offer to customers. What Ambauen-Meade learned, though, is that the common means of obtaining mealworms didn’t fit with part of the mission at Scratch and Peck Feeds – to offer sustainably produced and sourced ingredients. Most mealworms come from China, which means not only was the company not supporting their regional economy, they were also sourcing a product that requires overseas transport … and a lot of fuel along the way. Ambauen-Meade’s quest for a sustainable protein product continued.

Further investigating took Ambauen-Meade to Enterra, a sustainable insect farm in the Pacific Northwest, just north of the Scratch and Peck Feeds mill. The proximity of Enterra to Scratch and Peck’s mill fit in line with their goal to source ingredients as close to home as possible. Even more cheer-worthy was that the insect farm sustainably produces dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae, a source of protein and oil that is ideal for the animal feed industry.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae are a source of protein and oil that is ideal for the animal feed industry. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.
Black Soldier Fly Larvae are a source of protein and oil that is ideal for the animal feed industry. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.

To raise Black Soldier Flies, Enterra uses pre-consumer waste food that would otherwise be sent to landfills. The  flies consume spoiled or unused fruits, vegetables and grains sourced from regional farms, bakeries, greenhouses and other businesses in the region. The larvae are then harvested and the result is a protein-rich ingredient that chickens and ducks love (while sneaking in a dose of healthy calcium and fatty amino acids that gives a nutritional boost to their eggs!) Essentially, Enterra takes nutrient-rich food that would otherwise be removed from the food chain and puts it back into the system so farmers of all sizes can produce more food. As they put it, they’re closing the loop on food waste.

The more Ambauen-Meade learned about Black Soldier Flies and the benefits they have for poultry, the more confident she became at incorporating them into the poultry product line. The dried larvae are upwards of 40% crude protein. Because chicken feathers are about 90% protein, increasing chickens’ protein during molting aids in feather growth. The combination of Enterra’s sustainable practices with the benefits of Dried Black Soldier Flies for poultry led to Ambauen-Meade working out a partnership with insect farm. Now Scratch and Peck Feeds is able to offer their Cluckin’ Good Grubs to backyard chicken keepers all over the U.S.

The company’s goals of sustainability and animal welfare have led to forming enriching partnerships with regional farmers and local animal organizations and nonprofits.  Now they can add insect farm to their circle. Who knows where the road will take them next!

Brist – The Bellingham Start-Up That Keeps Growing

By
Daniel Meyer
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The guys behind Brist are Co-Founders Brendan Pape and Christian Harkson. Photo credit: Cameron Parker.

Most people in Whatcom County haven’t yet heard of Brist. While that may be the case, most people are likely already familiar with much of their work.

Brist is a local manufacturing agency that creates and designs custom apparel and accessories. They offer quality service for everything from graphic design and screen-printing to marketing and consulting.

Brist strives to offer lower minimums, allowing any size business the ability to freely create something unique. Photo credit: Cameron Parker.
Brist strives to offer lower minimums, allowing any size business the ability to freely create something unique. Photo credit: Cameron Parker.

“Brist has flown under the radar over the last couple of years,” says CEO and Co-Founder, Brendan Pape. “Our work can be seen throughout Bellingham due to the incredible support of the local community but the business may not be known to many, other than our customer base.”

Before smaller sized companies had an option like Brist, they faced many obstacles when it came to creating truly original apparel. Most small and medium size companies have a tough time ordering the dauntingly high minimums that a lot of overseas manufacturers set. High volumes can make it nearly impossible for small and medium size companies to even consider creating custom apparel.

That’s where Brist comes in. They strive to offer lower minimum order sizes, allowing businesses of any magnitude the ability to freely create something unique without having to worry about unbearable inventory and high upfront costs.

The story of Brist’s start-up and growth is inspiring. While still attending Western Washington University, Pape and fellow Co-Founder Christian Harkson began a clothing line called “Disidual” as a hobby. At first, they worked from Pape’s bedroom, then relocated to a garage before finally moving the operation into the warehouse they’re still located at today

Two years ago came “the pivot” that launched what is now Brist. This change of direction occurred when they asked themselves, “What if we could break down these restraints within the apparel industry and really allow small to mid-size businesses the ability to freely create anything that they want?” This is what Brist set out to do, and have done so rather successfully.

The guys behind Brist are Co-Founders Brendan Pape and Christian Harkson. Photo credit: Cameron Parker.
The guys behind Brist are co-founders Brendan Pape and Christian Harkson. Photo credit: Cameron Parker.

By removing the restrictions of high minimums that also equate to high costs, they introduced another viable merchandise option rather than just screen-printed or embroidered items. Now customers can create truly private labeled lines with minimal risks.

To make this vision a reality, Pape found himself traveling to China to meet with factories hoping they might buy into the idea of allowing them to create smaller runs. This would allow them to do the same for smaller businesses so they could create custom goods. This wasn’t an easy task. At one point, a supplier told Pape he was insane, the idea was nuts and that nobody was going to do such a thing.

Eventually, a couple places did buy in giving Pape and Harkson a short leash to test it out, six months to prove this idea could work. Two years later, those buyers that took a chance on them continue to work with Brist today.

In 2015, Brist grew 116%. For 2016, Pape speculates they’ll end up over 135% growth at years end. Brist’s goal is to grow another 100% or more in 2017.

Experiencing so much growth has created opportunities for them to open more positions on their team. At a recent team meeting, they had everyone raise their hand if they’d been with Brist for less than a year. It was about 75% of the team.

Pape is quick to praise this team that has been assembled over the last two years for the accomplishments and progress they’ve experienced. “There are many factors that have contributed to the success of our organization but the underlining key to our growth and success can be credited to the entire Brist team. Not one member can be credited for the success of Brist. We do not succeed on an individual level but on an organization level, which is made up of the combined successes of everyone. The team is incredibly inspiring, composed of driven and motivated individuals willing to work together to achieve a common goal. These people inspire a fun, progressive and creative culture.”

A look inside the production warehouse at Brist, where the team stays busy. Photo credit: Cameron Parker.
The team stays busy inside the production warehouse at Brist. Photo credit: Cameron Parker.

While some of this growth comes from working with larger clients such as the Seattle Mariners or Teton Gravity Research, about 30-40% of their work comes from local clients.

Pape enjoys seeing their team’s creations all over Whatcom County. Brist has created merchandise for local businesses such as Aslan Brewing, Western Washington University, Elizabeth Station, Wander Brewing and Overflow Taps … just to name a few!

He appreciates how much they’ve been able to partner with local businesses and others in the Bellingham and Whatcom County area. “It’s the local support that has really helped us achieve our goals and made us who we are today,” Pape says. “It’s something we never take for granted.”

While it’s obvious Pape is pleased and excited about what they are currently accomplishing, he knows what this team is offering is something unique and desirable for many businesses out there. He envisions big things for Brist in the future.

“We would definitely love to be the go-to company in the nation in terms of creating, designing and manufacturing soft goods and merchandise,” Pape says. “That would be incredible. We want to create the opportunity for everyone to freely create apparel.”

It is a lofty goal. However, after hearing about Brist’s values, how they operate and sensing the passion that drives Pape and the team, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Brist reach that goal in the near future.

To learn more check out the Brist website.

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