Whatcom County Programs Receive Alcoa Foundation Grants

Sustainable Connections is working to build a vibrant local economy built on sustainable practices. Photo courtesy: Sustainable Connections.

Submitted by: Whatcom Literacy Council

Alcoa Intalco Works is giving a total of $135,000 in Alcoa Foundation grants for continued community enhancement in Whatcom County. The 2016 partners are Sustainable Connections, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, Whatcom Literacy Council, and Northwest Innovation Resource Center.

Sustainable Connections is working to build a vibrant local economy built on sustainable practices. Photo courtesy: Sustainable Connections.
Sustainable Connections is working to build a vibrant local economy built on sustainable practices. Photo courtesy: Sustainable Connections.

This year, Alcoa Intalco Works designated Alcoa Foundation funds to organizations that are focused on holistically improving education, protecting the environment and creating improved community infrastructure.

“The Intalco team is always excited about the investments we’re able to make through the Alcoa Foundation,” said Barry Hullett, Intalco Works Plant Manager. “The organizations we’re partnering with this year have a proven record of success, high credibility and are keenly aware of their role in benefiting the entire county.”

The Alcoa Foundation is focused on building sustainable communities through strategic investments that are focused on achieving measurable, long-term results.
The grants from Intalco’s Alcoa Foundation allocation are focused on providing funding and support for leading environmental and educational organizations all around the world, building stable, strong, long-term partnerships that produce meaningful results.

2016 Partnerships:

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington offers children's mental health services, addictions treatment, home care for elders and persons with disabilities, low income and supported housing, and basic needs for those who live in poverty or on the street. Photo courtesy: Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.
Catholic Community Services of Western Washington offers children’s mental health services, addictions treatment, home care for elders and persons with disabilities, low income and supported housing, and basic needs for those who live in poverty or on the street. Photo courtesy: CCSWW.

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington:

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington’s (CCS) Alcoa Foundation-funded project will update and enhance the treatment rooms in the building where Whatcom County children and youth ages 0-21 and their families receive professional treatment for diagnosed mental health problems that disrupt their lives and ability to function at home, school and in the community. Recognizing that almost all CCS child and youth clients and their families have serious trauma histories, CCS knows that upgrading and refurbishing their counseling rooms will provide a comfortable, soothing and attractive environment of care that says: we respect your dignity and we want you to feel comfortable and safe when you are in our premises. For more details, contact Kathy McNaughton.

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington provides a wide array of services in Whatcom County, including children’s mental health services, addictions treatment, home care for elders and persons with disabilities, low income and supported housing, and basic needs for those who live in poverty or on the street. CCS is committed to helping those who are the most poor and vulnerable in our communities through services that are characterized by compassion, respect, professionalism and excellence.  In a given year, thousands of Whatcom County citizens are impacted by CCS’s local array of programs.

The Northwest Innovation Resource Center:

The Northwest Innovation Resource Center connects local entrepreneurs with an essential entrepreneurial support system. Photo courtesy: NIRC.
The Northwest Innovation Resource Center connects local entrepreneurs with an essential entrepreneurial support system. Photo courtesy: NIRC.

The ability of entrepreneurs to access the expertise of business leaders is critical. After working with each innovator to develop a strategy, the Northwest Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) draws on the business experts that match the unique needs of each innovator at each phase of their implementation. The Alcoa Foundation grant will provide NWIRC the resources to expand its “Just in Time” mentor program which facilitates the sharing of business knowledge and advice with entrepreneurs. For more details, contact Diane Kamionka.

The Northwest Innovation Resource Center was established in Whatcom County to provide innovators in our area with ready access to an essential entrepreneurial support system normally available in large cities. The organization’s objectives are to support Whatcom County innovators from all types of industries and provide a means for innovators to succeed in their local area and bring value to their own community.

 Sustainable Connections:

To date, Sustainable Connections has helped hundreds of businesses become more sustainable. Photo courtesy: Sustainable Connections.
To date, Sustainable Connections has helped hundreds of businesses become more sustainable. Photo courtesy: Sustainable Connections.

The Sustainable Connections “Toward Zero Waste” program provides technical assistance, education and training to help businesses and organizations achieve their waste reduction goals. With help from the “Toward Zero Waste” program, over 400 local businesses have significantly reduced their waste. Together, with strong campaign supporters like the Alcoa Foundation and Whatcom County, Sustainable Connections is moving this community Toward Zero Waste! For more details, visit the Sustainable Connections website or contact Derek Long.

Sustainable Connections is a local non-profit membership organization of northwest Washington business and community leaders working to build a vibrant local economy built on sustainable practices. Our five program areas educate the public, connect businesses to each other, and engage in market development in their respective sectors. To date, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses become more sustainable, created a culture of Thinking Local First in Whatcom County, and cultivated relationships to deliver dozens of innovative campaigns that have created positive impacts for our community.

Whatcom Literacy Council:

The Whatcom Literacy Council programs help adults improve their literacy skills. ©WhatcomTalk.
The Whatcom Literacy Council programs help adults improve their literacy skills. ©WhatcomTalk.

Whatcom Literacy Council programs help adults improve their literacy skills, forming permanent competencies that allow them to become more employable, self-sufficient, and engaged members of the community. A threefold programming approach offering one-to-one tutoring, small classes, and individualized learning plans utilizes the most effective formats of education. Sessions are scheduled when learners are available, at places that are convenient and accessible. Each learner’s customized curriculum reflects learning styles, personal goals and interests. Demographics, participation and achievement levels are tracked. Professional staff provide volunteers with some of the most rigorous and complete training and ongoing support in the area. In 2015, with the help of over 100 volunteers, we worked with 818 learners, each identifying goals they wanted to achieve with their new literacy skills. For more details, contact Katherine Freimund.

Since 1983 the Whatcom Literacy Council has been transforming lives by offering free literacy programs to adults who ask for help with basic reading, writing, math and computer skills and English. Working with trained volunteers, our one-on-one tutoring and small group classes focus on essential skills that allow individuals to access educational and job opportunities. We partner closely with local service providers using a collective impact approach to adult education. Every dollar spent on adult literacy provides returns to the community through higher employment, added tax revenue, reduced welfare payments, and less crime.

 

About Alcoa Corp:

Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminum products, with a strong portfolio of value-added cast and rolled products and substantial energy assets. Alcoa is built on a foundation of strong values and operating excellence dating back nearly 130 years to the world-changing discovery that made aluminum an affordable and vital part of modern life. Since inventing the aluminum industry, and throughout our history, our talented Alcoans have followed on with breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to efficiency, safety, sustainability and stronger communities wherever we operate. Visit us online on www.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.

About Alcoa Foundation:

Alcoa Foundation’s predecessor, currently known as Legacy Alcoa Foundation (and formerly known as Alcoa Foundation), was founded in 1952 as one of the few endowed corporate foundations in the United States. As a result of the separation of Alcoa Inc. into Alcoa Corporation and Arconic Inc. in November 2016, two new foundations were formed, into which the assets of Legacy Alcoa Foundation were transferred. One of the newly formed foundations, known now as Alcoa Foundation, is the foundation associated with Alcoa Corporation. Alcoa Foundation is the sponsor going forward of these grants. Today, Alcoa Foundation invests where Alcoa Corporation has a presence, providing grants that contribute to environmental excellence around the world, particularly in the areas of biodiversity conservation and climate change research. Learn more at alcoafoundation.com and follow @AlcoaFoundation on Twitter.

ACME Farms + Kitchen Holiday Pop Up Shop

The ACME Farms + Kitchen Founders' Favorite Box is one of four special holiday boxes that can be shipped anywhere in the United States. Photo credit: Tiffany Brooks Photography.

Submitted by: ACME Farms + Kitchen

The ACME Farms + Kitchen Holiday Pop Up Shop is set to open in downtown Bellingham. It will be located at 1230 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham at the base of The Leopold Retirement Residence, the former location of Mary L. Harding, GG, local jeweler.

Photo courtesy: ACME Farms + Kitchen.
ACME Farms + Kitchen Pop Up Shop will offer a variety of delicious holiday gifts. Photo courtesy: ACME Farms + Kitchen.

The Pop Up Shop will offer carefully curated gift boxes featuring locally sourced foods and treats. Customers can see examples and place orders at the shop. Shoppers will also find ACME Farms + Kitchen’s popular line of baking mixes and frozen cookie, scone, puff pastry and pie doughs, perfect for holiday meals. The shop will also feature individual favorites from local and regional food artisans including San Juan Sea Salt, Moon Valley Organics, Flying Bird Botanicals, Jonboy Caramels, Alma Chocolate, Not Without Salt and more.

“We love the opportunity to be in Downtown Bellingham over the holiday season,” states co-founder, Cara Piscitello. “As an online business this is a rare treat to interact with our customers in person and to meet new people. It’s also a great way to share some of our favorite locally sourced items that are perfect for holiday giving.”

The shop officially opens for business on Saturday, November 26 at 10:00 a.m., closing at 6:00 p.m. In celebration of opening and Shop Small Saturday AF+K will have freshly baked cookies to share. Regular days of operation will be Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The shop’s last day of operation will be Friday, December 23.

Spread the holiday love by buying local this holiday season. Photo courtesy: ACME Farms + Kitchen.
Spread the holiday love by buying local this holiday season. Photo courtesy: ACME Farms + Kitchen.

About ACME Farms + Kitchen:

ACME Farms + Kitchen, headquartered out of Bellingham, delivers weekly meal kits comprised of locally sourced ingredients, a weekly meal plan and recipes to homes in the Whatcom County, Seattle and Portland, Oregon regions. ACME Farms + Kitchen currently sources from over 75 local food producers throughout the greater Pacific Northwest. Details about the new lunch service can be found at the ACME Farms + Kitchen website.

Judd & Black – Six Locations, 76 Years of Outfitting Families with Quality Appliances

judd & black
Outside the Judd & Black store, antique washing machines are planted with flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Photo credit: Libby Liming.

Walking into the Judd & Black location on James Street near downtown, it feels like they’ve been a part of Bellingham for longer than just three years. The front doors are flanked by a pair of antique washing machines, which spill over with flowers during the spring and summer. The James Street location is the northernmost of six locations for the company celebrating 76 years of providing Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan and Island families with household appliances.

judd & black
Judd & Black’s Bellingham showroom is full of gorgeous appliances, waiting to fit in your home. Photo credit: Libby Liming.

When Terry Lehmann, owner of Lehmann’s Appliance, was ready to pass the torch three years ago he handpicked Judd & Black to carry on in the James Street space. “We are a family company, and it was important to us to carry on that feeling into a new location,” states Rachael Sylte, marketing director for Judd & Black.

The Judd & Black James Street store feels like a family-owned establishment and they’ve seamlessly integrated their brand into the fabric of Bellingham.

Bellingham has embraced Judd & Black so fully, that they recently won “Best Appliance Store” in the Best of the Northwest 2016 by Bellingham Alive. As you walk through the showroom floor, you can tell they’re very proud of this award, with banners boasting their win hung on several of the walls.

“We are just so flattered by this award,” says Sylte. “We are really proud because it was voted on by the public. The fact we’ve only been here for three years speaks volumes to us about how we’ve been received in this community, and we are really proud of that.”

judd & Black
Copies of the magazine touting Judd & Black’s Bellingham Alive award can be seen throughout the demo kitchens. Photo credit: Libby Liming.

Along with community, Judd & Black also puts a big emphasis on family. “This is a family-owned business. You can feel that in a lot of ways,” Sylte says sharing that the company stays closed on Thanksgiving so Judd & Black employees can celebrate the holiday with their families. “That’s one of the things I really respect about our company,” she continues, “that it’s not just talk. We actually walk the walk as far as community and family.”

Another exciting development for Judd & Black is having Jermaine Kearse serve as a spokesperson. Having played football for Lakes High School in Lakewood, the University of Washington and now the Seattle Seahawks, Kearse embodies community ties.

“He’s a local guy, and we’re a local company so it was a natural fit,” says Sylte. “We have been locally owned for the entire 76 years we’ve been in business and with third generation owners those ties are very important to us.”

judd & black
Outside the Judd & Black store, antique washing machines are planted with flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Photo credit: Libby Liming.

Kearse signed autographs at the Lynnwood location in early November. Over 200 Hawks fans showed up to check out Judd & Black’s appliance selection and visit with Kearse. At that event, Judd & Black also collected donations for Kearse’s charity, 15 to 1: Jermaine Kearse Foundation. This foundation supports kids in military families.

Judd & Black is planning at least one more signing event with Kearse, as well as some exciting giveaways. They’ll have some game-worn gear and signed merchandise.

Watch Judd & Black’s Facebook page for news and future events. To learn more about Judd & Black’s line of appliances, visit your nearby store.

Sponsored

Bellingham Weekend Event Calendar

bellingham sunset

It’s finally here- Thanksgiving weekend. Ahead of us we have four days of rest and relaxation kicked off with a delicious Thanksgiving feast. For many, myself included, this weekend will involve travel and the warm embrace of family.

I can hardly wait. It’s the same every time we get together. Everyone eats too much. We watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and cheer on our football team. The kids romp around the house like a herd of stampeding cattle in a shopping mall. Someone (usually me) gets political and sets off a fight. At least one young family member shows up adorned in some controversial fashion statement intended to pronounce themselves as an independent adult … and perhaps to aggravate the older generation. At least two people fall asleep on the couch and start snoring. We hear all the stories we’ve heard a thousand times before and a few new ones as well. It’s chaotic, wonderful, aggravating and delightful and I can’t wait.

Whether you are spending your holiday weekend with family, friends or winging it on your own, there are plenty of fun things to do and see around Whatcom County. Here is a short list of ideas to get you started. For the full holiday happenings, be sure to check out our events calendar.

Things to do this weekend in Bellingham:

However you choose to spend your weekend be sure to take some time to reflect on your many blessings and savor everything you are most grateful for.

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.

Launch into the Holidays with 4 Christmas Music Playlists from Mount Baker Theatre

Decorations adorn your Christmas tree while jolly music - either contemporary or classical - sets the tone for the season.

Christmas music instantly launches me into the Christmas spirit. The soundtrack of the season is available everywhere we go—in stores, on the radio, from the carolers on the street corner to the majestic stage of the Mount Baker Theatre. Available in all shapes and sizes, transcending genre, and sprinkled across the decades, the most popular Christmas songs have been covered and rereleased repeatedly. From classical, jazz, and pop to funk, soul, and rap, if you look, there is something for almost everyone.

Here are four playlists you can set up instantly to get into the spirit. I picked songs and albums our melting pot Christmas culture looks forward to hearing each year.

Animated Film Soundtracks

Among the best Christmas songs of all time from film and TV are:

  • “Christmastime Is Here” from A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and
  • Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry & The Pinafores (1949)
  • “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravenscroft (1966) and
  • Faith Hill’s “Where Are You Christmas?” (2000) from the wacky live action Jim Carrey remake

Pop Culture Christmas

bellingham tree farm
What music transports your family into the Christmas season?

It is an act of bravery on the part of the artist to cover a classic Christmas song, and even bolder to write their own. It is because of popular culture that many of our most favorite holiday songs have managed to hang on over the years, each due to their own particular appeal to audiences.

  • The Chanukah Song” (1995) by Saturday Night Live’s Adam Sandler
  • “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo and Patsy (1979)
  • “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause” by Jimmy Boyd (1952)
  • “Last Christmas” by Wham! (1984)
  • “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen (1981)
  • “All I want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey (1994)
  • A number of songs by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1990s to present) are perfect for those that need a little rock n’ roll in their holiday and are also among the top-selling of all time.
  • Jingle Cats covers all your favorites including Silent Night in cat meows. Literally.

Everlasting Icons

Decorations adorn your Christmas tree while jolly music - either contemporary or classical - sets the tone for the season.
Decorations adorn your Christmas tree while jolly music – either contemporary or classical – sets the tone for the season.

Classic Christmas songs can take you back… way back. You might remember the first time you heard the song, or when you sang it in a Christmas play at school, or along with the radio in your car. Some of my favorites are the most sentimental because they match the idealism of love, friendship, and generosity that I associate with the holidays.

  • “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee (1958)
  • “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms (1957)
  • “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano (1970)
  • “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives (1964)
  • Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” (1942)
  • “Merry Christmas to You” by Nat King Cole (1946)
  • “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt (1953)
  • “Baby Its Cold Outside” by Dean Martin (1959) and covered by Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone inElf (2003)
  • “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley (1957)
  • The entire albums of Ella Fitzgerald’s Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (1960) and Spirit of Christmas (1985) by Ray Charles.

The Classics

Many say that the songs they sang in choir, while caroling, or performed as part of an ensemble are the ones that take them back to the old days or bring them into the spirit of the season.

  • “Carol of the Bells”
  • “Silent Night”
  • “The First Noel”
  • “Silver Bells”
  • “Jingle Bells”
  • “Joy to the World”
  • “O’ Holy Night”
  • “Winter Wonderland”

Listen Live at Mount Baker Theatre’s Holiday Shows

Now, follow a top-selling Christmas album to Mount Baker Theatre’s Main Stage.

mount baker theatre
The Irish Tenors includes (from left) Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan. The Irish Tenors will be performing at the Mount Baker Theatre on December 14. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

The album is “We Three Kings,” and on December 14 The Irish Tenors will perform live from that playlist as well as from their vast repertoire of Irish and American standards. Pass through festive decorations in the lobby into pure tenor harmonies of this powerhouse trio.

For music that is always a celebration, don’t miss the national tour of Broadway musical Mamma Mia! on December 18. You’ll be transported to a Greek island paradise with a mother, a daughter, and three possible dads for a funny tale that unfolds with beloved songs by ABBA.

The Whatcom Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will celebrate Holiday Magic on Dec. 4 by mixing old and new. “The first half will feature a return to traditional choral music. We’ll be joined by the Bellingham Chamber Chorale, conducted by Artistic Director Ryan Smit, performing Rutter’s “Gloria.”

For a list of all holiday events at Mount Baker Theatre, from magic shows to dance, visit MountBakerTheatre.com.

From everyone at WhatcomTalk and Mount Baker Theatre, we wish you and yours a very safe, and musical, holiday season.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham
Phone: 360-733-5793
Tickets: 360-734-6080
www.mountbakertheatre.com

Sponsored

Happy Holidays to You from the Marriott Hotels in Bellingham

fairhaven tree lighting

Submitted by: Marriott – Bellingham

Starting November 26, 2016 and extending through January 8, 2017 the SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotels in Bellingham are offering great discounts for your holiday celebrations!

TownePlace Suites by Mariott
Comfortable living spaces help make guests feel at home even if they’re on the road. Photo courtesy: Mariott Properties.

Book your holiday event with us and receive 15% off on a group block of guest sleeping rooms (10 rooms or more) OR 15% off event space rental.

Attending a holiday party elsewhere?  Book the “take the elevator home” rate of $99 and have our complimentary 24-hour hotel shuttle pick you up and bring you to our hotels for an easy ride home and great place to stay. (Hotel shuttle available within a 5-mile radius of hotels).

This promotion is applicable for both Marriott hotels:

TownePlace Suites by Mariott
At TownePlace you can cook for yourself & feel like you have a home away from home. Photo courtesy: Mariott Properties.

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bellingham is a 122 all-suite hotel with refreshing amenities including an in-room microwave, mini-refrigerator and coffee service, separate areas for eating, working and sleeping, a large well-lit desk and a pull-out sofa bed.  Single King bed or Double Queen bed suites available for this promotion.

 

Welcome to Real Living – The TownePlace Suites Bellingham offers 83 spacious extended-stay guest rooms which include studio, one and two-bedroom apartment-style suites with functional space for living and working. Each suite features full kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops, adjustable work spaces with built-in shelves and lighting, a large flat screen TV and Marriott’s luxurious new bedding.  Promotion applicable to studio suite with King size bed.

TownePlace Suites by Mariott
Grab a happy hour drink and a bite to eat at the Chuckanut Lobby Bar. Photo courtesy: Mariott Properties.

Our Marriott Bellingham Hotels provide a complimentary hot & healthy breakfast, 24-hour shuttle service, complimentary parking above or secured underground. Guests can workout in the 24-hour Fitness Center, relax in our indoor pool and hot tub, take advantage of the complimentary self-serve laundry, free high speed Wi-Fi, and a business center with PCs and a printer.  Beverages and other snacks are available around the clock in our Markets with nightly dining options in the Chuckanut Lobby Bar.

To book your holiday group block or event space rental please contact the sales department at (360) 714-9700 or email elisa.george@marriott.com.

We look forward to being a part of your holiday festivities!

Bellingham Entrepreneur Carries on Late Father’s Legacy by Bringing Spice to Market

mr franks spice
Lisa Campbell of Bellingham says Mr. Frank's Spice is "the only spice you will reach for." Photo courtesy: Mr. Frank's Spice Co.

Submitted by Mr. Franks Spice Company

An original all-purpose seasoning made famous in a Niagara Falls, Canada restaurant is now available for sale in Western Washington.

Mr. Frank’s all-purpose seasoning is ideal for steaks, salmon, pork, chicken, vegetables, and even popcorn, according to company founder Lisa Campbell of Bellingham. The 8-ounce containers can currently be found on the company’s website and Sudden Valley Market. More local retailers are expected to soon offer Mr. Frank’s.

“It’s the only spice you’ll reach for,” Campbell said. “It enhances flavor by itself or is fabulous with clarified butter and a few dashes of Maggi®.”

mr franks spice
Lisa Campbell of Bellingham says Mr. Frank’s Spice is “the only spice you will reach for.” Photo courtesy: Mr. Frank’s Spice Co. Photo credit: Beatrice Harper

Campbell’s father, Frank Postl, developed the seasoning for his restaurant, Frank’s Steak House and Tavern, which he opened in 1964 in Niagara Falls, Canada. Postl, who emmigrated from Austria into Canada in 1953, knew nothing of the restaurant business, nor even what a steak was, his daughter admitted.

“He did, however, have an acute sense of taste,” Campbell said. “He invented a steak spice that, along with his dedication to perfection, would eventually make him famous in Niagara Falls and his restaurant a huge success.”

Campbell followed her father’s footsteps; becoming general manager of three restaurants by the time she was 21. After stepping away from the hospitality industry, almost 2 decades later and upon the passing of her father, she recalled the popularity of her father’s seasoning and decided to carry on his legacy and bring it to retail shelves.

“Mr. Frank’s Spice is very versatile year-round,” Campbell said. “People use it with roast chicken, meat loaf, pumpkin seeds and much more. When warmer weather returns, it’s fantastic with barbecued meats!

“This also is a great area to launch it because we are a small but closely knit community that supports each other, particularly in business. Combined with people’s love of cooking, this has me extremely excited to bring my dad’s original seasoning to the Bellingham market. It truly is an incredible seasoning and I know people will love Mr. Frank’s the first time they try it!”

For more information about the seasoning and Mr. Frank himself, visit www.MrFranksSpiceCo.com.

Featured photo by Beatrice Harper

Longtime Village Books Owners to Sell Iconic Bookstores to Current Management Team

village books
Chuck and Dee Robinson opened Village Books in 1980 and Paper Dreams three years later.

Village Books and Paper Dreams will change owners, effective January 1, 2017.

The new ownership group consists of current employees Kelly Evert, Paul Hanson, and Sarah Hutton, each of whom has, as a team, handled much of the day-to-day operations for the past several years.

The sale includes both the Fairhaven and Lynden locations.

village books
Chuck and Dee Robinson opened Village Books in 1980 and Paper Dreams two years later.

Chuck and Dee Robinson opened Village Books in Fairhaven in 1980 and expanded the business two years later with Paper Dreams. In 2015, the couple – along with fellow Leadership Team members Kelly, Paul, and Sarah – opened a second store in Lynden’s Waples Building.

Village Books and Paper Dreams is a four-time finalist for Publishers Weekly’s Bookstore of the Year award and the recipient of Washington State’s Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business award. Chuck and Dee are recipients of the 2016 Bellingham Whatcom Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and Woman of the Year awards.

Chuck will remain on a consulting basis and continue his work with the Chuckanut Writers Conference; he and Dee will both retain their roles at the Chuckanut Radio Hour. Dee retired from everyday involvement in the stores two years ago, but has continued to be involved in all strategic decisions.

village books
Chuck and Dee Robinson have built their business on building strong partnerships across Whatcom County.

“I didn’t think until this past spring that I was ready,” says Chuck, sitting in the living room of his and Dee’s Lynden home, where the couple moved from Fairhaven this past June. “This move was part of getting ready for that – not that we even knew then that it would be this immediate.”

While conversation had been going on for some time, a decision to move forward with this now occurred while the couple was traveling earlier this year. “We knew we wanted to sell while we’re both healthy,” says Chuck. “We have a lot more traveling to do.”

Dee concurs, and says she also looks forward to enjoying their new home in Lynden, catching up on the books they’ve stockpiled over the years, and taking on a new hobby: gardening.

The couple is confident in their choice of new owners. “They work so well together,” Chuck says. Dee nods. “They all have different strengths, which is true of the two of us,” she says. “We’re not worried at all about the transition.”

village books
Paper Dreams will continue to operate, adjacent to the Fairhaven Village Books location, under the new partnership.

All three new owners have been with the stores a long time and have extensive book selling and retail backgrounds.

“I’ll continue to work with them, but they’ll be in charge of everything,” says Chuck, with a smile. “I’ll be at their beck and call.”

Part of the idea of opening the Lynden store was to expand the revenue stream of the business in a way that made it more viable for the three to take ownership.

Kelly has been with the store for five-and-a-half years, having worked in three other independent bookstores beginning in 1989. In addition to her general management duties at Village Books and Paper Dreams, she has been the Gift Buyer and Merchandise Manager.

Paul came to the company at the same time (the couple married in 2013), first as Community Outreach Director, and then as General Manager. Previously, he was the Manager of Eagle Harbor Books on Bainbridge Island for 15 years, after having worked for several years in bookstores in Illinois and the Seattle area.

village books
Village Books operates two locations – one in Fairhaven (pictured) and a second location in Lynden.

Sarah came to Village Books and Paper Dreams 11 years ago, after starting her bookselling career after college as an inventory specialist for Borders. She has been Store Manager for more than seven years and until recently was also the children’s book buyer.

“The three of them want to be introduced to people in the community that they don’t know yet,” says Chuck, who – along with Dee – has been instrumental in building strong partnerships for the stores across Whatcom County.

“Little by little, they’ve been taking on more of that and want to be involved in the same way we have been. They don’t know what they’re asking for!” Chuck says with a laugh.

The Robinsons knew it was vital that the stores’ new owners not only have the talent and skills to carry on the business, but that they also share the values on which Village Books and Paper Dreams are built. “Our mission has been to build community, and these folks have that in their DNA,” says Chuck. “We couldn’t have found a better team if we had scoured the entire country.”

Kelly says the new ownership trio is thrilled – and humbled.

village books
The Lynden location of Village Books will have send-off party for Chuck and Dee Robinson on February 5.

“This business has become an institution in this community and we’re so excited to be given the opportunity to carry on the legacy Dee and Chuck are leaving,” she says.

Paul agrees. “It doesn’t matter where you go in the country, people know these stores,” he says. “We know we have a great responsibility to this community and to a wider community of booksellers. We’re honored to carry on the mission of this business.”

When Sarah arrived more than a decade ago, she knew she was coming to work in a special place. “I didn’t know then that I’d end up being an owner,” she says, “but I’m so pleased and proud to take on that position.”

When asked if he thought the new owners would change things, Chuck says of course – and that he and Dee will encourage them to do so; after all, the business has survived and thrived by constantly changing.

village books
Chuck and Dee Robinson look forward to traveling in their retirement.

“What won’t change is the commitment to this community, to books, to free expression, and to providing a great customer experience and personal service,” Chuck says. “These folks have lived the core values of this business and will continue to uphold them.”

A combination reception for the new owners and farewell for Chuck and Dee will take place at the Fairhaven store on Saturday, February 4, and at the Lynden location on Sunday, February 5.

The new owners will also hold a series of meet-and-greets over coffee and pastries in Book Fare Café at Village Books in Fairhaven, and at Avenue Bread in Lynden during the month of February. Dates will be announced on the website and in email newsletters.

STAY CONNECTED

17,793FansLike
8,643FollowersFollow
3,763FollowersFollow

Business

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap