Western Solar—Collaboration Brings Energy to Lydia Place

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“We live here, we shop here, we started here,” says Markus Virta, Design and Technical Sales for Western Solar. “We are extremely gracious for the nurturing this community has shown us.”

Involvement in the community is an important part of doing business for Western Solar. In the past two years Western Solar has been involved with projects in the community that have benefitted local organizations such as the Bellingham Food Bank and the Interfaith Coalition through a collaborative effort to donate solar power systems.

Most recently, they began working with Lydia Place to bring solar power to the Baker Place property, a space dedicated to providing safe housing and crisis counseling to women.

Lydia Place partnered with Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) of Whatcom County to create Baker Place, which will collectively serve the missions of both organizations by increasing the availability of safe shelter and supportive housing in the community. Lydia Place operates a seven-unit apartment building at Baker Place to house homeless women with significant barriers to housing.

With a successful track record of working with other organizations in the community, Western Solar knew that Lydia Place provided an ideal site with the opportunity for a big impact in the community as a model for non-profits and their operations and what solar power could potentially create in terms of long-term benefits.

“The long term stable cost of solar power can make a big impact for organizations that have a finite operating budgets,” Markus says.

This collaborative effort between Western Solar, itek Energy and Aslan Brewing Company to provide a solar power system to Lydia Place’s Baker Place property, is the largest project thus far that the groups have been involved.

“It started as an idea over beers at Aslan Brewing Company,” says Markus. “This project became about aligning philosophies and enabling folks from different backgrounds with similar goals.”

These local businesses enjoy the freedom to do projects like this that break the mold as well as partnering with organizations that feel the same way they do about creating opportunities locally.

And, as a result of the planning and coordination between the three, the Empowering Lydia Place campaign was launched and a community partnership was created. Aslan Brewing Company launched their Summer Solar Ale at the end of June and donated five percent of the brew’s sales to the Lydia Place project.

“I look back and am amazed at how easily this all came together in just a few short months,” says Dana Hickenbottom, Customer and Technical Support Manager, itek Energy. “Once we outlined the goals of this campaign and project, I kept expecting there to be hurdles and roadblocks along the way. But everyone involved was so motivated and passionate about making a difference that things progressed without issues or delays.”

What does a project like this look like?

With the donation of everything from the new meters to the engineering and warranty right down to the solar panels, Baker Place will have a complete solar system that will provide years of efficiency to the tenants and Lydia Place. The solar power system will offset the consumption of power for each unit.

Lydia Place, through this project donated and funded as a result of the collaboration of Western Solar, itek and Aslan Brewery, will benefit from state incentives as well as energy savings opportunities.

“The solar array donated by itek Energy and installed by Western Solar will go a long way in offsetting a potentially significant portion of the electricity cost,” says Dana. “This will hopefully allow them to put more resources towards their critical work in the community.”

Creating the conversation

It is also through this project and their work to build business awareness, Western Solar has built on a platform for discussion through hosting public educational workshops on utilizing solar power. These workshops have enabled the opportunity to create discussions on affordable solar energy, homelessness and sustainable living. In communities, everything ties together and Western Solar has found a way to do just that.

“As we grow and adapt, these discussions need to happen,” says Markus. “The impact that solar can have on a non-profit’s operating budget or a low-income family’s ability to offset their monthly power bill cannot be overlooked.”

Along with the Lydia Place project, Western Solar has also participated in the recent Solarize Whatcom County campaign, launched through Sustainable Connections. By collaborating with a local competitor to bring awareness to the benefits and availability of solar power to Western Washington, this campaign demonstrated a community coming together and the Western Solar investment in this opportunity.

Working with Lydia Place has been a great experience for Western Solar. As a champion of the community, Lydia Place has brought the homeless discussion, as well as the discussion and support of homeless women and families to the forefront of the community’s awareness.

This discussion has also generated talk about women in trades and especially in solar power.

“We need diversity,” says Trish Merriman, Outreach and System Monitoring for Western Solar. “We need to be talking about expanding the role of women in trades and about job creation locally.”

Through supporting local educational opportunities and national initiatives such as Women in Solar Energy, Western Solar works to raise the level of awareness of the opportunities for women in the solar energy industry.

Ultimately, through community connections, conversations and the opportunity to work on projects such as these, Western Solar and its partners hope to see solar energy grow in use and provide solutions for organizations and community pillars such as Lydia Place.

Sponsored

Fairhaven Village Inn—Changing Yet Timeless

By

Jennifer Dodge

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Connie Shannon, owner of the Fairhaven Village Inn says, “I never know why people are walking in these doors. People come with a reason and a purpose. Sometimes it’s to relax and rest and sometimes it’s to see everything. But we always need to be ready to meet that reason and purpose.”

Fairhaven Village Inn, known for its small, charming, intimate and family-friendly environment is conveniently located in Historic Fairhaven close to great shopping, dining and trails.

And, although the building was built in 1999, it was definitely constructed with the spirit of the turn of the century.

Located with a view of the working harbor, the small hotel features such sights as the Alaska Ferry cruising in early morning to Coast Guard vessels docked and a train rolling through the trees as it passes the water heading into town.

Fairhaven Village Inn has seen a lot of changes since Gene and Connie Shannon purchased it in 2004. From going to a managed property to now being an independently owned and operated hotel, they’ve continued to add their own special touches as well as utilizing their own experiences to make the adjustments necessary to keep up with the changes in traveling, economics and habits of guests.

“A lot has changed in the industry,” says Connie. “We have to be nimble and stable with the people in place to do what we need to do to be flexible and move fast.”

Recently, the hotel began a series of remodeling projects to update and freshen the already existent charm of the hotel creating subtle impact with impressive results.

With the help of local business partners including movers, painters and flooring experts, the process began with blocking off one floor and moving one side of the rooms of furniture to the other side so carpet could be torn up and replaced.

“So far everything is going like clockwork!” said Connie of the remodel process to date.

Over the summer, the outside of the hotel was freshened up with a coat of paint to get the remodel started. And with changes including new carpet, paint and upholstering of the chairs and couches in each room, come new color schemes and new art for the walls.

Expect to see the classic green and red colors of the artwork, chairs and bedding to be replaced with the relaxing and serene neutral tones of grey and blue, and patterns replaced to houndstooth check, paisley and grey and charcoal dots.

Along with the guest room remodel, there are also plans to expand the hotel on the main floor to include a lobby bar. This is a change that’s sure to attract locals as well as be an added benefit and service to hotel guests looking for a convenient place to relax or meet friends.

Purchasing the hotel was an emotional investment says Connie. They didn’t just buy a hotel and inherit some staff. The couple loved the location and could see the potential in the hotel. And, on January 1, 2004, they entered the Fairhaven Village Inn with one full-time employee. Now they have a team of hospitality professionals including nine full-time employees and a part-time seasonal crew. Four of the team members have been with Connie and Gene for five years.

Connie and Gene have built relationships, made friends and have even seen one-time guests choose to move to Bellingham, much as they did over ten years ago. They’ve enjoyed the experiences and the people that have crossed through their doors.

“I remember once seeing a grandfather with his granddaughters playing Twister in the library,” laughs Connie of the fond memory. “It was nice to know he was so comfortable in his surroundings.”

Since they have owned the hotel, the changes they have instituted have actually become a part of the experience for their guests. In fact, many guests have stayed for a business trip or to visit family and have returned for vacation, making Fairhaven Village Inn a tradition.

“There is a sense of common purpose,” says Connie of the Fairhaven neighborhood. “We do the things that interest us and it turns out it’s the same thing others are interested in as well. It’s fun to share those experiences with our guests.”

She specifically points out the annual carriage rides with Santa and says several guests now return annually just for that experience.

When it comes to change, the Fairhaven Village Inn has certainly made those changes that have expanded and delighted its customers.

As Connie says, “Fairhaven Village Inn is an experience for our guests. For us, it’s about creating the best experience possible for our guests.”

To make a reservation at the Fairhaven Village Inn, call 360-733-1311.

Sponsored

Jesselyn Krolicki- Working with Our Homeless Youth

By

Theresa Golden

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15803ee724039a-nwys_pad_jesse_padhouse — Jesselyn Krolicki, outside of the PAD house where she works as a case manager for homeless youth. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.

Down on State Street in Bellingham is Whatcom County’s only emergency housing shelter for homeless youth. Here youth ages 13-17 who are currently experiencing homelessness or escaping an unsafe situation can stay at Northwest Youth Services’ PAD House. During their stay case managers work with them individually to find a stable housing option. “We can house up to 16 kids at a time,” shares Jesselyn Krolicki, a PAD House Case Manager.

Jesselyn Krolicki works as a case manager for the PAD program, a shelter for homeless youth that provides 24-hour support and care. Photo courtesy: Theresa Golden. — Jesselyn Krolicki works as a case manager for the PAD program, a shelter for homeless youth that provides 24-hour support and care. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.

“The umbrella goal with each of our kids is to find them a long term safe housing option. So when they are with us we are working together to figure out what support systems they already have in place, what resources are available to them and determining their basic needs,” Krolicki explains. “We’re their temporary guardians so we coordinate school meetings, medical and dental services and just let them be kids. They don’t get to experience being a kid very often with all of the challenges and barriers that are set in place to begin with. So it’s fun to be able to offer them a safe space to be themselves and do age appropriate activities.”

The PAD house is co-ed and individual rooms are set up dorm style. Depending on the particular bed a youth qualifies for during the screening process he or she may stay 21 days, 30 days or long-term until the age of 18. House members have access to a fully stocked kitchen, restrooms and showers as well as laundry supplies. “Staff provide three meals a day and outside of that the youth get to make whatever they want if they are hungry,” Krolicki shares. “We offer a lot of independence with our program so our youth are able to come and go as they please. We have a sign out process to keep tabs on where they are going and when to expect them back. They have curfews and are expected to follow the PAD agreement which is a group of rules that all of our youth are expected to follow.” One of the rules states that youth members staying in the house must pursue some kind of education whether it is attending high school or working towards a GED.

“The official mission is to collaborate with youth to foster self-reliance,” shares Heather McGuinness, Community Relations Coordinator for Northwest Youth Services. “The vision is that all youth have a place to belong and to feel safe, heard and valued. We don’t tell youth what needs to happen. We collaborate with youth to help them identify what their goals are and what their strengths are.”

The PAD house, where Jesse works, provides safe shelter while helping homeless youth find a long term housing option. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.

This strength-based, youth-centered program is what Krolicki really loves about working for NWYS. Before she began working with the PAD program, she led adolescent girls on extended wilderness expeditions in northern Canada and the Arctic where she put to good use her BA in outdoor recreation from Western Washington University. When it came to looking for work at a non-profit, Krolicki was drawn to the values NWYS had in place. “I had worked with kids for most of my life but I had never worked with kids who were experiencing homelessness,” Krolicki shares. “I was definitely very intrigued to learn more about this population. You meet the kids and you realize how incredible they are. They are some of the most remarkable people I’ve ever met. They are incredibly resilient and they deserve the best.”

In addition to working with kids to find long term safe housing options, staff members at the PAD house value the importance of community involvement and time for kids to just be kids. Each youth has a membership at the Whatcom Family YMCA and access to recreational outings through “We Go” such as snowshoeing at Mt. Baker or kayaking at Lake Whatcom. “We also have a lot of activates up at the PAD like board games, movies, art supplies and things like that,” Krolicki shares.

Much of the work of a case manager is spending time connecting with each youth, building a safe and trusting relationship and a sense of belonging. Often these youth have had trust broken by adults. To open up to a stranger requires a lot of risk on their part. Learning that they can rely on an adult can be a new and powerful experience. “A lot of the kids that come through our program are very mature and calm to begin with just because they have had to be. They’ve had to grow up a little faster to survive,” Krolicki explains. “I think the more that they get to know us, the more they can begin to rely on us as adults who they can trust, confide in and be vulnerable with. We see change in that respect.”

Heather McGuinness and Jesselyn Krolicki in the lobby of Northwest Youth Services where community donated items are available to youth experiencing homelessness. Photo courtesy: Theresa Golden. — Heather McGuinness and Jesselyn Krolicki in the lobby of Northwest Youth Services where community donated items are available to youth experiencing homelessness. Photo credit: Theresa Golden.

While after care follow-ups are part of the program, Jesselyn Krolicki and her co-workers often experience youth members reaching back out to them to say hi or share the goals they have accomplished. “I feel like all of our kids need care and they all deserve unconditional support. That is something guaranteed from us- that we’re always going to care for them, while they are with us and afterwards.”

Northwest Youth Services
1020 N. State Street in Bellingham
360-734-9862
Donations like clothing items, tents and tarps are always appreciated.
PAD 24-Hour Hotline: 360-393-0116

Benefits of Chamber Membership

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Joining the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a great way to become involved in the business community. However, many people are far too busy with work and family to consider attending Chamber of Commerce activities. “I understand that,” said Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce Membership Manager Marvin Riggs.

Marvin Riggs, Membership Manager (c) Mark Turner, Turner Photographics.

“I am here to help create and enhance opportunities to help your business succeed. While browsing our website you will see several events that we organize throughout the year that your business could potentially sponsor. It all starts with a conversation so please do not hesitate to contact me with any of your questions. What if I told you that you could reap the benefits of chamber membership in little to no time?” Offered Riggs.

“If you have no time to participate, don’t worry,” said Shelli Jones, Marketing Coordinator at the chamber. “Our staff works full-time, year-round to promote member businesses and help you be successful. Your business listing appears on our website bellingham.com and in our print business directory. Our staff is trained to refer potential customers to member businesses. We publish your business news, promotions and sales on bellingham.com and in our e-newsletter. Your expertise in your industry can lead to an interview on our weekly radio program The Whatcom Report on KGMI.”

Our members also have opportunities to sponsor our membership events and community events including the Annual Awards Dinner, Spring Business Showcase, Junior Ski to Sea Race, Junior Ski to Sea Parade, Blossomtime Parade, Hoop It Up 3×3 Basketball Tournament or the Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration. It’s a great way to get your name out there and target a new audience.

Committee participation is another option depending on your interests. The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce has committees that meet six times per year on the following subjects: cross-border issues, government affairs, large retailers, marketing, manufacturing and employment.

The chamber is constantly working on economic development to attract jobs and industry to the region. Behind the scenes, our President & CEO, Guy Occhiogrosso participates with:
• “All Chamber” meetings
• Association of Washington Business
• Bellingham International Airport Advisory Committee
• Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
• Building Industry Association of Whatcom County
• Commercial Real Estate Brokers
• Downtown Bellingham Partnership
• Fairhaven Merchants Association
• Farmhouse Gang
• International Mobility & Trade Corridor Program
• Small Cities Partnership
• Team Whatcom
• Whatcom Community College Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Council
• Whatcom Economic Development Initiative
• Whatcom Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
• Whatcom Transit Authority Strategic Plan Steering Committee
• Whatcom Wildlife Advisory Committee

Occhiogrosso also regularly meets with Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville, Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws, Port of Bellingham Commissioners, City Council members, County Council members and Whatcom Council of Governments.

Occhiogrosso also regularly works with Sustainable Connections, Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College, WWU’s Small Business Development Center, SCORE, the Society for Human Resource Management, other Chambers of Commerce, SeaFeast Committee, and the NW Workforce Council.

Our members benefit from all those relationships. When a member business needs assistance, we know which resources are available to help that member.

Every year over 100,000 people contact the chamber seeking information about Whatcom County and its businesses. It is a little known fact that when someone calls information (i.e. 411) for a phone number or business information and doesn’t know the name of the business, they are automatically transferred to the Chamber of Commerce. That gives us the opportunity to recommend member businesses and services.

It’s true that active involvement in chamber activities provides more opportunities to network with other business professionals and exchange ideas with other members of the business community. The connections and friends made at the chamber prove to be an invaluable resource. But we recognize that networking isn’t for everyone. You can join the chamber and take advantage of the improved perception one gets as a member including:

• 63% of consumers surveyed believe chamber members care about their customers.
• 67% believe chamber members are more reputable.
• 67% believe chamber members make better business decisions.
• If a company is highly involved in its local chamber, consumers are 10% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.
• When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 58% more likely to eat at the franchise more often.
• When consumers know that an auto manufacturer is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 31% more likely to consider purchasing their next car from that company.
• Chamber members enjoy a 49% increase in its consumer favorability rating, a 73% increase in consumer awareness, a 68% increase in its local reputation, and an 80% increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future.

WHY JOIN?
• Get customer referrals
• Network at the largest monthly networking event in the county
• Be a part in major community events: Blossomtime Parade, Junior Ski to Sea and Haggen Family 4th of July
• Members support other member businesses
• Members gain a voice in government
• Increased community exposure through event & program sponsorships
• Membership brings credibility to your business
• Various levels of membership suitable for any budget
• Free promotion & publicity on bellingham.com, e-newsletter & weekly radio show

“Just because you don’t have time to participate you can still support the chamber, its activities, advocacy, programs and events for the benefit of the community and fellow business professionals,” said Riggs.

So whether or not you have time to be active in the chamber, you can still join the chamber and reap the benefits of membership. Interested in joining? Contact Marvin Riggs, marvin@bellingham.com 360-734-1330 or go to our website at bellingham.com.

Overflow Taps: A Tap House Like No Other in Lynden and Bellingham

By

Lauren Kramer

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overflow taps — A rotating tap of craft beers are available at Overflow Taps. Photo courtesy: Overflow Taps.

A few years ago, Jesse Nelson owned a web design and marketing business that was leaving him unfulfilled. He knew there was more he wanted from life, and he felt an urgency to give back to the world through his work.

That opportunity came when his friend Adam Stacey and brother-in-law Josh Libolt approached him about opening a tap house. Their idea was an establishment that would be as much about water as it was about beer – a place where 25 cents from every pint sold would be donated to help create clean water in developing countries.

Instinctively, Nelson knew this was the opportunity he’d been waiting for and committed to making it a reality. In February 2016, after lots of sweat, planning and heavy labor, the three partners opened Overflow Taps in the historic Waples Building on Lynden’s Front Street. (Overflow Taps opened a second location, in Bellingham’s Barkley Village, in 2017.)

“I feel like this has been in planning our whole lives,” he said, as he gestured toward the 45-seat tap house. It’s a warm, cozy place with an eye-catchingly sleek wood bar, beautiful handcrafted bar stools, earthy interior tones and an electric fireplace against one of the walls. There are board games so customers can chat over beer and some friendly competition, and a large pull-down screen means those who want to watch big sports games can do so – without Overflow Taps becoming a sports bar.

To help developing countries gain access to clean water, Nelson and his partners are working with Charity: Water, a non-profit organization based in New York City. By September 2016 the business had raised $5,300 toward the global water crisis. “Every time we blow a keg we celebrate the fact that someone is accessing clean drinking water for the rest of their life,” he explained. “We’ll pour that customer’s beer into a 20-oz glass engraved with the phrase ‘One Keg, One Life.’ It helps us tell the story, and gives the person drinking the beer a story to tell as well.”

The months before Overflow Taps’ opening weren’t easy. The three partners first approached banks for funding but their requests didn’t go down well. “Either they didn’t like the charity component, or they didn’t think Lynden was ready for a tap house,” Nelson recalled. Undeterred, Nelson, Stacey and Libolt knew they weren’t prepared to compromise on either component of the business. They used crowd funding, peer-to-peer loans and help from various family members to raise the funds they required. Business mentorship came from the owners of Aslan Brewing Company and Wander Brewing, and they invested their own heavy labor, designing and building the entire space themselves.

Overflow Taps opened to an enthusiastic audience, offering a choice of nine beer taps, one coffee tap, a wine tap and two cider taps. To give patrons a taste of the various craft beers available, the taps are rotated daily and feature local beers and some from further afield. Hungry customers are encouraged to order in food from area restaurants and to ease the choices, a box of menus is kept on the counter. And Drizzle Oil Olive and Tasting Room and Avenue Bread are popular options just steps away.

Nelson said Overflow Taps has attracted both local residents and visitors, including cyclists from across the border who’ve stopped for a quick craft beer before biking home. “We have people who come in, don’t even drink and still give us money toward the charity,” Nelson reflected. “Lynden is a very charitable community, and that’s shined through for us.”

Overflow Taps (Lynden)
106 5th Street in Lynden
360-778-2033

Overflow Taps (Bellingham)
2930 Newmarket Street, Suite 117, in Bellingham
(360) 393-3191

Pickford Film Center More Than Doubles Doc-ED Outreach

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Pickford Film Center

This October, Pickford Film Center enters the third year of its Doc-ED program, providing free tickets, popcorn, and transportation for more than 5,000 middle schools students in Whatcom County to attend documentary film screenings at no cost to their schools or families. Doc-ED aims to expose students to new films that will inspire, educate and introduce a wider world outside of their classroom.

The program began in October 2014, with support from the Mary Redman Foundation. That year, just over 1,100 Bellingham middle school students were provided a film-going opportunity. In 2015, with the help of scores of individual donors, that number increased to include all 2,400 public middle school students in Bellingham Public Schools. Bus transportation was included because it became clear that getting to the theater placed a burden on schools that was not affordable.

The burgeoning growth of Doc-ED can be attributed to PFC Executive Director Susie Purves’ strong commitment to extending documentary programming to students from every part of the county, as well as the steadfast support of Pickford community members who have stepped up to contribute. In addition to continued support from the Mary Redman Foundation, 2016 donors include the Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund, Whatcom Community Foundation, and over 250 individual donors.

“A seventh grade field trip to see the movie Sounder at the Detroit Institute of Arts changed the way I understood history and revealed the film-going experience as a new way to relate to my classmates. It also felt glamorous. There is nothing like seeing a movie in a theatrical setting. The big screen commands your attention and the group experience conveys excitement. At Pickford Film Center, we are committed to film as an art form,” said Susie Purves, PFC Executive Director.

The 2016 Doc-ED program will feature three incredible films, selected for their age-appropriate content, educational nature, and ability to impact/ inspire students with new ideas, perspectives, and stories. These films are: Breaking a Monster; the story of three African American pre-teen musicians who embark on a real life adventure that could transform them into heavy metal rock stars, Elder in the Making; stories of the land, the treaties, and the culture that define the Blackfoot people, and What Tomorrow Brings; One year in the life of an all girls school in a remote Afghan village where educating girls is a radical concept.

All of these films are brand new, and are not viewable online or in any other local theater. A team including Purves, Pickford Program Director Michael Falter, and Associate Programmer Jane Julian, culled the films from hundreds of titles both at festivals and those released for distribution this year.

Discussion guides have been created by a volunteer with many years of K-12 public school experience, that include information and discussion topics about the subject matter as well as the structure of each film. Ties to the Common Core are also included.

Teachers and administrators interested in finding out more about Doc-ED can contact Education Outreach Manager Lucas Holtgeerts at lucas@pickfordfilmcenter.org.

Bellingham Blazers Host Breast Cancer Awareness Game

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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The Bellingham Blazers will host a “Pink the Rink” game this Saturday, October 29 at the Bellingham Sportsplex to bring further awareness to breast cancer. The puck drops at 7:35 p.m. The Blazers will take the ice wearing customized pink jerseys as they host the Lake Tahoe Icemen.

The Blazers will also hold both an online auction of the Blazers Pink Cancer Awareness jerseys and a live auction of one jersey during the first intermission of Saturday night’s game. Proceeds will be donated to the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center.

Those wanting to bid on these jerseys can go to www.bellinghamblazers.com for information on online bidding. The auction will remain live through Monday, November 1, at 5:00 p.m. Those making the winning bid will receive a tax receipt for their support.

McEvoy Oil Company has generously supported this great event as the jersey sponsor of the customized cancer pink Blazer jerseys and Whatcom Educational Credit Union is serving as the sponsor of the customized game socks.

“The Blazers are extremely excited to establish this new tradition for our club and to assist in the fight against breast cancer,” said Blazers General Manager Lance Calloway. “In talking with players on our team recently they were excited as several indicated they have family members who have battled breast cancer.”

“If we are able to add to increasing the awareness and also help provide some funding to support the fight, this is something our organization is fully behind,” Calloway continued. “With the support from McEvoy Oil Company and Whatcom Educational Credit Union – and the awesome Blazer fans – we will be able to make a difference!”

Paws for a Beer: Fairhaven’s First Off-Leash Dog Bar

By

Theresa Golden

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paws for a beer — Born out of the love Amy and Rylan have for their dog Crosby, the two decided to open an off-leash dog friendly bar in Fairhaven. Photo courtesy: Rylan Schoen.

Amy and Rylan Schoen are solving their own problem. If you have ever wanted to go out for a beer without leaving your dog at home, step inside Bellingham’s first dog friendly bar, Paws for a Beer, in Fairhaven on Harris Street.

The two began to think of opening their own dog bar after juggling the desire to go out for a beer with the needs of their dog Crosby, a black lab border collie mix. “We kind of wanted to go out and do our thing like visiting one of the local breweries that we love around here,” says Rylan.

“It didn’t really work for Crosby,” Amy explains. “He wanted to run and go.” They both wished for a place where they could enjoy a beer and the company of their furry family member at the same time. The couple decided to make the one thing that they needed.

When they shared their idea of a dog friendly bar, Amy and Rylan received a lot of positive feedback from friends and the community. “The second we started dipping our toes into Fairhaven, which is where we live, businesswise the response was so friendly and supportive,” Amy shares. “We have really good friends now in the animal community that we wouldn’t have known otherwise.” They were also able to generate revenue for the start-up through Kickstarter where the couple raised $10,000 in 30 days.

Working through the process of opening a brick-and-mortar business was new for Rylan. For the past several years, he has been a freelance back country photographer who photographs landscapes and sponsor photos for professional athletes on Mount Baker. “I’m having a lot of fun putting the business together,” he expresses. Amy, a kindergarten teacher for Promise K, looks forward to helping out in the bar each day when school lets out. Both plan to bartend daily as well as run the day-to-day operations. “We’ll be here for the lunch crowd and we’ll be here for the after dinner crowd as well,” Rylan shares.

A dog-friendly bar impacts what can be served. Rylan and Amy opted to stay exempt from the health codes by not serving any containers that need to be washed. Paws for a Beer serves local canned beer and bottled beer is poured into a compostable or recyclable cup. Glass is not allowed out on the premises simply to protect dog paws from broken glass. They also plan to sell six packs for those 21-and-overs who are out walking their dog and want to take some beer home. And in addition to beer, wine will be served. “We got a taverns permit for beer and wine,” Rylan shares. They also plan to invite food trucks to park on site for customers wanting a bite to eat as well.

To set up the dog ambience of the bar Rylan and Amy have had some professional advice. “We’ve been working with a dog trainer and she has been guiding us on how to design it with even a big double gate entry so dogs can immediately get off leash,” Amy shares. Off-leash is the standard for Paws for a Beer. Leashed dogs tend to have unwanted anxiety, a feeling the couple doesn’t want dogs to have in a bar designed to feel like home.

Inside Paws for a Beer, dogs are allowed on couches. Outside, beer holding owners and dogs can enjoy the fenced yard. The goal is for dogs at Paws for a Beer to feel comfortable so dog owners can connect. “As Amy says, we are here first and foremost for the dogs. We really do want to create a community of better dogs and happier dog owners,” Rylan shares.

While Paws for a Beer is open to the public, dogs have membership status. Membership requires certain current vaccinations and dogs must show they can be relaxed in a dog friendly social environment. “Membership is per dog, with a signed liability release, simply letting us know you are vouching for your dog and all of the rules that we stipulate,” Rylan shares noting the rules are posted on the outside of the building.

To fit in with the Bellingham beer vibe, Amy and Rylan voice that the Paws for a Beer atmosphere is a “subdued dog bar.” Born out of the love for their dog, the couple really hopes the bar will be a good fit for other dogs and owners in the area wanting the same thing. “I think if it is a big success for the dogs then we’ve done something really right for Bellingham,” Amy shares. “If they are happy to show up and happy to be here and sad when they leave, then we’re a success.”

To get more information, visit Paws for a Beer on Facebook.

Paws for a Beer
501 Harris Avenue in Bellingham
360-704-0013

The Community Boating Center Cultivates a Successful Youth Enrichment Program

By

Lorraine Wilde

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The Community Boating Center, a Fairhaven-based educational non-profit focused on safe, small-boat recreation in Bellingham Bay, successfully administered a new Youth Enrichment Program aimed at getting at-risk and underserved youth from Whatcom and Skagit Counties out on the water.

“Bellingham Bay is the largest bay in the Salish Sea and the majority of Whatcom County lives within a few miles of its shore,” explains Community Boating Center Executive Director Steve Walker. “Yet a large percentage of the community doesn’t participate in boating. Part of what we do as a non-profit is to foster people’s access to maritime experiences.”

Through its shared-economy model, the Community Boating Center already allows people who might not otherwise have the resources—like those living in small urban housing where storage or transport of a kayak or rowing shell isn’t an easy proposition—to incorporate boating into their lives. In addition, for many years, the Community Boating Center has offered youth programs and classes that teach many area students water safety and conservation and enable them to appreciate one of Whatcom County’s greatest resources, Bellingham Bay. But this year, the Community Boating Center wanted to take their non-profit one step further.

“We have noticed that there is still a barrier for some of our youth to getting out on the water,” explains Community Boating Center Education Coordinator Andrea Reiter. “Each has a different reason, and we wanted to help some of the youth in our area overcome that barrier, whatever it is.”

This year, the Community Boating Center received a Whatcom Community Foundation grant to develop a pilot Youth Enrichment Program, expanding those they serve to include at-risk and underserved youth throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Included in the grant were funds to hire a seasonal Youth Outreach Assistant, this year held by Makenzie Graham, to help develop the new program.

“Our main goal was to bring kids out for a day of fun on Bellingham Bay. Most of the kids we served had never had that opportunity,” explains Reiter. “We also taught them how to safely recreate, including about the use of life jackets and wet suits to protect them from the cold water.” By giving the students this experience, the Community Boating Center hopes to build student confidence and foster a desire to do it again, safely, in the future.

Together, the Community Boating Center’s team of coordinators and boating instructors was able to offer eight days of boating safety and skills programs using kayaks and paddle boards with 97 local youth considered at-risk or underserved, totaling 439 educational hours on Bellingham Bay. Thanks to the grant, the skills and time of coordinators and instructors, as well as the use of water craft, were given free of charge to a number of local youth organizations.

“Rather than identifying these populations on our own, we partnered with a number of local organizations that are already serving at-risk or underserved youth,” explains Reiter.

The program brought something different to each group of kids, based on their situation. The Mount Baker Chapter of the Sierra Club included kids who were residents of the eastern part of Whatcom County, without maritime access due to where they live. ReBound of Whatcom County’s Ray of Hope, a day summer camp program for kids who have experienced traumatic events in their life, focused on providing kids a safe space to help them cope, have positive experiences, and feel confident, where ever they were at the time. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) Queer Youth group from Northwest Youth Services came out for a fun day of safe, respectful social activity. Kulshan Creek Neighborhood Youth Program, which engages youth ages 5 to 18 from two neighborhoods in Skagit Valley, increased their knowledge of the natural world while enhancing their self-confidence and encouraging positive social interactions. Explorations Academy, an alternative high school with a curriculum that is more active and hands-on than traditional public or private schools, focused on outdoor experiential learning.

Over 30 hours spent with these groups of kids included service learning, meaning that students provided a service to the community by picking up marine trash, while learning about protecting the health of our oceans and its inhabitants.

“Because of the success of the pilot year, we would like to see this program continue, and we plan to include more partner organizations as well as bring in more community support to make this a permanent program for the Community Boating Center,” notes Reiter. In addition to direct public support and fees from their livery and dry moorage marina, the Community Boating Center is funded through competitive grants and tuition from youth programs and classes. Use by non-motorized watercraft up to 26 feet in length is supported at their location on the Fairhaven waterfront near the Fairhaven Transportation Station.

“Boating is a transformational activity on both a micro and macro scale. Just 50 yards off shore the world is a very different place, a watery space that we kind of all know at our core, but I think lose touch with. There is just something magical about floating,” describes Walker of the more subtle value of being out on the water. “The Community Boating Center is proud to share non-motorized use of this valuable shared natural resource with the youth in our community.”

The Community Boating Center
555 Harris Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-714-8891
www.boatingcenter.org

Bryce Sharp – The Man Behind Man Pies

By

Theresa Golden

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If you have walked down Railroad Avenue in downtown Bellingham, chances are you have seen a sign that says Man Pies. If you haven’t gone in and tried one, you are missing out on Chef Bryce Sharp’s culinary take on the Australian meat pie.

Bryce originally invented his Man Pies for the Bellingham crowd after a long trip to Australia. “I stayed there for almost two months and one of the things they made a ton of there was meat pies,” Bryce explains. “I was eating meat pies at gas stations, pubs, restaurants, sports stadiums and all over the place. And I liked them.” After an evening of bowling, Bryce walked through downtown looking for a bite to eat when he realized that what he really wanted was a meat pie. “I missed them,” Bryce shared. It was then that he got inspired to come up with his own recipe and eatery for the downtown.

“An old chef I worked for made a seafood variation of a French dessert. The dessert was called Pithivier and it’s an almond French pan desert with puff pastry which is roughly in the shape of the upside-down Man Pies,” Bryce shares. “I thought it would be a nice shape for a meat pie.” The crust is a traditional butter pastry and the filling for each pie is infused with Bryce’s years of cooking as a French Chef. Even the curry pie is “Indian cookery tempered with French cooking,” Bryce shares.

Originally starting with the beef pie, braised beef chuck alongside local potatoes and carrots, Bryce worked on the menu for the eatery in the first six months of business by fine tuning recipes and trying out, as well as, taking off certain menu items. One in particular, the caramelized onion pie with Kalamata olives and goat cheese feta, was a favorite when the shop first opened. Bryce reminisces about onion parties where staff and himself would line up to prep for the five pounds of onions that would go into each pie. Between staff and customers crying from the onions upon entering the shop and the sugar content that Bryce felt was higher than he wanted his friends to consume regularly, he made the decision to no longer offer it.

The turkey pie was also one that came and went due to the fluctuations of turkey as a seasonal product in the market that often affected the consistency in the pies. Bryce, who aims specifically for consistency in his recipes settled on the current menu that would provide exactly that.

Another change was with the original lentil curry pie. To meet the high customer demand for a yellow curry sauce within the pie, Bryce altered it completely. “I took the lentil pie off and added a vegetable curry which I think is a tremendously good pie,” Bryce shares. “I love the sweet potatoes in it. I love the colors when it’s done correctly. It is really excellent. My curry sauce is probably the best bit of cooking in the kitchen. It is proper and that’s to say it’s not just some curry powder put in some milk and then thickened up right. It’s legit.”

The steak, bacon and cheddar pie was born out of the competition found at the Bite of Bellingham. Bryce came up with the winning dish specifically for that event and continues to offer it on special due to the high demand.

One day, while sitting down with a chef, Bryce calculated he had handcrafted over 80,000 Man Pies. While he still currently oversees the production of his pies, he works full time as a software developer. One of the challenges of stepping back from the kitchen, over the years, is finding a cook that will make his recipes in the way that he originally created them. “I had a cook who instead of using one teaspoon of fresh grated nutmeg was using three tablespoons of ground nutmeg,” Bryce shares. “I got a phone call from a friend, thank goodness.” His close proximity to Man Pies means he can check in regularly to make sure all is in order. Bryce’s mom is also currently on site seeing to day-to-day operations.

In addition to Bryce’s culinary inspired pies, both meat and vegetarian, Man Pies also serves an apple pie stacked with layers of Fuji apples. There is also a caramel brownie definitely worth tasting. Enjoy Man Pies on site, the tables are casual seating and the eatery offers coloring pages that cover the walls with artists of all ages filling in a picture of what their “Man Pie is…” to them. Man Pies can also be ordered frozen at a discount for cooking at home or ordered hot and delivered from Viking Food. And if you have a favorite pie you are hoping to pick up, you can always call ahead 30 minutes to make sure one will be ready for you.

Man Pies
1215 Railroad Ave. in Bellingham
360-306-8805

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