Chuckanut Brewery has started construction of its new Skagit production facility. Photo courtesy: Chuckanut Brewery.
Award winning Chuckanut Brewery at 601 W Holly in Bellingham has started construction on a production facility at the Port of Skagit across from the Skagit Airport! Chuckanut will continue to brew and serve its fresh American cuisine at the Bellingham site but the new Skagit facility will brew larger quantities of Chuckanut’s most popular beer styles. There will also be a beer hall for drinking Chuckanut beer, and the ability to purchase party kegs, growler fills, and bottled beer to go.
The current brewery in Bellingham has been at capacity (over 2,500 bbls of beer) for some time. It has taken two years to find a new production site where a larger facility could be built. Through the help of the Port of Skagit, EDASC, Washington Federal Bank and an SBA loan from Evergreen Bank, Chuckanut is now proceeding on its new brewery. Estimated time of opening is Spring 2016.
Chuckanut Brewery’s Skagit facility (South Nut) will be an 8,000 square foot building designed by Arbour North for brewing, offices and beer hall. The capacity at South Nut will be eventually be capable of producing up to 13,000 bbls of beer with room for bottling. A beer garden will be located on the property with outside seating and activities during summer months. The smaller Bellingham (North Nut) will continue in its present form and be used for small scale, research, and specialty beer production. South Nut will focus on the flagship beers Pilsner, Kolsch, and other styles needed in larger quantities.
Chuckanut’s South Nut is located in the Innovation Zone at the Port of Skagit where Skagit Valley Malting Company, WSU Bread Lab, Skagit Valley College Brewery Program facility and other businesses are currently located. The Innovation Zone is being created by the Port of Skagit in partnership with the farmers of Skagit as part of a more sustainable future. The Zone will be a hub of activity between seed developers, farmers, maltsters, bakers, distillers, and us, the brewers! There is room for growth beyond the current planned facility on an additional 1.5 acres of adjacent property.
Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen, located at 601 West Holly St, was awarded the National Small Brewpub/Brewer of the Year 2009 and National Small Brewery/Brewer of the Year 2011 at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO. The full service “Kitchen” is open daily at 11am to guests of all ages with an eclectic fresh local menu. Bar specials include: Family Friendly HoPPY Hour Sun-Thurs 4-6pm, Monday Night $3 Pints, Kolsch Night Tuesday’s and more. Check out additional information about Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen at our website.
Whatcom County Library System welcomes Gwen Vanderhage as as Library Board trustee. Photo courtesy: Whatcom County Library System.
Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwen Vanderhage to the Library Board. Vanderhage will complete the term of board member Lis Marshall, which runs through January 31, 2017.
Since starting as a page and clerk at the Bellingham Public Library 1995, Gwen Vanderhage has been working for and with libraries. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Western Washington University and her Master of Library and Information Science from Simmons College in Boston, MA. Currently, Vanderhage is a collection development librarian for the Brodart company, selecting “opening day” book collections for new libraries, and getting plenty of exercise keeping up with her 2-year old son, Conrad.
Vanderhage believes her roots in the library world will be valuable as a Trustee. “Being a librarian gives me an additional perspective in the Trustee’s role of providing oversight on budget and planning,” said Vanderhage. “But generally, I’m taking off my “library hat” and coming at the job with a community focus.”
WCLS Executive Director Christine Perkins is looking forward to working with Vanderhage. “We welcome Gwen’s perspective as a library employee, bookseller, and especially as a children’s librarian to our Board as WCLS continues to focus on the importance of early learning,” said Perkins.
Vanderhage joins the five-member volunteer WCLS Board of Trustees appointed by the Whatcom County Executive. The Board is responsible for budget oversight and setting policy for the Library System. Regular public meetings of the Library Board are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes of previous meetings are available online at WCLS.org.
The Whatcom County Library System is in the business of connecting residents with information, ideas, and community, serving more than 1.8 million visitors annually at 10 libraries and bookmobile. Library users have access to a rich and curated collection of print and e-books, online research sites, fun events, and comfortable meeting places for all ages.
Local artisans will be vending their goods during Make.Shift’s 5th annual Make.Sale. Photo courtesy: Make.Shift.
Break open your piggy bank, the 5th annual Make.Sale is coming up! All the local handmade crafts including you could imagine will be on sale at Make.Shift during this holiday sale.
The vendors this year offer a large variety of different crafts from the re-claimed glass of Tumbler Mountain Glass Project to the unique designs of Localmotive Jewelry Creations. Other vendors include: Remedios The Beauty Clothing, Cat Sieh, Osteal jewelry, Sea Holly Beauty Company, Feral Felt, Cordial Waters, Rinyrinri polymer clay creations, Vil’s Herbarium and more!
The Black Drop Coffeehouse is sponsoring hot beverages for the event, offering coffee, hot tea and cider as well as hot winter cocktail options.
The sale will have a preview night on Friday, December 4 during Art Walk at Make.Shift from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and continues Saturday from noon to 6:00 p.m.
Join us to support Bellingham’s talented craftsmen and women that help make our community unique!
View of the World’s Fair 1893 board, mid-game, reflecting active play. Photo courtesy: Beth Sobel.
By Marla Bronstein
At an informal game gathering, Beth (center) sets up the game “Mysterium.”
On any given Sunday evening in Bellingham, Rudy’s Pizza on State Street plays host to the group Bellingham Gaming Meetup (BGM), where anywhere from 10 to 30 gamers will show up. I arrived shortly after the 6:00 p.m. start time. Five different groups of four to seven people were already playing card and board games, none of which I recognized or had ever played before. Enthralled in the games before them, I didn’t see a single cell phone in sight during the event.
I was there at the invitation of Beth Sobel, a local Bellingham artist and game illustrator.
Beth is an enigma to me as both a gamer and an artist. She and her college-sweetheart-turned-husband, Daniel, settled in Bellingham settled in Bellingham about 10 years ago. Beth has her MFA in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design, with a focus in oil painting. After growing up in Bristol, a small town in the Appalachians, Beth lived all over the country. Beth says she didn’t have a lot of toys growing up. “I only wanted crayons,” she says. Luckily, there were always crayons, and drawing and coloring came second nature. As a child, Beth played games like “Monopoly,” but she wasn’t introduced to hobby games until about five years ago.
View of the World’s Fair 1893 board, mid-game, reflecting active play.
After receiving her MFA, Beth became an oil painter. But she didn’t like the business side of being an artist, which included marketing herself or being the center of attention — both major stumbling blocks to selling her work. She found lucrative work in Arizona doing custom framing, which helped pay the bills while Daniel was finishing law school. Unfortunately, she was forced to give up her job after contracting Valley Fever, a fungal infection caused in part by the Southwest desert dust.
To help manage Beth’s condition, the couple decided to move. Daniel had previously lived in Bellingham and loved it. Daniel prepared for the Washington Bar Exam, but Beth was unable to work a regular 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so she began to brainstorm careers that she could do physically and enjoy. She decided on illustration because she says it was “all the parts of art that I really love, and none of the parts that I’m not comfortable with.”
Beth didn’t set out to become a game illustrator, but her new path quickly led her there. After illustrating a book cover for a friend, the friend recommended her work to a game designer. Beth had never illustrated a game in her life, but after her first project — a card game called “Chaos and Alchemy” — it was clear that she had found her niche.
Soon after “Chaos and Alchemy,” Beth’s picked up her first board game assignment: “Viticulture.” Both “Chaos and Alchemy” and “Viticulture” became successful sellers, skyrocketing Beth’s career. “Art careers are not easy to find,” says Beth. But talent, hard work and determination have landed the Bellingham artist right where she wants to be.
Collen Verdon points out to the other “Mysterium” players her reasoning for determining the killer and the murder method used.
Today, Beth is most widely known for her work on the game “Lanterns: the Harvest Festival,” a recipient of the Mensa Select Award. Wil Wheaton, host of the popular gaming show “TableTop,” has admitted his love of Lanterns and has even been featured playing it on “GameTheGame.”
Since her first assignment, Beth has built an impressive portfolio, which includes her work on “Between Two Cities,” “Snow Tails,” and several Living Card Games and Role Playing Games like “Legend of the Five Rings,” “Lord of the Rings LCG,” “Firefly RPG,” and “Star Wars RPG.” Beth is currently working on the illustrations for for Foxtrot Games’ “World’s Fair 1893” card game. The company recently completed a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project. It raised just over four times its goal.
Today, hobby games are obviously a big part of the Bellingham artist’s life. But she doesn’t just provide illustrations for the games — she enjoys playing them, too. As a self professed gamer, Beth feels fortunate to have found a way to combine her love of art and games. Beth and Daniel are currently working together on a game called “Wildwood,” a two-player/two-team card game. Daniel is the game designer and Beth is the illustrator. Friends who have tested the games have already given feedback and suggestions, and now the game is available for pubic comments through the couple’s “Wildwood” Facebook page.
Beth Sobel’s “small” collection of about 100 games.
A successful game illustrator, Beth continues to train and further develop her skills. One way she does this is through “one hour studies,” a one-hour block of time she sets aside each day to start and finish a project. Beth uses photos she takes herself as well as images she finds on Creative Commons as her guide. Once the hour is up and the illustration is completed, she publishes it online. The practice allows her to push her boundaries in another direction. Beth feels she is continuing to grow as an artist and notices her improvement. She finds value in sharing the best work that she can do in an hour and hopes that she inspires others who might be willing to show what they can do, even if it might not be perfect.
Spending time with Beth and her gaming friends was inspirational, and it made the idea of a hosting my own game party less daunting. Beth loaned me a trivia card game that I played with a few friends later that evening. We all had a great time. And no one pulled out their cell phones once.
Wes Herman and son Taylor Herman work together to create the interior design for each Woods. While each location is unique, continuity in theme and materials unites them all. Photo courtesy: The Woods Coffee.
When Wes and Diane Herman began to bat around business ideas in 2001, they landed on a unique way to kick-start what would become The Woods Coffee: make it a family affair alongside their four children, who then ranged in age from 13 to 19.
“For a two-year period, I was a national sales manager for a product development company that put me in every coffee shop across the United States,” says Wes, who was born in Canada and grew up in Colombia, South America, before moving to Southern California as a young adult; he and Diane moved to Whatcom County in 1993.
Wes traveled during the week and came home on weekends to his four coffee-loving teenagers.
“They were spending lots of time in coffee shops and I was experiencing the business side of it,” Wes continues. “One day my wife said, ‘What if we started a coffee shop?’
The Herman kids were homeschooled, so Wes suggested they use it as an educational piece and open several shops, not just one. As a team, the Herman family crafted business, branding and marketing plans. Natalie, their oldest, came up with the name.
“We had a lot of fun with it,” Wes says. “We opened our first store in 2002, and the second just six months later.”
The first three Woods were in Lynden, because the Hermans couldn’t find a suitable retail space in Bellingham.
They learned of a viable spot at Bender Plaza, which, back in 2002, was in the middle of nowhere. “There were no houses and the park was half the size it is now,” says Wes. “The location was not set up for success.”
But hard work, resolve, and those solid business plans moved things forward.
Six months later, the second shop opened next to the Lynden Safeway store. “We were losing money in one store, so why not lose money in two?” Wes says, laughing.
The Barkley Village Woods also includes the second-story “Greenhouse,” a small meeting area that’s free for customers to use. Photo courtesy: The Woods Coffee.
The family kept focused on the bigger picture, striving to open a number of stores in one small community to see if they could dominate it — and they did.
“Then we came to Bellingham,” Wes says, smiling.
We’re chatting in the downtown Flatiron location, which opened in 2009 — one of 10 stores now sprinkled across Bellingham. Walls of windows look out on the Arts District and the décor is in the same, welcoming vein of all the shops: warm woods and natural elements mixed with rustic and industrial touches — so very Pacific Northwest.
The first Bellingham store was on King Street, near the I-5 State Street exit, followed by a fifth in Bakerview Square. The sixth location, in Boulevard Park, is assumed by many to be the first, since it quickly became an even stronger magnet drawing people to the already popular waterfront area.
“It’s been called one of the finest coffee shops in the world, because of its location,” says Wes. If you’ve been there, you can see why, with its stunning views of the islands — and an equally lovely interior.
Taylor Herman, who works with his dad on the interior design of every Woods location, perfectly connected the inside with the out, bringing in natural elements. A favorite spot is the see-through fireplace overlooking the water.
There are now two Woods Coffees in Skagit County, as well, with stores currently in the works in Snohomish County and Canada.
Aggressive expansion was the plan from day one. “We could be from Canada all the way to Mexico, no problem,” Wes says.
The Woods remains a full-on family project, with three of Wes and Diane’s children still involved. Daughter Kelly heads up day-to-day operations, while Natalie works part-time in community outreach. Taylor designs and builds the stores, as well as sources all products. The Woods employs 220 locals through its shops, roasting facility, bakery and distribution positions.
The Woods is known for its inviting, comfortable atmosphere. Photo courtesy: The Woods Coffee.
Diane Herman has a once a week route — along with her 83-year-old father Robert — picking up Bagelry bagels and delivering them to the shops. “She’s also a support to our kids, because we have six grandchildren now.”
Baked goods are made from scratch daily at the Woods’ own bakery and coffee beans are roasted on-site at its Lynden roastery. Once a day, a truck hits all 17 sites to deliver everything.
“We’re selling the entire experience,” says Wes, “from fresh bakery items and the freshest coffee you can possibly get, to the welcoming environment.”
The Woods strives to treat everyone as a guest, not a customer. “We’re inviting them into our space and are taking care of them,” says Wes. “We want them to experience something that’s unique.”
The upcoming move into Canada is big news for the Woods, but that’s not all they have in motion.
“We’re going to bring a new coffee experience here to Bellingham,” Wes says. “We’re moving our roasting facility here and will open it to the public, a lot like a microbrewery.”
At several locations, small areas are set aside for casual, closed-off meeting space. “It’s free,” says Wes. “Anyone can sign up and just use it as a community space. It’s all about connecting the community.”
Spinning into a related story, Wes describes the experience of leasing a Birch Bay building that Starbucks backed out of before completion.
“When we got the plans, we saw they had it designed for just 16 seats,” says Wes. “They don’t want people staying; they want constant turnover. We adjusted that to 40 seats. We want the Woods to be a place where people come and enjoy. I mean, isn’t a coffee shop where people want to meet and connect?”
Wes Herman says The Woods Coffee at Bellingham’s Boulevard Park has been called one of the world’s finest coffee shops. Photo by Lyla Jansma, courtesy of The Woods Coffee.
Wes is often asked if it bothers him when a patron sits at a table for hours on end. “We have no problem with that,” he says. “We want our stores to be full and serve our guests.”
People also often ask how large he wants the Woods to grow.
“We don’t have any numbers in mind, but it wouldn’t surprise me if we have a hundred stores. And now it’s at a place where we’re building a sustainable model and can fund everything we’re doing as we want to do it.”
Clearly, the Woods hopes for continued caffeinated domination — and the next generation already has their eyes on careers in coffee.
“All of my grandkids talk to me about when they’ll work at the Woods Coffee,” Wes says, smiling. “We work together and see each other all the time, we travel together — and we all like each other.” It’s no wonder the next generation already dreams of joining in.
The sweeping view of Mt. Shuksan from Artist's Point at Mt. Baker. Photo credit: Kenneth Kearney.
By Lorraine Wilde
Skip the shopping frenzy this Black Friday and #OptOutside instead.
Seattle-based outdoor and sporting goods retailer REI shocked the world when it announced in late October that it would close all 143 of its stores, including its Bellingham location, on the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. REI’s campaign, called #OptOutside, will pay all of its 12,000 employees and encourage its 11.6 million members to go outside and play instead of participating in what has become a day of shopping frenzy.
Luckily, living in Whatcom County makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors any time of year. Whatever the weather — and no matter what your age, sport, or skill level is — this list will help kick start your search for the perfect #OptOutside adventure.
Something for Everyone
Whatcom County offers a number of public city, county and state parks with groomed trails and easy accessibility. These locations provide options for everyone from families with young children and those with limited mobility to dog-lovers, extreme athletes and everyone in between.
Lake Padden
This city park has a fenced, off-leash dog area, a 3+-mile bicycle- and stroller-friendly loop trail, tennis courts, a playground, softball fields, golf course, boat launch, horse access, and miles of outlying trails, all in one location. The calm, shallow lake is a safer boating location this time of year and great for dogs who love the water.
Bloedel Donovan Park
Another great city park, Bloedel Donovan Park on Lake Whatcom has sand volleyball courts, a playground, off-leash dog use before 10:00 a.m., a boat launch, and trail access connected to Whatcom Falls Park. The swimming area also offers great access to polar dipping.
Hovander Homestead Park
This 350-acre Whatcom County Park just outside Ferndale features more than a mile of river trail along the Nooksack River and houses a barn, farm, fragrance garden and playground. It’s easy walking distance to Tennant Lake (mentioned below).
Labrador Sunny plays fetch on the beach in Birch Bay with his owner, Photographer Kenneth Kearney. Photo credit: Kenneth Kearney.
Chuckanut Drive
When a bumpy trail isn’t an option, a winding road trip down Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway will get you great views of Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands. Frequent pull outs allow for lush photography and the perfect spot to watch an early sunset.
Birch Bay
This village offers miles of public beach with easy parking and access including Birch Bay State Park. Watch the tide move in and out of shallow mudflats, collect rocks, build driftwood sculptures, and stroll along this scenic beach while observing wildlife. It’s also a popular clamming location (check for closures and required licenses). For additional beach suggestions, check out these other Whatcom County options.
Tennis at Elizabeth Park
This historic city park features enormous trees, a playground, basketball court, fountain, and easy access in a residential neighborhood. The tennis courts are rarely busy, especially this time of year, as the fall leaves whirl around you.
Frisbee at Boulevard Park
A low impact sport like Frisbee can be enjoyed at Boulevard Park year round. The playground and coffee shop, paved trail, and beautiful views of Bellingham Bay make this a great spot for the whole family. This park also made our list of best places to watch the sunset.
Fly a Kite at Zuanich Point Park
If the wind cooperates, this Port of Bellingham park is Bellingham’s most loved park for kiting. With a playground overlooking the Bellingham marina, the paved trails are easily accessible and stroller-friendly for boat-, bird-, and people-watching.
Fly a kit at Zuanich Point Park or just enjoy the wildlife. Photo credit: Stacee Sledge.
Stroll to Taylor Street Dock from Fairhaven
Park in adorable Fairhaven Village and take the South Bay Trail or at the top of Taylor Street Dock to gain access to sea air, a walk out over the water, views of Bellingham Bay, and connection to Boulevard Park.
Been There Done That
You’ve been in Whatcom County a while and have already experienced so many of its great parks and trails. But have you tried these new or overlooked options yet?
New Waterfront Trail
The Port of Bellingham, as part of its redevelopment of the former Georgia Pacific property, opened a new trail in July 2015 that connects with the existing Squalicum Harbor Trail. Not yet well known, this trail promises solitude and uninhibited views of Bellingham Bay.
18th Street Connector Trail in Fairhaven Park
This section of trail in beautiful Fairhaven Park just opened in September with the help of many local agencies, companies and businesses.
Near the community of Sudden Valley, this beautiful ancient forest preserve has miles of family-friendly trails and wetlands full of visiting birds.
Scudder Pond in Whatcom Falls Park
This city park got its name for the spectacular waterfalls accessible by miles of trails, many of which are stroller- and bicycle-friendly. Scudder Pond in the center of the park is stocked with fish and therefore home to a variety of water birds.
Tennant Lake
The 624-acre Whatcom County park includes a shallow lake surrounded by extensive wetlands, open fields, and woodland forest that meander across newly renovated elevated boardwalk. A 50-foot tower allows viewing of wildlife from above and sits beside an Interpretive Center.
You can feel the spray from other-worldly Whatcom Falls in Whatcom Falls Park. Photo credit: Kenneth Kearney.
Looking for a Challenge
Those that get outside regularly and have more experience may be searching for new places to explore. These locations may require more gear, maps and safety precautions this time of year due to falling temperatures and early sunsets. But even the most experienced adventurers can find something new to appreciate with these options.
Kayaking and Rock Climbing Larabee State Park
Although Larabee State Park offers standard amenities like easy car access and playgrounds, it also features a Boat Ramp Wall for experienced rock climbers and made our list of Best Places for Kayaking in Whatcom County. Small craft boating this time of year requires experience and safety considerations. But this season is also when to find solitude on the water and experience birds that aren’t here in the busy summer months.
Pine and Cedar Lakes Hike
One of the more strenuous hikes in Whatcom County, the Pine and Cedar Lakes trail is muddy this time of year. And while it may sound short at first — clocking in at only 5 miles round trip — the trail gains 1,400 feet in the first 1.6 miles. The payoff includes walks along the edges of the lakes in virtual solitude and pride in knowing that you didn’t choose the easy route.
Mountain Biking Galbraith Mountain
Above Lake Padden Park, Galbraith is among the mountain biking locations of choice in Whatcom County. It hosts a number of rugged road and trails for bikers and runners. This interactive map can help you plan your trip.
Fall is a beautiful time of year to enjoy kayaking.
Snowshoeing and Sledding near Mt. Baker’s Artist Point
Be among the first to plunge into this year’s snow. Last year left us craving the white stuff, so it’s time to get our fix. While the last few miles of the road to Artist Point closed in early November, there are many places on the way up to pull off for sledding or a snowshoe trip.
Whatcom County is so full of amazing outdoor recreational opportunities that we can’t list them all. Check out these other great options shared on WhatcomTalk.com or comment with your favorite outdoor destinations below. You can also join the hundreds of thousands of people who have posted their plans on REI’s #OptOutside page.
The Coordination Certificate Program at Whatcom Community College prepares health care professionals for a changing field. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Community College
The Coordination Certificate Program at Whatcom Community College prepares health care professionals for a changing field. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Community College.
Health care and human services professionals interested in the emerging field of care navigation and coordination can enroll in Whatcom Community College’s care navigation and coordination 15-credit certificate program. Graduates will have skills to succeed in specialized health care roles in patient navigation, care coordination, patient advocacy, health coaching, community health work and related areas. These professionals guide patients through the complex care system, help them to access resources, and empower patients to achieve a healthy lifestyle. These skills are used in a wide range of jobs including nursing, social work, medical assisting and human services. As the health care system evolves to interdisciplinary team models, employers are looking for professionals with the abilities taught in this program.
Registration for the seven-credit fundamentals course begins Dec. 3. Classes start January 2016. Class meets in-person on select Saturdays (8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) and Tuesdays (5:30-8 p.m.) through March. Students will also complete an estimated 40 hours of online course work. The eight-credit, spring quarter advanced course builds on the fundamentals class with advanced level knowledge and strategies to influence positive patient outcomes. Coursework includes coordinating care of diverse patients in health and human services, including communication strategies and advocacy. Students will gain skills in coaching, motivational interviewing and health literacy techniques. Students with experience in care coordination may qualify for prior learning credit. This program is also offered as non-credit via Whatcom’s Community and Continuing Education. Visit whatcom.edu/carenav for more information or to register.
Bellingham’s leading venue for dining, entertainment and business events has received a new name to match its new look.
Bellingham’s leading venue for dining, entertainment and business events has received a new name to go with the multimillion-dollar renovation projects that are nearly completed, including all meeting space by the first quarter of 2016.
The 132-room hotel at 714 Lakeway Drive officially became Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center on Oct. 1, according to Larry MacDonald, who remains general manager of the property formerly known as Lakeway Inn. MacDonald added that the hotel’s 100-plus employees are staying and it will continue to be professionally managed by Providence Hospitality Partners.
“We’re ecstatic that our multimillion-dollar renovation and conversion to the Starwood brand is completed and this is a reflection of ownership’s commitment to the market. The design and stylish comfort have enabled us to affiliate with the Four Points by Sheraton brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide,” said David B. Storm, president and CEO of Providence Hospitality Partners. “This is Starwood’s fastest-growing brand and a leading choice among travelers in diverse markets worldwide, but only the third Four Points location in Washington state.”
Starwood Hotels has more than 1,200 properties in 100 countries, including the The Westin Seattle and W Seattle. More than 200 will be under the Four Points brand by the end of 2015 with more than 25 planned openings this year.
“Starwood properties have an excellent reputation among businesses for hosting conferences,” MacDonald said. “The Starwood Preferred Guest program is renowned for the many opportunities that guests have to earn points through stays, meals and drink purchases, while receiving benefits worldwide. Earn, redeem and enjoy your benefits at more than 1,200 Starwood hotels and resorts across 10 distinctive brands — including St. Regis, W and Westin — in nearly 100 countries. Guests may visit www.SPG.com for more information.
“With 11,000 square feet of flexible meeting facilities, we’re already well known among Northwest companies and organizations,” MacDonald added. “However, we’re starting a complete renovation of our event and meeting rooms that will be finished next spring and position us as the leading conference center in Northwest Washington. Big changes also are planned for Poppe’s 360 that will enhance its reputation as Bellingham’s leading nighttime venue for entertainment and award-winning drinks.”
Four Points Bellingham already has completed major improvements since last year, including
A complete makeover of all 132 guest rooms with new furniture, new beds and a Northwest décor.
The launch of Chinuk and its farm-to-table menu featuring local purveyors for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A redesigned lobby highlighted by a fireplace visible from front and back, the work of local artists, multiple large-screen televisions, a strong WiFi network and tables with access ports for charging laptops and cell phones.
Approximately $100,000 spent on fiber-optics and WiFi improvement that make online speeds even faster for guests.
“We are creating an environment that is representative of our community,” MacDonald said. “The first impression for local residents and out-of-town guests should be that Four Points Bellingham is a warm and inviting place.”
Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center, managed by Providence Hospitality Partners, is located at 714 Lakeway Drive, just off Interstate 5 at Exit 253. Four Points Bellingham is totally smoke-free throughout its 132 guest rooms, two restaurants (Poppe’s 360 Neighborhood Pub and Chinuk Northwest Dining), indoor pool, fitness area and 11,000 square feet of meeting-room space. For more information, call (360) 671-1011 or (888) 671-1011 or visit www.FourPointsBellingham.com.
Nell crosses a snow field near Sonora Pass on her Pacific Crest Trail hike. Photo credit: Emily Barnett Highleyman.
By Lauren Fritzen
Nell (far right) hikes with her Wild Whatcom Explorers Club on a backpack trip in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Photo courtesy: Wild Whatcom.
Long before Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, “Wild,” became a bestseller in 2014, Sehome High graduate Nell Highleyman was planning her own solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail — a 2,650-mile trail that runs from the US-Mexico border to the US-Canada border.
Nell’s introduction to nature began at an early age. “My family does a lot of outdoor trips, so I had some skills and a love for the outdoors,” she explains. “Wild Whatcom and Explorers Club definitely expanded on that. And being with a group of your peers is a different dynamic. It really increased my leadership and collaboration skills. It was a new way of interacting with the outdoors and with other people.”
Wild Whatcom is a local non-profit offering outdoor programs with a mission to help youth make deep connections with nature, themselves and others. Nell was an early member of the non-profit’s signature youth mentoring program, Explorers Club, where second- to eighth-graders learn key life and outdoor skills in on-going small groups. It was with Wild Whatcom that Nell’s dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was born.
“I was on a Wild Whatcom backpack trip near Stehekin and we hiked for a little bit on the Pacific Crest Trail,” recalls Nell. “That was the first time I’d heard of it.” During the hike, Nell met a thru-hiker who was continuing on the trail. “From that interaction, I knew I wanted to do it at some point.”
When Nell decided to take a gap year before college, the timing seemed perfect to make her Pacific Crest Trail dream a reality. She also saw an opportunity to use the hike as a fundraiser for the organization that helped inspire her journey.
“Go Play Outside: Nell’s Hike-a-thon for Wild Whatcom” was launched amidst packing gear and planning food provisions for Nell’s trek. “This fundraiser will help give other people the same soul-widening experience I was lucky enough to have,” wrote Nell in her campaign appeal. “Wild Whatcom helped me gain the skills, fortitude and self confidence to embark on this journey. I am super grateful and want to give back. It will be great to know that every mile I hike on the Pacific Crest Trail will help this wonderful organization thrive.”
Nell crosses a snow field near Sonora Pass on her Pacific Crest Trail hike. Photo credit: Emily Barnett Highleyman.
With a goal of completing the hike in four-and-a-half months — and with a group of supporters following along vicariously — Nell departed the Pacific Crest Trail’s southern terminus near Campo, California, on April 3, 2015. She made good time from the get-go, averaging about 25 miles a day in southern California — where the terrain is fairly easy.
However, once Nell hit the Sierra Nevada, her pace slowed to about 15 miles a day as she navigated through the steep, snowy, challenging passes. But overall, the scary moments were few and far between, and Nell even made some great friends along the way. “It’s pretty incredible how close you can get to people on the trail,” she recalls. “You’re all working together toward this similar goal, without a lot of distractions. You just are who you are.”
Thru-hikers often give each other trail names, and Nell was dubbed “Merkel” — after German Chancellor Angela Merkel — early on. “Apparently because I’m mature and have my act together,” she says.
As a solo hiker, Nell spent most of her days alone on the trail but often met other hikers for lunch breaks and then again at day’s end, when they would pitch their tents together. After sharing a meal and stories from the day, she would fall asleep at nightfall, eager to recharge for the following day.
Nell’s pace picked back up in Oregon, where the terrain wasn’t as challenging, and she hiked a personal record of 50 miles in one day. As she crossed into Washington, she was ahead of schedule and decided to slow down a bit to savor the rest of her journey. “Washington was amazing because it was like coming home,” explains Nell. “I’d hiked sections of the trail before and it’s so beautiful. That was really special.”
As Nell neared Stehekin, where her dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was formed, the haze from forest fires was getting thick, and she had to detour around a 50-mile section of the trail. When she finally arrived at the northern terminus on the US-Canada border on August 19, it was a bittersweet moment. “I was excited to be done, but actually pretty sad as well. I felt like I could just keep going,” she explains.
A triumphant Nell reaches the northern terminus of the PCT at the US-Canada border after hiking 2,650 miles. Photo courtesy: Nell Highleyman.
Nell arrived home feeling pleased with her fundraising efforts and is confident Wild Whatcom will put the $7,600 she raised to good use. “Nell’s PCT donations will go directly toward getting kids outside — to connect meaningfully with the natural world and experience some of the joy and passion that Nell developed while participating in Wild Whatcom.
For Nell’s mom, Emily Barnett Highleyman, Nell’s journey is particularly special. Emily is the executive director for Wild Whatcom, a role she assumed after seeing how positively the non-profit impacted her child’s life. “After seeing the many ways in which [Wild Whatcom] helped Nell grow into a strong, collaborative and wise person who loves being outdoors, I couldn’t resist getting involved and working to help Wild Whatcom thrive,” she says.
Nell’s transition back to the everyday world has been a whirlwind. She had just 10 days to rest and get ready for the next chapter in her life – college at Wesleyan University. She’s now feeling settled, but admits it’s been an adjustment switching to a more cerebral existence.
Nell recently went on her first weekend hike since returning from the Pacific Crest Trail. “Just being able to put on my backpack and go outdoors for a couple days is really exciting,” she says. “It’s my place to step back and be alone and reflect.”
Interested in supporting Wild Whatcom and helping other Whatcom County-area youth discover a passion for the outdoors? Visit Wild Whatcom online to learn how you can make a contribution.
WECU’s Business Services Department will move to a new location at 3410 Woburn Street. Photo courtesy: WECU.
WECU recently purchased the former Union Bank Building at 3410 Woburn Street in Bellingham and plans to use the space to house their Business Services Department.
As an integral part of Whatcom County’s business community, WECU’s Business Services Department continues to grow at a rate that will quickly outpace its current location at 770 East Holly Street. The Woburn location will provide potential for additional development as this department of the credit union expands to serve additional local business members.
With more than 77,000 members, 11 branches and 17 no surcharge ATMs, WECU is Whatcom County’s largest member focused, nonprofit financial cooperative, serving all residents of Whatcom County.
Kevin Wiebe is a Ferndale native. Although he graduated from Ferndale High School, he admits he wasn't a model student. His teachers and administrators...
