Spring Forward With Spring Cleaning

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Submitted by Barron Heating & Air Conditioning

Ahhh the sun…how we’ve missed you! But as its brightness and warmth are shining through your window, it’s hard not to notice the dust that’s floating through the air. If you’re anything like us, our clocks have sprung us forward into full spring-cleaning mode. Steaming floors, rotating mattresses, cleaning ceiling fan blades (not necessarily in that order!)…there’s so much to be done to make your indoor air fresh and clean for the new season. But while you may be hard at work checking off that to-do list, there’s a large and often neglected area that’s much harder to reach: your ducts.

From dust to dander and animal waste, your air ducts hide a slew of contaminants that can lead to poor indoor air quality. Even the tiniest leaks can draw in air from crawl spaces, attics, and walls, carrying dirt, chemicals, construction debris, rodent urine, mold, and germs—all of which are pulled into your HVAC system and recirculated five to seven times a day (nadca.com). Yuck! But don’t even think about sticking a vacuum in your heat registers. A professional duct cleaning is a must for ultimate cleaning and quality indoor air. Certified by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), our Barron Air Solutions Team uses full-truck vacuums that are 600% more powerful than your typical shop vac. Combined with a dual-compressor system—the most robust cleaning process available today—a professional duct cleaning is key to demolishing that filth that’s lurking within.

Clean ducts need clean filters, and spring is the perfect time to swap them out (we recommend twice per year at a minimum!). Filters come in a variety of styles and levels, so be sure to use a good quality pleated version. Look for one with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 9 or higher—this will trap at least 85% of air particles that cause irritations like allergies and asthma, especially if it’s changed often. A 5-in-1 HEPA bypass filter has the highest level of particle capture of any filter system, capturing 99.7% of particulate 0.3 microns or larger, proving to be a great match for most airborne matter. But before making the switch, it’s important to check with a professional. Higher MERV rated filters, while effective in improving air quality, can significantly increase the static pressure of your duct system if it isn’t equipped to accommodate one. Much like blood pressure in the body, static pressure that is too high can ultimately cause equipment failure (let this be your warning!).

Ready to take your cleaning to the next level? Once those ducts and filters are clean, duct sealing ensures that contaminants stay out for good. 95% of homes have leaky ducts of some kind (aeroseal.com), meaning air is not only being pulled into your home from the dirtiest areas—crawlspaces, attics, and walls—but up to 40% of your paid-for heated or cooled air can escape. Aeroseal® is the industry’s most effective method for sealing entire duct systems, plugging otherwise unreachable leaks with its patented non-toxic, water-based aerosol adhesive.

Looking for more? Our Ultimate Indoor Air Quality Upgrade is an all-in-one package that can equip your space with the best indoor air quality solutions. But if it’s your water that’s needing a spring cleaning, we do that too! Water quality has an often-underappreciated impact on your health and home, with a wide range of bacteria and pollutants that can contaminate your supply. From hard water minerals to viruses, chemicals, and chlorine, dissolved matter in your water can damage your home’s appliances and piping, irritate your skin and hair, affect water odor and taste, or even make you sick. But fear not! The Barron Plumbing team of experts can help you find the best solution for the water in your home.

Whether it’s dust, allergens, or hard water that’s got you down, the WholeHome™ solutions at Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing will raise the bar on your spring cleaning. With proper cleaning, filtration, and duct sealing, a visit from our Air Solutions Team can be just the ticket for quality indoor air. We’re now offering $100 off air duct cleaning, $300 off Aeroseal® duct sealing, or $500 off both cleaning and sealing! And if clean water’s what you’re after, get up to $400 in combined savings with a series of water treatment systems with Barron Plumbing. That includes $50 off a sediment and carbon filter cartridge set, $100 off a UV anti-bacteria system, and/or $200 off a point-of-entry water conditioning and treatment system. Specials are available for a limited time, so give us a call today! As your Pacific Northwest home and building performance experts since 1972, we stand by Our Mission: Improving Lives™.

Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington Unveils First ‘Digital Equity Bus’

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Digital-Equity-Bus-Evergreen-Goodwill — Photo courtesy: Evergreen Goodwill

Submitted by Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington

Demonstrating community impact well beyond its iconic thrift stores, the Seattle region’s Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington today launched its state-of-the-art “Digital Equity Bus,” which will bring Goodwill’s computer literacy and workforce development classes to people in rural and historically under-resourced communities.

Bridging the “digital divide” long has been a part of Goodwill’s mission. But according to the Washington State Department of Commerce, the COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the impact of that divide for 45 percent of the state’s residents who either have no internet access or are coping with very slow internet speeds. The Digital Equity Bus allows Evergreen Goodwill to extend its mission programming to reach even more people during this critical time when many people now rely on access to technology and Wi-Fi for work and school.

Designed in partnership with Black & Veatch, the mobile classroom spans 36 feet in length and features workstations for as many as 10 students and multiple instructors, complete with a retractable awning that creates exterior classroom space for as many as 30 additional students. It also comes equipped with power outlets, wireless connectivity, charging stations, pop-up chairs and tables, and sound-amplifying equipment, as well as specialized equipment to make the classroom more accessible.

“The Digital Equity Bus is an exciting extension of the work we’ve been committed to for 12-plus years,” said Eileen Aparis, Vice President of Mission for Evergreen Goodwill. “For nearly a century, Evergreen Goodwill’s mission has been to break down significant barriers to education and employment, and with the acceleration of technology in the workplace, we’ve been at the forefront of digital equity work by providing free computer classes and access to technology. This bus will allow us to expand our reach well beyond Evergreen Goodwill’s five brick-and-mortar Job Training and Education Centers.”

The Digital Equity Bus will begin its journey in Whatcom County, where 86 percent of Evergreen Goodwill students report having no internet access. Beginning in April 2022, the bus will host workshops in partnership with the Nooksack School District and East Whatcom Resource Center, with Evergreen Goodwill actively building relationships with other rural communities for future programming. Evergreen Goodwill and Black & Veatch hope that the bus can serve as a model for other organizations engaged in digital equity work, and that if successful there would be opportunity to build out additional buses to serve other counties across the region.

“For more than a century, Black & Veatch has led the way in delivering critical human infrastructure that enhances the lives of the customers and communities we serve. That mission of betterment is a shared one with Evergreen Goodwill,” said Marty Travers, a Black & Veatch executive director. “We’re also both deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and this Digital Equity Bus will bring opportunities directly to the underserved who desire and deserve them.”

Bellingham’s Summit Place Shares Tips for Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

By

Steven Arbuckle

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Summit-Place-Assisted-Living — Personal touches make up a lot of the atmosphere at the proper facility, since it also needs to serve as the home of its residents. Photo courtesy: Summit Place

Many families find themselves having tough conversations about finding the right environment for their elders, and the staff at Summit Place Assisted Living are no strangers to those talks. They are happy to share their thoughts on how to shop around, what sorts of offerings to look for, what to expect financially and, most importantly, when to start the conversation.

“Typically, the thing to look for is someone who needs a little bit more help at home,” says nurse and Resident Services Director Elizabeth Martin. “They need some help getting dressed for the day, or ready for bed. Maybe they need some help bathing, or with medications. They don’t necessarily need 24-hour nurse care, but they do need someone there.”

Resident Services Director Elizabeth Martin chats with a Summit Place resident. Photo courtesy: Summit Place

Martin shares a familiar story of a person who has a caregiver stop by to help out in the morning, then spends the rest of the day sitting alone, waiting for the caregiver to return that night to help them get ready for bed. That sedentary lifestyle can easily lead to pressure sores and other skin infections, as well as more serious internal disorders.

Experiencing those conditions can change everything, sending a candidate for assisted living into a skilled nursing facility instead. “There’s the potential that a skilled nursing facility can rehabilitate them a little bit, and they move up to the level of assisted living, but that’s not always the case,” Martin says. “We would rather see people maintain their independence longer and be able to do what they can for longer, than to have an emergency situation.”

More than just a place to enjoy meals, the dining room also serves as a hub for much of the social life of an assisted living facility. Photo courtesy: Summit Place

That’s why so much of the focus is on doing research and making a plan before an emergency arises. And the danger is not just physical, as Martin has learned from COVID restrictions. “They don’t want to go out, they’re concerned about infection, so we see seniors that are depressed, they’re lonely,” she says. “Humans are social creatures, and in assisted living you get consistent interaction with other people. Whether that’s staff, or other residents, or engaging in activities — there are social opportunities.”

The first step, according to Summit’s Executive Director Jozef Bosman, is to visit facilities to see how they’re run and what they offer. “Does it smell clean, does it look clean, is it an enjoyable place, is it comfortable? And even though it’s hard sometimes for a senior to want to come along, I encourage families to bring them, because that’s where they’re going to be living,” Bosman says. “You want to make sure that they’re comfortable, as well.”

assisted living space with bed and small kitchen area — Comfort and convenience allow residents to make themselves right at home, while round-the-clock caregivers ensure a healthy environment. Photo courtesy: Summit Place

During a visit, both sides should ask each other plenty of questions to ensure all parties can enjoy a positive relationship. “When we meet with the perspective new residents, Elizabeth does a medical assessment, and we make sure that we can medically provide for them,” Bosman says. “But we’re also asking, Is this person right for our community? Are they going to fit in with the other residents and are they going to make it a positive experience for everybody else and for themselves?”

Finances should also be a part of that conversation, since different facilities often operate in very different ways.

Financial planning can be a big part of assuring the best possible retirement situation. Photo courtesy: Summit Place

“Most facilities have what they call a ‘spend down,’ meaning you’ll pay for a facility privately for two, three, or five years before moving on to governmental assistance of some form,” says Bosman. “Some facilities, such as ours, ask for three years, and some facilities will take people straight in, but they’re a little different.” It helps to know what options are available, and it’s never too early to look into long-term care insurance, to make a better outcome that much more likely.

When shopping for the right fit, families should acknowledge that some of the burden of the move does fall onto them. “Some people feel some guilt, like they’re abandoning their parents, but we like to stress that you’re bringing them to get a better level of care,” Bosman says. “And you don’t need to worry about giving them medication or feeding them or making sure the bills are paid; we become the responsible ones, and the families get to be the fun ones.”

Ultimately, the person making the move should know that they’re going to share their lives with the right team. “People are comfortable where they are, and there’s definitely some fear about the loss of independence,” says Martin. “But really, we’re not here to change or direct your life, we’re here to enhance it. We’re here to support you and keep you safe and healthy. You’re still an adult; you still get to make choices.”

The best assisted living facilities aren’t meant to change or direct residents’ lives, but to enhance them. “We’re here to support you and keep you safe and healthy,” says Summit Place’s Elizabeth Martin. “You’re still an adult; you still get to make choices.” Photo courtesy: Summit Place

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Squalicum Junior and World Class Hurdler Andre Korbmacher Has His Sights Set on Big Goals

By

Tony Moceri

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Andre-Korbmarcher-of-Squalicum-High-School-Races-at-the-New-Balance-Indoor-Nationals-at-the-Armory-in-New-York — Photo courtesy: Andre Korbmacher

At the time of this writing, Andre Korbmacher is ranked the number one men’s high school 60-meter hurdler in the world. You read that correctly: Korbmacher, a junior at Squalicum High School, is currently the fastest high school athlete in the world at running the 60-meter hurdles. And there were no judges or panels helping to make this determination — it was just Korbmacher, the other racers, and the clock.

The New Balance National Indoors meet took place March 11th-13th at The Armory in New York City. The top-ranked high school athletes from around the country came together so the best of the best could compete against each other on the brightest stage.

In the finals race, which can be viewed here, Korbmacher stands out with his bright pink hair. Lining up next to the nation’s top 60-meter hurdlers — many of them seniors — he didn’t let the moment overtake him. “With hurdles, anything can happen, but I put a lot of trust in my training,” Korbmacher says. “I know what my coaches taught me and how to apply it when I run. I can keep my stress level pretty low so that I just get out and perform.”

Andre Korbmacher at the New Balance Indoor Nationals at the Armory in New York, where he became the current fastest high school athlete *in the world* at running 60 meters while jumping over hurdles. Photo courtesy: Andre Korbmacher

Korbmacher led the field to the finish line, securing his top spot in the race and, with a time of 7.70 seconds, the fastest high school time in the world for 2022. For a frame of reference, that time would have put Korbmacher in 6th place in the NCAA men’s collegiate championship final, which took place a few days before.

Korbmacher was first exposed to track in 5th grade at the All City Track Meet, organized by Bellingham elementary schools at Civic Field. “I didn’t win, but I loved it and stuck with it,” says Korbmacher.

Korbmacher clears a hurdle as he races to the top spot in the world. Photo courtesy: Andre Korbmacher

In addition to running track in middle school and now in high school, he also runs club track through Ready-Set-Go Sprinters. There is no offseason; there’s outdoor season through school, indoor season through club, and regular training. Track is a five-to-six-days-a-week endeavor, depending on when meets are held.

Korbmacher is trained by Coaches Dena and Laurent Birade through Ready-Set-Go. His hurdle coach at Squalicum High School is Molly House, who ran track at Western Washington University.

Andre and teammates Carter Birade (center) and Jake Andrews (right) at the 2021 Nike Invitational Hayward. Photo courtesy: Heather Korbmacher

Training for hurdles involves speed training, sprint endurance training, technique, and weight training. “My favorite workout is pretty much anything to do with hurdles because I love it, but then once we get into sprint endurance and we’re running 300 repeats…” Korbmacher trails off as he thinks about the brutal workout.

With the high school outdoor track season in full swing, Korbmacher has turned his attention to the 300-meter and 110-meter hurdles. His goal for 300-meter hurdles is to run sub 40 seconds, which he thinks could get him on the podium at state. For the 110-meter hurdles, his goal is first place at the state meet and a state record. The current record is 13.86 seconds and Korbmacher’s target is 13.7 seconds.

Andre poses with hurdle training partner Carter Birade. Photo courtesy: Dena Birade

While Korbmacher is living in the now, focused on each race and training session, he’s also looking towards his future and wants track, specifically hurdles, to be a big part of that. With race results that can’t go unnoticed and a GPA of 3.7, Korbmacher is already in discussions with multiple universities, including the University of Washington, University of Tennessee, University of Southern California, Purdue University, and the Air Force Academy.

Korbmacher is interested in studying sports medicine to do all he can to make hurdles a part of his life for as long as possible. He wants to continue to perform on the track, competing at the highest levels by running in college, the pros, and — if all goes according to plan — the Olympics.

He gives a lot of credit to his coaches, who believed in him and helped elevate his racing to where it is today. Korbmacher hopes to one day find himself in a coaching position, helping other track athletes reach their goals.

Korbmacher slams into the wall after finishing his 60-meter hurdles race at the recent New Balance National Indoors meet in New York City. Photo courtesy: Andre Korbmacher

Korbmacher knows he couldn’t have reached this point on his own and says he’s grateful to have had so many people around him who believe in him, including his parents, Heather and Arnold Korbmacher, who support him in pursuit of his dreams.

Korbmacher — not one to hide in the crowd — says he’ll have some new hair colors on full display at upcoming meets. Tune into the Arcadia Invitational, which takes place April 8th-9th, and the Washington Outdoor State Championship meet May 28th-30th to watch Korbmacher on his quest for records and titles.

Andre and his RSG relay team at an invitational in Spokane this past January. Photo courtesy: Dena Birade
Heavy snow doesn’t mean training gets to wait. Photo courtesy: Heather Korbmacher
Andre poses with his coach Laurent Birade after an event in 8th grade. Photo courtesy: Heather Korbmacher
Andre (center), coaches Dena Birade (left), and Laurent Birade (right) along with teammates at an invitational during Andre’s 8th grade year. Photo courtesy: Heather Korbmacher

Bellingham Bells Bring Spring, Summer Fun With Coaches’ Training Camps

By

Matt Benoit

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Bellingham-Bells-Coaches-Camps-feature — The fun of baseball camp will come to Joe Martin Field, home of the Bellingham Bells, for children of all ages this spring, summer, and fall. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Bells

Spring is in the air, and with it, the knowledge that America’s pastime, baseball, is once again being played at numerous different levels.

While the Bellingham Bells’ summer season doesn’t start until May 31, the team is offering an expanded series of baseball camps for children and teenagers in 2022.

The camps provide kids the chance to learn and refine baseball skills with current Bells’ coaches and players, and have a whole lot of fun while doing so.

Bells’ General Manager Stephanie Morrell says that coaches have been holding a couple summertime camps for more than a decade. But this year, an expansion to spring — and even fall — is on deck.

The camps, taught by Bells’ coaches and even some players, will cover an assortment of skills, including hitting, pitching, catching and infielding. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Bells

“We just felt like the community wanted more baseball programming,” she says. “There’s not a ton of options for younger athletes to access these developmental opportunities. So, we wanted to be able to help provide that.”

With options for multiple age ranges — from 6 to 12, as well as 13 and beyond — these camp sessions offer kids a chance to learn baseball in a fun, no-pressure environment.

“There are kids that come out who’ve been playing baseball for years, and there are kids who come who’ve never swung a bat before,” says Morrell.

And because Bells athletes are also college students, time is taken during camps for players to explain where and why they attend college. Beyond the fundamentals of hitting, catching, pitching, and fielding, camp-goers learn positive values like how to be a good teammate.

The camps are certainly fun for kids, but the coaches and players also greatly enjoy them.

“Most of our guys, to get where they’ve gotten — where they’re close to playing minor league baseball and playing at a high level — they’ve all played as little kids and they’ve loved the game forever,” Morrell says. “They love really passing that on to kids.”

When and Where

All camps take place at the home of the Bellingham Bells, Joe Martin Field.

Things kick off with “Game Ready Spring Break Camp” sessions on April 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and April 6 and 7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Each session costs $150 and registration opens April 1. The camps, which cover all manner of baseball skills, cost $150, but limited scholarship opportunities for low-income children are being offered through Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU). Scholarships include options of 50%, 75%, and 100%. Scholarship applications can be found on the “Coaches Camps” page underneath the “Community” tab of the Bells website.

Summer sessions will kick off June 13 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the “How to Train With Your Athlete” camp, a free community offering for parents of children learning to play baseball. Topics will include how to properly play catch, do tee work, and advice for helping baseball-playing children.

A “Learn to Play” camp will be held June 21 through 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., for children aged 6 through 12.

In July, multiple skill-specific camps will occur.

Pitching and hitting clinics, for ages 6 through 14, take place July 15 and 16. Pitching sessions will occur from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with hitting sessions from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m.

For more advanced players ages 12 and above, catching and infielding techniques will be addressed in a 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekly series between July 11 and August 1, while an advanced hitting clinic will happen on those same dates from 5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

For the first time, the Bells are also offering a softball camp, to be held July 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both boys and girls ages 6 through 13 are welcome.

A first-ever fall instructional league will also take place the second and third weekends in September, with times to be decided. Registration for the league, for ages 6 through 14, will be available July 1.

Some camps, like the 12 and above offerings, are limited to around 20 athletes, while others will have more space available.

All camps will be conducted in accordance with any Washington State COVID-19 regulations, including mask-wearing, should they be re-instituted at that time.

For more information, including pricing and registration, please visit the Bells’ gear website.

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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Highlights Work of Max Higbee Center, With Support From Peoples Bank

By

Matt Benoit

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Max-Higbee-Center — The Max Higbee Center creates a welcoming space to support and empower people with developmental disabilities. Photo courtesy: Max Higbee Center

Kevin Alspaugh’s interests are as diverse as one can imagine.

The 30-year-old enjoys geography, rollercoasters, Spanish-language movies, swimming, and snorkeling in the ocean. He’s also extremely creative, sharing his talent through artwork and crafts.

Alspaugh is also severely autistic, having required 1:1 supervision throughout most of his life. Developmentally aged five years, he’s physically able and takes care of his daily essentials, like shaving and showering. Though nonverbal, Alspaugh still communicates basic needs and affection for family and caregivers.

Kevin Alspaugh enjoys a diverse range of interests, many of them enhanced by the time he spends at the Max Higbee Center. Photo courtesy: Max Higbee Center

Among those family members are Samantha Jones, Peoples Bank retail branch manager, and Grace Waite, Peoples Bank customer service representative.

“Having a close family member with a developmental disability is very special, but it’s not always easy,” say the sisters. “It’s important that people become more aware of the way we treat those with disabilities and their families.”

That’s the aim of National Developmental Disabilities Month, created 35 years ago for the month of March to raise awareness about the support and rights of those with disabilities, as well as their community contributions. Developmental disabilities encompass not only autism and intellectual disabilities, but also ADHD, hearing loss, learning disabilities, and vision impairment.

Creating a welcoming place with a person-first approach to support and empower people with developmental disabilities is the aim of Whatcom County’s Max Higbee Center, which has been around as long as National Developmental Disabilities Month. The center supports the needs, goals, and individual preferences of over 100 teens and adults with disabilities, offering community-based recreational and social programs and services.

The Max Higbee Center moved last spring to a new, larger home at 1400 North State Street in downtown Bellingham, after eight years at its previous Bay Street spot. Photo courtesy: Max Higbee Center

The center moved last spring to a new, larger home at 1400 North State Street in downtown Bellingham, after eight years at its previous Bay Street location that was under 2,000 square feet with only one cramped room for programs.

Kait Whiteside, executive director of Max Higbee Center, says the center now has the room it needs and is also hiring more staff to alleviate a growing waiting list for program availability.

“In the wake of the pandemic, we’ve seen a higher need for social and recreation programs, and really for all human services,” she says. “There’s not another resource like Max Higbee Center in Whatcom County.”

A Welcoming Community

Alspaugh was introduced to Max Higbee Center as a teenager, and his sisters remember how wonderful it was to see their brother having fun around others in a place he felt comfortable and accepted.

As an adult, he continues participating in programs. Among his favorites: summer street art sales, in which he sells to community members the art projects he’s created at Max Higbee Center. Being able to combine his passion for art with his love of earning money is incredibly meaningful and rewarding.

The summer street art sales are just one of many opportunities available to Max Higbee Center members. Aiming to provide a “caring, inclusive, respectful and thriving community where people are empowered to grow, develop and enrich their lives,” the center provides both virtual and in-person activities. Members can also sign up for services, such as one-on-one recreational mentoring.

The pandemic shift to virtual classes, ensuring the health and safety of its members — many of whom are immunocompromised — was extraordinarily helpful for all involved, Whiteside says.

The Max Higbee Center creates a welcoming space to support and empower people with developmental disabilities. Photo courtesy: Max Higbee Center

Virtual programs, in fact, eliminated barriers to access for some members, including those in rural Whatcom County for whom transportation into Bellingham was difficult. Whether the activity is a cooking class, movie night, or book club meeting, virtual programs helped members check-in, see friends, and stave off social isolation.

“Isolation has disproportionately impacted people with disabilities for a very long time, over the course of history,” Whiteside says. “I think now there is more understanding of why we need to pay attention to that.”

The pandemic also significantly changed Max Higbee Center’s funding model. Unable to hold the April Brews Day fundraiser that made up about 40 percent of its annual budget, a mix of federal pandemic relief, private grants, and donations helped the center survive and continue.

Peoples Bank increased its support both last year and this year and recently donated $5,000 in recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

With COVID-19 cases tapering off, Max Higbee Center is back to holding in-person programs six days a week, albeit at a reduced capacity and with continuing safety precautions health screenings. Programs are available in both mornings and afternoons, and capacity for them will continue to expand.

“We’re really excited to be able to offer more time that members can come into Max Higbee Center and increase the number of individuals that we’re serving at any given time,” says Whiteside.

Curiosity for the Person, Not Just the Disability

Max Higbee Center holds a special place for LaVonne Olsen, Peoples Bank’s director of human resources and training. In addition to serving on the organization’s board since 2010, Olsen is also a parent to an adult son who uses its programs.

Ryan Olsen, pictured with mom LaVonne, has been a Max Higbee Center member since he was 14. “When I look at Ryan, I don’t see the disability,” says LaVonne. “I see his potential and all the things he contributes to the world.” Photo courtesy: LaVonne Olsen

“Access to the community is a priority, not an afterthought, at the Max Higbee Center,” she says. “It offers rich learning opportunities, and many are community-based. The building is a place to launch from, not to stay.”

Ryan, Olsen’s son, has been a member since age 14. Charming and funny, he hangs out with friends and does activities many neurotypical individuals take for granted. Karaoke, walks to the library and park, movies, and bowling are just some of the many things Ryan does through the center with his peers.

As a parent and advocate, Olsen’s message for National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is a reminder to be more curious about the human being than about their disability.

Ryan Olsen enjoys hanging out with friends and doing activities many neurotypical individuals take for granted. Photo courtesy: LaVonne Olsen

“People tend to ask me what Ryan’s diagnosis is before they ask me what is important to him,” she says. “When I look at Ryan, I don’t see the disability — I see his potential and all the things he contributes to the world.”

Jones and Waite agree, adding that kindness makes a huge difference.

“In our hectic and busy lives, we tend to forget about the needs of those with disabilities,” they say.

While we may lack awareness or understanding of someone’s challenges, celebrating the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities — and recognizing their needs and potential — is a great place to start.

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Take Part in Re-Creation of 1948 Bike Parade Through Downtown Bellingham

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Whatcom Transportation Authority

Where were you on May 1, 1948?

This photo above, courtesy of Whatcom Museum, was taken on the corner of Railroad Avenue and East Holly Street in Bellingham on May 1, 1948. As you can see, several hundred Whatcom County youth took part in a bike parade for May Day. Participants were accompanied by a marching band. People lined the streets to spectate and this photo was taken by legendary local photographer Jack Carver.

A re-creation of the Bellingham Bike Parade is being planned for 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Several organizations are coming together to make it happen: Downtown Bellingham Partnership, the City of Bellingham, Whatcom Smart Trips, Whatcom Transportation Authority, and Western Washington University, with WECU as an event sponsor.

“Jack Carver did a tremendous job of capturing the joy and enthusiasm of kids bicycling through downtown Bellingham. One can’t help but smile when they see this photograph,” Whatcom Transportation Authority’s Mary Anderson says of the historic shot. “The May Day Bike Parade hopes to re-create that joy and will be a celebration of spring, of community, and of enjoying downtown Bellingham on foot, by bike or on the bus.”

If you were riding your bike in the original parade on May 1, 1948, parade organizers would like to hear from you! Please call 360-788-9316 or email marya@ridewta.com.

Spring Time Farm’s CSA Program Delivers Fresh, Organic Produce

By

Steven Arbuckle

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Spring-Time-Farm-CSA-box — The exact contents of CSA boxes vary weekly, as the seasons dictate the produce that’s ready for harvest. Photo courtesy: Spring Time Farm

Travel north from Bellingham towards the Canadian border and you’ll find that Whatcom County boasts large swaths of fertile farmland. Just south of Everson and east of the Nooksack River, you’ll also find Spring Time Farm. Its owners, Sarah Robinson and Nick Spring, have spent years cultivating an all-organic farm while making Whatcom County their home.

Sarah is from Maryland and Nick from Portland; Nick originally came to the area to attend Western Washington University.

“And Sarah was brought here by traveling,” Spring says. “We met up 10 years ago, and I was working on some farms in the area when we started dating. About a year and a half later, we had the opportunity to rent some land from a friend and mentor of mine, and we decided to start our own business venture: Spring Time Farm.”

Nick Spring worked on a few farms before he had the chance to rent a place of his own, resulting in Spring Time Farm. Photo credit: Rose Sharon Stokley

Now in their ninth season, the two farmers talk about adjustments they’ve made to adapt changes they’ve seen in the last few years.

The couple sold their produce at the Bellingham Farmers Market for seven years before COVID hit. They also traveled to the Seattle Farmers Market for two years and loved being able to see customers face-to-face week after week. “But it’s a lot of effort to go and set up a storefront for five hours,” Spring says. “We wanted to be socially responsible, and also wanted to develop a greater connection to our customers that didn’t require such intensive labor.” That’s when they decided to offer a CSA.

Sarah Robinson makes it clear that she values the community’s investment in the future of their food sources. Photo credit: Rose Sharon Stokley

CSA stands for community supported agriculture, an idea that’s been brewing globally since at least the 1960s and took off in the United States in the 1980s. It allows consumers to subscribe directly to farms, which then provide a box of fresh vegetables every week. They also establish a local food connection that simply doesn’t exist at the grocery store. “That’s what we’ve been focusing on for the last two and a half years — the weekly box program — and also selling to local retail outlets, restaurants, and grocery stores,” says Spring.

In addition to knowing that each week their customers receive a box of the freshest food possible, Robinson values the direct relationship with folks. “It’s a committed relationship,” she says. “The community signs up for 20 weeks of food from us, and that commitment allows us to plan our whole year out and have the up-front financial support to grow a lot of beautiful food.”

Just south of Everson, Spring Time Farm produces food and provides CSA members with a connection to the land. Photo credit: Aaron Straight

His own commitment to the organic veggie business has given Spring insight into what his customers are looking for when they seek out a business like his. “I feel like people really want community and connections to the land; in the 21^st century, we’ve lost a lot of that,” he says. The couple’s motto is that Spring Time is a farm that skipped a generation. “Both Sarah and I are urban-grown, but we come from agrarian backgrounds, and if you go one or two generations back, someone in your family was working the soil. People have jobs, they have lives going on, and we want to help them connect to the land again.”

That connection is certainly important, but there’s another layer to Spring Time’s mission that’s very much about the business of day-to-day living.

Spring Time Farm members also have access to an online store that offers additional produce, like flats of strawberries, tomatoes, and bouquets of flowers. Photo courtesy: Spring Time Farm

“A lot of people are worried about food security in these times, and this CSA is a way to ensure that our farm is going to continue operating, and that our members are going to have food on the table,” Spring says. “They’re taking a risk as well as the reward because nothing in nature is ever guaranteed — there might be a flood, there might be a freeze. But in general, we’re confident in our ability to produce healthy, beautiful, nutritious food week after week, year after year.”

Anybody interested can sign up on the farm’s website, and then pick up fresh produce weekly in Everson, Fairhaven, or downtown Bellingham. There are also three Seattle pick-up locations for our neighbors to the south, and built-in vacation days so that members’ busy summer schedules won’t make them miss out on any fresh veggies. Members also have access to an online store that offers additional produce, like flats of strawberries, tomatoes, and bouquets of flowers.

The exact contents of CSA boxes vary weekly, as the seasons dictate the produce that’s ready for harvest. Photo courtesy: Spring Time Farm

Subscribers will also discover more personal perks with their membership. Since they’re focused on production, Spring Time doesn’t maintain a full-time public interface. “But if you’re a member, we want to honor that relationship, so we have events where people are welcome to come tour the farm and pick produce and flowers,” says Spring. “It’s one thing to go to the grocery store and buy some food, and it’s another to know that it was grown right here on the soil in Whatcom County, and to come out and feel that soil.”

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Whatcom County Offers Plenty of Choices for Local Breakfast Adventurers

By

Steven Arbuckle

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They say all good things must come to an end, and the owners of Bellingham’s popular Homeskillet recently announced they’re retiring from the restaurant game. It’s a sad moment for anyone who’s witnessed (and ingested) the greatness of this particular breakfast juggernaut, but thankfully there are plenty of other area eateries for those who crave something special first thing in the morning.

Whether you’re looking for a simple plate of eggs, bacon, and toast, omelets filled with almost any egg-friendly ingredient you can think of, pancakes or French toast, tofu scrambles or chicken fried steak, Whatcom County is full of places that serve up delicious, filling morning fuel. Here are just a few local options.

The Smokestack Diner

210 West Main Street in Everson
360-656-5794

A new restaurant in an old building, the Smokestack makes meals from scratch using quality ingredients. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle

Housed in a building more than a century old, the Smokestack Diner is also in the shadow of one of the few old smokestacks that remain in Whatcom County.

Owner Josh McConnell developed his culinary skills across the street at Herb Niemann’s steakhouse before opening his own place. “Being the owner and cook, I can start with a little bit better ingredients,” he says, referring to fresh-never-frozen, made-from-scratch dishes.

Pie might not be considered by all to be a breakfast food, so avoid the counter if you don’t want to be tempted by those homemade beauties. Also, it’s said that the hash brown sandwich was invented here. Other people may disagree, so some research is definitely in order.

Three Flavors Kitchen

507 Nooksack Avenue in Nooksack
360-366-8254

You can be as adventurous or as traditional as you want at Three Flavors in Nooksack. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle

I must admit that when I first read the restaurant’s sign, which reads: Italian Cuisine, Mexican Food, Asian Delights, I anticipated a potentially confusing menu. But there was no need to worry, since breakfast is a mix of old favorites and fresh new twists. In addition to traditional Eggs Benedict, there are six other varieties, including Irish and Italian options. You can order your scramble with ham and cheese or with gyro meat and all the fixings.

Three Flavors Kitchen is a family-run business and also offers up an extensive list of sides, so you can pull together your ideal dream breakfast. Beyond that, you’ll find a full lunch menu, kids’ and seniors’ menus, the Italian, Asian and Mexican menus, the specials, appetizers and desserts, and more.

“We recommend you come in on an empty stomach and be ready to have a fresh, nice, homemade meal,” says Three Flavors’ owner and chef Nicholas Apreza. “Don’t let our enormous menu overwhelm you.”

Rusty Wagon Old Tyme Food

6937 Hannegan Road in Lynden

I recommend you take the trip to the Rusty Wagon when you have a little extra time on your hands. The menu has plenty to offer, with traditional favorites, omelets, hotcakes, and French toast. The “Pile-Ups” are also certainly worth perusing. You’ll find different combinations of meats, veggies, cheeses, hash browns, and gravy stacked up high enough to satisfy any hunger.

Eggs Benedict is just one of the dozens of delicious breakfast options served up at the Rusty Wagon. Photo courtesy: Rusty Wagon

But while you wait for your food to arrive, be sure to take in all the décor both inside and out. Kids of all ages will enjoy the giant wagon, the character cutouts for souvenir pictures, the little sheriff’s office, post office, telegram office, and bank—every time you turn a corner, there’s something else to look at.

Hilltop Restaurant

5645 Guide Meridian in Bellingham
360-398-2462

When you first step into the Hilltop, the large, wide-open room with big booths and no clutter makes it possible to mistake the restaurant for a franchise in a national chain. But a look at the menu proves it’s a much homier sort of establishment, with specialties like center cut ham steak and eggs, corned beef and hash, top sirloin and eggs, pecan waffles, and much more.

It’s also clear that the folks at the Hilltop don’t want you to leave hungry. Their dishes are full of the kind of rich and wholesome ingredients that can fuel a person for any adventure and remind us why breakfast is called the most important meal of the day. They also offer catering, to bring the goodness to you.

Old Town Cafe

316 West Holly Street in Bellingham
360-671-4431

Long a staple of downtown Bellingham, Old Town is the place to go for foodies, and also those with dietary considerations. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle

If you haven’t been to the Old Town, you might need to reconsider how you spend your mornings! As you step down through the front door onto the hardwood floors, with wooden booths and tables all around and huge windows flooding the rooms with natural light, you’ll know you’re in the right place. There’s also a community table for singles who don’t need to tie up a whole table, or for avoiding the waiting list.

Two recent patrons enjoy Old Town breakfasts, orange juice mimosas, and oat milk lattes in the eatery’s outdoor seating area. Photo courtesy: Old Town Cafe

The menu is familiar and adventurous at the same time and will meet many diverse dietary needs. Most ingredients are local and organic, and they take care to use healthy flours, oils, and sweeteners in all of their homemade pastries and meals.

Love tofu scrambles? Old Town offers several takes on the dish, including a Greek tofu scramble with fresh spinach, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and garlic, as well as a garden tofu scramble with mushrooms, red onions, garlic, grated carrots, and red cabbage.

Little Cheerful Cafe

133 East Holly Street in Bellingham
360-738-8824

The Cheerful is a mainstay on the local breakfast map for a few reasons. The menu is strong, with an array of scrambles and omelets, some traditional items, and a few more adventurous specialties. There are some simple dishes, and an extensive list of sides for building a custom breakfast. The downtown Bellingham location can’t be beat, with big plate-glass windows that look out on the endless entertainment at the intersection of Holly and Railroad.

Everything is tied together with quality ingredients and, importantly, a solid sense of humor. They also dispense hot meals to people who can’t afford them, making the choice to support them an easy one.

BECU’s Free Shred and E-Cycle Event Helps You De-Clutter and Prevent Identity Theft

By

Matt Benoit

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BECU-Shred-and-E-Waste-Event-Bellingham-2022-Box-of-Docs — Friendly BECU employees will be on-site at the Lincoln Creek Parking Lot, on April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to shred your sensitive documents. Photo courtesy: BECU

Just in time for spring cleaning, BECU’s Shred and E-Cycle event is a prime opportunity for community members to get rid of sensitive documents and old electronic items for free.

On Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., BECU employees will be present at Bellingham’s Lincoln Creek Parking Lot, taking up to three grocery bags or two banker boxes of documents per person.

Old tax documents, credit card offers, and bank statements are just some of the sensitive paper documents you should shred, as they can easily be used to commit identity theft. Photo courtesy: BECU

This is the first time BECU has held a shred and E-Cycle event in Bellingham, says Todd Pietzsch, BECU’s senior manager of business development. Similar events are held twice a year in Everett, Federal Way, and Tukwila — typically in the spring and fall.

Documents will be destroyed courtesy of Shred-It, a professional document destruction service with mobile shredding units. They remain on-site until the two trucks hauling the shredded documents are full.

Each person may bring up to three grocery bags or two banker’s boxes of shreddable documents. Photo courtesy: BECU

Shredding sensitive documents like old tax papers, bank statements, and credit card offers is always a great idea, as these are a common gateway to identity theft, Pietzsch says. Tax documents are especially sensitive, given they contain your full name, address, social security number, and income totals.

“That has pretty much everything on it that somebody who wanted to commit identity theft could use,” Pietzsch says of destroying sensitive tax papers. “It just takes a few things to become you.”

Likewise, it’s important to wipe the memory of old digital devices you’re getting rid of. That means more than just deleting everything, as doing so won’t permanently destroy most digital data.

Old TVs, laptops, cellphones, monitors, and computer drives can all be dropped off for free recycling. Photo courtesy: BECU

Manufacturers usually provide instructions on how to wipe memory from old computers, phones, or tablets, ensuring that anybody who gets their hands on your devices can’t recover any sensitive information they once held.

A factory reset will usually do the trick, but in the most extreme cases, you can also physically destroy an old hard drive with a hammer or a couple of holes from a drill.

As for electronic recycling, BECU will accept old TVs, laptops, cellphones, monitors, and central processing units (CPUs) from computers through 1 PC, a local, full-service, state-certified electronic recycling company. Have an old printer, VCR, or other miscellaneous electronic item? They’ll take that, too, though a small recycling fee may be involved.

On April 16, BECU will put on its first Bellingham-based shred and electronic recycling event, allowing community members a free chance to get rid of sensitive documents and old electronics. Photo courtesy: BECU

BECU also works with E-Waste LLC, another state-certified electronics recycler and processor that works to reuse old electronics in a safe and environmentally-sound way. Both companies BECU works with are part of the state’s E-Cycle Washington program, which since 2006 has required electronics manufacturers to pay for the program as part of a producer responsibility law.

Discarded electronics are an increasing issue in many landfills and incinerators across the United States and beyond. In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated about 82% of all electronics at the end of their lifespans went to these places instead of being recycled. This puts harmful and toxic materials like mercury, lead, and cadmium in places they’re definitely not supposed to be.

According to data from the Washington Materials Management & Financing Authority, Whatcom County recycled just over 562,000 pounds of old computers, monitors, e-readers, tablets, TVs, and portable DVD players just during 2021. In total, Washington State recycled more than 15 million pounds of these devices during that same time period.

Friendly BECU employees will be on-site at the Lincoln Creek Parking Lot, on April 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to shred your sensitive documents. Photo courtesy: BECU

One other note for the shred event, should you attend: Cash or non-perishable food donations can also be made here, and both will go to support Western Washington University food bank services. These food pantry services include WHOLE (Western Hub of Living Essentials), which provides free food and toiletries to college students experiencing food and hygiene insecurity.

Although the event goes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the best time to show up is generally between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Whenever you show up, of course, the important part is that you’re getting rid of stuff you don’t need anymore, in a secure, responsible manner.

For more information on BECU and its shred events, see its website.

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