A Palette of Many Colors: Meet the Inspiring Team Behind Gabriel’s Art Kids and the Robert Williams School of Arts and Sciences

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Creativity and inspiration bloom wild in the presence of diversity. At Gabriel’s Art Kids and the Robert Williams School of Arts and Sciences, an inclusive and unique staff weave artistry with childhood development, fostering limitless imagination.

Gabriel Miles, the founder of both schools, knows just how special her team is. “They are amazing,” she says. “I love having different teachers from different backgrounds. They bring such a wonderful flavor to the program, [which] helps our students recognize all the many ways art can be used in life.”

Early childhood education teachers hand out gifts at graduation as little ones go on to the next phase of their artistry and education. Photo credit: Gabriel Miles

Rémy Coutarel, head of marketing for the schools, sat down with WhatcomTalk recently to introduce some of GAK’s and RWSAS’s instructional team.

Coutarel hails from Clermont-Ferrand, France, and is the illustrator behind RWSAS’s colorful mascots, the Octopodes. Encouraging children to view life’s complexities through a vibrant mode is a focus for Coutarel as a teacher and artist, beyond his marketing responsibilities at GAK.

Coutarel is in awe of the other GAK and RWSAS teachers, emphasizing the incredible range and depth of their gifts and experiences. “I think what’s fantastic about all of our teachers is they have such a strong identity in who they are, what they like to do, and what they are passionate about,” says Coutarel. “We all have such a different background in what we teach and form of education we’ve had and special things we’ve done.”

Gabriel’s Art Kids recently held a staff awards and recognition party named the GAKy’s. Photo credit: Gabriel Miles

Na’Kita Zylstra is a behavior specialist with GAK, helping children process and manage their emotions using a healthy approach. Such skills are an invaluable asset when encouraging students to flourish and have confidence in their own creativity and learning. “I have a lot of experience working with children with special needs,” Zylstra says. “I am currently a Western student working towards a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education, and I plan on going on to get a doctorate’s degree in physical therapy in the future. I am a disabled student of mixed ethnicity, which helps me bring a unique perspective to my students.”

Spanish teacher David Moreno’s family emigrated from Mexico and his first language is Spanish. He has an AA in political science from Berkeley City College and a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University. Coutarel says Moreno understands the importance of creativity in everyday life. “He believes that creating art is a superpower and is excited to see his students use those strengths as they acquire Spanish at Gabriel’s Art Kids.”

The After School Art Program is an excellent way to introduce young students to the countless benefits of an art-based education and help them grow in their own ideas and confidence. Photo courtesy: Gabriel’s Art Kids

Mackenzie Brown is the theater teacher for preschool, pre-K/kindergarten, and grades 3-5. “I studied musical theatre at Central Washington University and have performed in many different places in Washington and was involved in a European tour through Bulgaria and Italy,” says Brown. “My family is a performing family, so it only made sense that I followed suit. I also currently work for a company called Enchanting Events and play Cinderella and the Evil Queen for kid’s parties and corporate events.”

Early childhood educator Autumn DiNicola blends a deep love for caregiving seamlessly with her knowledge of the arts. “I consider myself creative and have a fond appreciation for the arts,” DiNicola says. “I write poetry, sing, dance, draw, and love visual arts, including film and photography. I’ve always had an interest in child development and working with young kids and am a caregiver by nature. After receiving my degree in early childhood, I became a mother and becoming a mom made me feel whole.”

GAK and RWSAS teachers nurture a welcoming and artistic environment for students to flourish. Photo credit: Gabriel Miles

Jennifer Lindstrom has a strong concept of integrating art and education as the upper elementary teacher for the Robert Williams School of Arts and Sciences. She attended San Francisco State University and majored in art education with an emphasis in painting. “After graduation I went into education, but it lacked art,” says Lindstrom. She left education and went into painting, working as a professional artist with her own interior design company, which rolled into a career as a set painter for the movie industry. “After moving to Bellingham, I was able to finally bring my two passions together: art and education. Being a part of the ground floor for starting an arts-based school is what I feel I’ve been preparing my entire life to do and working alongside Gabriel and her vision has been an amazing experience.”

After School Art Program teacher Olivia Giles works with grades 3-5 and helps transport kids. Known as “the girl with the crayon earrings” and an artist of photography and three-dimensional work, Giles encourages her students to discover their own artistry and avenues for creating. She imbues her passion for arts education in her teaching and believes her students can fully express themselves through the arts as a healthy and inspirational method of learning.

From left to right: Rémy Coutarel, Na’Kita Zylstra, Olivia Giles, Abbi Bailey, Laurie Eyre, Anna Norton-Berch, Andre Potet. Front: Molly Ferguson. *Photo credit: Gabriel Miles*

Teacher Abbi Bailey also transports and educates kids in the After School Art Program at GAK. Working with kids grades 3-5, Bailey fosters inquisitiveness and imagination in her students while helping them discover their world through art. Bailey holds a B.A. in design from Western Washington University and often translates nature into her own artistry.

After School Art Program Lead Teacher Anita Zvezda received a Conservatory Certificate from the American Music and Dramatic Academy in New York City and is currently studying visual communications at Whatcom Community College. Anita instructs and works with a plethora of art mediums and views art education as a therapeutic outlet for their students to express originality and imagination.

After a glimpse into the unique qualities and lives of just some of GAK’s and RWSAS’s teachers, the essence of Gabriel Miles’s organizations takes shape, showcasing a multilayered appreciation and awareness for the arts in education. This staff brings diversity and distinctive experiences to their instruction, helping students gain familiarity with their own innovation and opening their minds to new ideas.

“Each teacher not only brings their own medium and talents but their art interests as well and they couldn’t be more vastly different,” Miles says of her schools’ invaluable instructors. “They are truly what gives GAK life.”

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Walk Back Through Time With Lynden Pioneer Museum’s New Director Amanda May

By

Margaret Bikman

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Amanda May feature — Amanda May is the recently appointed director of Lynden Pioneer Museum. Photo courtesy: Lynden Pioneer Museum

Having grown up in Everson, it’s fitting that Amanda May — the recently appointed new director of the Lynden Pioneer Museum — says one of her favorite museum exhibits is its replica of old-time Main Street, which includes a 1950s soda fountain, period shops, a pharmacy, a dentist, doctors’ offices, and a glimpse to see the “upstairs” areas from the merchant shops.

“It’s so authentic and the storefront is so incredibly well-made,” she says. “I walk by them every day and still notice little things I hadn’t noticed before.”

May stepped into her new role in December, when the museum’s previous director, Troy Luginbill, chose to move on after nearly 30 years.

As a graduate of Nooksack High School, May remembers a lot of community, lots of friends, and involvement in sports, church events, and school activities.

The Lynden Pioneer Museum is located at 217 Front Street. Photo courtesy: Lynden Pioneer Museum

“After a few years into school and my working career, I knew my role would have something to do with business development,” May says. “Being part of a company and seeing potential or assisting in sustaining successful programs is extremely fulfilling.”

May learned quickly that she had a knack for seeing and efficiently reorganizing messy company structure, whether it be system programs, organization processes, or overall structure of a company’s inner workings.

Amanda May is the new director of Lynden Pioneer Museum. Photo courtesy: Amanda May

“Some companies I helped were starting from scratch and some just needed help reorganizing,” she says. “No matter what their level of need, I was there to make sure they could be efficient, productive, and successful.”

The director position came about a little out of the blue, she says.

“I had previously been on the museum board as the treasurer,” says May, “but full time I was a project manager with a company out of California that sold and managed large projects for commercial furniture.”

She wasn’t looking to make any changes in her work life. Then Troy Luginbill, museum director for 27 years, decided to take his leave last October.

Farm implements and machinery are a popular display at Lynden Pioneer Museum. Photo courtesy: Lynden Pioneer Museum

On his Facebook page in October, Luginbill wrote, “I have reached the goal I set out to reach: To make sure a museum that is as amazing and wonderful as the Lynden Pioneer Museum realized the dream that was established in 1976.”

“That dream is complete,” he posted, “and the museum has the ability to move into the second phase of its life as the citizens of Lynden create a new dream of what the museum is and will be for the community.”

After Luninbill’s announcement, board members chipped in to make the museum work before implementing a long-term plan to find a replacement. Because May’s current job was so time-consuming during the week, she struggled to find time to help.

A replica of Main Street in Lynden’s early days is exhibited at Lynden Pioneer Museum. Photo courtesy: Lynden Pioneer Museum

“Then,” she says, “it just clicked. My thinking went from, ‘I can’t do both my full-time job and be a board member,’ to, ‘Why do I have to split my time?’ Her skills and talents were a perfect fit for what the museum needed. She began to really think about being the director and pitched the idea to the board, proposing to revamp the museum from an administrative and operational standpoint.

Luginbill left the museum in a position that the exhibit side was taken care of, she says, and it wasn’t something the museum needed to worry about. The board of directors voted her in as director in November and she started in December. “It was a perfect fit for the time and the timing couldn’t have been better,” May says.

For those who’ve not visited the museum, it’s a wonderful walk through time. Three floors display exhibits on the area’s early industries, and its early settlers and Native American cultures.

Amanda May is the recently appointed director of Lynden Pioneer Museum. Photo courtesy: Lynden Pioneer Museum

One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the extensive collection of wagons, antique cars (including the first mass-produced GM electric car), horse-drawn carriages, and farm implements.

May also likes the war exhibit and says anyone with military appreciation will find it fascinating. It includes memorabilia brought home by local soldiers from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

One of her favorite aspects of her position is program development and she plans to introduce educational programs, as well. She says there will soon be updates and new material that will allow kids of all ages to interact with local history and looks forward to a partnership with schools that will offer field trips that align with lesson plans.

“We are working on getting an online view of all our events for the year, and we are hoping to have an open house in the spring as well as the one we usually have in the fall.”

May and the board have big ideas and, ultimately, want to see the museum be successful. “We’re starting with a great foundation and will build on that while keeping the Lynden Pioneer Museum authentic.”

For more on the museum, please visit lyndenpioneermuseum.org, Facebook, or call 360-354-3675.

Tax Tips From the Experienced Tax Preparers at Northside Tax Service

By

Stacee Sledge

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No one needs a reminder that it’s tax time — the annual issue is on everyone’s mind during this phase of the year. And perhaps none more so than tax preparers, who are deep in their busiest season. Trained professionals stay on top of the voluminous Federal Tax Code and never-ending tax law changes, so you don’t have to.

Northside Tax Service in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood was created to provide a different kind of tax service: not just professional, but also local and friendly. More personal, not corporate, where clients can return every year and really get to know their tax preparer.

WhatcomTalk recently checked in with Northside Tax Service’s preparers, to learn a bit about them, and share a few of their favorite tax tips.

Crystal Sprague

Crystal loves to interact with clients, so tax time is her favorite time of year. She’s been preparing taxes for 18 years and when she’s not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and cooking. She likes to make her own jams, meals in a jar, and has been working on making her own vanilla extract.

Before her career as a tax preparer, Crystal worked for an immigration lawyer, where she gained knowledge about foreign tax topics, such as ITINs and Affidavit of Support. In addition to being a tax preparer, she’s Northside Tax’s ITIN Acceptance Agent and notary public.

Crystal’s tip: “Talk with a tax professional before you retire to avoid tax surprises.”

Debby Barrau

This year marks Debby’s 21st tax season. When she’s not doing taxes, she works as a Spanish interpreter for Whatcom County courts. As a farm owner and landlord, Debby understands the intricacies of farm and rental income. Before her time in Bellingham, she traveled the world as part of the United States Foreign Service. She’s lived in Indonesia, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, and Puerto Rico.

Debby’s favorite tax tip? “Make sure to keep good records, especially if you’re self-employed,” she says. “Track your mileage throughout the year, record your expenses, and keep self-employment taxes in mind.”

Katelynn White

Katelynn is a recent Western graduate with a major in business administration. She has a background in bookkeeping, which makes her a great resource for clients who have small businesses and are self-employed. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her horse, Blitz, going camping, and spending time with her three dogs.

Katelynn’s tip: “It’s a good idea to have a mid-year check-in with your preparer to make sure you’re on track for next tax season.”

Mary Carlson

Before becoming a tax preparer, Mary took an early retirement for six years and sailed around the Pacific. One of her favorite locations was New Zealand. When she came back, she got a degree in accounting at Bellingham Technical College. During this time, she started working as a tax preparer and now has 17 tax seasons under her belt.

Mary’s tip: “For tax year 2021, you can deduct up to $300 ($600 if you’re married filing jointly) in cash donations made to qualifying charities, even if you take the standard deduction,” she says. “If you itemize, you can write off up to 100% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for cash contributions to qualifying charitable organizations.”

Michael Langley

Michael is a Western alum with a degree in finance. He loves numbers, which makes complicated tax returns — such as those with stocks, investments, and rentals — his favorite.

After work, he likes to watch Jeopardy and old movies, especially from the 1940s through 1960s. In his spare time, Michael is a board member of the Mount Baker Rock & Gem Club and likes to explore our area for various rocks.

Michael’s favorite tax tip: “If you have a rental or installment plan, you should keep your tax returns longer than the recommended three years,” he says. “For rentals, you should typically keep them back to the year you started renting out. For installment plans, you should keep returns back to the year you began the plan.”

Relieve yourself of tax-time stress by turning to the trusted, experienced Northside Tax Service team. Visit their website or call 360.922.0235 to schedule an appointment.

Northside Tax Service is located at 1530 Birchwood Avenue, Suite D in Bellingham. They are open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Nationally Recognized Virtual Comedy Club Has Bellingham Connection

By

Matt Benoit

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Nowhere-Comedy-Hayden-LeMaster-Bill-Burr-Studio-Set — Bill Burr is among the big names who've graced the Nowhere Comedy virtual stage. Photo courtesy Hayden LeMaster

COVID-19 changed life in many ways for many people. But it was especially tough for performing artists, who make their living because large groups of people show up to watch them.

Still, silver linings and workarounds emerged. For comedians, it was virtual shows.

Using Zoom and other video conferencing platforms, many comics were still able to entertain groups of people, now in the comfort of their own homes, and even make money while doing so.

One of the most successful virtual comedy productions in the country is Nowhere Comedy, a virtual club that has hosted shows featuring Bill Burr, Greg Proops, and even Monty Python’s John Cleese. The brain child of stand-up comedians Steve Hofstetter and Ben Gleib, Nowhere Comedy was featured prominently in a New York Times article last year about livestreamed stand-up.

Nowhere — and LeMaster’s graphic work — was featured in a 2021 New York Times article about livestreamed stand-up comedy. Photo courtesy Hayden LeMaster

As a digital media experience, graphics make up an essential part of Nowhere Comedy: the club’s logo is a skyline comprised of worldwide landmarks including Big Ben, the Sydney Opera House, Canada’s CN Tower and the Space Needle.

The man behind this logo is Bellingham-based graphic designer Hayden LeMaster. The 2016 Western Washington University graduate runs his own graphics company, LeMaster Graphics, and began working with Hofstetter in 2017.

“It’s so cool,” he says of being part of Nowhere.

LeMaster, 29, grew up in Sumner, Washington, and moved to Bellingham to attend WWU. He began doing graphic design part-time to help pay bills while pursuing a marketing degree. Eventually, LeMaster got more serious about it, obtaining a business license, and reducing his quarterly college credit load. He also picked up a part-time gig doing newsletter and graphic work for a local e-commerce company to help pay rent.

Bellingham’s Hayden LeMaster designed the logo and other graphics for Nowhere Comedy Club, a virtual comedy platform that’s held shows by Bill Burr and John Cleese. Image courtesy Hayden LeMaster

After graduating, LeMaster transitioned to full-time work. Local clients have included the Bellingham Bells baseball team, Old World Deli, Downtime Taps, and Ferndale Food Bank, among others. He’s also done website and merchandise design for a number of bars, breweries, and restaurants across the U.S., specializing in logo-based stickers.

As a big comedy fan, LeMaster was always interested in being professionally involved in the industry.

“I reached out to Steve for that exact reason,” he says. “I’d been a fan of his well before that. I’d seen him, I liked his comedy, and I knew he was a comedian with a business sort of mind.”

After introducing himself and his work to Hofstetter via email, LeMaster was hired to help Hofstetter with his 2017 tour posters. He continued in this capacity in 2018, and in 2019 began creating flyers for individual shows. He was set to do the same thing in 2020, but then the pandemic hit.

What Hofstetter and many assumed would be a several weeks pause on normal shows quickly turned into an uncertain timeline. It didn’t take Hofstetter long, LeMaster says, to take up virtual shows.

LeMaster (far right) has run his own graphic design company since graduating from Western Washington University in 2016. Here he’s pictured backstage at Seattle’s Neptune Theatre with performing comedians, pre-pandemic. Photo courtesy Hayden LeMaster

“It was pretty much immediate,” he says. “If Steve sees an opportunity to do something with comedy or business, he just does it. Which I think is part of why Nowhere was so successful, because they kind of had the first move advantage.”

Hofstetter created “Laugh From Home,” a Zoom-based fundraiser to help up-and-coming comics who’d suddenly lost their incomes. After that, the “Social Distancing Social Club” — a weekly group comedy hangout — was born. The show has now logged about 380 episodes and is still going strong.

Nowhere Comedy Club officially launched on April 1, 2020, and LeMaster designed the welcome and introduction screens, as well as the general Zoom backdrop.

The situation was convenient for LeMaster, whose work with Hofstetter became a stop-gap from the loss of work from traditional small business clients, many of whom suspended advertising or closed due to COVID-19.

Hayden LeMaster, second from left, has been doing graphic design work for comedian Steve Hofstetter (third from left) since 2017. Photo courtesy Hayden LeMaster

Most Nowhere shows are just $10 to watch, and LeMaster says the club has managed to do something unexpected: reach new comedy fans. Suddenly, those who wouldn’t or couldn’t get to traditional shows — whether due to disability, distance, or affordability — could experience live professional comedy without leaving their couch.

“It really made comedy accessible to a lot more people,” he says. “A lot of people who are regulars now on Nowhere Comedy had never been to a comedy show.”

Performers have two options for Nowhere shows, either zooming in from home or using the Nowhere Comedy studio in the Los Angeles area. The latter is actually Ben Gleib’s garage, converted into a space with a stage, 4k cameras and three large projection screens that allow a performer to see up to 150 audience members in front of them.

Among the more unique shows Nowhere has hosted was a 2020 New Year’s Eve party hosted by Gleib and Proops. The duo welcomed guests Ryan Stiles and Dave Foley to the show and held an after-midnight cocktail class for VIP ticket holders.

Another highlight: a one-man show from John Cleese. The 82-year-old comedy legend heard about Nowhere from his daughter Camilla, a stand-up comic, and wanted to get involved, LeMaster says. Cleese wound up doing a one-hour show from his home in Dubai, telling jokes and stories.

Those who paid for $60 VIP tickets got to ask Cleese questions in a Q&A after the show, something that LeMaster and his father were excited to be part of.

“It was just the coolest thing ever,” he says.

Bill Burr is among the big names who’ve graced the Nowhere Comedy virtual stage. Photo courtesy Hayden LeMaster

In addition to Nowhere, LeMaster has designed the branding and logo for Steel City Arts Foundation, Hofstetter’s Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, project to create a live/work/play environment for comedians. Transforming a former church property, Steel City will feature a dormitory, podcast studio, comedy library, and live and virtual stages for up-and-coming comedians and other artists.

Even with the pandemic seemingly in retreat across the U.S., LeMaster says Nowhere Comedy remains viable; another virtual show featuring Cleese took place March on 18.

LeMaster’s non-comedy work is also picking up again. Although the last two years have thrown him a few curveballs, he’s happy how things have turned out.

“The part of my job that involves people being in-person is profitable again, and the part that involves people being locked down at home is still doing okay,” he says. “It’s a nice place to be at.”

Bellingham Bells To Host April Spring Break Camps

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by the Bellingham Bells

The Bellingham Bells are excited to announce an exciting spring break camp for young athletes this April. The Bells and their coaches will host two sessions for young athletes. Both boys and girls of all skill levels, ages 6-13, are encouraged to attend.

The Bellingham Bells Game Ready Spring Break Camp will offer two sessions April 4 & 5 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and April 6 & 7 (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.). Both sessions will offer the same content, so participants are encouraged to pick the time/date that works best for them. The game ready spring break camp will focus on getting athletes ready for spring competition through drills, game play and hands on instruction.

“We are thrilled to be adding more programming for local baseball athletes,” Bells general manager Stephanie Morrell said. “Growing the game is important to all of us within the organization and we are pleased to be able to offer some opportunities for our local athletes to grow their knowledge of the game while working with our Bells coaches and players.

Registration for the Game Ready Spring Break Camp is available at www.bellsgear.com. Cost is $150.

The full line up of camps for 2022 includes:

Game Ready Spring Break Camp (Registration opens 2/15)
- April 4 & 5 10 AM – 1 PM *or* April 6 & 7 3 PM – 6 PM (pick one)
- Ages 6 – 13, $125
Bells Learn to Play Camp (previously offered) (Registration opens 4/1)
- June 21, 22, 23 | 10 AM to 1 PM
- Ages 6 to 12, $125
Bells Pitching & Hitting Camp (previously offered) (Registration opens 4/1)
- July 16 & 17 | Pitching 10 – 11:45 AM, Hitting 12:15 – 2:00 PM
- Ages 6-14, $125 for both pitching and hitting or $75 for one
Bells Catchers/Infielders Position Specific Camp (Registration opens 4/1)
- July 11, 18, 25 and August 1 | 4 – 5:30 PM
- Ages 12+, $200 for entire series
Bells Hitting Series (Registration opens 4/1)
- July 11, 18, 25 and August 1 | 5:45 – 7:15 PM
- Ages 12+, $200 for entire series
Softball (Registration opens 4/1)
- July 22 and 23 | 10 AM – 1 PM
- Ages 6—13, $125
Fall Instructional League (Registration opens 7/1)
- September 10, 11, 17 and 18 | Times TBD and dependent on age group
- Ages 6 -14, $225

Helping Whatcom County Connect to the Transformative Power of the Internet Both at Home and On-the-Go

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Internet Essentials - Kids on Stairs — Photo courtesy: Comcast

Submitted by Comcast, written by Rodrigo Lopez

There is a significant challenge in Washington for communities big and small. We call it the digital divide, and it exists in Bellingham and Whatcom County. For over a decade, we’ve worked hard to address this challenge and have connected nearly 4,000 households in Whatcom County to high-speed Internet at home, many for the first time, through our Internet Essentials program.

Internet Essentials addresses the barriers to internet adoption through free digital literacy training resources, the option to purchase a discounted computer, and low-cost, high-speed Internet for under ten dollars a month, plus tax. Through this program, we’ve been able to connect students, families, and communities needing affordable internet resources. But more needs to be done.

Comcast plays a vital role in helping connect people online, and that includes offering solutions both in and outside of the home. Now, through our participation in the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), we have an unprecedented opportunity to help more than 16,000 people in Whatcom County, including nearly 7,000 in Bellingham, connect to the Internet both at home and on the go.

Nearly a half a million Washington residents may benefit from access to the Internet through programs like ACP, which offer a $30/month discount on Internet service ($75/month on Tribal lands). Any Xfinity Internet or Internet Essentials customer who qualifies can use it to save money on their Internet bill and take advantage of these offers.

Comcast has introduced two new ways for people to connect through ACP, and the $30/month ACP benefit can be applied to any tier of Xfinity Internet service. Eligible customers in Comcast’s service areas can sign up for Internet Essentials Plus, which includes 100 Mbps download speeds, a cable modem/WiFi router device, and is free after the government’s ACP credit is applied. Additionally, Xfinity Internet customers participating in ACP can add mobile service through Xfinity Mobile, which includes 5G and automatically connects to millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country to reduce customers’ dependence on cellular and save money.

Signing up for ACP

New and existing Xfinity Internet or Internet Essentials customers can visit www.xfinity.com/acp or call 844-389-4681 for more information to determine eligibility and sign up. Customers can also call to speak to a dedicated ACP Enrollment and Support Center from 8 AM to 12 AM daily, with multi-lingual capabilities to assist anyone interested in the program.

Other Connectivity Options

We know that thousands of Washingtonians also depend on community centers for access to the Internet, and our Lift Zone initiative aims to address that need. Through our Lift Zone initiative, we have equipped 92 community centers with free internet service throughout the state. Lift Zones provide thousands of Washington residents with locations to access online education, healthcare, and employment resources.

This year, some of our Lift Zones will also receive a state-of-the-art technology makeover from Comcast, including new laptops and technology that will help our community partners offer job skills training, education, computer classes, internships, and more. Lift Zones in Washington may be found at: https://www.internetessentials.com/learningSearchPage.

Connecting more people to the Internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been a core focus for Comcast. Looking toward the next ten years, Comcast is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. For more information on Project UP and the latest news on efforts to address digital inequities, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.

For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education. Families and households can apply for the program at www.internetessentials.com or by phone at 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

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Get To Know Julie Ranson, First Fed’s Local District Manager

By

Tony Moceri

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Julie-Ranson-First-Fed — Photo courtesy First Fed

There’s something about Whatcom County that just draws people in. Often our incredible geographic features are the initial attraction, but it’s the people and hometown sense of community that propel folks to stick around. It was those qualities that attracted Julie Ranson to First Fed.

During her 33 years in banking, Ranson felt too many customers were being treated like numbers. While she was not looking for a change, the First Fed community culture had strong appeal. So she jumped at the chance to join the team as District Branch Manager.

“Customers at First Fed are treated like family,” says Ranson. “They walk in the door, and everybody knows their name. It’s like Cheers. It’s pretty amazing.”

Ranson grew up in Lynden, a small town near the Candian border. After graduating from Lynden High School, she took a bank teller job, which led her down the path that became her career. Ranson worked her way up to management positions at different banks in the area.

Her management experience prepared her for her current leadership role which she started in January 2022. Ranson works out of the Fairhaven branch and oversees all Whatcom County branches — Fairhaven, Barkley, and Ferndale. Ranson says everyone has been great to work with, and she looks forward to helping her team grow — while growing alongside them.

Ranson says that First Fed operates in a way that attracts people who care about what they do and the community it impacts. The result is to retain and grow a top-notch team of talented, dedicated professionals. In 2021, First Fed was recognized as a “best workplace” by Puget Sound Business Journal and a “best-in-state bank” by Forbes.

Julie Ranson with First Fed Regional Retail Manager, Troy Wills. Photo courtesy First Fed

“First Fed is passionate about what I’m passionate about—helping customers find the best products and building those relationships, as well as the community,” Ranson says.

That community focus means a lot to her. As someone who grew up in Whatcom County, she loves being part of a business that allows her to give back — and First Fed puts its money where its mouth is. Ranson and her team recently organized a $5,000 donation to local nonprofits that provide community support. First Fed also offers every employee 24 hours of paid time each year to spend volunteering.

In the brief time she’s been with the bank, Ranson has already put those volunteer hours to work in the community through her role as a board member and committee chair for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS). She’s thrilled that First Fed compensates her for being a part of something she feels passionate about and would do for free. Ranson appreciates the compounding effect on the community from every employee having this benefit.

When not working or volunteering, Ranson loves to travel — and even strives to do that through giving back locally. She recently returned from her second trip to Belize, which she won at a Rotary auction. While she enjoyed soaking in the tropical climate, she was even more impressed by the locals. “The people are so kind. I would pick out a couple of bracelets that cost $20 and try to slip in an extra $5 as a hidden tip,” recalls Ranson. “Every single time they would count it and go, ‘No, ma’am, you overpaid,’ and try to give me the tip back.”

Ranson enjoying the PNW outdoors. Photo courtesy Julie Ranson

She’s hopeful that her next trip will be to Tuscany, which she bought at another charity auction but has been on hold because of COVID. While waiting for that trip, Ranson and her boyfriend, Mark, will spend time outside enjoying all the beauty Whatcom County has to offer. One of their favorite activities is getting out in their boat to crab and shrimp.

Ranson has two grown children who also live in Whatcom County, just five minutes from each other. Her son is in the construction industry, and her daughter followed in her footsteps with a career in banking.

Ranson’s long-term plan is to keep enjoying life in Whatcom County in between trips abroad while also making the most of her role with First Fed. She’s excited to help the bank continue to grow while keeping their collective values at the forefront.

Meet Julie and her team members at First Fed branches during Customer Appreciation Week that runs Friday, March 18-25, 2022. Enjoy treats and enter the prize drawing for a gift basket featuring local businesses.

First Fed Fairhaven Branch in Bellingham.

First Fed is a member FDIC and equal housing lender. See First Fed’s open roles in Whatcom County.

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The Jansen Arts Center Bids Farewell to One of Its Finest

By

Kelley White

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woman holding painting — Karen Bacon is an artist in her own right, affording her a unique perspective in her work managing exhibits. Photo courtesy: Karen Bacon

Unbreakable legacies are built by those who understand the hard work and dedication it takes to create them. The staff at Jansen Art Center embodies an incredible work ethic, continuing to develop comprehensive programs and opportunities for each new generation of artists in Whatcom. As the Jansen Art Center evolves, it is with grace and honor that its team thanks departing longtime colleague Karen Bacon, artist and former exhibits manager, for her time and commitment to laying the groundwork for the exhibits.

Artist Terry Redden began volunteering at the J six years ago, wishing to pass on some of his unique artistic experience and knowledge. “In the art center’s early days, they were choosing more fledgling-type artists and that’s good, but you need to build a place that represents the best of,” he says. “What is the best, what is good art? Karen understands how to create or enhance that agenda.”

Its standard of creativity and commitment to local artists sets the J apart from other galleries. Photo courtesy: Jansen Art Center

Alongside her unwavering appreciation for local artists, Terry says Karen always sought to continuously raise the standards in exhibits through meticulous care and organization.

“The art center became a place that wasn’t just a little local gallery, but a spot on the map where it would join the ranks of some of the top commercial galleries in Washington state,” Terry continues. “It’s now a landmark, and she is singlehandedly responsible for raising the status of the art center.”

The level of focus and attention to detail Karen brought to the J always left her coworkers in awe of her skills. “Karen works with precision and growing enlightenment,” Terry says. “She’s very interested in learning and fine tuning her craft and remembers people’s names better than anyone; she always knows the images that people produced and is like an encyclopedia.”

Karen Bacon is a beacon of true professionalism and dynamic leadership in her field. Photo courtesy: Karen Bacon

Jansen Art Center Executive Director Vin Quenneville ruminates on Karen’s work on the exhibits committee and the quality she brought to the J. “One of the big areas of responsibility on her plate was managing the exhibits committee,” Vin says. “Her personality is a really good fit for managing a group of volunteers; she leads by example and sets the stage for everyone to know what the expectations are.”

To Karen, the highest priority has always been not about finishing a project for the sake of it being done, but rather ensuring her elevated standards were met with calm efficiency.

“As an artist,” she says, “I was originally drawn to the J as a beautiful and inspiring venue for exhibits. And, as a creative person, I find it rewarding to support other creative people in the arts. Developing the exhibits at the J has been a rich experience — with the many talented artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and a wonderful team of volunteers.”

High-profile artists trust the Jansen Art Center with their precious work, proving the art center’s reputation for quality standards precedes them. Photo courtesy: Jansen Art Center

Local artist Nancy Canyon worked with Karen two years ago as together they prepped a show of Nancy’s work in the J’s Piano Room. “Karen is intuitive at matching artists’ work and setting up shows that are alive and flowing,” says Nancy. “She such a lovely person and has helped make the J a dynamic center for beautiful art. She will be missed, but I’m sure her elegance will grace us at upcoming J openings in the future.”

Another local artist, Ron Pattern, sings similar praises.

“I had an exhibition at the J in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, and Bacon was a joy to work with,” he says. “She was professional and accommodating and her sense of space and design were impeccable when it came to displaying art. I’m sad to see her leave the J but wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors — I know she will succeed.”

Jansen Arts Director Lindsey Gerhard worked closely alongside Karen for the past year and a half, looking up to Karen as a mentor and an invaluable resource. Now, Karen passes on her duties to Gerhard, who understands the intricacies of artistry in Whatcom and Karen’s vision for exhibits.

Exhibits are one of the strongest elements of the Jansen Art Center organization. Photo courtesy: Jansen Art Center

“Karen is so warm, and so classy,” Lindsey says. “I really loved working alongside her on all the exhibits at the J. She was there quite a long time and over the years got to develop the exhibits into one of the most meaningful parts of our organization.” Thanks to Karen, the J now exhibits high-profile artists that have come to trust the art center with their work.

Lindsey says she appreciates the reputation of exhibits and carries her respect for its thriving structure into her own leadership. “One of my favorite parts about exhibits is being able to work with different artists from all different kinds of backgrounds and experiences and calibers of work,” she says. “[Exhibits] have grown and created an environment that upholds a standard of quality but also prioritizes inclusivity to provide a space for artists to grow and continue their work.”

“Her sense of space and design were impeccable when it came to displaying art,” says local artist Ron Pattern of Karen Bacon’s talents.

This has become an illustration of how the J itself has evolved. “There’s a clear path now where you can take a class here, you can hone your skill in open studios, you can create your art and then set it to display in exhibits or sell in our gallery shop, and then maybe eventually teach here,” Lindsey says. “Everyone has had a part in connecting that full circle of experiences and it’s great to see that play out in exhibits.”

For Karen, it was always a delight to see artists of all ages and experience levels be excited to have their work exhibited at the J, “and bringing their loved ones in to share the experience together,” she says. “I’ll miss the collaboration with both the artists and the volunteers.”

The Jansen Art Center is proud to acknowledge Karen Bacon’s enormous impact on its growth with utmost gratitude and appreciation, and the entire Whatcom art community looks forward to watching Karen flourish in her future endeavors.

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Bellingham Bells Seek Host Families for Summer 2022

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Bellingham Bells host family — Photo courtesy Bellingham Bells

Submitted by the Bellingham Bells

The Bellingham Bells are currently accepting applications for host families for the 2022 season.

During summer 2022, 35 collegiate baseball players will call Bellingham home as they compete for the Bells. The 2021 Bells roster spans the entire nation and includes players from Tulane University, University of Texas, University of Washington, Washington State University, Stanford, UCLA, USC and many others.

“Our host families are some of the best in the Pacific Northwest,” Bells’ general manager Stephanie Morrell said. “The way players are welcomed in every year contributes to the great experience they have here in Bellingham. Relationships don’t just last for the summer, but for a lifetime. Families stay in touch with players long after they take the next step in their professional career.”

Players will begin to arrive as early as May 26^th and will continue to trickle in depending on the completion of their academic calendar. Players will stay through the summer season, which concludes in mid-August. During the three-month season, players will spend approximately half of their time on the road.

Basic requirements for host families are to provide a clean, non-smoking, safe and pleasant environment for the player and to provide meals when players are in town. We ask that players have a private room with their own bed, as well as access to a bathroom, kitchen and laundry area.

All host families will receive complimentary tickets to all home games for each member of the family living at home, as well as a 50% discount on registration for Bells’ Coaches Camps for each (age appropriate) child living at home. Host families will also receive special Bells merchandise, a 20% discount on all Bells team merchandise throughout the season, an invitation to a host family celebration, and a special day at the ballpark on August 7 where the team and the community will honor host families.

For more information about how you can be involved in our host family program, please contact Bells’ general manager Stephanie Morrell at (360) 746-0409 or stephanie@bellinghambells.com

Re-visit this 2014 WhatcomTalk feature about one local family’s experience as a Bellingham Bells host family.

Use Daylight Saving Time To Spring Forward With Home Energy Savings

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Puget Sound Energy

Daylight Saving starts on Sunday, March 13, bringing the promise of sunshine, flowers, and the most popular time of year for home improvement projects. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) wants to remind customers that it has energy saving rebates that can help keep project costs low, reduce your carbon footprint, and even lower your energy bills.

From home improvement to spring cleaning, PSE recommends these energy saving tips for projects both big and small:

1. Clear the way for efficient heating and cooling

Spring is a great time to clean heating return registers and replace furnace filters. Looking to upgrade your heating system? Ductless heat pumps come standard with heating and cooling! Whether you need help deciding which equipment works for your home or are considering specific options, PSE offers rebates on a variety of home heating equipment.

2. Take advantage of the latest home technology

Devices like smart thermostats allow you to control and keep tabs on home heating usage from anywhere – and this year you can also take advantage of a $75 rebate on select models on the PSE Marketplace.

3. Receive a $500 instant discount on electric hybrid heat pump water heaters

Heating water is the second-highest use of energy in your home. We’re making it easy to buy efficient heat pump water heaters at participating Lowe’s and Home Depot locations.

4. Seal in the savings with home weatherization and insulation

Proper insulation can help keep cool air in and summer heat out. You can also lower your energy bill by preventing heating or cooling loss through unseen leaks and seams with air sealing. Bundle and save with a bonus rebate up to $400 when you combine multiple weatherization rebates in one project.

5. Make an energy saving plan

The more you know, the more you can save. Understanding how much energy your home uses and assessing your home’s efficiency is the first step in staying comfortable year-round. Update your home’s profile in your pse.com account, and use the Analyze My Usage tool to get customized energy saving tips and make an energy savings plan for your household.

Want to learn more? Check out pse.com/marketplace for instant rebates. For additional tips to increase the energy efficiency of your home and learn about PSE’s other rebates, visit pse.com/rebates. To get started on a project today, find a safe and dependable Recommended Energy Professional (REP) at pse.com/rep.

Crystal Sprague

Debby Barrau

Katelynn White

Mary Carlson

Michael Langley

Signing up for ACP

Other Connectivity Options

1. Clear the way for efficient heating and cooling

2. Take advantage of the latest home technology

3. Receive a $500 instant discount on electric hybrid heat pump water heaters

4. Seal in the savings with home weatherization and insulation

5. Make an energy saving plan

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