Comcast is participating in the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the $30/month benefit can be applied to any tier of Xfinity Internet service. Today, Comcast introduced two new ways for customers to connect through ACP and both are available to any customer who qualifies in all the company’s service areas. Customers can sign up for Internet Essentials Plus, which includes 100 Mbps download speeds, a cable modem, and WiFi router, and is free after the government’s ACP credit is applied. Additionally, Xfinity Internet customers participating in ACP now can add mobile service through Xfinity Mobile.
“As a company and a society, it is imperative that we work together to help people connect to the transformative power of the Internet both at home and on the go,” said Broderick Johnson, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Digital Equity, Comcast Corporation. “The Affordable Connectivity Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that Comcast is proud to support. Connectivity is just the beginning, however. We will continue to partner with nonprofit organizations across the country to deliver digital literacy skills training so more people can learn how to take full advantage of everything the Internet has to offer.”
For more than a decade, Comcast has been working with trusted community partners, businesses, and the government to help millions of low-income households connect to the Internet and the technology they need to participate in the digital world. On February 14, 2022, the world saw how these efforts can produce inspirational results when Llulisa, a Comcast Internet Essentials customer who is enrolled in ACP, joined government leaders at the White House to tell her story about achieving her goal of being the first in her family to go to college.
Llulisa is just one example of millions of people across the country benefitting from access to the Internet through programs like ACP, which offers 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. Comcast’s expanded ACP offers to include:
Internet Essentials Plus
Internet Essentials Plus is a new tier of service for Comcast’s hallmark digital equity program that is available in all Comcast service areas to any customer who qualifies. It offers twice the download speed – up to 100 Mbps – of the traditional Internet Essentials service, which has a 50 Mbps download speed. Internet Essentials Plus is available for $29.95/month to new customers who qualify. Existing Internet Essentials customers can upgrade to this new, faster tier at any time. Customers who subscribe to Internet Essentials Plus and enroll in ACP will effectively get broadband for free after the $30/month government discount is applied.
Xfinity Mobile
Comcast’s top-rated Xfinity Mobile service, which includes 5G, is now available to customers enrolled in ACP, giving them the ability to save money on their connectivity needs inside and out of the home. Internet Essentials customers can use their $30/month ACP discount to pay for both Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile service. For example, an Internet Essentials customer (paying $9.95/month) can add one line of Unlimited on Xfinity Mobile ($45/month) for $24.95/month after applying the ACP discount. Xfinity Mobile has no line access or activation fees and comes with unlimited talk and text, so customers only pay for cellular data. Customers can mix and match between two straightforward plans on Xfinity Mobile with 5G included, Unlimited or By the Gig, and pair these mobile plans with any tier of Internet service to provide ultimate flexibility. They can also switch back and forth between Unlimited and By the Gig mobile plans at any time. In addition, Xfinity Mobile devices automatically connect 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 that is available from 8AM to 12AM daily, with multi-lingual capabilities to assist anyone interested in the program.
Project UP and Comcast’s $1 Billion Commitment to Advance Digital Equity
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.
After tallying up the cost of updates and repairs, you’re thinking about selling a house as-is. If you have to lower your price, so be it. An old electrical panel, stained carpeting, and kitchen straight out of the ‘90s mean buyers won’t consider the house move-in ready or necessarily pay top dollar. But you don’t have enough money or time to perform a bunch of work, and you’d rather just collect a decent sum and move on.
That’s fair.
Together with the help of real estate experts, including agents in the field and investors who regularly buy homes as-is, we bring you the inside track on this type of sale, including multiple ways to sell quickly and how to find buyers willing to take on homes that might need a little TLC.
When you put “as-is” on your home listing, what exactly are you conveying to potential buyers? We asked Jena Bebleh, a top San Jose, California, real estate agent at Oldham Group for clarification:
“In an as-is sale, a buyer is purchasing a home in its current condition,” she says. “That may mean the seller won’t do any repairs, even if they come up on an inspection report. The buyer is willingly purchasing the home in its current state with full knowledge of its condition.”
That last bit of her comment is critical to grasp; by selling as-is, you aren’t absolved of the duty to share what you know about the home to buyers — and an “as-is” label, particularly on an open market sale, is not a fail-safe to avoid all negotiations. You’ll need to temper your expectations a bit.
That said, selling “as-is” can still be a viable strategy if you go about it the right way.
“If you own a home that needs several repairs and don’t have the finances, or simply don’t have the time or desire to undergo the stress of home remodeling, selling as-is could be for you,” shares Jeff Shipwash of Shipwash Properties in Knoxville, Tennessee, who flips multiple houses per year and routinely buys properties as-is.
Must-Dos When You Sell a House As-Is
In a minute we’ll explore a couple of different ways you can sell your home as-is. But before we get to them, we wanted to go over a few things you’ll need to do during any type of “as-is” sale.
Provide disclosures
Selling as-is isn’t a loophole to avoid telling buyers your roof is leaking or the home needs all new plumbing. Most states have mandatory disclosures, and failing to disclose information potentially opens you up to legal liability.
“A lot of sellers say, ‘I’m selling it as-is — I don’t even want to talk about what I got going on here,’” says Edward Kaminsky, a top real estate agent in Los Angeles. “That can come back to bite the seller because if it’s proven that they did not disclose something they were fully aware of, they can be held liable after the close of escrow.”
Every state has its own legal requirements for disclosures, so check with your agent. They’ll be familiar with your state’s disclosure laws and can help to highlight your home’s positives, such as a large yard or great location, to attract your target buyer.
Label your listing “as-is”
Unless a listing specifically has the language of being sold as-is, buyers are going to assume it’s a regular sale.
“Including ‘as-is’ helps your agent connect with the right buying agents in our networks to find the best prospective buyers,” Bebleh says. “The client knows right away the seller won’t be doing any repairs.”
Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection
A pre-listing inspection offers transparency into your home’s condition and is often central to the process of selling as-is. “You’ll receive more non-contingent offers if it’s all disclosed from the start,” Bebleh adds. “Buyers will know exactly what’s wrong with the house and submit an offer based on that.”
Your Options To Sell As-Is
Photo courtesy: HomeLight
You may assume that selling “as-is” always works the same way. But you actually have two main avenues to explore: #1) Request a cash offer or #2) Sell as-is with an agent. Let’s review both.
#1 – Request a Cash Offer
One option to consider is going immediately to a pool of buyers who aren’t as worried about your home’s condition and asking them: Would you buy my house? Seriously, that is a possibility. Here’s how it works.
Let’s say your house has some pretty major flaws such as a defective roof, leaky plumbing, or foundation cracks. You need a buyer with serious capital who can afford to make repairs and salvage the place.
Or perhaps you’re a seller who relocated for a job so time is of the essence; you can’t afford to risk a drawn-out closing. In that event, requesting a cash offer is going to be the quickest way to sell without all the fuss.
Cash buyers, which can be house-buying companies, rental investors, or house flippers, are well accustomed to buying homes as-is — at least compared to traditional buyers. According to a 2020 survey of over 2,000 adults from Coldwell Banker, 80% of Americans say they would prefer to buy a move-in ready home over one that requires renovations.
Approach a cash buyer
Most cash buyers prefer to purchase homes off-market, so you’ll need to go to them rather than the other way around. We’d recommend our Simple Sale platform as a good starting point.
With Simple Sale, you tell us a bit about your home, such as whether it’s a single family or condo and how much work it needs. From there we’ll provide you with a full cash offer within 48 hours.
Skip repairs entirely
No need to call the roof inspector or drain your savings to replace the HVAC. HomeLight will provide an offer for homes in almost any condition.
Sell when it’s convenient
Want to get out right away? Or need a little more time to pack? Either way, we’re flexible. Pick a move date that works for your schedule within 30 days of closing.
Close with certainty
Cash buyers don’t need a lender’s involvement to purchase a home, meaning they can move nimbly and quickly compared to someone who needs financing. In addition, financing issues account for 19% of closing delays as of summer 2021 while processing a loan takes nearly 50 days on average.
Curious to know more about the Simple Sale experience? Hear it first hand from one of our valued clients in the video below
#2 – Sell As-Is on the Open Market
Perhaps your home isn’t a total teardown and you’re willing to see what kind of deal you could strike on the open market. In that event, you can list your home for sale — ideally with a pre-listing inspection and prepared disclosures — at a fair price and try to keep your work on the home to a minimum. In some cases you may want to determine if there are any projects worth tackling, even if it’s a pared-down version than what might be typical for a regular sale.
Hire an agent with ‘as-is’ experience
To avoid a bad experience selling a house as-is, it’s critical that you partner with an experienced real estate agent who can protect you from unscrupulous buyers and take a hard stance on negotiations.
“In these situations, agents need to do a lot of homework, checking out the buyers’ reputations, looking for ways buyers might try to renegotiate and squashing those efforts, and they need to help their sellers make the right decision,” shares Elizabeth Weintraub, a top real estate agent in Sacramento.
“‘As-is’ to many buyers means only until they squeeze for a bigger discount after a home inspection,” Weintraub warns. “I built my reputation for being tough and for being willing to sell a home a second or third time, if necessary, to weed out the unwanted buyers who were not ethical.”
Factor ‘as-is’ into your pricing, but don’t get lowballed
When you market a home “as-is,” you can’t expect to price it the same way you would if you’d planned to make targeted upgrades and repairs. However, this scenario also doesn’t require that you accept just any offer or sacrifice a huge portion of value that your house fairly commands.
“The problem is pricing it correctly to reflect the repairs required without leaving any money on the table to maximize seller profit,” Weintraub adds. “We also tend to look for buyers who want to live in the property as the value is typically higher for them, plus we have the feel-good-joy that we helped a buyer get into a home they otherwise could probably not afford.”
According to Weintraub, fixer buyers often try to take advantage of sellers, either through scare tactics like “nobody will buy your house in this condition but me” or pressure along the lines of “this is the best offer and only offer you will get and it expires in 6 hours.” But sellers should enjoy the voice of reason inherent in a good agent, she advises.
Consider high-ROI projects that aren’t much work
Robert Taylor is a real estate investor and rehabber in the greater Sacramento area with over 15 years of experience. He says that you should avoid repairs that will only marginally increase your home’s value.
“I look at repair costs and the home’s future value as a one-to-one relationship,” he explains. “If I spend ten dollars on repairs, I want to see the home’s value increase by the cost of repairs, plus ten dollars. If I spend $20,000 on repairs, I expect to be able to increase my home’s value by $40,000.:
Here are a few smaller projects that would meet Taylor’s benchmark as being worth the investment, even if you’re selling a house as-is:
Spruce up your curb appeal: Top real estate agents estimate that investing $300 in lawn care can add $1,211 in resale value, while the simple act of installing fresh mulch adds an additional $800 in value. Plus, 76% of agents say the top project a homeowner can do to boost the marketability of their home is to improve curb appeal.
Deep clean and declutter: HomeLight research has shown that deep cleaning, hauling out old junk and furniture, and removing clutter can add over $4,000 in resale value for a few hundred-dollar investment in a cleaning service and dumpster rental.
Add a fresh coat of neutral paint:Painting your home in beiges or grays depersonalizes your space to attract more offers, and the effort also increases your sale price by an estimated 1%-3%. For a home worth $500,000, that’s $5,000-$15,000 in added value. Remember that 98% of agents recommend you go with a neutral color, so pick a hue like “Agreeable Grey” by Sherwin Williams.
“Small fixes mean a higher price tag for your home,” Bebleh says.
Skip pricey cosmetic updates
Anyone considering making repairs to their home should balance their cost and time requirements against their return on investment, Taylor says. He points out that time is an often-underappreciated factor here.
“If a homeowner is already living in a different home, they need to consider the extra cost of insurance, possibly two mortgages, plus utilities,” Taylor adds. “Sellers often forget that these carrying costs reduce the return they’ll get on their home.”
A massive kitchen remodel will cost you approximately $65,000, according to the National Association of Realtors, and return only $40,000 at sale.
A complete bathroom renovation will cost around $30,000 and won’t bring a return of more than $15,000 when you sell.
Finishing the basement will cost about $40,0000 and return only $25,000 on average.
Address ‘deal killers’ if possible
While a buyer may be willing to overlook some cosmetic issues, many won’t be able to look past these big-ticket repairs. If you have the funds, you may want to prioritize these items:
Structural issues: According to HomeAdvisor, a sinking or settling foundation will cost $2,022 – $7,107 to repair. “It’s a huge can of worms,” Bebleh says. “It’ll really scare off some buyers.”
Pest infestation: The damaging effects of termite infestations cost an average of $3,000 to resolve. Because the extent of the damage can be hard to see and treating the infestation early is key to mitigating damage, buyers tend to be wary of pest infestations.
Ancient roof: Replacing a roof will cost $7,000 – $12,000. “While not always a deal killer, I’d say it’s a very large expense that really scares some people — especially first-time buyers.” With a 94% ROI, according to HomeLight’s data, you’re often better off taking this on yourself.
Pros and Cons of Selling a House As-Is
Photo courtesy: HomeLight
Maybe you’ve sold a home in the past and vowed never to negotiate with a picky buyer again. Or maybe you need to move fast and don’t have time to renovate. Whatever your motivation, consider the positive and negative aspects of an as-is sale before you make a final decision.
Pros To Selling Your Home As-Is
Leave the big repairs to well-funded buyers. A fix and flip investor will have the time, expertise, and funds to knock down a kitchen wall and install marble counters in an attempt to resell your home for more, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Increase your chance of a quick sale. As-is buyers are often cash investors. Without the financing requirements of lenders or the hassle of last-minute repairs pre-closing, you can shorten your closing timeline to as few as 10 days.
Reduce inspection haggling. On average, buyers negotiate $14,000 in savings based on inspection findings. With an as-is sale, you can try to set an appropriate price discount and communicate to the buyer that you’re not planning to offer further credits or repairs on the home, saving stress during closing.
Cons To Selling Your Home As-Is
Risk of turning off buyers. Some buyers see “as-is” and read “red flag.” According to Kaminsky, the top real estate agent in Los Angeles, buyers tend to feel more comfortable offering a higher price knowing they can ask for necessary repairs during the inspection phase (and you’re not saying upfront that you’re unwilling to work with them).
Repairs aren’t off the table. Just because you list as-is doesn’t necessarily mean a buyer won’t attempt to negotiate the costs of repairs. Of course, it’s at your discretion to determine whether accepting an offer with a request for repairs is advantageous to your bottom line. If a buyer makes a good offer and asks you to cover the cost of repairing a damaged window, for example, you might do the math and decide it’s a good deal.
Expect lower offers. This is a major con of selling as-is. “You may not always get the full value of your home,” Bebleh says. “If it’s a quick repair you’re neglecting to make, you could be leaving money on the table by allowing a buyer to devalue your home over minimal cost cosmetic defects.”
The Final Word on Selling As-Is
When you’re looking for an easy, low-hassle sale and don’t have a stash of funds in the bank to put toward repairs, you might choose to sell a house as-is.
Remember these key takeaways for the sale:
You’ll likely receive a discounted price. To maximize value, work with an agent who can help you reject lowball offers.
Explicitly include “as-is” in the listing; otherwise, buyers won’t get the memo.
Order a pre-listing inspection to help with accurately pricing the home.
Understand that even if you list “as-is,” some buyers will try to negotiate on the inspection. Again, a great agent can help you navigate through it.
Avoid pricey cosmetic upgrades, but know that tidying up and improving curb appeal can go a long way.
When your house needs a lot of work, most regular buyers won’t be interested as they’re looking to move into the house and start living in it right away. To cut to the chase, you can always reach out to a house-buying company through a platform like Simple Sale and reach your target buyer faster.
United Way of Whatcom County announced they have become the local affiliate for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a world-wide program that sends free books to kids from birth to age five. Any child in Whatcom County is eligible to enroll in this program.
“We are very excited to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Whatcom County kids and families,” said Community Impact Manager Patricia Boyce. “We know kids love getting books in the mail, but we also know this well-loved program has been proven promote literacy and school readiness. This is more critical than ever to help combat the learning slide we’re seeing as a result of COVID-19. This extremely low-barrier reading program will help promote pandemic literacy recovery throughout our community, and United Way is proud to be part of that work.”
And just 24 hours after launching, the Imagination Library program in Whatcom County, has enrolled more than 725 local kids!
How does it work?
Registered children will receive an age-appropriate book in the mail each month addressed specifically to them. The books are selected by a national committee of early childhood literacy experts with the intent to provide a variety of inclusive and diverse titles that cover feel good topics. The Blue Ribbon Book Selection Committee takes great care in choosing books that meet the different needs of children as they progress from birth to age five. There a two bi-lingual books (English/Spanish) per child per year. Books are also offered in braille.
Kids receive books from time of enrollment until their fifth birthday, at which time they receive a letter from Dolly printed in the last book (Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come) encouraging them to continue with their love of books and learning.
Recent studies suggest participation in the Imagination Library is positively and significantly associated with higher measures of early language and math development. Findings from the body of Dolly Parton Information Library research indicate the program is extremely popular in the communities where its implemented and shows promise in promoting changes in home literacy environments, children’s attitudes toward reading, and early literacy skills.
The launch of Imagination Library in Whatcom County coincides with a larger effort to expand the program throughout Washington State. A bill was introduced in the Washington State Legislature January 19 (Dolly Parton’s birthday) that would make Imagination Library into an official statewide program. Many local United Ways have joined in this effort, becoming affiliates in their respective counties. The statewide rollout is receiving strong support from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) with $2 million in matching funds to make the program even more cost effective for regional affiliates.
United Way of Whatcom County’s Imagination Library coordinator Denise Kilcline indicated they will be partnering with a variety of organizations locally to reach as many kids as possible and maximize the success of this program.
“We want every child in Whatcom County to be able to benefit from having Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available in our community,” says Kilcline, “This is a wonderful way to foster a love of reading, and to prepare our littlest learners for long-term success in school and life.”
The bus and train station next to Marine Park in Fairhaven is home to the newly renovated Fairhaven Coffee. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
You may have noticed a difference in the little coffee
shop tucked into Fairhaven Station, where the Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains come and go. Fairhaven Coffee is under new
ownership with the Machin family, who are excited to knit themselves into the
local community. Jude Machin took a few minutes to talk about what brought them
to the community and Fairhaven Coffee.
“I’m from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and my
wife Amber grew up on the East Coast. We met during college in Texas and stayed
there. After 20 years, I missed the mountains, and she missed the ocean. The
Pacific Northwest was a perfect combination that provided both,” Machin says
with a laugh.
Both
husband and wife had Bellingham in mind before they decided to make the move. “My
wife is a pediatrician and got a job offer here in Bellingham after her
residency, “Machin says. “When I came here for some guided mountain bike trips,
I fell in love with Galbraith and the area. The trails are amazing, the city is
amazing, the food is amazing.”
For
Machin, being able to bike on the street is just as important as hitting the
trails. “I’m legally blind and it’s not correctable, so I bike everywhere.
Having a town that’s bike accessible was another big factor for us.”
Jude Machin delighted First Fed customers with a pop-up coffee shop at the new Fairhaven Branch location. Photo credit: Zoe Bowen
They
bought a condo in Fairhaven in 2019 and worked with an interior designer who
would change the course of their lives in their new hometown. She owned a coffee
shop down the road and was looking into selling it.
“One
day I said to my wife, ‘We should just buy that coffee shop and run it,” Machin
recalls. “I’ve always been a coffee person — but more than just enjoying coffee,
I also understand the science of it and different methods of making coffee. And
so we bought it!”
To prepare for their new venture, the Machins attended barista training school and [the national conference] Coffee Fest, before renovating the shop for a fresh look.
The focus on locally sourced goods goes hand-in-hand with the sense of community the Machins found when they took over the coffee shop. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
As
they put roots down in the area, locals started reaching out to them, as well.
“We realized that Fairhaven is an amazing microcosm of the Bellingham
community. People and businesses help each other,” says Machin. “First Fed
heard about our plans with Fairhaven Coffee when we open our business account
with them. They invited us to do a pop-up station at their Fairhaven branch
location even before we had opened the coffee shop officially. It was
immediately apparent how supportive First Fed is to local businesses.”
“Even
other coffee shops have been helpful. They are happy to share who they use to
get a machine fixed or whatever. There’s not really a sense of competition
here. It’s more of a ‘how can I help you’ kind of thing. There are plenty of
people to buy coffee,” Manchin says.
Now
Fairhaven Coffee has opened officially, they are ready to welcome people coming
off the trains and visitors to the area. Fairhaven Coffee supports other
Bellingham businesses by stocking their products. “I would say 90% of the goods
we have in here were made within 10 miles of the coffee shop, including the
coffee, the tea, the shirts, and the puzzles,” Machin notes. The puzzles were
stocked alongside other games with traveling families in mind.
From commuters in a hurry to residents on a leisurely stroll, Fairhaven Coffee serves a wide variety of customers. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
The
Machins and their crew are prepared for Amtrak service to return to Fairhaven.
“We’ll be slammed for 20 minutes three times a day, but our team is ready for
quick turnaround. When the weather is nice, there are so many people walking to
Marine Park and they always stop
by,” he says.
First Fed is a member FDIC and equal housing lender. Meet the First Fed team in the Fairhaven branch at 1215 12th Street, Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225.
Preventative screenings will be held the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at CorePhysio's Grant Street clinic. Photo courtesy CorePhysio
If you’re an active Pacific Northwesterner, you inevitably
get aches, pains, and even strains from time to time. Maybe you’ve thought
about seeing a physical therapist for what you’re feeling, but for various
reasons haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Now, however, might be the perfect time, because Bellingham’s CorePhysio — a longtime local leader in orthopedic manual and physical therapy — is resuming their monthly injury screening clinics on the second Tuesday of each month starting March 9th, 2022.
The screenings take place in the new gym in CorePhysio’s Grant
Street location in downtown Bellingham, and are a great opportunity to have
a licensed doctor of physical therapy (DPT) assess musculoskeletal concerns,
whether it’s a client’s back, knee, hip, ankle, or shoulder.
The preventative screenings are a great chance to gain understanding of a potential issue early on, what you or a physical therapist can do about it, and even if you should see your primary physician about it. Photo courtesy CorePhysio
Elizabeth Hampton, PT DPT and CorePhysio CEO and Clinic Director, says the idea for the screenings came from a longstanding partnership with Fairhaven Runners & Walkers, a local specialty footwear business that started injury prevention screenings in their store in the early 2000s.
Pre-Covid, Fairhaven Runner’s clinics were held in the back
of their brick and mortar store location, and CorePhysio staffed the clinic
once per month for nearly 14 years. Even as virus conditions gradually improve,
Fairhaven Runners won’t be resuming their in-store screenings.
“Fairhaven Runners owners Steve and Genevie Roguski have shared their excitement to see us continue this important community access to quality PT,” Hampton says. “CorePhysio and Fairhaven Runners share a lot of the same values: we love to build and nourish a network of cool people and top-quality services. Serving our community, sharing quality educational resources for active people, and supporting an active lifestyle is important to us all.”
How It Works
During the injury screening, a CorePhysio DPT meets
one-to-one with a client to first understand what goals a client wants to
achieve. The physical therapist assesses their movements, from strength levels
to sports-specific movement patterns, and performs evidence-based tests to
understand the factors contributing to their symptoms.
The screenings are a terrific opportunity to gain
understanding of a potential issue, what you or your physical therapist can do
about it, and even if more serious medical intervention is needed.
CorePhysio’s Evan Palmer conducts an injury prevention screening. The $30 appointments last 30 minutes and can help assess a number of potential musculoskeletal concerns. Photo courtesy CorePhysio
“If it’s something the person can self-treat, that’s always
our goal,” Hampton says, adding that solutions such as activity choice, graded
exposure to progressive training, prescriptive exercises, or a change in
footwear can sometimes solve a client’s problems.
In other cases, a screening might find good cause to develop
or continue a relationship with a physical therapist, whether at CorePhysio or
another preferred physical therapy provider.
“If someone comes to an injury screen here, it’s not like
they’re being unfaithful to a PT they’ve worked with in the past,” Hampton says.
“We truly support folks in getting the care they need from the physical
therapist they choose – and of course, we’re always happy to care for folks at
CorePhysio if they wish.”
A screening might also determine a potential medical issue
best checked out by a patient’s client’s primary physician.
During the 30 minute assessment, a CorePhysio clinician will work with you to understand your strength levels, walking and running patterns, and overall fitness goals. Photo courtesy CorePhysio
“Physical therapists first, always, look for red flags to
prove that this is a problem that PT can address,” Hampton says. “There have
been situations where a client comes in and thinks they have a calf strain, and
after evaluation, clearly needed to be ruled out for a (blood) clot. We don’t
hesitate to send clients to their physician saying, ‘Yeah, this is unusual
enough that I really think you should have your primary care provider doctor
assess you.’ Safety and thoroughness always come first.”
The purpose behind these screenings, of course, is not only
CorePhysio’s desire to help people, but to help educate them about the
potential benefits of physical therapy, which Hampton describes as the best
kept secret in alternative health care. It’s also about community health equity.
“With more physical therapists going out- of- network with
insurances, it’s harder for people to find affordable care,” she says. “This
consultation is a starting point that makes it accessible to the majority of
our community, and that is our driving force.”
Preventative screenings will be held the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at CorePhysio’s Grant Street clinic. Photo courtesy CorePhysio
The difference between a screening and a full physical therapy evaluation is in the time, detail and documentation. Screenings are a big picture snapshot, assessing for red flags and making recommendations on next steps. A full PT evaluation is a longer time period that enables a deep dive into medical history, differential diagnosis and links to a course of PT treatment.
Screenings are cash-based and cannot be billed to insurance. CorePhysio is a preferred provider for most insurances and happily accepts new clients for their screening or full PT care, depending on what the client prefers or needs.
What To Know Before You Go
The preventative screenings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, with individual appointment opportunities at 5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Participants can sign-up through Eventbrite, fill out a quick waiver and symptom report, and pay the $30 fee, all in advance of walking into their appointment.
Once a screening is reserved, participants need to stick
with it: there’s no refund for no-shows and cancellations. Participating
clinicians will rotate on a regular basis, and the initial March 9th injury
screening clinic will feature CorePhysio’s Evan Palmer,
PT DPT, who has nearly a decade of experience as a sports and orthopedic
physical therapist.
If participants wish to come back to CorePhysio for
subsequent therapy following a screening, further discussion of treatment and
insurance options will commence.
So, whether your back is giving you some recent pain or
you’re nursing a possible ankle sprain, making an injury screening appointment
at CorePhysio can be a great way to begin your path to better physical function
and fitness.
And at just $30, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the cost,
too.
“A rising tide raises all ships,” Hampton says. “We’re proud to promote active lifestyles and physical therapy in our community, as Whatcom County has an incredible group of world class PTs, running stores and healers of many disciplines. Reducing barriers to connect active consumers with quality physical therapy care is CorePhysio’s goal.”
Well known for the good works it does in the community, Lydia Place is one organization that’s taken advantage of PSE’s Green Power Solar Grant. Photo courtesy Puget Sound Energy
Puget Sound Energy, through its Green Power and Solar Choice programs, has awarded $954,418 in grant funding to 13 organizations and tribes across its electric service area to install new solar projects.
Recipients range from local non-profits, housing authorities and tribal entities serving low-income and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) community members. In addition to saving recipients money on their utilities, the projects will serve to further clean energy in the region.
The annual generation of the projects will total about 514,000 kWh, annually, equivalent to powering nearly 53 average homes each year with newly installed solar from the Puget Sound region. The goal is to help local organizations reduce operating costs while also reducing their carbon footprint by using renewable energy they’ve generated.
“PSE is proud to support our grant recipients and the dedication they’ve shown to helping create a clean energy future,” said PSE Director of Product Development Will Einstein. “They, along with our customers who participate in PSE’s Green Power and Solar Choice programs, are ensuring that the benefits of distributed, local solar projects are accessible to all of our community members.”
“The Thurston County Food Bank is thrilled to be one of the recipients of this year’s Green Power Solar Grant through PSE. Our newest Client Service Center, Lacey’s Pantry, which opened its doors in April of 2021 will benefit from the solar installation,” said Development Director Judy Jones, “The Food Bank is committed to shared community values which includes green energy and recognizes the commitment that PSE has made in our community through this unique and impactful grant.”
Recipients partnered with local solar installation companies such as A&R Solar, CapStone Solar, MAD Energy NW, LLC, South Sound Solar, Sphere Solar Energy and Western Solar. The solar companies helped recipients complete their grant applications and will work to have their solar panels installed and producing energy in 2022.
In addition to the nearly $1 million in grants awarded this year, PSE has provided an additional $2.4 million in grant funding for 35 projects over the last 4 years, resulting in over 1,100 kW of newly installed solar capacity, and nearly 1,100,000 kWh of annual generation. PSE’s Green Power Solar Grant program will release another competitive funding cycle in summer 2022.
Brant Geese were the original stars of this festival with Whatcom County being a stop on their legendary migratory journey. Photo credit: Eric Ellingson
There is elegant symmetry in the flight of birds, gliding in graceful arcs on the wind far above the ground. In Washington state, migratory patterns and resident waterfowl have long brought this timeless beauty to the shores of Whatcom County, celebrated each new year with the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival. Debbie Harger discusses how the annual Wings Over Water celebration marries family fun with science and environmental appreciation.
The festival began more than 20 years ago, then known as the Washington Brant Festival in honor of the unique species of geese that touches down in Blaine and Birch Bay on its migratory route back to Canada.
“The Brant goose goes down all the way to Baha, California, and stops here on its way back in both the sinter and the spring,” says Harger. “It was called the Washington Brant Festival for the first few years, and then we realized despite being home to a host of other birds, we were limiting the focus on just Brants, so that’s when we changed the festival to Wings Over Water. We will be celebrating our 20th year next year.”
The festival owes its longevity and success to presenting an engaging and adaptable program every year in Whatcom. “We’ve been around for a while and we’re really proud of our festival,” Harger says. “It’s a premier festival in Washington state and we [consistently] bring in people from faraway places.”
Several field trips are planned for this year’s Wings Over Water, a festival that celebrates the incredible fowl found on Whatcom County’s coast. Photo credit: Debbie Harger
In 2020, Wings Over Water felt the pandemic’s effects along
with everyone else, being forced to cancel the event in wake of shutdowns. “In
2021, we decided we were going to try a virtual festival and ended up putting
together three days of virtual activities,” says Harger. “It turned out
wonderfully and we had over one thousand viewers that tuned in, with some as
far away as Australia.” This year, the festival is presenting a hybrid setup,
planning both virtual and in-person events.
“We have so many cool activities planned for kids this
year,” Harger says. “We’re going to have a couple of family field trips to
Birch Bay State Park, we’ve got birdhouse building, a Build-A-Bird Presentation
field trip, educational activities, a walking bird hunt, bird puppets, and an
interactive story time with instruments followed by a kitemaking activity.” The
building a birdhouse activity has grown into a family favorite at Wings Over
Water.
“We have real bird houses put together by amazing
volunteers that the kids put finishing touches on with parental help,” says Harger.
“We do that every year by donations and most of those activities are free for
the kids.”
Wings Over Water is perfect for family fun and activities including bird house creations your kids can finish and take home. Photo credit: Carolyn Calhoon
The festival also plans to charter the historic Plover ferry
that runs between Blaine and Semiahmoo as another event for families to
consider. “It’s about educating kids,” Harger says. “After all, they’re going
to be the next ones taking care of our environment.”
Wings Over Water draws festivalgoers of all ages and
satisfies an array of avian interests. “There will be some field trips for
adults at Birch Bay, Semiahmoo, and Blaine,” Harger says. “We also have an
offshore cruise that San Juan Cruises helps with for two trips showcasing
species you can’t quite see very well from the shore.”
This year’s keynote speaker, Paul Bannick, is a Wings Over
Water veteran, having been the choice for featured speaker in 2020 and a virtual
presenter in 2021. “Paul is fantastic, and his photography is amazing. He is so
interesting, and he just makes you want to go outside right now and find some
owls,” Harger says with a laugh.
This year’s featured artist, acrylic painter Lisa Abbott of Ferndale, will present her enchanting avian paintings for the expo. “She’s local and kind of just getting into her art,” says Harger. “We are glad to give someone local, like Lisa, who paints different kinds of birds and other wildlife, this opportunity.”
Common Goldeneyes, native to Alaska and Canada, visit Whatcom’s coast every winter. Photo credit: Joe Meche
Wings Over Water is set to take place March 18-20 as a three-day weekend event keeping up with current Washington State Department of Health guidelines. “We have to be somewhat conscious with the number of guests, so the registration will be available on Eventbrite once the schedule is available online,” Harger says. The schedule should be online in early February and there are several activities still to be determined. For more information on registration, an updated schedule of activities, and a comprehensive catalogue of educational birding content, please visit Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival.
From underwater
roads to thousands of homes experiencing standing water, displacement, or
worse, the historic flooding and sub-freezing temperature events of 2021 have
brought an onslaught of damages to our community. But the damage goes far
beyond what is visible. With extreme winter weather comes excess water, which
carries with it harmful contaminants that enter our waterways, wells, and
municipal water systems.
Photo courtesy: Barron Heating
Typical stormwater
from rain or snow either permeates the soil or remains on top of impermeable
surfaces like pavement and roofs, flowing as runoff (www.watertectonics.com). In addition to soil erosion, reduced
groundwater levels, and habitat impairment, excess stormwater can be highly
polluted, picking up any and every contaminant in its path. Soil, pesticides,
animal waste, salt, oil…it’s all swept into the stream (www.water.unl.edu).
Whether you’re taking a shower or washing the dishes, the average
family home uses more than 300 gallons of water every day (www.epa.gov). And with a wide range of bacteria and
pollutants that can create concerns for your health and home, it’s essential to
ensure that water is clean. There are several steps you can take to improve
your water quality. A Sediment and Carbon Filter Cartridge Set is a great first
line of defense, as it oxidizes specific impurities like iron, chlorine, and
sulfur in your water, catching contaminants before they pass through your tap.
This type of filter can also remove other nuisance contaminants, all adding up
to water with better smell and taste.
Photo courtesy: Barron Heating
Unlike a filter that removes chemicals and improves taste, a UV Water
Treatment System treats water that is confirmed for microbiological
contamination. With this system, water is exposed to UV light as it passes
through a steel chamber, killing bacteria and viruses otherwise missed by
softeners or filters. Paired with pre-filtration, a UV Water Treatment System
creates the ultimate safety net for clean water in your home.
Finally, a water softener is the match for hard water. It exchanges
minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron for low levels of sodium, resulting
in water that is easier on your pipes, appliances, skin, and hair. Combined
with a water conditioner, a full Point-Of-Entry Water Conditioning and
Treatment System takes a traditional softener to the next level, filtering
out additional minerals and raising the pH level of acidic water as needed (www.water-rightgroup.com).
Photo courtesy: Barron Heating
While flooding can
take a toll on water quality, prolonged freezing temperatures can damage
equipment, leaving water equally unusable. From frozen wells to frozen pipes
causing limited access, leakage, or repeated flooding, it’s no mystery why
winter weather can be so destructive. Even existing water treatment systems can
be taken out by flooding or cold temperatures, especially if the systems are
installed outside or on an outer wall.
It’s undeniable the power of water—both good and bad. And when extreme
events touch our community like the flooding and cold in our corner of
Washington, it becomes apparent that people aren’t taking their water for
granted. Having access to clean, quality water straight from the tap is key to
a truly comfortable and healthy home. Our Barron Plumbing team of experts is ready to help.
For a limited time, get up to $400 in combined savings with a series of
treatment systems, including $50
off a Sediment and Carbon Filter Cartridge Set, $100
off a UV Anti-Bacteria System, and/or $250
off a Water Conditioning and Treatment System. Give us a call today! As your Pacific Northwest home and building
performance experts since 1972, we stand by Our Mission: Improving Lives™.
The restaurant’s waterfront views are incredible, complementing the sea-centric menu that rolls out every spring and summer. Photo credit: Sarah Hardy Photography
Whatcom County’s Salish Sea skirts along the western edge of Bellingham, creating a breathtaking tableau for businesses along the shores of Bellingham Bay. Among these gems nestled on the coast is the beloved Chrysalis Inn and Spa, home to popular eatery Keenan’s at the Pier. Keenan’s is no average seaside restaurant but a haven for any foodie looking to revel in the spoils of a fresh and thoughtfully curated menu — all while soaking up a spectacular view over the water. Keenan’s has long been a favorite in the community and this spring brings a handful of new updates for its guests to enjoy.
Food and Beverage Director Abby Skywalker dishes on what guests can expect at Keenan’s as the restaurant transitions into a new spring season. “We’re still playing around with a lot of different ideas,” she says. “We had this scallop rendition on the menu of one of our regional dinners that every guest thought was just absolutely fabulous, so I will push for that to become our next scallop dish come spring, summer.”
Keenan’s is an apt date night hotspot, with a welcoming and intimate atmosphere. Photo credit: Sarah Hardy Photography
Skywalker explains the overall theme of the new menu as Keenan’s finalizes the season’s plans. “The menu will be brightened up and more citrus forward,” Skywalker says. “We will be using more fresh ingredients.”
The spring update is a part of Keenan’s biannual menu
change, but don’t expect all the same dishes recycled from last year. “There
are definitely things that are a staple, like our fish tacos and our burgers,”
says Skywalker. “There are things that stay on the menu and stay classic, but
there are also items that we change to reflect the season, like the scallop
dish. Come spring and summer, we also add a lot more seafood because we have
such great access to local fisheries.”
A cocktail soaks up the sunset on the patio railing at Keenan’s at the Pier. Photo credit: Sarah Hardy Photography
As seafood takes center stage for the warmer months,
Keenan’s continues to establish a legacy of quality seafood sourced locally,
with the exception of overnighted mahi-mahi from Hawaii. “Our fish tacos are
classic, everyone loves the fish tacos,” Skywalker says. “Our scallops are
always a hit, and we always get big, gorgeous, beautiful scallops to serve. A
local fishery, Sea to Shore, comes and delivers our salmon right to us and
having that fresh seafood really makes a difference.”
Skywalker is excited to reestablish relationships with several local vendors while simultaneously creating new connections as Keenan’s completes its spring/summer menu. “We have really good relationships with local purveyors,” says Skywalker. “This area has so much bounty in the spring and summertime.”
Keenan’s serves mouthwatering cuisine sourced from local fisheries. Photo credit: Sarah Hardy Photography
One of the most anticipated additions to Keenan’s at the
Pier this spring is the major refurbishment of the terrace. “We have had a
patio area outside the restaurant heated and covered for years now, offering
outdoor seating in a comfortable environment with a beautiful view,” Skywalker
says. “It got the owner thinking about also heating and covering the happy hour
terrace space outside the Living Room. We decided to extend the pergola where
the wisteria grows and put a louvered cover on it so it can be opened or closed
depending on the weather. We’re going to heat it so it will be another
year-round space that guests can enjoy.”
The terrace will also have extended service, meaning guests
can order off the same menu from the restaurant while relaxing al fresco — no
reservations required. Skywalker hopes the improved terrace space will be an
inviting refuge for people strolling down the boardwalk, coming off a day of shopping,
or seeking a spontaneous date night.
Seafood is a main staple of Keenan’s spring and summer menu. Photo credit: Sarah Hardy Photography
As a whole, Keenan’s at the Pier is a restaurant with an
allure for any event. “We have beautiful space for date night with dividers at
most of the tables facing the water, creating a more intimate space,” Skywalker
says. “We also have banquet space, people can rent the meeting room upstairs,
and the living room and terrace with the extension on the pergola is available
for bridal parties, weddings, baby showers, or even retirement parties.” The
newly enhanced terrace is a perfect choice for any special gathering,
demonstrating all of Keenan’s best qualities in one cozy spot.
Skywalker expresses her love for the natural beauty of the
restaurant’s location in Bellingham, a vista that’s impossible to replicate and
cannot be missed. “At sunset or even when it’s stormy, we have the best view
for seeing all of it roll in,” Skywalker says. “We always take a minute during
dinner service to appreciate the sunset.” Keenan’s at the Pier is a Whatcom County
jewel, serving guests incredible atmosphere, impeccable service, and delectable
cuisine.
Join Keenan’s last regional dinner event until October with a true celebration of Irish food and tradition on March 17. Find out more details here.
Two nationally respected journalists and Washington state’s attorney general will speak on the importance of local journalism for healthy communities and democracy in a free online forum.
Slated for March 17, the online
forum is sponsored by nonprofit newsroom Salish Current, serving Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties, in partnership
with Village Books.
Themed “Trust 2022: Why Independent Local News is Important to a Strong Democracy,” the event will feature Margaret Sullivan, Washington Post media columnist and author of “Ghosting the News: Local Journalism and the Crisis of American Democracy;” Bob Ferguson, Washington state attorney general and supporter of local journalism; and Hedrick Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, documentarian and author of, among other books, “Who Stole the American Dream?”
The forum comes at a time when the number of daily and weekly newspapers in Washington state has declined 11% from 2004 to 2019, and the number of daily and weekly news readers has declined 37%.
The crisis of disappearing local
news readership and news literacy has resulted in the proliferation of
misinformation, political polarization and mistrust of democratic institutions.
The forum will examine the consequences of shrunken newsrooms, absentee
ownerships, and the death-throes of the legacy newspaper business model
dependent on subscription and advertising revenue.
The two daily newspapers in
Whatcom and Skagit counties and the weekly papers in Skagit and San Juan
counties are owned by absentee corporations.
The forum addresses what can be
done to bolster local news reporting and to rebuild trust in democratic
institutions. It will also discuss how community support for nonprofit,
independent community newsroom like Salish Current which are free to
read and free from advertising can serve as a viable, innovative community
resource.
