Barron Heating’s Clean Energy Approach Part of Wider Trend in Local Home Construction

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Thanks to the readers of Bellingham Alive magazine, Barron Heating AC Electrical and Plumbing recently received the gold award for “Best Clean Energy Company” in the magazine’s annual “Best of the Northwest” issue.

The honor comes on the heels of receiving the bronze and silver awards in that category in 2019 and 2020, respectively—strong proof of Barron’s continual commitment to energy efficiency in heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems for both commercial and residential buildings.

Barron continues to see across-the-board growth in demand for electric heat pumps, high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters, and solar energy arrays. Photo courtesy Barron Heating

“Our team is incredibly proud to represent environmental stewardship in the community,” says Brad Barron, the company’s chief operating officer. “It’s great to see recognition of what we’re doing in regard to energy efficiency.”

As Barron approaches its golden anniversary as an HVAC services provider in 2022, the company has seen across-the-board growth in demand for electric heat pumps, high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters, and solar energy arrays.

In addition to things like cost savings and environmental awareness, the continuing shift towards the concept of residential electrification—the use of high-efficiency systems and building practices—is being driven by changes to state and local building codes.

In February 2021, the newest version of the Washington State Energy Code took effect. The code effectively doubles the number of energy credits required per home for new construction. Implementation of the new code was delayed several times, giving Barron time to diligently strategize with collaborating home builders on how to maximize energy credits and give customers the most energy-efficient solutions for their homes.

“The demand is outpacing the supply of both product and labor right now,” says Brad Barron. “We’re always looking for opportunities to bring people into the trades.” Photo courtesy Barron Heating

“We’ve looked at the ways to select the best and right mechanical systems for each project, based on what’s important to the customer,” Barron says. “It’s been exciting to see the innovation that has been available to clients that we have, as a result of the conversations we’re having with them, the architects, the designers, etcetera.”

Barron’s approach to meeting a new code also closely aligns with the company’s three pillars of focus: comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Brad Barron says this new energy code is likely a preview of what’s to come in the following years and decades. By 2035, the Bellingham City Council hopes to have existing city homes retrofitted in ways that further the goal of clean, electric energy use for residents.

In HVAC, electrification means installing electric heat pumps, whether they’re ductless or not.

“Heat pumps can be incredibly highly efficient,” Barron says. “And you don’t have to do anything different with your home if you have a duct system.”

Year over year, Barron adds, the trend towards electric heat pumps is continuing, especially with mini-split, a.k.a “ductless” systems. These ductless systems are particularly popular and feature a single outdoor heat pump that provides heating and cooling through multiple indoor “heads” that can provide equipment-based zoning for different parts of a home. Barron has been installing ductless systems for close to two decades and was one of the first adopters of the technology in the region.

Regarding electric power production, Barron’s solar division has been booming in recent years, installing a growing number of solar arrays throughout Whatcom County. The power produced from these systems offsets the cost of the system over time by greatly reducing or even completely eliminating a homeowner’s electric bill.

Barron recently received the gold award for “Best Clean Energy Company” in Bellingham Alive magazine’s annual “Best of the Northwest” issue.

The coupling of heat pump and solar technology can have even greater results. A more efficient way to create and distribute hot and cold air means that the size of a home’s solar array can be reduced, further saving homeowners on solar panel costs while still providing the energy and bill-saving benefits of their new HVAC system.

Barron has also seen an uptick in customers moving away from traditional electric water heaters. Instead, many are choosing to install heat pump water heaters. Brad Barron says many customers choose to install all three high-efficiency systems for maximum savings.

In utilizing its great network of builders and designers, Barron is proud to be a multi-trade service provider, allowing the company to be a one-stop shop for all parties involved in a new home construction project.

“We want builders to be able to do what they do best,” says Barron. “How can we, as a partner, help them with their challenges? One of the ways is by saying, ‘Hey, you actually don’t have to change the way you build the house. We can bring all of these energy-efficient and energy-producing technologies to the table and take care of that for you.’”

And as new, more efficient homes are planned, the need for quality trade workers to build them isn’t going away.

“All of these homes—both existing homes and new construction homes—all of these mechanical systems that we’re installing are going to require folks to do that work,” Barron says. “We’re going to need skilled technicians, skilled electricians, and skilled plumbers to be able to do that.”

As new, more efficient homes are planned, the need for quality trade workers to build them isn’t going away. Photo courtesy Barron Heating

Barron Heating continues to look for and encourage applications from thoughtful and passionate people interested in becoming apprentices in their HVAC, plumbing, and solar divisions. As exciting, ever-more efficient solutions grow both at Barron and in the community, it’s as important as ever.

“The demand is outpacing the supply of both product and labor right now,” says Barron. “We’re always looking for opportunities to bring people into the trades.”

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Phyllis Self: A Passion for Education, Art and Community

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Marla Bronstein

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Phyllis Self’s home art room is a sanctuary of drawers filled with hundreds of pastels and still-life canvases on every wall that isn’t otherwise a window, overlooking stunning Bellingham Bay. This is where she currently spends at much time as possible, dedicating at least two hours every week on Zoom, creating beauty with other local artists.

For decades, Phyllis had been so focused on raising a family and doing volunteer work that she was “too busy” to make art. Phyllis is a phenomenal community volunteer, having donated hundreds of hours to local Whatcom County organizations. She received the Mayor’s Arts Award in 1994 and was named Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce’s “Woman of the Year” in 2009.

Phyllis was born and raised in Schenectady, New York. Education was important in her family—her father was the school superintendent. “The district was a nine-mile radius with a lot of apple farms,” she recalls. She majored in German at Duke University and, while there, became chapter president of the campus’s YWCA. The National YWCA took notice of her skills and invited her to attend Leadership School at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, for a summer.

The League of Women voters featured Phyllis as one of 52 honorees in 2020 who made a difference in Whatcom County. Photo courtesy Phyllis Self

Shortly before college graduation, Phyllis was again contacted by the Y and invited to apply for a position in Bangkok. The enticing offer included an around-the-world plane ticket. She wrote back, asking for more information, and received a response offering her the job. She accepted the position.

“They had built a new hostel, and part of my job was to see to the running of it for the foreign people who were coming to stay,” she says, “and also for the working Thai young women. They weren’t completely accepted by society at that point.” After a year, in 1960, Phyllis moved to Cleveland to teach and began working on her master’s degree. After teaching for only two weeks, she went on a blind date and met her future husband, Charlie, who had recently left the navy. They were married a year later, in Burnt Hills, New York.

Phyllis is an accomplished pastel landscape artist. She received her art education by attending local workshops yet refers to herself as “a watercolor dropout.” Photo credit: Marla Bronstein

For the next 26 years, Charlie’s career moved the Selfs from Cleveland to New York, to New Jersey, to Washington D.C., to Boston and, later, to Arkansas, where Phyllis received an additional degree in counseling. She had been a school board president in Massachusetts but was defeated in her attempt to be on the Arkansas School Board, where she was told, “A woman shouldn’t be on the School Board.” Even so, while in Arkansas, Phyllis helped create the Four County Northwest Arkansas Crisis Intervention Center. President Bill Clinton, governor at the time, came for the ribbon cutting with 5-year-old Chelsea in tow. All this time, Charlie continued to move up the ranks in his retail management career.

As Charlie neared retirement in 1988, Phyllis anticipated it would be a good time to move away from the increasingly populated east coast. They first considered relocating to California, where their oldest son had attended college. Seeing a TV show about Washington state inspired a visit to old friends, Bellingham residents Joe and Judy Coons.

The Phyllis and Charles Self Learning Commons at Whatcom Community College broke ground in April 2018. The three-story, 65,300-square-foot building houses a library, academic support services, multimedia center, and study and collaboration spaces. The building is named to recognize the significant service and contributions that Phyllis and Charles Self provide to the College. Photo courtesy Whatcom Community College

Charlie and Phyllis fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. “By the end of our week here,” she says, “we were bidding on property.” With the help of friends, their builder, other coincidences, and random luck, they eventually purchased a beautiful one-acre lot on the south side of Bellingham where they built their current home, with rooms and futons enough to host visits from their entire family. “When we’re all together, there are 11 of us.”

Once settled in Bellingham, Charlie got involved with board work and other business opportunities. Phyllis also hit the ground running. She set up her counseling practice in their home, where she saw clients for about 15 years.

Phyllis’ energy and passion for education, art and the community are inspiring. She continues to work hard to make things happen, and her boundless joy and enthusiasm for this community makes it look effortless. (She’s not quite as willing to be the focus of attention, as I discovered when I attempted to get her to commit to holding a showing of her own art.)

“People can make a difference if they follow their heart.” Photo courtesy Phyllis Self

After a thoughtful moment, Phyllis expresses that of the many organizations she’s worked with in Whatcom County, she’s most proud of helping with the Mount Baker Theater (MBT) restoration, and, she adds, “holding the theater together financially and organizationally after the restoration.”

Phyllis also co-chaired the Bellingham Arts Commission’s “Bellingham 2000” event, and in 2007 worked to establish the Arts District downtown, with Steve Brinn, Jeff McClure, and Bob Goodwin. She assisted the Whatcom Museum with fundraising for the Lightcatcher, and later volunteered there as a docent.

She’s equally proud of all her work with Whatcom Community College, where she was a trustee from 1996 to 2006, and has been a member of the WCC Foundation Board since 1999. Phyllis co-chaired the WCC program “Igniting Futures,” which helped fund student scholarships, college programs, and emergency needs of students.

Phyllis also volunteered in the kindergarten classes for a few years at Alderwood Elementary. “This was just prior to COVID,” she says. “I really miss those little kids.” Currently, Phyllis is brainstorming methods that will ensure instructional equity at the elementary school level, such as tutoring opportunities, so that all students receive the education they need and deserve. Her concern is motivated by “4th and 5th grade students who have lost so much in the COVID year.”

Phyllis hopes other community members looking for something to do will get involved. For those looking for guidance, she suggests they connect with an inspiring person and just start. “People can make a difference if they follow their heart.”

2021 Top 7 Under 40 Young Professionals Announced, Celebration Planned

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce

It’s that time of the year again, when we celebrate the young professionals in our region. Our annual Top 7 Under 40 Whatcom Young Professionals celebration is right around the corner. This year we have the honor of recognizing seven amazing professionals doing great work in and for our community.

The Top 7 Under 40 program was created several years ago in partnership with the Bellingham Business Journal, along with the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and the chamber program Whatcom Young Professionals.

We would like to introduce our 2021 Top 7 Under 40 Young Professionals:

Matt Lesinski
Chief Operating Officer
Veritas Media

Matt DeSpain-Tonjes, who nominated Matt, says, “Matt is a pillar in the community and extremely well respected by his peers. His humor, technical ability, and business acumen have allowed him to bring success wherever he goes.”

Here is what Matt has to say about his commitment to the community, “I’ve thrived by working behind the scenes and shining the spotlight on individuals and organizations that I adore. Over the last decade, I have curated a personal sphere that focuses on community, advocacy, engagement, and ultimately having an awesome time.”

Abby Whatley
Director of Programs
SPARK Museum

John Jenkins, who nominated Abby, says, “In addition to her significant contributions as Director of Programs at the Spark Museum, Abby has taken a leadership role in the community as the founder and leader of the education group “inspire” – made up of staff from a broad range of downtown Bellingham institutions involved in formal education.”

Here is what Abby has to say about her character, “I believe strongly, both at work and in relationships that empathy is perhaps the most valuable thing I can bring. I have found it to be far more valuable and fulfilling to lead people on journeys of discovery than it is to simply tell them everything I know or have learned.”

Sydney Sutterfield
Project Manager/Sales
Signs Plus

Kristina Dawson, who nominated Sydney, says, “Sydney Sutterfield at Signs Plus demonstrates all the qualities of someone I like to do business with. She is organized and meticulous about the details, creative, focused, insightful, resourceful, and responsible. Whatever job is entrusted into her hands is handled with professionalism as well as completed accurately and on time.”

Here is what Sydney has to say about her professional and personal vision. “If I were to describe my professional and personal vision in one word, it would be COMMUNITY. Our industry supports the business community by providing valuable marketing and branding to help them succeed. When our customers are successful, our community as a whole is successful. This success allows us to take care of our team and their families. And that is my number one goal—to support and celebrate my family, friends, team members, and community in any way I can.”

Bridget Reeves
Associate Executive Director
Lighthouse Mission Ministries

Violet Kelly, who nominated Bridget, says, “Bridget is one of the most compassionate, sharp, steadfast people I have ever had the privilege to work with. As the Lighthouse Mission’s Associate Executive Director, she leads our life-changing programs with grace and consistency with a fierce dedication to our guests.”

Here is what Bridget has to say about her professional and personal vision. “I long for people to experience rich relationships in the context of a safe community where healing can happen. It is in relationships that we have often experienced our greatest wounds, yet it is also in relationships that we experience our greatest healing and transformation.”

Patricia Boteler
Talent and Engagement Manager
Samson Rope Technologies

Raquel Hansen, who nominated Patricia, says, “She is continually looking for new ways and opportunities to improve herself and processes within the organization and her integrity is above reproach always keeping to her commitments and word.”

Here is what Patricia has to say about her professional and personal vision. “It is my mission to live my life with integrity, positivity, joy, and unconditional love; To address challenges with humor and grace; To foster a greater sense of community in all aspects of life; To advocate for what I believe in; And to make it a better party.”

Keaton Werson
Senior Manager
Larson Gross

Chris Waltner, who nominated Keaton, says, “Keaton has the incredible honor of serving non-profit businesses and their accounting needs all over the county through his role of Senior Manager at Larson Gross. He not only does this with grace, precision, humor, and gusto but he has grown the non-profit sector at Larson Gross in huge ways as he leads a successful team of professionals with excellence.”

Here is what Keaton has to say about his commitment to the community, “I am proud of the work I’ve done to help create career opportunities for other accounting professionals who want to specialize in working with nonprofit organizations. In 2015, I was only the third Larson Gross team member to focus on nonprofit organizations. Today, we have seven focused team members with several more committing significant time to work with nonprofits. Historically, WWU graduates had to go to King County to specialize in this type of work, but we’re changing that expectation as we expect to continue adding team members to focus on nonprofit work.”

Liz Purdy
Sr. Community Engagement Representative
Puget Sound Energy

Carryn Vande Griend, who nominated Liz, says, “Liz joined PSE in February 2021, but has already hit the ground running – making community connections for grants, scholarships and clean energy opportunities for non profits.”

Here is what Liz has to say about her commitment to the community, “Through my work now I get to build corporate partnerships with dozens of nonprofits, which is a true joy to be able to advocate to financially support the amazing work of so many of our nonprofits in the County.”

Live Virtual Event

Stay tuned for our live virtual event celebrating this year’s Top 7 Under 40 Whatcom Young Professionals at Veritas Media on November 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Thank you to our food sponsors for donating to the Top 7 private reception:

The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce has contributed to the success of the local business community for over 110 years. As a not-for-profit membership organization, the chamber advocates for its members by convening leaders and influencers, serving as a catalyst for business growth, and advocating for policies that bring about positive change. Visit bellingham.com to learn more. Whatcom Young Professionals’ mission is to connect and develop young, career-focused individuals in Whatcom County. We offer valuable networking through social events and community involvement opportunities that inspire growth in our members personally and professionally in a welcoming atmosphere.

Bellingham Bladesmith David Bennett Creates Functional Art

By

Tony Moceri

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David Bennett Striking Billet orig — David Bennett, owner of North Border Blades, strikes a steel billet while making a Damascus knife. Photo credit: Tony Moceri

Watching David Bennett work his craft of bladesmithing is like stepping back in time. Using steel, heat, and, as Bennett describes, an “oversized right arm,” he forms functional art. Standing close to the action, you can feel the intensity of the forge, smell the process of the metal softening, and hear the steel giving way as Bennett pounds the over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit billet. Sparks fly with each strike as Bennett methodically and powerfully begins the process of creating a Damascus knife by hand.

Bennett started his business, North Border Blades, eight months ago after retiring from a 20-year career doing intel for the Navy. Forging blades began as a hobby three years prior, and his passion for the trade continued to grow. He created an Instagram page and began taking orders. “I just like making knives,” Bennett says. “I absolutely love going to work every day, which is not something most people get to say.”

His small workspace is filled with tools that facilitate making knives that take a combination of science and art to pull off. One can easily get lost in the sound of his hand-made forge whirring and its orange glow. The anvil, forced to take all of Bennett’s blows, tells a story of every blade formed with its nicks and scratches.

The camp knife custom made by Bennett for the author features a stonewashed blade, Sapele handle, and leather sheath. Photo credit: Tony Moceri

While Bennett loves that he is practicing one of the oldest trades in the world, he is not crazy and has brought in some modern tools to accompany the ancient. His grinder, which he built himself, is used for sharpening and, at times, shaping blades and handles. He also has a modern kiln to heat a blade to a precise temperature for heat treating, the process in which the steel becomes hardened.

Bennett first became interested in blades at age 11. Growing up in rural Whatcom County, he spent his days outside running through the woods and playing on the North Fork of the Nooksack River. Slashing brush and sharpening sticks were a part of each day’s adventure, held back only by his imagination. By night, as an avid reader of fantasy books, Bennett would see the blades in the stories come to life through the authors’ words.

Damascus camp knife with maple handle and lanyard slot. Photo credit: David Bennett

It wasn’t until Bennett grew older that he realized he could create knives himself and learned that he loved the process as much as the finished product.

“My favorite type of knife to build is anything challenging that I have not yet done,” says Bennett. “I like making myself work hard, problem solve, and learn more things.”

It’s good that Bennett likes hard work because it becomes clear, while watching the process, that hard work is necessary for bladesmithing. He acknowledges that the profession is physically demanding, and often has burns on his hands as a reminder of his most recent creation. But he makes light of this, saying, “I don’t need a gym membership, and I have managed to keep my eyebrows.”

Seven-inch high carbon chef knife with maple handle and epoxy bolster. Photo credit: David Bennett

Largely self-taught, over the last three-plus years, Bennett has done a lot of research to get himself to where he is today and relishes in the fact that there is always something more for him to learn. YouTube, Google, and libraries have been the source of much of his knowledge, in addition to questioning other smiths.

Bennett has joined the American Bladesmith Society and is working towards his goal of becoming a master smith, which takes a minimum of eight years and involves blades of his making passing a rigorous series of tests similar to those seen on the TV show “Forged in Fire.”

Bennett’s passion for bladesmithing has crept into his home life, and his oldest son, Nathaniel Bennett, has also taken an interest in the craft. Nathaniel eagerly awaited his tenth birthday, because his dad told him that’s when he could begin creating a knife. The date finally arrived this past summer. Under the supervision of David, but without his help, Nathaniel is now in the process of building his first knife, from design through final polish.

Canister Damascus hunter with brass hardware and staked leather, rosewood, and epoxy handle. Photo credit: David Bennett

Bennett is looking to grow his customer base. The best way to get ahold of him is through Instagram @northborderblades.

Each knife is custom, and the process involves design for both function and form. As I went through the process of having Bennett build me a camp knife, the options I found on the internet became overwhelming. With a line of questioning, Bennett will narrow down your purpose and guide you through a process that ends in him creating a design and, ultimately, your knife.

David Bennett, owner of North Border Blades, strikes a steel billet while making a Damascus knife. Photo credit: Tony Moceri

When I received my final product, I was hesitant to put this piece of art to work, but Bennett assured me it would be a waste not to use the knife for its intended purpose. The blade has now accompanied me on multiple camping trips, and Bennett’s creation has held up beautifully.

Community Relationships Are at the Heart of A1DesignBuild’s Home Building

By

Steven Arbuckle

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Contracts Manager Justus Peterson, left, works on “tiny desks for tiny humans,” a charitable outreach pro-gram for local schools. Photo courtesy A1DesignBuild

The team that cooperatively owns and operates A1DesignBuild believes they have a responsibility to the community they serve. Their architectural designs, interior designs, and construction practices don’t just reflect on the company but also have the potential to improve the lives of their customers, as well as the population around them.

In addition to focusing on environmentally sound, sustainable design and building practices, A1DesignBuild also strives to be good financial partners. I spoke with General Manager Patrick Martin, Estimating and Contracts Manager Justus Peterson and Project Manager Thad McGowan about the ways this vision is incorporated into everyday operations.

Local business partner GTS Interior Supply offloads a stack of drywall for new construction. Photo courtesy A1DesignBuild

The company’s deep local roots gave a sense of belonging that helped steer the decision of a group employees to purchase the company and operate it as co-op. “A1 has been around since 1955 as A1-Builders, and I think it was around as Washington Builders even before that,” Martin says. “The former owner purchased it in 1976 and had it until we took over the company in 2017.”

As they continue to offer home-building and remodeling services to the area, the cooperative effort doesn’t end at the office doors. “It’s not just the 20 of us that are making it happen,” says Martin. “It’s the other specialty trades, local vendors and small shops that we’re buying from or hiring to help us get projects done—electricians, plumbers, cabinetmakers, tile setters and drywall installers.”

One of A1DesignBuild’s guiding principles—and what they’d like to see in future buildings, is what Martin calls smart materials and partnerships. “When people are working with us, they’re really working with an extended community, and we try to access local craftspeople and buy materials from local vendors,” he says.

A1DesignBuild General Manager Patrick Martin shows off some of the personal protective equipment that keeps him safe on the job. Photo courtesy A1DesignBuild

Shopping local at any level makes a difference, and when a business that receives and spends millions of dollars every year chooses to keep that money in the local marketplace, the difference is certainly noticeable.

“One of our jobs can impact well over 700 people. If you do that 25 times over the year, the financial effect on our community is great,” says Peterson. “I think that keeping everything that we can in-house, in our communities, is the real value of working with local contractors. And staying close to home is doing a lot of good for us right now.”

In addition to keeping all of that spending in the community, the efficiency gained by working with the same team can keep costs—and stress—more manageable.

“I hold what we refer to as a ‘marathon meeting’ for every project, Peterson says. “We meet with all the subcontractors on site, and give them all the specifications, drawings and everything they need to know for that job. They love our efficiency and the preparations—they just understand what they’re going to do. I think our process is so solid for them that it’s kind of second nature.”

Contracts Manager Justus Peterson, left, works on “tiny desks for tiny humans,” a charitable outreach pro-gram for local schools with other A1DesignBuild team members. Photo courtesy A1DesignBuild

As a result, they have one partnership, with Greggerson Painting, that’s been active for nearly 25 years. Most others, like Spectrum Plumbing and Bellingham Millwork Supply, have lasted at least a decade. Even their newest teammates have been working with them for years.

A1DesignBuild finds that these close partnerships pay off when it’s time to break ground and get the job done.

“We treat our subcontractors like partners,” McGowan says. “So, when I call, they answer the phone. I get to work with the same few plumbers and electricians, and if I have a question, I can just call them up. They might not even be on site yet, but I can be ready for them with a quick phone call. Those partnerships really help us be effective in the field, and good at what we do.”

While being good at what they do is a common enough goal in business, the A1DesignBuild team has decided that they also want to feel good about how they’ve done it.

“We occupy this place inside of the Bellingham community, and I think other members would agree that there is a sense of responsibility and stewardship,” says Martin. “When we’re working with a client and we’re using their money to build a project, their money is directly impacting their local community. I think that’s a really interesting cycle, and requires a high level of responsibility from our team.

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Cornerstone General Contractors Tasked With Bringing New Ferndale High School to Life

By

Matt Benoit

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EX_Main Entry - CA Banner — Photo courtesy Cornerstone General Contractors

It’s been a long time coming, but work is finally underway to build an almost entirely new Ferndale High School.

The $100 million project, green-lit by a voter-approved bond initiative in February 2019, will create a new three-story high school building totaling 220,000 square-feet. In addition, a new stadium with a turf football field and track will be constructed, and extensive renovations will be made to the school’s existing Performance Arts Center and Career and Technical Education building.

The new high school building will have adaptable, expandable classroom, lab and common areas, modern cafeteria and gymnasium spaces, and new play and practice fields for athletics. Photo courtesy Cornerstone General Contractors

Leading the construction is Bothell, Washington-based Cornerstone General Contractors, Inc., a commercial contractor specializing in K through 12 education projects. While it’s the company’s first Whatcom County project, Cornerstone has guided the construction of dozens of buildings for elementary, middle, high and alternative schools throughout Western Washington.

The new Ferndale High School building will be located in a slightly different spot than the current building, meaning classes will continue during its construction.

“Anytime a project of this size is executed on an occupied campus, it comes with certain challenges that must be planned for,” says Sam Comer, Cornerstone’s senior project manager. “We’re going to be building this 200,000-square-foot facility on the same site as a fully active high school campus. The amount of coordination and planning that goes into executing a project of this nature is extremely involved and is something that Cornerstone excels at.”

Cornerstone Senior Project Manager Sam Comer. Photo courtesy Cornerstone General Contractors

Cornerstone’s main management team consists of a tight-knit group: a senior project manager, project executive, project engineer, safety manager, and superintendent, among others. But like any large undertaking, Cornerstone can’t do it alone.

Working Together

The Ferndale High School project leverages an alternative procurement method known as “GC/CM,” which stands for “General Contractor/Construction Manager.” Unlike the traditional lump sum contracting method, where the contract is awarded to the low bidder after design completion, the GC/CM contractor is selected much earlier in design. The selection process for a GC/CM contractor typically occurs between conceptual and schematic design. Selection criteria involve a statement of qualifications, team presentation, and pricing proposal. Once selected, the GC/CM contractor provides pre-construction services throughout design to assist the architect and owner. The end goal of Cornerstone’s involvement during this phase of the project is to create a safe and efficient phasing plan that minimizes disturbance to the educational environment while maximizing program for the school.

Cornerstone is working with Dykeman Architects, an Everett-based firm that Cornerstone has worked with on a number of previous education projects.

An aerial view shows changes in process at the site. Photo credit: Jansma Design Photography

In addition to Dykeman, Cornerstone is working on the Ferndale project with Construction Services Group (CSG), a Washington State-based company which the school district hired to help plan and implement the project. CSG has previously worked on several Whatcom County projects in the Lynden, Meridian, Nooksack and Ferndale School Districts.

In addition, Cornerstone will work with 60 to 70 subcontractors to complete the project, with total on-site manpower peaking at about 130 workers during the busiest periods of construction.

Cornerstone must follow specific state requirements for procuring subcontractors, Comer says, but the company always works to find a balance between giving school districts the best value for their funding and employing local companies whenever possible.

*Another rendering of what the final project will look like. Photo courtesy Cornerstone General Contractors*

Overall, upwards of 600 or 700 people will work on the Ferndale project before it’s finished.

“It’s been a great team effort,” Comer says. “There have been a lot of people involved in making this happen.”

Making It Work

Every project comes with its own set of unique issues, and Ferndale High School’s revamp is no different.

Regarding the typically wet winters of Whatcom County, Cornerstone is planning the project to make as much headway as possible during the summer. This is especially important for earth-related work and utilities, and areas with sensitive soil profiles and concerns about high ground water levels.

The other thing about the project is that construction will continue while the school operates during the academic year. Fortunately, Cornerstone has a proven track record of building on in-operation campuses, minimizing any distractions for students and their learning experience.

The new high school building will have adaptable, expandable classroom, lab and common areas, modern cafeteria and gymnasium spaces, and new play and practice fields for athletics.

While much work remains, the project is on track to be finished in about two years, with a completion date around August 2023. Cornerstone General Contractors is both humbled and proud to be bringing the new Ferndale High School to fruition.

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Changes Proposed for Bellingham Parking

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Parking-payStation-2crew-oldandnew-Jan2020 — Public Works crews install solar-powered parking meters in January 2020. Photo courtesy City of Bellingham

Submitted by the City of Bellingham, written by Amy Cloud

The community is invited to learn about, and comment on, proposals developed to update Bellingham’s parking policies that are designed to reflect current needs and use. Opportunities to learn more and comment include participating in a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 25, as well as providing feedback via Engage Bellingham.

Public Works crews install solar-powered parking meters in January 2020. Photo courtesy City of Bellingham

Using several years of work by the Fairhaven Parking Task Force and other community feedback, Public Works Director Eric Johnston will present several proposed parking changes during a City Council public hearing Oct. 25. Further City Council discussion and action are anticipated in November.

Members of the public are invited to comment on any of these proposed changes:

Adding paid and permit parking in the Fairhaven business district;
Increasing the price to park from 75-cents to $1.50 per hour, with the price per hour increasing for longer stays in both Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham;
Parking enforcement shifting (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and adding Saturday enforcement, to reflect the time parking is in greatest demand;
Increasing the cost of expired meter fines to $41, and other parking infractions increasing to $60 to appropriately cover administrative costs and discourage the misuse of paid parking.

As Bellingham grows, parking management is essential to support businesses and support a vibrant economy. Paid parking and time limits encourage parking turn-over, which allows more access for more visitors to Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham. Meanwhile, parking garages and lots with permit parking are available, at a significantly reduced rate, for employees and others seeking longer-term parking.

Funds raised through parking fees are used to pay for cleaning, landscaping, graffiti removal and economic development, as well as for downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven organizations and City parking facilities maintenance and operations.

To provide testimony in advance of the Oct. 25 public hearing on the proposed parking changes, residents may phone (360/778-8200), mail (to 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham WA 98225) or visit https://cob.org/ccsignup. All comments will be distributed to City Council members. To comment during the Council meeting Oct. 25, visit https://cob.org/cczoom. To see the meeting agenda, visit meeting.cob.org

Other ways to provide feedback include emailing AskPW@cob.org, visiting Engage Bellingham or commenting during a City Council public comment session. For more information on proposed parking changes, visit cob.org/parking.

Hard Work and Determination Have Jolena Hoefer and Her Meridian Volleyball Teammates Eyeing a Post-Season Run

By

Tony Moceri

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feature-James — Hoefer with her senior teammates (left to right) Finnley Claeys, Malaysia Smith, Jolena Hoefer and Skyleigh James. Photo courtesy Jolena Hoefer

Meridian High School senior Jolena Hoefer is doing all she can to make the most of her senior volleyball season—a season that’s felt like a long time in the making. She’s worked since a young age to hone her skills, and the last couple of years have not gone quite as planned for her or her teammates.

The team is currently in the midst of its season and has high hopes for a state run. Two years ago, the squad had a taste of state; they went, but lost to Nooksack.

“That’s our rival, you would say, and then we lost, and we were like, ‘Okay, we have to go next year and just play even harder and work that much harder at practices,'” says Hoefer. “We gave 110% so we could make it back here, and then COVID hit, and we were like, ‘Okay, what’s the new angle? What are we going to do to still have the same drive to get there?’ We just played every game like it was our last because we didn’t know if it would be.”

Jolena Hoefer’s senior volleyball photo. Photo credit: Janell Kortlever

That effort the team put in last year is paying off now. At the time of writing, the team remains undefeated. Hoefer chalks up this success to hard work as a team and great chemistry. Hoefer, whose position is outside hitter, has been playing with many of her teammates off and on for years. The three other seniors on the team are starters Finnley Claeys, Malaysia Smith, and Skylee James. Hoefer says their time together—on and off the court—is paying dividends.

Hoefer and Claeys first stepped onto the court together in 7th grade and at the time were joined by James, who chose not to play when she entered high school. Smith moved to Meridian from Ferndale as a freshman and joined the volleyball team. Going into their COVID season, the three juniors were able to coax James back on the court. “We really needed her out there,” says Hoefer. “She’s such a bright light and just brings so much energy. It’s contagious.”

The Meridian High School volleyball team celebrates on the court. Photo courtesy Jolena Hoefer

The additional enthusiasm has proven to be a good recipe. “Malaysia is such a great setter, so it’s so easy to work with her, and all the girls are great like that,” says Hoefer. “And Finnley and I are opposites, which is cool because we’ve been friends since fourth grade.”

In addition to being friends off the court, the players also make sure to work team bonding into what they do. This is part of the culture coach Shannon Claeys, mother of Finnley Claeys, has built into the high school program—and it’s trickling through the youth and middle school programs.

Hoefer first really got into volleyball in 7th grade and has been focused on long-term success ever since. As a freshman, she was able to get on the court in some varsity matches, giving her some experience and early insight into what it would take to succeed on that level.

Jolena Hoefer during her junior season, in action against Blaine High School. Photo credit: Janell Kortlever

Hoefer is focused on the season at hand but, like all seniors, is also looking toward her future. While she also plays basketball and softball, volleyball is the sport she hopes to continue with at the next level. She’s interested in some colleges but hasn’t made any solid decisions. “I’m talking to a bunch of different schools right now,” she says.

Selecting a school is a big decision for Hoefer, both for her volleyball career and her education. On an upcoming trip to visit a school, she’ll attend a tournament that will let her see the school—and other schools—in action, helping her make a decision.

Hoefer with her senior teammates (left to right) Finnley Claeys, Malaysia Smith, Jolena Hoefer and Skyleigh James. Photo courtesy Jolena Hoefer

Hoefer plans to study business in college. Entrepreneurship runs in her family and she could see that being in her future, as well. Not afraid of hard work, she understands what it takes to have your own business and likes the challenges that lifestyle would pose.

The general public, following COVID protocols, can now attend local high school volleyball games, so you can catch Hoefer and her teammates in action. They’ll be playing matches all around Whatcom County, and if their current record is a sign of things to come, the season just might continue outside the county, as well.

Travel Expert Rick Steves Enjoys Arts & Culture Across Whatcom County in New Video Episode

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism

Whatcom County announces the release of the third of three video segments hosted by Rick Steves that feature his explorations of Whatcom County. Episode three, “Arts & Culture,” shows Steves exploring the Fairhaven and Downtown Arts Districts of Bellingham, touring exhibits, and even soaking up some historic maritime culture in the uppermost Pacific Northwest. Produced and distributed by Seattle Times Content Studio, the third of the three episodes is now live at https://www.seattletimes.com/sponsored/rick-steves-discovers-arts-and-culture-in-whatcom-county-washington/ and also at https://www.Bellingham.org/ricksteves.

Photo courtesy Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County

This segment also features a work by Lummi Nation member and Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest. Priest is Washington’s first indigenous state poet laureate, and she reads an original piece in the episode set to the sweeping backdrop of the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish People who have lived in the Salish Sea basin since time immemorial. Priest visited Steves in his Edmonds, Washington studio to record her poem.

As an example of what is in all three segments, Steves visits a working oyster farm (Drayton Harbor Oyster Farm), learns about turning Washington apples into alcohol (Bellewood Farms), and actually plays an original 1927 movie palace Wurlitzer pipe organ (Mount Baker Theatre). Steves’ fans can find all three videos at Bellingham.org/RickSteves.

Other experiences and places featured in these videos include the bayside Bellwether Hotel, Blaine by the Sea, Aslan Brewing, Sustainable Connections’ Eat Local Initiatives, Peace Arch State Park, Downtown Bellingham Arts District, Fairhaven District, Lynden farmlands, the Schooner Zodiac, Whatcom Museum, Spark Museum of Electricity, and the gorgeous coast regions of Whatcom County.

The videos were filmed, directed, and produced by All is Well Studios out of Seattle, WA, under the creative direction of Seattle Times Content Studio, Rick Steves, and Visit Bellingham | Whatcom County.

Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month With Local Artist Beth Anna Margolis at Gallery Syre ‘Meet & Greet’

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Gallery Syre

Due to the huge success, and by public demand, we are proud to announce the extension of this exhibition until February 26, 2022!

Beth Anna Margolis has been creating art for many years. Her pieces are colorful, energetic, and inspired by her love for nature. Photo courtesy Gallery Syre

Beth Anna’s pastel drawings feature many elements that speak to her persona: vivid colors, elements of nature, and inventive patterns are only some of them. Flowers, trees and leaves, and shades bright colors compliment Beth Anna’s prolific artistry. Her lines are expressive and full of movement, making her subjects truly ever interesting and lively. Showcasing this life-time collection of her paintings together with the presentation of her new book with the eponymous title “Paintings of My Life,” Gallery Syre aims to open up and share Beth Anna’s story.

Beth Anna Margolis (b.1971) is a painter and poet who has been creating art for many years. Her art is colorful, energetic, and inspired by her love for nature. The artworks and the book offer an incredible insight into Beth Anna’s world view, nurtured by her personal experiences and creative vision.

Contemporaneously, Gallery Syre will showcase the exhibition “In Dialogue,” with a selection of David Syre’s new and existing paintings and drawings.

David Syre addresses pressing contemporary topics such as Climate Change, the BLM Movement, and Faith in his neo-abstract style through bold colors and delicate descriptive elements. The installation at Gallery Syre juxtaposes large and expressive paintings, in the style of street art murals, with small and delicate works on paper, referring to the universal forces of creation and a creative approach to landscaping. The works visually communicate with the Beth Anna Margolis’ works in the gallery’s other spaces. Even if Syre and Beth Anna Margolis don’t share the same background, education, or artistic practice, their artworks similarly reflect their strong personalities and prolific art-making. Both artists dare with color, energetic patterns, and a constant reinvention of the elements of nature by which they are surrounded. Both artists’ indistinguishably lively artworks are motivated by their physical and oneiric experiences.

Exhibition Details

Paintings of My Life and In Dialogue
On view until February 26, 2022

Gallery Syre
465 W Stuart Road
Bellingham, WA 98226

Tues-Sat from 11 a.m. to 4 pm and by appointment.

www.gallerysyre.com / gallerysyre@gmail.com
Ph: 360-746-8745

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