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19 Tips for Enjoying Ski to Sea Weekend

By
LocalTalk Contributor
-

Submitted by Peoples Bank

It’s almost that time of year again. That wondrous time in between spring and summer in Whatcom County when the excitement of the long Memorial Day weekend meets the legendary multi-sport team relay race, Ski to Sea. Sunday, May 26th marks the 51st year of the Ski to Sea Race and the 19th year of Peoples Bank being the title sponsor for this historic event. In honor of this milestone, here are 19 tips for Ski to Sea spectators and event goers.

1. Where do I go to win free money?

Free money? From a bank? Yes! Located near the race finish line at Marine Park, the Peoples Bank booth will offer visitors a chance to win $20. Come spin our prize wheel for a chance to win cash and other sweet prizes!

2. When do the first racers start coming through the finish line?

Around 1:20 pm is usually when the first racers start coming in on their kayaks. If you’re cheering for a specific team, check out this link for live race tracking.

3. Can I bring my dog?

While dogs are allowed at the race finish as long as they are on leash, please be aware that Marine Park is very crowded and noisy, so we don’t recommend you bringing your furry friend. PLEASE NOTE:  dogs will not be allowed in the beer garden. Also, don’t bring your cat. Cats notoriously hate organized team relay races, for obvious reasons.

4. What is the weather going to be like?

We can’t control the weather, but we’re hoping for sunshine. The race will be held rain or shine, so we advise checking in the morning and dressing appropriately.

5. Can I suggest an idea for a new leg of the race?

You can’t. But we did. Check out this video to see what we came up with! Spoiler Alert: none of our ideas were adopted into this year’s race but we are hopeful 2025 will be our year.

 

6. Where should I park?

While attending Ski to Sea and the adjacent Fairhaven Festival is a rite of passage for Whatcom County locals, the parking situation can be a challenge. To avoid the mayhem, we suggest using public transportation, walking, or riding your bike to Fairhaven. WTA’s red line bus (route 1) will run three times between downtown and Fairhaven. Four extra buses have been added for the day. Route 14 leaves downtown and hits Western Washington University’s C-lot before proceeding to Fairhaven. That route leaves every 45 minutes on race day. Cost is $1 each way or you can use a WTA bus pass. For more information on bus routes and schedules call 676-RIDE or visit www.ridewta.com.

If driving is a must, carpool with your friends if possible. If you want to park near the finish line, i.e. Marine Park, we suggest using the paid parking lot on 6th and Harris. The lot has paid parking available from 9 am-8 pm and all proceeds support Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition. There is also a park-by-donation lot at Sacred Heart Church (corner of 14th and Knox Avenue starting at 12:20 pm. All proceeds support Agape Service Project’s services to the farmworker community of Whatcom County.

7. When does the Beer Garden open?

The good news is the beer garden opens at 1 pm. The bad news? No dogs or children are allowed. The other good news: Boundary Bay Brewery is supplying four beers on tap in the beer garden including a brand-new Race Day IPA brewed specially for the event. Other beers on tap will include a pale ale, blonde, and scotch. Lost Giants cider and boxed wine will also be available. The other bad news: the beer garden closes promptly at 6:45 pm.

8. Is it true that some people run the race without using a vehicle or without different racers for each leg of the race?

Yes, both those things are true, and we were as shocked to learn them as you are! There are a variety of different race divisions, and all are highlighted at the award ceremony.

9. What food vendors will be there?

There will be many food vendors throughout the Fairhaven district on race day. At the finish line in Marine Park, here is a list of vendors to check out:
Bay City Ice Cream
Bry’s Filipino Cuisine
El Agave
Feast
It’s The Sweet Thing
Moe’s Gyros & Crab Cakes
Mt Baker Kettle Corn
Tam Tam Pizza

10. If I eat one item from each of the food vendors, do I win a prize?

We don’t have anything formally planned but that would be an impressive feat. Tell you what, if you bring a receipt from each food vendor to the Peoples Bank booth, we’ll hook you up with something special.

11. Where do I go to watch a specific leg of the race?

Cross-country Ski (4 miles) – The race starts at 7:30 am at the Mt. Baker Ski Area. Note that due to low snowpack, the XC ski leg for this year is not yet confirmed. Average time: 41 minutes.
Downhill Ski/Snowboard (2.5 miles) – Mt. Baker Ski Area beginning near the Day Lodge. Note that due to low snowpack, the XC ski leg for this year is not yet confirmed. Average time: 37 minutes.
Running (8 miles) – Mt. Baker Ski Area beginning by the Ski Shop and ending at the Shuksan DOT Station. Average time: 57 minutes.
Road Bike (41 miles) – Shuksan DOT Station to Riverside Park. Please note that there is no spectator parking at the DOT Shed. Spectactors can park at the Sno-Park 1/4 mile away. Average time: 2 hours and 8 minutes.
Canoe (18.5 miles) – Riverside Park to Hovander Park. Average time: 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Cyclocross Bike (11 miles) – Hovander Park in Ferndale to Squalicum Harbor. Average time: 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Sea Kayak (5 miles) – Squalicum Harbor to Marine Park. Average time: 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Total race is approximately 90 miles (145 km) and average finish time is 9 hours and 45 minutes

12. Can I participate in the Race?

No. Don’t be ridiculous, the teams filled up weeks ago. But it’s never too early to start planning for next year…

13. Can I still get Ski to Sea merch even if I’m not a racer?

Of course! You can still remember the great times with hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and more. And yes, you can pay by card. Just visit the Ski to Sea merch booth located right next to ours.

14. What time is the awards ceremony?

The awards ceremony starts at 5 pm led by Master of Ceremony and Peoples Bank Assistant Marketing Manager extraordinaire, Will Butela!

15. Who should I contact if I have questions about the Race?

The Ski to Sea race is owned and operated by Whatcom Events, a volunteer-operated community 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Contact them at info@skitosea.com or by phone at 360-746-8861. The Race Director, Anna Rankin, and Assistant Race Director, Aurielle Buermann, are both a delight. Highly recommend saying hello and thanking them for all the work they do to make the race happen!

16. What about volunteering to help out on race day, can I do that?

Remember Anna and Aurielle from earlier? They’re a good starting point. Helping out is great and we appreciate you asking us. The race certainly wouldn’t be possible without all of the amazing volunteers. Get more information here or contact Ski to Sea’s Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Beck, at volunteer@skitosea.com.

17. What should I wear to watch the racers finish at Marine Park?

Follow your heart! We suggest a light jacket in case it gets windy by the water and some sunglasses in case you want to look cool ? Forgot your sunglasses? Come try your luck at the Peoples Bank prize wheel. You could win a new pair and rep your favorite local community bank!

18. What is the Fairhaven Festival?

The Fairhaven Festival is held by the Fairhaven Association. They will have a ton of great food and shopping vendors along with live music throughout the day which is definitely worth checking out. Go to their website to learn more.

19. Is there anything I can’t do down at Marine Park on race day?

While this isn’t a complete list, there are a number of things you shouldn’t do: Hangout on the train tracks, swim in the ocean, litter, fly a drone, get in the way of racers as they make their way to the finish line, incessantly list your top 30 Taylor Swift songs to the couple behind you in line as you wait to spin the prize wheel at the Peoples Bank booth.

The Kalliope Project: Drawing Art and New Life From Ancient Sources

By
Steven Arbuckle
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Maesie Halliday (left) conceived of The Kalliope Project as a way to bring together her love of writing, the humanities, and community building. Photo credit: Sophia Robertson

From the academic writings of scholars like Edith Hamilton, to popular culture like Percy Jackson’s young adult fiction books, our culture is fascinated with the gods and goddesses whose stories originated 4,000 years ago. Their power lies in their characters, a fascinating crew of magic beings and mortals that still have the ability to speak to us today.

A small but resourceful group of Bellingham women have created The Kalliope Project, a series of artworks breathing new life into some of those ancient goddesses — and what they can teach us about the modern world.

One Woman’s Origin Story

Maesie Halliday was raised in Montana, where her parents were involved in politics, taking on housing and voting rights of rural people. This environment fostered strong political ideals, and in 2019 Halliday started a political science major at WWU, focused on minority communities. When COVID put a stop to her classes, she fell back on her love of reading and writing and watched her do “kind of a 180,” she says. “I don’t want to be doing politics anymore, but I’ve always loved history and I still really want to think about people and their movements and their cultures and their ideas and their beliefs.”

Halliday (left), Lillis (center) and Robertson were at the core of the group, which grew to include around two dozen participants. Photo credit: Sophia Robertson

“It’s not that I wanted to neglect the tragedy that is present in the world, but I did want to focus on the parts of human history and the human experience that were joyous and passionate,” says Halliday. As school resumed, she found that a humanities major in the WWU Global Humanities and Religions Department would allow her to explore the philosophy, art, and literature created across the ages, by an array of cultures.

Halliday was drawn to studies of ancient Mediterranean culture, including Greek and Roman mythology, and especially a class on Roman epic poetry. “I was very pleased to notice that the female characters were really, really interestingly written,” she says. She found female characters who were allowed to be complex, and not reduced to only their beauty or their relationship with the main protagonist, who is usually male.

Locations were discovered by the group’s members and donated by a handful of Bellingham business owners. Photo credit: Anne Lillis

The Birth of an Idea

“I got my gears turning about how I wish people knew how interesting these female characters have been for thousands and thousands of years,” says Halliday. “It’s not like we’ve just come into our power recently; we’ve had power and continually struggled to demonstrate that power for a really long time.”

It was clear that many of her fellow students were excited by the same discoveries, and Halliday decided she would start making connections with them.

She recalls an impulse to invite her new friends to dress-up parties, but those gatherings actually gave birth to a plan to create portraits of each other as characters from the ancient myths. Halliday turned to fellow student and photographer, Sophia Robertson, who agreed to operate the camera and capture the scenes they imagined.

Models portrayed goddesses and other characters of antiquity, blending modern and ancient elements. Photo credit: Anne Lillis

Halliday and Robertson didn’t realize one of their classmates, Anne Lillis, had overheard their conversation — and wanted to be a part of it.

Lillis had moved from California in 2020 to attend Western and was working towards a double major in the humanities and English with an emphasis in creative writing. The shared interests, and shared excitement, led Lillis to ask whether she could attend a photo shoot.

“Maesie said, ‘Yes, come to as many as you want. Do you want to take pictures of the behind-the-scenes process?’” Lillis recalls. “And I said, ‘Absolutely, I do!’ The next day I texted her to ask if I could film the process, too. She said yes, then an hour later said we could show that film somewhere. It totally snowballed in 24 hours, from just a photo shoot into making a documentary.”

Gathering The Goddesses

Just like the documentary, the portrait series quickly blossomed in scope. At first Halliday, Lillis, and Robertson were set to portray Helen of Troy, Dido, and Juno (or Hera), but it didn’t take long for the project to expand. Halliday learned community building from her mother and put those skills to use for her project.

“My thought was: Bellingham is full of artists, so how do I turn this into something that can incorporate as many people as possible? I went from playing dress up with my friends to having over 20 people involved,” says Halliday. “And they’re not only interested in it from an artistic standpoint — they really like the message that women are interesting, powerful, and beautiful.”

In addition to research and logistics, camaraderie was an important element of the mission for the women responsible for The Kalliope Project. Photo credit: Sophia Robertson

Over time, the project attracted enough participants that they were able to create 15 portraits.

In addition to the models and the photography crew, the group also boasts a list of local clothiers and jewelry makers who applied their talents to create the outfits, props, and scenery that transform the models into otherworldly divine beings. They group also worked with local business owners to coordinate locations that allowed them to create the alternate worlds. And they’ve done it all through donations of time and labor, inspired by the passion and joy that drew Halliday to the humanities in the first place.

Sharing Their Results

Drawing on her love of the written word, Halliday created text to accompany each of the images. Her writing provides background that allows the viewer to understand who they’re looking at, and then dives into the stories to draw out the strengths, weaknesses, faults, and accomplishments that make each of the women an archetype of humanity that echoes through the ages.

A premiere for the portraits and the accompanying texts was held in April of 2024 at WWU’s B Gallery, which also featured a display of some of the props and wardrobe used. On the same weekend, Lillis’ film, The Kalliope Project – A Documentary, premiered at Fairhaven’s Firehouse Arts & Events Center. They then moved to the Old Town Cafe, until late May. The series will then be re-homed, in a smaller version, at the 11th Hour Tea & Coffee Bar. All of the portraits and the writing can be viewed at The Kalliope Project’s website; an Instagram page allows a look behind the scenes.

www.thekalliopeproject.com

Ready for AC?

By
LocalTalk Contributor
-

Submitted by Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing

El Niño, ENSO, La Niña, El, er…what?! While Greek to many of us, these common buzzwords of the forecasting community describe recurring climate patterns. There is often a boomerang between these three main patterns for several reasons, but one thing is for certain: these patterns directly affect our weather.

An El Niño pattern develops when trade winds (that blow east to west near the equator) are weak, causing warmer waters in the Pacific to shift east. This pattern typically favors “…wetter winters across the south and the southwestern United States and drier and warmer winters in the Pacific Northwest,” says Aaron Levine, a research scientist at the University of Washington (newsweek.com). This seems to ring true for our recent winter of 2023/24, which was relatively mild here in the Pacific Northwest.

Photo courtesy Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing

La Niña, on the other hand, has the opposite effect, occurring when colder sea surface temperatures off the west coast force the weakened jet stream northward toward Alaska before dipping southward. Winters in a La Niña pattern typically result in increased precipitation and colder temps for the Pacific Northwest (thenewstribune.com).   

And while we’re seemingly coming out of this mild El Niño period of this past winter, it is predicted that we’re headed for a La Niña period this fall…fancy forecaster speak for cooler and wetter weather is coming for us next winter, while in the meantime…summer’s still expected to get hot.

With this forecast, it’s crucial to start preparing your home for the weather ahead. If air conditioning is on your honey-do list (perhaps it has been year after year!), we encourage you to make this your year. Investing in air conditioning now not only ensures your family is comfortable but also safe for warmer seasons, allowing you to shut your doors and windows, blocking out both heat and wildfire smoke.

While comfort this summer is a huge (if not the biggest!) reason to spring for air conditioning now, so are the savings. Just as the mercury is sure to rise, so are prices—a truth we all know too well. New state and federal laws relating to refrigerants (essential cooling agents for air conditioners and heat pumps) are headed our way. The coming years will bring new regulations from entities like the EPA and DEQ to lessen their environmental impact — changes that will impact both the HVAC industry and the consumer.

Photo courtesy Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing

These changes will transform how cooling equipment is designed, how it operates, and how it impacts our environment. They will change what and how equipment can be sold and installed. And while energy savings are expected, these changes mean new equipment will inevitably get a price-hike — by as much as 15-20%.

So if you’re considering new cooling equipment for your home, now may be the best time to pull the trigger before prices spike. Current models offer almost identical energy efficiency to their newer counterparts, meaning you’ll experience the same performance and energy savings now, at a lower price. Through May 31, Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing is offering an incredible deal — a free furnace with purchase of air conditioning or a heat pump! Plus, you’ll earn four clean energy points toward Barron’s It’s Electric Clean Energy Sweepstakes. That’s four entries for your chance to win an all-electric Ford Mustang Mach E and a free EV charger!

Designing for the most negligible environmental impact is the way of the future — from the refrigerator in our kitchen to the car we drive to how we cool our home. And with summer heat quickly approaching and new refrigerant regulations around the corner, our team at Barron encourages you to plan ahead and snag a deal before these regulations impact your pocketbook. Call today! As your Pacific Northwest home and building performance experts since 1972, we stand by our mission of improving lives.   

Kaleb Hart: The Voice of Racing in Whatcom County

By
Merrick Parnell
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Hart works a race at Deming Speedway. Photo courtesy Kaleb Hart

On nights when sprint cars fly around the dirt oval at Deming Speedway, one man’s voice can be heard over the roar as he describes the action and informs the crowd.

Kaleb Hart has been the track announcer and results writer at Deming since 2005, when he was referred by one of the track workers at the Skagit Speedway to Deming’s owner, Paul Lemley. Since then, Hart has enjoyed working at the speedway, where many families are seen on race night.

“Deming Speedway runs the fastest, most efficient show I’ve been to,” says Hart. “It maximizes the value of your entertainment dollar. Prices are reasonable, from tickets through food and drink, making it affordable for a family to come to enjoy a night out.”

The Deming Speedway is located in the majestic Mount Baker area, just 20 minutes east of Bellingham in Deming, Washington, along Mt. Baker Hwy. SR 542

Hart began his career in motorsports media when he was just 12 years old at Wenatchee Valley Raceway (now Wenatchee Valley’s Super Oval). The track’s promoter, John Ball, hired him in 1996 and paid him $20 a night to help in the scoring tower.

“My dad, Kelly Hart, announced for him [Ball] then and started teaching me how to work as the announcer by doing time trials once in a while,” Hart says.

Deming Speedway on Race night. Photo courtesy Kaleb Hart

In addition to working events at the Deming Speedway, Hart can be heard at the Skagit Speedway as the head announcer, a job he’s held since 2005. He also hosts Hometrack Heroes, a local motorsports show for Evergreen Speedway, on Sunday nights, which airs on Seattle’s CW television channel.

Away from the Northwest racing scene, Hart also provides the play-by-play for FloRacing’s coverage of the nationally renowned dirt track, Tulsa Shootout, and Chili Bowl Nationals, from late December to early January. On his “off weekends,” Hart can still be heard announcing for freelance gigs; he worked 80 events last year.

Like many broadcasters, Hart’s style has been influenced by others, including his father.

“My dad naturally wore off on me because of proximity,” says Hart, “and he was my only true ‘trainer.'”

Beyond that, Hart makes a concerted effort not to watch other racing broadcasts. “I feel it helps me stay authentic to my craft and not pick from what other guys do,” he says. “Naturally, you’ll catch something watching other sports that you’ll incorporate. But in the racing world, I try to keep what I do isolated from how others work.”

Hart working an event back at the Wenatchee Oval. Photo courtesy Kaleb Hart

Hart’s style can be described as versatile due to the wide array of events and crowds he works for. In doing so, he likes to know his crowds and use what resonates with them and what they respond to. He tries to match his energy with the energy of the crowd.

“It’s the most important thing I’ve found in broadcasting — know your audience,” he says.

Hart’s adaptable skills have led him to broadcast college and high school basketball, high school football, softball, junior hockey, track & field, amateur wrestling, and even goldfish racing.

One day, Hart would love to broadcast a full night of racing for a national touring series — but he’s content where he is.

“For a while, I kept looking at what was next, and it was unfulfilling,” he says. “Then one day, I woke up and realized that 12-year-old me would look at what I do now, broadcasting-wise, and think I had some pretty cool gigs.”

From early April until mid-September, Hart calls the exciting racing action at the Deming Speedway on Friday nights, and then at the Skagit Speedway on Saturdays. Like the experienced drivers whirling around the track throwing dirt in the sky, Hart’s voice has been a fixture on race nights, bringing information and excitement to racing fans in Whatcom County.

Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series Announces 2024 Schedule

By
LocalTalk Contributor
-

Submitted by the Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series

The Eldridge Society for History and Preservation is excited to announce the 2024 Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series!

Come celebrate our 30th season of bringing live music to our community. Join us for one (or more!) of our two-hour weekly outdoor concert at beautiful Elizabeth Park in Bellingham’s Columbia neighborhood. Concerts are Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Thursday, June 20.

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and relax in this lovely neighborhood setting. These family-friendly concerts are a Mayor’s Arts Awards recipient for 2018. Concerts are free, and sponsored by the Eldridge Society for History and Preservation, in partnership with Bellingham Parks and Recreation and WECU. Donations to support the Eldridge Society will be gratefully accepted at the concerts.

Vendors will bring an assortment of deliciousness for dinner and dessert for your enjoyment. Picnickers are encouraged to recycle and compost to be good park stewards. Alcohol and vaping are not permitted in the park. Please leash your pets!

We, and the city, and the state, will keep a careful eye on Covid spikes and will honor any adjustments in Covid guidelines.

2024 Schedule

6/20/24North Sound Soulhorn-driven soul, funk & rock
6/27/24SpaceBandold-school dance covers & new classics
7/4/24Mary Ellen Lykins & the CC Adams Bandtasty rock and cookin’ blues
7/11/24Flatterysweet Celtic melodies with driving rhythms
7/18/24Dana LyonsAmericana, singer-songwriter
7/25/24The Sweet Goodbyesfolk/pop
8/1/24Brie Mueller BandTop-40 pop, blues, country, rock
8/8/24Millie & the MentshnKlezmer & world music
8/15/24The Unknownsjazz, blues & sultry vocals
8/22/24bandZandtThe East County’s favorite dance band

Last minute changes or cancellations due to weather will be reported by 3 p.m. on the day of the concert via our Facebook page.

Recent Sale of Iconic Avenue Bread Was a ‘Family’ Affair

By
Tony Moceri
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Johnny Macfarlane and Jamie Smeall enjoy a cup of coffee at their meeting table inside the Avenue Bread on James Street. Photo credit: Tony Moceri

Locally owned community businesses have the ability to become second homes filled with families. The process takes years of owners, employees, and customers organically creating a community within a community. People come for a job — or for a good meal — and stay, because it becomes their comfortable place where they know who and what to expect.

One of Whatcom County’s staples that fits this bill to a T is Avenue Bread. From southern Whatcom County in Fairhaven to the northern reaches in Lynden, you can walk through the door and enjoy a delicious breakfast and a slew of scrumptious sandwich options. It’s one of those places locals have gone to for years, and visitors make sure to return upon each visit.

While most patrons of Avenue Bread haven’t noticed a change, many don’t know that their beloved sandwich spots have been under new ownership since January 2024. While the sale of any business is a big deal, when one stays in the “family,” it can happen so seamlessly that the team and customers can go on as if nothing has happened. This was the case with Avenue Bread when Jamie Smeall and Johnny Macfarlane purchased the delis from Wendy and John DeFreest.

The Avenue Bread pastry case holds a variety of perfect complements to your morning cup of coffee. Photo credit: Tony Moceri

Ownership Changes, Values Remain the Same

Smeall has been a part of the Avenue Bread family for longer than she has actually been a part of the Avenue Bread Family. In 2003, Smeall began working at Our House Deli, which was located at 2301 James Street and is now home to one of the Avenue Bread eateries. When Our House Deli closed in 2008, Smeall didn’t know what she would do next. She had loved her five years at the deli and, only in her early twenties, wasn’t sure what else she would want to do.

As luck would have it, she wouldn’t have to decide.

The DeFreest’s had just purchased Avenue Bread, which consisted of the downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven locations, and randomly talked to Smeall’s mom, who recommended they connect. This led to Smeall beginning her career at the downtown Avenue Bread while Defreest worked out the details of adding the James Street location. When the doors opened for the new Avenue Bread later that year — there was Smeall, as though she’d never left. The Our House Deli’s regulars were ecstatic and a little confused to see her when they arrived to try their new/old sandwich spot.

Jamie Smeall right where it all began on James Street, where this Avenue Bread location was previously home to Our House Deli. Photo credit: Tony Moceri

“I was the front of house, and the exact same customers would come in, and they’d be like, ‘What are you doing here?’ They’d be so confused. I told them I was included in the lease agreement,” Smeall says with a laugh. “It went on like that for years. There are still around 10 of those customers that still come in every single week.”

As the business grew, adding the Lynden location, Smeall’s role also flourished. She became Defreest’s right-hand woman, learning the ins and outs of the business. As time passed, the Avenue team became a literal and figurative family. With employees working with the company for years, the family feel was unavoidable, and it became compounded as Smeall added her siblings and children to the team. Her mother — who deserves credit for this all coming together — joined the work family in 2015 and is now the bookkeeper. In addition to Smeall’s family, Avenue is known to have other actual family members working within its ecosystem.

A Long-Time Bond and a New Partnership

Macfarlane joined the family in 2016 through the sister restaurant in Fairhaven, The Filling Station. Through this connection, Smeall and Macfarlane worked together and created a tight bond, learning they could overcome challenges and disagreements and come through the other side successfully.

Macfarlane’s background as a bartender saw him enter the business as a technician who would quickly grow into a management role. As whispers began to grow of Avenue Bread selling, Macfarlane — who had purchased the Filling Stations from DeFreest — knew he was interested, but on one condition: He needed Smeall as a partner.

New business partners, Johnny Macfarlane and Jamie Smeall. Behind them is the art work of Local Artist Ben Mann. Each deli serves as both restaurant and art gallery. Photo credit: Tony Moceri

At one point, Smeall had been offered to purchase the James Street location but didn’t want to see the locations split up between different owners. Not wanting to take on all the locations herself, she sadly felt she would be looking for somewhere else to work, not wanting to take the ride with a new owner. When Macfarlane initiated the conversation about the pair purchasing the delis, things began to fall into place.

“I’ve been asked why I didn’t buy it myself, and the answer is that I wanted a partner,” Smeall says, “and I wanted a partner that understood how the current systems were working and that I could be real with.”

With the desire now in place, Smeall and Macfarlane had to figure out how to purchase the restaurants. They knew they didn’t want to have investors who might force a fiduciary responsibility to solely make money and ignore the other parts of the business that meant so much to them.

A local favorite, Avenue Bread’s country eggenue sandwich, is a mix of fresh and salty with tomato, red onion, and cheese on top of a sausage patty in between two toasted English muffins. Photo credit: Tony Moceri

“Managing that relationship was really important for us,” says Smeall. “[The DeFreest’s] owner-financed and, in doing so, really did something for the community. And she invested in our employees,” Macfarlane says. “That wasn’t what she was going to do with someone else, but she offered it to us.”

A few months in, Smeall and Macfarlane are thrilled they took the opportunity to keep the Avenue Bread delis in the family. The bakery portion of the business was sold to Robin Shrestha, also a long-time Avenue Bread employee. The now separate entities support each other’s businesses.

Visit any of the four Avenue Bread locations daily to enjoy delicious eats surrounded by a positive, supportive atmosphere. Follow what they are up to at www.avenuebread.com or on Instagram and Facebook.

Avenue Bread James Street Café
2301 James Street in Bellingham
360.671.5388

Avenue Bread Fairhaven Café
1135 11th Street in Fairhaven
360.676.1809

Avenue Bread Railroad Café
1313 Railroad Avenue in downtown Bellingham
360.676.9274

Avenue Bread Lynden Café
444 Front Street in Lynden
360.354.1569

Sponsored

Peoples Bank Mortgage Loan Team Hosts Women’s Homebuying Brunch in Whatcom County

By
LocalTalk Contributor
-

Submitted by Peoples Bank

In celebration of National Homeownership Month this June, Peoples Bank is excited to host its first-ever Women’s Homebuying Brunch. The brunch takes place on June 8th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Bellingham. This event invites women of all ages and backgrounds to come together for a fun and informative event to learn all about the homebuying process. The brunch will feature an industry update, realtor panel, advice about the mortgage process, and the importance of title and escrow.

This event is perfect for any woman considering buying their first home, looking to upgrade, or wanting to purchase an investment property. Attendees will enjoy a delicious spread of food and drinks while meeting other women homebuyers and gaining valuable insights from the expert speakers.

According to the National Association of Realtors, single women make up 19% of homeowners; nearly double that of single men. In the past 40 years, the share of single women buyers has consistently outpaced the share of single men buyers which is one reason why Peoples Bank wants to highlight and empower women in the community to realize their full potential as future and current homeowners.

“We know the homebuying journey can be a challenge and there is a lot to consider when making such a big life decision. We want to help women homebuyers by providing a fun atmosphere where women are encouraged to ask questions and leave feeling more confident in their ability to become homeowners,” says Jennifer Evans-Thompson, Peoples Bank Chief Mortgage Banking Officer.

Registration is free but space is limited. Please register for the event here and make sure to answer all the questions on the order form so the panel can get a feel for what each attendee is looking for. The brunch will take place in the Peoples Bank Admin/Laurel Building, located at 3101 Newmarket Street, Bellingham, WA 98226 in the old Scotty Brown’s Building across the parking lot from the Peoples Bank Barkley Financial Center. Parking in the area is free.

Don’t miss the opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge and take the first step towards owning your dream home! Pre-registration is required. Sign up here.

About Peoples Bank: Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with $2.4 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, Peoples Bank has been serving the community for 100 years and operates 23 locations throughout Washington. Reflecting its strong financial management practices, dedicated employees, and long-standing customer relationships, Peoples Bank was awarded a superior five-star rating from BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating firm. Learn more about Peoples Bank at www.peoplesbank-wa.com. Member FDIC.

Living Will That Shalt Endure: Whatcom County History in Annie Dillard’s ‘The Living’

By
Anna Diehl
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Author Annie Dillard, in 1987.

Published in 1992, Annie Dillard’s debut novel The Living is arguably the most famous depiction of Whatcom County in literature. It portrays fictional characters against the backdrop of real history from 1855 to 1897, traces of which remain in Bellingham today.

The Living tells the story of pioneer characters, mainly the Fishburn family and John Ireland Sharp, surviving through cycles of loss and aiding development of Whatcom and Goshen. Its biggest conflict emerges as the antagonist, hermit Beal Obenchain, attempts to “possess the life” of protagonist Clare Fishburn through threats of murder. With sparse dialogue and omniscient third-person narration, the novel reads almost like a historical account.

The opening author’s note states: “The Living is fiction, and all of its characters are imaginary save Chowitzit, the Lummi chief, and Hump Talem, the Nooksack chief; James J. Hill and Frederick Weyerhaeuser, the railroad and timber magnates; Seattle political leaders; Tommy Cahoon, the scalped Pullman conductor; and George Bacon, the lively little mortgage agent.”

Annie Dillard’s writing process included living for five years in a restored 1890s house in Bellingham and only reading nineteenth-century materials. The resulting novel immerses readers just as fully into the real (and transposed) history of Whatcom County.

Annie Dillard is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author of many other books and essays that prominently feature the Pacific Northwest. Photo credit: Phyllis Rose

Pioneer Whatcom

In The Living, Whatcom stands in for itself and the four other towns — Sehome, Bellingham, Fairhaven — that would consolidate into Bellingham in 1904.

The author’s note states: “Whatcom was the first settlement, and had the lumber mill; Sehome had the coal mine.” The mill owned by fictitious Felix Rush alludes to Whatcom’s first enterprise, the real mill that Henry Roeder and Russell Peabody built on Whatcom Creek in 1852. The real Sehome Coal Mine operated from 1853 to 1878 underneath present-day downtown Bellingham.

The Living depicts the Fraser River Gold Rush close to reality: in 1858, thousands of San Francisco prospectors indeed caused Whatcom’s population to boom in the thousands for just a few months before Victoria requiring a license forced them to leave. As the novel describes, they built tent cities, a rough wagon trail (Whatcom Trail), and “the first brick building in Washington Territory, a warehouse” — T.G. Richards Building, still Washington’s oldest brick structure today.

The Living vaguely alludes to the T.G. Richards Building, later the Territorial Courthouse and the oldest extant brick building in Washington. Photo credit: Megan Peterson

The character John Ireland Sharp struggles to reconcile belief in socialism with the People’s Party supporting the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which drove Chinese laborers in early industries out of Whatcom, Seattle, and Portland by 1885 — in the novel and in reality. Today, one of Fairhaven’s historic markers includes an apology for later racial discrimination. The Living also notes “Celestials” as an ethnic slur for Chinese immigrants and “Terrestrials” for Irish immigrants.

As noted, The Living depicts real Lummi and Nooksack chiefs — and the cultures’ introductions to Catholicism and Methodism, respectively. Dillard spoke to Lummi Salish people and read historical accounts to research the history of local customs, Chinook jargon, conflicts such as the Yakima War, the Lummi Reservation’s origin with the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855, and the 1870s smallpox epidemics that afflicted the Nooksack.

Goshen and the Railroading Boom

Today, the former town of Goshen is little-known enough that some readers have mistaken it as Dillard’s invention. A 1915 Polk Directory notes it was “first settled in 1885,” which The Living transposes to decades earlier but accurately depicts as a farming and logging community on the Nooksack River. A Forest Orchid: And Other Stories (1897) by Ella Higginson also depicts characters Goshen and Sumas, named after their hometowns.

The real Goshen was a stop on the Bellingham Bay and British Columbia Railroad, hauling lumber. Dutch arrivals in The Living correspond to the real settlement of Lynden. Populated today by houses, farmland, and Goshen Nooksack Cemetery, the town’s name survives through Goshen Road and Everson Goshen Road.

Goshen Nooksack Cemetery, also called Salkanom Cemetery for donor Robert Salkanom, is one of the only remnants of Goshen today. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

In The Living, “Whatcom and Goshen had been rivals for preeminence in the region for many years” and caused the “Great Water Fight” of 1891. In reality, rival Whatcom and Sehome firemen sprayed each other and train passengers when the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived, causing them to pass on Whatcom County for the American terminus. Dillard includes the anecdote of one “local patriot” lowering the Canadian Union Jack to the ground, where it was trampled.

The Living depicts other competitions for a railroad terminus that never came, coinciding with economic panics. The Northern Pacific Railway going to Tacoma coincides with the Panic of 1873. “Fairhaven expected the Great Northern Terminus” until “two years before the ’93 panic,” the author’s note says. However, this dramatic change reflects how the dreams of “Imperial Fairhaven” ending precipitated their struggle during the Panic of 1893.

A kiosk at East Magnolia Street and Railroad Avenue describes how “the Great Water Fight” took place there. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

End of the Frontier

Later “books” of The Living describe Whatcom’s development, with Clare Fishburn and others in the Bellingham Bay Improvement Company developing the town and railroad since 1889.

The novel ends at the time when “men struggled up Ruby Creek in the Cascades, where a miner found a vein of gold.” Bookending the novel on another gold rush, this detail corresponds to Jack Post, Russ Lambert, and Luman Van Valkenburg founding the Mount Baker Mining District in 1897.

To the living of Whatcom County today, The Living describes a history that endures all around us.

Olympia’s Tentpole Music Festival Unveils Legendary August Lineup at Third Annual South Sound Block Party

By
Kathryn Millhorn
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The South Sound Block Party is an all ages, family-friendly event with free admission for kids 12 and under. Come eat, drink, play and spend a summer night with friends, family and amazing music. Photo courtesy: South Sound Block Party

Olympia is the centrally located beating heart of Pacific Northwest music. But we’re not just blessed by proximity to local giants, we’ve spawned nearly as many amazing musicians as Brewery Park has salmon. Get your tickets now for this summer’s South Sound Block Party’s carefully curated, two-day musical extravaganza. Celebrate summer with family, friends and fellow music lovers August 23–24, 2024.

Musical Legends Bring Their Talents to the South Sound Block Party

With more than 15 live bands, the third annual South Sound Block Party is produced by a small, grassroots team in Olympia and promises something for everyone. Headliners include Oly’s own punk rock icons Bikini Kill, the groundbreaking contributors to the iconic riot grrrl movement. The second headliner is LA’s legendary punk rock band X, whose debut album “Los Angeles” is one of Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest albums of all time.

“I’m super happy with this year’s local additions to the stage and it’s our biggest swing to date on headliners,” shares owner and promoter Christen Greene (she/her/they). “I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it came together. It’s a diverse and fun lineup and really gives a nod to the city and our music culture as a whole here.”

Other bands include reggae-infused indie group Surfer Girl, up-and-coming hip-hop phenom Oblé Reed of Spokane, and a few Olympia-based bands: Manic Pixie Dream Boat, Hillstomp, and LAKE. You can find a full list of performers and performance times at the festival’s website. While you’re there, sign up for the mailing list to receive priority notification about changes, additions and special discount opportunities.

The third annual South Sound Block Party takes place at the Port of Olympia’s downtown NorthPoint on August 23-24, 2024. Photo courtesy: South Sound Block Party

Open Ears + Open Minds + Open Hearts = New Musical Discoveries

Other music festivals may promise something for everyone, but the South Sound Block Party’s organizers work hard to create what Greene calls: “a lineup that beckons exploration” as it embraces diversity and pushes artistic boundaries. This is the unmistakable signature of South Sound Block Party’s programming.

“One of the compliments we receive most often and something that we pride ourselves on is the curation of the lineup,” says Greene. “I run into people all the time who tell me that they discovered and loved someone who has played for us, and they’ve become fans: they dug into their catalog, bought records and go to their next tour. I love that! Music discovery is fun — and harder to do as we gets older — so I like to think we’re helping a bit with that to those with an open mind. My hope is that you find a new favorite band while digging into our lineup.”

You can listen to a playlist of folks from South Sound Block Party 2024 on Spotify.

A Waterfront Rock and Roll Celebration for All Ages

South Sound Block Party 2024 takes place at the Port of Olympia’s downtown NorthPoint, 1210 Marine Drive NE. In addition to the stellar musical lineup, attendees can look forward to an array of local delights like food pop-ups, a VIP lounge, games and more all set against the picturesque backdrop of Puget Sound.

There will be a beer garden run by 4 the Love Foundation and a tent with merchandise from bands and festival organizers. Kids of all ages can enjoy games in a dedicated play area and those 18+ needing some new ink will find tattoo professionals on hand offering their flashiest flash designs.

Tickets are available for one- or two-day attendance and families are always welcome. Kids 12 and under attend free. Since its inception, SSBP has become a highlight of the summer calendar, drawing music lovers from near and far to experience the vibrant culture and scenic beauty of the South Sound region. VIP packages are already sold out but there are plenty of general admission passes available, though prices may increase as the event draws closer.

South Sound Block Party 2024 Headliners include local fan favorites Bikini Kill and Los Angeles punk rock icons X, whose release ‘Los Angeles’ is one of Rolling Stone’s 500 greatest albums of all time. Photo courtesy: South Sound Block Party

Tips to Guarantee a Fabulous Festival for One and All

Greene offers a few tips that’ll make the experience one to remember for everyone involved. She reminds folks to grab their reusable water bottles for the on-site filling stations. Bring cash to tip your bartenders and come early to hear new — or new to you — bands. And while there are plenty of seats, if you have a favorite low-back chair, those are welcome. Sunscreen and a floppy hat are also good ideas!

Not allowed are professional cameras with detachable lenses; outside food, beverages or alcohol; drugs or weapons of any kind; coolers; pets aside from service animals (and don’t leave them in your car either); laser pointers or drones; and pop-up tents or sunshades.

The South Sound Block Party 2024 runs from 3 to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 23 and 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 24. Visitors with valid wristbands are welcome to come and go as they please during the event. There are street parking and bike lock areas nearby otherwise take Intercity Transit’s 45 bus to the Olympia Farmer’s Market and walk over from there.

For those visiting from outside of town, look for driving directions and hotel recommendations on the website, as well as rideshare directions for anyone using Uber and Lyft. Check out South Sound Block Party 2024 Facebook, Instagram and X pages for additional FAQs. Then come ready to fall in love all over again with downtown Olympia, PNW’s finest musicians and the South Sound Block Party vibe.

South Sound Block Party
August 24, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
August 25, 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
NorthPoint
1210 Marine Drive NE, Olympia

Savings Account Options: Comparing CDs and HYSAs

By
LocalTalk Contributor
-

Submitted by First Fed

In today’s financial landscape, many savers are looking for the best solutions to grow their money while keeping it safe. Two popular savings options are certificates of deposit (CDs) or high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs). Both offer distinct benefits and cater to different financial goals. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for making informed decisions about where to grow your funds.

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

CDs are time-based deposits accounts that can offer a relatively high interest rate compared to other savings accounts. If you can forgo access to your funds for a fixed time, Certificates of Deposit often offer a higher interest rate in exchange. It’s important to choose the term length for your CD carefully because you will not be able to access your funds during that time without incurring a penalty. The set terms usually range between one month and five years, offering enough variety to find a duration that works best for you. Here are some of the benefits CDs offer:

  • Fixed Interest Rates: One of the primary advantages of CDs is the fixed interest rate they offer. This means that once you invest in a CD, the interest rate remains constant throughout the term of the CD, providing predictability and stability in returns.
  • Higher Interest Rates: Typically, CDs offer higher interest rates compared to standard savings accounts. The longer the term of the CD, the higher the interest rate tends to be.
  • Protected Returns: CDs are considered low-risk investments because they are insured by the FDIC up to certain limits. This provides peace of mind to investors, knowing that their principal is protected.
  • Discourages Impulse Spending: Since CDs have a fixed term, they discourage impulsive withdrawals. This can be beneficial for individuals who want to stay on track when saving for specific future expenses.

CD rates can change regularly, so it’s beneficial to lock in a high fixed rate when available. First Fed offers competitive CD rates – check out current promotions!

High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSA)

For those looking for a longer-term solution that allows continual access to funds, an HYSA may be the better choice. As the name suggests, these accounts offer higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts. Here are some of the benefits:

  • Liquidity: Unlike CDs, which have fixed terms, HYSAs offer liquidity. This means you can access your funds whenever needed without penalties or restrictions, making them suitable for emergency funds or short-term savings goals.
  • No Lock-in Period: With an HYSA, there’s no commitment to keeping your money deposited for a specific term. You have the flexibility to withdrawal your funds or add to them at any time, providing greater freedom and control over your finances.
  • Competitive Interest Rates: While often not quite as high as those offered by CDs, HYSAs still offer competitive interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts. This allows your money to grow at a faster pace than it would in a standard savings account.
  • FDIC Insurance: Similar to CDs, HYSAs are typically FDIC insured, providing a level of security for your deposited funds.

First Fed Sunflower Savings offers a 4.00% APY (annual percentage yield) with just a $100 minimum opening deposit. Sunflower HYSA is available exclusively online or by phone at 800-800-1577.

How To Choose Between Them

The decision between CDs and an HYSA ultimately depends on your financial goals and liquidity needs. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Timeline: If you have a specific savings goal with a defined timeline and you don’t foresee needing access to your funds before that time, a CD might be an attractive option due to its higher interest rates. However, if you anticipate needing access to your funds soon or want to maintain flexibility, an HYSA might be a better fit.
  • Interest Rate Outlook: Consider the current interest rate environment against expectations for future changes. If interest rates are expected to rise, you may opt for a shorter-term CD or an HYSA to take advantage of potentially higher rates in the future. Or you may benefit from locking into a longer-term, fixed-rate CD if the interest rates are attractive.
  • Diversification: It’s also worth considering diversifying your savings across different accounts to balance liquidity, returns, and risk. You might choose to allocate a portion of your savings to CDs for higher returns and another portion to an HYSA for liquidity and flexibility.

Whichever account you choose, investing in a savings account is an important step towards financial wellness. As interest rates rise and fall, it’s important to revisit and reevaluate your savings plans regularly for the greatest returns. For the latest rates visit First Fed Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Sunflower Savings.

First Fed is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

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