Habitat for Humanity To Host Annual Trashion Show

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Habitat-for-Humanity-Whatcom-County-Trashion-Show — Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County

Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County has been known for building homes and hope in our community since its affiliate opened in 1988. This year, they’ll also be turning trash into fashionable treasure when they bring their 5th annual Trashion Show to the runway as a standalone event for the first time.

The fashion industry can be at the center of sustainability conflicts and practices, but Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County has turned that negativity on its head. Donor and Events Coordinator Kelli Fulton-Ratliff and Habitat Store Director Courtney Bartley recently sat down with WhatcomTalk to discuss Habitat for Humanity’s upcoming June 7^th event, an entertaining trash-fashion runway show with drinks, food, games, and a way for the community to help make a difference while having a ball.

Since its inception in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has partnered with families in more than 70 countries to work side-by-side to help them build their own homes with the help of generous volunteers who understand the importance of the group’s mission.

The annual Trashion Show is a ball of a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, a worthy organization in Whatcom County. Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County

The Trashion Show

“This year, we’re separating the Trashion Show into its own event,” says Fulton-Ratliff. “It used to be part of our auction; a fun thing at the end. We’re really big on recycling and try to save as much as we possibly can from going into the landfill. For this [event], we normally have about five to 10 models, but this year we’re going to have 18 to 20 designers with models.”

The Trashion Show is a fundraiser featuring a full runway fashion show, a silent auction for uniquely upcycled furniture, raffles for locally sourced goods, and exciting games where attendees can win prizes. “We’ll have a food truck and local drinks, as well,” says Fulton-Ratliff.

Designers dress models in a variety of upcycled materials including newspapers, pop can tabs, photographs and more. Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County

On the Runway

Trashion Show ensembles are inventive creations designed with sustainability in mind. Designers are tasked with creating outfits made of at least 75% recycled materials — keeping a theme of “eco-chic elegance” in mind.

Past designs have featured floor length gowns created entirely of pop can tabs, a hoop skirt featuring local beer cans and coffee cups, and a 1960’s-inspired wiggle dress made of only used dryer sheets.

This year, so much interest was shown in the Trashion Show that the Habitat Store had to close the submission form early! Among the nearly 20 designs that will be on display on the runway, you can find an up cycled tablecloth Victorian-Era suit, a rockstar jacket made with a thousand bottle caps, and a gown of cascading paper florals.

The designers will compete to win cash prizes from the judges and the audience.

All Trashion show designs are created with sustainability and recycling in mind. Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County

Purpose

As an organization, Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County values the positive and sustainable outlook this event always provides. “We see a lot of potential in the Trashion Show,” says Fulton-Ratliff. “Seeing how fun it was in the past, we wanted to make it bigger.”

All proceeds from the event go toward the homes Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County builds in our community. “We have prizes from some of the breweries, swag, and sports swag baskets. We also have salon and beauty care baskets,” says Fulton-Ratliff. “A big one is the ticket package to Climate Pledge Arena.”

Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to building affordable and sustainable housing for communities and low-income families. “Any fundraiser we can do, we do, because we want to make sure that we’re building as many homes for people as possible,” says Fulton-Ratliff. “The proceeds go directly to Habitat for Humanity, so it goes straight into building those homes.”

Bartley adds: “Not only are we bringing awareness about the recycling issues, but we’re also bringing it to the fact Habitat [for Humanity] is trying to find those permanent solutions.”

Models are encouraged to put on their fiercest pose to fully display each sustainable design. Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County

The Habitat Store

As director of the Habitat Store, Bartley constantly seeks ways to continue Habitat for Humanity’s overall mission. says Bartley. “All of our profits go back into housing and all of those proceeds end up backing, not only what we’re currently building, but being able to give families the opportunity to buy homes. The store is another income to keep the organization growing and growing.”

The Trashion Show is an important opportunity for Habitat for Humanity to gain more exposure and educate the community about its work — while also having a ball.

When & Where

This year’s Habitat for Humanity Trashion Show takes place at Fisherman’s Pavilion on Friday, June 7 at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend, and buying tickets online ahead of time is encouraged. They are $25 for general admission, and $75 for VIP, which includes general admission, a food voucher, and a swag bag. If you would like to purchase a $750 VIP table for eight, your purchase includes general admission, a champagne basket and reserved seating for up to eight guests at a front row table with a free drink ticket, food voucher and a swag bag for each of the eight guests.

Find out more about this exciting fashion show with a twist and purchase tickets here!

Learn more about the history — and life-changing impact — of Habitat for Humanity here and please consider donating to our local chapter here, where your donations build hope, community, and a better future for Whatcom families in need of a safe place to call home.

The Trashion Show features an upcycled furniture silent auction, local goodies raffles and fun games to enjoy throughout the night. Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County

A House of Healing: The Coast Salish-Style Longhouse Planned for WWU

By

Anna Diehl

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house-of-healing-breaking-ground — The Blessing and Ground-Turning Ceremony ended with speakers breaking ground and presenting final words, signaling the start of the longhouse's construction. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

Western Washington University’s land acknowledgment states: “We gather today on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have lived in the Salish Sea basin, throughout the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades watershed, from time immemorial. Please join me in expressing our deepest respect and gratitude for our Indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.” To honor this history and promote cultural renewal, the school is building a Coast Salish style longhouse: the House of Healing.

This project is coming to fruition after years of labor by Western’s Office of Tribal Relations and Native American Student Union (NASU), with support from Northwest Indian College, Lummi and Nooksack tribal leaders, and the state legislature.

“The mission came about after I was hired back in 2019, and all of this came about through the Native American Student Union group,” says Tribal Liaison Laural Ballew. “NASU wrote a letter in 2016 to Bruce Shepard, the previous [WWU] president who was outgoing, and Sabah Randhawa who was coming in, asking for five things: a Tribal liaison, full funding for the NASU powwow, a longhouse, government-to-government training, and verification of student enrollment. When I came in, those other four things became my goals and I started working on them.”

Slated for completion by summer 2025, the longhouse will host gatherings, ceremonies, and other opportunities for Native education and healing.

This image approximates how the finished House of Healing will look, drawing on both traditional and contemporary architectural influences. Photo credit: Jonathan Higgins

Cultural Education

The House of Healing will provide space for Indigenous Studies classes and NASU events.

“It puts action behind our land acknowledgement, that there’s more than words,” Ballew says. “By building this space and a welcoming place for Native students, faculty, and staff — and all of Western and Whatcom County — and building on partnerships in recognizing it, we’re sharing our Indigenous knowledge.”

The longhouse will occupy a vacant field at Sehome Hill Arboretum, near lower parking and hiking trails.

Laural Ballew, Tribal Liaison in charge of the House of Healing project, was appointed in 2019 and proposed the current project in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo credit: Jonathan Higgins

Promoting Healing

Between 2021 and 2023, the project met its goal for state funding.

“Grant funding from Representative Rick Larsen helped us cover that cost,” says Ballew. “And there will also be classroom space for a food sovereignty program that is really big and the students are interested in. There is a large gathering and lawn area, and we hope to be able to build gardens on the outside. So it’s a lot of classes and teachings that we’re going to be able to still practice here at Western, and then share with the university.”

The immediate plan, which promotes healing from the COVID-19 pandemic, draws from a decades-long campus plan to promote healing from the centuries-long history of intergenerational trauma, genocide, injustice, inequity, and grief all Native cultures have survived.

“It has a lot of influences from the Coast Salish style of longhouses and the idea of it is a place for gathering,” Ballew says. “We had a conversation with the president on how we’re going to prepare for students to come back after the pandemic; we came up with the idea of a healing space, and hence the House of Healing about how we can all come together.”

The House of Healing’s blessing ceremony had hundreds in attendance, and opened with songs performed by the Lummi Nation School Blackhawks. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

Building a Brighter Tomorrow

The Office of Tribal Relations accepts donations and encourages letters of support to strengthen its community partnerships.

“State legislature came in with $4.5 million,” says Ballew. “That left us with a $500,000 grant we were able to secure from generous donations by Mount Baker Foundation, Washington Educational Credit Union, Whatcom County, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Muckleshoot Tribe, Swinomish, Stillaguamish, Nooksack and Tulalip Tribes. That helped us fill that gap. And then, for the program development, we received $450,000 from U.S. Representative Rick Larsen’s Office.”

At the House of Healing blessing ceremony, the Office of Tribal Relations presented framed copies of the original NASU emails that led to the office and longhouse’s formation. Photo credit: Anna Diehl

On April 11, 2024, the Blessing and Ground-Turning Ceremony for the House of Healing saw hundreds in attendance and speeches from Ballew, NASU students, tribal leaders, and President Randhawa. The president issued a formal apology for racist teachings in Western’s history and reiterated the university’s commitment to backing reconciliation with action.

“The impact has been huge within the tribes — I have received a lot of overwhelming support from the tribes of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho,” Ballew says. “And locally, especially within Western, past alumni and present have been overwhelmingly supportive. Everyone is excited and the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County have helped support it.”

To stay updated on the House of Healing project, visit the Office of Tribal Relations website or NASU’s Facebook and Instagram.

Headliner Bands Announced for Downtown Sounds 20th Anniversary Concert Season

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LocalTalk Contributor

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The Downtown Bellingham Partnership welcomes music lovers to five free Wednesday evening concerts July 10–August 7, 2024, featuring headlining acts from New Orleans and Brooklyn funk and soul scenes and the Pacific Northwest, to celebrate the 20th-anniversary season of Downtown Sounds. The concert series transforms the Arts District intersection of Bay, Holly, and Prospect Streets into a stage, beer garden, food truck, and family activity zone for residents and tourists to experience unforgettable evenings of live music, food, and fun. In anticipation of record-setting crowds, two additional blocks will be closed from traffic to expand all areas of the event and allow for additional entry points.

Photo courtesy Downtown Bellingham Partnership

This year’s lineup boasts an impressive array of headlining acts, scheduled as follows:

July 10: Cytrus (Seattle-based Powerfunk)
Cytrus, self-described as a psychedelic powerfunk octet, is known for their infectious beats and captivating performances that blend elements of electronica, synth-pop, and dance music.

July 17: Acorn Project (Bellingham-based Electro-Funk)
Bellingham’s own Acorn Project brings their funk and groove to the stage, bringing a nostalgic evening of music and dance with their fusion of funk, rock, and electronica from a blend of local musicians.

July 24: Daniel Pak (Seattle-based Soul/Reggae)
Daniel Pak’s soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics are sure to captivate audiences, drawing inspiration from his Hawaiian roots and experiences performing with reggae legends like The Wailers.

July 31: The Soul Rebels (New Orleans-based Brass/Soul/Funk)
The Soul Rebels bring the high-energy brass funk of New Orleans to Bellingham, promising a night of infectious rhythms and irresistible grooves that will have the crowd on their feet.

August 7: Pimps of Joytime (Brooklyn/Bay Area/New Orleans-Fusion Funk/Soul/Afrobeat)
The Pimps of Joytime are known for their infectious rhythms and soulful vocals that blend elements of funk, soul, afrobeat, and dance music, delivering a night of non-stop dancing and high energy to close out the season.

General entry to Downtown Sounds is free and opens at 5:30 PM each evening, with opening acts kicking off the festivities at 6:00 PM, followed by the headlining acts taking the stage at 7:30 PM. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a meal from neighboring restaurants and onsite food trucks, create memories with photobooths and glitter tattoos, enjoy family-friendly activities, and more.

For those over 21, the beverage garden offers local pints from breweries and cideries and a variety of wine options. In addition, both hard and non-alcoholic seltzer options will be available from 2024’s VIP sponsor, Spindrift. Proceeds from the beverage garden will support the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to enhancing the city center through economic development, promotion, advocacy, and celebration. Further financial support to make Downtown Sounds possible comes from Co-Concert Series sponsors BECU and Julian & Co. Real Estate, with additional support from SpringHill Suites, and community event tourism grants made possible by the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County.

For the ultimate Downtown Sounds experience, attendees are encouraged to become Downtown Bellingham INSIDERS. This loyalty program offers members exclusive perks, including skipping the beer garden entry line and access to the Spindrift VIP lounge. For those traveling from out of town, the Downtown Bellingham Partnership has partnered with Hotel Leo and Four Points by Sheraton to offer discounted rates with complimentary INSIDERS membership to make the most of out of Downtown Sounds and Downtown Bellingham’s iconic summer happenings. Discounts and perks like transportation to and from the stage area, a complimentary INSIDER card, and welcome guide to Downtown Bellingham’s favorite bars, restaurants, and shopping experiences are available. Learn more and book now at www.downtownbellingham.com/downtown-sounds-hotels

“Experiencing the growth and evolution of this cherished event truly hugs my heart,” said Lindsey Payne Johnstone, Executive Director of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. “We’re thrilled to celebrate 20 years of Downtown Sounds with our incredible community.”

For more information about Downtown Sounds including the full lineup coming soon, visit www.downtownbellingham.com/downtownsounds.

Mindport Addresses Our Housing Crisis Through Art

By

Margaret Bikman

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Marie Songer Gas Station — Marie Songer features buildings and spaces in downtown Bellingham that are currently vacant. Photo credit: Lucas Reilly

When Mindport Exhibits Creative Director Margot Stroop put out a call for proposals in the summer of 2023 for an upcoming exhibit, she heard from more than 40 applicants — ultimately, 13 artist were chosen. No doubt the theme of the proposed exhibit was instrumental in the number of interested artists who responded.

“Dream House: dwelling in fantasy” explores the theme of housing insecurity from the viewpoints of the artists working across many mediums. Mindport, in the heart of downtown Bellingham at 210 West Holly Street, has certainly seen the housing crisis literally on its front doorstep.

Following are some of the questions Stroop says the artists’ works represent:

What happens to the human psyche when the material realities of modern living deny people the chance to become established in a physical place?

Who builds and cleans our houses, and can those people find dwellings of their own?

What toll is taken when daily living activities can’t be conducted with the dignity of a private interior space?

Who has the right to live in comfort and safety, and who doesn’t?

Eight of the chosen artists have current or former ties to Bellingham; five from this group live and work here, while three have relocated because of rapidly increasing housing prices or an inability to find an available rental. Two of the artists are regional — one lives in Spokane, and the other is from White Rock, B.C. Two more are outside of the region and one artist has passed away since planning began for the exhibit.

As with every showing inside Mindport, there’s always a display in the front window of the venue that engages passers-by.

Bellingham artist Amy Simons’ print — titled ‘a house is just for looking’ — is currently on view. Because it resides behind the glass front windows of MindPort, it can only be seen from the outside. Simons describes the print as: “A house without entry, made entirely of woodcut prints depicting windows but conspicuously lacking doors. Constructed with lightweight paper and suspended, the house is always moving, unstable and precarious/at night the house is illuminated from within, transforming into a lantern room but remaining unattainable — a beacon of a false promise.”

Bellingham’s Heather Strawn Fitzstrawn describes her work: “After moving many times as a child and young adult, as well as post-divorce, I am well versed and comfortable with letting go of objects and keeping the necessary few. Yet, what I have come to realize is that there are a few things I need to call my space home.”

After moving many times as a child and young adult, Bellingham artist Heather Strawn Fitzstrawn is well versed and comfortable with letting go of objects and keeping the necessary few. Photo courtesy Mindport Exhibits

Quilts, childhood photos, pictures of her sons, treasures found in Oaxaca, handmade mugs made by a dear friend, wool slippers, old letters and books, pieces of art, a green glass lamp that belonged to her grandparents, specific plants, and some of her favorite sweaters: these objects, she says, constitute home.

“I’m very fortunate to have what I do, compared to too many in our town, yet I’m also concerned for my lack of security, not owning my home,” she says. “Through pencil, watercolor, ink, and stitching, I’m attempting to depict what brings me joy and makes me feel at home, whether it’s in my own or at a friend’s place: a carefully curated wall of art, a well-placed plant, or a treasured book.”

Marie Songer’s contribution features photos by Lucas Reilly of buildings and spaces in downtown Bellingham that are currently vacant. “Bellingham is no stranger to empty and unused properties,” she says.

Downtown is peppered with commercial properties available for rent that remain closed — boarded, locked, or surrounded by barbed wire — sometimes for years on end. “Often,” Marie says, “these unused properties are within blocks of homeless encampments and sleeping bags can be seen in the doorways or on the sidewalks outside.”

Marie’s works feature an interactive opportunity for visitors in which they can use worksheets to “dream a new downtown landscape” and to “imagine how these unused spaces could be repurposed to serve the unhoused community.” After the exhibit, these worksheets will be mailed to the property owners.

Bellingham photographer Eric Boekelheide’s aim is “to take the viewer to a place of calm introspective beauty in a subject matter that may at first be seen as repulsive or fearful.”

Eric Boekelheide’s recent work has concentrated on solitary street life in the Pacific Northwest, including Bellingham. This work is titled “Shelter on the Street.” Photo courtesy Mindport Exhibits

His recent work has concentrated on solitary street life in the Pacific Northwest, providing a natural documentation of the area’s ongoing battle with the housing crisis.

In his artist statement, Eric says it’s not uncommon to see people carrying their possessions in a wagon or on their back, elderly and children sometimes in tow. “It’s not uncommon to see easily replaceable belongings hastily discarded on the street.”

Because Mindport welcomes visitors of all ages there is, in addition to the visual works, a collection of books curated by Tallie Jones and Kira Schwerzler in the adjoining reading room. The books describe the human scale of this crisis, the safety and comfort that we all seek in shelter, and address the historical factors that have led to the difficult situation we now face. Some offer ways of explaining the difficult topic to young children, while others explore potential solutions.

“My hope in curating this exhibit was to make a space for artists to communicate their own experiences,” Stroop says, “and thus to show many facets of the housing crisis.”

She also hopes for a shift in cultural consciousness towards an understanding that shelter is a basic human right. “Perhaps ‘Dream House’ can support actions that are useful, compassionate, creative, and equitable. I hope that, soon, we can begin to see the collective benefits of alleviating suffering and to work together, so that everyone can be sheltered.”

The exhibit runs through fall 2024.

Stroop says she’s applying for future locations for the collection as it is, or perhaps as it evolves. So, if you’re looking for a selection of professionally crafted works complete with thoughtful writing in both English and Spanish for an art space in your community, please reach out.

You can explore more of the artists and their works from the exhibit on the Mindport Exhibits Facebook page. For more details, please visit www.mindport.org.

Mindport Exhibits
210 Holly Street in downtown Bellingham

Phone: 360.647.5614
Email: infomp@mindport.org

HOURS
Wednesday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

97-Year-Old World War II Vet Still Active at Bellingham American Legion Post

By

Matt Benoit

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Russ Chapman World War II Vet Cruise Book 2024 — Russ Chapman, 97, holds his WWII cruise book from his service in WWII on a recent Saturday at Bellingham's American Legion Post 7. He still regularly attends meetings and drinks beer. Photo credit: Matt Benoit

When World War II ended in 1945, 16 million Americans became war veterans. Nearly eight decades later, that number continues to dwindle: the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 131 WWII veterans die each day, and as of 2023, only about 119,500 were still with us.

Whatcom County’s Russ Chapman is among them. At 97 years old, Chapman is the last-surviving WWII veteran at Bellingham’s American Legion Albert J. Hamilton Post 7. Though hard of hearing and using a walker, Chapman is in otherwise good health for his age and regularly visits the legion hall to socialize, attend meetings, and even drink some beer.

In February, the legion post threw a birthday party for Chapman, and dozens of people showed up for pie and pictures.

“I think it speaks to the dedication of Russ as an individual, and his generation, that — at 97 — he’s still coming to two meetings a month,” says Robert W. Meyers, the post’s historian. “When he shows up, the room lights up.”

Chapman in his Navy garb during several weeks of leave in 1945, just before he sailed into the South Pacific. Photo courtesy Russ Chapman

In the Navy

Chapman was born in Bellingham in 1927, at his grandparents’ home on 13^th Street. For four years he was an only child, before being joined by two brothers and two sisters.

“I was the lead brat,” he says with a chuckle.

Chapman attended Lowell Elementary School, Fairhaven Middle School, and Bellingham High School. He was 14 when Pearl Harbor was bombed, leading the U.S. into the growing conflict. In early 1944, Chapman first tried to enlist.

“I thought it was the thing to do,” he says of joining the war effort. “All the other people were going.”

Chapman and a friend attempted to join up at the same time, but Chapman failed his physical exam multiple times due to high blood pressure. Meyers says it’s not uncommon for the blood pressure of young men to be elevated during the tension of the enlistment process.

In December 1944, a 17-year-old Chapman finally passed his physical and dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Navy. By January 1945, he was going through boot camp in San Diego, California. After several weeks’ leave, Chapman returned to California’s Camp Pendleton for landing craft training. Shortly after, he found himself at Naval Base San Pedro in Los Angeles, glimpsing the ship he’d soon be aboard: the USS Columbia (CL-56).

Just months’ prior, the Columbia had been the victim of multiple kamikaze attacks that killed a total of 37 men. Now overhauled, Chapman knew he would be seeing combat when he boarded, and would do so as a radar operator.

Russ Chapman spent most of 1945 aboard the USS Columbia, a Navy cruiser that provided gunfire support to troops in the South Pacific and also protected American interests in Okinawa. Photo courtesy Russ Chapman

Dispatched to the Pacific theatre, Columbia provided support for landing troops in Borneo, and was also part of Task Force 95, a convoy of ships that protected American forces stationed at Okinawa. It was here, in the summer of 1945, that Chapman and many other sailors shared the grim conclusion that an attack on the Japanese mainland would be imminent. As a result, many assumed they would not return home alive.

When the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, Chapman said it took him and others by surprise — but also with immense relief. Even so, there were still dangers.

“The day they said the war was over, we had an air attack from Japanese aircraft,” Chapman recalls.

With the war officially over, the Columbia headed south, carrying inspection parties to Truk Atoll and its Japanese base there. The vessel visited several other South Pacific islands before heading home through the Panama Canal. It reached Philadelphia in December 1945 to be de-commissioned, and Chapman took a three-month training tour to Quebec City, Canada.

Chapman says he never had a truly close call during the war, but one of his best friends and longtime neighbors did.

Bobby Turner — a gunner’s mate aboard the USS Lexington — was instructed one day to switch positions from the front to the back of the ship. Shortly after, a kamikaze impacted the front of the ship. If not for the position swap, Turner would have almost certainly been killed.

Chapman (right) poses with long-time friend and neighbor, Bob Turner. Both served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Photo courtesy Russ Chapman

Life After the War

After being discharged from active duty in Bremerton, Washington, in August 1946, Chapman remained in the naval reserves. He served out of Naval Station Puget Sound, located at Seattle’s Sand Point, and worked as a flight engineer for PBY Catalina aircraft.

In 1950, several months before the Korean War began, Chapman was honorably discharged from the military. After serving as a volunteer firefighter in Stevenson, Washington, from 1951 to 1954, Chapman took a job in Whatcom County with Georgia-Pacific. He wound up as a journeyman millwright, and retired in 1988.

His life also produced a wonderful family. Chapman met his wife Della in high school in 1943. They married in 1948 and were together for 66 years, until her death in December 2014. Chapman still drinks a glass of wine on the anniversary of her death. The couple had four sons, but only one is still living. In addition to his remaining son, Chapman has 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.

Because he dropped out of high school to serve in WWII, Chapman didn’t receive his diploma until he was 42. It was sent to him the same day his first grandchild was born.

Chapman is the last surviving WWII veteran at his legion post. Photo credit: Matt Benoit

In his retirement, Chapman and his wife spent 10 years working for the Washington State Parks Department as campground hosts, spending time at Lake Chelan and Port Townsend’s Fort Warden. Honoring his military service, Chapman was originally a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars branch in Laurel, and joined the Post 7 American Legion about 23 years ago. As an executive board member, Chapman attends each executive and general membership meeting, while also volunteering on Saturday poker nights.

“I come to all the meetings I can,” Chapman says.

For 11 years, Chapman also served on the legion’s honor guard, providing volunteer military funeral services, up until two years ago. He also used to bowl quite well (his highest score was 298). Though he moves slowly now, he does still move. Occasionally, he says, he even gets to dance a little.

So, is there a secret to his health and longevity?

“Just staying out of trouble,” he says with a smile.

Overall, Russ Chapman knows he has led a good life, and he is proud to have been a part of world history.

“I felt pretty fortunate that I made it through,” he says of the war. “I didn’t think I was going to, but I did.”

Russ Chapman, 97, during a recent trip to the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Washington. Photo credit: Matt Benoit

Bellingham Chamber Chorale presents Handel’s ‘Messiah’

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by the Bellingham Chamber Chorale

The Bellingham Chamber Chorale is thrilled to present Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, June 15 (noon) and Sunday, June 16 (5 pm) at the historic Church of the Assumption. This extraordinary event will showcase a stellar lineup of soloists, including the internationally acclaimed Katie Van Kooten, Rosamund Dyer, Stephen Rumph, and Charles Robert Stephens.

Tickets for Handel’s Messiah are on sale at www.bellinghamchamberchorale.org or can be purchased at the door, 30 minutes before each concert.

Under the leadership of the esteemed Dr. Frederick Mabalot, the Bellingham Chamber Chorale will perform Handel’s timeless masterpiece. Dr. Mabalot, an accomplished composer, highly respected artistic director, and conductor, is renowned for his ability to elicit powerful performances from his singers and orchestral musicians, ensuring a truly transformative musical experience.

The BCC will be joined on stage by four soloists from the Pacific Northwest. Soprano Katie Van Kooten has received praise for her “refined and powerful soprano with feeling and intelligence.” Tenor Stephen Rumph is known for his “soaringly beautiful, unspeakably tender, and incisive and well-controlled” voice, and baritone, Charles Robert Stephens’ performances, have been lauded for “a committed characterization and a voice of considerable beauty.” Recent Oberlin Conservatory graduate Rosamund Dyer returns to Bellingham, after stints with Pacific Northwest opera and artistic management in New York, performing as the alto soloist.

While Handel’s Messiah is often associated with Christmas, this iconic masterpiece, composed in just 24 days in 1741, was premiered in April 1742, just a few weeks after Easter. The libretto, a collection of Scripture, beautifully weaves together the events of Easter and Christmas, making it a significant piece of work that extends beyond the Nativity story to encompass the entire life of Jesus Christ. Experiencing the whole of Handel’s work in the spring offers a unique perspective, allowing for a deeper and more meaningful connection to the themes of redemption, hope, and resurrection beautifully woven throughout Messiah.

Come and be moved by a profound and uplifting performance that can stir a sense of spiritual renewal and rejuvenation, perfectly aligning with the spirit of spring. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with this timeless classic — join us for a performance of Handel’s Messiah!

Take advantage of this opportunity to experience one of the greatest works of Western music, performed by some of the most talented musicians and singers in the Pacific Northwest.

Lindsey Payne Johnstone Appointed as Executive Director of Downtown Bellingham Partnership

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Downtown Bellingham Partnership

The Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) has appointed Lindsey Payne Johnstone as its executive director. With over 15 years of dedicated service to the organization and serving as interim executive director since January 2024, Lindsey brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the community’s needs and Main Street America principles to her new role.

In her previous role as program director, Lindsey oversaw all aspects of the organization’s programs and events with passion and dedication. Notably, Lindsey has been the common thread through Downtown Sounds’ growth from an alleyway concert series to a five-block urban music festival prepared to celebrate 20 years of free community celebration this summer and welcome an estimated 4,500 people to the Downtown core for five Wednesdays July 10–August 7, 2024. Lindsey, and the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, have also elevated their impact beyond events to include meaningful business support and advocacy programs in recent years as the neighborhood navigated the onset, duration, and aftereffects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. She is poised to embody the Main Street America approach, a formal accreditation the Downtown Bellingham Partnership caries, which emboldens community transformation through activities in four pillars: economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization.

Rhiannon Troutman, President of the Board of Directors, expressed her confidence in Lindsey’s appointment, stating, “The hiring committee worked diligently without bias to select the best candidate from a nationwide pool of applications for the position. After careful and thoughtful deliberation, it was clear that Lindsey is best qualified to lead and elevate the Downtown Bellingham Partnership in a direction the board and our stakeholders would like to see.”

In response to her appointment, Lindsey shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying, “I am excited to formally lead the organization I have developed not only my career with, but that has such a vital role in cultivating prosperity for our business community and meaningful experiences for our residents, tourists, and workers. Working alongside a new wave of leadership throughout City and County government allows us all to think beyond the status quo and invest in new ideas.”

Lindsey leads a staff of five full-time employees and seven seasonal landscaping and cleaning team members in addition to the nonprofit’s volunteer-based events and services. A full staff directory of roles and responsibilities can be found at www.downtownbellingham.com/staff.

State Asks That Campers Not Move Firewood To Help Keep Invasive Species in Check

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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EmeraldAshBorer-credit-David Cappaert, MIchigan State Univ., Bugwood.org — Emerald Ash Borer. Photo credit: David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.com

Submitted by State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Office

Several state agencies are asking campers and outdoor enthusiasts to not move firewood and instead buy it where they burn it this camping season.

The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry Program, Washington State Department of Agriculture, and Washington State University Extension are strongly encouraging outdoor recreationists to heed their “Buy It Where You Burn It” campaign as a way to keep invasive species in check.

The warning comes after emerald ash borer — an invasive, wood-boring beetle that kills ash trees — was found this month in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was first discovered on the West Coast in 2022 near Portland, Oregon.

Emerald ash borer has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America and has moved westward at a rapid pace; experts suspect that moving firewood contributed to their arrival.

“Emerald ash borer and other invasive insects could devastate Washington’s forests,” said Stephanie Helms, the executive coordinator for the Washington Invasive Species Council. “Harm to our forests can affect recreation, tourism and the businesses and wildlife that rely on them.”

The insect’s larvae burrow under the tree bark and eat the sapwood. Once damaged, the bark can’t transport water and nutrients, causing the tree to die gradually. These invasive pests can be found in firewood at all stages of their life cycles. Humans often carry insects greater distances than they can fly or crawl on their own.

“While packing firewood from your home for your camping trip may seem resourceful, you could unintentionally move invasive insects to new parts of the state, to a whole new state entirely or even back home with you,” Helms said. “It is estimated that forest pests cost local governments across the country around $1.7 billion each year, not including costs to landowners. With more than 41 million visitors to state parks alone, we need to be more vigilant.”

How to Help

Protect trees by following these simple steps:

Don’t move firewood. Always buy it near where you will burn it.
Spread the word — tell friends, neighbors and family about the dangers of moving firewood and encourage those prepping for a camping trip or vacation in their recreational vehicles to buy firewood locally.
Call ahead to find local wood dealers near camping destinations.
Learn to recognize the pests of concern on the council’s website.
Burn all firewood before leaving a campsite.

“It’s not just firewood that can move invasive insects,” Helms said. “Anything that moves can move an invasive species. When traveling, be sure to check shoes, bags, boxes and outdoor gear for insect hitchhikers. This includes all life stages, including the egg and larval stage.”

Getting Communities Prepared

Additional resources are available to members of the public who want to know more about how to prepare for and prevent invasive pests like emerald ash borer. The Washington State Urban Forest Pest Readiness Playbook helps communities prepare for potential pest outbreaks through self-assessments and recommended actions. This tool helps close the gap in readiness and response capabilities between urban forest managers and state and federal responders, which helps everyone better protect urban forests.

Protecting Against the Emerald Ash Borer

For landowners seeking technical guidance on emerald ash borer, which has not been detected in Washington, see the Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program Recommendations for Emerald Ash Borer Response in Washington Communities, as well as the Washington State University Extension publications Emerald Ash Borer and Its Implications for Washington State and Managing Emerald Ash Borer in Washington State.

“Trees are central to our identity as Washingtonians,” Helms said. “And it’s up to all of us to be pest ready, not to move firewood and to buy it where we burn it.”

19 Tips for Enjoying Ski to Sea Weekend

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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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 26^th marks the 51^st year of the Ski to Sea Race and the 19^th 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 6^th 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 14^th 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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The-Kalliope-Project-1 — 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 11^th 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

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