Community health centers care for those most in need — including rural families, children, and people experiencing homelessness. Nearly half of Unity Care NW’s patients live at or below the poverty line.
Health care access is under threat for thousands of people in Whatcom County. A new bill passed by Congress and currently under review by the Senate, proposes major changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that would significantly raise costs and create new barriers for low-income families.
The bill would:
Add a $35 co-pay for Medicaid services for anyone living on more than $15,650 a year
Reinstate work requirements for Medicaid eligibility
Raise ACA premiums by $1,460 per year for people who buy affordable health insurance through the federal marketplace
These changes could result in over 8 million people nationwide losing their medical coverage[1], including thousands of Whatcom County residents. In Washington state, Medicaid is known as Apple Health, and it currently helps over 2 million people access care. Thousands more rely on affordable plans made available through the ACA.
Locally, Unity Care NW and Sea Mar are the only Federally Qualified Community Health Centers (FQHCs) in Whatcom County. These clinics primarily serve people on Medicaid, who might otherwise go without medical, dental, or behavioral health services.
What Is a Community Health Center?
Community health centers served 31 million Americans in 2024 — the highest number in the 60-year history of the Health Center Program. These nonprofit centers, including Unity Care NW, are mission-driven to care for everyone, regardless of income or insurance status. In 2023, more than 90% of FQHC patients nationwide lived below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line — about $30,000 a year for an individual.
At Unity Care NW:
57% of patients are covered by Apple Health
16% are uninsured
Most live on modest incomes — below $30,000 per year for an individual
Community health centers provide care for children, seniors, rural families, people experiencing homelessness, and others who often face barriers to getting care. In fact, community health centers like Unity Care NW serve 1 in 8 children in the U.S.
In 2024, Unity Care NW provided care to 24,750 patients. Nearly 60% of those were enrolled in Medicaid — a reminder of just how essential public health programs are to our community.
More Than Just a Clinic
FQHCs like Unity Care NW go beyond treating illness. They provide preventive services like immunizations and HIV testing, and help patients manage long-term health issues like diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure. True to their name, community health centers are part of the fabric of the communities they serve — committed to helping people live healthier, stronger, and more supported lives.
Unity Care NW continues to be a lifeline for more than 24,750 local residents. But if these proposed federal changes go through, many of their patients could lose their coverage and their access to care.
You Can Help
Now more than ever, we must stand up for health care that is affordable, fair, and available to all.
Readers can learn more about Unity Care NW’s work and impact in Whatcom County by viewing the organization’s Annual Report. The report highlights the care provided, the challenges patients face, and the measurable difference Unity Care NW is making in the community. Readers may also contact their senators to ask them to protect those who rely on Medicaid or make a gift to help make quality health care accessible to everyone in Whatcom County.
[1] Source: the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office
For the first time since its 1912 construction, Little Squalicum Pier is open to the public. The 1,248-foot long pier provides views of the area you'd otherwise have to board a boat to glimpse. Photo credit: Matt Benoit
On the afternoon of April 26, 2025, community members and public officials gathered to celebrate the recent public opening of Bellingham’s Little Squalicum Pier.
The 1,248-foot wooden pier, built initially for a cement company in 1912, now includes modern features like deck grating, pedestrian guardrails, and wind- and solar-powered lighting. It is the longest public pier in Washington and the longest on the North American West Coast between White Rock, British Columbia and Pacifica, California, which lies just south of San Francisco.
“Pausing to celebrate this milestone inspired appreciation and awe for this beautiful place,” says Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, who attended the opening celebration with several former mayors. “The pier gives us a new perspective on our waterfront and a truly unique opportunity for everyone in our community to experience Bellingham Bay.”
A work crew during 1912 construction of Little Squalicum Pier. The structure was built to accommodate the nearby Olympic Portland Cement plant. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Museum Photo Archives
Long and Necessary on Bellingham Bay
Whatcom Museum Archivist Jeff Jewell notes that Little Squalicum Pier is the last pier of its kind on Bellingham Bay, recalling an era when the area’s industrial-centered waterfront looked quite different from what it does today.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the growth of communities surrounding the bay resulted in numerous docks, wharves and piers that aided the ship-and-rail-heavy movement of goods and people.
And there are, technically, differences between the terms ‘wharf,’ ‘pier,’ and ‘dock.’
In their most basic definition, wharves and piers are structures where ships load and unload cargo. A wharf runs parallel or at some angle to shore, while a pier runs perpendicular to land and juts straight into the water. A dock is simply a place to tie up a boat and often floats on the water, whereas piers and wharves are built over water.
These terms often appear to be used interchangeably in both historical and contemporary settings; however, many structures called wharves were – technically speaking – actually piers.
These structures were needed when local waterways emptied naturally into the bay’s tidal flats, Jewell explains. Large ships couldn’t get too close to shore without running aground in shallow water, making a pier the only practical way to load and unload cargo. When waterfront dredging and subsequent fill-in of the waterfront occurred in the early 1900s, ships unloaded closer to shore – making most of the lengthy piers obsolete.
Before Bellingham Bay’s waterfront was dredged and filled in, long piers extended up to a mile into the bay. There, ships could be safely loaded and unloaded without running aground in shallow water. Photo courtesy: Galen Biery collection, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, WWU
A Short History of Long, Whatcom County Piers
Chief among these long piers was Colony Wharf, which extended a full mile into Bellingham Bay, Jewell says.
Originally built around 1883, the wharf was initially constructed by a utopian community group called the “Kansas Colony.” Upon migrating to Washington, they hoped their new pier would aid a potential logging mill capable of sustaining the building of a new community within Washington State, according to the Port of Bellingham website.
Other lengthy piers, including the Sehome Wharf and G Street Wharf, eventually joined Colony Wharf.
Ella Higginson, the state’s first Poet Laureate and a longtime Bellingham resident, arrived in the area in October 1888 aboard the vessel Idaho. Setting foot on to Colony Wharf, she later recalled being met by a man with a smoky lantern and wheelbarrow to hold mail, who warned her of “plumb terrible holes” in the wharf.
“If you happen to step into one,” the man supposedly told her, “you’re a goner from Gonesville, sure.”
According to old newspaper reports, the last remnants of Colony Wharf were likely torn down sometime after April 1908. That same January, a storm-weakened section of G Street Wharf collapsed, throwing three men and a team of horses into the bay. The men were injured but survived; the horses were not as lucky. By 1914, it appears the original G Street Wharf was also all but a memory.
The completed pier, as seen in 1913. Photo credit: J.W. Sandison from Whatcom Museum
Little Squalicum Pier was primarily built in 1912 and deemed basically complete when the Bellingham Herald reported on it in February 1913. The pier was mainly constructed to move oil between steamer ships, and the nearby Olympic Portland Cement Company plant was set to open the following month, the Herald reported.
Large oil pumps were built on the pier to help fill a 55,000-barrel tank at the plant, along with a railroad track and other related freight machinery. Their pier continued to be used for cement company purposes until 1987. The following decades saw use only by seagulls and adventurous humans seeking activities like skinny-dipping, Jewell says.
The pier remained owned by the Lehigh Hanson/Heidelberg Cement Group until November 2021, when it was transferred to the City of Bellingham. The pier extends from deeded land owned by the city, while the Port of Bellingham owns and manages the surrounding intertidal area. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources manages the surrounding waters of the outer section.
The pier as it appeared in 1950. The cement company used the pier until 1987. Photo credit: Terence Wahl from Whatcom Museum
Opening and Visiting Little Squalicum Pier
Making the pier available for public use has been a goal for at least three mayoral administrations, said Melissa Morin, the communications and community relations director for the City of Bellingham. But it was about $1.6 million in funding from the city’s Greenways Levy – which uses property taxes to fund the development and upkeep of Bellingham trails, parks and open spaces – that finally made the goal a reality.
The pier’s opening was also made possible through an agreement with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and 2010 Little Squalicum Park Master Plan, along with the state’s Shoreline Master Program and consultations with local indigenous tribes and the United States Army Corp of Engineers.
The name “Little Squalicum Pier” wasn’t chosen until August 2024, after the city received feedback from more than 900 community members on what to call the pier. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ultimately chose the name, which was then approved by the city council.
Squalicum Pier may also be eligible for future listing in the National Register of Historic Places. For now, it is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. If you visit, know that dogs must be leashed, jumping from the pier is prohibited, and fishing is allowed under Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules.
The Mima Mounds make for a fun and interesting walking trail near Olympia. Photo credit: Kristina Lotz
Thurston County is home to many unique natural sites that are wonderful to explore. From bioluminescent kayak floats in the Sound to walking trails in the Glacial Heritage Preserve that give you a glimpse of what Puget Sound looked like in the 1800s. If you are looking for walking trails near Olympia, check out the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. These walking trails show you a rare landform – the Mima Mounds – and the chance for bird watching in Thurston County.
How to Get To Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Ready for a hike near Olympia? From north or south, take 1-5 to exit 95 and head west on Maytown Road towards Littlerock. Drive through Littlerock (straight at the stop sign) and continue onto 128th Avenue until road ends at T intersection. Turn right on Waddell Creek Road. After .8-miles, turn left. There will be a sign for the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. Second parking area has the bathrooms.
Signs make it easy to find your way around the Mima Mounds. Photo credit: Kristina Lotz
Visiting Mima Mounds Walking Trails
Be sure to get your Discover Pass for parking at the trailhead at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. Before you go, there are a few other things you need to know about walking at this Thurston County Natural Area Preserve:
No dogs, except service animals, are allowed
No bicycles either – there is a bike rack by the paved trailhead
One path is paved and ADA accessible
Great for kids
Be prepared to pack everything with you, so if you bring snacks, be sure to have something to put your waste in – leave no trace!
Do not wander from the trails
Hunting and shooting are prohibited in the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
The first parking area you get to is for the picnic area. There are several picnic benches tucked into the forest and even up on mounds, making it a great place to stop for a picnic – for those that cannot climb the rather steep mounds, there is a table out on the field by the fence. It’s a great place to sit, enjoy nature and a have a picnic in Thurston County.
If you head further in, there will be a one way sign, follow that to the second parking area. There are bathrooms there.
While Discover Passes are required, they do have a couple 15-minute parking spots at both parking areas that have no fee, if you just want to get a quick view of the mounds!
This nature preserve near Olympia has three walking paths. The paved trail is a .5-mile loop that is an interpretive trail system. It’s great for learning about the mysterious Mima Mounds and the glacial prairie! You can head to the observation area that has information, as well as a second story observation deck that gives you a good view of the mounds.
The other two paths are gravel and are north and south of the paved loop. The south loop is about 1.5 miles and the north loop is another half-mile trail. Each trail will give you something different to look at, so it’s worth exploring all three.
The preserve is home to many native and protected plant species, including Roemer’s fescue, Garry Oak trees and more. If you are looking for birdwatching near Olympia or love butterflies, you will often find both, depending on the time of year you visit. Migratory birds will be found in the fall and spring.
Spring and early summer are great times to visit because the wild flowers are in bloom!
If you don’t have a Discover Pass, you can park at these 15-minutes parking spots to take a quick walk near Olympia at the Mima Mounds. Photo credit: Kristina Lotz
What are the Mima Mounds In Thurston County?
Of course, the major draw are the mounds themselves. The Mima Mounds are small hills that average anywhere between 2 and 7 feet tall and 8 to 40 feet long. The name Mima comes from two Chehalis words meaning “newness,” and “to be surprised.”
As for what created the mounds – that hasn’t been decided. There are many theories, ranging from gophers, earthquakes and glaciers to even aliens. Walk the trails, read the interpretive signs and see which theory seems most probable to you! The local Tribes have a legend that the mounds are dolphins and whales that got stuck when water was covering the area – whale bones have been found nearby on the banks of the Chehalis River.
These trails are a great place to take kids. You can even turn it into a learning opportunity with the DNR’s downloadable Mima Mounds worksheet. It has photos, information, space for notes and drawings, and even discussion questions.
Take some time to walk these incredible historic trails near Olympia. You will be glad you did!
When Matt Moore launched Moore Construction in 2021, it started with two people in a garage and a big vision: to build a company grounded in integrity, transparency, and genuine care for customers. Fast forward just a few years, Moore Construction has grown into a multi-million-dollar enterprise with nearly 30 employees, an electrical division, and a beloved mascot—Molly the French Bulldog—who has become a recognizable face (and logo) throughout Kitsap County.
Matt’s idea to include Molly in the brand wasn’t just a fun touch—it was a strategic move that resonated with the community. From her appearances on social media to branded hoodies featuring her face, Molly has helped Moore Construction stand out in a crowded industry. “People started asking where Molly was if I skipped a week posting about her,” Matt laughs. “Now she’s in the logo, on the vans—she’s everywhere.”
But the real growth story lies in how Moore Construction turned early challenges into long-term success, thanks in part to a partnership with First Fed.
Matt Moore with Molly, the inspiration behind Moore Construction’s iconic logo. Photo courtesy: First Fed
Banking on Growth
Like many small businesses, Moore Construction faced cash flow challenges, especially with large projects involving delayed payments. “We were floating payments between current and past invoices while waiting on receivables,” Matt explained. To ease the financial pressure, Matt took out a high-interest loan—but he knew that wasn’t sustainable. That’s when First Fed stepped in.
Through a carefully structured SBA loan, First Fed helped Moore Construction consolidate debt, dramatically lower their monthly payments, and free up cash flow. “Our monthly payment ending up being less than a quarter of what it was,” Matt said. “That move alone allowed us to catch up on obligations and positioned us to grow even more.”
Moore Construction also worked with First Fed on a business line of credit, further streamlining their finances. “It’s not an exaggeration to say it saved us,” Matt shared. “Construction is a game of cash flow, and First Fed helped us stabilize and expand.”
A True Banking Partner
Matt first connected with First Fed through the team at the Kitsap branch, who brought a personal, solutions-first approach to the relationship. That connection grew into a true partnership. “It feels like I have a bank that’s actually in my corner,” Matt said. “I can call KristiAnn or Misty at any time with questions. It reminds me of how my dad used to walk into his local bank and get support without all the red tape.”
“Partnering with Matt to support the growth of his business has been a true pleasure,” said KristiAnn Stecker, Commercial Relationship Manager at First Fed. “At Moore Construction, we see the same commitment to people and community that drives us at First Fed.”
Now, Matt says having First Fed behind them has even changed how they present to customers. “When we say we can help you find financing through our banking partner, that’s a game-changer—especially for clients trying to afford their dream home or remodel.”
KristiAnn Stecker, Commercial Relationship Manager for Moore Construction at First Fed. Photo courtesy: First Fed
Looking Ahead
With several custom homes already in progress and a push into larger commercial and light industrial projects, Moore Construction shows no signs of slowing down. They’ve recently merged their electrical services under the same umbrella to create a more seamless experience and brand consistency for clients.
Matt’s long-term goal? Expanding east into Washington and even Montana, possibly through franchising, while maintaining the family-driven, community-focused spirit that defines the business. “We go to every estimate, no matter the size,” he said. “Because we truly care—and our customers feel that.”
Why Customers Choose Moore
Moore Construction’s reputation is built on more than workmanship. It’s about trust, honesty, and showing up. From being voted “Best Contractor” and “Best Employer” in Kitsap, to having repeat customers invite the team over for dinner, Moore’s impact is personal.
And of course, it never hurts to have a four-legged brand ambassador by your side. “We probably could have called it ‘Molly’s Construction’ and done even better,” Matt jokes. “But ‘Moore Construction’ works just fine—because we always deliver ‘Moore’!”
Do you have a small business that could use a growth partner? Learn more about small business solutions at First Fed.
First Fed is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
This year, Bellingham is gearing up for an unforgettable Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21, from 2–6 p.m. at Maritime Heritage Park, and the entire community is invited to take part in the joy, reflection, and powerful connection that Juneteenth represents.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the U.S. in 1865—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. For Black communities across the nation, Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone—it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, family, and the ongoing journey toward freedom and equality.
Photo courtesy: Miraculous Eventz
Here in Bellingham, Juneteenth is being reimagined and brought to life in an uplifting, inclusive way by Miraculous Braidz & Beauty, also known for its growing events brand Miraculous Eventz. What began as a local braid shop has blossomed into a beacon of empowerment, culture, and creativity—sparking community events that highlight Black excellence and provide meaningful spaces for gathering and joy.
This year’s Juneteenth celebration will feature live music, kid-friendly activities, dance performances, community art, giveaways, food, and a curated vendor market filled with small businesses owned by Black, Brown, and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Confirmed vendors include Blythe Ave Market, Hello Divine Essence, and many more local creatives offering everything from handmade goods and skincare to custom jewelry and original art.
Food trucks and sweet treats will be in full effect, giving attendees a chance to taste diverse flavors while enjoying music and dance in the sun-soaked park.
Free tables are even available to independent artists and musicians looking to promote their work, grow their audience, and network with like-minded creatives. While some will perform on stage, others will share their music, merch, and message face-to-face with the community.
This incredible celebration is made possible thanks to generous support from local sponsors like the Opportunity Council and the Community Food Co-Op, who share a vision of equity, access, and community investment. Their partnership has helped cover essential costs, including venue rental, permits, insurance, and family-friendly features that make the event fun and accessible for everyone.
Photo courtesy: Miraculous Eventz
At the heart of the Juneteenth celebration is Miracle, owner of Miraculous Braidz & Beauty, a mother, entrepreneur, and community visionary. What began with a commitment to serve her clients and express creativity through hairstyling quickly turned into a mission to create safe and joyful spaces for Black people in Bellingham to gather, celebrate, and be seen.
Now, with her event brand Miraculous Eventz gaining traction, Miracle is setting the tone for community-led cultural celebrations that reflect the richness of Black art, history, and pride in Whatcom County.
This year’s event will also include an introduction to B.B.L.A.C. (Bellingham’s Black Lives, Art, and Culture)—a new initiative dedicated to highlighting and preserving Black stories, creativity, and leadership in Whatcom County. With the long-term goal of becoming a nonprofit, B.B.L.A.C. will host regular gatherings, events, and collaborative efforts to uplift the local Black community year-round.
A sign-up booth for those interested in joining B.B.L.A.C. will be available at the event.
Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out, a supporter of local small businesses, or someone wanting to connect and celebrate Black culture and history, Juneteenth in Bellingham is for you.
Maritime Heritage Park Saturday, June 21, 2025 2 – 6 p.m. Vendors • Food • Music • Performances • Community
For updates, follow @miraculouseventz on Instagram or email miraculouseventz@gmail.com.
Come celebrate freedom, culture, and community with us!
Peoples Bank is excited to announce a comprehensive home buying seminar on Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. at the Everson Library. This seminar is designed to provide valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to purchase a home.
The seminar will be led by Whitney Tjoelker, a senior mortgage loan officer at Peoples Bank. Whitney brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, making this an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn from an expert in the field.
Topics Covered in the Seminar Will Include:
Understanding credit and its impact on home buying
Assessing income and budgeting for a home purchase
Exploring down payment options
Identifying common pitfalls to avoid during the home buying process
Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about your home buying journey. To reserve your spot, please visit 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 served the community for over 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 Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating firm. Learn more about Peoples Bank here. Member FDIC.
About the Everson Library and Whatcom County Library System (WCLS)
The Everson Library is part of the Whatcom County Library System, which connects people with information, ideas and community.?WCLS circulates more than 2 million items annually through 10 branches, the bookmobile and a Library Express location on Northwest Drive. The Birch Bay Vogt Library Express will open in 2026. Residents have access to WCLS’s rich collection of books in print and digital formats, music and movies, online digital services, inspiring events for every age and public meeting spaces. WCLS is grateful to Peoples Bank and Whatcom County Library Foundation for sponsoring the 2025 Summer Reading program. Experience “The Power of Sharing” by visiting in person or online here.?
Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner have operated Boundary Bay for over 30 years, sponsoring sporting events and community organizations. Photo credit: Janet Lightner
Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham’s oldest current microbrewery, has announced that they are closing its doors in September 2025. This local establishment has served the community for 30 years.
“In the very beginning, 1995, there weren’t very many craft breweries in the whole country,” says general manager Janet Lightner. “So we started out as pioneers, and then we were closing after 30 years as a legacy brewery, as true veterans. I don’t know how many 30-year-old breweries are left in the country.”
As the brewery’s announcement states, Boundary Bay has grown with generations in Bellingham and the craft brewery scene.
Boundary Bay has helped host many events in Depot Market Square, including collaborations with Bellingham Farmers Market and Pride organizations. Photo credit: Janet Lightner
“People have come up to me with tears in their eyes when they found out that Boundary is closing and, you know, just can I give you a hug?” Lightner says. “And I’m like, sure, give me a hug. And you know, it’s like somebody met their partner there, somebody and their parents came there every time they came to see them at Western. Everybody I’ve talked to about it has a personal story about how Boundary has touched their lives and their families. We’ve seen babies grow up, and we’re on our second generation of some employees. If my granddaughter comes up and works for us before she starts Western, we’ll have three generations working at Boundary. It’s just really touching, really heartfelt.”
For their final year, Boundary Bay is offering throwback menu items, concerts, merchandise, and more. Photo credit: Janet Lightner
Raise a Glass to Boundary Bay’s Final Year
As a centerpiece of Depot Market Square, Boundary Bay is planning to go out with a bang, just like many of the celebrations it has hosted before.
“Our 30th anniversary technically is September 16, but we’re joining forces with the Farmers Market and having a big block party on Saturday, September 20,” says Lightner. “So we’re going to close down part of Railroad Avenue, and we’ll have bands out in the street, bands in the Beer Garden, just a lot of fun, a lot of activities. And so that’s what’ll be our community sendoff.”
Guests can still anticipate nostalgic merchandise (such as “Save the Ales”) and events in the space that has hosted many concerts, weddings, and memorials.
“We’re doing lots of little things like new merchandise, new logos, throwback menu items, throwback bands, and the beer garden,” Lightner says. “Just things that have touched people over the years and just bring it back one more time.”
Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner have operated Boundary Bay for over 30 years, sponsoring sporting events and community organizations. Photo credit: Janet Lightner
30 Years of Community in Bellingham
Until September, patrons can still enjoy Boundary Bay’s diverse menu of food and drink options for families and bargoers alike.
“We really try to encompass the community in our philosophy,” Lightner says. “When you choose Boundary, you choose community. But also in our menu items and in our offerings, you can have a beer, you can have root beer. You can bring your whole family, and everybody’s going to find something that they like.”
Lightner looks forward to Boundary Bay’s legacy of giving continuing with its staff and community partners.
“I think some folks are picking up on the entrepreneurial spirit that Boundary has demonstrated and maybe start their own businesses,” says Lightner. “Some staff people are talking about writing the Boundary cookbook. There are a lot of ripple-out effects from the knowledge base that people have had the opportunity to learn so many different skills while working at Boundary. Some employees have been with us over 20 years, and so they’ve learned a lot, and they want to take that skill set and move on with it and make an impact on the community themselves.”
“It’s going to be different, and you know we’ve had a really good run,” Lightner says. “But I really do feel like we will be missed, but I feel honored that we’ve touched so many lives.”
The historic Bellingham Herald entry at Boundary Bay’s opening reads: “Ed Bennett with plans for his Boundary Bay Brewery & Alehouse, which will open in January at 1107 Railroad Ave. Bennett is remodeling the building that once housed Steve’s Body Firm.” Photo credit: Janet Lightner
Sailing Into the Sunset for Boundary Bay
As Bellingham says goodbye to Boundary Bay, we remember their central place in making personal and communal memories.
“I think the one story that’s kind of funny is that we have a reputation of gift giving and helping out,” Lightner says. “And I overheard some folks in the foyer one time say, ‘Ask for Janet. She doesn’t know how to say no.’ So it was like, generosity is part of our list of values, and we walk that talk pretty well.”
Boundary Bay is leaving the community with an updated list of sendoff events and the opportunity to share personal stories.
“It’s just been such an honor to see into people’s lives and watch children grow and watch our community grow,” says Lightner. “This is just a heartfelt thank you for trusting us over 30 years with your family celebrations, your happy times, your sad times. Boundary has been there for you, and it’s just been such an honor.”
On Sunday, May 25, WTA will provide extra service between Western Washington University (WWU) and the Fairhaven Festival.
Parking and Service from WWU
Free parking will be available at WWU’s C Lot on Bill McDonald Parkway at West College Way. From there, riders can catch Route 14. Buses will depart every 15 minutes from the marked stop on the west side of Bill McDonald Parkway, beginning at 10:45 a.m.
To return to the C Lot, catch Route 14 from the marked stop at 12th Street and McKenzie Avenue, across the street from Haggen.
The last extra departure to Fairhaven will be at 7 p.m. After that, Route 14 will return to its regular schedule.
Service from Downtown Bellingham
Riders can also take Route 1 between Downtown Bellingham Station and Fairhaven. On Ski to Sea Sunday, Route 1 will run every 15 minutes from 11:25 a.m. to 6:55 p.m. Outside of this timeframe, it will operate every 30 minutes, per the regular schedule.
If you have questions, WTA drivers are happy to assist you.
Temporary Route Change
Please note: Due to the Ski to Sea race routing, Route 47 Harbor will not run on Sunday, May 25. Instead, all scheduled Route 47 trips will operate as Route 46 Granary.
Fares and More
Rides cost $1 per trip, and everyone 18 and under rides free! WTA also accepts all valid bus passes. You can download the Umo mobile app to pre-load a pass before boarding.
For more information on routes, fares, and passes, visit www.ridewta.com or call 360.676.7433.
Leesha Volkman is seen here with Innocence (left) and Savior, two clients that have received Love2Hope’s care and assistance. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
When Helen Lam began her high-flying international career, she had no idea she would eventually find her passion among Bellingham’s four-legged friends. Originally from Hong Kong, her job selling eyeglasses had her flying all over the world, especially to Europe and the United States. Because she spent so much time in the States, and had so many customers here, she decided to move to Los Angeles with her husband and children a few years before she left her sales job.
From Global Sales to Helping Others in Bellingham
But international air travel was not her only pastime. “I was a shopaholic. I liked to shop, shop, shop. At that time, I made good money, and you can imagine the size of my collection—that I’d never wear!” she says. “After 10 years, I felt bad about always shopping, shopping, shopping… and never helping.”
Soon, her family moved to Bellingham to be closer to her parents and siblings in Vancouver, BC, and she says that her spending habits left her feeling selfish. A new desire to give to the community led her to volunteer with the American Red Cross, and while it was a move in the right direction, she found she wanted to help people face to face. That decision led her to visit the drop-in center frequented by the city’s homeless population, which was located on Holly Street in the Old Town section of downtown.
Some of the Love2Hope crew, (from left) Amy, Helen, Sandy, Charla and Laura, reach out to the homeless population every Sunday at 2 p.m. behind the downtown library. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
“It kind of scared me. When I looked inside, all I could see was that the colors were so dark. The people looked depressed, and the atmosphere and the clothing were so gray and dark. My heart was sick, but that night I was thinking deep and hard, and I decided that if I believed there was a chance I could do something, I couldn’t just give up,” she says. “So I kept going, week after week, and after about a month, I felt way, way better. I found that they were really challenged by their life on the street, but they are really, really nice people.”
Leesha Volkman is seen here with Innocence (left) and Savior, two clients that have received Love2Hope’s care and assistance. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
The Dog That Made All The Difference
Lam still remembers the faces and the stories of the people she helped, and she also remembers the first time she saw the pet, which would change her direction in life. A woman came into the drop-in center with a small dog that was noticeably limping. Every time the dog took a step, Lam says, it would cry out. She had no money to take the dog to the vet and had asked all the nonprofits for help, but none of them were in a position to help her.
So Lam bought food and paid for a veterinary visit, and as word spread, more people began to seek her out. Lam was happy to help and didn’t mind using money from her savings to help suffering animals enjoy a healthier life, but that business model obviously couldn’t go on forever.
Though the work began long before, Love2Hope finally became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization at the end of 2024. Fifteen-year-old Dixie is seen smiling on the cover of their informational flyer. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
Love2Hope
Lam carries a simple belief through her life: that holding positive feelings within herself makes her more likely to find positivity in the world around her. And sure enough, as the list of pets she helped grew, so did the number of people willing to help her. Finally, in late 2024, Lam created a 501(c)3 organization and named it after her belief that good work would bring good rewards.
The work focuses on helping unhoused individuals and their companion pets by providing minor veterinary care, vaccinations, pet food, pet supplies and essential items for the people themselves. In addition to making Lam’s mission more sustainable, Love2Hope also makes it easy for community members to contribute, which in turn allows her and her team of volunteers to assist more and more pets. The website makes it easy to donate to the organization and easy to send an email to offer other sorts of assistance, or to ask for help if needed.
Lam suggests that people support the Whatcom Humane Society as well. The two organizations are getting together on May 24 so that the Humane Society can introduce its clients and supporters to Love2Hope.
The Whatcom Humane Society are helping spread the word about Love2Hope, including at their first official public tabling event. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
Prospective members of the Mount Baker Toppers Pop-Up Chorus warm up with some exercises. Photo credit: Margaret Bikman
Steve Hanft remembers the day he was catering an event at the Squalicum boathouse, singing a bit to himself to a song on the radio. “So you like to sing?” someone nearby asked. He said he was taken aback by that, but it started a short conversation that led to them telling him about the Mount Baker Toppers.
The bass voices in the Mount Baker Toppers get ready to sing. Photo credit: Margaret Bikman
Meet the Mount Baker Toppers
Mike McDonald grew up hearing his dad sing barbershop, and he also sang in high school choir, in musicals, and in church choirs. He’s always loved barbershop, so when he found the Toppers, he decided to join.
“You can sing certain songs with anyone around the world who has been in barbershop for even a short period because there are common songs learned by all barbershop singers,” he said. It is wonderful to make and hear such a full and rich sound with only four parts.”
Corinne Slouber was invited by a family friend to join the choir. “It had been a long time since I had performed in groups myself since having a family,” she said.
“When I was younger, I was in choirs, an Irish music group, an Indian music group, and also had some classical training in clarinet in high school, performing an instrument in chamber orchestra, musical pit orchestra, and symphonic wind ensemble,” she shares. “I also played piano recreationally as a mom to relax while dinner was cooking and sang to or with my kids when they were growing up.”
Now, she said, “I love the friendships and energy created with people making music together. In barbershop or a cappella, the focus is on both listening and producing beautiful harmony parts that blend and that are moving and particularly enjoyable in live performance. The performances make me smile. There is also a lot of humor in the commentaries and lyrics of barbershop. It elevates and celebrates human experiences of love or friendship.”
Turner Stiers, left, and Josh Honrud co-direct the Mount Baker Toppers. Photo credit: Margaret Bikman
The Toppers Are All Voices
Things have changed over the last few years, when only men sang barbershop.
Now, said Josh Honrud, who’s one of the directors alongside Turner Stiers, “After being an all-male chorus for over half a century, starting last year, all of the Toppers’ gigs are all voices.”
The Toppers, based in Bellingham, perform a variety of musical genres including pop, doo-wop, gospel, and barbershop. As a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Toppers specialize in singing close harmonies that add an extra element of excitement to all their songs.
Throughout the year, the Toppers sing at many local events, providing great entertainment and musical education to the community. Members hail from Whatcom and Skagit counties, as well as the lower mainland of BC, and share a common desire to make a heartfelt musical connection with an audience.
Steve Hanft recalls his audition. “They asked if I wanted to sing something with them,” he recalls. “I was so nervous. They asked me if I would sing one word, on a sustained note, while they would sing some harmonies around me while I held the note.”
“I don’t even remember what the words were, but I remember exactly how I felt. I was teared up, goosebumps on my arms in a way I never felt before. These four other guys gave me high fives and invited me to come to a future rehearsal whenever I had the time.” So he attended a rehearsal.
“I was greeted with joy, love, and a warm welcome,” he remembers. “There were more than 30 other men standing on risers. I was asked to stand with them and, if I felt like singing along at any point, to go for it.”
“They started singing a song that I recognized: ‘What a Wonderful World.’ I remember again feeling welled up with tears as we progressed through the song, singing four–part harmony, with dynamic swells, that just hit a place in my heart that hooked me immediately.”
Sean O’Brien gives a quick lesson in music theory to the Mount Baker Toppers. Photo credit: Margaret Bikman
Pop-Up Chorus
“It goes way beyond those cool, old-timey guys in striped shirts and straw hats (like in “The Music Man”), says Joy Wilson. She discovered this last summer when she saw an advertisement for the Pop-Up Chorus.
The Pop-Up Chorus was just one night a week for six weeks, which was perfect. She didn’t have to commit or pay any money, so there was no risk if she didn’t enjoy the group or if she discovered that she really couldn’t sing well anymore. Happily, she enjoyed singing with the Toppers.
“I hadn’t realized how much I had missed singing,” she says. “It had been such a part of my childhood, so ingrained into who I was, but we grow out of many things from childhood. To rekindle this aspect of me was a joy like no other. I once again became a singer.”
“A perfectly sung and in-tune chord feels like your soul is resonating inside and outside of your body,” says Anna Malpica. But what she enjoys singing with the Toppers are the people.”We laugh, we encourage, it’s just an all-around positive experience.”
Jackie Caplan-Auerbach has always liked a cappella singing, but she didn’t know anything about barbershop music until she joined the Toppers. She sang a lot as a kid, took voice lessons, and was in a variety of school choirs and musicals. But in high school, she joined the rowing team as a coxswain.
“That required me to yell for hours every day (the coxswain is something of a coach and cheerleader in the boat). As a result, I pretty well trashed my voice and stopped singing publicly. I’ve continued singing at home and in the shower, but I hadn’t sung in any formal capacity for 44 years.”
A close friend had just started singing with the Toppers after doing the Pop-Up Chorus, and Jackie decided to tag along. “The harmonies are unlike anything I’ve sung before, and I’m often really surprised by what note comes next and how it all comes together.”
Aurora Lindquist came to the Toppers with minimal vocal experience, but that was not an issue. “Singing is fundamental to the human experience,” she said. “Sound affects us in ways that we have difficulty expressing in language. It resonates in my headspace in a pleasing way, and I feel more connected to my fellow singers, humanity, and all of creation.”
Prospective members of the Mount Baker Toppers Pop-Up Chorus warm up with some exercises. Photo credit: Margaret Bikman
Tom Martin, who’s president of the Toppers, says last summer’s Pop-Up Chorus performance at the Fairhaven Village Green was “electric.”
This summer, there’ll be a Night of A Capella at 6 p.m. on June 21, again at the Fairhaven Green.
Lynne Sluys encourages people to join the Pop-Up Chorus, which meets at 7 p.m. every Tuesday through June 17 at the Majestic Ballroom, 1027 N. Forest Street in Bellingham.
“I never learned to play an instrument, but I could always sing,” she says. “Your voice is the instrument that goes everywhere with you! I think music is a vital part of life, and as a chorus, we are making art together. A single person can sing beautifully, but you need more than one voice to create harmony. When the chorus locks into chords, I get chills and feel a profound sense of community.”
Josh Honrud’s favorite part about performing is when he gets the chance to convince the audience to sing with him. He’s had audiences ranging from 20 to 300 people to “experience that joy of spontaneously harmonizing with those around them.”
Honrud is serious about barbershop (although he exudes absolute joy and even silliness when he sings). He’s performed with more than 30 different a cappella/barbershop groups across the world, all while having a “real job” as a carpenter.
“I even took a year to travel around the United States in a trailer with my dog to visit 50 different choruses that are part of the Barbershop Harmony Society and Sweet Adelines International,” he says.
“There is no other sport where all of the competitors are rooting for their competition as much as they are rooting for themselves and there is no better group that blends the comradery of friendship and the desire to sing their best with the love of telling a story through their voice than the Toppers,” he said.
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