Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate all of life’s blessings while surrounded by your family, friends and loved ones – and we can’t think of a better place to spend this special time than amongst the gorgeous seaside scenery.
Thanksgiving is even better when someone else does all the work. Photo courtesy: Semiahmoo Resort.
Whether you’re looking for a new family tradition, or you just want to leave the cooking (and cleaning) to someone else, Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa awaits for the ultimate Thanksgiving retreat.
Semiahmoo caters to the perpetually active, while accommodating those who desire a bit of pampering. Whether you want to do nothing, everything, or somewhere in-between, the opportunities are endless.
If it’s festive activities you desire, gather your loved ones for a traditional Thanksgiving feast in the ballroom, savor an intimate dinner in Packers Kitchen + Bar, or round up the troops for a little friendly competition in the second annual Thanksgiving Scramble relay race.
Semiahmoo Resort is the perfect place to give thanks. Photo courtesy: Semiahmoo Resort.
You’ll also be presented with a host of other endeavors at Semiahmoo, from indulging in a relaxing and rejuvenating treatment at The Spa, teeing-off at the award-winning Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club, or cozying up by the fire in your room with a warm beverage.
Whatever your kind of fun, you’re sure to leave Semiahmoo happy (and full) this Thanksgiving.
Did you know the average home could be wasting up to $1,200 a year because of simple issues like air leaks, old light bulbs and inefficient water heating? With the end of daylight saving on Sunday, November 4, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is encouraging customers to use the shorter, colder days to avoid high energy bills by completing this end of Daylight Saving checklist:
Replace Old Insulation
Weatherizing your home can save 15 percent on heating costs. Fill, patch or caulk holes in floors and ceilings connected to unheated spaces. These updates may seem small, but can make or break your comfort during the winter. Learn about PSE’s weatherization rebates at www.pse.com/rebates/insulation.
Update Outdoor Lighting with LEDs
Don’t get caught in the dark! Shorter days can make it difficult to see walking paths at home resulting in accidents. Now is the time to check all outdoor lighting as extreme temperatures can shorten the life of bulbs. Where you can, replace old bulbs with LEDs, which last up to 25 years longer, use at least 80 percent less energy and can save you money on your energy bill.
Schedule a Free Home Energy Assessment
A certified member of PSE’s Energy Assessment team will help you find ways to lower your energy bill and identify efficiency upgrade opportunities, all the while focusing on improving the comfort and value of your home. Schedule at: https://www.pse.com/rebates/home-energy-assessment.
Download PSE’s Mew Mobile App Before Bad Weather Hits
The updated PSE app will let you check information on power outages, monitor your energy use and pay bills – all from the palm of your hand! Available for free in your app store now.
Conserving energy isn’t just about saving money but also helping our environment. Whether you are a small or large business, or a homeowner, you can participate through rebates and energy upgrades available at pse.com/rebates.
Whatcom Women in Business is thrilled to announce that Ariana Lee, co-founder of Bija Chocolates has been named its 2018 Professional Woman of the Year.
Ariana Lee, co-founder of Bija Chocolates, is the 2018 Professional Woman of the Year! Photo courtesy: Whatcom Women in Business.
Ariana did her undergraduate work at Montana State University graduating with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration. Graduating from the Honors Program and Named the Political Science Department’s Most Outstanding Graduate, her plan was to pursue a Law Degree in Human Rights. Her path took a twist and she became interested in the power of products to create positive change.
She was lucky to get an entry level marketing job at Flora, a Natural Products Company in Lynden, WA while pursuing an MBA at the evening professional program at WWU. In her time at Flora, she was fortunate enough to gain experience running campaigns, managing reps and lines of products under the Flora umbrella.
Her experience led her to Barlean’s where she spent a majority of time as the Brand Manager. Two years ago, she joined her husband to continue to develop BIJA, a direct trade organic chocolate company, based in Bellingham WA.
Bija works with three women-owned cooperatives in two countries (Dominican Republic and Peru) providing organic certification and community development. So far BIJA has partnered with over 75 women directly. In Bellingham, BIJA has partnered with organizations like Girls on the Run, Lydia Place and others to support women and girls, conducive to the mission of BIJA.
BIJA chocolate can be found all over Bellingham. They are often found doing art walks, supporting fundraisers and community celebrations for Haggen, The Community Food Co-ops, The Greenhouse, Paper Dream, Elizabeth Station, Whole Foods and others.
This year’s Woman of the Year finalists were:
Abby Franklin, Loving Space Preschool
Colleen Haggerty, Our TreeHouse
Kathy Herndon, VSH Certified Public Accountants
Heidi Ludeman, Ludeman Capital Management, Inc.
Ariana Lee, Bija Chocolates
Chantee Ziemkowski, Alcoa
The six finalists embody the heart of the areas WWIB seeks to honor: Business Acumen, Community Involvement, Leadership and Mentoring.
Whatcom Women in Business is a membership-based, and volunteer-run, nonprofit organization comprised of business owners and managers developing and maintaining proactive role models within the organization and the community at large. Through teaching, learning, leadership and peer support, we strive to exemplify and promote the four areas we honor – leadership, professionalism, mentoring and community.
Guests are welcome at regular membership meetings held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club. WWIB is dedicated to giving back to the community and does so by financial and volunteer support of a Charity of the Year (proudly supporting Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services in 2018), and through scholarships to women furthering their education.
For more information about the Professional Woman of the Year, membership and scholarship opportunities see www.wwib.org.
International cargo vessels are expected to arrive at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal on a regular basis as the result of a new service contract between the Port of Bellingham and Ports America.
Ports America entered negotiations with the port after several of its shipping customers requested use of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal. Ports America is the largest terminal operator and stevedore in the United States.
“This is a major turning point for the Bellingham Shipping Terminal,” said Port Commission President Ken Bell. “As the last Pacific Northwest seaport between the United States and Canada, it was only a matter of time before cargo operators recognized the Bellingham Shipping Terminal as a congestion-free alternative to the docks and terminals serving Vancouver and Seattle. Increased cargo activity at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal will create jobs and stimulate economic activity throughout Whatcom County.”
Under the terms of the contract, Ports America will have exclusive stevedoring rights for certain types of steel as well as inbound international forest products, metal/aluminum ingots, modules, oversized and project cargoes. Much of the inbound cargo will be stored temporarily at the shipping terminal before it is trucked to Canada as its final destination. The port is in the process of designating the shipping terminal and surrounding areas as a Foreign Trade Zone, where customers can store goods without having to pay United States import duties and taxes.
“There is a great deal favoring the Bellingham Shipping Terminal,” said Ports America Director of Breakbulk and Project Cargo Bart Goedhard. “In addition to abundant berth space, warehouse and laydown space, the terminal is near major cities, has a dedicated truck corridor to I-5 and has close proximity to rail.”
“Ports America is a great stevedoring company that will bring work to Bellingham,” said Daren Williams, a spokesman for Local 7 of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). “There are many suppliers in Whatcom County who will benefit from increased cargo activity at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, and the ILWU will create more full-time jobs as a result of this contract.”
The port’s three-year service contract with Ports America has options for two additional three-year terms.
The Bellingham Shipping Terminal is a full-service marine terminal with the flexibility to meet a diverse range of business needs. Terminal assets include 1,250 feet of dock space on a deep-water pier, a 550-foot barge pier, 85,000 square feet of covered storage, 40 acres of available land, and access to resources via rail, barge, rafts, trucks, containers and ocean-going vessels.
The Port of Bellingham was established in 1920. Throughout Whatcom County, the port owns, operates and maintains approximately 1,600 acres of property, including the shipping terminal, a cruise terminal, two marinas, industrial development areas, commercial uplands, parklands, shoreline public access areas and an international airport.
Ports America, headquartered in Jersey City, N.J., is the largest independent marine terminal operator in North America, providing terminal management and a full suite of stevedoring and related services. Ports America, including its predecessor companies, has more than 86 years of experience operating American seaports. Its current business includes more than 80 terminals in 42 ports in North America, handling containers, roll on/roll off cargo, general cargo and cruise line passengers. As one of the largest employers of maritime labor in North America, Ports America employs more than 12,000 people each day at its operations, including full-time equivalent employees.
Photo Courtesy of Darrin Harris Frisby/ Drug Policy Alliance.
So, you want to try cannabis, but don’t want to:
Be blitzed out of your mind
Smoke
Eat everything you’re trying NOT to eat in the pantry
Fall asleep (or maybe you want to fall asleep)
Don’t worry, there are lots of different ways to try cannabis. We just need to find the one that works for you!
Flower/Joints
Photo Courtesy of Darrin Harris Frisby/ Drug Policy Alliance.
Puff puff pass. When most people think of cannabis, this is what they think: pipes, bongs, joints. While smoking anything isn’t particularly good for you, this is a great way to feel the effects of cannabis immediately. Your high will peak right away and then slowly fade over time. This method of consumption encapsulates the traditional cannabis circle, sharing with your friends while laughing and giggling. There is just something very community oriented around this consumption method.
With flower and joints, it’s difficult to quantify your high. How much do I smoke? If you’re an occasional consumer or new to smoking I would have ONE small hit off a joint or a rice size hit off a pipe without inhaling. If you want more in thirty minutes, have more. If it’s still not enough, try inhaling a little…but not a lot. You’ll know immediately if you got more than you’re comfortable with. LESS IS MORE.
You’ll also want to start with a high CBD to THC ratio. CBD counters the anxiety commonly associated with THC. If it’s not enough, then find a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio and slowly work in more THC from there. Always read the labels and review the THC and CBD percentage no matter what the budtender recommends.
Vaping
Photo Courtesy of Darrin Harris Frisby/ Drug Policy Alliance.
Many people like vaping as it allegedly doesn’t negatively affect your lungs like smoking does. Basically, you’re just smoking the vapor, not the plant material, so it has less adverse effects. Vaping causes the same type of instant high that smoking flower and joints cause; you feel the effects immediately and then slowly sober up over time.
There are different types of vaporizers. Volcanos, like bongs, are meant to be home and stay home; they don’t really travel easily. You put the flower material into the volcano which puffs up this large plastic bag. You then inhale the vapor from the bag.
You can also use vape pens, which come prefilled with “oil.” Please be aware that the oil in these pens, while incredibly convenient, are usually cut with other ingredients to make the oil less viscous so it can be pulled through the pen. Sometimes these other ingredients are not particularly healthy for you.
Tinctures/Capsules
Photo Courtesy of Darrin Harris Frisby/ Drug Policy Alliance.
Tinctures and capsules are my personal favorite. Assuming you find a company who is consistent, you can figure out how to accurately dose yourself for the effects that you’re looking for. Shake well before consuming. Theoretically, tinctures and capsules should have minimal ingredients and you’ll slowly ease into the effects between one to two hours after consumption. Without getting too sciency on you, when the cannabis effects hit has a lot to do with the method of application and the ingredients of the tincture. For instance, letting the tincture sit between your lips and your gums before swallowing will cause the effects to happen sooner than if you just swallow the tincture or capsule. Capsules are harder to dose unless it’s a hard capsule or they are microdosed (like 1mg per capsule).
LESS IS MORE. You can always add more the next day or after at least two hours. Do not make the common mistake of “I don’t feel anything” after an hour, take more, and then suddenly you feel the effects and realize that you just doubled down. No one likes being too high.
The ease and discretion of tinctures and capsules is also appealing; it’s easier to explain to your kids.
Look for a good sleeping tincture, which is high in the terpene Myrcene. Don’t worry about the THC and the threat of being “high.” Take some before bed, maybe in a warm cup of tea, read your book, and then you’ll slowly close your eyes. A good tincture should help you sleep eight hours straight.
Look for whole plant extracts which means you get the full “Entourage Effect” of all the different types of cannabinoids and terpenes. Research has discovered that full plant extracts have fewer side effects than isolated compounds pulled from the cannabis plant and reintroduced to a synthesized concoction.
Tinctures and capsules can also be used recreationally for the minimalist who doesn’t want a bunch of other stuff in their cannabis. It’s imperative, like with all products we consume, that you read the labels and know what you’re putting into your body. For this reason, and the ability to more accurately dose myself, I prefer tinctures to edibles.
Topicals
Photo Courtesy of Sonya Yruel / Drug Policy Alliance.
Probably the most non-contentious use of cannabis. Topicals come in all forms from lotions to balms to bath bombs to transdermal patches to lip balm. It’s basically your full array of beauty products. Some can get you “high.” Others won’t. Some are highly effective when it comes to relieving symptoms such as pain, inflammation or dry skin. Others don’t do anything. It all depends on the recipe and your body type. It’s trial and error, just like all the other consumption options. However, the good news is the chances you get the classic “high” are a lot less with topicals than with other options.
Apply a small amount to the area you so choose and rub until it’s warm. This friction will help activate the cannabinoids. Like other infused products, it can take one to two hours to feel the effects. If you’re trying to relieve symptoms, it’s good to stay on top of it and follow a regular regime rather than waiting until it hurts again to reapply.
Look for whole plant extracts as research suggests that whole plant extracts are more effective with fewer side effects than isolating a cannabinoid and adding it to a synthesized concoction. Ask your budtenders, and just as important, know your farm. Most farms will happily answer questions you have about their products.
Edibles
While tasty, don’t eat edibles too fast. Photo courtesy: Danielle Rosellison.
Edibles seem to be all the rage in retirement communities and among professionals. Like tinctures and capsules, you’ll feel the effects one to two hours after consumption. The high is more of a bell shape, where it starts out nonexistent, ramps up and then ramps back down. It also tends to be more of a full body high than a cerebral high, but don’t let that fool you…you’re still going to feel it!
There are a few things you need to watch for with edibles:
Edibles come in 10mg doses. If you are an occasional consumer, you most likely do NOT need 10mg. Start with a quarter of that. Some companies make candies that are 1mg a piece with 10 pieces in a bag. This is a great way to figure out how much you need for the effects that you want. LESS IS MORE!
Keep out of reach of kids. I keep my edibles in my purse, and as I was having a half a bright blue, sugar-coated gummie one day my 6 and 8 year old’s were like, “Mama, what’s that? Can I have one!?!” Teachable moment commence. I showed the products to my kids and said, “See how thick this plastic is? Any candies you find in my purse that need scissors to open have cannabis in them and are not for you. If you ate one, you’d feel REALLY weird and would not be happy.” Make sure you take the necessary precautions if you’re into edibles.
Don’t eat too much. LESS IS MORE (have I said this yet?!) It’s the classic issue that they give you a 10mg chocolate and you’re supposed to have a nibble. A nibble!? Why make it taste so good if I can only have a nibble?! Make sure you have other munchies around and avoid any temptations to eat the rest “just cause you’re hungry.” Eating too much of an edible is the most common way to overdose. If you have too much, you’re not going to die, but you’re not going to feel very good either, and you may never want to try cannabis again!
It’s important to note that if you are drug tested, you could fail for use of ANY of these products. Make sure you are comfortable with the risks before consuming cannabis, THC and/or CBD in any form.
Danielle Rosellison is an owner and operating manager of Trail Blazin’ Productions, a cannabis farm in Bellingham. Trail Blazin’ cultivates award-winning, pesticide-free, sustainably grown with LED’s and a water reclamation system, medically certified legal cannabis.
Danielle is also the president of The Cannabis Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of a sustainable, ethical and vital cannabis industry, and an Ambassador to the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.
In her spare time (ha!), she loves to travel, read, ski (or snowboard) and see live music with her kids and her best friend and husband, Juddy.
*Required Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
A little girl tries to buy everything in the store with her tiny shopping cart. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.
A child huddles in the tall grass, his trusty ant sidekick at the ready. Together they fight maniacal spiders and the occasional heavy-soled shoe. He is Green Cricket: crime fighter extraordinaire.
A little girl tries to buy everything in the store with her tiny shopping cart. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.
A child’s imagination is fertile ground, but in a world dominated by screens and over-scheduled days, how do you encourage that wild imaginary play?
In this case, a comic book kit from Launching Success does the trick, feeding his imagination and helping him create original stories he’ll enjoy for a lifetime.
Engage Young Minds
Take your little ones deep into the woods to hunt for squishy creatures. The GeoSafari Jr. Explorer Scope changes from a microscope – magnifying ants to eight times their size – to a telescope, magnifying a distant eagle to 15 times larger. It’s made for three- to six-year-olds, so it’s easy to use. What a great way to open up the world, encourage exploration and have fun!
Launching Success is located at 133 Prince Avenue in Bellingham. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.
If your child can’t find enough bugs to look at, get her a kids’ big tool set, which encourages children to help out in the dirt, rake leaves, dig holes and find worms, slugs and spiders – a perfect companion for her newfound, bug-magnifying super power.
She can learn about the bugs she finds with the Insect Detective, an award-winning book teaching young children about the fascinating world of bugs. It’s full of awesome factoids and advice on how to find these intriguing critters all around us.
These toys nurture the inner scientist in excited young minds and are available – along with much more – at Launching Success.
Skyrocket your Child’s Imagination with Launching Success
Start your little brain surgeons early with anatomy toys. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.
“The general reaction from customers is, ‘I didn’t know this place existed, and it’s so big!’” says Jen Zimmermann, who co-owns Launching Success with Kristen Ladiges.
If you love exploring new toys, playing your way through an afternoon, Launching Success is the place for you. Tucked away in a secluded cove of apartment complexes not far from Bellis Fair Mall, the store is a hidden gem. It’s one of the best kept secrets in Bellingham, but more and more people are seeing the light.
You’ve probably never seen a store like Launching Success. It’s partly for teachers, partly for homeschoolers and just an awesome toy store overall.
“We carry a very broad mix of toys for a variety of ages,” says Zimmermann. “Some are very unique that you can’t find anywhere, like a globe; you can’t go anywhere in Bellingham and find a globe.” Launching Success carries products from rattles to university-quality microscopes.
Start a new tradition at your house this winter: Science Sundays. With dozens of science kits available at Launching Success, you can show your kids how to create everything from chemical reactions to foamy, messy snow right in their hands. Or mix up some goopy, florescent slime in a slime lab. Hook up electrical cords to a battery, spin a pinwheel, make a buzzer go off and light up a light bulb with the Science Wiz Electricity Kit. Learn about electricity and magnetism, DNA, energy, physics and inventions, all in your own home.
“That’s why people want to shop here,” says Zimmermann, “people know the things they find here are unique and quality.”
Encourage Children’s Interests
Owner Jen Zimmermann demonstrates how a sparkly, pink, sequined cat pillow magically transforms to rainbow grey with the movement of a hand. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.
Encourage your little engineer with a solar robot that changes into 14 different bots, including one that swims on a surfboard in the bathtub, dances, walks like a dog while wagging his tail and throws little air punches like a boxer.
Teach your pint-sized brainiacs to code like a Google employee with Ozobot. It walks them through the coding process, entertaining with colored markers and flashing lights. You’ll be amazed as they actually create their own programs.
Give your children the tools to expand their minds and foster creativity and a love of learning. And unlike so many toys that end up abandoned in a corner a few weeks later, Launching Success’ toys will provide years of enjoyment.
“People love this store and they’re so happy we’re here,” says Zimmermann. The staff at Launching Success are like personal shoppers. They pride themselves on helping people find the perfect gift for a friend or grandchild. And their competitive prices will keep you coming back for more.
Launching Success’ Top Tips for Holiday Shopping:
Solar powered robots transform into numerous, roaming creatures. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.
Know your child’s interests. What subject are they excited about? Are they creative, love construction, logic, pretend play? What type of play do you want to encourage as a parent?
Several demo products are available throughout the store and loads of games are available to play. Bring your kids in early and write a list of what they love. Send the wish list to family and friends before Christmas.
Launching Success is getting ready to send out a holiday gift guide. This fun tool is a great way to explore and find gifts your kids will love. Stop by the store to pick one up.
“Quality is key,” says Zimmermann. “Don’t buy a doll that will fall apart in six months; spend a little bit more for a Corolle doll, made of high quality materials that will last for years.”
Look for products with guide books. Activities that have a guide book help parents know how to use the product, which usually has multiple functions.
Family activities, toys or games that involve the entire family build relationships and promote quality time.
Come in and ask. The owners of Launching Success are members of the ASTRA American Specialty Toy Retailers Association, giving them cutting edge knowledge of current award-winning toys picked by industry experts.
Current trending items are sequins, unicorns, sloths, robotics, anything with a remote control and Harry Potter.
The Launching Success team will professionally wrap your gift for free – saving you time and money. They also host birthday parties in-house, just call for details.
Follow them on Facebook for the latest events happening in store. Come in and see what your child can do!
Kaepernick prepares to take the snap from his center. Photo courtesy: Suzanne Bair.
It’s been 14 years since Sehome High School’s football program has seen a winning season, but the drought is finally over. The Mariners finished the season with a 7-3 record, and are moving on in the playoffs after a dramatic come-from-behind victory against Bellingham High School at Civic Field on Friday, October 26. Sehome will face Archbishop Murphy in Everett on Friday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m.
There are many factors as to why the Mariners are winners this year, Head Coach Kevin Beason says. Coach Beason will be the first to tell you it’s all about the kids, and not about the coaches. He isn’t discrediting himself by any means, he just wants to emphasize the kids are the ones who make the plays; they’re the ones that play together and act as leaders both on and off the field.
Sehome High School had a come-from-behind victory against Bellingham High School, 28-21. Photo courtesy: Suzanne Bair.
One of those leaders is sophomore Jacob Kaepernick, the starting quarterback for the Mariners, who has taken the reins to help lead his team to victory. Although Kaepernick is still an underclassman, nobody treats him as such. He has the trust and respect of the whole team, and that’s helped propel them to where they are today.
“I switched to quarterback freshman year,” Kaepernick says. “And it helps there’s no one on this team who thinks I can’t do it; there is so much support from all the coaches and players.”
Before becoming the starting quarterback, Kaepernick played tight end, but Beason knew he had the natural ability to perform well in the quarterback position.
“From day one as a freshman we knew we wanted Jake to be our quarterback, and start molding him into that position,” Beason says. “I knew of his athleticism from the other sports he played, and knew he could become a great quarterback.”
Kaepernick had the natural motions, and Beason saw that. Since then, Kaepernick has exceeded their expectations, throwing for 21 touchdowns and 2,000+ yards as a sophomore.
But Beason says Kaepernick’s impact goes beyond the numbers,
“Kap’s leadership and smile on the field is huge for our team,” Beason says. “It’s infectious and it sets a great tone for everyone.”
Kaepernick lines up with his wide receivers before a play. Photo courtesy: Suzanne Bair.
When I ask what’s been working, Beason says it’s all the players. Kaepernick laughs, points back at the coach and says it’s been the play calling.
It’s apparent it’s been both, working symbiotically to achieve Sehome’s first winning season in quite some time.
On October 26 against Bellingham, Kaepernick and the Mariners tried throwing the ball, but Bellingham knew of Kaepernick’s prowess and practiced specifically to stop the pass game. The Mariners adjusted and used a strong run game to come from behind and grab the victory. Beason and Kaepernick agree that against Archbishop Murphy, the Mariners will need to use the same strategy, their ability to be able to make adjustments on the fly.
“Archbishop Murphy is big and strong,” Kaepernick says. “We’ll know better how their defense is going to play us after the first quarter, but then we have to be ready to make adjustments if we want to win the game.”
Beason says the team needs to be physically and mentally prepared to do their job on Friday November 2, and they want to bring home a win.
“[This winning season] is a good first step, but we aren’t satisfied where we are at just yet,” Beason says. “We want to continue to elevate our program.”
Kaepernick prepares to take the snap from his center. Photo courtesy: Suzanne Bair.
Football isn’t the only sport Kaepernick plays at a high level. In fact, he’s a dual-sport athlete; he plays baseball for the Mariners, which is his primary sport.
“I focus so much on baseball,” Kaepernick says. “It’s the sport that I’m best at, for sure, but I have so much fun playing both baseball and football.”
Kaepernick says it’s great to play football for Sehome, this way he isn’t focused on baseball all 12 months out of the year.
Plus, there are known benefits for two-sport athletes.
Beason says every recruiter he has known in his lifetime always asks student-athletes what other sports they play, or if they are coachable in other sports. He says recruiters want to know you can learn a new skill set, and show them athleticism and coachability in other capacities.
“Kap is going to make some college or baseball organization very happy one day,” Beason says.
Although Kaepernick plans to play baseball in college, and not football, he’s having fun being a leader and a huge part of Sehome’s winning strategy. Beason, the rest of the staff and the players are all glad he’s behind center throwing the ball for them.
Keith Coleman, president of the newly formed BWCLA. Photo courtesy: Keith Coleman.
“We wanted to have a collaboration where we can join together as hoteliers to have a collective voice and make sure that our industry is fairly represented,” says Coleman, president and founder.
Although tourism plays a big role in Whatcom County, this is the area’s first lodging association. “There are over 6,000 tourism-related jobs in Whatcom County,” says Connie Shannon, co-owner and proprietor of the Fairhaven Village Inn.
Coleman says that though the new board has gathered a powerful collection of individuals from this competitive industry, they are also a very friendly group. “There is a level of friendliness and camaraderie up here,” he says.
This sentiment is echoed by Terri Sirmans, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express and BWCLA treasurer, “This area of the Northwest is different. Up here, it’s friendly competition and that makes a difference in the way people do things.”
Teri Treat, organization vice president, is co-owner of The Inn at Lynden and has resided in Whatcom County since 1963. Treat focuses on regional promotion saying, “We want the region to know that Whatcom County has a strong lodging component. We have properties that can meet everyone’s needs, from small boutiques to larger properties. We need to continue to elevate the entire region. We want to increase room nights for everyone in Whatcom County.”
Terri Sirmans, treasurer of the newly formed BWCLA. Photo courtesy: Terri Sirmans.
Nicole Newton, general manager of Semiahmoo Resort and BWCLA secretary, emphasizes the desire to attract tourists to Whatcom County saying, “From advertising and marketing to how do we get more business into Whatcom County – it’s how can we collaborate together to be an attractive location and compete with other cities?”
Treat says they’re focused on the power of unity, “from employment to having a voice in the state. We can support each other from a marketing standpoint and really try to connect each other.”
Shannon sits in the unique position of the newly formed organization’s past president, which, she says with a laugh, is great because “there’s a lot of power in
a past presidency.” But she gets serious about the role of tourism in Whatcom County, citing the “close to 17-million-dollar contribution that tourism made to our local government last year.” According to Bellingham.org, $588 million was spent by visitors in Whatcom County in 2016.
Teri Treat, vice-president of the newly formed BWCLA. Photo courtesy: Teri Treat.
Whether helping to make tax-dollar decisions or coming together for opportunities, generating a collective voice is the organization’s primary goal. Shannon is excited at the prospects before them and the opportunities they hope to develop. She lists, as a start, “all kinds of training including safety training – which is huge in hotels – food service safety and even security training.” She pauses before adding, “It’s easier for the city and county to support us as an industry if we gather in one place.”
All board members are committed to being more than a networking group. They felt that there were already plenty of opportunities to network in and around Whatcom County, and wanted this collaboration to be something more. “We want to make sure there’s education, a collective local voice for the industry and different kinds of problem solving,” says Sirmans.
Coleman agrees, “This town does a ton of different networking events – and that’s not what this is. Our mission is to have everybody in attendance walk away with something new.”
Newton mentions the group might work to improve Whatcom County as a whole through creating further draws. “There may be some lobbying, for example,” she says. “We don’t have a convention center. Is that something that would benefit Whatcom County?”
Nicole Newton, secretary of the newly formed BWCLA. Photo courtesy: Nicole Newton.
Shannon emphasizes the unique aspects of Whatcom County and the role of the association’s unified voice in representing that. “We can focus our marketing areas to identify and drill down into what makes us unique.” The group wants to make Whatcom County a welcoming place for all age groups and interests. “Whether people want to sit on a porch and rock or want to get out and rock climb, we have all of those opportunities. We want to tell that story and have it stick with people.”
Membership dues are currently set at $200 annually for lodging association members (a business that is collecting and paying into the lodging tax) or $300 for non-lodging members. Lodging members are classified as voting members.
Monthly meetings (subject to change) are currently slated for the fourth Monday of every month from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Though initial gatherings will take place at SpringHill Suites, they anticipate a roving meeting to allow the group to visit the properties of other members. Driving forces such as the mission and vision are still pending, so early members will have a hand in the collaborative formation of the group.
Coleman credits Sandy Ward of Whatcom County Tourism with nudging him toward the genesis of the effort. Since then, he has been looking forward to the monthly gatherings of “hospitable hospitality professionals sharing ideas.”
A social session is being convened for informational purposes and as a meet-and-greet on November 5, 2018 at SpringHill Suites from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. “We need their input in order to accomplish anything,” Sirmans says.
As the new president, Coleman is especially looking forward to the event and says, “Although this is a lodging association, anybody who is interested in tourism or being a part of this organization is invited to the table.”
Say hello to November with a fun weekend! There are lots of cool things to do in and around Bellingham November 2—4. And don’t forget to check out our full events calendar for all the fun happening in Whatcom County.
WhatcomTalk aims to be your source for positive information and events happening in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and throughout Whatcom County. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@whatcomtalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Bellingham and the surrounding area, visit our events calendar. To submit an event of your own, visit our events calendar and click on the green “Post Your Event” button.
Skye Hill Station positively represents the Blaine community. Photo credit: Amy Page.
Skye Hill looked down at a pile of money laying on the counter of Hill’s Chevron in Blaine. “These are all counterfeit,” she said to the man in front of her. “I can’t exchange these.”
In response, the man flipped out a badge. “Well, I’m RCMP up in Vancouver.”
Skye held her ground and, after he left, she called the police. They arrived just as the man (most likely impersonating RCMP) tried exchanging the same money at a bank. Moments like these are par for the course at Mike and Skye Hill’s Chevron, a gas station just off the Canadian border that also offers currency exchange.
The Hills have always helped improve the Blaine area. One of their biggest, most recent contributions is Skye Hill Station just next to the Chevron. It’s a gorgeous spot with a lighthouse-shaped Starbucks and El Noa Noa.
Advertised in big neon letters in the window and a flower-wrapped sign on the corner, Hill’s Chevron offers money exchange in Canadian and U.S. dollars. Their rates can be a lot more flexible than the banks. Mike was inspired after seeing similar setups along the Mexican border.
“Nobody’s doing it here, so I figured why not?” he says.
Mike and Skye Hill have lots of interesting currency exchange stories. Photo credit: Amy Page.
Offering both gas and currency exchange gets travelers to and from Canada to stop and check out Blaine businesses. And if a lighthouse-shaped Starbucks that can be seen from the border is anything to go by, the Hills know a thing or two about attracting attention.
After adding currency exchange to their business model, the pair soon realized how complicated it is; Mike says it’s almost like running a bank.
“One of the biggest things that surprised me about it is just how many rules and regulations there are,” says Skye. “You think, ‘This is just a simple business; I’m exchanging one currency to another,’ but like Mike says, it’s truly like a bank.”
They love meeting all kinds of people.
“We get everything; it’s a melting pot in Vancouver,” says Mike.
They often get money from other countries, too. The cashiers keep a collection of money from all around the world.
The Hill’s Chevron is on Peace Portal. Photo credit: Amy Page.
“A lot of times, they’re people who have never crossed the border before and never been in this country,” Skye says. “It’s fun meeting people of all sorts. You’d be amazed how many different countries people come from.”
They get people from Canada that confuse Washington State with Washington D.C. and ask where the White House is. They also get Americans who don’t understand Canadian loonies ($1 coins) and toonies ($2 coins) and tell them to “keep the change” – of about $30.
And strange things happen all the time.
“You seriously get people who come in here – a husband and wife from Canada – and he’ll come in and say [to the wife], ‘Watch the kids while I go in the store,’” says Mike. “He’ll come in, give you a thousand bucks [to exchange] and say, ‘Don’t tell my wife.’ Then the WIFE comes in with a thousand bucks and says, ‘Don’t tell my husband.’ It’s hilarious!”
Beyond strange, the Hills also have to watch out for money laundering schemes. For example, anyone trying to exchange anything over $1,000 has to be checked through the governmental Office of Foreign Asset Control list. Anyone who comes up on the list may have ties to something nefarious, such as narcotics trafficking. People sometimes try to avoid this check by exchanging money separately. One person comes in to exchange half a sum, another person comes in later to exchange the other half. Regulations dictate that if Mike has knowledge of this happening, they have to file a Suspicious Activity Report to the state.
Skye Hill Station positively represents the Blaine community. Photo credit: Amy Page.
Counterfeit money is another problem. Employees have to be up-to-date on counterfeits and focusing on each bill is a vital part of the transaction.
“Sometimes people will try and slip in an obviously counterfeit bill,” says Skye. “They’ll try to shuffle it into the rest of them. It’s always such a surprise – ‘Oh! I didn’t know what was in there!’”
The “RCMP” man was one instance. Another time, someone tried to give them a bill with Obama’s face on it.
For all its complications, though, currency exchange is a big benefit for the Hills. The money they exchange goes directly to them, which they can put back into the town.
“If we get 800 bucks, that money goes back into our livelihood, this neighborhood and building this type of business,” says Mike, gesturing to the Starbucks. “It all comes back.”
One of Mike’s plans in the future is to do something for the Four Corners Motorcycle Club. The club starts on any four corners of the United States (including Blaine) and tries to hit each one in a certain amount of time. At every point, they take a picture in front of the local post office to prove they were there.
Mike often directs people to the post office, but has plans for a more iconic, more aesthetically pleasing “spot” by putting an address on the Skye Hill Station Sign. They’re working on the sign now.
The Chevron is on Peace Portal, just a few blocks down from the border. If you don’t see the enormously striking lighthouse, you’ll hear the jazzy music the station plays 24/7. Stop in, enjoy a cup of coffee and ask them to share one of their many fantastic stories.
Submitted by Barron Heating, AC, Electrical & Plumbing
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