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Over Easy Café Has Soul

By
Jessica Hamilton
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The staff at Over Easy Cafe with owner Jamie Bohnett (far right). Photo courtesy: The Over Easy Cafe.

“My dream is for people to one day say, ‘Where’s Trader Joe’s?’ and have people say, ‘Oh it’s next to the Over Easy Café,’” says Jamie Bohnett, Over Easy Café owner.

Jamie and Colleen Bohnett are the owners of Over Easy Cafe. Photo courtesy: The Over Easy Cafe.

Bohnett has overcome a lot of hurdles since starting his business in Bellingham four years ago, but things are looking up. Not only is the food tasty and the seats full, he’s found a community he loves.

Bohnett and his wife came up north after coming close to opening their business in Bothell. After sleepless nights and a lot of red tape, they had bad feelings about the building they’d chosen, so they looked north for better options. Bellingham had a golden halo around it, compared with the Seattle area.

Bohnett describes Bellingham as an easy, relaxed place to live, without traffic to contend with. “I love kayaking, and all my favorite places are up here,” he says. “I love living here.”

Bohnett notes Galbraith Trail’s status as an international destination, how much he loves Bloedel Park and walking in Boulevard Park. “I realize how lucky we are to live here,” he says. “It’s the little simple things that are special.”

Over Easy Cafe is a popular place to gather for breakfast and lunch. Photo courtesy: The Over Easy Cafe.

He knows they made the right choice. “Being here has been a great, great move,” says Bohnett. “It’s been uphill, but we’ve really had support from the community. I love being a part of it. I really envisioned that our restaurant would be part of a community.”

After growing up in the restaurant industry and later working for 30 years in the nonprofit world, Bohnett is combining both skillsets and his passion for community service to give back to Bellingham. He uses his restaurant space and love of food to bring people together and give back to nonprofit businesses.

Bohnett has started a nonprofit called the Serving His Servants Foundation. “What we try to do is help nonprofit leaders in our community who are doing good works by providing a location for them to have fundraisers and information nights, and we have a lunch and learn,” says Bohnett.

The staff at Over Easy Cafe with owner Jamie Bohnett (far right). Photo courtesy: The Over Easy Cafe.

He also sponsors what they call “Better Together Breakfast,” where 20 to 25 faith-based nonprofit leaders come together to meet and share a meal. Over Easy Café provides the space and the food for them to connect and share their stories. Bohnett says he wants these nonprofits to “know that they’re part of a whole; they aren’t just working by themselves.” Organizations include Hope 4 Justice, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit, The Lighthouse Mission, who works to break the cycle of homelessness, International Christian Response, who helps persecuted Christians around the world, Whatcom Dream, who helps break the cycle of poverty, and dozens of other worthy causes. These organizations work in Whatcom County to help people out of bad situations and into better lives. “The thing I’m most proud of [is that] a lot of relationships have come from the Better Together Breakfast,” says Bohnett. “One of the biggest things you can do is to encourage people.”

Chicken and Waffles is a crowd favorite. Photo courtesy: The Over Easy Cafe.

He’s chosen four nonprofits who work with people striving to get out of tough life situations. Those working the hardest and making the best headway receive $25 gift certificates to eat at Over Easy Café. Giving them a nice meal is Bohnett’s way of cheering them on.

And he’s not finished there. “I’m going to develop a grant writing and nonprofit consulting business, working with these nonprofits and helping them find other ways of funding,” says Bohnett. “That’s my heart.”

“I’ve had to learn a lot of lessons the hard way, but I feel like everything is being used in my past to help me do what I’m doing now; nothing is wasted,” Bohnett says. “I love what I’m doing. We’ve provided a good place for people to come. I love the restaurant business and I love the people. We have a lot of regulars here and we’ve also provided good jobs for people. That’s gratifying.”

He’s creating community and delicious food to boot. The Café’s cheerful color scheme was created to make patrons feel happy and lighthearted when they walk in the door. Bright yellow tufted booths mixed with perky blue walls brighten up the space on a gray day.

Don’t miss the Nut Banana French Toast. Photo courtesy: The Over Easy Cafe.

But don’t be fooled by the atmosphere; this is not your typical breakfast joint. The Over Easy Café creates enticing twists on the classics, specializing in Americana. They have dishes from each area of the U.S.

Come in for the Southern Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits or Chicken and Waffles, Corned Beef Hash and Eggs from the East Coast, Chilaquiels from the Southwest, Loco Moko from Hawaii or Bohnett’s favorite: the Wolfpack from the Midwest, among other more traditional favorites. You’ll be glad you did.

Over Easy Café
2430 James Street
Bellingham
360-656-6585

Comcast Expands Internet Essentials Program

By
Kenneth Clarkson
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Comcast's Internet Essentials aims to connect low-income families with Internet access and the resources needed to use the Internet successfully. Photo courtesy: Comcast.

Having connected over six million low-income Americans to the internet via their Internet Essentials program, Comcast now looks to expand access by offering the program to low-income veterans.

Kids receive laptops at Beverly Elementary School in Lynwood, Washington. Photo courtesy: Comcast.

Internet Essentials is the largest program of its kind in the United States, providing low-income families with internet access. Comcast Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer David L. Cohen and U.S. Olympians Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson are currently in the midst of a tour to promote the program.

On October 10, Cohen, Lamoureux-Morando and Lamoureux-Davidson were in Seattle to promote the program and announce changes Comcast made to grant access to more groups of low-income individuals.

“We’re in Seattle as part of a multi-city tour, to support the eighth year of our program,” Cohen said at a press conference. “It is important to Comcast, and myself personally, to connect low-income families to the internet; we want to make sure we breach barriers.”

Both digital literacy and digital relevancy are issues preventing many low-income families from not only accessing the internet, but having the knowledge to navigate and use it for beneficial purposes.

Washington State’s Internet Essentials’ enrollment numbers are eighth in the nation. Since the program’s inception, more than 260,000 residents across the state have signed up.

Students at Beverly Elemantary School in Lynwood were given free laptops and branded digital ambassadors. Photo courtesy: Comcast.

In most cases, to be eligible for Internet Essentials, a child in your family must participate in the National School Lunch Program. But in Washington, if you’re a student in a school where 40 percent of kids participate in the NSLP, Comcast makes every family at that school eligible.

Joined by Internet Essentials ambassadors U.S. Olympic gold medalists and hockey players Lamoureux-Morando and Lamoureux-Davidson, Cohen hosted an Internet Essentials event at Beverly Elementary School in Lynwood. At the event, the team gave out 150 laptops to fifth and sixth-grade students and recognized the students as digital ambassadors.

“[The event] was unbelievable,” Cohen said. “One of the girls came up to a member of our team and said she had been talking to her parents for years about how she needed a laptop. They had been trying to save for two years, but didn’t know how long it would take. The fact she was able to go and home and tell her parents that she had gotten a laptop is amazing; she was crying with happiness.”

Lamoureux-Morando said that after she and her sister got back from the Olympics, being Olympic Champions gave them a platform to do these types of outreach with different companies. Shortly after returning to the U.S. they sat down with Cohen to talk about community outreach programs and, once they learned about Internet Essentials, were excited to participate.

“We get a lot of satisfaction to go into communities and make a positive impact,” Lamoureux-Morando said. “To be able to work with Comcast in this space aligns with what we are passionate about and this partnership is really special.”

Comcast’s Internet Essentials aims to connect low-income families with Internet access and the resources needed to use the Internet successfully. Photo courtesy: Comcast.

Cohen said Internet Essentials’ participants don’t need to reapply for the program each year; once eligible, they can participate and Comcast does not re-test them annually. This year, Cohen said Comcast made it a goal to open Internet Essentials to more groups of people.

If you are a resident in public or federal housing, you can participate in the Internet Essentials program regardless of age or whether you have children. And now low-income veterans can also take part, including those eligible for assistance programs at the state and federal level, such as SNAP.

According to the United States Census Bureau’s 2016 American Community Survey, nearly a third of low-income veterans do not have internet access, and less than 60 percent own a computer.

Internet Essentials provides high-speed internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax. Plus, enrolled members have the option to buy an internet-ready computer for under $150.

There is one event left in the 2018 Internet Essentials tour, which will take place in Portland, Oregon on Veterans Day. And this is just the beginning for this exciting endeavor.

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WTA Seeks Input on Proposed New Bus Service

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Photo credit: Gabriel Boone

Submitted by: Whatcom Transportation Authority

Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) will host three community meetings to gather input on proposed new bus service and on changes to existing service. New service and changes to service would go into effect in June 2020. The meetings will be held:

  • October 23, 2018, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at WWU Viking Union
  • October 24, 2018, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Whatcom Middle School
  • October 29, 2018, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in Kendall

Anyone seeking a detailed list of the proposed changes can visit www.ridewta.com or pick up an information packet at the customer service window at Bellingham Station or Cordata Station. Those needing materials in an accessible format can contact Amber Curry at 360-788-9315 or amberc@ridewta.com.

In addition to seeking input at the community meetings, WTA is also accepting comments via email (rickn@ridewta.com) or by phone at 360-788-9311.  Those with questions about the proposal can contact WTA’s Director of Service Development, Rick Nicholson, at 360-788-9311 or rickn@ridewta.com.

First Federal’s Interactive Teller Machine Frees Customers

By
Anna Black
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The ITM offers a variety of options including a handset for increased privacy. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

Ever encountered a long line at the bank and wished for a way to handle simple transactions without waiting for a teller? Maybe you need to make a loan payment and don’t want to stand in line for 30 minutes just for that simple transaction. So, of course, you resolve to do it later. But later means three days slip by and the next thing you know, your loan payment is late.

Customers enjoy interacting with a live teller. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

Enter the First Federal Interactive Teller Machine or ITM.

“The ITM is interactive; you actually get to interact with one of our live representatives from our contact center in Port Angeles,” says Melissa Waggoner, supervisor of the Port Angeles center which handles ITM transactions, phone calls and contact forms.

One ITM machine has been a part of First Federal’s system since 2014. Now they boast 12 ITM’s in 5 locations, including 4 in Bellingham, 1 in Fairhaven, 2 in Silverdale, 3 in Port Angeles and 2 at their newest branch on Bainbridge Island.

The machine uses live audio and video. Imagine skipping the bank line to Skype your bank teller and getting the job done in record time. It’s banking on the fly.

“We actually have extended hours so we’re available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday,” Waggoner says. “And the ITMs all double as an ATM outside of those hours.”

This means you can stop by and speak to a live teller on the way home from work, long past when most banks have closed for the day. You no longer need to ask for an extended lunch hour to run to the bank.

“We implemented the ITM and being open past 5:00 p.m., when traditional hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so when people get off work they have a place to cash their checks or handle their banking needs,” says Tyanna Gadbaw, First Federal’s Operations & Risk Officer, VP. “Being able to offer a full suite of services after hours has been the biggest bonus.”

The First Federal Interactive Teller Machine brings a teller to the screen. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

To use the machine as an ATM, customers simply put in their debit card and enter their PIN to withdraw funds or check a balance. But for the ITM experience, a customer presses the button labeled “speak to teller.” After a brief pause, they find themselves on a live audio and video feed with a representative from Port Angeles.

The ITM machine more closely approximates the teller experience and opens up worlds of transactional possibilities, freeing up teller time and shortening lines overall. “For privacy purposes, some of our machines are equipped with a handset,” Waggoner says, allaying worries of being overheard.

For deaf and hearing-impaired patrons, the ITM is equipped with on-screen chat capabilities via an on-screen, full-sized keyboard. “It also has hotkeys,” says Waggoner. The machines are braille equipped, the right height for wheelchair users and have large print buttons.

The representative who comes on screen to help (when summoned, like a genie) is a local Washingtonian who works in Port Angeles, not some far flung place like Georgia or Florida. This is part of First Federal’s effort, says Waggoner, “to keep our jobs local.”

The Port Angeles contact center employs eight full-time representatives, with Waggoner as their supervisor. The team likes to maintain that personal experience with the customer in a timely manner. “We know customers are busy folks and have lots of places to be, so we like to keep it like a drive-up style transaction – very quick – and get them on their way.”

The ITM offers a variety of options including a handset for increased privacy. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

The ITM can accommodate the following transactions:

  • Cash and check deposits for business and personal accounts
  • Cash withdrawals
  • Transfers from one First Federal account to another
  • Loan payments
  • LOC disbursements
  • Check cashing (all types)
  • New account funding
  • HSA & IRA contributions (TYTY only)
  • Cash exchanges
  • Process coin machine tickets

Gadbaw says they “did a lot of research” when implementing the machines “on the bandwidth needed to support the conferencing and to implement the infrastructure that would allow these transactions to happen with little or no lag.”

Of transactional speed, Waggoner says, “Anywhere from two to two-and-a-half, but under three minutes,” is what they see statistically. That’s about the time it takes to brush your teeth.

Four ITMs are located at First Federal’s Barkley branch; two inside (and therefore only available during branch hours) and two in the drive-thru lanes (available 24 hours per day). The Fairhaven ITM is a walk-up machine available at any hour.

They’ve had great feedback on the machines so far, and both Gadbaw and Waggoner say they are especially beloved by local business owners. “It’s so convenient,” Waggoner explains. “They can just walk over after they close up their business for the day to make their deposits because we’re here and we have those extended hours. It’s a peace of mind.”

“The ITM is for everybody,” Waggoner says, “no matter what your banking needs are.” Thanks to First Federal’s ITM machines, that loan payment will be on time after all.

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Brandon Nelson Partners Sells 100th House and Donates $10,000 to Skookum Kids

By
Kenneth Clarkson
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Skookum Kids holds a block party every summer to fund raise. Photo credit: Ray Deck.

In December 2017, Brandon Nelson Partners set an ambitious goal: They committed to donating $10,000 to a local nonprofit once they sold their 100th house. Less than a year later, they reached that goal and donated $10,000 to Skookum Kids, a local nonprofit that helps kids in foster care.

It only costs $100 a night to give comfort to a foster child who has been taken from their home. Photo credit: Ray Deck.

The total donation was accumulated by each agent and the firm donating a portion of their commissions, accumulating into the sizeable $10,000 donation.

“We didn’t decide on the organization right way,” Brandon Nelson says. “We actually asked social media for help; we asked individuals to help find the right organization for us. Eventually we picked Skookum Kids, and we couldn’t be happier to support their mission.”

Skookum Kids helps children navigate the foster care system during their first 72 hours. Typically, there aren’t many resources for children in the time between when they’re removed from their home and when they’re placed with foster parents.

Put yourself in their small shoes; all of a sudden, your parents are gone and you’re forced into the hands of the state while you await an unknown future. It’s a scary time.

Skookum Kids’ mission is to help these children and make foster parents’ and social workers’ lives easier. Kids are welcomed into Skookum House where they’re cared for during the intermediate period between leaving their current home and finding a foster home.

“Without Skookum House, these kids would go nowhere good,” says Founding Director Ray Deck III. “Maybe some would get to hang out with social workers during the day, and then a hotel at night, but you never really know. It’s certain they wouldn’t get the comfort they need.”

Skookum Kids holds a block party every summer to fund raise. Photo credit: Ray Deck.

Deck III says most people didn’t even realize this line of work exists. In fact, that was exactly what happened to him. Deck III was at a neighborhood association meeting a few years back when he met someone in child services. They told him about the need for a nonprofit to fill this gap. This resonated with him and he knew starting Skookum Kids was his next life mission.

More than 100 people volunteer at Skookum house throughout the year. Each has a day job, but they work at Skookum because they feel passionately about the cause and want to help the kids.

“People want to be a part of what we’re doing in order to make a difference,” Deck III says.  “And it doesn’t take that much. You typically stay at the house between four to six hours one day each month.”

Brandon Nelson says the social media poll provided them with many worthy nominations, but they choose Skookum Kids because it contributes to such a wonderful cause. Once they arrived at the organization and made their donation, Nelson says he knew he made the right decision.

“I simply asked Ray, ‘How do you summarize what you do? What does $10,000 do for your organization?’ And he told me, ‘$10,000 provides 100 nights of comfort; it costs $100 a night per kid.’ Hearing that really brought home the cause for me.”

In addition to Skookum House, Skookum Kids also helps families get licensed as foster parents and place children in foster homes.

Brandon Nelson Partners donated $10,000 to Skookum Kids to help foster children in the process of finding a home. Photo credit: Ray Deck.

“It’s great that Brandon Nelson Partners did this for us,” Deck III says. “I know they reached a major goal, and it’s impressive they did. It’s great they thought of us and allowed us to be the beneficiaries; $10,000 goes a long way.”

Skookum kids brings a lot of comfort to kids who really need it, providing shoes, books, toys, meals, medical care, clothes, bedding and access to needed specialists.

On average, Skookum House takes in about four kids a week. Every year they throw a Block Party in July and a fundraiser in November to raise money for their nonprofit. This year, the fundraiser will take place on November 9 at Bellingham Technical College. It’s called “Eat, Drink and Be Giving.”

Brandon Nelson Partners do a lot of community sponsorship and are considering raising for another nonprofit in the future. Nelson says the event really made an impact on them and the community.

“We care about the community and giving back,” Nelson says. “It feels good and we love doing it. I can’t wait to do it next year again; it’s very rewarding.”

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Bellingham Idol: The Search for Bellingham’s Best Karaoke Singer

By
Kenneth Clarkson
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From left to right, judges for Bellingham Idol are WhatcomTalk's own Kevin Coleman, Betty Desire and Kristina Martens. Photo credit: Orlando Lugo.

Lights dimmed, spotlight on; a performer takes the stage. Cristhian Arias-Romero is about to give the crowd a Freddie Mercury impersonation to be remembered.

Audiences go wild for Bellingham Idol. Photo credit: Orlando Lugo.

The performance is for Bellingham Idol, an event taking place on Thursday nights throughout the months of September, October and November at Rumors Cabaret. Bellingham Idol is sponsored by Kristina Michele Martens of Whisky Productions and Coldwell Banker Bain, and the Smoking Crow Cannabis Dispensary.

The brainchild of Kristina Michele Martens, Bellingham Idol wouldn’t be what it is without the help of her friends and the community.

“The community loves it,” she says. “They have made it a great first time go-around. I am so excited to see who wins, and I can’t wait for this to become an annual event. My goal is to build community, and to see different groups of people come together and have fun.”

One of Martens’ supportive friends, and a member of Whisky Productions, is Smoking Crow Cannabis Dispensary’s General Manager Dominic Ippolito. He met Martens at a mutual networking event where she told him about her idea for Whisky Productions.

Although there are judges, the winning performers are picked by the audience via a decibel meter. Photo credit: Orlando Lugo.

Whisky Productions is a group of influential business owners and individuals who come together to better the community and each other, Martens says. Each of the events they organize and everything they do is voluntary. Bellingham Idol is one of the first big events for Whisky Productions.

“When I told the group about my crazy idea in throwing Bellingham Idol, I was excited they wanted to help me make it happen,” Martens says.

The winner of Bellingham Idol receives a $1,000 cash prize. The first round of auditions just finished, and the quarterfinals begin Thursday, October 11. The finals take place Thursday, November 15, when 45 singers are narrowed down to one winner.

Ippolito’s favorite performer is Jessyca Murphy. “She sang ‘Lola’ by The Kinks and did a great job,” he says.

Martens’ favorite singer thus far has been Angelica Flores who sang the Sam Smith song “Pray,” which was also a crowd-pleaser. The unique judging system Bellingham Idol incorporates makes the audience an integral part in deciding who wins.

Contestants await the final decision. Photo credit: Orlando Lugo.

There are three judges, who function like the Paula, Randy and Simon of “American Idol.” These are Kristina Michele Martens, Kevin Coleman and Ms. Betty Desire. These three provide feedback and commentary, but contestants’ progress is based on audience approval. After performers sing their songs, a decibel meter is held up and whoever gets the loudest cheers from the audience moves on.

“When Kristina brought up the idea to do an event like this, I was immediately on board,” Ippolito says. “Hosting events like these is a good way to meet people and to become more involved in our community.”

Community is especially important for Martens and Ippolito who are relatively new to Bellingham. Ippolito is from Hawaii and Martens is from San Diego, California. Both have only been here for two years.

“Event planning is what I want to go into,” Martens says. “One day I plan to have 20 acres I can use to host and throw events that bring all types of people together.”

During the Bellingham Idol quarterfinals, which run the next three weeks until the end of October, each participant will get one longer ballad-type song, a 30-second on-stage interview and a shorter pop song.

From left to right, judges for Bellingham Idol are WhatcomTalk’s own Kevin Coleman, Betty Desire and Kristina Martens. Photo credit: Orlando Lugo.

Both the semifinals and finals will see each contestant sing three different songs. Songs are sung in karaoke style with a backing track for each piece.

Ippolito and Martens look at each other excitedly and speak almost in unison saying, “We’re also going to have a surprise special guest performing at the finale.”

Martens has roots in the theater, so Bellingham Idol was a logical first to be thrown under the Whisky Productions umbrella. It’s apparent she likes the big stage, and also likes giving others the opportunity to take that stage with her. Next on the agenda is getting Whisky Productions into the theater side of things.

She looks at Ippolito, “I’m thinking we should do a production of “Rent” next. Can you sing?”

“I can, but I don’t know if I want to,” he says with a laugh.

Maybe he’ll get a part in the pending production, but Martens makes sure he knows his limitations, “All right, well, if you decide to be in it, I’m sorry honey, you aren’t Roger.”

When he asks who he can be, she suggests a character with minimal musical numbers.

“Well thanks, Kristina,” he says with a smile. “Shows how much you believe in my singing voice.”

These two friends love having fun, and bringing people together in the process.

“I once heard a quote: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together,’” Martens says. “And that’s what we’re going to do – make change together.”

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Five Things You Can Do with Home Equity

By
Kenneth Clarkson
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Industrial Credit Union's trained staff can help you determine how to leverage your home equity, if that's the right choice for you. Photo courtesy: Industrial Credit Union.

There’s money in home equity and knowing how to use it correctly matters. Home equity can provide you with a newfound surplus to go on that European vacation you always wanted; or you can even head back to school and earn your degree, improving your income earning potential. But how do you access this equity? And what is equity, anyway?

Moceri Construction
A home’s equity can be a powerful tool. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

Generally, the term “equity” refers to the value of shares owned by a company. When it comes to home equity, this refers to how much of your house you own. If the market value of your home is greater than any amount you owe on the property, the difference between the two amounts lets you know potentially how much of your home’s equity you can access. For example, if your home is valued at $700,000 and your mortgage is $400,000, you have $300,000 in equity.

In Whatcom County, equity gains have been increasing due to rising home values throughout the area. When the equity in your home increases, it presents you with an opportunity to take advantage of a home equity loan (also known as a second mortgage). These types of loans allow you to access the home equity you have accumulated.

Home equity is a powerful card to play and, when used correctly, can be beneficial. Here are five reasons why you may want to take out a second mortgage and access that valuable home equity you’ve accrued.

  1. Pursue Educational Goals

whatcom community college
Higher education can lead to improved opportunities.

One of the most popular ways people leverage income gained from their home equity loan is by using it to further their education. Getting a home equity loan can be a good way to fund your higher education pursuits because the interest rate on your loan may be lower than the rate on your student loan.

Plus, furthering your education to obtain a degree could allow you to earn more, giving you the ability to pay off your home more quickly. It’s easy to see why this is a popular option.

  1. Take a Vacation

Some people leverage home equity to travel.

As with any purchase, it’s always best to spend money with caution. The same goes for dropping newly acquired funds into that vacation you always dreamed of experiencing. But, if you do decide to leverage your home equity to go on that special trip, make sure you don’t borrow more than necessary. It’s important to keep your eye on a budget to keep yourself from overspending.

  1. Invest in Your Home

Always wanted to remodel your kitchen or add that bathroom? Make repairs or improvements to your current home which will add value in the long-run. A home equity loan gives you the freedom to move ahead with these projects without going into a financial frenzy.

  1. Consolidate Debt

Looking to pay down those bills? Tap into your equity at a much lower rate than most credit cards, or even auto loans. Taking out another loan may seem counter-intuitive to reducing the number of bills you have, but you can leverage your home equity to consolidate various forms of debt. This can not only save money on interest, but also cut down on the number of bills you have to pay each month.

  1. Fund Retirement

Moceri Construction
Talk with a trusted loan officer to determine if using home equity is the right choice for you. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

Everybody strives to have a comfortable retirement, but many worry about having enough money to last through those golden years.

You can use your home equity to save up and bolster your retirement. One way to do this is by establishing a home equity loan which provides retirees with cash when they need it. You can have accessible cash if your home needs repairs, your child or grandchild is in need of assistance, or if you just want another source of income in times of need.

If you’re interested in learning how to get the most out of your home equity, visit an Industrial Credit Union branch. They have been proudly serving Whatcom County for over 75 years and their staff is happy to answer all of your questions. They make it a priority to provide outstanding service to individuals looking to refinance, as well as for any other financial needs you may have. Industrial Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an equal housing lender.

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What To Do In and Around Bellingham October 19—21

By
Events Editor
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When engaging in outdoor recreation, participants should take care to respect Whatcom wildlife. Photo credit: Justin Pedigo | FC Photography.

It’s time for another great weekend! Enjoy all these fun things to do in and around Bellingham October 19—21. And don’t forget to check out our full events calendar for all the fun happening in Whatcom County.

Coming Up Next Weekend

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.

Photo credit: Justin Pedigo | FC Photography

PSE’s Green Direct Program is Fully Subscribed

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Photo credit: Taylor Bailey

Submitted by: Puget Sound Energy

Puget Sound Energy is expanding its innovative renewable energy product, Green Direct, to allow participants the ability to purchase 100 percent of their energy from dedicated, local, renewable energy resources. PSE’s second round offering of the Green Direct project will be a blend of wind and solar, with the solar project being the largest ever built in the state at over 120 MW. It is fully subscribed.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) approved the second round offering of the PSE’s Green Direct program to allow more customers to take advantage of the offering. The first round, a wind project in Western Washington, was fully subscribed in 2017.

“We can have a bigger impact on the environment when we work in unison,” said Kimberly Harris, president and CEO of Puget Sound Energy. “The power of partnership is the key driver of PSE’s Green Direct program; it’s also essential to the success of PSE’s plan to reduce our carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2040. We believe in a better energy future for our state. Together, we can make that vision a reality.”

Green Direct’s solar project will be located in south-central Washington. The solar project is expected to come online in 2021 and customers will begin taking delivery of renewable energy at that time.

Customers in the second round offering include six agencies from the state of Washington, including Labor & Industries, Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Ecology, Washington State Patrol, Department of Health and Washington Department of Transportation.

“The executive order I signed in January requires these state agencies to take significant steps to reduce greenhouse gases through their operations, and I am pleased to see that we are stepping up to the challenge and reducing emissions across state government,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Today, we are doing this by purchasing clean, renewable energy from projects built right here in Washington State. Not only does this get us closer to meeting our emissions reduction goals, but it will also save us money over the long term.”

Through Green Direct, participants like Bellevue College will be able to off-set all of their energy usage with renewable energy.

“Bellevue College is always seeking new ways to make our campus more sustainable and to minimize our carbon footprint,” said Dr. Jerry Weber, president of Bellevue College. “We’re excited to participate in PSE’s innovative Green Direct program which is expected to provide BC with nearly 100 percent renewable energy for 10 years starting in 2021.”

Municipalities like Cities of Issaquah, Kent and Redmond are also participating.

“The City of Redmond is proud to be included in the second phase of PSE’s Green Direct Program,” stated Redmond Mayor John Marchione. “Moving the City’s operational electricity accounts on to the Green Direct program lowers our electricity costs, aligns with our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and allows us to take a leadership role in moving the dial towards a more sustainable future for Redmond.”

By signing onto Green Direct, the City of Kent expects to save the City several hundred thousand dollars over the life of the contract.

“The City of Kent is committed to being a good steward of the environment, and the City Council recently approved an agreement with PSE to use Green Direct power,” said Kent Mayor Dana Ralph. “This means the City is doing its part to use renewable energy. We are grateful for the partnership with PSE. The city believes participating in this program is the right thing to do.”

About 95 percent of Issaquah’s city facilities will receive electricity from renewable energy sources through Green Direct.

“We are thrilled to support the development of innovative renewable resources right here in Washington State,” said Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly. “This groundbreaking program aligns with our values and environmental stewardship goals – and also helps us meet our own targets for reducing carbon emissions.”

According to the Bellevue Utilities Department, Green Direct will allow it to meet its core mission while supporting renewable energy.

“Green Direct is a win-win,” said Nav Otal, Director of Utilities for City of Bellevue. “We are proud to be doing our part.”

The Port of Bellingham will join the Port of Seattle in participating in Green Direct.

“As the second public port in Washington State to participate in Green Direct, the Port of Bellingham will source 100 percent of its electricity from wind and solar energy production,” said Port of Bellingham Commissioner Michael Shepard. “Our commitment to renewable energy complements our ongoing environmental sustainability efforts.”

Green Direct will also serve PSE’s commercial customers like Walmart, T-Mobile, Providence St. Joseph Health and Kaiser Permanente.

“Powering our Bellevue HQ with renewable energy through the Green Direct program is an all-around win for T-Mobile,” said Mike Sievert, president and COO of T-Mobile. “We’re potentially going to save millions of dollars and take yet another step toward our commitment to have 100 percent renewable energy by 2021! It’s a no-brainer.”

Kaiser Permanente’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020 and to be carbon positive by 2025.

“We are excited to be leading the way on investing in a carbon-free energy grid,” said Kaiser Permanente Washington’s Sustainability Manager Matthew Benedict.  “From waste reduction to renewable energy, Kaiser Permanente is living its commitment to being a part of thriving communities.”

Providence St. Joseph Health has committed to making measurable improvements in its environmental impact, including carbon neutrality by 2050.

“The Providence St. Joseph Health family of organizations believes there is a critical link between health and the environment. To create healthier communities, our healing must extend beyond the walls of our facilities and into the environment around us,” said Richard Beam, chief environmental officer of Providence St. Joseph Health. “Our investment in renewable power through this partnership with PSE is an important step on our journey to achieving our environmental goals and improving the health of our planet.”

Walmart will receive enough renewable energy to power 12 stores, which is approximately 72 percent of the company’s load on an energy basis under Puget Sound Energy.

“Walmart is happy to join PSE and others in supporting the Green Direct program and the new renewable energy resources being supplied via the program,” said Steve Chriss, Director of Energy and Strategy Analysis for Walmart, Inc. “This initiative will play an instrumental role in Walmart’s efforts to increase our renewable energy use and enhance our ongoing sustainability efforts.”

Permitting is underway for Green Direct’s wind project, and it is scheduled to begin operation in 2019. Those partners include Starbucks, REI, Target, Sound Transit, Western Washington University, King County and municipalities of, Anacortes, Bellevue, Snoqualmie and Mercer Island.

By switching to renewable power through PSE’s Green Direct program, the Port of Seattle projects will reduce airport carbon emissions from electricity by 28 percent and reduce airport-wide greenhouse gas emissions by five percent.

“The Green Direct program significantly contributes to the Port’s recently adopted greenhouse gas reduction goals,” said Elizabeth Leavitt, Port of Seattle senior director, Environment and Sustainability.  “We are proud to partner with others to expand the demand for renewable energy that will benefit the climate and green energy economy.”

State of Washington has also committed to powering the entire Capitol Campus, their data center and other State offices located in the PSE service area during the first round offering.

“With Green Direct, 100 percent of the state Capitol Campus electricity will be powered through renewable resources,” said Washington State Department of Enterprise Services Director Chris Liu. “We’ve been active in adopting energy efficient programs and practices on our campus, such as recently upgrading exterior light fixtures to reduce energy consumption, and this project is another step in using energy wisely.”

Whatcom County and the cities of Tumwater, Olympia, Lacey, Langley, Kirkland, Issaquah, Snoqualmie and Bellingham are also participating.

“As a proud member of the Compact of Mayors, the City of Olympia is committed to reducing our City’s greenhouse gas emissions,” said Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby. “The Green Direct wind project will help us achieve our carbon reduction goals and will allow Olympia to do its part for a healthy planet.”

King County remains the largest customer of the Green Direct program, enrolling nearly all its facilities in Puget Sound Energy service territory, including new chargers at the Eastgate Park and Ride that will power battery electric buses.

“By shifting to Green Direct electricity, we are making the smart choice for our environment, health and finances. Our transition to wind and solar energy will reduce King County’s direct greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 20 percent and will save a projected $5 million in utility costs over 10 years,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “The strong response to PSE’s latest offering of Green Direct and the falling prices for renewable sources of energy demonstrate the viability of clean electricity for our region.”

While Green Direct is targeted for our commercial and government customers, residential customers can support renewable energy with PSE programs like Green Power, Solar Choice and Customer Connected Solar. These offerings are part of PSE’s strategy to reduce its own carbon footprint 50 percent by 2040 while helping our customers do their part in creating a better energy future.

Green Direct Phase 1 customers Green Direct Phase 2 customers
City of Anacortes Bellevue College
City of Bellevue City of Bellevue Utilities
City of Bellingham City of Issaquah
City of Issaquah City of Kent
City of Lacey City of Redmond
City of Mercer Island Kaiser Permanente of Washington
City of Olympia Port of Bellingham
City of Snoqualmie Providence St. Joseph Health
City of Tumwater T-Mobile
City of Langley Walmart
City of Kirkland Washington Department of Transportation
King County Washington Dept. of Ecology
Port of Seattle Washington Dept. of Health
REI Washington Dept. of Labor & Industries
Sound Transit Washington Dept. of Social & Health Svcs.
Starbucks Washington State Patrol
State of Washington Capitol Campus
Target
Western Washington University
Whatcom County

 

Whatcom County’s Community Health Centers: Ensuring Access to Care and Community Connection

By
Jessica Hamilton
-
Dr. Rebecca Hora performs a dental check-up on her young patient. Photo courtesy: Unity Care NW.

Unity Care NW and Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Whatcom County’s two community health centers, have served the community for over 30 years. Together, they serve one in every six Whatcom County residents. They are part of a national network of nonprofit community health centers started during the War on Poverty in the 1960s. This was a movement targeting underserved populations, including rural areas. Their mission is to “break down barriers to care and serve those who have historically had difficulty accessing healthcare, either because of insurance or other barriers to care,” says Jennifer Moon, Unity Care NW Communications and Public Relations Associate.

Jason Lim, a pharmacist, helps a member at Unity Care NW. Photo courtesy: Unity Care NW.

Having health insurance can make a big difference in people’s lives. For James, getting health insurance and access to care may have saved his life. James was applying for a new job and needed to get a physical. He didn’t have insurance, and he hadn’t been established in medical care. He found Unity Care NW, enrolled in Medicaid and got the required check-up. What his doctor found was a blood clot, caused in part by a poor diet. Access to healthcare meant that James could be treated and make lifestyle changes, including losing weight, lowering his blood pressure and doing more bike riding and stair climbing to improve his health.

The Affordable Care Act made insurance available to more people in Whatcom County and fueled the expansion of our county’s community health centers. “Before the Affordable Care Act, we had 20 percent or more of patients that were uninsured,” says Moon. Now only eight percent of patients they serve in Whatcom County are uninsured. This allows the health centers to stretch revenue and grant funding farther to better serve the community’s needs.

Bob Shapiro leads a gentle movement class at Unity Care NW. Photo courtesy: Unity Care NW.

Take, for example, access to dental care. Too many people in Whatcom County lack access to a dentist. So Unity Care NW was one of several community health centers to receive capital expansion funds granted by the state legislature. Unity Care NW now has the funding to expand their dental services as part of a large new community health center in Ferndale. Construction is already underway and, in addition to providing medical, behavioral health and pharmacy services, is expanding from 4 dental chairs at the old facility to 12 in the new building.

A key partner in the work of Unity Care NW and Sea Mar is Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW). About 26 years ago, “Washington’s community health centers created Community Health Plan of Washington, which is a not-for-profit health insurance plan,” says Moon. This organization was created to serve the same groups as Unity Care NW and Sea Mar, helping to provide health insurance to those who previously hadn’t had it.

2017 Community Health Center Week event at the Pickford. Panelists are Dr. Adam Kartman, Lisa Nelson (Unity Care NW Pharmacy Manager), Anne Deacon (Whatcom County Health Department), and Chris Watras (Sea Mar). Photo courtesy: Unity Care NW.

Like Unity Care NW and Sea Mar, which have embraced a model of care that offers integrated medical, dental and behavioral health services, CHPW focuses on the whole person. “By using a ‘whole person’ model of care, we work alongside our Community Health Centers to ensure members receive care beyond standard medical—including dental, vision, behavioral health and social assistance – to ensure that no one goes without proper healthcare and access to resources,” says Leanne Berge, Community Health Plan of Washington CEO. “Community Health Plan of Washington understands the importance of an integrated care model.”

That kind of whole-person approach makes a difference. A member of CHPW suffering from depression and drug and alcohol abuse was having problems with the law; she found herself homeless and failing court-mandated drug tests, resulting in jail time. A CHPW Care Coordinator worked with the judge and other members of the court and contacted the Opportunity Council. They were able to arrange for housing and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment for her. Now that she has stable housing, she’s taking her medications, showing up to her court appointments and is grateful for the support of the program.

Leanne Berg, CEO of Community Health Plan of Washington, speaking at 2017 Housing Week. Panelists are Des Skubi (Executive Director of Unity Care NW), Greg Baker (Bellingham Public Schools), April Barker (Bellingham City Council), Derek Long (Executive Director of Sustainable Connections) and Ross Quigley of Opportunity Council. Photo courtesy: Unity Care NW.

It’s also the kind of work that creates a community connection. Sea Mar, Unity Care NW and CHPW are all working to strengthen their collaborative work in the community. Believing that housing is healthcare, Community Health Plan of Washington has sponsored Whatcom Housing Week for the past two years. Housing Week makes the connection between affordable, safe, accessible housing and healthier communities. All three organizations have also endorsed and contributed to renewal of the Bellingham Home Fund. Sea Mar and Unity Care NW are both playing a role in our community’s efforts to combat opioid addiction, through collaborative initiatives and improved treatment options.

Together, Community Health Plan of Washington, Unity Care NW and Sea Mar make a difference in the lives of Whatcom County residents.

Dr. Rebecca Hora performs a dental check-up on her young patient. Photo courtesy: Unity Care NW.

October 21-25 is Whatcom Housing Week. Reserve your space at one of over a dozen informative sessions teaching about current housing challenges, renters’ rights and Bellingham city plans.

October 15-December 7 is open enrollment for Medicare. Log in during this time to make changes to or sign up for coverage.

November 1-December 15 is open enrollment for health insurance plans, the only time of year you can make changes to your plan, renew your coverage or join for the first time.

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