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Drinking for Change: Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation Donates Proceeds to Local Non-Profits

By
Kenneth Clarkson
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Enjoy local drinks with the Whatcom Beer nad Wine Foundation. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation.

Dan Radil’s love of wine started over 30 years ago in Eastern Washington. He got involved in the burgeoning wine scene and spent time tasting at various friends’ wineries throughout the 1980s. In 1985, he went to the Tri-Cities Wine Festival, an experience that would change his life. He hasn’t missed one since and has been enamored with wine from that point on. As President of The Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation, he’s trying to recreate that feeling he had at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival for Whatcom County residents.

The Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation formed three years ago, created by Dan Radil and spouse Zacchoreli Frescobaldi-Grimaldi. The couple enlisted family members’ help to round out the advisory board. The foundation is a family affair, featuring Radil’s sister, brother-in-law and two nieces on its board.

The foundation promotes quality beer and wine in the Pacific Northwest. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation.

Radil credits Frescobaldi-Grimaldi with the foundation’s original blueprint. Frescobaldi-Grimaldi had worked at previous non-profits and wanted to find a way to help local Bellingham organizations.

The goal of the foundation is to promote the beer and wine of the Pacific Northwest – Whatcom County in particular – while giving the generated proceeds to a rotating list of non-profit organizations in Whatcom County.

The foundation hosts two major fundraising events throughout the year, in addition to smaller quarterly wine dinners, where all net proceeds are given to non-profits selected at their January board meetings. Selected non-profits receive the total net profits from all events during that calendar year.

The Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation’s two major events are the Bellingham Beer and Music Festival and the Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival. Both are held in the summer; the beer festival taking place in June and the wine festival in August.

“I always tell people to go taste wine,” Radil says. “It’s a much more fun experience to go actually taste the wine and to learn what wine tasting is like.”

The Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation supports local non-profits. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation.

Radil wrote a wine column for The Bellingham Herald for 15 years. He still freelances for Wine Press Northwest and Bellingham Alive Magazine, leveraging his contacts over the years as a wine writer. Radil and team have facilitated three successful Bellingham Northwest Wine Festivals at Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center in Bellingham.

“When I started tasting wine in Washington, there were 25 wineries in the entire state,” he says. “Now, in 2018, we’re able to have 53 attend our festival alone. I’ve watched the wine industry grow considerably; there are over 900 wineries in Washington now.”

For the Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival, wineries have an option to send wine in early and have it judged by both local and out-of-town judges. Radil screens all judges to ensure they have extensive wine backgrounds. They award bronze, silver, gold, double-gold and best in show medals.

The festival has grown since its inception; this year there were over 400 attendees. All profits were donated to 2018’s selected non-profits: Lydia Place, Our Treehouse, Growing Alliances and Make.Shift.

Holiday Inn Express likes to support local organizations like the Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation, as they create positive change in the local community. “We feel this organization is another great example our how our community works to help each other,” says General Manager Terri Sirmans. “They put on two great events which raise funds for several local non-profits. We need to keep organizations like this going with our support.”

Enjoy local drinks with the Whatcom Beer nad Wine Foundation. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation.

Radil says they’re still working hard to get the word out about the Bellingham Beer and Music Festival; 25 breweries poured brews this year and four bands played. This event takes place at the North Bellingham Golf Course and is the perfect way to spend an early summer Saturday evening. This year, they brought in a bigger stage for the festival’s musical acts to perform on and featured live acts from all over the Pacific Northwest, including many local bands from Bellingham and around Whatcom County, such as The Katie Gray Band and more.

Radil says his favorite part of running the foundation is the moment he’s up on stage at the wine festival, and looks out over the crowd to see everyone tasting all the wine, conversing, smiling and genuinely being happy.

It’s then he sees all the hard work paying off. The foundation is making a difference in both festival attendees’ lives and the lives of all individuals serviced from the non-profits they support. Join them and raise a glass to making a difference in Whatcom County.

Sponsored

Montague & McHugh: The History of a Downtown Bellingham Building

By
Amy Page
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The Montague & McHugh department store in its early heyday. Photo courtesy: Crown Plaza.

Montague & McHugh is a historic building in downtown Bellingham. You might recognize it by its faded pink-gray brick, or maybe the Carnegie Library mural by local artist Lanny Little. Today, it’s known as the Crown Plaza building. But first, it experienced a long and fascinating history, as an elegant department store, a plant for bomber parts and more. Its history echoes Bellingham’s own transformations over time.

Beginnings

Business partners Thomas McHugh and Bernard Montague opened their first store in New Whatcom in 1890. Their firm lived on even after Montague’s death in 1923, as McHugh began plans for a new building.

The Montague & McHugh department store opened in 1927 as one of Bellingham’s finest businesses. It sold high-quality apparel and furnishings and had an optician, beauty parlor, music department, tearoom, ballroom and more. McHugh opened the ballroom and tearoom to the public, charging for nothing but food.

Montague & McHugh has stood the test of time. Photo courtesy: Jim Bjerke.

It also boasted the finest conveniences and technology of the time, including a pneumatic tube system for currency and sales transactions. Its tearoom also boasted modern appliances, including air conditioning!

Unfortunately, like other businesses of the time, Montague & McHugh was hit hard by the Depression. The building went into the receivership by 1932 and the firm went out of business.

“Thomas McHugh … believed the economic prosperity of the 1920s was going to last and overinvested in his optimism,” archivist and historian Jeff Jewell said. “Montague & McHugh, as a business, was a Bellingham institution here since the 1890s boom days and to see it go out like that after investing so much in the future was a crushing defeat.”

The building stayed vacant for a long time. In 1939, it was remodeled into offices and stores and became the 114 Building, said Jewell. Bigger changes came when Boeing moved in.

Boeing

The Montague & McHugh department store in its early heyday. Photo courtesy: Crown Plaza.

In 1943, the Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle struggled to meet the demand for aircraft as World War II raged on. The company developed new plants throughout Western Washington to lighten the load and Bellingham was selected.

The 114 was chosen and converted into a sub-assembly plant. Production began after substantial advertisements in The Bellingham Herald, and men and women alike made parts for the B-17 Flying Fortress.

“The new sub-assembly plant announced for Bellingham will share in making this scourge of the Axis,” The Bellingham Herald declared on August 19, 1943.

Later, when B-17s discontinued, the plant made parts for the B-29 Superfortress. Each part would be trucked to Seattle, installed on bombers and shipped to the front.

The building’s exterior details still stand today. Photo credit: Amy Page.

Beyond lunchtime traffic problems, steadfast patriotism prevailed through The Bellingham Herald’s reporting of assembly plant life. The plant won awards for excellence in production, attendance and war bond participation. “While this contribution may be small,” the paper wrote, “it is vital to the success of the program of turning out the maximum number of heavy bombers on all fighting fronts.”

As the war went on, the Bellingham plant produced parts for hundreds of bombers. After the surrender of Japan, however, Boeing announced the shutdown of several plants. Bellingham’s plant laid off its 290 employees one month later, the news broadcasting over company loudspeakers.

Everything ended with a poetic piece on September 6, “The trained fingers and gossipy little rivet guns which stitched an aluminum nightmare to counter the Axis dreams of world conquest were idle today at Boeing’s birthday of the B-17 Flying Fortress and the mighty B-29 Superfortress.”

The Bon Marche

The Carnegie Library mural by Lanny Little can be seen from Mount Baker Theatre. Photo credit: Amy Page.

Montague & McHugh was built by internationally famous architect John Graham. Graham was responsible for several buildings in Seattle, including the Bon Marche department store. In an interesting coincidence, Montague & McHugh also became a Bon Marche in 1957. It had various minor uses following the war, but becoming a department store was its next big reinvention.

“The Bon” was a quality store with an elegantly high ceiling and carpeted floor. At the time, department stores used to provide many services and the Bon was no exception.

Like other department stores of the time, it was the equivalent of a mall, offering a shopping “experience” from clothing to hairdressing to dining. Many people wore their Sunday best just to shop, according to Bellingham city planner Jackie Lynch.

The Bon stayed downtown until 1988, when it moved into the newly-built Bellis Fair Mall and eventually became Macy’s. Other businesses did the same, leaving downtown Bellingham empty. Montague & McHugh was vacant once again.

“The Bon’s move to the new Bellis Fair Mall in 1988 had an effect on downtown that must have been similar to the Montague & McHugh closing almost a half-century earlier,” Jewell said.

Today

Montague & McHugh today. Photo credit: Amy Page.

The 114 took time to the recover from the The Bon’s exodus. It was sold and used for varied events, including the Allied Arts Holiday Festival. Eventually, it was sold to the Crown Plaza Corporation in the late 1980s. Crown Plaza moved in and the building was remodeled.

Today, it flourishes as a mixed office and retail space. Just outside, one can circle around and visit the Daisy Café, Sandalwood Salon & Spa and Chocolate Necessities. Inside, offices and other spaces thrive, including the The Eureka Room (an escape room game) and the Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center.

Montague & McHugh is a bustling building once again. Both customers and business owners keep the area vibrant and alive, just as it was during the era of extravagant shops and wartime bombers.

This piece of Bellingham history has its ups and downs. But it continues to adapt, grow and thrive – much like the city itself.

Whatcom Women in Business 2018 Professional Woman of the Year Finalists

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Submitted by: Whatcom Women in Business

Whatcom Women in Business has released the names of the six Finalists in the running for the prestigious title of 2018 Professional Women of the Year. Chosen from among many community nominations by Whatcom Women in Business’s (WWIB) Board of Directors, the six Finalists embody the heart of the areas WWIB seeks to honor: Business Acumen, Community Involvement, Leadership and Mentoring. The Finalists are:

Every October, Whatcom Women in Business celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of the Finalists at an awards banquet and gala, hosted this year at the Four Points by Sheraton on Tuesday, October 23. The 36th Annual Professional Women of the Year Gala features a silent auction, live auction and plated dinner, culminating in the announcement of the 2018 Professional Women of the Year. All funds raised at the Annual Gala support the WWIB scholarship fund. To purchase tickets to the Gala, visit http://wwib.org/awards-banquet/tickets/.

Whatcom Women in Business is a membership based, and volunteer run, non-profit 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.

Pacific Northwest Urology 2018 Pelvic Health Series

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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2018 Pelvic Health Series
Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists' clinic is located 3232 Squalicum Parkway in Bellingham, near St. Joseph Medical Center. Photo credit: Matt Benoit.

Submitted by: Pacific Northwest Urology

Sex and relationships change after children, divorce, menopause and cancer treatment. Learn how to communicate more effectively to get the satisfaction in your relationship you desire.

We are so excited to share an evening with Drs. Elizabeth Watt and Kara Eads, sex therapists in Whatcom county. Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists, PLLC‘s Pelvic Health Series will take place on Wednesday, October 3 at 5:30 p.m.

This is a casual event talking about frequently asked questions that therapists hear.

Wellness for all!

All genders welcome.

First Federal Welcomes New Chief Credit Officer

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Submitted by: First Federal

First Federal is pleased to announce the hire of their new Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, Terry Anderson.

Terry Anderson has more than two decades of management experience in credit administration, sales, commercial banking and residential real estate. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

Mr. Anderson has more than two decades of management experience in credit administration, sales, commercial banking and residential real estate. He most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer for South Sound Bank for more than six years and has previously worked in a variety of positions with West Coast Bank, US Bank and Bank of America.

“The effective execution of the financial and managerial responsibilities of our Chief Credit Officer is absolutely essential to this institution’s sustainable growth and success,” said Larry Hueth, President and CEO of First Northwest. “Terry has significant experience in banking and finance and is a financial professional with a proven track record of performance and leadership. We look forward to welcoming Terry to our team and leveraging his knowledge and expertise to continue to grow our company.”

About the Company

First Northwest Bancorp, a Washington corporation, is the bank holding company for First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Port Angeles. First Federal is a Washington state-chartered mutual savings bank primarily serving communities in Western Washington State with thirteen banking locations – eight located within Clallam and Jefferson counties, two in Kitsap County, two in Whatcom County, and a home lending center in King County.

Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

Danielle Rosellison Dispells Cannabis Misconceptions

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Submitted by: Danielle Rosellison of Trail Blazin’ Productions

Let’s start with the stats. As of today, based on the LCB, in Whatcom County there are:

  • 71 cannabis producers and processors
  • 25 cannabis retail shops
  • $1,009,428 excise tax dollars paid in June for Whatcom County only
  • $31,588,469 total excise tax paid from Whatcom County
  • $3,737,613 total cannabis consumers purchased in Whatcom County in June 2018
  • $1,872,093 total Whatcom producer/processor sales

*Monthly excise tax in Whatcom County

These are great numbers, considering the hurdles and roadblocks that the cannabis industry has faced since, well, since 1937. In an effort to advocate for a vital, ethical and sustainable cannabis industry, here are a few myths I’d like to dispel and you can help!

  1. All product you buy in retail stores has been tested for pesticides.

This is probably the most common misconception in Washington right now. All cannabis is required to be tested for moisture content, potency, foreign matter, microbiologicals and mycotoxins. Pesticide testing is NOT required for adult use products, making Washington the only state in the lower 48 states to have legalized adult use cannabis and not require pesticide testing. Crazy, right?

The good news is that you can email rules@lcb.wa.gov and let the government know your opinion or you can look for product with these logos on them. These logos mean the farm has followed all the Department of Health’s rules and regulations to create medically compliant cannabis. Support these farms as they are going above and beyond to bring you medically compliant product for all consumers. You don’t have to be a patient to purchase “General Use” or “High CBD.”

  1. Cannabis companies are rolling in dough.

I wish this was true! How cool would that be? Ninety-six new small businesses in Whatcom County “rolling in dough,” flushing our community with coin (Sustainable Connections posted information that local retail businesses put $.58 back into the community compared to national companies who only put $.33 back in to the community). The truth is, like all farmers, local cannabis companies need your support. We are working hard to create living wage jobs, encourage criminal justice reform and literally change the world. Asking for locally grown product (in Whatcom County) is the best way you can support local farms. We need you!

  1. THC is recreational. CBD is medical.

This is the overly simple explanation that the media uses and, to a degree, the government as well. Let’s start with the fact that there is way more cannabinoids in cannabis than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), to name a few. And all our bodies have an entire endocannabinoid system, like your nervous, cardiovascular or reproductive system, which regulates our bodies’ balance, health and mood. There is still more research that needs to be done, but it’s safe to say cannabinoids, all of them, may be useful when trying to address one’s health and well-being.

  1. The highest THC will get me the highest.

If only it were that easy, that the numbers on the back of the package equal the degree of high obtained. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Cannabis is arguably one of the most complex plants on Earth. Like all plant-based medicine, it is how all the elements work together that create the desired effect. Isolating one aspect of the plant and saying, “this is what gets me high,” is a very pharmaceutical approach.

There are all sorts of cannabinoids, terpenes and pesticides (or lack thereof) that affect how you’ll feel after engaging with cannabis and then there is how those variables work with your body. Everyone is different. Furthermore, the labs in Washington are not yet standardized, so different labs may provide different results. Starting with, “this is the kind of high I want,” and then practicing trial and error with different strains and different farms is the only way you’ll find what’s just right for you.

  1. Weed is legal!

Yes, we can buy adult use and medical cannabis in a store, just like we can buy supplements, but that doesn’t mean it is legal. Can we grow it at home? Can we trade it? Have people with prior cannabis convictions had their records expunged? Can we consume it in public without fear of persecution?

Cannabis in Washington is highly regulated, due to its federal illegality and the last seventy years of history. We have come a long way, but there is still so far that we need to go! If you enjoy the freedom that you have, then I encourage you to get involved and help us continue to move the ball forward. There is plenty to do and only with all hands on deck, will we advance a vital, ethical and sustainable cannabis industry. Initiative 502 was just the beginning of legalization. Please join The Cannabis Alliance in continuing to move the ball forward!

Get Ready for Bellingham Hoptoberfest

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Don't miss all the fun and flavor of Hoptoberfest! Photo courtesy: Hoptoberfest.

Submitted by: Bellingham Sportsplex

The 3rd annual Bellingham Hoptoberfest is the premier beer festival this fall! Over 25 breweries will provide over 50 draft beers and ciders for guests to try. In addition to cider and beer, there will be live music from Sunset Superman, local food trucks, yard games and Hempler’s will be there handing out free products!

All proceeds raised will benefit two local non-profits: ReBound Families and Whatcom Sports & Recreation. The event will be hosted indoors at The Bellingham Sportsplex at 1225 Civic Field Way, Bellingham, WA 98229. VIP entry starts at 4:30 p.m. on October 20 (with beer pouring starting 5:00 p.m.), general admission starts at 6:00 p.m. and the event ends at 10:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.bellinghamhoptoberfest.com. The cost is $35 for VIP, $20 general admission in advance or $25 at the door. Questions? Please call the Bellingham Sportsplex at 360-676-1919 or email office@bellinghamsportsplex.com.

Sample brews from a wide variety of vendors. Photo courtesy: Hoptoberfest.
Don’t miss Whatcom County’s own Aslan Brewing. Photo courtesy: Hoptoberfest.
Check out Illuminati at Hoptoberfest. Photo courtesy: Hoptoberfest.

Halloween Thrills and Chills Await you Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway

By
Kristina Lotz
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When visiting the Schilter Family Farm, don’t forget to try the pumpkin cannons. They’re a blast! Photo courtesy: Schilter Family Farm.

Corn mazes, pumpkins and ghosts – oh my! If you’re looking for family-friendly fall fun, head to the Thurston Bountiful Byway. From a town that changes its name every October to five-acre corn mazes and pumpkins everywhere, there’s plenty of fun to be had by all.

You can contact Experience Olympia & Beyond for a Thurston Bountiful Byway map and self-guided tour brochure.

BOO-CODA

Hit the streets and dance at the Bucoda Thriller event, part of the BOO-CODA SPOOKTACULAR. Photo courtesy: Bucoda Thriller.

Since 2012, the town of Bucoda has transformed every fall season, becoming the BOO-CODA SPOOK-TACULAR! According to Mayor Alan Carr, the event is a way to raise awareness of the small town and draw visitors, and is a fundraiser for community projects.

The entire month of October has fall fun for everyone. Highlights include and trick-or-treating (every night in October); a hearse procession and viewing (October 13); pumpkin carving, ghost story telling, and coloring contests (October 20); an award-winning haunted house; and pumpkin pancake breakfasts (every Saturday in October).

If you love Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” be sure you’re in town on October 27 for Bucoda Thriller. On this day, people around the world take to the streets to try and break a world record for the most people dancing to this iconic song. Watch for firefighters dancing with their boots; drop in some cash for their annual “Thrill the Boot” fundraiser for the Bucoda Firefighter Association. Monies raised help local families in need throughout the year.

Visit the BOO-CODA SPOOK-TACULAR Facebook page for up to date events and news. You can get $2 off coupons for the haunted house at the following locations:

  • Tenino: Market Fresh, Scatter Creek Winery, the Iron Works Boutique, City Hall and Aunt Kate’s Chocolates
  • Bucoda: Joe’s Place
  • Tumwater and Centralia Timberland Bank locations

Schilter Family Farm

This year, the Schilter Family Farm corn maze is expertly designed to look like Lou Gehrig. Photo courtesy: Schilter Family Farm.

Founded in 1930, the Schilter Family Farm added The Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch in 1997. It’s been going strong ever since. Opening September 29, their family-friendly farm has lots of fun fall activities for kids, including exploring Fort Nisqually, cow head roping, pumpkin bowling, corn hole, pumpkin cannons and more in the works. You can also find photo ops set up around the farm, so don’t forget your camera.

This year’s corn maze was designed in the likeness of Lou Gehrig to raise awareness for ALS-Lou Gehrig’s Disease. “We chose to support this organization to raise awareness around this devastating disease and help raise money towards finding a cure,” says Stephanie Schilter. “Our pastor from our parish, Fr. Jim Lee at St. Michael Parish in Olympia, was diagnosed with ALS back in November. We want to show our support and our love for him, as well as help the organization who’s striving to find a cure.”

Proceeds from their activities will go to the ALS Association. For more information, visit the Schilter Family Farm website.

Hunter Family Farm

After picking the perfect pumpkin, have some fun on the giant pillow at the Hunter Family Farm. Photo courtesy: Hunter Family Farm.

The Hunter family, of Hunter Family Farm, loves opening their doors to the public. It’s one of their favorite parts of the fall season.  “We look forward to sharing our farm with the public and contributing to wonderful memories and traditions for families,” says Tami Hunter. “Also, the baby goats! They’re so cute and hilarious and people love them as much as we do.”

While there, be sure to try the ducky race. Purchase a rubber ducky for $1, put it in a trough and then push an old-fashioned water pump to create a flow of water that sends your ducky across the finish line.

The farm also features two corn mazes. The giant maze is four acres and the junior corn maze is one acre. Look for clues to solve a mystery in the giant version. We asked for a hint on this year’s theme, but Tami wasn’t giving anything away. “Our mystery theme in the corn maze is still a mystery,” she says mysteriously.

“The older kids and adults enjoy the giant corn maze, pillow jump, animals, European super slide, pumpkin sling shot, wagon ride to the patch and picking out a pumpkin,” Tami says. “Everything is family friendly for all ages, nothing too scary.”

All this fun at the Hunter Family Farm starts September 29. For more information, visit the Hunter Family Farm website.

Rutledge Corn Maze

The Rutledge Corn Maze is a fun work of art that raises money for a good cause. Photo credit: Justin Oba.

For many, the Rutledge Corn Maze is a family tradition, dating back to when the Rutledge family first started it. The family has farmed in Thurston County since the 1800s and bought their current farm in 1992. The maze is professionally and expertly designed each year with a different theme. This year, the family partnered with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Thurston County, an American Cancer Society (ACS) event. “We lost my grandfather who started us in the corn growing business to cancer,” shares Robby Rutledge, when asked why they chose this charity. His grandfather also played a big part in helping to start the maze. “We also lost my grandmother recently to cancer as well. We’re doing it because we think it’s a worthy cause.”

On October 14, Haunting for Dollars will take place. It’s the main fundraising event for ACS. Tickets go on sale at 6:00 p.m. that night and the haunt opens at 8:00 p.m. “We bring in several of our more experienced actors to ensure that the show is a great success,” says Robby. Their goal is to raise $25,000 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, so come to the farm, go through the maze and donate to a cause that affects us all.

“We can’t say thank you enough for the opportunity to be working with them this year,” shares Autumn Cummings, event lead for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Thurston County. “And having such a unique way to share the mission with an amazing local family that is determined and passionate about finding a cure for cancer and supporting their community.”

When visiting the Schilter Family Farm, don’t forget to try the pumpkin cannons. They’re a blast! Photo courtesy: Schilter Family Farm.

Other activities at the farm include a pumpkin patch, haunted maze, a corn and a cow train, zombie paintball apocalypse, “spookley” story time, and arts and crafts (Saturdays and Sundays), corn hole, ladder ball, a swing set, corn cannons and more to be announced.

Be advised: The haunted maze is frightening. “It can be very scary,” cautions Robby. “However, I find that it depends on each person. We don’t recommend it for anyone under the age of 10.” Haunting for Dollars is also on the scarier side and Robby says he wouldn’t recommend it for children under 10-years-old.

The official opening date for the corn maze, haunted maze and zombie paintball apocalypse is September 22 and the pumpkin patch opens September 29. But Robby says you won’t be turned away if you come early. For more information, visit the Rutledge Corn Maze website.

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What To Do In and Around Bellingham September 21—23

By
Events Editor
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Bellingham---September 22---24
Photo credit: Jeff Duncan.

It’s going to be a wonderful weekend, Whatcom County! There’s a crispness in the air, the leaves are putting on a show and it’s the September Equinox. Plus there’s an abundance of fun happenings going on around town. Check out these fun things to do in and around Bellingham September 21—23. 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: Jeff Duncan

Exciting New Changes at Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham

By
Matt Benoit
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Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center is conveniently located only 10 minutes from the Bellingham International Airport. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center.

There’s a lot going on at Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham. The hotel and convention center located at 714 Lakeway Drive has become a Marriott property and undergone a multi-million dollar renovation.

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center is conveniently located only 10 minutes from the Bellingham International Airport, so it’s a breeze for out-of-town guests to get settled quickly. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center.

Recent hirings and promotions by Providence Hospitality Partners, the hotel’s management company, has brought a new General Manager, Director of Sales, Sales Manager,  Food and Beverage Sales Manager, Marketing Manager and Rooms Manager to the hotel. Dana Weber, former Assistant General Manager, has moved to Hotel Bellingham, another Providence Hospitality Partners property, as its new General Manager. By elevating many to new roles and bringing in additional staff, the team hopes to make Four Points by Sheraton among Bellingham’s most popular places to stay.

John Burns

The hotel’s General Manager, John Burns, has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The Seattle native comes to Bellingham after managing an upscale resort in Telluride, Colorado. He’s also worked at hotels throughout the Seattle area, including the Olympic Hotel Westin and Crowne Plaza/Madison Hotel.

Burns is excited to return to Western Washington. “Bellingham has so much to offer visitors,” he says, “and so does our hotel.”

Erin Divine

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center
The large ballroom space at Four Points by Sheraton can be tailored to any need, from fundraising gala to wedding reception. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center.

Erin Divine, who worked at the hotel for five years before leaving to pursue other opportunities, has returned following the property’s renovation as the new Director of Sales. Divine has nine years of sales experience and aims to increase the hotel’s community presence, ensuring businesses and organizations know how Four Points can help them.

“I love sharing Bellingham with our visitors and that our property is near our downtown corridor that is the heart and soul of our area. It’s what makes Bellingham unique,” Says Divine.

Kevin McEntee

The hotel’s new Sales Manager, Kevin McEntee, has hospitality experience from Chico, California and Boise, Idaho. McEntee works to meet and exceed group lodging needs for corporate and government-based clients.

“The Bellingham community has been very welcoming,” McEntee said. “It’s easy to see why so many people are involved in community events throughout the year. With all of the hotel renovations now complete, I’m excited to share Four Points and all it has to offer with our community members and guests visiting Bellingham.”

Leslie Spurrier

Four Points by Sheraton is the ideal place for any event. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center.

Leslie Spurrier rejoined the Four Points team in the fall of 2016 and moved into the position of Food & Beverage Events Manager at the beginning of 2017. Her position handles the details including room sets and menus for all of the events hosted in the hotel, or as she says, “all the fun stuff!”

Leslie brings with her two decades of hospitality experience, including her time here previously as the Assistant Manager at Poppe’s Bistro & Lounge from 2004-2011. Leslie’s passion for the event industry, her previous event experience, community connections in the event industry and unique perspective on events is a great asset to anyone planning an event at the hotel.

“It sounds weird,” says Leslie, “But I love details … I love working with clients on a plan, putting it on paper, then watching those plans become a reality. Whether it is setting our ballroom for a tradeshow, or working with a local nonprofit on how to best utilize the space and plan their menu so their fundraising efforts can be maximized. It makes my heart happy to see the event unfold, and even happier when we can build on that year after year!”

Matt Lesinski

Matt Lesinski is the hotel’s Marketing Manager, a newly created position with the goal of creating a strong and cohesive voice between the hotel, its many services, and engaging with the community.

Lesinski returns to Bellingham after serving as the Associate Director of Marketing at ACT Theatre in Seattle.  Make no mistake, Lesinski is no stranger to Bellingham. With his background in arts management, including local work with Mount Baker Theatre and The Upfront Theatre, he is eager to work within the community once again.

“My role is about embracing what we’re doing, creating greater awareness and getting people more involved within the community,” he says of the job. “We have an amazing team, full spectrum of services to offer, and I am thrilled to amplify the efforts for Four Points.”

Kaylyn Stewart

B-Town Kitchen & Raw bar has televisions for special sports events. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center.

Kaylyn Stewart has worked at the hotel since 2015, helping the property through its conversion and rebranding.  Recently promoted to Rooms Director, Stewart began her hospitality career after graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in recreation and tourism management. She began at Hotel Colorado, another Providence Hospitality property, first as Executive Sales and Catering Manager, and later as Director of Revenue.

When she decided to move away from Colorado, she took a chance on Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham. She doesn’t regret it. “I immediately fell in love with the people and the atmosphere here,” she says.

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center has 132 guest rooms, two restaurants (B-Town Kitchen and Chinuk), an indoor pool, fitness area and 14,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, visit fourpointsbellingham.com.

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