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Neighborhood Notes: Seaside Gems in Blaine

By
Amy Page
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Don't miss Railway Cafe. Photo courtesy: Amy Page.

Blaine, Washington is a quaint seaside city within walking distance of the Canadian border. Don’t let the quiet fool you, however. As home of Peace Arch Park, there’s plenty to do and see. Check out this list of local gems.

Marine Park

Look out over Blaine Harbor’s blue waters at Marine Park. Overlooking Boundary and Semiahmoo Bay, Marine Park is a fantastic spot for casual strolls, picnics, beachcombing and more. There’s even a nautically-themed playground for kids. Signs along the trails will tell you about local wildlife, from herons to harlequin ducks. Stop by Alaskan Wild Fish & Chips by Gate 3 for delicious seafood baskets.

Take a stroll through Marine Park. Photo courtesy: Amy Page.

Plover Ferry

While you’re at the harbor, check out the oldest foot passenger ferry in the state. Named after plover birds, it was originally built to ferry workers from Blaine Harbor to the old Semiahmoo salmon cannery in 1944. Today the Plover takes you on a 20-minute ride around the bay on a similar route. On the way, you may spot basking seals and the captain might even give kids a chance to drive the boat.

Horseshoe Coins & Antiques

On the corner of Peace Portal Drive and Martin Street, stands Horseshoe Coins & Antiques. This unique corner of Blaine offers an enormous assortment of antiques. Find unique old coins, medals, badges, historical photos, stamps and a lot more. The owner, Bill Becht, is a fan of history and collecting, and is always willing to share some knowledge.

Railway Café

Don’t miss Railway Cafe. Photo courtesy: Amy Page.

Railway Café is an adorable red caboose turned into a cozy spot for coffee, sandwiches and crepes. Originally brought to Blaine in the eighties, it has been home to a stained-glass studio, a cigar shop and more. Children and children-at-heart can still pull the train horn inside. You can find the old wheel at the rear of the café and the conductor’s portrait still hangs outside the adjacent building. Owner Katy Bennett hopes that anyone visiting the café will come away satiated and maybe just a little more whimsical. I personally recommend the caramel apple pie crepes.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is a local treasure. Photo courtesy: Amy Page.

Lincoln Park is a lush patch of forest on the other side of H Street, close to the main shopping outlet. Tall trees make for a fantastic walk with branching trails full of Western red cedar, Douglas fir and Big-leaf Maple. Even the water tower matches the rustic greenery. The park is a great off-leash spot for dogs and it’s not unusual to see people and pets on a stroll. The city recently added disc-golf courses which are dotted throughout the trail.

Tony’s Just-A-Bite

Stop by Tony’s. Photo courtesy: Amy Page.

Tony’s Just-A-Bite is a small, intimate diner on Peace Portal’s main road. Great for both tasty burgers and comforting breakfasts (I’d highly recommend the waffles), Tony’s features cozy seating and eclectic tastes. The walls are covered with a collection of tongue-in-cheek signs, art and a view of the bay.

Run by Tony and Tina Andrews, Tony’s aims to be an old-fashioned diner harking back to older days. Tony and his family have a long history with eateries and his grandfather’s old restaurant was the largest user of Heinz ketchup. Self-described as “a place of character run by two characters,” Tony and Tina are always welcome for a casual, friendly chat.

The Vault Wine Bar

It will be difficult to choose a wine from The Vault’s many choices, but you can’t go wrong. On a sunny day, their patio is the perfect place to enjoy a glass. Photo courtesy: The Vault Wine Bar.

The Vault is a beer and wine restaurant in downtown Blaine. It also triples as an events space and a dance school, Day-to-Day Dance. The Vault is an excellent place for new fusion cuisine, with over 200 wines to try and a natural space to sit and enjoy. Originally a bank, the vault door still exists at the back of the restaurant, which is now a storage space for wine.

The venue got its start when owners Joni and Alan Finston, who also own Whatcom Physical Therapy across the street, planned to use it as extra space for group fitness. When they realized it was too large for just exercise, they decided to provide a service that didn’t exist around town at the time. The idea soon morphed into a classy spot for wine and dining.

El Noa Noa

In between the Welcome Center and the Hill’s Chevron gas station is El Noa Noa, a food truck with fantastic Mexican food. After a brief start in Bellingham, owner Abimael Garcia was inspired to move his truck to Blaine after visiting for lunch with his family. In the next few months, a small stand-in will be built between the new Welcome Center and Starbucks, where Garcia can have more space and provide a bigger menu for his customers.

Skye Hill Station Starbucks

Don’t miss Blaine’s lighthouse Starbucks. Photo courtesy: Amy Page.

Washington is no stranger to Starbucks, but the recently opened location at the new Skye Hill Station may outdo them all. The lighthouse-shaped building echoes the old Blaine lighthouse, making it both welcoming and nostalgic.

Skye Hill Station itself has been a decade-long dream and project for couple Mike and Skye Hill, owners of the Hill’s Chevron.  Now a reality, the station is also a mainstay for El Noa Noa and Blaine’s new Welcome Center, where visitors can get information and suggestions on where to go and what to see. The lighthouse can even be seen from the border and is conveniently located next to the U.S. exit after crossing the border.

Edaleen Dairy

bubblegum ice cream
Bubblegum and vanilla remain the two top favorites out of Edaleen’s 26 flavors of ice cream. Photo courtesy: Edaleen Dairy.

Edaleen Dairy is a local creamery and Whatcom County staple. The Blaine location is its fourth store and is guaranteed to bring a crowd on hot days. Located across the street from Starbucks, Edaleen’s is a great place to get a scoop (or two) of their fantastic collection of flavors, from chocolate and vanilla mainstays to birthday cake. While you’re there, you can also pickup Edaleen’s milk, ice cream cakes, cheesecake and more.

Peace Arch Park

It’s impossible to talk about Blaine without mentioning Peace Arch Park, right next to the Canadian border. A huge garden features a gorgeous assortment of flowers and outdoor sculptures dot the park from playground to gazebo. You can cross the lanes to get an up-close look at the Peace Arch itself, a 67-foot monument dedicated to peace between two countries. On hot days with long lines on both sides of the border, you may spot the ice cream stand driving up and down the lanes.

Peace Arch Café

Not to be confused with the park, Peace Arch Café is Blaine mainstay. Come inside for the relaxed atmosphere and stay for the sandwiches, burgers, fish & chips, paninis and soups. The café, formerly on H. Street, now offers a fuller menu in their new location. Their red brick walls are decorated with photographs and paintings. The staff is, as always, friendly, accommodating and great to talk to. On a personal note, I could not recommend the tiramisu enough.

Rawganique

Rawganique is making its mark. Photo courtesy: Rawganique Facebook.

In the next few weeks, Rawqanique will open its first brick-and-mortar store near the entrance to Marine Park. Rawganique is a lifestyle store that doubles as a café and a provider of organic, hemp clothing. Owners Qeanu Waller and Thamm Jamikorn originally started their business as an online store after realizing a demand for chemical-free organic clothing and food. Their online store ran for 20 years between Denman Island and Point Roberts.

Rawganique aims to be ethical, real and authentic through traditional methods. They make their products “seed to sewn,” where they grow, weave and sew their own products including shoes, shirts, curtains, blankets and more.

First Federal’s New “Green” Checking Account App Offers Perks and Savings

By
Matt Benoit
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There's nothing like ice cream, except the financial peace of mind that comes from First Federal's green app. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

First Federal’s commitment to customers has taken another big step forward with the Green App, a new mobile application powered by BaZing that provides plenty of perks and peace of mind. The “Green” App features discounts from local businesses and triple threat protection that includes both mobile and identity theft aid, among other great services, which come at little to no cost to First Federal customers.

There’s nothing like ice cream, except the financial peace of mind that comes from First Federal’s green app. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

“First Federal is really good at giving back,” says Jennie Barnhart, a senior Universal Banker at First Federal’s Fairhaven branch. “In my opinion, the Green App is kind of another way for us to give back.”

Customers who download the app receive digital coupons from local restaurants and retailers, with deals including buy one, get one offers, percentage off and dollar amount discounts. Local merchants who sign up for the program, which is free of charge to them, can pick which discounts they offer their customers.  And because the app is GPS-based, it can be set up to notify you of deals when passing by participating businesses.

Andy Powell, a Barkley Branch Senior Banker, says it’s like having a Val-Pak in your phone. Participating local businesses include BelleWood Acres, Rebecca’s Flower Shoppe, Village Books and Paper Dreams, Drizzle, Lynden Bolt, Everything in Sight Optical and Sunset Car Wash, among others.

As for peace of mind, the Green App’s cell phone protection is available for anyone paying monthly phone bills through their Green-linked First Federal account. If your phone is lost, stolen or broken, you’re eligible for up to $400 of insurance, per phone, for a total of $800 per year.

Jackie Bain poses at Coyote BBQ. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

And in a world where identity theft happens every day, First Federal’s Green App offers a personal identity theft aid and debit/credit card fraud resolution. The former reimburses you up to $2,500 for expenses toward recovering your identity, while the latter offers you help from a fraud specialist if a debit or credit card becomes lost or stolen.

“With any checking account, you’re going to get personal assistance,” Barnhart says. “They’re there to support and walk you through it and give you that peace of mind.”

In addition, the Green App offers roadside assistance and includes services like towing, lockout and flat tire assistance, along with several other mechanical services. The assistance can be used up to four times per year, for up to $80 per incident. Barnhart has used it personally; not long ago, she locked herself out of her car on a lunch break. One call resulted in a quick and easy solution, at no cost to her.

Finally, for those who travel, the Green App offers $10,000 of accidental death insurance, covering loss of life due to a plane or vehicle accident. Barnhart says the app, and the benefits it offers, is about First Federal staying ahead of the customer service and technological curves. “We want to be innovative, we want to be creative; we want to be ahead of the game.”

The card is accepted almost everywhere – including Fiamma Pizza. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

The Green App is available to First Federal customers for a $6 monthly fee, provided they have Northwest or Cascade checking accounts. However, for customers who maintain an average $5,000 loan or relationship balance with First Federal, the app and all its benefits are totally free.

“A lot of people are out there paying hundreds of dollars monthly for these things,” Barnhart says. “We’re giving away a bunch of benefits for almost nothing. We’re looking out for everybody.”

To learn more, visit ourfirstfed.com or stop into First Federal’s Barkley or Fairhaven branch locations today.

Q&A with Jesse Straight of Eagle Trees Cannabis Farm

By
Kenneth Clarkson
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Brother and sister team, Kenny Ingebrigtson and Jesse Straight, co-own Eagle Trees Marijuana Farm. Photo credit: Jesse Straight.

Eagle Trees Cannabis Farm prides themselves on growing cannabis free of pesticides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers. They believe in a way of farming that’s beneficial for both the earth and the consumer.

The Eagle Trees team grows cannabis free of pesticides, fungicides and harmful chemical fertilizers. Photo credit: Jesse Straight.

Brother and sister team, Kenny Ingebrigtson and Jesse Straight, operate the 25-acre farm on the North Fork of the Nooksack River. With picturesque views of Mount Baker and its surrounding foothills, Eagle Trees is situated in one of Whatcom County’s most beautiful areas. On any given day, you can find tall evergreen trees littered around the property teeming with eagles; hence the name.

We spoke with Jesse to figure out just why they grow pesticide-free cannabis, what her favorite strain is and what supplies she’d take with her on a deserted island.

WhatcomTalk: How long have you been working with Satori and why do you enjoy working with them?

Jesse Straight: We’ve been working with Satori Bellingham for about a year and a half. And we’ve been at Satori Fremont for a few months. The people are what makes Satori special. They understand what Eagle Trees is all about and communicate that to their customers. We really appreciate it.

WhatcomTalk: Why is growing organically and pesticide-free important to you?

Jesse Straight: We want our customers to smoke the best products possible and for us, that means pure cannabis without chemicals.

Our intuition tells us that smoking the remnants of pesticides, fungicides and even salt-based chemical fertilizer can’t be good for you. I don’t want to eat food that’s grown that way, why would I want my medicine to contain that?

Our farm borders wilderness area containing lots of fish and animals that rely on clean air, water and soil. We wouldn’t want to add anything to the environment that could be potentially harmful to our wild neighbors.

We at Eagle Trees know high-quality cannabis should be grown without chemicals. Kenny, our co-owner and head farmer, is extremely talented and dedicated to this type of farming. It’s not easy, but we believe it’s worth it.

Brother and sister team, Kenny Ingebrigtson and Jesse Straight, co-own Eagle Trees Marijuana Farm. Photo credit: Jesse Straight.

WhatcomTalk: What’s your favorite strain?

Jesse Straight: That’s a tough one! It’s like asking which of my children I love the most. It really depends on the situation.

We all love the Royal Kush 7. Kenny has grown it for 10 years, and for good reason. The quality of the genetics shine through and the high is very relaxing, creative and satisfying.

But, the ACDC strain won the Washington Sungrowers Industry Association’s SunCup 2018 for high-CBD flower. And, it’s not only high in CBD, but tasty.

Of our newer strains, the Cinex Kush is probably my favorite. I can feel the relaxed high, but can still get a lot done. It’s also great for athletics and my go-to pre-hike and snowboard strain.

The Dutch is what I want to smoke when it’s sunny and warm outside to get that euphoric sense of wonder, and the Chunk Norris is my go-to for a cozy night in.

We currently have 12 strains in the ground. Lots of fun strains crossed with our tried-and-true genetics. I can’t wait to try them.

WhatcomTalk: I see you sell joints, body balm and rosin. What’s the process like getting those items prepared for distribution? How big of a team do you have working on preparing and packaging?

Kenny works hard on the farm, located on the North Fork of the Nooksack River. Photo credit: Jesse Straight.

Jesse Straight: Our team consists of Kenny, Alex and David on the farm side, and myself, Morgan and David (plus some part-timers) on the packaging, sales and delivering side. We adore our employees and couldn’t do it without their passion and energy.

Fun Fact: I think people are generally pretty surprised when they find out just how intensive the process is. The plants are touched a lot: we water, feed and prune them frequently. When harvest time comes around, we small-batch harvest, usually no more than 10 branches per bin (so we don’t squish the flowers). They are hung carefully in the drying room for about two weeks. After, we bin them so they’re ready for trimming. After the product is hand-trimmed and tested, they’re ready to be packaged.

My mom makes the body balm out of coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, essential oils and cannabinoids from both the Royal Kush and ACDC strains.

Our joints are carefully made by grinding only the flowers, and we make 100 at a time in a knock box. Each of our joints is twisted by hand and made in a way to ensure it burns well.

Kenny makes our rosin using only heat and pressure.

WhatcomTalk: Your farm is beautiful, and what a great location. How’d you go about finding the space and how many acres do you farm?

Jesse Straight: When we went looking for a farm, we searched around Whatcom County for about six months. We found some good places, but knew they weren’t the right spot. Kenny texted me late one night to tell me he had finally found the spot.

The location had just come onto the market. We looked at it the next day and decided it was the one. No questions. We love this area and Kenny loves to be close to Mount Baker.

WhatcomTalk: Imagine you’re on a deserted island; you get one of your strains, one CD and one food item.

Jesse Straight: Hmm … for today, here’s my answer: the Royal Kush, a protein-rich salad and Aretha Franklin’s rare and unreleased recordings from the Golden Reign. I love that album.

Sponsored

Puget Sound Energy Welcomes New Investment

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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First Federal is hosting
Photo credit: Kate Galambos.

Submitted by: Puget Sound Energy

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) announced it is welcoming increased investment from two existing shareholders and the addition of two new investors to the group of public- and private-sector pension and retirement fund managers with stakes in the utility.

Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), on behalf of certain of its clients, and the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) are increasing positions they’ve held since 2009 by 6 percent and 4 percent to 13.6 percent and 20.9 percent, respectively. The two new investors, OMERS, the defined benefit pension plan for municipal employees in Ontario, Canada, and Dutch pension fund manager PGGM will have 23.9 percent and 10 percent positions, respectively. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), an investor since 2009, continues its 31.6 percent position.

AIMCo, BCI, OMERS and PGGM are acquiring the non-controlling, 44 percent interest held by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners (MIP) funds. The funds, which include investments other than PSE, are nearing the end of their terms as was anticipated when the 2009 investment was made.

“An investment in PSE reflects confidence in the future of our region and the dedication and skills of our 3,100 local employees,” said Kimberly Harris, PSE president and chief executive officer. “Our investors share our values and our commitment to serving our customers and ensuring our community remains a great place to live. We are delighted to be welcoming OMERS and PGGM who are long-term and experienced regulated utility investors, and we also recognize the strong support and positive contributions made by Macquarie to PSE since 2009.”

“Investing in a utility means investing in the region it serves,” said Ben Hawkins, senior vice president, Infrastructure and Timber of AIMCo. “We are proud of the partnership we have had with PSE for almost a decade and look forward to having an increased role in their future.”

“PSE is a well-managed, quality core infrastructure company that continues to be a strong fit for the long-term investment objectives of our pension plan and accident fund clients,” said Lincoln Webb, BCI’s senior vice president, infrastructure and renewable resources. “BCI looks forward to continuing and strengthening our long-standing relationship with Puget Sound Energy to ensure that it continues to provide essential electric and gas services to customers in Washington State.”

“We are proud to announce our investment in Puget Sound Energy, and we support PSE’s commitment to its customers and to the community,” said Ralph Berg, OMERS Infrastructure’s executive vice president and global head. “The utility’s focus on reliability, service and enabling a better energy future aligns with what its customers want—and with our principles as patient, long-term investors in high-quality infrastructure assets on behalf of OMERS members,” added Michael Ryder, senior managing director, Americas, for OMERS Infrastructure.

“PGGM invests long-term pension capital in companies that are actively involved in the transition to a low carbon energy future,’’ notes Erik van de Brake, head of Infrastructure at PGGM. ‘’We are pleased to join PSE as a new investor.’’

Today’s announcement will not impact the utility’s customers or employees, with all operations and leadership continuing to be local. The change in investors is subject to customary conditions, including the approval of the state Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). PSE plans to file for approval of the transaction with the UTC in early September. In addition, PSE will continue to be state and federally regulated and will continue meeting all applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosure requirements.

Since 2009, PSE and its investors have made continuous improvements and investments on behalf of customers and local communities. (See also our fact sheet.)

  • Kept energy costs reasonable, with monthly electric bills below those of the area’s two largest public utilities and natural gas bills the same as in 2003.
  • Continuously upgraded our natural gas and electric system to better deliver safe, dependable service to our 1.5 million residential and business customers. This includes investments of more than $5 billion in projects that are part of the critical infrastructure that serves our communities.
  • Maintained local employment, headquarters and leadership.
  • Committed to reducing our carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2040.
  • Brought more clean energy to the Northwest with the expansion of the Wild Horse Wind Facility, construction of the Lower Snake River Wind Facility, and upgrades and modernization of our Baker River and Snoqualmie River hydroelectric facilities.
  • Improved customer service with new web and mobile tools for account management, bill payment and outage information.
  • Helped our residential and business customers lower their bills through energy efficiency programs that cut electricity consumption by more than 21 billion kilowatt hours — that’s enough to power every home and business we serve for a full year.
  • Achieved first-quartile national electric utility rankings for employee safety each year since 2012.

Whatcom County Farm Tour Weekend, September 8 and 9

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Whatcom County Farm Tour
Photo courtesy: Sustainable Connections.

Submitted by: Sustainable Connections

Get the full farm-to-table experience with Whatcom County Farm Tour Weekend, September 8 and 9. Discover Whatcom County Farms on one of the best and longest running farm tours in Washington State, and enjoy local bites and sips at three tasty locavore events.

Participants can start their culinary adventure with the Farm Tour Brunch at Cosmos Bistro, attend the Farm-To-Pint Pairing at Boundary Bay and sample wine, cheese and chocolate with Twin Sisters Creamery, Chocolate Necessities and Sampson Estates Winery.

The Whatcom County Farm Tour will be running Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. It’s free, family-friendly and self-guided. Each stop at local family farms and farmers markets is unique with educational opportunities, fun activities and more! Tour-goers can meet farmers, learn about what it takes to grow local food, enjoy hayrides, taste farm veggies and products, meet farm animals, sample wine and pick up their weekly groceries. Old farm tour favorites are back like Twin Brook Creamery; a Lynden family owned and operated dairy since 1910, as well as new stops like Matheson Farms, a sustainably run grass-fed cow and yak ranch.

The Farm Tour is free but attendees can donate $15 to become a Farm Tour VIP. VIPs will get amazing coupons, discounts and farm products at almost all stops including a free cheese bag at Ferndale Farmstead Cheese and a free farm tour bouquet at Triple Wren Farms! Badges can be purchased in advance or on the day of the Farm Tour at any of the stops.

Participants are encouraged to bring a cooler to keep fresh foods cool and are invited to bike to any of the farms, but are asked to keep dogs at home. Detailed farm descriptions and a map are available at EatLocalFirst.org or print Farm Tour/Eat Local Month Guides, will be available starting mid-August in local papers and at participating restaurants and businesses.

Co-hosted by Whatcom Family Farmers the Whatcom County Farm Tour is a Sustainable Connections Eat Local First event and is made possible by generous support from Puget Sound Energy, Dairy Farmers of Washington, Community Food Co-op, Haggen, Whatcom County, Industrial Credit Union, Skagit Bank, City of Bellingham, Scratch & Peck Feeds, KUOW and the Northwest Washington Fair.

What: Whatcom Farm Tour Weekend
When: Saturday, September 8 and Sunday, September 9
Where: Various farms around Whatcom County
More info at: www.eatlocalfirst.org or contact diana@sustainableconnections.org.

Peoples Bank Announces Appointment of New Lenders

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Photo credit: Kate Galambos

Submitted by: Peoples Bank

Peoples Bank announced the appointment of new lenders at its branches in Snohomish and Whatcom countries. These new hires represent ongoing growth of the community bank which offers full relationship banking, commercial lending, personal investment services, and online and mobile banking products at its 23 branches in Washington state. Founded in 1921, Peoples Bank currently employs nearly 450 full-time employees, including 285 employees in Whatcom County and 42 employees in Snohomish County.

Corey Willard

Cory Willard is Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer for the Snohomish Commercial Banking Group. Photo courtesy: Peoples Bank.

Peoples Bank announced the appointment of Cory Willard as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer for the Snohomish Commercial Banking Group. Based at the Peoples Bank Everett Financial Center, Cory brings nearly 15 years of experience in banking in Snohomish and Skagit counties, having previously served as a Relationship Manager at U.S. Bank, a Commercial Lender at Skagit Bank and a Commercial Lender and Branch Manager at The Bank of Washington. He specializes in commercial real estate and commercial and industrial (C&I) loans.

“My goal is to always make each client relationship as personalized as possible,” said Cory. “It is an honor to work with customers one on one to help them achieve their dreams of operating a successful business, and to represent a community bank that prioritizes giving back to the local community through dedicated financial and volunteer support.”

Born and raised in Bremerton, Cory volunteers as a coach for North Snohomish Little League and Snohomish Junior Athletic Association Youth Basketball League. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Oregon University and enjoys serving as a fly-fishing guide.

Tiffany Blair

Tiffany Blair was appointed Retail Branch Manager of the Peoples Bank Downtown Bellingham Office. Photo courtesy: Peoples Bank.

Tiffany Blair was appointed Retail Branch Manager of the Peoples Bank Downtown Bellingham Office, located 1333 Cornwall Avenue. Tiffany brings expertise in consumer lending, training and staff development, and is focused on helping customers make wise long-term financial decisions.

“I am passionate about helping small businesses succeed, and I strive to be a one-stop-shop for business owners seeking guidance on all business-related matters,” said Tiffany. “As a resident of the Bellingham area for the past ten years, I have experienced firsthand the many positive contributions Peoples Bank makes to the community. I am excited to be a part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting its customers and giving back to the communities it serves.”

Tiffany holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration with focus on economics and Mandarin Chinese from Western Washington University and is a 2016 graduate of the Executive Development Institute of Bellevue. She volunteers for Junior Achievement and serves as a board member with Habitat for Humanity of Whatcom County.

Lisa McGriff

Lisa McGriff joins People Bank as a Senior Real Estate Loan Officer at the Bellingham Home Loan Center. Photo courtesy: Peoples Bank.

Lisa McGriff joins People Bank as a Senior Real Estate Loan Officer at the Bellingham Home Loan Center, located at the at the Peoples Bank Barkley Financial Center. Lisa brings more than 22 years of experience in the financial services industry and is passionate about helping customers realize the benefits of homeownership.

“Owning a home is an important step towards financial stability and feeling connected to the community,” said Lisa. “I enjoy helping customers understand the benefits of investing for the long-term and the difference home ownership can make in their lives. As a locally owned community bank, Peoples Bank offers a range of flexible products and services that can help first-time homebuyers realize their dream of home ownership, or more experienced buyers purchase a second home or investment property.”

A 31-year resident of Whatcom County, Lisa appreciates all the region has to offer, from its beautiful beaches to the many ski areas and world-class wineries. She comes from a racing family and enjoys NASCAR, sprint car races, drag racing and riding motorcycles. With an extended family that lives across the U.S. and Europe, Lisa loves to travel, but she is proud to call the Pacific Northwest home.

About Peoples Bank

Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with $1.7 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, the Bank was founded in 1921 and operates 23 branches located throughout Washington. In its most recent rating, Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating firm, awarded Peoples Bank its highest five-star superior rating. This rating recognizes Peoples Bank’s strong financial management practices, dedicated employees and long-standing customer relationships. Learn more about Peoples Bank at peoplesbank-wa.com.

Pay it Forward Pigs: Peoples Bank Campaigns Raise Awareness and Emphasize Giving Back

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Photo courtesy: Peoples Bank.

Submitted by: Peoples Bank

On Wednesday, August 15, Peoples Bank will release 173 piggybanks containing over $5,000 in cash. The campaign, “Pay It Forward Pigs,” is designed to raise awareness about the importance of saving while encouraging people to “pay forward” acts of kindness. Scattered near Peoples Bank branches in Chelan/Douglas, Island, King, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties, each pig contains $30; $15 for the finder and $15 to make someone else’s day better. Clues for where the pigs are hidden will be shared on the Peoples Bank Instagram account (@peoplesbankwa) and many pigs will be placed in plain sight.

“Helping our customers reach their financial goals while giving back to the community has been a central part of Peoples Bank’s ethos since our first branch opened in Whatcom County nearly 100 years ago,” said Michelle Barrett, Chief Retail Banking & Marketing Officer. “‘Pay It Forward Pigs’ is our way of highlighting the importance of both saving money and helping each other. We want to support the communities that have supported us because we value them, and because it is the right thing to do.”

Anyone who shares a photo and short explanation of how they paid forward an act of kindness, whether they find a pig or not, is eligible to be entered to win the grand prize of $500, which includes $250 for the winner and $250 for the charity of their choice. Photos must be shared on Instragram tagging @peoplesbankwa or can be submitted using the form at http://www.peoplesbank-wa.com/pigs. The grand prize winner will be announced on September 7, 2018.

It is Never Too Early to Start Saving

According to a study released earlier this year by GoBanking Rates, approximately 14 percent of Americans have nothing saved for retirement, and 42 percent have less than $10,000 put away, putting them at risk for retiring without being able to cover annual expenses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates adults 65 and older spend about $46,000 a year, on average, putting many older Americans in financial jeopardy. The study also found that nearly 20 percent of millennials have nothing saved for retirement. In Washington state, 32 percent of residents have $0 saved, and nearly half have less than $1,000 saved.

More information about “Pay it Forward Pigs” and full contest rules can be found at http://www.peoplesbank-wa.com/pigs. Search #findthepig on Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date information about the contest.

The Wild Oat Bakery and Cafe: It’s Not Just for Vegans

By
Christina Holt
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The menu at The Wild Oat reads, "Change Your Choices, Change the World," indicating the restaurant's devotion to providing customers with alternative and tasty options for vegan food. Shown here are a few pieces of artwork created by local artist Ian Styre, representing endangered species. Photo courtesy: Christina Holt.

Iam chatting with Crystal Davis, owner of The Wild Oat Bakery and Cafe in downtown Bellingham, as a server whizzes by with a burger and side salad. The smell is heavenly—salty, tangy, mouth-watering. But what’s the big deal about a restaurant that serves a burger?

The Wild Oat Bakery and Cafe is currently the only all-vegan restaurant option in Bellingham. Photo courtesy: Christina Holt.

“Everything on the menu is 100% vegan,” Crystal says, donning a simple black sweater. She gives off the vibe of someone you want to know. I dined here a couple weeks before our interview and every item—down to the iced tea—was exquisite; not the pre-conceived notions most of us have about vegan food. You would never know, if you didn’t already.

“My belief is that you want to wow people,” Crystal says. “The last thing I want is for someone who isn’t really a vegan person to come in and get something that isn’t really fantastic and then they go, ‘Yep, see? I knew I didn’t like vegan food.’ If it’s not ‘wow’, it doesn’t go on the menu.”

Dishes clink in the background and a machine steams foamy soy cappuccinos as Crystal tells me about growing up on a farm in Oregon. She was a carnivore well into her adult life and didn’t give it a second thought until about five years ago. Her biggest influence was her long-time vegan friend, Rochelle.

Crystal Davis performs many duties in her role as owner of The Wild Oat, including administration, resolving equipment issues, marketing and even a little of the baking and cooking. Photo courtesy: Christina Holt.

“I was always curious and I asked her questions here and there but I always thought it was a little extreme,” Crystal says. “She never pushed me but she would always give me information to chew on. And then one day I was watching Katie Couric interview Ellen DeGeneres. She asked why Ellen went vegan and Ellen mentioned two documentaries: Earthlings and Food Inc. So I watched those documentaries and that afternoon I went vegan. And I’ve never gone back.”

The Wild Oat’s interior is cozy and welcoming. The walls are painted red and black, giving a bold, edgy feeling, a bit like Crystal herself. The walls are lined with large metallic artwork of endangered species, all created by a local artist, Ian Styre.

“I try to pair with local businesses and people as much as possible,” Crystal says, “including my son, who was my contractor during the remodel. I couldn’t have done this without him. And our coffee is from a local grocer, our teas from The Spice Hut. Our focaccia is from Avenue Bread. I love being in downtown Bellingham. I’ve made a lot of friends here.”

Crystal is a poised and energetic woman with an abundance of internal drive. I ask why she decided to open the café and she replies, “I’d been wanting to open this place for many years. Originally, I was going to do it vegetarian with a few vegan options because I was afraid Bellingham might not be quite ready for 100 percent vegan. This was a huge investment and when everything you own is tied up in it, it’s a very scary process. But when it became more of a reality, I just could not bring in the dairy. So I went for it.”

The menu at The Wild Oat reads, “Change Your Choices, Change the World,” indicating the restaurant’s devotion to providing customers with alternative and tasty options for vegan food. Shown here are a few pieces of artwork created by local artist Ian Styre, representing endangered species. Photo courtesy: Christina Holt.

One of Crystal’s favorite menu items is the lemon yogurt. I nod politely, secretly questioning yogurt as anyone’s favorite food. She reads my face and quickly offers me a taste. One bite in and I am delighted to be proven wrong. It’s truly superb.

Crystal spent hours researching and experimenting to perfect this single menu item: ordering bacteria online, toying with different soy milks, testing acidity levels and time in the incubator. It’s no wonder that every last item on the menu—down to the iced tea—is so dang tasty.

When asked what she’d be doing if she didn’t own this restaurant, Crystal says, “Sleep. I would sleep. For sure.” She says this with a straight face, then drops her head and laughs charmingly at her own joke.

I ask how this experience of opening a restaurant, one with a particularly challenging menu, has changed her. She points to her head. “Oh, it’s given me more grey hair. But it’s worth it. I feel very blessed. I have the most wonderful staff. And we have gotten such an overwhelming response from the community and our neighbors here.”

She has several long-term goals for the cafe. As the restaurant becomes profitable, she wants to use the proceeds and open a small farm animal sanctuary. Her advice for fellow entrepreneurs is, “If your heart is in it, follow your heart. If the passion is there, you can be successful. You can create a situation where people are impacted in a positive way.”

Wild Oat Bakery and Cafe
1305 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham
Open seven days a week: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cedarville Farms: An Organic Legacy

By
Audrey Audette
-
Mike and Kim take great pride in their work. Photo courtesy: Cedarville Farms.

Mike and Kim Finger have known the value of organic farming from the beginning. The couple has owned and operated Cedarville Farms in Deming for the past 30 years. Over the course of that time they have cultivated a wide variety of organic vegetables and herbs, raised both chickens and turkeys, and innovated new programs to keep the farm growing strong.

Cedarville was organic even before the government implemented organic farming regulations. Mike and Kim knew organic farming was the only option for Cedarville. Their children were heavily involved with the farm, helping in the fields and eating the produce. They worried about exposing them to the toxins used in pesticides. And, if they didn’t want their children in contact with the harsh chemicals, they didn’t want to feed them to their customers, either. Even though there weren’t as many resources for organic farming as there are today, Mike and Kim made it work. They say every obstacle was worth it.

Cedarville Farms thrives thanks to Mike and Kim’s daily dedication. Photo courtesy: Cedarville Farms.

In 1992 Cedarville introduced Whatcom County’s first ever Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. For those unfamiliar with CSA, it’s a program that functions essentially the same as subscription boxes. The customer pays to “subscribe” to the farm before the growing season and the upfront funds cover the cost of growing food. Then, the farmer supplies the customer with a pre-picked box of produce every week during the growing season. Customers can also choose to add other items like eggs and meat.

CSAs have grown exponentially in Whatcom County, with over 20 different farms offering the service. CSAs are still the “heart of the farm” according to Mike and cover “a good chunk” of the farm’s operating expenses. Mike and Kim even host exclusive events for their CSA customers like the “Pesto Festo,” private market stands on Wednesdays and a pumpkin patch in the fall.

Mike was on the founding board of the Bellingham Farmers Market and helped turn it into the thriving hub it is today. He says one of his favorite parts of the market is meeting families and connecting with the community. Both he and Kim love farming for their friends and neighbors. They invite folks to stop by and say hi.

Mike and Kim Finger feel blessed, delighted, challenged and deeply grateful for the many young folks who have helped harvest. Photo courtesy: Cedarville Farms.

With a legacy like Cedarville’s, you can’t leave the next generation of farmers up to chance. Mike and Kim work with Sustainable Connections’ mentorship program to help aspiring farmers. They also hire local youth and young adults every harvest season to help collect crops. In fact, Mike recently won the “Mentor of the Year” award, though he won’t tell you unless you ask. Mike says the farm is “blessed, delighted, challenged and deeply grateful for the many young folks who have helped us harvest.”

When asked what we could expect next from Cedarville, Mike says, “Nothing. We’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing and keep doing it better!” Although, he also says he’s particularly excited about a new part for his tractor that should be coming any day now. Besides the tractor, they also have a brand new website they hope you’ll take a look at.

Cedarville Farms’ products can be found at the Bellingham Farmers Market, the Cordata Community Food Co-Op and the Downtown Community Food Co-Op. Mike and Kim also invite anyone to check out the farm.

Cedarville Farms yields a delightful bounty. Photo courtesy: Cedarville Farms.
Mike and Kim take great pride in their work. Photo courtesy: Cedarville Farms.
Cedarville Farms uses the help of seasonal employees, volunteers and Work Shares to staff the farm. Photo courtesy: Cedarville Farms.

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