For Jacson Bevens, real estate isn’t just a job – it’s a career path that brings happiness to himself and others. His clients’ enthusiastic responses to Jacson’s excellent service is what makes the job worthwhile, and ensuring that satisfaction is what drives him in every transaction.
“It may sound cheesy, but I legitimately love the joy that a successful purchase or sale brings people,” Jacson says. “When you’re someone’s Realtor, you become a very important person in their lives. During a transaction, you’re that can’t-miss phone call, the text that takes priority and an opinion that matters greatly. You’re front and center in their minds and I take that responsibility seriously.”
For Jacson, communication is key. His availability and responsiveness are among his strongest assets. He’s quick with a call, text and email and is always ready to talk shop. He loves digging into the details of clients’ properties and learning as much about them as possible. “The more I can learn about a property, the more tools my clients have at their disposal to help get a deal done,” he said.
Jacson’s business includes residential homes as well as multi-family and investment properties. He says investing in real estate can be one of the most effective ways to secure your family’s financial future, especially in an area like Whatcom County. Says Jacson, “I encourage everyone to truly consider what home ownership could mean for you and your loved ones’ future. And if you already own a home, imagine what an investment property can mean for you moving forward.”
One memorable experience from Jacson’s real estate career occurred when a client encountered a tremendous financial obstacle during the transaction. “She is an older client who found herself in the position of raising her nine-year-old granddaughter on her own,” said Jacson. “She had finally gotten to the point where she could achieve her lifelong dream of owning a home. When the transaction hit a snag, we worked overtime together to figure out how to overcome it and when we eventually closed and she got the keys, her relief and joy literally brought me to tears.”
A huge Seahawks fan, Jacson loves to watch and play sports in his free time. He’s fascinated by human excellence, which is especially apparent at the highest level of athletic competition. He writes for Field Gulls, a Seahawks news and analysis site, and is the creator and podcast host of Seahawks Cigar Thoughts. When he’s not closing deals and soaking up sports, Jacson loves spending time with his wife and family.
Brandon Nelson Partners sponsor the Lake Whatcom Triathlon. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.
The spirit of giving is contagious. For local Whatcom County Realtors Brandon Nelson Partners, this couldn’t be truer. They have donated to many nonprofit organizations and sponsored community outdoor events throughout the years. Now they plan to make an especially significant donation of $10,000 when they close on their 100th home. The best part? The Whatcom County community gets to help decide where the money goes.
The 100 Houses project will donate $10,000 to a Whatcom County nonprofit after Brandon Nelson Partners close on their 100th home. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.
The Brandon Nelson Partners team currently has three potential recipients for the $10,000. In addition to these nominees, the public will be asked for suggestions on which nonprofit to donate to.
“The essence of this program is community support,” says Brandon Nelson. “It’s natural that the collective voice of the community will bring forth the best ideas for the recipient. I’ve already learned of programs that I didn’t previously know about.”
Throughout the years they have participated in lots of giving initiatives and donated to many causes. They asked people to describe their dream outdoor adventure for their $1,000 “Live. Your. Adventure!” donation. The winner, Dallas Betz, used the money to run the entire Skagit River from source to sea.
Brandon Nelson Partners has sponsored the winning team in the Ski to Sea Whatcom County Women’s division for the last 11 years. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.
Another program, called “Nominate a Neighbor,” asked community members to identify neighbors in need of a home project. Brandon and his team had a wheelchair path constructed for a family living on Toledo Hill because the father could no longer walk.
With around 56 homes already sold this year and another 12 under contract, Brandon anticipates they will hit the 100-home mark by this September. “We’re going to continue coming up with new, creative, fun ideas for giving back to the Whatcom County community we love so much,” Brandon says. “We consider ourselves very lucky to have loyal clients and referrals that keep our business strong. Giving back with the 100 Homes project and the others is our small way of showing thanks.”
With 742 homeless in Whatcom County, and no shelters available in Skagit or Island Counties, Lighthouse Mission is an essential resource. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin
I travel by the Lighthouse MissionDrop In Center on Holly Street all the time. In the past three years it has transformed from an emergency cold weather shelter to a daily shelter. As a city resident I want to know more and find out how I can help. I was introduced to Dave and James by my wife and son who are volunteering via a service learning class led by Mr. Fleck at Bellingham High School – a math teacher making a difference.
Dave was a guest at the Drop In Center less than a year ago. He grew up in Skagit County and has a successful painting business which he still is a part of with his sister. He was in a bad marriage which caused many problems, forcing him to leave home and contact the Friendship House in Mount Vernon. It had a waiting list so he was referred to the Lighthouse Mission in Bellingham. He stayed at the Drop In Center but didn’t like the close quarters. He had access to a camper van. So he stayed in his van on C St near BTC’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences Building for nearly a year.
Volunteers painting the original building. Photo courtesy: Lighthouse Mission.
While living in his van, he maintained connections to his business, made friends with others experiencing homelessness and connected his friends with services including the Mission. Dave grew up in a church and believed in “‘til death do us part.” He struggled to realize his relationship needed to end for him to heal.
He observed the anger of residents near where he lived, who were upset about the garbage left behind by others so he organized a group to do clean up patrols around C Street, Astor Street and Maritime Heritage Park. He volunteered at Homeport Learning Center, improved their frontage with flowers and painting. Word was out about his work and the Mayor’s office met with him to thank him for his efforts.
Dave was getting by but still felt like he was enabling himself and his friends. He was involved with a woman who was briefly homeless. She overdosed and he felt God asking him, “What are you doing?” Dave felt the best thing to do was apply to the Missions’ New Life Program, a one-year focus on recovery and Christian growth. He didn’t like the communal living arrangement but decided to go for it as he felt God was calling him to change.
“Good Neighbors” clean up crew on their way to spiff up the neighborhood. Photo courtesy: Lighthouse Mission.
Dave is now five months into the program. He feels he is restoring his walk with God. He’s formed healthy relationships with staff at the Mission and is very thankful he was given the opportunity. If he hadn’t been accepted he may not have survived. “The Mission can be life’s last stop,” he says.
He’s also learned how to navigate into healthy, supportive relationships which bring others up while simultaneously benefiting himself. Dave should finish his tenure by November of this year.
The New Life Program has 12 participants. They live side-by-side with others in a transitional housing group that includes a student at Whatcom Community College and a WTA employee. The transitional housing program is less structured. Its goal is to reintegrate people into society with job skills training and community connection. Part of Dave’s program commitment is the completion of weekly Work Therapy hours, which is where he met James.
Community volunteers erecting shelters by the Drop In Center. Photo courtesy: Lighthouse Mission.
James was a pastor at a local church for 30 years. About five years ago he left his position and, for a time, called himself a “vocational redevelopment practitioner.” He was in contact with Hans the director at the Mission. A year and a half ago a restoration technician position opened and he took it. He’s a part of the Operations Team, whose mission is to maintain and improve the Mission for the glory of God. He uses his skills in a physical, spiritual and emotional way which suits him perfectly, and gives him an opportunity to support friends like Dave as he works alongside them. In addition, he offers Christian Spiritual Direction to the Mission staff, for their self-care.
So I asked the question I think many are wondering: What can I do personally to be a part of the solution?
The first step is realizing that the problem is not their problem. It’s our problem. This includes a realization that homelessness comes from a myriad of starting points: drug abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, high housing costs, high priced medical treatment and lack of access to services.
Church helpers beautifying guests’ hands. Photo courtesy: Lighthouse Mission.
A second step is to realize we are all people and deserve dignity, fairness and respect. A way to take this step might be to offer food to those that ask for money on the street. Maybe you can bring someone a home-cooked meal or a to-go meal, sit down with them and eat together. You can also advise them about the Mission. Let them know that it’s a place to get relationally connected, become motivated to take next steps, get support when they make mistakes and be continually empowered to be the solution to their own problems. Maybe they are new to the area and don’t know about it. This may not always work but provides an opportunity to engage with the person seeking monetary help.
A third step is to be a community member. You know your neighbors, right? Do you know the entire block where you live? Introduce yourself! If you know your neighbor and they get into financial trouble, can you help? Bring a meal. House them temporarily. Listen.
The Mission welcomes volunteers both from the community, Bellingham Public Schools and local churches. Physical labor is always needed to maintain the buildings and grounds. Volunteering to listen and get to know guests will take time. Most who stay at the Drop In Center are used to hearing “no” and feel disenfranchised from society. Some are resentful of God as they feel let down. That’s why Dave was able to help so many of them when he lived in his camper van. He was at their level. He could be trusted. This goes both ways. A new volunteer will struggle to trust guests at the Drop In Center and vice versa. This is the same with any relationship. It takes time to build trust.
Student group doing autumn chores. Photo courtesy: Lighthouse Mission.
Christ the King Church in Bellingham and Jon Fleck’s class has volunteers that are starting to break that divide. Staff at the Mission have these capabilities and are also working along with the Opportunity Council to get to know people in Bellingham experiencing homelessness whether at the Mission or on the streets. A new Mission program called Street Connect invites people off the street and provides basic supplies for those in need.
The Mission has a new Neighbor Relations Coordinator who works with business owners and residents near the Mission to resolve concerns. They hope to move the Drop In Center to a different location with more facilities in the future.
Finally, the Mission and its nearly 50 staff members can utilize financial contributions as well. This helps pay for utilities, salaries, supplies and program expansion to help those in need. What can you do to help those in need?
Got an idea for someone you’ve always wondered about? Maybe you already know them but think they deserve some limelight. I’m looking to get to know others that make our community a better place, a unique place, maybe even a stranger place. Drop me a line at submit@whatcomtalk.com.
A candid from the winter production at Squalicum High School, directed by Jason Parker. Photo courtesy: Jason Parker.
Jason Parker is a music and drama educator at Squalicum High School. Over the course of his life, Parker lived in Montana and attended Concordia University. He followed his passions which eventually landed him in the perfect occupation.
Jason Parker performing in a variety show at Apollo High School where he previously worked. Photo courtesy: Jason Parker.
Currently he teaches all five choir classes at Squalicum High School, including Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, Choraliers, Girl’s Chamber Choir and Storm Singers, as well as both Introduction to Drama and Advanced/Intermediate Drama. Kezia Thompson, a sophomore in one of Parker’s many choir classes, explains, “Even with his busy schedule, Mr. Parker makes time to help each individual student and will advocate for what they need. He empowers us to grow in our voices and acting, lead each other and create a community of respect and enjoyment of the arts.”
As a young child, Jason Parker was mentored by a music teacher, whom he adored. This influenced him to work in the field of music. Another contributing factor was his mother, who also worked in music.
Parker hoped to share his love for music and lead young individuals who shared his artistic passion. Parker gained some experience with drama by participating in a little club offered at his high school. Later in his career, he worked with an admirable woman whom inspired his interest in drama. Ever since, theater has felt like a second home.
The decision between teaching and performing was quite difficult for Parker after his college graduation. For a while, he thought about becoming a musician, specifically in musical theatre or opera, but he chose to become an educator due to the difficulty of the field of performance. Parker is an immensely hard working and determined individual, however, he believed the stress of performing wasn’t worth it. He decided that providing others with the opportunity to perform was even more rewarding than the act itself. We are so glad he did – as his passion for the arts has inspired many young people since. Parker has great experience in the arts and is a reliable source for his students throughout their journey into music and theatre.
A candid from the winter production at Squalicum High School, directed by Jason Parker. Photo courtesy: Jason Parker.
As early as junior high, Parker knew he had a strong desire to work in the arts. Within a few years, he was partaking of all of the music classes offered at his school. There weren’t very many but he made the most of what he had and trained outside of class as well. He has taken private lessons in piano since first grade and trumpet since sixth grade, sticking with them until college. During his adolescent years, Parker discovered he could get paid to do what he loved, so he started performing early in local weddings and funerals, which provided him with more music experience, as well as extra finances.
In college, Parker participated in multiple ensembles including concert band and concert orchestra, which were the top two touring groups. His commitment kept him very well rounded throughout school and he graduated with a major in piano and a minor in voice.
Parker loved musical theatre and opera because they combined his love of music and his love of performing. “There’s a term coined by Ricard Wagner,” Parker relates, “the word was ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ and it means the complete or total artwork … None of the elements of an opera production were more important than the other. The music he was composing was no more important than the story or the set design or the costumes; everything had to come together to create the story, which is exactly how I feel about it.”
A cast photo from the 2016 production of Beauty and the Beast, directed by Jason Parker. Photo courtesy: Jason Parker.
Jason Parker followed his heart and focused on his passion for the arts. He created a career of what he loved most. “What I love most about my job are the students,” Parker says. “There are amazing kids here; every student has a different approach to life and my job gets to be to help them and help them learn about themselves and others, as well as support their growth and maturity.”
I love how everything in Whatcom County comes alive when summer hits. There are so many fun things to do, it can be hard to pick. This list will help you narrow down your options. The important thing is to get out there and have some fun. Here are a few ideas of what to do in and around Bellingham June 8—10. And don’t forget to check out our full events calendar for all the fun happenings in Whatcom County.
WhatcomTalk aims to be your source for positive information and events happening in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and throughout Whatcom County. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@whatcomtalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Bellingham and the surrounding area, visit our events calendar. To submit an event of your own, visit our events calendar and click on the green “Post Your Event” button.
As one of five recipients of Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power solar grant, Northwest Harvest’s warehouse in Kent is now operating with the help of solar panels. PSE tripled Northwest Harvest’s grant from $50,000 to $150,000 to ensure the system was large enough to offset over 10 percent of its annual electric use.
Northwest Harvest, the only statewide hunger relief agency, serving 375 food banks, meal programs and high-need schools, will be able to reduce their operating budget by over $5,000 per year with the installation of its solar panels. In addition, this 75-kilowatt project will result in approximately $34,000 in state incentives over 8 years. This is a cumulative savings of $145,000 over the next 15 years.
“Northwest Harvest is very appreciative of this grant from PSE,” said Thomas Reynolds, Northwest Harvest’s CEO. “We know that every dollar we can save in keeping our lights on and our food cold, is an extra dollar that goes toward helping provide nutritious food to those in our community who are suffering from hunger.”
PSE has donated $350,000 to install solar panels at five organizations that are either food distribution centers or emergency warming shelters in their respective communities.
“Whether it’s providing food or emergency shelter, the organizations that were selected have a history of helping people in their communities, which is aligned with what’s important to PSE,” said Bob Stolarski, PSE director of Customer Energy Management & Renewables. “We’re excited that funding these solar projects will help reduce the energy costs for our recipients, so they can put more money towards supporting their core mission while helping to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Along with Northwest Harvest; Salvation Army Bremerton, Island Senior Resources, Community Action of Skagit County and Upper Kittitas County Senior Center have installed their solar panels.
The grants will allow each organization to meet at least 10 percent of their load with solar energy. Not only will these organizations receive energy savings but eight years of renewable energy production incentive payments from the state.
Each organization also received grants for high-powered generators from the PSE Foundation. Northwest Harvest was the only exception because the organization already had a generator at its facility.
PSE has announced its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint 50 percent by 2040, and these solar projects are another step it’s taking with the community to preserve and protect the environment for future generations.
To see how PSE teamed up with Northwest Harvest to reduce carbon emissions, check out the full story here.
After the sun goes down, the curtains go up. Photo credit: Aaron Brick.
In a city that loves its fresh air, patio cafes and beer gardens, why not also enjoy movies outside? For the past five years, Pickford Film Center has hosted a summer Rooftop Cinema series, screening free movies on the top floor of the downtown Parkade. With sweeping views of the city’s landscape, this tippy-top venue is the perfect place to hold a unique community event from Bellingham’s favorite movie house.
Live music will precede each rooftop film, tailored to set the scene. Photo credit: Jake Holt.
This year happens to be pretty special for the Pickford. “In honor of our 20th Anniversary, we’ve sprung for some big and fun titles that people will be excited about,” says Marketing Manager Lindsey Gerhard, who’s pulling out all the stops for their Rooftop line-up. “We want to make this our biggest year so far.”
This summer, we can look forward to seeing three cult classics: Clueless, The Big Lebowski and Napoleon Dynamite. Rooftop Cinema will kick off with the quintessential hair-flipping nineties teen flick, Clueless, on June 29.
The atmosphere of Rooftop Cinema is like a mini-festival with live music, snack vendors and service from several local organizations. Boundary Bay Brewery will provide a beer garden and host one of their best loved films. “The Big Lebowski is a favorite here at Boundary, and was a movie we showed for many years in our beer garden,” says Jenny Schmidt of Boundary Bay Brewery. “We are so thrilled they chose this film for this year’s rooftop series. We have a lot of great memories from those evenings in the sunshine with about 50 ‘dudes’ hanging out on rugs and we can’t wait to see what new memories we create this summer on the roof.”
When going to the rooftop, remember to bring a comfortable seat. Photo credit: Daisey James.
This year, the plan is to widen the scope of entertainment and bring more engagement to the screenings. “I’m hoping to do a costume contest for every film and we’re going to have live music and activities tailored to the themes; something special that will tie in with each movie,” says Gerhard. If you didn’t catch The Big Lebowski at Boundary Bay, you’ll get a second chance on July 27.
Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU), is a title sponsor for the entire summer series, but they are especially looking forward to hosting the screening of Napoleon Dynamite. “They’re really excited about the event,” says Gerhard. “WECU has energy and enthusiasm! They really care about making this a great community event.”
To celebrate in style, WECU will host a glamour shots inspired-photo booth and The Racket will partner to provide the honorary tater-tots.
The Parkade gives Bellinghamsters the perfect vantage for watching the sun dip below the bay, as the Herald lights brighten. “Being on top of the Parkade building, you feel like you’re in a bigger city but you’re really in little Bellingham,” Gerhard says. The structure is owned by the City of Bellingham and normally isn’t open to lingering visitors trying to catch the sunset. When the Pickford approached them about using the space for screening films, however, the city was very supportive.
After the sun goes down, the curtains go up. Photo credit: Aaron Brick.
Getting a large event like this staged in a place that had never been used as a venue took some trial and error at first. “We’ve worked together with the city to make this happen and, as a result, have learned a lot about the facility – for example, the power load up there! One year we had a food vendor plug in a machine and it blew a circuit,” recalls Gerhard. “The fan that kept the screen inflated then stopped and the thing started to collapse – luckily not onto the crowd!”
Having grown from a humble club of cinephiles to one of the area’s mainstay attractions, the Pickford is committed to bringing the joys of cinema to a wide audience. The Rooftop Cinema series is just one of many ways the Pickford makes films more accessible to our community. Keep an eye on their calendar for the theater’s $3.00 Sci-Fi and $1.00 family Saturday matinees.
If you plan to attend a Rooftop Screening, bring a camp chair or cushion to sit on, along with an extra layer for when it gets dark. Invite your friends and family, and don’t forget to dress up! Keep updated on the event’s activities and any changes in their calendar by visiting the Pickford’s website.
The community gardens at all Lydia Place properties are 100 percent volunteer-run. Photo credit: Kenneth Clarkson.
Homelessness is one of the biggest issues facing Whatcom County. According to the Whatcom County Coalition to End Homelessness 2017 Annual Report, at least 742 people experienced homelessness last year and there were 520 homeless households. With rising home values, the population is likely to grow. To combat a problem, you need to start at its core. This is exactly what Lydia Place and its partners, like Peoples Bank, aim to do.
Derek Thornton and Emily O’Connor stand in front of the Lydia Place office at the Gladstone House property. Photo credit: Kenneth Clarkson.
It can be challenging for non-profit organizations to get the same types of funding and exposure that bigger for-profit companies acquire. This is why it’s so beneficial when companies like Peoples Bank help with financial advice, exposure and sponsorship for fundraising events.
Derek Thornton, Peoples Bank Senior Vice President and Director of Finance and Accounting, says it makes sense to use the Bank’s diverse skillsets to help non-profits succeed. “In general people want to do what’s right,” Thornton says. “Not just what’s right for our community, but for the purpose of doing good. That’s why we help out in whatever way we can. When we see a need, we try to meet that need.”
Recently, Thornton helped Lydia Place make an important financial decision to expand one of its buildings. He’s practicing what he preaches: seeing a need and meeting it. And helping Lydia Place goes beyond his work with Peoples Bank. Thornton is also the treasurer on Lydia Place’s Board of Directors.
“Homelessness is a huge issue,” Thornton says. “We’re not immune to it by any means in Bellingham. Around 23 percent of homeless individuals in Bellingham are children, which is why places like Lydia Place are so essential in helping the community.”
Children can play in the small playhouse that sits behind the Gladstone Property. Photo credit: Kenneth Clarkson.
Emily O’Connor, Lydia Place Executive Director, says its main focus is helping individuals and families create sustainable systems for themselves, systems they can use to live independently again. Lydia Place helps families break the cycle of homelessness by first alleviating some of the toxic stress created when basic needs are not met, and then supporting them in dreaming big and building toward those dreams.
Lydia Place assists clients with financial budgeting, furthering their education, re-entering the workplace, mental health counseling, parenting support and creating community connections that can help them maintain stability. “If we are flexible and responsive, and if we invest in families early on, we can have an impact that lasts for generations,” O’Connor says.
On average, Lydia Place serves 400 adults and 400 children each year. These individuals are split among the three properties Lydia Place owns, 79 housing units operated by the Bellingham Housing Authority and private sector housing units owned or managed by property management companies or private landlords.
There is no time limit at Lydia Place. Tenants are given what they need and can stay for as long as is necessary. According to O’Connor, some have stayed for as short as two months and others as long as five years.
The community gardens at all Lydia Place properties are 100 percent volunteer-run. Photo credit: Kenneth Clarkson.
The three properties Lydia Place owns are each located in a different part of Bellingham. The Baker Place Campus is in the Birchwood neighborhood, the Gladstone House is in the Puget Neighborhood and Bell Tower Studios is located in downtown Bellingham. Bell Tower Studios is the newest property, purchased in late 2016 with mortgage support from Peoples Bank.
“For us, helping people is just what you do,” Thornton says. “Help out where you can and when you can, that’s how I view it. We want people to have a better life, the community to benefit and Bellingham to be a safer and healthier place.”
This year, Lydia Place also partnered with Landmark Real Estate Management in an initiative that aims to house every family with children on the Bellingham community’s housing waiting list by the end of 2018. “It’s all about the kids,” O’Connor says, as she bounces her own small child on her lap. “We will have been around for 30 years next year, and we continue to grow and help more people every day. Our mission is to disrupt this cycle of homelessness.”
O’Connor’s office is at the Gladstone House which, in addition to serving as a hub for Lydia Place staff, also houses five mothers and their children. The house is quaint and borders a multi-acre lot. On the property is a volunteer-run community garden, a spacious play area equipped with a playground, and plenty of forest for kids to explore. The Gladstone House feels like home. It’s hard to think of a better starting point for these families to get back on their feet.
Sumner Scott stands before his wall of accolades and memorabilia. The wall is on display for the duration of his Spotlight. Photo credit: Hannah Zoe.
Fairhaven’s Solstice Senior Living has launched a Spotlight series to celebrate the lifetime achievements of their residents. Each quarter, one person is honored for their life’s accomplishments – and the community can hear their stories. Colonel Sumner Scott was the first selectee in this new tradition, celebrated before an audience of his friends and neighbors for his years of service in the Civil Air Patrol and Navy.
Sumner Scott has many fond memories of his time in the sky. Photo courtesy: Sumner Scott.
Sumner gave a presentation in front of a wall displaying his pictures and certificates, sharing how he came to be a pilot. “I was learning to fly and one day in ground school the fellow I was sitting next to said, ‘Have you ever heard of Civil Air Patrol? They have an airplane that you can fly; you only have to cover the gas.’”
Sumner needed a plane with which to practice. Without knowing exactly what the Civil Air Patrol did, he was ready to join. “That was my early motivation. Doesn’t seem very noble, does it?” he says with a chuckle.
As a noncombatant arm of the Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol shoulders the responsibility of inland missions when airplanes go missing or are in distress. Civilian pilots are on-call, ready to help with search and rescue efforts. “It’s an all-volunteer organization,” Sumner said. “No one gets paid except in the satisfaction they get for serving their country. It’s really dedicated to the public good.”
Sumner shared stories and answered questions during his presentation. He was supported in his talks by his partner, who also resides at Solstice. Photo credit: Hannah Zoe.
On the night of Sumner’s first Civil Air Patrol flight, he was awoken by a phone call detailing his mission. An airplane hadn’t arrived at its destination. For each flight from an airport, a flight plan details their path. “They had a flight plan and hadn’t closed it,” Sumner said. “It would seem they were overdue, so you had to assume something went wrong.”
As it happened, the story had a simple conclusion. “It was a small plane and the pilot put it away in the hanger and just forgot to close out his flight plan,” Sumner said. “But every now and then it was the real thing and we saved some lives.”
Pressed for the story of his scariest flight, Sumner recalled crossing the Atlantic to post at a base in Spain with the Navy. He was flying a large DC4 cargo plane. “We had extra fuel tanks in the fuselage because it was a long way to go,” he recalled. “Somewhere along the way a tank sprang a leak and high-octane fuel was dripping out into the cabin for hours and hours. I kept looking at that drip, drip, drip thinking about how easily it could ignite. The plane could have gone up.”
Sumner Scott poses with his plan. Photo courtesy: Sumner Scott.
Sumner also shared more lighthearted recollections of his adventures. On a deployment to North Africa, Sumner’s Navy unit brought over baseball equipment for an orphanage outside their base. They received an invitation to visit the orphanage and spent the day with teachers and children. “We were treated to a meal of couscous, which was typically eaten with your hands,” he recalled as he pantomimed the motion. “They made it look so elegant. I had tried and just couldn’t get the hang of getting it to my mouth without spilling it on myself.” One of the teachers ended up taking pity on Sumner and brought him a spoon.
After completing his two years of active duty in the Navy, Sumner continued in the Navy Reserve and Civil Air Patrol for another 25 years. As a civilian, Sumner spent most of his life in Wisconsin, where he was a professor at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. He taught Physics and Teacher’s Methods at the College of Education within the University.
During his gathering, Sumner was presented with a certificate honoring his service in the Civil Air Patrol by a representative from the Bellingham chapter of the organization. Photo credit: Hannah Zoe.
Sumner relocated to Bellingham a year and a half ago, following a traumatic car accident. “They wanted to keep a closer eye on me,” he said, tapping the large scar on his head for emphasis. Now closer to his six children, who are scattered around the Pacific Northwest, Sumner also has the company of his partner in life who made the move to Solstice with him. “I have been exceedingly fortunate,” he said for the second time. “My mother always said I was born under a lucky star. I think you should include that.”
Teams of all ages and skill levels are welcome to play in the Capital City 3on3 tournament. Photo courtesy: 90TEN Fitness.
If you love basketball, consider gathering a couple athletic friends and taking a road trip to the south sound. This year, Olympia’s Lakefair is bringing a whole new competition to the west side of the Cascades with Capital City 3on3.
This fast paced game is fun for players and spectators alike. Photo courtesy: 90TEN Fitness.
This is not your average basketball game. While a usual game is played with a team of five on a full court, this form is played with only three athletic team members on a half court. These tournaments are especially fun for spectators and players alike as they are faster paced and tend to be more aggressive. Players have more access to the ball than an average game, which allows more opportunities for athletes to show their skills. It’s a great opportunity to compete and create a spectacular show.
These tournaments have been popping up all over the country. In fact, you may have already heard of one: Hoopfest. The world’s largest tournament of this kind is held on the other side of the mountains in Spokane. The Capital City tournament was inspired by Spokane’s annual competition and is anticipated to follow the same path.
“I had just gotten back from Spokane when the idea of this event happened,” explains Capital City 3on3 co-founder and owner of 90TEN Training Academy, Robin Johnson. “We wanted to partner with Lakefair and bring it to the west side. We talked about modeling it after the Spokane Hoopfest as that is already a very successful event. The Lakefair Committee jumped in to help us right away and is excited to put it on. It’s going to be an awesome addition to Lakefair.”
Capitol grounds are the perfect location for this event. Photo courtesy: 90TEN Fitness.
By partnering with Lakefair, the goal was simple: bring the community together through physical activity and competition. “3on3 basketball is really for all ages and skill levels,” says Johnson. “Starting as young as third grade and reaching all the way through retirement, there will be a division represented for competition. We will also have a family and co-worker division to participate in. After this first year, we would like to expand further and add a kindergarten and Special Olympics division.”
One of ways the Capital City 3on3 will set itself apart is the location. “Our basketball courts will be set up on the grounds of the Capitol Campus,” Johnson says. “To be right in the heart of that campus with Lakefair in the background really makes this a unique site.”
Register Now to Join the Fun
Teams of all ages and skill levels are welcome to play in the Capital City 3on3 tournament. Photo courtesy: 90TEN Fitness.
Early registration is key for many of this year’s teams. “The cost is $125 per team and registering early is important so we can match teams for competition properly,” explains Johnson. “The pre-registration deadline is June 15. The price increases as we get closer to the tournament. Anyone can get involved to play. You can get your friends, family and co-workers together to make a winning team. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
There is more to this event than basketball. “We want the community to come together,” says Johnson. “There is a division for everyone to play in and it’s going to be fun to watch. We hope this event makes people come together to enjoy the sport and the atmosphere of Lakefair. It’s really about making our community even stronger.”
Kevin Wiebe is a Ferndale native. Although he graduated from Ferndale High School, he admits he wasn't a model student. His teachers and administrators...
