Brandon Nelson Partners Bring Whatcom County’s Outdoor Community Closer

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Whatcom County's outdoor community-BrandonNelsonTriathlon — Brandon Nelson Partners donates to many outdoor events in the Whatcom County community such as the Lake Whatcom Triathlon. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

Brandon Nelson will never forget the 2017 Ski to Sea race. The first-place finisher in the Whatcom County Women’s division carried his firm’s name. “Team Brandon Nelson Partners” raced their hearts out through all seven legs of the race before crossing the finish line.

The 2017 Whatcom County Women division winners hold up Brandon Nelson after a first place win at Ski to Sea 2017. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

Brandon’s wife, Heather, races on the team. He and their children watched with pride as she and her teammates’ training and hard work paid off, awarding them a first-place finish. Brandon says the example those women set is something his company is always happy to support. Just like Heather and her racing partners, Brandon Nelson Partners hopes to set an example of their own – how to be connected to and involved in the local community.

“Community is caring,” Brandon says. “Caring about people, about quality of life and about the abundance of opportunities that make Whatcom County such a rich place to live.”

He and his team call it the “Northwest Way of Life” and are blessed to help cultivate it via community involvement, sponsorships and donations. In addition to sponsoring Heather’s 11-time champion Ski to Sea team, the firm is a major sponsor of the Lake Padden Paddle-for-Food relay.

Sponsorship isn’t the only way Brandon and his team make a difference in Whatcom County; they are major donors to a handful of different organizations. Throughout the year the firm donates to Whatcom Hills Waldorf School, Bellingham Bay Canoe and Kayak Sprint Team, Whatcom Family YMCA, Lydia Place, Bellingham Traverse and the Lake Samish Salmon Roe, among others.

Brandon after participating in the kayak portion of Ski to Sea 2017. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

Many of the events Brandon Nelson Partners sponsor are volunteer-driven and not-for-profit. The outdoor-oriented events are all about having fun, supporting participants and getting out in the wonderful wilds of Whatcom County.

“It’s so rewarding to be involved in outdoor events that bring people together to try something new, push themselves to a new discovery, get their heart rate up, see a new trail or paddle a new body of water in our backyard,” Brandon says.

A 15-year Ski to Sea veteran himself, Brandon has always loved racing and pushing himself. But it wasn’t until he got involved in an organizing role that he fully realized how much work it takes to create and sustain these kind of events.

After signing on as a presenting sponsor for the Lake Whatcom Triathlon, Brandon and his team knew they wanted to do more than just provide funding. From the beginning, they performed a variety of tasks, such as stuffing race packets, setting up transition areas, setting course markers, trailering loads to and from the Parks Department storage areas and providing meals to the volunteer staff and refreshments to the racers as they crossed the finish line.

Brandon Nelson Partners donates to many outdoor events in the Whatcom County community such as the Lake Whatcom Triathlon. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

“We were there from start to finish and also had a relay team in the race,” Brandon says. “Even my kids, Hayden and Jazzy, were there on race day at 3:30 a.m., helping set up. It wasn’t only a team effort, but family effort, and we loved every minute of it!”

Outdoor activities are a passion for Brandon Nelson Partners and his family as well. Brandon, Heather and their kids take full advantage of the miles of trails, countless parks, amazing lakes, bays, beaches and islands Whatcom County has to offer year-round. They couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world.

It makes sense that someone with this much love for the natural world would use his assets to make it more enjoyable for everyone. “We want our actions of support to simply demonstrate that we care deeply about the quality of life here and the wellness of every individual,” Brandon says. “No one business or one person can create that on their own, it takes a collective effort and we are committed to being a strong part of that collective.”

Brandon Nelson Partners encourage individuals and businesses alike to support local organizations that put time, energy and funding into creating events. According to Brandon, it’s very rewarding and a win-win relationship. Through supporting community, he and the team at Brandon Nelson Partners have created partnerships they will continue to enjoy for many years to come.

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Handbags for Housing on the Move

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Lydia Place

Every adventure requires a first step and, in this case, a handbag and a ticket, too! On Thursday June 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Lydia Place, along with lead sponsors Whatcom County Association of Realtors (WCAR) and Barkley Village present the 6th annual Handbags for Housing at the new Barkley Village Green. Formerly held at Bellingham’s Depot Market Square, Handbags for Housing makes the move to the Barkley Village after years of steadily increased attendance and a desire to add additional beauty and fashion activities for guests. With an Alice in Wonderland theme, and a Mad Hatter in the fashion show-judging circle, Handbags for Housing gets more curiously fabulous every year. All proceeds from Handbags for Housing benefit Lydia Place, a local non-profit agency working to disrupt the cycle of homelessness for current and future generations. Tickets, sponsorship and purse donation details available at handbagsforhousing.com

Fashionable and fun, Handbags for Housing is known as THE purse (and more) function of the year. Already overflowing tables of bags swell to into hundreds as attendees arrive with their purse donations, making this the largest purse sale in the Pacific Northwest under one roof. From designer brands, to quirky painted flamingo baskets, there truly is something for every palate. In addition to the bagged up excitement at the bazaar, this year the fashion extravaganza pumps up the volume with a complimentary Beauty Bar presented by Haggen featuring local makeup artisans from Vivaluxx School of Makeup Art, massages from The Shanti Center and hair services from Salon Bellisima, delicious drinks curated by local cocktail artisans in the CSS Communications Cocktail and Wine Lounge, mouthwatering appetizers from Crave Catering, a live designer-purse auction and fashion show presented by Labels Women’s Consignment featuring over 15 local retailers and a judging panel of local Belle-brities including last year’s Handbags for Housing Fashion Show Winner Justin Yau-Luu, Lisa Karlberg of Bellingham Alive Magazine, Emily O’Connor of Lydia Place, Neal Swanson of Barkley Village, Mimi Osterdahl of Whatcom County Association of Realtors and Sarah Rorvig of Vivaluxx School of Makeup Art.

It takes a village to disrupt the cycle of homelessness. In this case, Barkley Village. The Barkley Group/ Barkley Village emerged as a potential host after witnessing the success and impact of the annual fashion and philanthropy event at its former location, but also felt the space and location could be improved with access to parking and a singular venue. With the support of longtime event presenting sponsors Whatcom County Association of Realtors and Labels Women’s Consignment, Lydia Place hopes that this move will take Handbags for Housing to the next level, and raise additional critical funding for expansion of housing and supportive service programs that currently serve over 400 households annually.

Handbags for Housing was conceived by Lydia Place Executive Director Emily O’Connor in 2013 after being asked to add an event that was new and fresh to the Lydia Place annual fundraising calendar. She shared, “Only in my dreams did I imagine this once little event would grow to one-day welcome over 700 friends in our community who support and champion the Lydia Place mission. Yet, every year Handbags for Housing has outgrown its physical footprint, and pushed us to find new creative solutions to house all that wished to attend (something we also experience in our daily work at Lydia Place). Expansion into the parking lot allowed us a certain amount of space, but we always knew there would come a time that we would need to find a new home for this beloved event. This year we are excited to find a venue at the Barkley Village Green, and partners that champion this energetic and fashion focused gathering – showcasing layer after layer of partnership and collaboration. It does truly take a village to make this event come together, and we are grateful to the Barkley Group, and our longstanding partners like WCAR and Labels for standing with us year after year!”

The move to Barkley Village was an exciting development for Lydia Place event organizers, as the setting offers the perfect location to support this renowned and rapidly growing fashion forum for good. Lacking a permanent structure in Bellingham that could fit the event under one roof, Barkley Village helped to secure a 9,000 square foot structure that could contain all elements of the event, and provide necessary parking and accessibility for attendees.

Neal Swanson, Barkley Village Vice President of Marketing and Leasing, shared, “Handbags is a unique, vibrant and fun event, always well produced, with outstanding promotion and word of mouth around town. Lydia Place resonates with Barkley because we are both Bellingham-based organizations that are trying to provide facilities for the people and business of Whatcom County to thrive.” Swanson also highlighted how this event aligns with Barkley’s vision, stating, “Barkley Village continues to evolve with office, retail and multi-family projects in the pipeline. As we grow, we are consciously taking steps to create a well-rounded and vibrant village that has great energy seven days a week. Our hope is that through fundraising events and continued construction we can showcase the village while raising money for a good cause.”

Don’t be late! Grab your ticket, find your friends, and dust off your handbag for a night of fashion, fun and philanthropy at the 6th annual Handbags for Housing benefitting Lydia Place!

About Lydia Place

Lydia Place is nonprofit, community-based agency based in Bellingham, WA, serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Whatcom and greater Whatcom County since 1989. Through partnerships with private and public entities, Lydia Place provides services and housing placements to over 150 households at any given time through its diverse housing and support programs. The mission of Lydia Place is to disrupt the cycle of homelessness and promote sustained independence for current and future generations.

New Evolve Chocolate + Café on the Mezzanine of Village Books Promises a Sensory Blend of Sweets, Sips and Savories and Spectacular View

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Village Books

A new restaurant will open early this summer on the mezzanine of Village Books and Paper Dreams in Fairhaven. Evolve Chocolate + Café, co-owned by Chef Christy Fox and Shannon Fox, will offer an array of sweets, sips and savories in the cozy space tucked among the book shelves, overlooking the Village Green and Bellingham Bay. When it opens, Evolve Chocolate + Café’s hours will match Village Books and Paper Dreams. Grand opening events will be announced.

Chef Christy Fox and Shannon Fox are the co-owners of the new Evolve Chocolate + Café on the mezzanine of Village Books. Photo courtesy: Village Books.

Evolve Chocolate is known for its award-winning truffles, sipping chocolates and unique flavor profiles. The Foxes have sold their small-batch chocolate confections at wine, food and chocolate festivals from Seattle to San Francisco as well as the Bellingham and Edison farmers markets, Washington wineries and at their popular “pop-up” chocolate lounges around Bellingham for the past five years.

Chef Christy Fox’s experience goes beyond chocolate; she has a nearly 30-year background working in regional fine dining restaurants. The co-owners with the help of the community have been searching for a permanent home to offer a full sensory experience with a savory menu that highlights regional bounty, handcrafted cocktails and desserts from scratch.

“The Village Books team approached us to see if we were interested in the space. Humbled by their inquiry, we knew immediately that it was Evolve’s new home,” Shannon Fox says. Christy Fox adds: “Being housed inside Village Books is like being given a big hug with mutual value structure and belief in community.”

“When we heard Shannon and Christy’s plans for the space and read their proposed menu, it confirmed they are absolutely the right fit,” says Village Books co-owner Kelly Evert. “They are designing an experience that will encourage community, celebrate local food and create memories.”

Adds co-owner Sarah Hutton, “We have a shared goal to welcome our community to Fairhaven and to encourage conversation inspired by great food and great books. We think our customers are going to love it!”

The Foxes will continue to support both Bellingham Farmers Markets by shopping there for fresh ingredients as well as maintaining a working booth at Saturday market. They’ll open a sidewalk café at Village Books’ parkside entrance near the Village Green during the Wednesday Fairhaven Market and Saturdays for Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema movies. Special events such as champagne soirees, high tea and author/book-themed dinners will be housed in their private event space. The Foxes will launch a Kickstarter campaign soon so community members can support their café.

While café construction is underway, Village Books owners will re-imagine the rest of the mezzanine level with new areas for writers and events. The bookstore and Evolve are working with the Revision Division at The RE Store to upcycle fixtures, tables and seating.

The Foxes are the fourth owners of the café space in Village Books. When Village Books founders Chuck and Dee Robinson designed the new Village Books, they made sure to incorporate a café where the community could gather. They approached local restaurateurs Fred and Lynn Berman, who created and opened Book Fare Café Oct. 25, 2004, the same day the new Village Books location opened. The Bermans sold Book Fare to Rachel Vasak in 2007. She ran it for two years then passed ownership to Lori Calderhead-Wetzel, who operated the café from 2009 to 2010. Chef Charles Claassen took the reins in late 2010. He is selling the café to pursue other interests.

“With our continued long-term relationship with our neighbor Colophon Café and the exciting new addition of Evolve Chocolate + Café, Village Books and Paper Dreams remains Bellingham’s place to feed your mind, body and soul,” says co-owner Paul Hanson.

About Evolve Chocolate

Established in 2012 by co-owners/founders Christy Fox and Shannon Fox, Evolve Chocolate has been recognized nationally for its artisan truffles and sipping chocolates. Both have a deep history with food – Christy as a classically trained chef since 1992, and Shannon coming from a French household where life revolved around the kitchen as well as her experience working in the catering industry for many years.

About Village Books & Paper Dreams

Founded in 1980 by Chuck and Dee Robinson and as of 2017 under new ownership and stewardship of Paul Hanson, Kelly Evert, and Sarah Hutton, Village Books and Paper Dreams is a community-based, independent bookstore and gift shop with two locations: the flagship store in the historic Fairhaven district of Bellingham and its second location in the historic Waples Mercantile Building in Lynden.

Meet Molly Ware of WeEvolve: Enhancing Organizations with Innovation

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Joy Wiggins

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Molly with friends and colleagues in Kochia, Kenya. Photo courtesy: Molly Ware.

Have you ever wondered if more is possible for your organization? Or struggled to move past frustrating challenges to realize your boldest mission? Molly Ware, PhD started her consulting business, WeEvolve, with these questions in mind. She loves helping organizations build the commitment and energy necessary to propel change and forge innovative solutions for their toughest challenges.

As I sit with Molly in the downtown Community Food Co-op, she shares a great analogy about how her work helps organizations through that stuck feeling – when they don’t know their next step. “When you’re sailing in stormy conditions, which I hate by the way, you need a deep rudder and bearing to move forward through the turbulence rather than getting thrashed about. Without it, it’s incredibly frustrating, which is often how people feel when things are changing in their organizations. With a little strategy, the entire experience can feel quite different. Still edgy – but in a good way.”

Molly Ware is the creator of WeEvolve. Photo courtesy: Molly Ware.

WeEvolve’s mission is to support the human side of change. For instance, Molly works with companies that have an influx of employees who see new possibilities that clash with assumptions held by veterans, who may resist change. How can an organization move forward in times of sharp polarization? WeEvolve helps organizations innovate in response to their toughest challenges and concrete business problems. And she does it in ways that don’t set off an organization’s instinct to kill what’s new.

Molly partners with leadership to design and implement steps that address problems and propel the organization through turbulent times. She also works to transform the tension between old and new in ways that spark something dynamic and innovative. We both agree it’s much healthier for the organization as a whole when both sides’ experiences are acknowledged and when the creativity in opposition is leveraged. The concept gives me a lovely image of rich cross-fertilization.

I find this fascinating and quite difficult to do, so I want to know Molly’s beginning steps when working with an organization in transition.

First, Molly does what she calls “listening from the whole” to diagnose concrete business problems and identify the organization’s bold goals. Through the various roles she’s held at Western Washington University – as Director of Western Reads, leading a change initiative as a tenured faculty member in the Secondary Education Department and serving as Faculty Senate President – she has come to realize that people can easily be trapped by their viewpoint. So she seeks to understand the whole picture and build bridges between the change-makers and organization leaders. She views both roles as essential in organizations realizing their boldest contribution to society.

Sometimes it helps to see things from a different angle. Photo courtesy: Molly Ware.

Molly’s approach is unique in that she helps organizations build on their assets while working with the organization’s culture and integrity. WeEvolve helps the organization achieve small successes that grow shared energy for the work ahead. “Creating bold new solutions requires energy,” Molly says. “And pointing at what’s broken over and over again saps energy from a system – the very energy it needs to change.”

Rather than endlessly pointing at what’s not working, Molly connects an organization to what it’s trying to accomplish long-term. This serves as a compass to guide them through the storm. “It doesn’t do a lot of good to keep one’s energy focused on how mad you are about the crashing waves against the side of your boat if you want to sail through the storm as efficiently and with as little damage as possible,” she says.

When should you call Molly? When you’re hungry to figure out how to move forward but not sure where to begin. Molly works with you to identify the next steps. She says, “I really believe that if you know how to work with the dynamics of the change process which includes the polarization, loss and resistance, you can then reconstruct your identity and new ways of being that renew an organization. With the right support, you can feel exhilarated and hopeful; you can both see and feel progress which wasn’t evident before. This type of work can actually build community within an organization.”

Molly with friends and colleagues in Kochia, Kenya. Photo courtesy: Molly Ware.

In her spare time, Molly loves mountain biking, playing with her dog, Remi, and traveling to wild, ruggedly beautiful places around the world with her partner Mike. WeE volve works with senior leadership, boards of directors and leadership teams to design, lead and implement change initiatives while increasing commitment, engagement, and investment across the organization. Her services include thought-partnering, coaching, facilitating multistakeholder teams, organizational assessment and strategic design of innovative and change initiatives.

Wondering if WeEvolve is right for your organization? Check out the WeEvolve website for more information or contact Molly Ware at 360-296-3786 or mollynoelleware@gmail.com.

PNW Micro Adventures: Travel and Adventure at your Fingertips

By

Jessica Hamilton

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Goodnow holds a baby goat while vacationing. Photo courtesy: Jasmine Goodnow.

Four years ago a man named Alastair Humphreys coined the term Micro Adventure. Since then, it has become a movement. Jasmine Goodnow, professor of Recreation at Western Washington University, is at the forefront. She is bringing this idea to the Pacific Northwest through her grant-winning program aimed at teaching these practices worldwide.

PNW Micro Adventures is the idea of vacationing in your own backyard and enjoying the everyday world around you. This idea is good for the earth, the soul and the pocketbook. Tourism can have a detrimental effect on the planet, from the jet fuel it takes to send a traveler around the world to the carbon footprint they leave behind.

Goodnow at the Great Wall of China before giving a speech about micro adventures. Photo courtesy: Jasmine Goodnow.

Whatcom County is a worldwide travel destination. As residents, we don’t need to look further. “Instead of romanticizing these faraway places you actually get to really look at your own community and communities near you with new lenses,” says Goodnow.

Traditionally, tourism is only available to people with money and time to see the world. Micro adventures allow everyone to be a tourist even if it’s only for an afternoon. It’s not just a concept, but a mindset. Let go of your phone for a few hours and look at the world around you as if you were somewhere else. Truly be present in your daily life. You might notice things you haven’t before; a new restaurant, a funky coffee shop, a beautiful sunset or a mural. It’s about taking in these little moments and letting go of your daily stress. You don’t need to wait until your annual week of vacation to let go and feel free. You also don’t need savings to savor a vacation mindset. Spend an afternoon at Boulevard Park reading a book with your feet in the sand. There are many benefits to embracing a vacation mentality on an everyday basis. You will de-stress, save money and add to your overall happiness, while creating a sense of freedom.

Micro adventures are obtainable by everyone. After all, a large family doesn’t need several plane tickets to enjoy a vacation. Not only can they enjoy the world around them, but in so doing they are reducing carbon emissions, limiting their overall environmental impact and saving large amounts of money and time. This leaves more time for vacation enjoyment without days wasted on air travel.

Goodnow poses in front of Sidney Harbor. Photo courtesy: Jasmine Goodnow.

We are lucky to live in such a beautiful location, but many think the grass is greener elsewhere. “Seek our hidden mysteries and secrets of our own communities and really start seeing how many beautiful people, places, businesses and even lodging we have here in Bellingham and Whatcom county,” Goodnow says. Instead of waiting for a vacation, enjoy your minibreak to increase your “overall happiness and life satisfaction, health and productivity.” This benefits more people, more often than traditional vacations.

PNW micro adventures were born as a class project. Students worked on a website learning how to promote sustainable tourism. They learned how to write grants and, in the process, won two from the sustainable action fund though Western’s sustainability initiative. One was for $5,000 which provided two micro adventure tours for women’s empowerment. Goodnow believes that women historically haven’t been as comfortable exploring the outdoors as men and wants to change this mindset. She brought 20 women white water rafting in Leavenworth and to a city campground in Seattle. While enjoying these adventures, she taught about sustainable tourism.

In 2018, she won a grant close to $30,000 to work with women, people with disabilities and people with non-binary gender identity. Goodnow is researching barriers faced by these groups in hopes of educating tourism industry professionals at recreational conferences. She hopes to break down stereotypes and change societal beliefs that people in these groups have difficulty in the wilderness.

Goodnow holds a baby goat while vacationing. Photo courtesy: Jasmine Goodnow.

It’s important to reduce our travel footprint. Walking, taking local transport or riding a bike brings us closer to local people and is better for the environment. Goodnow says to seek out businesses and restaurants with locally-sourced goods and produce that give back to the community. Make sure you always bring your own water bottle, coffee cups and use your travelling mindset.

One of Goodnow’s favorite places to micro adventure is the San Juan Islands. “Watching the land melt away to the sea makes me feel as if I’m in another world,” she says.

Goodnow travels the world teaching about the benefits of local travel and sustainability. She hopes that one day a student will take over PNW Micro Adventures and turn it into a non-profit. Micro adventures are the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry. They are a daily boost to happiness where everyone is welcome.

Jasmine Goodnow can be reached at Jasmine.Goodnow@wwu.edu.

Conor O’Keefe: The Man Behind the Lens

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Kenneth Clarkson

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Walking Distance Media-Conor O_'Keefe and Gone Film Crew — Conor, third from left, on the set of "Gone," a feature film he co-created with filmmakers Madison Njos, Nate Sawtell and Michael Barone. Photo courtesy: Conor O'Keefe.

From discovering his passion just seven years ago to selling out the Pickford Film Center twice, Bellingham-based videographer Conor O’Keefe of Walking Distance Media wants to make it clear that everybody’s vision is within “walking distance.” Conor began his journey into the world of videography by making YouTube shorts in the basement of his family home. He’s come a long way since then.

Conor O’Keefe of Walking Distance Media films videos for businesses, bands, brands, formal events and more. Photo courtesy: Conor O’Keefe.

At 23, he now runs his own media company; creates videos for business, bands and formal events; and has even put out a feature film called “Gone.” As he ventures into the world of becoming a full-time small business owner and videographer, he looks back on Walking Distance Media’s progression over the last few years.

The inception of Walking Distance came when Conor decided to pursue a film degree through Fairhaven College. Upon entering Western Washington University in 2012, Conor struggled to determine what he wanted to study. His initial thought was engineering but he would eventually be swayed to the realm of video after realizing this is where his passion lay. He says that even after entering college, he never stopped messing around with videography and those goofy YouTube videos from high school were still in the back of his mind. Videography was an art form he could relate to and enjoy.

At first, Walking Distance was created as a pseudonym he could use to house his artistic endeavors that ranged from music videos to sketch comedy. But as he progressed through his film degree and got more comfortable with filmmaking, Walking Distance grew into a business. Now Conor is ready to take the leap to making it his full-time profession.

Conor, third from left, on the set of “Gone,” a feature film he co-created with filmmakers Madison Njos, Nate Sawtell and Michael Barone. Photo courtesy: Conor O’Keefe.

Walking Distance Media is entering into a re-branding phase where Conor can really dial in on the message he wants to convey and figure out what types of people and businesses he can assist with his filmmaking skills. “I want to help people achieve their goals,” he says. “And the only way I will really be able to do that is to hone in on what my goals are first.”

Moving forward, Walking Distance Media will focus on helping businesses, brands, bands and formal events with a variety of different media services. Conor’s experience in the fields of sketch comedy and feature filmmaking make him an ideal candidate to film video shorts and commercials for companies looking to solidify their brand.

Currently Conor is working with startup companies such as Package Guard to create short video content for their social media promotion. In addition, he has been tasked with a more documentarian-style work for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. Conor feels strongly about forming local connections within his community. “The Boys & Girls Clubs are giving me a chance to showcase the skills I have acquired over the years filming music videos, documentaries and feature films,” he says. “And I get the ability to work with a business I know is out doing good in the world, and that is important to me.”

Conor, center, featured on set of Bellingham band Hello I’m Sorry’s music video, “Goth Party.” Photo courtesy: Conor O’Keefe.

The video, currently in production, will feature a “day in the life” from the perspective of a Boys & Girls Club kid. Following post production, the video was shown at the club’s 2018 Inspire Higher Dreams Gala & Auction on April 27 at the Silver Reef Casino Event Center.

Conor views this as a great opportunity for the Whatcom County community to see his work. He is excited about the connections he can make and feedback he will receive. He says receiving feedback on his videos is essential for him to improve as a filmmaker.

“Regardless of the type of project I am working on, I love when people reach out to me and tell me what I’m doing right and what I could improve on,” Conor says. “The best way I can help my client is if I am doing my job the best that I can.”

As Walking Distance Media takes a more forward approach on connecting with businesses and non-profit organizations, Conor doesn’t want bands to feel forgotten. Previously, he has filmed music videos for local bands in the Bellingham community such as Step Dads, Hello I’m Sorry and the Seattle band Forest Ray. He plans to continue this type of work and looks forward to helping artists grow in addition to businesses.

Conor is a busy man. In addition to making videos for Walking Distance, he and his collaborators are still submitting their 2017 feature film “Gone” to film festivals across the country. Who knows? Maybe Conor will find himself on film one day – walking down the red carpet.

Sehome’s One of a Kind Olympiad

By

Serena Keenan Intern from Sehome High School

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Olympiad Group Photo Science Olympiad — Every year, students from Sehome pose with the teachers in the same location. Photo credit: Liz Foster.

At Sehome High School, one of the most popular clubs is Science Olympiad, a program that is largely student-driven. The idea of the program is to encourage students to explore science and have fun while they’re doing it, which is the main reason that Sehome’s club is organized so uniquely. Mark Toney, a physics teacher, and Amy Hankinson, a chemistry teacher, are usually the advisors of the club but since Hankinson is taking a sabbatical for second semester of this year, fellow chemistry teacher Carter Maden is filling in.

Mousetrap vehicle and similar events require many tests before the competition date since it’s common to run into issues. Photo credit: Liz Foster.

At the beginning of the year, teachers select student leaders. These leaders are then assigned to one of Sehome’s 10 teams: Barnacles, Belugas, Au (Gold) Standard, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Pirate Booty, Riptide, Shark Attack or Tsunami. Then leaders choose another student to be their co-leader. Thus the framework of Science Olympiad is born.

“Students graduate every four years so it’s good to have that remaining structure every year, with the students who lead the events individually,” says Ariana Raduege, a junior who co-leads team Tsunami. “Toney leads the actual structure of the whole process, so I think it’s a really good system because the teachers provide the main infrastructure and the students get to be the interior design.”

Students competing in Hovercraft often have to work on rigging batteries up to their device so that it performs properly. Photo credit: Liz Foster.

After this process is completed, leaders and co-leaders are given a day when the members of each team will be chosen. The names of all the members are put into a Google spreadsheet and on the assigned day at the exact time, leaders are permitted to start copying and pasting names into their team slots. “There’s a ready, set, go and then you go for it and that’s how names get chosen,” Ariana says. “I’m terrified about that next year.”

Next year, Ariana hopes to lead a team with a friend. They already have begun to plan for their selection. “We’re going to try and figure out who we want ahead of time so that way when we go in for the day when we all battle over people, we can just snatch up everybody,” she says.

At work parties students work collaboratively and ask teachers questions about various events. Many stay at school past dark while researching and building. Photo credit: Serena Keenan.

Finally, after teams are selected, students are assigned three or four events each. These events range anywhere from Microbe Mission to Forensics, Hovercraft and many more. From this point on, the process slows a bit because the regional competition is usually in March. There is a bit of quiet before students need to start preparing.

However, this year was a little different. Due to unforeseen changes in how many teams are allowed at the competition, Sehome had to decide whether or not to turn people away from the club. This process lasted several weeks. Then, after teachers talked to students and students talked amongst themselves, someone came up with the idea of a Sehome Invitational in addition to the regional competition, where students from other schools in the district would be invited and alumni would come and proctor events. The events were the same as the ones offered at the regional level and all students who wanted to participate could do so.

At the regional competition, each school gets a place to congregate. Most schools get a couple tables but due to Sehome’s size, they get a whole room. Students often hang out in this area between events. Photo credit: Liz Foster

“I think that the invitational is a lot of fun,” Ariana says, “and it was really good for our first one.” It even included performances from members of the orchestra and school bands before the awards ceremony. The awarded medals were ceramic and were designed by two students in the club.

The essence of the invitational is really what makes Sehome different. “We like to encourage kids to have fun over actually doing well,” Ariana explains. “We encourage kids to do well too, but it’s more important that kids show up and enjoy themselves rather than ace the tests. I think it’s a good experience for kids because it’s not a high stakes situation for them to try and do things. School is really oriented towards – you have to know this because it’s going to be on the test, if you don’t do well on the test you’re going to fail the class and then you’re going to wind up dead in a gutter. But at Science Olympiad you’re just like, ‘Hey! I don’t know this; I like B.’ It’s fun and you laugh.”

Every year, students from Sehome pose with the teachers in the same location. Photo credit: Liz Foster.

Even though there isn’t a huge emphasis placed on winning for the sake of winning, this does not deter student effort. Many of the events involve compiling pages of research or building a structure (like in Mousetrap Vehicle or Towers) before the actual competition. Mr. Toney hosts work parties in his physics classroom, which is stock full of helpful items, including drills, balsa wood, super glue and much more. The work parties usually happen two or three times a week about two weeks before competition and last from the end of the school day until around 8:00 p.m. or sometimes even later. Around 5:00 p.m. Toney orders pizza for all the students.

The experience of Science Olympiad is both fun and meaningful for students. “I think that it’s really important for kids to get to explore different types of science,” says Ariana, “and see how much science there really is, try out new things and have fun.”

What To Do In and Around Bellingham for Mother’s Day Weekend

By

Events Editor

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lactation consultants at PeaceHealth — Photo courtesy: PeaceHealth

Happy Mother’s Day Whatcom County! Enjoy this opportunity to thank mom for all her love and support. And don’t forget to thank all the grand-moms, step-moms, aunties, sister-friends and other important mom-like women in your life. There’s plenty of love to go around. Here are a few ideas of what to do in and around Bellingham for Mother’s Day weekend. And don’t forget to check out our full events calendar for all the fun happenings in Whatcom County.

Show mom your love with a Schooner Zodiac Mother’s Day Brunch.
Don’t waste your food! Make mom proud by attending Bokashi: Indoor Food Waste Composting.
Bring her to the Weekly Drum Circle.
Take mom to a showing of BAAY Presents: Really Rosie.
Experience GEMS Night Out (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science)with your daughters, mothers and grandmothers.
Treat mom to a musical experience with Kulshan Chorus Presents: Breaking Silence.
Learn a new skill together at Tech Basics Coaching.
Enjoy a wonderful evening together at Stories of the Great Outdoors Benefit Dinner.
Treat mom to a special brunch at Mount Bakery.

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 courtesy: PeaceHealth

A Decade Under Vince Lalonde’s Ownership, Mount Bakery Café Thrives

By

Sean Mertens

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Edward Praczukowski the mount bakery inside — Art is an important part of Mount Bakery, both on the walls and the menu. Photo courtesy: Mount Bakery.

In the ten years since Vince Lalonde purchased Mount Bakery Café from its original owner, Olivier Vrambout, progress and quality have been constant at this much-loved Bellingham eatery – proven by two successful expansions.

Mount Bakery’s eggs Benedict is a much loved classic. Photo courtesy: Mount Bakery.

Vince worked on and off for Olivier beginning in 2000. Focused on his art and self-described “bohemian” lifestyle, Vince watched Mount Bakery grow under Olivier’s management into a popular downtown destination with award-winning pastries, a varied menu and dedicated clientele.

A strong catalyst for change – marriage and fatherhood – drove Vince back to the bakery full-time, where Olivier quickly positioned him as a manager in the flourishing café.

A year later, Olivier decided to move back to his wife’s home town. Vince still remembers Olivier telling him his plans, finishing with: “I would only sell the Mount Bakery to you.”

Vince dove into business ownership with little experience outside of his year or so of managing the bakery – but he fully understood what made the bakery so successful: the atmosphere, its employees and the food.

Atmosphere

Art is an important part of Mount Bakery, both on the walls and the menu. Photo courtesy: Mount Bakery.

Olivier’s original concept for the Mount Bakery focused on just that: being a phenomenal bakery. Over time, the business expanded to serve delicious lunch and breakfast options alongside traditional – exceptional! – baked goods. This change meant larger numbers of dine-in customers who came to enjoy fantastic food in the small, cozy, scent-filled space.

Continued, steady growth prompted Vince to make changes to accommodate the increasing crowds. After several years of eyeing retail possibilities around town, Vince pounced on an opening in Fairhaven in 2014 and created a second, smaller café. Today, that space has expanded even further, now duplicating the number of seats of the downtown Bellingham spot but with twice the total square footage.

At the Fairhaven Mount Bakery, you find the same peaceful, traditional café vibe and amazing baked goods and dishes as downtown. And with its exposed brick wall, unassuming exterior, and calm lighting, the Fairhaven location provides the same comforting and enticing ambience diners enjoy at the original location. Regulars rave that both make for perfect breakfast-lunch backdrops.

Employees

Mount Bakery has become a Bellingham fixture. Photo courtesy: Mount Bakery.

Vince knows his cafés would be nothing without the devoted, friendly staff members that have worked in them over the years. Vince began with a dozen employees; now, his two locations employ roughly 30, including a dedicated management staff that assists him with day-to-day operations.

Vince takes great pride in his team and strives to better their work experience. Rapid growth and continuous success can often distract owners, but Vince has stayed dedicated to creating a culture of “mutual respect,” something customers can see and feel. Friendly staff are one thing, but to have employees that actively create an environment where customers feel welcomed and comfortable is something special, and Mount Bakery accomplishes this at both locations.

With the service industry’s usual ebb and flow, many employees come and go. Yet, as a testament to Mount Bakery’s culture, Vince proudly points out that some employees come back, for various reasons, as if returning to a safe home between adventures – just like he did.

Every staff member at Mount Bakery deservers their own article; only then could one appreciate the depth of talent, passion and incredible array of interests they embody.

Food

Long before I knew the history of Mount Bakery, I luckily stumbled across them on an empty stomach. I left the café that day stuffed with the greatest eggs benedict I’d ever consumed. The list of fantastic food offerings goes on for days and I highly recommend checking their website if you want your mouth to water.

The most important aspect of the food – and one Vince and the staff work hard to maintain – is that it’s prepared with consistent quality. A decade of new ownership has seen the bakery continue to provide top quality food with the best ingredients.

Mount Bakery Café is one of those magical community-driven success stories that make you proud to eat out, because you know you’re taking part in something that has bettered your community for years.

Mount Bakery Café
308 W. Champion St. in downtown Bellingham
1217 Harris Avenue in Fairhaven
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday

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Atwood Ales Announces Release of Three New Brews

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Atwood Ales 3 — Brownton Morning is a big, balanced, brown ale with roast, toast and caramel flavors. Photo courtesy: Atwood Ales.

Submitted by: Atwood Ales

Atwood Ales recently released three new ales; Bowlegged, Brownton Morning and 1918 Dubbel Centennial. They will host a farm/brewery tour on Sunday May 20. There are three different times slots: 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Each is limited to 20 people. Visit their website at www.atwoodales.com to sign up. Registration is mandatory.

Bowlegged has a color as vibrant as the taste. Photo courtesy: Atwood Ales.

The New Releases:

Bowlegged ABV 4.2%
Sour Ale w/ Blueberries 750ml Bottle Conditioned
Pairings: salads, poultry, lighter seafood dishes; goat and blue cheese; fruit compote, cheesecake

This beer is… purple. Brewed with Lactobacillus, Brettanomyces, organic blueberry juice from Bow Hill Blueberries and aged in oak barrels for four months. The resulting purple beer has mild berry, funk and oak flavors and an approachable level of sourness. Brewed in Whatcom County with 100% estate hops, 100% Skagit Valley malt and 100% Skagit Valley blueberries.

Brownton Morning is a big, balanced, brown ale with roast, toast and caramel flavors. Photo courtesy: Atwood Ales.

Brownton Morning ABV 7.1%
Brown Ale w/ Coffee 500ml Bottle Conditioned
Pairings: BBQ shrimp with smoked cheddar polenta; Flourless chocolate Torte with dark fruit compote; Salted caramels

Is it the beer, or is it the coffee? That is the question. A big, balanced, brown ale with roast, toast and caramel flavors from the … malts? Or are they from the coffee? What about the light, fruity notes from the… yeast? Or the coffee? Whatever the case may be, it tastes like a good morning. This beer features cold brewed “Bellingham Bay Blend” from Bellingham Coffee Roasters.

This beer marks Atwood Ales’ 100th batch, brewed in March of 2018. Photo courtesy: Atwood Ales.

1918 Dubbel Centennial ABV 7.1%
Abbey-style Ale 750ml Bottle Conditioned
Pairings: substantial salads, poultry, richer seafood dishes; very nice with bloomy-rind soft cheeses

Our family farmhouse was built in 1918. This beer marks our 100^th batch, brewed in March of 2018. To celebrate the “hundreds” of accomplishments of both our farmhouse and our brewhouse, we brewed this “dubbel centennial” abbey-style ale, using Belgian and Skagit Valley malts, our estate-grown Centennial hops and a fresh pitch of Trappist ale yeast. 1918 is a malt-forward beer with dark fruit and caramel notes, light fruity esters and phenols, and a light, dry finish. Cheers to another 100 years and another 100 beers!

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