First Federal Community Foundation Appoints Norman Tonina New Board Chairman

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First Federal Heather Boyd, Lake Crescent September — First Federal has been building relationships in Washington for decades. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

Submitted by: First Federal Community Foundation

At its annual meeting held on April 23, 2018, First Federal Community Foundation appointed Norman Tonina chairman of its board of directors, succeeding David Flodstrom who remains on the organization’s board. The foundation recognized and thanked Flodstrom, who served as chairman since the organization was initially funded in 2015. The foundation also elected Jeffrey Davis to a two-year term on its board of directors. Davis joins directors Cindy Finnie, Craig Curtis and Karen McCormick whose terms continue, in addition to Tonina and Flodstrom.

Norman Tonina is also an adjunct faculty member in Seattle Pacific University’s graduate program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

“We are delighted to welcome Norm as our new board chairman,” said foundation executive director Karen McCormick. “He brings a wealth of talent, vision and experience that will benefit our foundation immeasurably.”

Norman J. Tonina, Jr. has served as the Chairman of the Fort Worden Public Development Authority in Port Townsend, Washington since 2015. Tonina is also an adjunct faculty member in Seattle Pacific University’s graduate program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Tonina most recently worked at Grameen Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on enabling the poor to create a world without poverty, where he served as an advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors (2012-16) and as its Chief Human Resources Officer (2010-12), focused on driving strategic alignment, organizational effectiveness and human resource re-engineering initiatives. He began his career at Digital Equipment Corporation in 1987 and joined Microsoft in 1993 as a finance manager for its Systems products, rising to become Senior Director of Finance for Microsoft’s Platforms and Applications business. In 1999, he transitioned to Human Resources, where he directed major strategic global HR initiatives, spending the majority of his time focused on culture, leadership and talent strategies. Tonina earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University, a certificate in human resources from the University of Michigan, and a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Antioch University. Tonina continues to be actively involved in community organizations in both Seattle and Port Townsend, Washington.

Jeff Davis is Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of First Federal. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

Jeff Davis is Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of First Federal. Davis has over 25 years in leadership positions in banking, focusing on Strategy, Product, Operations and Service Delivery. Prior to joining First Federal in September, 2014, he was most recently with First Merchants Corporation. He is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and Anderson University with a Master’s in Business Administration. He is also a graduate from Stonier National Graduate School of Banking. Davis is currently a director of the Northwest Maritime Center, actively volunteers in several local organizations in Clallam County, and served as a director for Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County. Prior to moving to Washington State in 2014, Davis served as a director of Indiana APSE and director and Treasurer of Fountains of Hope.

“We are pleased to welcome Jeff Davis to First Federal Community Foundation’s board of directors,” said foundation executive director Karen McCormick. “He sets the standard for giving back to those who need it most, and we are grateful for the exceptional leadership and commitment he brings to the foundation.”

About the First Federal Community Foundation: First Federal Community Foundation is a private 501(c)3 charitable corporation funded with a gift of cash and stock from First Northwest Bancorp, the parent company of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Port Angeles. The Foundation provides funding for community support, affordable housing, economic development and community development in communities where First Federal operates a full-service branch.

About First Federal: First Federal is a subsidiary of First Northwest Bancorp (FNWB). First Federal is a Washington-chartered, community-based savings bank headquartered in Port Angeles, WA. First Federal is currently serving Western Washington through 12 banking centers; located within Clallam, Jefferson, King, Kitsap and Whatcom counties. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. For more information visit www.ourfirstfed.com or call 360-417-3204 / 800-800-1577.

First Federal Community Foundation Announces Grant Awards

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LocalTalk Contributor

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First Federal Barkley Location — First Federal's Barkley location opened in 2015. Photo courtesy: First Federal.

Submitted by: First Federal Community Foundation

First Federal Community Foundation announces the following grant awards to local nonprofits that are making a difference in their communities. These fifteen local nonprofits will receive a combined total of $385,000 in gifts.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art: Awarded $5,000 Community Support grant to expand in-school arts education outreach programs.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County: Awarded $10,000 Community Support grant to increase the capacity of the Healthy Meals Program.
Concerned Citizens: Awarded $10,000 Community Support grant to re-roof the Sunshine & Rainbows Child Care Center in Forks.
Port Townsend Marine Science Center: Awarded $6,750 Community Support grant to subsidize hands-on science classes for children from low and moderate income families.
Port Townsend School of the Arts: Awarded $6,750 Community Support grant to fund summer arts camps supplies and scholarships for children from low and moderate income families.
Washington’s National Park Fund: Awarded $5,000 Community Support grant for the Elwha River restoration middle school science program in Port Angeles.
Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County: Awarded $30,000 Affordable Housing grant for the South County Home Repair Program.
Kulshan Community Land Trust: Awarded $30,000 Affordable Housing grant to provide counseling and education programs for low and moderate income homeowners.
Fort Worden Public Development Authority: Awarded $100,000 Economic Development grant to rehabilitate three buildings as part of its Makers Square initiative.
Bainbridge Island Child Care Centers: Awarded $25,000 Community Development grant to develop a new care facility for school-age children.
Holly Ridge Center: Awarded $50,000 Community Development grant to purchase and renovate a new facility to accommodate growth.
NatureBridge: Awarded $25,000 Community Development grant to upgrade the fire suppression system at Olympic National Park’s Rosemary Inn.
Olympic Medical Center Foundation: Awarded $25,000 Community Development grant for expansion of the Cancer Care Center in Sequim.
Peninsula Behavioral Health: Awarded $50,000 Community Development grant to renovate its building to accommodate the Children’s Behavioral Health Clinic.

“We are pleased to announce these gifts to organizations that are improving the quality of life in our communities,” said outgoing foundation board chairman David Flodstrom. “First Federal Community Foundation is committed to investing in our shared future through these gifts.”

Since it was funded in January 2015, First Federal Community Foundation has given $2,366,500 in grant awards to qualified organizations in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap and Whatcom Counties.

“Our Foundation is proud to be one of the premier corporate philanthropists for companies of our size in the Pacific Northwest region,” said First Federal president and CEO Larry Hueth. “We are proud of our commitment to making our communities better places to live for all of us.”

About the First Federal Community Foundation: First Federal Community Foundation is a private 501(c)3 charitable corporation funded with a gift of cash and stock from First Northwest Bancorp, the parent company of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Port Angeles. The Foundation provides funding for community support, affordable housing, economic development and community development in communities where First Federal operates a full-service branch.

About First Federal: First Federal is a subsidiary of First Northwest Bancorp (FNWB). First Federal is a Washington-chartered, community-based savings bank headquartered in Port Angeles, WA. First Federal is currently serving Western Washington through 13 banking centers; located within Clallam, Jefferson, King, Kitsap and Whatcom counties. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. For more information visit www.ourfirstfed.com or call 360-417-3204 / 800-800-1577.

Salt & Cedar: Get Lost in the Pacific Northwest

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Jennifer Dodge

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Salt & Cedar-Dana — Salt & Cedar is inspired by the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Photo courtesy: Salt & Cedar.

Brian and Dana Hardy of Bellingham are definitely a reflection of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle – they love outdoor adventures and our area. They decided to take their experiences and create lifestyle-inspired apparel and accessories through their newest adventure together, Salt & Cedar.

Brian and Dana Hardy, owners of Salt & Cedar, live the Pacific Northwest Lifestyle. Photo courtesy: Salt & Cedar.

“We’ve been traveling all over our local area,” Dana says. “I’ve always felt that our small towns here in the Pacific Northwest have these stores carrying branded products that really speak for the town or place. We want that for Bellingham.”

Where the sea meets the forest, this team sets out to create high quality apparel that makes you feel good. “I want this lifestyle to resonate through the design and textures of our clothing,” Dana says. “I want people to think of the sound and smells of the Pacific Northwest with our products.”

The custom designs reflect the couple’s passion for the outdoor lifestyle and our beautiful environment. “It really is a lifestyle,” says Brian. “The clothing of Salt & Cedar reflect that.”

As they brainstormed ideas for a new business opportunity that would allow them to pursue both a travel lifestyle and commitment to community, they found a creative outlet for themselves. Beyond the cool designs and quality clothing and home products, both Dana and Brian feel strongly about having a business that is connected to their community and gives back in a meaningful and sustainable way.

For Brian Hardy, giving back is key. Photo courtesy: Salt & Cedar.

Each sale means $2 back to an organization that works to create change and make an impact. The organization will change every six months and is chosen based on where they fall within three categories: help people thrive and prosper, work with wilderness conservation and protecting animals. As they introduce Salt & Cedar to the community, Dana and Brian have chosen Bellingham’s Lydia Place as the first recipient. “I think it’s important to be more than just about profits,” explains Brian. “Commitment to giving back should be a part of your business mission.”

They hope to bring more awareness to each of the organizations and the causes they impact. “I never realized how important our environment makes us feel,” Dana says. “It’s really about our well-being.”

Salt & Cedar uses a waste-free business model for inventory, something that is important to both Brian and Dana. Working with a clothing manufacturer that produces on-demand means no excess products as styles change. Each piece is truly an original.

The process generally takes a couple days to produce a product. “You’re getting a custom-made piece of clothing every time you order something,” Brian says. “It allows us to buy the best quality and product we can with no waste.”

Salt & Cedar is inspired by the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Photo courtesy: Salt & Cedar.

Not only do the clothes and accessories of Salt & Cedar reflect the Pacific Northwest experience, but the website was created to be a resource for information. With authors such as Anna Vocino of the popular book “Eat Happy,” as a guest blogger, along with organizations such as Chuckanut Westfalias, visitors to the website will find a variety of information from eating well while camping to incredible adventures and experiences in our special part of the world.

Salt & Cedar was created to inspire a passion for community and the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. It’s run by a couple who love where they live as much as they love working together. “Brian and I work really well together,” Dana says. “We just click. He is able to interpret every one of my ideas.”

Be sure to check out the latest apparel and accessories from Salt & Cedar. You will find a variety of items with cool designs and you’ll know that each purchase actively gives back to our community.

Cyber Security: Emerging Trends in Digital Defense

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Computer crime concept. — Of the last 20 major attacks on corporations, 12 involved social engineering, that’s 60 percent. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

Submitted by: Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce

In this Chamber Speaker Series, “Cyber Security: Emerging Trends in Digital Defense” panel discussion, the audience learned about data breaches and how to recognize the signs of hackers and phishing scams as well as how to take the correct precautionary measures against these threats, before they happen.

The panelists are Dr. Julian Rrushi, an assistant professor of Computer Science at Western Washington University, Ed O’Neill, the Interim Executive Director at Technology Alliance Group (TAG) and Mark Goldenberg, a security solutions architect at CenturyLink. Each panelist gave a presentation and these were followed by a Q and A session with attendees.

The Chamber Speaker Series is sponsored by BP and facilitated by the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. These monthly meetings are free and open to the public and are centered around the needs of the business community and issues which concern them.

Pacific Northwest Urology: After the Birds and the Bees

By

Lauren Brigolin

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Photo credit Jodi Broughton 7 scenic scenery water ocean lake mountain — Photo credit: Jodi Broughton.

It’s hard to admit that you leak when you cough. It’s hard to talk about uncomfortable sex. It’s embarrassing, awkward and these are all-around topics you’d like to avoid. But at the end of the day, why live with an issue that has a solution? Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists’ top-of-the-line technology and resources can help.

This urology clinic consists of dedicated, experienced, board-certified male and female urologist physicians who believe in working with patients to maintain and improve their health. Photo courtesy: Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists.

“You don’t have to be embarrassed to tell your story here,” says Dr. Kelly Casperson, a board-certified urologist. “We’ve likely heard your story before and we have options. We deal with a lot of intimate issues and a lot of people think they’re the only one. Then they talk to me and realize it’s common and we have ways to help.”

One of the newest technological solutions is the diVa Laser. This laser vaginal therapy is designed to be quick, comfortable and help solve a woman’s most intimate challenges. The bright pink laser is small, but don’t be fooled by its exterior; it’s the world’s first and only Hybrid Fractional Laser which treats vaginal tissue with no down time.

“Women have solutions that aren’t surgery,” Dr. Casperson says. “They have solutions that fix the problems. The laser rejuvenates the tissue, making the tissue softer, more comfortable and makes intimacy a lot easier. It’s truly amazing how many people live with these issues just thinking there aren’t options. After 10 years in this field, I realize how incredibly common it is that people don’t talk about this stuff.”

A diVa laser vaginal therapy session takes three to five minutes to complete after local anesthetic numbs the area to remove discomfort. The sensation has been described as only mild tapping with some saying it feels like the snap of a rubber band. These quick treatment sessions are generally needed three times, spaced out four to six weeks apart.

Doctor Kelly Casperson has training in the newest technology, pediatric urology, female urology and pelvic floor health. Photo courtesy: Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists.

“You don’t have to be uncomfortable and you don’t have to be embarrassed about it,” says Dr. Casperson. “There is a way for you to make intimacy comfortable and sex comfortable, so you can enjoy the life you want to have with your partner.”

The laser treatment activates the body’s own healing mechanism. The therapy is meant to boost collagen levels, elasticity and increase the blood supply to the area, which can restore lost sensation for women who have gone through childbirth or are going through menopause. Healing the tissue has also decreased urinary tract infections by creating a healthier vaginal pH.

“[The diVa Laser is for] anybody who wishes their pelvic health was better,” Dr. Casperson says. “What that means is there are a lot of issues people will live with chronically because it’s not the end of the world, but it inconveniences their day to day life.

“A lot of women, especially after childbirth or menopause, have very uncomfortable intercourse. They want minimally invasive treatments where they don’t have to have surgery; they don’t want down time. There is enough data out there for me to feel comfortable bringing [the diVa laser] into our practice.”

The diVa Laser improves women’s health through three to five minute laser vaginal therapy sessions. Photo courtesy: Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists.

Women’s health is extremely important and because people don’t talk about their issues, they often don’t discover the solutions. Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists has female urology experts that specialize in the health problems women face. They find solutions for conditions like overactive bladder, pelvic and bladder pain syndromes and post-menopausal urological changes, to name a few.

Pacific Northwest Urology is a full-service urology clinic dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care for the entire family. They work to help patients maintain and improve their health.

The clinic also offers an event series on a variety of health issues, including Female Intimacy and Wellness. These community health events offer a platform to ask questions and learn more with others in similar situations. The next session features Vanessa Osage, Sexuality Educator and Consultant, CD, CSE and Dr. Kelly Casperson, Urologist, and will take place May 31 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pacific Northwest Urology clinic on Squalicum Parkway. Vanessa will discuss emotions, hormones and signals, as well as guidelines for communication with our partners and tools for enhancing interpersonal satisfaction.

Events bring in experts and guest speakers like sexual educators and sex therapists. They also offer a series geared toward a male perspective. Partners can attend these events together to gain a better understanding.

The full-service clinic at Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists brings brand new technology to Bellingham. Photo courtesy: Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists.

The Female Intimacy and Wellness series features new technology for women like the diVa laser. Pacific Northwest Urology puts a special focus on educating patients and opening a conversation about topics usually kept in the dark.

“Urology is a very personal area,” Dr. Casperson says. “I would tell women to not be afraid. We are lucky to live long lives now and quality of life is incredibly important. That’s what I’m here to do. I’m here to help women’s quality of life.”

For more information on Pacific Northwest Urology, visit their website, Facebook, YouTube channel and Instagram.

Sponsored

Mr. Ham Steak of Over Easy Café

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Over Easy Café

Ryan McCormack comes into Over Easy Café at an average of twice a week usually between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. He is a Bellinghamster who knows what he wants and orders the same thing as he sits at the counter.

Ryan McCormack is affectionately known as Mr. Ham Steak. Photo courtesy: Over Easy Cafe.

“When I find something I like I just stick with it. I enjoy the friendly service and the cooks here do a great job.”

Ryan just happens to like the very item that Guy Fieri liked in the 2009 “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” first season episode that co-founder Aaron May made for him on the show.

He likes to choose a breakfast spot in town and keeps going back. “I used to go to another place but the customer service started to go down.”

Because he is a regular and loves our red eyed gravy, we make sure he gets a double portion. Ryan, thanks for being “Mr. Ham Steak” of Over Easy Café.

Everybody’s Store: Where Everyone Leaves Happy

By

Sean Mertens

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If you visit in late spring, you'll enjoy a variety of produce harvested in the Margolis's garden right behind the store. Photo credit: Sean Mertens.

Heading south on HW-9 off Mt. Baker Hwy, shortly after crossing the North Fork Nooksack River, you’ll find yourself slowing for an S-curve crossed by railroad tracks. As you slow, you’ll catch sight of Everybody’s Store on the outer bend of the curve. Yellow with red trim and sporting an American flag proudly, Everybody’s Store emanates small-town Americana.

On my first visit, it was the combination of their large sign advertising deli sandwiches and the newer sandwich board advertising Acme Ice Cream that convinced me to stop. I had taken the day to myself to explore the Baker foothills looking for lost logging roads and unmarked trails. My search for forested adventure may have only yielded one dead-end after another, but I was still hot and hungry. A pitiful attempt at rationing my supplies – one PB & J and some carrots – had left me yearning for a full meal and I could feel my stomach’s growls of excitement as I entered Everybody’s Store and beheld the large deli display.

It’s hard to find sandwiches made like this. Photo credit: Sean Mertens.

I was greeted warmly by the cashier as I ambled in, my hunger temporarily replaced by wonder at the cornucopia of colorful goods in this homey, house-sized super market – cheese samples, herbs, locally sourced foods of all kinds, general goods, clothing, cold beer, a few knickknacks. My list starts with cheese samples whenever I recount my experience because that’s the first thing I tried. They have a whopping 50+ cheeses!

A man came in as I was filling out my sandwich order. The cashier engaged him with the same friendly demeanor that had put me at ease 10 minutes ago. The man admitted his main reason for coming was to bring along his cheese-nut of a friend. When his friend entered, it was clear he’d found heaven.

As the work on my ambitious sandwich order commenced, Jeff Margolis emerged from a backroom to help the two men with the difficult process of selecting which cheeses to take home. Jeff’s deep, soft voice speckled with history provided background for my browsing as he answered the men’s questions and occasionally remarked with humble pride that his cheese preparation skills came from years of practice.

Weeks later I found myself trudging through fresh snow as Jeff showed me around the five acre property that has been his home for the last 48 years. Although most of his crops were buried in snow, he was still able to point out Brussel sprouts, kale, basil and rosemary hibernating in his 8,000 sq. ft. garden. I discovered that Jeff shared a love for the sort of adventure that first brought me to his store. He’s a firm believer that people should be more willing to get out of their car and walk, recounting the many walks he’s enjoyed through Baker’s foothills.

Prepare your palate, Everybody’s Store carries every cheese you can imagine and more. Photo credit: Sean Mertens.

Jeff and his wife, Amy, weren’t looking for a business opportunity when they bought the property; it just happened that there was a store already on the site. They most assuredly did not realize that they were embarking on an endeavor that would span half a century.

Standing proudly amidst the beautiful snow-dusted hills, Everybody’s Store is a bastion of community preservation and a unique harbinger of personal connection – a store focused on the people and not the money.

The store’s community focused, customer-centric attitude permeates into everything the Margolis do including their support of the Josh VanderYacht Memorial Park across the street. On a sunny summer day anyone can taste the fruits of this community’s labor and play a game of basketball or handball before taking a dip in the river right down the road.

Explorers of all types are treated to an experience found nowhere else in the county thanks to Jeff and Amy’s unique approach to business – a dying art of wholesome storekeeping where the sale is less important than the bonds formed with customers.

If you visit in late spring, you’ll enjoy a variety of produce harvested in the Margolis’s garden right behind the store. Photo credit: Jeff Margolis.

Fortunately for those looking to make a purchase, Everybody’s Store has an unrivaled collection of locally sourced food, handmade organic clothing, delicious wine and a dreamlike amount of cheese. When you visit, I highly recommend exploring the standout unique items like their garden-grown sweet kale, Nokkelost cheese (crafted from a 1,000 year old recipe) or their locally-raised organic lamb.

The wonders of this store are endless and the kindness of its employees boundless. Just a short hop outside of Bellingham, Everybody’s Store will bring you warmth, cheer and a full stomach – all in a way rarely seen today.

The City of Subdued Excitement Gets its Own Game: Introducing Bellinghamopoly

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LocalTalk Contributor

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bloedel park bellingham — The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry works to boost our local economy by bolstering the business community and influencing public policy. ©WhatcomTalk.

Submitted by: Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce has partnered with game vendor Late for the Sky Production Company to create Bellinghamopoly, a Bellingham-themed Monopoly game which features local businesses, events and parks!

The game will be available for purchase this fall at Whatcom County Haggen’s locations, Woods Coffee shops, Village Books and the Western Washington University student bookstore on campus.

Haggen and Woods Coffee are the major contributors/sponsors of Bellinghamopoly.

The game pieces are inspired by icons of the Bellingham community; tokens include a coffee cup from Woods Coffee, a book from Village Books, a Viking Helmet from Western Washington University, a Haggen shopping cart and a statue from Mount Baker Theatre, with the final token being chosen by the community with a social media contest.

The Facebook and Instagram contest encourages users to vote on their top favorite out of four options: a ski, a bike, a backpack and an anchor. The contest will run from May 11-21. You can find it on Facebook @bellinghamchamber and on Instagram @bham_chamber. The hash tag will be #bellinghamopoly.

Board spaces are sponsored by iconic member businesses, events and parks. “We planned the game board intentionally to focus on places and events that people would recognize. We want it to be attractive to locals, tourists, students and former students who live elsewhere. That forced us to make strategic decisions about who could be on the game board,” said Shelli Jones, Marketing Coordinator for the chamber of commerce.

The community cards—traditionally known as “chance” cards—are represented by local nonprofits and community organizations. The customizable cards feature logos and verbiage to reinforce the local identity of the game. One example is:

You adopted a pet from the Whatcom Humane Society! Move ahead to the park and take a walk! If you pass start, collect $200.

The idea for creating this community-focused game came from Bellingham City Councilwoman Pinky Vargas who had been inspired by the 2017 Lyndenopoly game. “Pinky recommended that the chamber of commerce look into a Bellingham-themed monopoly game. The chamber staff was enthusiastic about the idea and we started working on it seven months ago. We were encouraged to learn that the games are made in the USA and are earth-friendly,” said Jones.

Proceeds of the game will benefit the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Late for the Sky is the game design company based in Cincinnati, Ohio, which specializes in creating custom “opoly” games.

What’s Old Is New Again: A Culture of Reuse in Bellingham

By

Cassandra Darwin

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Maker:L,Date:2017-8-28,Ver:5,Lens:Kan03,Act:Kan02,E-Y — The RE Store is organized like a hardware store and has a mix of used and new items. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.

One of the best lessons I learned from my grandfather was that it never hurts to try to fix something before you replace it with something new. He was like a superhero in my eyes, with a workshop full of tools and the confidence to take anything apart. A lot of the time he got things working again, and only rarely were there electrical fires or ER visits required. Those experiences with him – trying to fix things – are something I would love to share with my own kids one day. I will be the first to admit that I am not nearly as handy as he was but I have found a few places in Bellingham that are helping me to fix what I already have.

As a home owner, I have experienced first-hand just how often pieces of an aging home get broken or need repairs. The RE Store is like a treasure box filled with all of the bits and pieces of homes in town that are being demolished or remodeled. They have sections in each of the two buildings that are dedicated to windows, doors, lumber, flooring, stone countertops, hardware, paint, cabinet components, lighting fixtures, tools and even furniture. Personally, I have shopped in nearly every part of the store to make minor improvements to our home over the last few years.

The RE Store in Bellingham accepts donations of building materials and furnishings, and sells them at discounted rates to promote reuse in our community. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.

“The RE Store accepts donations (and offers free pick-ups) of building materials, household furnishings, vintage decor and more for resale. These items are made available to our community at deeply discounted prices in order to make building materials affordable and DIY projects available to all,” says Samantha Hale, Outreach Manager at The RE Store. “Our primary goal is to keep as much reusable material out of the landfill as possible and to build a culture of reuse in our community.” According to The RE Store’s blog, “Since 1993, our community has donated nearly 50 million pounds of building materials to The RE Store. If you combined all of the lumber, doors, lighting, windows and more that you’ve saved, we could construct nearly 600 homes, roughly half the size of the York Neighborhood here in Bellingham.”

Shopping at The RE Store is like a treasure hunt. It always has the same basic supplies, but sometimes you may find enough brand new bamboo flooring for your entire house. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.

If home repairs are not on your agenda, maybe clothing repair is. What should you do with the shirt you love that has a hole in it? If you donate it to a thrift shop, they will throw it out because no one wants to buy a shirt with a hole in it. Ragfinery aims to fix the hole, teach you to fix the hole or repurpose the fabric for another use. According to EPA research, every year the U.S. generates 25 billion pounds of textiles, 85 percent of which will end up in a landfill. To date, Ragfinery has kept 743,000 pounds of textiles out of local landfills.

Ragfinery offers workshops that teach you to carry on their mission of keeping textiles out of the waste stream. By taking “Sewing Bootcamp” or “Marvelous Mending,” you will learn how to make simple repairs instead of having to get rid of those items. You can also take a different kind of workshop and learn how to make something new, purchasing the necessary supplies at Ragfinery and giving new life to those donated textiles. Personally, I have my eye on the “Coiled Fabric Basket” workshop and need to clear my schedule the next time it’s available.

One of the first projects I made with reused materials was this height measuring stick. The piece of scrap wood was less than $2 and I had the rest of the supplies at home. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.

Ragfinery is part of ReUse Works, a local nonprofit whose mission is to create jobs and worker training by using discarded materials. This organization also supports Appliance Depot which accepts a variety of donated appliances whether they are working or not. After donations have been collected, the appliances are repaired, tested and sold with a 90-day guarantee. Appliance Depot also has an inventory of common parts for you to do your own appliance repairs.

By making purchases or taking classes at these local shops, you are reducing the amount of waste going to our local landfills, supporting a nonprofit that creates jobs and saving a ton of money in the process. And if you happen to have something at your home or business that you would like to donate, they would all be happy to take it off your hands.

The RE Store
1309 Meridian Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-647-5921

Ragfinery
1421 N. Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-738-6977

Appliance Depot
802 Marine Drive
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-527-2646

Reputable Seattle Chef is Proud to Announce His Newest Restaurant Opening in Arts District

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Sunset 2 scenic — Photo courtesy: J and Brenda Allard.

Husband and wife restauranteurs, Craig Serbousek and Valerie Markus, are proud to announce their new chef-owned and operated restaurant, Saltine. The anticipated opening date is slated for May 15, 2018. Saltine is at 114 Prospect Street in downtown Bellingham, formerly The Real McCoy.

Saltine’s menu will showcase New American comfort food with an international flair. Local Pacific Northwest ingredients will be featured throughout the menu as well as the owners’ favorite finds from across the globe. The menu will include rotating seasonal fare as well as signature dishes that guests can expect year-round. Beverage selections include offerings from local breweries, complemented by an international wine list and handcrafted cocktail selection.

Saltine looks forward to providing Bellingham guests with a casual dining experience while maintaining an easy-going, approachable vibe. The owners are hoping to make Saltine a regular “go-to” spot for Bellingham residents. “We chose Bellingham’s Arts District for Saltine to be close to our guests’ favorite downtown activities while still maintaining the warm and inviting feel of a neighborhood restaurant,” said co-owner Valerie Markus. “We want to be a restaurant for everyday enjoyment—not just special occasions.” This is also reflected in Saltine’s no-reservations policy.

Together, Valerie and Craig have over 40 years of experience in the restaurant and wine industries. Craig is the former owner of two popular Seattle restaurants, Crow Restaurant & Bar and Betty Restaurant & Bar, located in the Queen Anne neighborhood. Both restaurants specialize in affordable seasonal menus and are described as having a “vibrant yet neighborhood atmosphere” similar to that of Saltine.

Valerie has spent the last 15 years as the Washington/Alaska manager for the wine importer, Vineyard Brands. She will curate Saltine’s fantastic wine selection and oversee the front of the house.

Saltine’s scheduled opening date is May 15th. Saltine’s 45- seat dining room is located at 114 Prospect Street in Downtown’s Bellingham’s Arts District. There are also plans to add a small patio to offer guests an al fresco dining experience.

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