When engaging in outdoor recreation, participants should take care to respect Whatcom wildlife. Photo credit: Justin Pedigo | FC Photography.
Did you know this Friday is Scrabble Day? Then it really gets rolling because Saturday is International Moment of Laughter Day, Reach as High as You Can Day and Look up the Sky Day. Unbelievable—but true. So celebrate with a game of Scrabble, a good laugh and a sky-ward stretch as you enjoy the majesty of that big blue expanse above. Then see what else is going on. Here are a few ideas of what to do in and around Bellingham April 13—15. 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.
Abby Franklin, founder of Loving Space School, pictured with students from her kindergarten class. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.
Imagine a place where kids are free to create, climb, build, explore, imagine and ask questions. Loving Space School in Bellingham provides an environment where children are empowered to find their own voice. It offers experiences that help them to figure out who they are as a person.
“I started Loving Space in April of 1993 with the intention of providing children with a healthy, creative, loving space to play – hence the name,” says Abby Franklin, school founder. “My original intention has grown into a passionate commitment to protect childhood.”
Teacher Erin Merenda enjoys sharing her passion for art with the kindergarten students at Loving Space. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.
After 25 years in Bellingham, Loving Space’s goal is still the same: to provide children the space for real play.
Located in two iconic red schoolhouses on Ellis Street, Loving Space has programs for children in preschool (ages three through five) and kindergarten (ages five through six). The preschool has dedicated areas for different types of play that are always available to children. For example, the loft area has costumes for dramatic play and the quiet room centers around a comfy couch with a large selection of books. Other areas at the preschool are dynamic and constantly changing, like an indoor swing that is switched out every day. “I want them to come to school with a sense of wonder and excitement,” says Franklin.
Loving Space has a tradition of marching in Bellingham parades. Here, the school is assembled for the Procession of the Species parade. Photo courtesy: Loving Space School.
The science area offers children a chance to observe bugs and bring in plant clippings from home. This kind of hands-on learning offers an activity that “seems risky but is also safe,” according to Franklin. New experiences are just as valuable as childhood favorites and the outdoor areas at Loving Space are really special. A fruit garden that is open for picking, zip line, bubble station, dedicated mud kitchen, bikes and a climbing tree are just a handful of the outdoor options waiting to be explored.
A kindergarten program was added in 2001 when Loving Space purchased the building next door to the preschool. The kindergarten class, or as Franklin calls it “kindy,” also has plenty of time to freely explore and has six added focus times in their curriculum. Art, science, math, reading, writing and life skills are part of the focused learning time for these older children. Students that have graduated from Loving Space often stand out to elementary school teachers. First grade teachers have noted that Franklin’s students are confident, ask questions and have the ability to express how they feel and what they know.
Rosie Gehring has been with Loving Space for 20 years. Reading with the preschool class is her favorite part of the job. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.
The philosophy at this school allows children to make their own decisions. “They are given the freedom to listen to their own inner voice,” says Franklin. Her passion for early childhood education is clear from the minute she starts speaking about Loving Space. “Every day this work is so meaningful,” she says. “I get to witness the impact these experiences will have on each child.”
Franklin builds a strong connection with each student and many alumni come back to volunteer their time at Loving Space. The sense of community at Loving Space School really stands out. Franklin has ensured that there are enough teachers to allow each child to get the personal attention they need. And the teachers have been around almost as long as the school. Franklin works to ensure that each part of this school community feels valued—students’ voices are heard, parents are involved throughout the school year and teachers are paid well. This unique learning environment is supported by school families and the Bellingham community. They have a goal of raising $25,000 at this year’s special anniversary fundraiser.
Rules at the preschool allow children the freedom to explore. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.
To celebrate Loving Space’s 25th anniversary they held a dance party for the entire family with DJ Wild Rumpus, including both live and silent auctions, dessert dash, wine wall and much more.
The school created a video to mark this milestone which showcases a variety of the special experiences the school creates every day for its students.
Troy Wills, Julia Parker and Krista Jones (left to right) look forward to meeting you at the First Federal Barkley Branch. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.
While new to Whatcom County, First Federal has been trusted on the Olympic Peninsula for 95 years. The company got its start as Lincoln Savings and Loan in 1923 and has grown with the financial needs of Northwest Washington ever since. The bank changed its name along the way, but its mission remains consistent: First Federal continues to focus on building relationships in each community they serve.
Community Banking
First Federal’s Barkley location opened in 2015. Photo courtesy: First Federal.
There is something unique about First Federal’s Barkley Branch. It feels more like a cozy living room than a bank. Instead of long lines, customers are greeted with a smile and invited to relax.
Krista Jones, Julia Parker and Troy Wills are part of the team that makes this branch such a success. “First Federal truly does put people first,” says Jones, a First Federal loan officer with 20 years in the industry. “I love to work for a bank that focuses on building relationships with our banking customers.”
“Because of First Federal’s mission and their core values, we really place the emphasis on people first,” says Branch Manager Julia Parker. “Putting relationships first is an essential part of a new trend in banking. Some banks lose sight of that, but First Federal keeps it in focus.”
First Federal has been building relationships in Washington for decades. Photo courtesy: First Federal.
Supported by the company’s mission, vision and core values, the team at First Federal is driven by a desire to build community. They enjoy getting to know everyone who walks through the door and they truly want to help. Regional Manager Troy Wills’ goal is to find solutions to challenges instead of telling someone to come back when they’ve checked all the boxes on a form. “We will dig deeper and work harder,” Wills says. “True community banking is not so structured; we’re banking from the heart and doing what feels right.”
Each location is tailored to the specific needs of its community. For example, First Federal respects the historic nature and strong roots of small businesses in Fairhaven, so they created a branch that offers full service personal and business banking in a boutique setting.
Perfect Blend of Innovation and Customer Service
This ITM (Interactive Teller Machine) enables customers to see and speak with a First Federal banker. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.
One of the most innovative features at First Federal’s Bellingham locations are their Interactive Teller Machines, or ITMs. Here, customers can complete almost any banking transaction they normally would with a bank teller. The ITM looks like an ATM, but has added technology that enables the user to see and speak with a First Federal employee, similar to Skype or FaceTime. ITMs give more options for customers who want a personalized banking experience.
The team at First Federal are preserving the best parts of old-fashioned banking – like building relationships, taking the time to share a cup of coffee or traveling to business customers – and blending that time-tested customer service with the best of modern technology. Many customers stop in to say hello even if they don’t have any business to conduct. These genuine relationships illustrate the bond First Federal has created with its customers. “First Federal is a big name, but really we are a small community bank with experience,” Parker says.
Giving Back in Bellingham
Troy Wills, Julia Parker and Krista Jones (left to right) look forward to meeting you at the First Federal Barkley Branch. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.
“When First Federal first came into this community, it was an opportunity for us to assess,” Wills says. “Whatcom County didn’t need another bank – we have a lot of banks. But we do have room for another small, community bank that can make a difference.”
When asked about the importance of giving back, Parker says, “We’re passionate about it as individuals and it’s a natural fit with the mission of this bank. As far as community sustainability, it’s inherent upon corporations to contribute to those in need in the community for our community to be healthy. We aren’t going to be successful as a business if we have a community that is unhealthy.”
Anyone who’s curious about this unique banking experience is encouraged to visit either Bellingham location. “Come in and have a cup of coffee,” Parker says. “We would love to meet you.”
Barkley Branch
1270 Barkley Boulevard
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-714-6812
Fairhaven Branch
960 Harris Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
800-800-1577
Chris Simpson, Chrysalis’ Director of Sales; Katherine Freimund, Whatcom Literacy Council’s Executive Director; and Chrysalis’ Spa Director Sandy Sallee pose with the donation check. Photo courtesy: The Chrysalis Inn & Spa.
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa presented their March spa donation in the amount of $2,100 to the Whatcom Literacy Council. The Whatcom Literacy Council trains and supports volunteers to work with adults who wish to strengthen their literacy skills or learn English.
Chris Simpson, Chrysalis’ Director of Sales; Katherine Freimund, Whatcom Literacy Council’s Executive Director; and Chrysalis’ Spa Director Sandy Sallee pose with the donation check. Photo courtesy: The Chrysalis Inn & Spa.
Through one-to-one tutoring, small group classes and in-class support, they reach over 900 learners each year and partner with businesses, colleges, libraries, churches and school districts to address local needs. WLC brings neighbors together to help neighbors, creating social capital and working towards a healthier community for all.
The Chrysalis, a locally owned hotel, spa and restaurant on Fairhaven’s waterfront, has been giving one percent of monthly spa revenues to a local non-profit since February of 2017, now totaling over $27,000.
Women Sharing Hope, an all volunteer organization that has stepped up to fill need requests when other Whatcom County charities are unable to, due to diminishing funds and increased demand, will be April’s recipient.
The Dailey Family overseas, still smiling after many days of 24/7 together time. Photo courtesy: Dailey family.
Have you ever heard of such a thing? Maybe a family you know takes a vacation together – not just for a week or two, but for a few months. Or a few years! Sounds crazy, right?
Tyler tries tarantula. Photo credit: Lisa Dailey.
Or is it?
It’s more common than you think (or at least more common than I thought). I was curious about how (and why) families do this. So I spoke with some who had. In 1994, Richard and Nancy Friedman traveled with their boys Julian, Gabe and Asher. Lisa and Ray Dailey traveled with their boys Tyler and RJ in 2015. In June of 2018, Gerry Coleman and her son Dexter will take their turn. They were all excited to share their insights.
The Dailey Family
Ray and Lisa and their two boys, RJ, then 15, and Tyler, then 13, planned their seven month long trip after doing extensive research with no specific destinations in mind, other than knowing they would spend time in Vietnam and India. The time was right fitting in between Ray’s retirement from his public health position and his next job. Ray’s previous government job enabled them to travel for free on a space available basis overseas, with 72 hours’ notice before flights – requiring great flexibility. They noted some interesting places they wanted to see, while keeping their options open. Lisa also attended a few travelogue sessions at the Bellingham Public Library beforehand to get ideas.
Journeying to places in Japan, Southeast Asia, Thailand, Africa and Spain, they mostly traveled by train and bus, except when major cities were connected by flights.
The Friedman Family
Gabe and Julian return from an amazing day in Panama learning the ways of the jungle. Photo credit: Richard Friedman.
Richard had a great love of the sea and vast experience as a commercial fisherman before he met Nancy. On their first date in 1983, they talked of sailing around the world with their family. It was 1994 when he found himself in career transition. By then the couple was married with three boys – Asher (5) Gabe (7) and Julian (8). It was Nancy’s encouragement that motivated them to go from “someday” to “today” in 60 days.
The Friedmans first planned to buy a boat and cruise to Europe, but decided instead to hug the eastern seaboard and travel the major cities on the east coast. They traveled up the Potomac River, then wintered in Florida, where Richard got the idea to create a charter boat business. They headed back up to Maine to try it out. They spent the last seven months of their two year trip bringing the boat home – traveling to Cuba, through the Panama Canal, Costa Rica and Mexico.
The Coleman Family
Gerry and 12-year-old Dexter have spent the past 18 months planning their trip to the EU, after her current position ends in June, 2018. Gerry is a citizen of both the U.S. and Ireland. The plan is to return to Bellingham after a year, but both are keeping an open mind if something amazing comes along while they are there.
With her Irish passport in hand, the two of them can travel freely around Europe without visas. They are selling their home in Bellingham to finance the trip. They hope to return with fabulous memories and enough money left over to secure housing.
By their own admission, Gerry and Dexter “are not big museum people.” They are starting their journey with a flight to Iceland where Geri’s sister will join them as they continue on to the EU. They’re most looking forward to seeing their extended family that still lives in the small towns of Ireland where Gerry’s grandparents and great grandparents grew up. They plan to be in Paris for Christmas. Gerry recently learned that one of their friends is joining the Peace Corps and will be in Madagascar, adding that country to the list of potential places to visit.
What to Bring
The Dailey Family overseas, still smiling after many days of 24/7 together time. Photo courtesy: Dailey family.
The Daileys each brought their personal clothes and items in a backpack. They checked weather predictions and packed accordingly. Lisa and Ray carried the bulk of the family belongings, like first aid supplies and travel meds. They also brought Malaria pills, just in case. (Note: they never got Malaria.) They brought two computers and two phones. The boys brought GameBoys and Nintendo DS to play games and watch movies.
Richard and Nancy had “a whole boat” of room, and still brought “too many” books. The boys were allowed to bring favorite toys and stuffed animals. Back in the 90s there were not as many options for electronics.
Gerry purchased a carry-on suitcase that will split into two bags. She is less concerned that her checked bag arrives back home as much as she wants her carry-on with her on the way there. They are watching the weather and will bring climate appropriate clothing. She will also bring a cell-phone and a lightweight laptop, Dexter will have an old cell phone with internet access that will take photos for the blog.
What about School?
Gabe Friedman gets bribed to do homework with the promise of fishing. Photo credit: Nancy Friedman.
The Dailey boys brought schoolwork on the trip. They returned mid-year, and were able to catch up so they didn’t lose a grade. Now that they are both fully engrossed in high school, Lisa says traveling at this age wouldn’t have worked so well.
Nancy took a home-schooling class before the trip. She occasionally had to offer extra fishing time as a reward for the boys doing their daily classwork. Before returning to school, they were tested by a school psychologist who said they were performing at grade level, with a phenomenal knowledge of geography.
Gerry will be filing an intent to homeschool 7th grade and expects Dexter to manage well when he returns to Bellingham for eighth grade. She is perusing the internet for information on home schooling. As part of his home school assignment, Dexter will be responsible for the family blog.
Thoughts from the Kids
Tyler and RJ re-think the food available and dream of greasy fries and a burger. Photo credit: Lisa Dailey.
Tyler said he missed American greasy food and his friends, “especially my best friend, Soren.” He also missed being at school. He admitted he now misses the uniqueness of every day while traveling.
Older brother RJ said he would probably take his family on a similar trip if he could save the money.
Julian remembers his parents sitting him down with his brothers to tell them the family would be going on a boat trip. In his eight year-old brain he understood this to mean they were traveling “around the world by boat.” His experiences have led him to his current career as owner of Crystal Reef Aquatics and Bellingham Pet Supply. To other families (and kids) he advises, “Immerse yourself in the places you go – focus on history and culture. Eat the food. It’s a rare opportunity that most people don’t get a chance to experience, and the coolest gift that your parents would give to you.”
Dexter is mostly excited about seeing his best friend who lives in Denmark. He’s not looking forward to missing his whole 7th grade experience and his friends here Bellingham.
Re-Entry
After spending days on end together all day, every day, both families have become tightly bonded in a way they had not expected.
The Daleys sorely missed family, friends and neighbors. Because of the time difference, they hardly ever talked to anyone “at home.” It took them about a month to get re-acclimated upon their return. The family still travels together and is considering future trips to Peru and South America. Lisa kept a travel journal blog which can be found at Dailey Destination. Her current blog is called Northwest Rambles. She’s working on a memoir about their experiences. The working title is “Square Up.”
Upon their return, Richard continued to run the charter business, Alaskan Song, as captain for 11 years. Nancy travelled along, acting as hostess and chief cook. While Richard is still running the business end (there’s a new captain/cook couple aboard) and keeping up Facebook and their website, he and Nancy will remain ashore to share weekly meals with their grown boys.
Richard says the key to successful travel is flexibility. He advises travelers to be aware of their circumstances, look at alternatives and be willing to change plans. Whether it’s for a week or a year, travel will enhance your life and forge connections to last a lifetime.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is an association that allows high school students around the country to compete in organized business events. There are over 100 diverse options that students can select based on their areas of interest. Participants have the ability to choose up to four tests or project/presentations, and may combine options as well.
Pavanjeet Parmar is running for FBLA state vice president. Photo Courtesy: Pavanjeet Parmar.
After deciding on their events, individuals are given a set amount of time to prepare for the competition. They may either take their test beforehand or attend a regional conference and present their project/presentation there. If a student or team places in an event, they can attend the state conference and are given additional time to improve their project/presentation or study for their test.
Each state hosts a conference for the placed competitors. The state conference holds advanced competitions in every event. If individuals achieve placement here, they are given the opportunity to compete in the national conference, which will be hosted this summer in Maryland. This final conference determines the national winner of each event.
FBLA an incredibly developed organization that benefits students in many ways. Paige Censale, a junior at Squalicum High School, says, “FBLA has helped me as an individual by allowing me to develop the traits that I naturally possess. In eighth and ninth grade I would be reluctant to give class presentations or take leadership positions. Now, as a junior in high school, I’m on the debate team and recently spoke to a crowd of two thousand students during the school walkouts with a speech I wrote just hours earlier. I truly believe that participating in FBLA’s events gave me the tools I need to exude what is innately within me.”
Paige Censale and Makayla Buckley placed in regionals for the broadcasts journalism event. Photo courtesy: Paige Censale.
Participating in FBLA helped Paige, and many other students, to build upon skills that she withheld previously. FBLA enhanced her abilities.
Participating in FBLA is a challenge. Participants must be hard working and committed in order to succeed. Many determined members of FBLA compare this club to taking another advanced placement class due to the time each student spends on preparation. FBLA can be quite stressful at moments but it prepares students for real world situations in the work force and allows them the opportunity to improve.
FBLA events are not only for professional purposes – they also allow give students an opportunity to meet new people and learn from a variety of different seminars and speakers.
Pavanjeet Parmar, a sophomore attending Squalicum High School, is currently running for Washington’s FBLA state vice president position. “It was amazing to compete in three different events and also take on leadership opportunities,” she explains. “Moreover, it was inspiring to see so many people at the conference spending time to not only invest in their futures, but also the future of our country.”
Essentially, FBLA’s mission is to prepare students for the work world and give participants valuable skills that may open doors for them in the future. Christina Stevens, an educator at Squalicum High School, says that the purpose of FBLA is, “To bring students and businesses together in a way that’s beneficial to both, so students can learn and be better prepared for future careers, as well as businesses will benefit by having better prepared workers.”
This club allows students to attempt events in different areas of interest and discover what they truly enjoy studying. It’s an excellent opportunity to improve and develop a variety of skills that will be helpful for the rest of their lives. FBLA is preparing the upcoming generation to change the world. Although we’ve made immense improvements in our society, there is much that still needs to be addressed. Clubs like FBLA are guiding students to take the lead and be the change.
This elegant 1920s tudor style home was updated with high efficiency diamond pane windows that maintained the original style. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders and Adaptations Design Studio.
Many of Bellingham’s beautiful neighborhoods feature historic homes that are over 100 years old. Each of these buildings is a unique piece of history with one-of-a-kind features that have survived the test of time. From Victorian to mid-century ramblers – and even homes built in the 1970s and 1980s – Bellingham’s neighborhoods capture every era’s unique architecture.
This historic home in South Hill underwent a renovation replacing all of the single pane glass windows and adding a deck that matched the original architecture of the home (photo taken before the rennovation). Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders and Adaptations Design Studio.
These homes, however, can lack modern comforts and efficiency. It’s overwhelming to try to find the perfect home to meet everyone’s needs, with considerations made for layout, style and modern functionality. And undergoing renovations on an older property can seem daunting. But by using a design build firm to update an existing home, you can keep all the charm and style of a house while enjoying the benefits of cost- and energy-savings.
“There’s an old saying that goes, ‘The greenest building is the one that already exists,’” says Dave Falk, Architect at A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio and member of the Historic Preservation Commission.
By updating a home that is already sound and standing, homeowners save money by retaining structural elements that are very expensive to construct. If you live in a home that no longer meets your needs, consider making updates before giving up on it. “We can give older homes a new lease on life,” Falk says.
This elegant 1920s tudor style home was updated with high efficiency diamond pane windows that maintained the original style. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders and Adaptations Design Studio.
A-1 Builders updates existing homes to meet the needs of the next generation. The design team works out a plan to preserve the period details that offer a historic property its charm and character, while adding modern materials to maximize a home’s efficiency. Even small adjustments can have a big impact.
On a recent renovation at Nathen and Alisha Spencer’s South Hill home, finding diamond pane windows to match the architecture of an elegant 1920s Tudor Revival was a challenge Design Manager Maggie Bates was happy to conquer. A tremendous amount of research went into this detail of the renovation.
“Diamond pane windows add a significant cost,” Bates says, “but what I discovered while researching Tudor-style homes in Europe is that they were typically used as an accent. So we ended up using two types of grids on the windows to maintain the Tudor style and save money.” In addition, the home’s energy efficiency was tremendously improved by replacing the old single-pane glass.
A-1 Builders specializes in preserving the integrity of Bellingham’s historic homes. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders and Adaptations Design Studio.
The Spencer’s home presented another challenge for the team – designing a deck that looks like it belonged with the original structure. “A lot of our most successful and satisfying work is when you never even knew we were there, once it’s done,” Falk says. “The additions are so seamless and we have upheld the integrity of the house.”
Many clients with older homes create a master plan for multiple changes, to be executed at different stages. By working with the design team to thoughtfully plan, renovations can be spaced out over a number of years without concern for building restrictions down the line.
Sometimes historic homes take on a life of their own, inciting renovations that were never part of the original plan. One homeowner called A-1 Builders about replacing countertops in an unassuming little yellow house, and then casually mentioned a low spot in the kitchen. The A-1 Builders team discovered the house had been built on top of an old coal mine, filled in with the debris of a burned down Victorian home. The entire structure was sinking. The plan for new countertops was scrapped, and instead the build team re-engineered the foundation, removed asbestos, installed a super high efficiency HVAC system, built a rain screen under new siding and completed the exterior with brand new windows. “And now it can go on for another 100 years,” says Falk.
Architect Dave Falk takes pride in upholding the integrity of the house. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders and Adaptations Design Studio.
Because A-1 Builders specializes in updating older homes, they have perfected the process from start to finish. “In this community, we’re the only residential design build firm with a full staff, which is an important part of carrying out these substantial historic renovations,” says Patrick Martin, General Manager of A-1 Builders and Adaptations Design Studio. “Having an intact process from design all the way through to construction and completion is one of the major advantages we have. It can present extra challenges if different groups are involved in each step of the project.”
A-1 Builders’ full staff works together every day, allowing for seamless execution on home renovations.
A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio invites you to stop by their showroom and discuss how they can make your home the best it can be.
When Bellingham’s Over Easy opened in 2015, it quickly became a popular breakfast and lunch spot for folks frequenting the busy Sunnyland Square shopping area.
Uber Eats has been a fantastic option for those who want their favorite Over Easy dishes delivered directly to their door—and now fans can even request delivery in the evenings, when the restaurant itself is closed to the public.
Besides the usual delivery provided through Uber Eats seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Over Easy is now providing its full menu on weekday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. If this trial goes well, the evening delivery service will become permanent.
The next time you’re at Over Easy, ask your server for a card that will give you $10 off your first order.
In honor of National Poetry Month, Village Books and the Colophon Café are teaming up with poet Jessica Lohafer to host The Write Riot Poetry Slam, Wednesday, April 25 at the Colophon Café in Fairhaven. Poets who would like to read their work can sign up for available spots beginning at 6:30 p.m. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. Write Riot regulars know the popular event will fill up; arrive early to grab a good seat. The free event is open to all ages; there may be adult language and themes.
Ryler Dustin will be the featured poet. The Colophon will offer literary themed drink and food specials. Please support the venue by purchasing from the menu. Contact the bookstore for details or check Village Books’ website or the Facebook event listing.
Lohafer hosted The Write Riot Slam – a celebration of local poets and poetry – from 2014 to 2016. Poets face off in the friendly competition. Judges score performances with good-natured encouragement from the audience. The return of The Write Riot Slam on April 25 at the Colophon Café is a special one-night only event. To read more about Village Books’ National Poetry Month celebration, visit the bookstore’s website. All poetry is 20 percent off during the month of April at Village Books’ stores in Fairhaven and Lynden.
You're one of the family at Mount Baker Theatre. Photo credit: Damian Vines Photography.
I have been gliding through the lavish halls of Mount Baker Theatre (MBT) since it opened in 1927. Everyone calls me Judy. I love floating through this historic palace. I wouldn’t really say that I “haunt” MBT; I’m a friendly spirit. I like puttering through the dressing rooms and balcony, people-watching the interesting visitors and enjoying the more than 400 events hosted here each year.
David Sedaris is known as the “bestselling humorist of sardonic wit and satire.” Photo credit: Ingrid Christie.
I must admit, I’m filled with joy when performers visit again. This time I get another extraordinary peek into the lives of David Sedaris and Ira Glass! It feels like it’s been so long since they were here in my theatre.
Sedaris is easily one of the wittiest people to take the stage, aside from myself. He’s an NPR humorist and a bestselling writer. He tells everyday stories with a unique perspective only he can articulate. He brings to life a world I don’t always get to see, with an incredible stroke of comedic genius.
Sedaris is a master of satire. He has an ability to move through cultural euphemisms and political correctness to observe the human condition purely.
Seven Things I’ve Learned: An Evening with Ira Glass will share the tale of Ira’s success and challenges as creator, producer and host of This American Life. Photo credit: Jesse Michener.
After Sedaris’ visit in May, I get to see Ira Glass in June. Sometimes I listen to Glass’ radio show, This American Life, in the halls of the theatre when no one is around. I hear this weekly show has won five Peabody Awards and is heard by over 2.2 million people! Are you one of them? I am! Or close enough, anyway.
I can’t wait to hear the seven things Glass has learned during his life and career. His presentation is sure to be a colorful mix of his familiar voice and educational perspective. He’ll talk through his successes and failures. I just have to know what inspires him to create and what drives his passion – I know they will be answered.
Ghost Judy can’t wait for David Sedaris in May and Ira Glass in June. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
These two gentlemen have crossed paths before. Glass saw Sedaris perform and Glass recorded an original reading from NPR’s New York Bureau. From that moment, Sedaris’ career took off.
It’s incredible to watch people help others. I know the stories Glass and Sedaris are bringing to MBT this year could help young people open their minds to the possibilities. The Iconic Storyteller and the Bestselling Humorist are going to be a hit for everyone – I know it!
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...
