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Gem Hidden in the Walls of Mount Baker Theatre

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Mount Baker Theatre's organ is a treasured relic. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

Submitted by: Mount Baker Theatre

One of the many things that makes Bellingham so special is its catalogue of local relics. One such item lives in the heart of downtown, at our very own Mount Baker Theatre: a fully functional pipe organ.

Mount Baker Theatre is a local treasure. Photo credit: Damian Vines Photography.

Mount Baker Theatre’s 1927 Wurlitzer 215 – and its incredible set of giant pipes – might be one of the city’s best kept secrets. MBT no longer possesses the original console that connected to those historic pipes, but MBT’s Wurlitzer was born the same year as the theatre. Some could say it was fate that these two wonders wound up together.

I sat down with Bill Charles, local organ enthusiast and steward, to chat about this bewitching instrument. In front of us, sitting on the stage like a throne, was Bellingham’s own 1927 Wurlitzer organ console. This is the part one usually pictures when thinking of an organ. Behind elaborate gold grates sit the massive pipes that make the theatre sing.

Bill became enchanted by the organ as a child after visiting the theatre with his family. “It was like going to Disneyland,” he said.  His eyes lit up when he described the sound. “It’s huge. It’s dynamic. It fills the entire room.” He gestured to the vast theatre and chuckled, “It even scares little kids sometimes – it’s so loud!”

Mount Baker Theatre’s organ is a treasured relic. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

And loud it is! Bill was kind enough to play the organ for me. The massive, lush sound escaping from the pipes was truly something to behold.  Every individual nook and cranny in the house was filled with music.

Originally, the deceivingly small console would be bound to one place in the theatre but with its recent digitization, the console can be moved and played from anywhere in the building. The modern system transmits electrical impulses from the console to the giant pipes in the walls, allowing for the traditional sound while retaining its newfound ease of use. Not only does this allow MBT to create more room in the orchestra pit, it also broadens the kinds of experiences they can share with their patrons.

“I think it’s important that people know this is here,” Bill said, “that people come and enjoy it. This is a prize from our past, something that will never be built again.”

Bill hopes that people of all ages can experience the same childlike wonder that he did. Bill has maintained the theatre’s organ for more than a decade, even after the dissolution of the local organ society. Without his passion, this beautiful instrument would only be a memory. But even superstars like Bill need help. MBT is actively seeking volunteers to help maintain this timeless wonder.

MBT’s organ still has all its original pipes. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

You can experience this community treasure in its traditional role as it accompanies the film series Classic Chaplin on April 14, 2018 at the Mount Baker Theatre.  Support Mount Baker Theatre and the preservation of its historic treasures by becoming a member. You’ll enjoy some great theatre benefits too. Visit MountBakerTheatre.com or call 360-733-5793 and ask about Membership today.

If you are interested in learning more or becoming an organ steward, contact Cindi Pree, MBT Volunteer Coordinator.

Meet Bob Shapiro: Mover of Chi

By
Karen Hanrahan
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Bob Shapiro uses humor in his teaching of Qigong. Photo credit: Karen Hanrahan.

Bob Shapiro teaches Qigong (pronounced chee – kung) at Unity Care NW in Bellingham every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. The Behavior Health sponsored program has been available now for four years in conjunction with the center’s pain clinic.

Bob Shapiro uses humor in his teaching of Qigong. Photo credit: Karen Hanrahan.

Unity NW offers a variety of wellness programs. Their Behavior Health groups provide a safe environment to work through symptoms, decrease isolation and provide support. Chronic Pain Groups are where patients can discover better ways to manage pain, learn about relaxation and participate in movement therapies such as Qigong.

Qigong means working with chi (pronounced chee) and managing the life force we all have. Chi is a fundamental element of the Chinese culture and figures in meditation, martial arts and medicine. Chi can be cultivated purposefully to manage our well being, using specific movement, breath and intention. Qigong instruction utilizes already existing inner chi resources.

There are three states of chi – harmonious, deficient and stagnant. When chi is in harmony a person is generally in good health. The value of chi cultivation in this state is to maintain and enhance that health, and to prevent disease. When someone has a chi deficiency, there are techniques to rebuild and re-circulate an ample supply. For those who have blocked or toxic chi, managing chi can break through stagnation and regain inner flow.

Bob Shapiro teaches Qigong in his socks. Photo credit: Karen Hanrahan.

Bob met his wife, Marianne, on a hiking trip. The couple now lives in Bow, Washington. Together they offer “Rehearsals For Living” workshops combining her therapy and his community organizing work. Originally from Chicago, Bob studied in independent learning programs, as there was no way to source one degree from one department. “I wanted to do what I wanted to do,” Bob said. He landed west at the end of his wandering years and spent a decade working as a community organizer in Seattle. The couple also ran Llama-assisted hiking trips for more than 25 years. With the recent death of their last two Llamas, that business is now officially retired.

I met Bob when taking his class. I value movement for my well-being, yet am challenged with a history of chronic pain from multiple car accidents. I’ve taken Tai chi classes before and found them very helpful. I was grateful to find a class in this area.

Bob Shapiro’s colorful embroidered t-shirt is adorned with dragons. Photo credit: Karen Hanrahan.

Bob is low key. His instruction is thoughtful, kind and encouraging and he’s seriously funny. I love the fluidity of Qigong, the harnessing of my personal energy, and I marvel at what I can only describe as a collective energy in the room. I like being a part of that. It’s a positive, pro-active hour of my time. I appreciate the respectful quiet of it.

Donna, another student in class, shared that taking Bob’s class has made a big difference in her mental and physical health. It has helped her vertigo and pinched nerves in her neck, shoulder and hip. The meditation has helped her anxiety.

Nancy, who does Qigong in a wheelchair said, “Bob understands health care. He communicates with his participants clearly. He does this gracefully, professionally and with humor. His skills reflect his talent. I admire him a lot. My health has improved dramatically. Bob is an asset to Qigong and to Unity Care.”

“I look forward to being at every class,” said Mike, another participant. “It helps me physically, emotionally and spiritually in becoming a better me. Instead of feeling like a wounded victim, I feel empowered. I know that we all can be healed in some manner by this Qigong experience. It is something energetic, mystic, cosmic and grounding. It keeps me hopeful, inspired to be a kinder, non-judging being. I have been truly transformed by this class.”

Bob’s classes at Unity Care NW are beloved by his students. Photo credit: Karen Hanrahan.

There are thousands of forms of Qigong. Bob’s form is called Bow 52. Bob has been teaching in the Mount Vernon area for 15 years and offers private advanced instruction in his home studio. Details about additional classes and a vast resource/reference library can found at his website.

Everyone can benefit from Qigong. Come experience for yourself the benefits of this ancient healing practice.

Connect with Bob by visiting his website, vial email or by calling 360-757-4212.

Brandon Nelson Partners Wants to Help You Achieve Your Dream

By
Cassandra Darwin
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Brandon Nelson Partners' clients get the efforts and expertise of seven people instead of one. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

Buying and selling a home can be overwhelming to begin with – and that’s before you consider how competitive the market is in Whatcom County. The process involves your past, deals with finances and also steers your future, so it’s important to have the right person in your corner. Brandon Nelson, of Brandon Nelson Partners, has extensive experience in real estate and wants to help you achieve your dream.

Brandon Nelson has an in-depth background in the housing market. His team of seven real estate professionals maintain the highest level of service. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

Experience in the Industry

Nelson started as a general contractor, gaining critical knowledge about home construction. He became a home inspector before getting his real estate license, and eventually started his own company. “As far as knowing our product – our product being the houses – we have a much deeper knowledge base than the average realtor,” says Nelson.

Nelson’s selling process has proven successful time and time again. His goal is to get his clients the maximum amount of money in an efficient time frame. In addition, he and his team optimize your house so it’s in its prime selling condition before being listed. His extensive real estate experience gives him the knowledge to help his clients navigate our fast-paced housing market.

A Team That Collaborates

Jacson Bevens, part of the team at Brandon Nelson Partners, was able to get a first time buyer into her new home despite multiple setbacks with a special financing program. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

Nelson has worked hard to assemble a team that works well together and collaborates every day. He has a hiring rule that has helped build this successful team. “I wouldn’t hire anybody on my top-level team that I wouldn’t trade places with,” he says. “If they were in charge, I would be totally okay with that. We have an equal playing field and respect for each other, and because of that, our clients get the efforts and expertise of seven people instead of one.” Of his team’s collective knowledge, Nelson adds, “After 12 years, it has absolutely proven to be a huge benefit to the strength of our business and the service we give to our clients.”

One of the team’s biggest strengths is its ability to optimize a home for sale in order to maximize the selling price. Nelson shares a recent experience that illustrates how powerful this can be.

A Bellingham family had a hectic life with two working parents, a newborn and two other children. They were trying to sell their house and get into a new home, but were working with another agent and had made no progress. Brandon Nelson Partners came to the rescue, taking care of all the details needed to get the house ready to sell: house painters, landscapers, pressure washing, housecleaning, window cleaning and a staging consultation. With their help, the family sold the house for $25,000 over the asking price and closed on the new home of their dreams within a week. Nelson’s team routinely invests themselves in these kinds of sales and aren’t intimidated by all the complex moving parts.

Vested in Your Dreams

Brandon Nelson Partners’ clients get the efforts and expertise of seven people instead of one. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

Because Nelson had experience in other professions before becoming a real estate broker, he knows that, for him, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone buy or sell a home. “In real estate, by necessity, you become vested in people’s dreams,” he says. “People think real estate is all about the market, but real estate changes hands when people’s lives change – regardless of the market.”

Brandon Nelson Partners helps people during big life events: from families with a new baby looking to expand to empty nesters looking to downsize. They also help those who have suffered a death in the family or are going through a divorce, where the home sale is out of necessity and can be wrought with emotion. He and his team have helped people at every stage of life. Even when it seems like the situation is impossible, Nelson and his team are there to help.

Brandon invites you to interview his team when you are looking for a realtor. Their proven process and experience in Whatcom County have given them a loyal list of clients. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

Jacson Bevens, one of Brandon Nelson’s real estate brokers, recently helped a single grandmother buy a house for the first time. She was raising her nine-year-old granddaughter and using a low-income financing program that forced her to jump through hoops in a long, drawn-out process. Bevens and the team at Brandon Nelson Partners found her the perfect home, overcoming some past disappointments. At the eleventh hour, just before closing on the house, a mistake by the lender was discovered, which threatened to cancel the entire sale. But Bevens kept everyone involved calm and found a solution that allowed them to move forward. The buyer was extremely grateful to finally have her own home. For Nelson and his team, experiences like this are what it’s all about.

Giving Back to Whatcom County

This year Brandon Nelson Partners will donate $10,000 to a local nonprofit as part of their “100 Houses” program. Photo courtesy: Brandon Nelson Partners.

When asked why he loves Whatcom County so much, Nelson says, “It was the landscape that brought me and my family to Bellingham – but the people that make it home for us.” As a way of giving back to this community that he loves, Brandon Nelson Partners will donate $10,000 to a local nonprofit upon selling their 100th house this year. This program is called “100 Houses,” and with every sale, the team of seven adds to the final contribution.

Nelson invites you to give him a call at 360-389-2489 to discuss how he and his team can help you achieve your homeownership dreams.

Sponsored

Mountain School Fosters Environmental Connection

By
Serena Keenan Intern from Sehome High School
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An integral part of the Mountain School experience are the various hikes. Photo courtesy: North Cascades Institute.

Six years ago, when I was a fifth grader at Lowell Elementary School, my class went on a field trip to the Mountain School. None of us knew anything about it except that it was a three day, overnight field trip and the older kids said it was, “The best thing ever.” This sentiment held true when it was our turn.

We arrived at school slightly earlier than usual to make good time on getting to the Mountain School. Photo credit: Serena Keenan.

We left home in the morning on a chilly fall day, loading our bags (including the requested rain gear, coats, cameras and pajamas) and sleeping bags underneath a school bus before piling in. What followed felt like the longest drive ever, even though it couldn’t have been more than an hour. We were just so excited! I remember passing the time talking to my friends and the bus driver about the movie Pirates of the Caribbean which, at the time, was coming to theaters.

When we finally reached the location, we climbed out of the bus and saw a bounty of wonderful nature. There were trees everywhere, along with rocks, logs, trails and trademark Pacific Northwest mountains, all more beautiful than I had ever seen them. We were awestruck at the sight of this unadulterated nature and thus our Mountain School experience began.

Even though I was in charge of my camera for most of the trip, my mother still made sure to take pictures of me on some of the trails. Photo credit: Karrie Keenan.

Over the past 28 years, the North Cascades Institute has provided the nationally recognized Mountain School program for fifth graders in Northwest Washington. Annually, the program serves about 2,400 students from the Bellingham, Sedro Woolley, Anacortes, Mount Vernon, and Concrete school districts. Typically, a school will bring their whole class of fifth graders up to the Learning Center, where they will stay for three days and participate in various outdoor activities like hiking.

“The goal of Mountain School is interconnectedness,” explains Kimber Burrows, Mountain School manager. “The whole idea is to build that bridge to your home community and understand that we’re all connected and things happening up here in the mountains have an effect, because we’re all connected by a waterway.”

2017 Mountain School students make their way up the famed long trek from the bus drop off to the Learning Center. Photo courtesy: the North Cascades Institute.

Over the course of three days, students participate in activities that go with each day’s theme. Day one focuses on abiotic or nonliving nature (like rocks), so students complete activities like looking at the watershed, learning about orographic effect or going to the beach to learn about alluvial valleys. Day two focuses on biotic or living organisms, so activities range from learning about living elements of the ecosystem to Each One Teach One, where each student becomes an expert on a biotic subject and they teach each other about their respective areas of expertise. The culmination of the curriculum is on Day three, when students learn about how biotic and abiotic species relate to each other and finally, how each and every one of us is connected.

Many of the lessons take place outside, where the students can be immersed in nature. Photo courtesy: North Cascades Institute.

“Then, at the closing ceremony, we allow students time to either just think about or verbally share what we call an unselfish wish,” says Burrows. “As they leave Mountain School and they reflect on their experience here, what is their unselfish wish? For some of them it’s very personal and something specific to them but for others it can be something that they wish for all people. It’s a really touching time and it’s really magical.”

Something that also makes the Mountain School program unique is its reach. Burrows moved to Washington after working for an environmental youth outreach program in Denali, Alaska. She was interested in coming down here because of the impact that the program could potentially have given the larger population to size ratio in Washington. “I really was compelled to put my energy and my compassion into a program that has more reach,” she says, “and that’s what Mountain School has. Mountain School has longevity, so you can talk to adults that come even as parent chaperones that were mountain schoolers.” She has found that in the Pacific Northwest, this program has quickly become a fifth grade rite of passage because of that longevity.

An integral part of the Mountain School experience are the various hikes. Photo courtesy: North Cascades Institute.

The program also involves more people than just the students. Many Learning Center instructors are graduate students who are completing their teaching residency with the institute. “I’m working with a grad student right now who is doing his master’s work through Western Washington Huxley,” Burrows says. “He attended Mountain School so it’s interesting to get his perspective.” She knows several graduate students who were once mountain schoolers and are now pursuing a career in teaching or environmental education.

In its many years of operation, Mountain School has touched numerous lives like mine. In recalling my Mountain School experience and all the fun I had there, I remember this was the first time I felt like I was part of something bigger. This is due to the all-encompassing unity that nature provides and, of course, the opportunity that Mountain School gave me.

Experience a Cozy Winter Getaway at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa

By
Cassandra Darwin
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winter getaway at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa
The Living Room at The Chrysalis Inn offers comfortable seating around a cozy fire with stunning views of Bellingham Bay. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.

Tucked away on a quiet street near Boulevard Park in Bellingham is a cozy haven, perfect for a winter getaway. Whether you are planning an anniversary celebration, girls’ weekend or even a corporate retreat, The Chrysalis Inn & Spa is the perfect location.

The guest rooms at The Chrysalis all offer a gas fireplace, luxury amenities and window seat, perfect for a cozy winter getaway. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.

The Chrysalis is the ideal place to snuggle up by a fire and escape both daily stress and dreary winter days. Their “Living Room” is a cozy, communal space with a beautiful view of Bellingham Bay. This area offers guests a variety of comfortable chairs, a roaring fire, games to share, stunning sunsets and access to the full bar at Keenan’s at the Pier.

A Night Away

If you need a night or two away for a recharge, any one of the four room types offered at The Chrysalis will leave you feeling rested and refreshed. Plus, instead of spending time on the road, it’s just a short drive down State Street.

At The Chrysalis you will have everything you need from the moment you check-in. Each room is outfitted with luxury linens and down comforters, aromatherapy amenities, microfiber robes and a two person soaking tub – perfect for a romantic night away. One guest happily commented that their room smelled like a spa.

winter getaway at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa
Rooms at The Chrysalis are comforting and inviting. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.

Hotel guests can order room service from the full menu at Kennan’s at the Pier, including wine. Or they can enjoy a delightful dining experience at the restaurant. The menu changes seasonally and includes fresh seafood. Their culinary variety is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The restaurant is open for three meals every day and features waterside views from each table. There is also seating on their heated patio – a truly memorable dining experience.

The Chrysalis regularly updates their special packages for holiday weekends. If you’re looking for a deal, winter rates are the most affordable. With free Wi-Fi and complimentary covered parking, you won’t even need to leave your room during this winter escape. You’ll be free to enjoy your private view of Bellingham Bay, take in breathtaking sunsets and luxuriate before the gas fireplace no matter what the weather has in store.

Relaxation at the Spa

This Spa at The Chrysalis has a steam room open to all hotel guests, a relaxation lounge,and treatment rooms for massage, facials, manicures and pedicures, professional makeup and waxing. Photo courtesy: Chrysalis Inn & Spa.

If you need extra pampering during your time away, a trip to the Spa at The Chrysalis is in order. All hotel guests have complimentary access to the steam room and additional services are available. This quiet oasis on the hotel’s ground floor offers a relaxation lounge, massage, facials, manicures and pedicures, professional makeup and waxing. This would be an ideal location for a ladies weekend away or bachelorette party.

They also offer monthly specials that many Bellingham residents stop in to enjoy on a regular basis. The spa is open every day of the week to hotel guests and the public. The 10 treatment rooms tend to book up, so reservations are recommended. You can make appointments or discuss treatment options by calling 360-392-5515.

Off-Site Meetings and Retreats

Keenan’s at the Pier offers upscale dining with waterside views and provides a full room service menu to hotel guests. Photo courtesy: Chrysalis Inn & Spa.

The tranquil atmosphere at The Chrysalis is an ideal location for off-site meetings. The hotel has a flexible meeting room that can be tailored to your needs and has all of the technology you need to conduct business. Or uplift your work team by booking a multi-day corporate retreat.

Stepping out of the office may be just what you need to finish an important project, conduct a planning session or reward your employees. Groups have access to a full catering menu from Keenan’s at the Pier. The hotel’s Living Room is also a great location for corporate cocktail receptions, dinners and parties.

Even More Rooms with a View

winter getaway at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa
The Living Room at The Chrysalis Inn offers comfortable seating around a cozy fire with stunning views of Bellingham Bay. Photo credit: Cassandra Darwin.

This locally owned boutique hotel is about to undergo a remodel. Every room will get completely refreshed with new carpets, bedding, furniture and televisions. The remodel will also include the addition of two new rooms, for a total of 45 guest rooms and suites.

The unique location of The Chrysalis, just between Boulevard Park and Fairhaven, gives you the chance to leave home without wasting time driving. And if you’d like a breath of fresh air, access to the overwater boardwalk and Taylor Dock are situated just steps from the hotel. You’ll soak up some of Bellingham’s finest views while strolling over the water.

You can book your own winter escape now or call directly to discuss special packages at 360-756-1005.

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa
804 10th Street
Bellingham

Sponsored

First Federal Is Hosting Their Annual Customer Appreciation Day

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

Submitted by: First Federal 

First Federal will be hosting their annual Customer Appreciation Day on Friday February 9 in all full service locations in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap and Whatcom counties, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Customer Appreciation Day is a day in which First Federal celebrates all customers by offering prize winning opportunities and delicious treats.*

Customers will be entered to win $95 by participating in any of the following activities on Friday, February 9, 2018:

  • Be a First Federal customer
  • Visit a First Federal Branch**
  • Use a First Federal ITM (Interactive Teller Machine – Port Angeles, Silverdale and Bellingham locations only)
  • Login to your First Federal Online Banking
  • Use our hashtag #ourfirstfedCAD2018 on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram.

A total of five $95 prizes will be awarded on or after February 14, 2018. For official rules visit any branch or go to www.ourfirstfed.com. No purchase necessary to win.

** Not required to be a First Federal Customer

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.

Peoples Bank Announces Senior Management Promotions at Barkley Financial Center Headquarters

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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Peoples Bank is a truly local bank. Photo courtesy: Peoples Bank

Submitted by: Peoples Bank

Today, Peoples Bank announced several new senior management promotions at the Barkley Financial Center headquarters. Specifically, the following promotions were announced: Amanda Scoby to Senior Vice President, Audit Director; Jennifer Evans-Thompson to Senior Vice President, Director of Mortgage Lending; and Ali Alsos to Vice President, Director of Operations.

Amanda Scooby is the new Senior Vice President and Audit Director, Photo courtesy: Peoples Bank.

Amanda Scoby

In her new role as Senior Vice President and Audit Director, Amanda Scoby provides strategic leadership to Peoples Bank’s audit function, ensuring both risk and emerging risk areas are appropriately monitored and managed.

Amanda joined Peoples Bank in 2014 and is a Certified Public Accountant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Science in Finance, both from Texas A&M University.

Jennifer Evans-Thompson

As Senior Vice President and Director of Mortgage Lending, Jennifer Evans-Thompson now manages Peoples Bank’s mortgage production and mortgage operations, bringing all mortgage lending under a single point of accountability in this newly designed role.

Jennifer Evans-Thompson is now Senior Vice President and Director of Mortgage Lending. Photo courtesy: Peoples Bank.

Jennifer joined Peoples Bank in 2015 as a Real Estate Loan Operations Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Operations Management from Washington State University.

Ali Alsos

As the newly appointed Director of Operations, Ali Alsos oversees Loan Operations, Deposit Operations, Electronic Funds Operations, Operations Administration and Strategic Project Management. Ali was previously Retail Branch Manager of the Peoples Bank Downtown Bellingham Office.

Born and raised in Bellingham, Ali is on the board of the Whatcom Humane Society. She was recently featured in an article offering tips for financial planning.

Ali Alsos is the new Director of Operations. Photo courtesy: Peoples Bank.

About Peoples Bank

Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with over $1.6 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, the Bank was founded in 1921 and operates 25 branches located throughout Washington. In its most recent rating, Bauer Financial, a leading independent bank rating firm, awarded Peoples Bank its highest five-star superior rating. This rating recognizes Peoples Bank’s strong financial management practices, dedicated employees and long-standing customer relationships. Learn more about Peoples Bank at https://www.peoplesbank-wa.com/.

Register for the 2018 Ski to Sea Race

By
LocalTalk Contributor
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ski to sea parade
Ski to Sea is a treasured local event.

Submitted by: Whatcom Events

Whatcom Events is pleased to announce that registration for the 46th Annual Ski to Sea Race is open. The big race is Sunday May 27, 2018. Teams that register and are paid in full prior to February 14 will be placed in a drawing and one winning team will receive Ski to Sea Hoodies for their entire team. Note: the team captain can pay for the team even if each leg is yet to be assigned.

We would also like to remind you of the change we made to the race for 2018 of allowing racers to participate in multiple legs (with a maximum of three legs per individual). Teams will consist of a minimum of three racers and a maximum of eight racers. Individuals may compete in up to three legs for one team or multiple teams. Details are on the Race Guide at skitosea.com.

We are bringing back the Top Gun Awards in 2018. The top female and top male finishers of each leg will receive a medal and a $100 gift card courtesy of our generous Sponsor, Fred Meyer. Top Gun Awards will be announced on Tuesday, May 29 and racers will be contacted individually. For the Top Gun award in the canoe leg, the award will go to the first finishers that have two female and two male paddlers, respectively.

Last year, we began an annual tradition of awarding one free community team to a local non-profit organization. Teams that would like to bring awareness to a local non-profit or charitable organization, should contact anna@skitosea.com for a community team request form. Submissions are due by February 16 and we will notify the lucky 2018 community team by February 23.

Lastly, Whatcom Events would like to welcome our new Board President Mark Lee. Mark has served on our Race Committee for three years and has participated in the Ski to Sea Race numerous times. More information about Mark and the other six members of our Board of Directors can be found on our website, whatcomevents.org/board-of-directors.

We are looking forward to a successful event in 2018!

For more information please contact Anna Rankin, Race Director, Whatcom Events, at 360-746-8861 or anna@skitosea.com.

The Ski to Sea Race is owned and operated by Whatcom Events, a volunteer-operated and community-driven 501(c)(4) organization.

Launching Success: 2017 Small Business of the Year

By
Janine Johnson
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Jen Zimmerman, co-owner of Launching Success, is humbly honored by their Best Small Business win. Photo credit: Janine Johnson.

As a child, my mother would take me to what we colloquially referred to as “the teachers’ store” on at least a yearly basis. My sister and I never protested this errand. We would happily hop in the car for the drive into town to help her pick out her supplies.

Launching Success is brimming with creative ideas for teachers, parents and kids alike. Photo credit: Janine Johnson.

My mother is a retired elementary educator. She taught mostly third and fourth grade during her career. From my perspective, she was awesome at her job. But even an unbiased critic could ascertain, as evidenced by those many trips to “the teachers’ store,” that my mother willingly put extra time and money from her own pocket into her students’ learning experience. She liked offering the kids more, everything from science experiments, seasonal projects and cooking in the classroom to eye-catching bulletin-boards, prizes for “the treasure box” and arts and crafts materials. “The teachers’ store” offered her convenience and inspiration. It was not simply a store, it was a treasure trove of ideas.

We are so fortunate to have a place like this in Bellingham, brimming with learning games, workbooks, toys and supplies. It’s called Launching Success and it’s an idea factory.

Launching Success isn’t just for teachers, however. This store is for moms, dads, caregivers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters – anyone who helps foster kids’ imaginations and/or learning experience, or simply loves to spoil them with super-cool gifts.

Launching Success carries a huge selection of carefully curated classroom materials and kids toys. Photo credit: Janine Johnson.

It’s not uncommon for first-time shoppers to find themselves surprised at Launching Success’ breadth. They often exclaim, “How did I not know this place was here?” The vast building is a neat array of aisles, each with shelves full of teaching supplies and quality toys … so many fantastic toys.

Launching Success is a successful, highly-regarded stalwart among Whatcom County educators and community members – and was recently bestowed the honor of “2017 Small Business of the Year” by the Bellingham/ Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

“It was humbling and amazing to win and be recognized by our community,” says Jen Zimmermann, co-owner of Launching Success. She and her business partner, Kristen Krumdiack, work very hard to keep their retail space vibrant, inviting and current, and their business thriving. Jen emphasizes that they did not get into small business to be recognized; they own and operate Launching Success because they believe strongly in providing resources for the children and educators of Whatcom County. And while they do not subsist on acknowledgements and praise, it always feels good when your hard work is noticed.

Jen first heard about the award nomination at a “business after business” event early this past fall. She was approached by Guy Occhiogrosso, president and CEO of the Bellingham Whatcom Chamber of Commerce. When asked if Launching Success would accept the nomination, her immediate response was an emphatic, “Well of course we will!” It was an exciting prospect for Launching Success and an honor and surprise to be considered for the award.

Jen Zimmermann, co-owner of Launching Success, is humbly honored by their Best Small Business win. Photo credit: Janine Johnson.

The selection process was thorough and included peer interviews and even a short video produced by Veritas Media Productions. The part that resonated the most with Jen were the Chamber of Commerce subcommittee interviews. Three people, peers from the business community and fellow members of the Bellingham/ Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, spent hours at the store asking questions, taking copious notes and exploring the space. It was during that step of the process that Jen realized the extent to which the Chamber of Commerce not only recognized Launching Successes’ work, but aimed to truly understand their mission as a local business and communicate it to the community at large.

On the night of the awards dinner, Jen did not consider Launching Success a shoe-in for the trophy. Each of the nominated businesses were vastly different and wholly deserving of the honor. She did note, however, that Launching Success was the sole retail business, which conjured up a bit more pride. She appreciated that her peers saw real value in their brick-and-mortar enterprise.

While winning the designation of “Small Business of the Year” is a humbling honor, the best rewards for Jen and Kristen are the returning customers. For teachers seeking a creative jumpstart, parents searching for a fun, rainy day activity or kids looking for something new and exciting, Launching Success is the place to go. Our community has long valued this phenomenal store and now they have the official recognition to prove it.

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What To Do In and Around Bellingham Feb. 2—4

By
Events Editor
-
Bellingham for Martin Luther King

Welcome to February Whatcom County! Let’s kick this month’s inaugural weekend off right. There are plenty of opportunities for you to have fun, learn and live life to the fullest. Don’t miss out! Here are a few ideas of fun things to do in and around Bellingham Feb. 2—4. And don’t forget to check out our full events calendar for all the fun happenings in Whatcom County.

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 credit: Jodi Broughton

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