When engaging in outdoor recreation, participants should take care to respect Whatcom wildlife. Photo credit: Justin Pedigo | FC Photography.
This weekend is shaping up to be particularly excellent. 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 Jan. 26—28. 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.
The Port of Bellingham is pleased to announce the hiring of Don Goldberg as its Director of Economic Development. Goldberg will be an integral part of Whatcom County’s economic development team, which includes a collaboration of business service, economic development and workforce organizations partnered together to recruit and retain businesses and create family-wage jobs.
Don Goldberg brings unique experience and professional background to his new position. Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.
Goldberg has over 25 years of economic development experience working in the commercial real estate, non-profit and government sectors. Most recently, Goldberg served as Director of Business Development for the Port of Portland where he managed a team of domestic and international economic development managers which sold or leased millions of dollars in land transactions and helped create thousands of jobs.
“We are pleased to welcome Don Goldberg to the Port of Bellingham,” said Port Executive Director Rob Fix. “Sustainable economic development is central to the Port’s mission and Don has the experience we need to support our business community and recruit new businesses to Whatcom County.”
The Director of Economic Development position will be jointly funded by the Port, the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County to increase the economic development efficiency and coordination between agencies. The Port, City and County have recently partnered together to fund Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Center and create a “Choose Whatcom” website to market the region to outside investors.
“Creating new family-wage job opportunities is a high priority for the Port, City and County,” said Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws. “Whatcom County will benefit by having a centralized office providing business development services to local companies and leading an increased effort to recruit new employers to our community.”
“I look forward to finding the strengths within each community in Whatcom County and using those strengths to help market the region,” said Goldberg. “An important first step will be to listen to the various stakeholders and find common ground to gain support and drive deliverables.”
Goldberg is a certified executive coach who has been trained in authentic dialogue and leadership.
“At the Port of Portland, I was able to combine my private sector real estate knowledge with my experience working as a Senior Project Manager for the Trust for Public Land to put creative partnerships together with neighborhoods, environmental groups, private developers, land owners and public agencies,” said Goldberg. “Finding out how key players can harmonize leads to a balanced and holistic approach towards development which helps tackle complex issues in a way that is in alignment with community values.”
Goldberg’s responsibilities will focus on creating and sustaining family-wage jobs throughout Whatcom County, but he sees an immediate opportunity on Bellingham’s downtown waterfront.
“The continued revitalization of Bellingham’s downtown core is critical to the success of the regional economy,” said Goldberg. “Downtown Bellingham is the heart of the city and the region and maintaining a critical mass of commercial, cultural and civic activities can become a major stimulator for economic growth throughout Whatcom County. The waterfront redevelopment project offers large development parcels and new waterfront amenities which are a unique opportunity for business development within the city center.”
“Don’s extensive background in real estate and business development will be an asset to our community,” said Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville. “I look forward to a continued collaboration with the Port of Bellingham, Whatcom County and our many economic development professionals as we work to increase the number of good paying, quality jobs in Bellingham.”
“I see some amazing economic development opportunities within both the urban centers and rural areas of the county,” said Goldberg. “There are six million people living within 90 miles of here and employers have access to an affordable and educated workforce with five local higher-education institutions. Whatcom County has a reputation as a great place to live, work and play which is a major draw to young professionals who are placing an increasing value on the active lifestyle.”
As a community leader, Goldberg served on the Port of Portland’s Blue Ribbon Committee, assisting with creating a growth strategy for the marine business, as well as on the Board of the Intertwine Alliance and on other various committees. Don is a trained French chef, has traveled to over 75 countries, enjoys sailing and looks forward to exploring the world renowned San Juan Islands, and has a wide variety of other interests.
Becoming more aware of what is happening in the community is key to Burdick. Leadership Whatcom paved the way to building strong leadership skills and creating that awareness for him. Photo courtesy: Veritas Media Productions.
Josh Burdick and Veritas Media Productions continue to focus on supporting local business growth and success. Photo courtesy: Veritas Media Productions.
Owner Josh Burdick recently completed the 11 month program and had such a positive experience that he wants to share it with others.
Burdick believes that tremendous impact can occur from having conversations within the community on topics such as growth, homelessness and economic development. “We want to make a lasting impact,” he says. “We know there are issues that need to be addressed and tackled in our community, and we want to be a part of that.”
“It was a fascinating experience,” Burdick said, “every session is full of new places I have never been and people I have never met.”
The program showed Burdick what it takes to deliver basic services throughout the community and he left feeling fascinated by how different leadership styles play a role in the delivery of those services. The insights he has gained have given him new motivation.
“I want to take my stretch goals and put them into practice,” says Burdick. “As I become more aware and learn about the challenges and issues impacting our community, I want to partner with other businesses and organizations who are interested in the same things.”
Veritas Media Productions shares important stories in our community through video. Photo courtesy: Veritas Media Productions.
Through Leadership Whatcom, businesses such as Veritas Media Productions cultivate contacts and have conversations that pave the way for creative growth and collaboration. These things were helpful for Veritas, who already had a reputation of persistence, hard work and customer care.
“For Veritas Media Productions, work doesn’t stop when the video is delivered,” describes Burdick. At Veritas, growth is obtained through persistent attention to the success of clients and their businesses.
The company’s focus on community success and growth has inspired Veritas Media to provide support for projects and organizations like Skookum Kids and the Lighthouse Mission. They also created the awards videos for the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner and the Whatcom Business Alliance.
“It’s about celebrating local business and community,” says Burdick. “We’re celebrating new businesses starting and established businesses thriving.”
Becoming more aware of what’s happening in the community is key to Burdick. Leadership Whatcom paved the way to building strong leadership skills and creating that awareness for him. Photo courtesy: Veritas Media Productions.
Through his own business and personal growth, Burdick knows that creating a solid base of true leaders in our community will have an incredible impact on economic growth. “I want to provide opportunities for people to learn about our community,” says Burdick, “and encourage people to start leading from where they’re at.”
Burdick’s desire to enhance community conversations and create positive impact is part of the core mission of Veritas Media, and it’s the reason he’s sponsoring two scholarships to the program.
To learn more about Leadership Whatcom and apply for one of the Veritas Media scholarships visit bellingham.com/leadership.
Industrial Credit Union's trained staff can help you determine how to leverage your home equity, if that's the right choice for you. Photo courtesy: Industrial Credit Union.
Credit. We hear the word often but the idea of it is still mysterious to some. What does bad credit mean and how can you change your score? How can you build credit? Why can’t you qualify for the best loans and interest rates? Fortunately, Industrial Credit Union offers free educational services to help answer these questions, coach you through your specific needs and teach the facts about credit.
Responsible use of credit cards can help boost your credit. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.
“We’re here to help people,” said Chris Juchmes, supervisor of the Fred Meyer Branch of Industrial Credit Union. “That is really our main motivation for why we are here – to educate, put them in a better position and offer products and services to help them. I can only imagine the amount of anxiety hanging over your head when you don’t understand what is happening.”
A bad situation can get worse quickly in the credit world and it can be difficult to know where to turn or who to talk to. If you get injured and can’t work, you suddenly may have high medical bills, no income and a rapidly depleting savings account. Before you know it, you have lost your possessions and are deep in debt.
“I think, and it isn’t always the case, that people have a hard time asking for help when things come up,” Chris offers. “The best thing to do is to reach out as soon as you can’t pay a bill. There can be modifications, like lowering bill amounts, if you are ever in a situation. It is important to get ahold of someone before it is too late. If you are three months late on a car payment there are limited options but if you call that first month, people are able to do more to help.”
“Industrial Credit Union offers loans and savings, but also free financial counseling for members. If someone is having a hard time making ends meet, people are here to help make that situation better. I’m fortunate here because my boss, and my boss’s boss, are here to help put people in a better financial situation. We are looking at our products and services to help put them in a better place. We are here to help. We are not an organization built on profit.”
Set your kids up for a positive financial future. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.
In Chris’ work, he sees many clients who have lost hope that they can fix their credit. He has noticed that, “People get overwhelmed and don’t do anything to take care of [their credit] because they think once their credit is ruined, it’s ruined. That isn’t true. It takes conscious effort to repair it but all hope is not lost and your credit is fixable.”
Chris provides a variety of services with Industrial Credit Union including lending money, setting up new accounts and taking care of problems in the branch. He started as a teller, then worked in collections and now is in loans, creating a well-rounded view of both sides of credit. He knows what it is like to call someone who has not been paying their bills and he knows what it is like to help someone recover after getting to the point of collections. “I take the most enjoyment out of helping people who had a bump in the road that set them in a spiral where their credit was damaged,” he explains. “People get embarrassed and stressed out and don’t have the tools to repair or fix it. People don’t know what to do so they just ignore it and hope it goes away. For me, it’s great when people come in looking to rebuild their credit and be in a better position. Sometimes we can get them a loan to help them or sometimes it’s simply education. It is really rewarding to help people out. There is so much satisfaction and pride when people can go out on their own and grow. They see where the hard work is going with their credit score rising and qualifying for better loans.”
I personally remember the recent financial crises. Many people lost jobs, homes and savings, finding themselves in dire situations. This has caused younger generations to be understandably hesitant with credit. Watching your friends and family hurt from borrowing and being unable to repay has made them generally more financially conservative. However, while abusing credit can happen and cause problems, credit used right can be a positive tool that helps them. Lack of credit means that you can’t show a bank or lender that you are responsible with payments if and when you need a loan later on.
Industrial Credit Union is a truly local financial institution. Photo courtesy: Industrial Credit Union.
Industrial Credit Union’s “all about credit” page says, “Credit is the ability to make payments for something over time, such as a car, education or house. Because most people don’t have enough money saved to pay cash up-front for these items, it is necessary to use credit to spread the cost out over time.” Rather than fearing credit, or over-using credit, it is there to help you reach your goals sooner and to ease the burden of the cost.
Your credit score is a number that tells banks and lenders how responsible you have been in the past with your borrowed money. Chris put it this way, “Credit is a mysterious thing to most people – there is this number assigned to you and that is that. It’s not just an arbitrary number, though; your payment history, balances on credit cards, the percentage of your total available credit being used, etc. tell us how risky it is for us to lend you money and how likely it is that you will pay us back. It doesn’t take in to account your situation, but is simply raw data plugged into an algorithm.”
Understanding what goes into that credit score may prove to be useful knowledge in building up your score. “Your credit score can mean the difference between being denied or approved for credit, and a low or high interest rate,” Chris explains. “A good score can help you qualify for an apartment rental and even help you get utilities connected without a deposit.” Factors that go into credit are your payment history, amounts owed, length of history, types of credit used and new credit pursuits. Your payment history, which includes missed payments, is a large chunk of what determines your credit score.”
The Industrial Credit Union on State Street is ready to answer your questions. Photo courtesy: Industrial Credit Union.
If you find yourself without credit, or with low credit, you may be very eager to build up your score. This can be one of the more confusing and dangerous aspects of credit. “You need to be careful when applying for any type of loan – that you can trust the company you’re entering into an agreement with,” Chris relates. Rather than apply for lots of credit cards all at once, which may not be the best idea for building credit, you may want to consider a credit builder loan, establishing a secured loan or simply continuing to pay your current debt on time and in full each month. As the Industrial Credit Union website advises, “When it comes to credit, time is on your side – make your payments on time, every single month and you’ll start seeing positive increases in your score.”
For more answers or for insight to your personal financial position, feel free to take advantage of the many online resources provided by Industrial Credit Union, or stop in for that free financial counseling.
PeaceHealth Medical Group Pediatrics will offer gender-specific Great Conversations for local preteens and their families to discuss experiences in puberty, social issues, decision-making and other age-appropriate topics in March.
Education is key for weathering the storms of puberty. Photo courtesy: PeaceHealth.
Titled “A Heart-to-Heart on Growing Up,” the talk for girls will take place on Sunday, March 4, from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m., at St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham. The session is recommended for girls ages 10-12 and a parent or trusted adult. It will be facilitated by Julie Metzger, RN, MN.
Titled “The Joys and Challenges of Growing Up,” the talk for boys will take place on Sunday March 11, from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m., at St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham. The session is recommended for boys ages 10-12 and a parent or trusted adult. It will be facilitated by Rob Lehman, MD.
Good communication is key for families of teens and pre-teens. Photo courtesy: PeaceHealth.
Cost of each class is $65 per parent/child pair (scholarships available), and every family will receive a copy of Metzger and Lehman’s book, Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? Information will be relayed in an engaging format and relaxed atmosphere.
Nancy Southern greets guests at Satori in Downton Bellingham. Photo credit: Will Kersten.
Nancy Southern—baby boomer, creative life coach and cannabis advocate—has recently teamed up with Bellingham’s Center for Mindful Use (CMU) to bring cannabis awareness and education to local seniors. With a master’s degree in psychotherapy and mental health education, and decades of experience as a practitioner of alternative therapies such as Reiki and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), she is no stranger to helping people achieve their mental, emotional and physical potentials. Having recently discovered the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and integrating it into her life, she is on a mission to help others like herself to feel better, live lighter and age gracefully.
Nancy Southern teaches Whatcom County seniors the benefits of mindful cannabis use. Photo courtesy: Nancy Southern.
Nancy’s interest in healing started with her own struggles as a child. She grew up in a household where there was a consistent alcohol use, cigarette smoking and mental and emotional instability. “I saw a lot of suffering—and as a child, I could do very little about it. Then my mom got lupus and suffered even more, as the meds she used caused more problems than they solved,” she says.
As a result, Nancy became deeply interested in spirituality and emotional healing, and pursued a career in mental health. In college, she got a masters in psychotherapy and mental health education and went on to start a career helping people. She soon became discouraged with the confines of her county mental health practice. She wanted to help in a more innovative and direct way, with people who were open to new, proactive ways for changing their lives for the better. I began to look into alternative healing methods and practices for mind, body and spirit. “I got into spiritual coaching, counseling, energy work. I explored everything alternative including meditation and yoga. I loved seeing the results that clients were experiencing,” she says.
Nancy first began to experiment with marijuana in her early 20’s as an alternative to alcohol for socializing with peers. She also saw it as a therapeutic tool and, importantly, as a way to facilitate her spiritual growth. In the 70s there was little reliable information about different types of cannabis, let alone any formal quality control. So while she saw and experienced the benefits of intentional, conscious use, she lacked education and there was no consistency in the product. “Back then, I didn’t have any control over the quality—or the effects,” she says. So she quit cannabis altogether, only smoking occasionally during the mid-90s, until again rediscovering it—and its therapeutic potential—in June of 2017.
Nancy has been facilitating educational events at the Center For Mindful Use, where seniors learn how cannabis can help them age gracefully. Photo credit: Will Kersten.
For several years prior to 2017, her physical health had taken a significant downturn, and she began to suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, depression and a host of physical symptoms that defied diagnosis. A friend of hers—an acupuncturist who recommends cannabis as therapy for some of her clients in Oregon—saw Nancy suffering and gifted her an online course about the healing powers of cannabis, titled “The Sacred Plant.” It changed Nancy’s life.
“I was so grateful that I lived in a fully legal state and immediately found a source of cannabis oil and tincture as I was not, at that time, interested in smoking again. Within three days of experimenting with doses and frequency, my severe depression lifted significantly. I went from feeling that my depression and debilitating health problems would end my life prematurely, to experiencing a lightness of mind and emotions, improved energy and a sense of hope that I now could truly heal my body.”
She began to share “The Sacred Plant” with friends and fellow baby boomers. She says, “So many of us want to maintain a quality of life as we age. We want to sleep well, reduce aches, discomfort, inflammation and just feel normal again.” Over time, she continued experimenting with new forms of cannabis now available in the legal market and discovered she could achieve different results depending on which type of product or method she used. For example, vaporizing cannabis oil offers relief in minutes and tends to wear off in one to three hours, whereas ingesting it in the form of edibles and tinctures has a slower onset but the effects can last for many hours during the day. Another dose of a different type of strain helps her through the night.
The Center for Mindful Use is a wonderful community resource, hosting classes, workshops, yoga, meditation and monthly Cannabis Alliance meetings. Photo credit: Will Kersten.
Nancy wanted to learn as much as possible and felt inspired to look for a job in the cannabis industry where she could not only learn more about this amazing plant but help other Baby Boomers like her who are looking for alternatives to pharmaceuticals, or anyone who might benefit from the therapeutic, conscious use of cannabis.
In August of 2017, she discovered the Center for Mindful Use, which hosts free events for the community to come together and discuss responsible, conscious cannabis use and its benefits. CMU also offers yoga classes, meditation workshops and other uplifting, free events in line with Nancy’s overall interest in alternative tools and therapies. Located in downtown Bellingham, CMU shares a building with the recreational cannabis shop, Satori. In fact, Satori, in its commitment to education and promoting conscious use, donates the space to CMU. As it happened, by October there was a receptionist position open at the store. With Nancy’s background in alternative healing, her desire to help people and to be an access point for seniors, she was a perfect fit.
Since Nancy started at Satori, more and more seniors have been showing up interested in learning what cannabis can do for them. “There’s this look of recognition with fellow baby boomers,” she says. “People feel more comfortable sharing their story with someone they can relate with. Even younger customers often comment positively when they meet me at the door.”
The Center for Mindful Use space is warm and inviting, perfect for Nancy’s events. Photo credit: Will Kersten.
Not only does she understand where they’re coming from, she has the knowledge and experience to help them make more informed decisions. One of her goals is to really drive home the fact that cannabis can be so much more than a way to get high—that, in fact, you can use it to target specific symptoms and achieve specific results with a little education, guidance and experimentation.
“Knowledge is key to mindful use,” she says, and that’s where CMU comes in. Nancy and CMU Director Mike Hiestand use the space to conduct free educational and inspirational events, such as Conscious Cannabis Use for Seniors, Aging Gracefully, and even Cannabis and Pets. “We can talk about it and dispel some of the mythology and stereotypes in a safe, fun and open environment,” she says.
These events can be talks, educational films or group discussions with Q & A at the end. And the program is evolving. Mike and Nancy are even developing plans to take these events into places like senior centers and community rooms in order to bring the message directly to the people—especially those who may have mobility issues or who can’t make the trip to downtown Bellingham. “We want to be available to groups around the county who want to know more about cannabis and look forward to being asked to bring this information to them,” Nancy says.
Nancy Southern greets guests at Satori in Downton Bellingham. Photo credit: Will Kersten.
And what is that message? That with intentional, responsible, mindful use, cannabis can help enhance people’s lives and help seniors age gracefully. Nancy says, “I like to call it medicine rather than a drug. ‘Drug’ has so many negative connotations. I want to advocate for descheduling and get cannabis back to an herbal plant with healing properties like lavender and rosemary.” She added that cannabis has virtually zero life-threatening side effects, as compared to so many pharmaceuticals. And that what side effects there are (getting “high” from taking too much or getting the “munchies”) are not only harmless, but wear off fairly quickly.
If you’re a senior new to cannabis, on the fence about it or haven’t used it since, say, the 60s or 70s, Nancy recommends going into a qualified store and consulting with a medical marijuana consultant or an experienced budtender (and of course, talking with your doctor or healthcare provider). Much has changed and new research is just beginning to tap into the health benefits offered by this unique plant. “Most conventional medicines and supplements seem to be compatible with low doses of cannabis,” says Nancy, “but it’s always advisable to make sure you’re conscious and mindful about it. The general rule is ‘start low and go slow.’ Consultation and education are very important.”
Nancy herself is in the process of getting certified as a medical marijuana consultant so, between her role at Satori, her events with CMU and her life coaching practice, she’ll be able to offer even more help to seniors—and anyone, really—who is looking to enhance their lifestyle with cannabis. Nancy’s personal favorite types of cannabis are those that calm her mind and ease anxiety. “I lean toward an indica or predominately CBD (a non-psychoactive component of the plant that has shown much promise as a medicine), due to my individual situation,” she says. Everyone is different, with different needs and sensitivities.
If you’re interested in learning more about cannabis or would like to talk with others about it, check out the schedule of events at CMU online or stop into Satori and say hi to Nancy! For more information about Nancy’s creative and spiritual life coaching services, visit her website Road Less Traveled Coaching.
Melissa Broersma of Fairhaven's Gainesbarre Vin Naturel is one of the many talented bartenders set to celebrate our area's growing cocktail scene during Bellingham Cocktail Week. Photo credit: Patrick Beggan.
Bellingham is known for its slew of breweries and beer-friendly culture – and rightly so. But its cocktail game is also worth raving about, and is set to be celebrated during Bellingham Cocktail Week.
Try something completely different with a Japanese Whisky tasting at Uisce on February 3 or a game of Clue at northwater that same night. Like rum drinks? Swing by Temple Bar on February 7, and then hit Gainsbarre Vin Naturel to learn all about aperitifs.
Redlight owner Rebecca Ogden and former Temple Bar owner Chelsea Farmer threw the first Bellingham Cocktail Week in late 2015, a celebration of all things spirits. It was a rousing success, but 2016 came and went without a follow-up.
If you’ve been to Redlight, you’ve likely witnessed Dan Vee create mixology magic behind the bar. Photo credit: Patrick Beggan.
In spring of 2017, the two women approached Sara Holodnick about reviving and growing the event into an annual happening.
“They thought I’d be a good fit, so I took it on,” says Holodnick, who writes extensively about local cocktail culture for WhatcomTalk and has long been involved in downtown Bellingham events through her Good Time Girls tours and Bureau of Historical Investigation.
She began with a deep dive into researching other Cocktail Weeks across the country and landed on a plan that shines the spotlight on Bellingham’s bars and bartenders with a daily mainstay event, giving community members a chance to imbibe, enjoy – and learn.
“There will be one main event every day to draw people, and then they can go around to different locations and try specials and tastings and such,” says Holodnick. “We really want people to show up and engage with the bartenders and people there; they’re creating events that will be really engaging and exciting.”
Holodnick also enlisted the help of HappyChap Creative Co., a talented team she calls her “co-conspirators” and “the evil geniuses” behind the event’s branding and promotion. You can see some of HappyChap’s inspired work, including an entertaining video titled “Even Brewers Think It’s OK to Drink Cocktails,” on the Bellingham Cocktail Week Facebook page.
Molee McGarry’s downtown Irish pub, Uisce, will host a Japanese whiskey tasting during Bellingham Cocktail Week. Photo credit: Patrick Beggan.
And while the majority of stops on this year’s calendar are downtown and in Fairhaven – such as Uisce, övn, Miller’s Back Door, Rook and Rogue Board Game Pub, the Racket, and many more – folks outside the core have also jumped onboard, including northwater and BelleWood Distilling. Holodnick intends to ultimately stretch Bellingham Cocktail Week into all corners of Bellingham where cocktails are shaken and stirred.
Temple Bar beverage manager Riley White-Brainard has fabulous events planned, including a visit from Skip Rock Distillers on February 7, who will focus on their rum selections, showcasing the diversity and flexibility of the spirit.
“We’re also partnering with St. George Spirits to create a special cocktail menu for the evening of February 8,” says co-owner Carrie Cooper, “and we’ll offer Happy Hour Whiskey flights from Heaven Hill Distillery.” Spirits specialist Matt Harvey will be on hand to answer questions.
Temple Bar will offer additional tastings and/or educational seminars during the week.
“Gainsbarre – co-owned by Tom Grayling, former Daphne’s manager – features aperitif cocktails, so they’ll do a vermouth spotlight and educate and involve people in how you make a cocktail when you don’t have spirits,” says Holodnick.
Temple Bar manager Riley White-Brainard has helped organize several events, including an evening focused on rum-based concoctions. Photo credit: Patrick Beggan.
As title sponsors of Bellingham Cocktail Week, Grayling and his Gainsbarre team strive to be ambassadors of good spirit and goodwill in Bellingham’s vibrant night scene.
“Besides offering specials all week that showcase our exciting cocktail program with wine-based spirits, we’re hosting a few really special nights full of education with a big focus on aperitifs,” says Grayling.
Events at Gainsbarre – and its neighboring, soon-to-open Swim Club – will offer h’ors d’oeuvres, education, tasting and socializing with both a VIP ticketed evening featuring Lustau Sherry ambassador Nathan Layman and American Northwest Distributors, and also a public showcase on vermouth and aperitifs with Leith Shenstone of Fasel Shenstone Import in collaboration with Young’s Distributing.
Whole Foods Market will sponsor an industry appreciation brunch on February 6 and provide ingredients for a garnish competition as part of February’s Art Walk, where several downtown bars will compete to create the prettiest drink. People can sip the cocktails during Art Walk and then vote online for the winner. Whole Foods will also provide pop-ups throughout the week, highlighting craft cocktail ingredients.
“We’re excited to be part of this exciting event,” says Whole Foods’ Olivia Yates O’Donnell. “Bellingham Cocktail Week creates a platform to highlight local craft cocktail artisans and the creative ingredients they use, while providing residents with an opportunity to come together over artful cocktails.”
Bellingham Cocktail Week will also partner for a February 4 “Bellingham Rhapsody” event at Pickford Film Center. Holodnick dubs it “the official recuperation brunch” of Bellingham Cocktail Week.
Melissa Broersma of Fairhaven’s Gainesbarre Vin Naturel is one of the many talented bartenders set to celebrate our area’s growing cocktail scene during Bellingham Cocktail Week. Photo credit: Patrick Beggan.
“The Pickford will screen “Wayne’s World” alongside a brunch buffet with a Bayou on Bay bloody Mary bar and a coffee cocktail from Bellingham Coffee Roasters,” she says. All ticket sales will benefit the Pickford.
Holodnick thought carefully about the timing of Bellingham Cocktail Week.
“The holidays are too busy and so many people are doing dry January now, so we thought we’d wait and be ready for everyone on February 1,” she says with a laugh. “It’s also the time of year when people are realizing how much longer winter is.”
She specifically aimed to wedge the event into a time of year when area bars aren’t so busy and would benefit from a boost.
The bottom line is that Holodnick has every expectation of making a splash with Bellingham Cocktail Week and is fully committed to creating something special that will grow into an annual, signature event.
Keep on top of all the Bellingham Cocktail Week happenings at www.bellinghamcocktailweek.com and remember: There’s no need to try all the drinks in one evening; imbibe responsibly – and double-check that your Uber app is at the ready, should you need it.
Skating together builds skills and friendships that will last a lifetime. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Sports & Recreation.
An event-filled year awaits figure skaters and fans alike at the Bellingham Sportsplex. The fun kicks off with U.S. Figure Skating’s National Skating Month. This is a great opportunity for rinks and clubs to celebrate skating with families and new fans. This year, with the excitement of the Winter Olympics just around the corner in February, it is the perfect time to experience this fun and exciting sport. In fact, in honor of the Olympics, National Skate Month will be celebrated during January and February.
The Skating Academy gives kids the feeling of personal accomplishment. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Sports & Recreation.
Join the Figure Skating Academy for National Skate Day on January 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You can enjoy great exhibitions and pick up some cool swag from U.S. Figure Skating. Stick around for public skate time and take advantage of free skate rental on this very special day.
Leading right into the Valentine’s Day weekend is the LOVE to Skate exhibition on February 16 at 7:00 p.m. Fans and families will have another opportunity to watch some great skating. Don’t forget to stay for the public skate session right after the event.
Once the Olympics are over, the Bellingham Blades skaters will display their talent at the Bellingham Blades Invitational competition. Held in April, this event brings skaters from all over Puget Sound. Each will represent their individual club in this Learn to Skate USA competition event. Last year touted over 30 competitors including ten local skaters who highlighted their new season programs.
With the Skating Academy, kids thrive on the ice. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Sports & Recreation.
These events are supported by a strong skating community. “Our parents are awesome volunteers,” says Keri Ferguson, Figure Skating Academy Director. “We couldn’t host this kind of event without all of this participation from our skaters, coaches and families.”
New sessions for the Learn to Skate Academy are already being scheduled in 2018 and private instruction is always available.
Come cheer on our local skaters, have some fun, build community and celebrate this great sport at the Bellingham Sportsplex.
Each of BelleWood Acres' spirits submitted for judging have won their respective awards. Photo courtesy: BelleWood Acres.
There is an incredible event coming to BelleWood Acres this month. “A Man and His Still” will celebrate the distillery and spirits of John Belisle at BelleWood Acres on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will be delighted with the story of the farm as a Washington state pioneer in the spirits business, along with the history of distilling and local farmers.
BelleWood Acres takes pride in their award winning product. Photo courtesy: BelleWood Acres.
The night will be enhanced with owner and master distiller John Belisle’s favorite cocktails. From three kinds of vodka to gin, brandy and liqueurs, these award-winning spirits are made from specialty apples grown and distilled on location. “It really is orchard to glass,” says Pamela Felke, Events and Marketing Coordinator. “The BelleWood Acres experience really is a regional jewel because of all that it offers to the community.”
The tribute dinner will feature a pairing of John’s favorite cocktails and four delectable dinner courses prepared by Chef Justin Hawkinson and Baker Karen Duim of Crave Catering and Chef Josh Thompson of BelleWood Acres. “This is a celebration of the business and its owners,” continues Pamela.
BelleWood Acres, which was started in 1995 by John and Dorie Belisle, has evolved throughout the years. They opened the farm to the community and then created their distilling business in 2012. Their farm now includes the orchard, a country store, a café, a tasting room and an art gallery, along with a building perfect for hosting events.
Dori and John Belisle have created their own farm-to-sip distillery. Photo courtesy: BelleWood Acres.
“Our biggest ‘A-ha’ moment was realizing how much our community wanted to know about the food they eat,” says Dorie as she describes how they went from a closed farm, to welcoming the community for apple picking and other activities.
John and Dorie came to and stayed in Whatcom County because of the community. As strong supporters of local farmers, the community has embraced BelleWood Acres with its 21 varieties of apples, and its restaurant and distillery. “We wouldn’t be here without the community,” Dorie says.
BelleWood Acres has successfully created a venue for family-friendly apple and pumpkin picking, amazing concerts, private parties and special distillery dinners such as the one on January 27.
Dorie tells how John dove into the world of distilling as a way to continue to build the business and support for the farm. In the process, he found a passion for the art of distilling. The endeavor grew. John and his distillers went on to create seven unique spirits including honeycrisp vodka, raspberry vodka, gin, pumpkin spice, bruce and brandy. We are so fortunate to have won awards for every spirit we have entered in taste competitions nationwide,” notes Dorie.
The team at BelleWood Acres knows how to get the job done while having fun. Photo courtesy: BelleWood Acres.
Dorie explains that everything they do is an extension of the farm. Because their spirits are made from their own apples, they have been able to cultivate an incredible taste from the softness of the fruit. The result is wildly popular. “There are thirty pounds of apples in every bottle,” she says with a smile. “And we use the big apples.”
While the products of BelleWood Acres are seen around town at places like Community Food Co-Op and Haggen Northwest Fresh, stop by their café and store. They are open year-round for you to grab a tasty bite to eat and take home some great spirits made right on the farm.
Following the spectacular tribute, “A Man and His Still,” is BelleWood Acres’ Valentine Masquerade dinner on February 14. Come in red and white for this special event. As you enter the distillery room, you will be greeted with a BelleWood Kiss, a special drink created just for this special evening. And, with the incredible four course dinner, your taste buds will be tantalized. A mask will be provided for you or bring your own.
Be sure to join Dorie and John Belisle at these amazing events and discover more about BelleWood Acres. As the only distillery in the state that grows and distills its own spirits, BelleWood Acres is truly a gem in our community.
Reserve your spot for both of these not-to-be-missed events online at bellewoodfarms.com or by calling 360-318-7720. Stay connected to BelleWood Acres throughout the year to catch every amazing event.
The weekend is here and it’s time to have some fun! Don’t let the chilly weather keep you indoors. Get out, mix, mingle, adventure and connect. There are plenty of opportunities to help you live this weekend to the fullest. Here are a few ideas of fun things to do in and around Bellingham Jan. 19-21. 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.
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...
