Hike through the forest to beach and bluff at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve. Photo courtesy: Scenic Washington.
It’s weekend time again! And that means free time to relax, play, explore and otherwise enjoy this amazing place we call home. Check out these fun Whatcom County weekend events, including our great local farmers’ markets. Don’t forget to check our full events calendar for all the great local happenings this 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.
From left to right: Maggie Bates, Patrick Martin, Justus Peterson, Bobbi Plata and Shawn Serdahl. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders Inc.
A decade ago, husband-and-wife team and A-1 Builders Inc. owners Rick Dubrow and Cindi Landreth started thinking about their legacy. Rick was turning 60. “I’ve often heard people describe 60 as the ‘youth of old age,’” says Dubrow. “It’s when you start thinking, ‘Wow, my time here on the planet is on its last quarter or last third. What really matters?’”
From left to right, top to bottom: Shawn Serdahl, Justus Peterson, Tom Dorr, Cindi Landreth, Maggie Bates, Bobbi Plata, Justus Peterson, Rick Dubrow and Patrick Martin. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders Inc.
The idea of selling A-1 Builders to their employees made a lot of sense to the pair. But although worker-owned cooperatives are becoming increasingly popular—due to their many benefits, including impressive productivity and high staff morale—the process of transitioning from a standard business to a worker-owned model is less common. Yet the forward-thinking duo thought the end result would be worth the effort. Their decision was solidified in 2010 when Dubrow and Landreth attended a U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives conference in Berkeley, CA.
“The conference sealed the deal,” Dubrow says. “I realized that a worker-owned cooperative isn’t just a succession plan … it’s a social movement. The passion that surrounds the model is electric. After the conference our vision had a blueprint. Design was done. It was time to build.”
And so, after more than a decade of planning and deliberating, A-1 Builders officially became a Subchapter-T Corporation on July 1 operated by five initial owner-members: Patrick Martin (General Manager), Shawn Serdahl (Production Manager), Bobbi Plata (Office Manager), Maggie Bates (Design Manager) and Justus Peterson (Estimator and Project Management). These five have already logged 56 combined years with the company. And after the dust settles, the plan is to hopefully accept all qualifying employees as members of the cooperative.
“If we’ve done our job properly and created a good organization, our transition should be relatively easy and attractive,” Martin says. “In the most basic ways, the day-to-day management of the company doesn’t change. But the result is that people have a much deeper understanding of their involvement and their ability. We’re crafting a team at a different level than we have in the past.”
Every worthwhile project needs a great team and A-1 Builders has just that. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders Inc.
Martin believes the process itself has been integral in aligning and strengthening the team into a healthy and productive cooperative. “It’s been this dynamic, organic process where we’ve bashed our way through our frustrations and that has altered the way in which we work,” Martin says. “As we can continue to make it through these processes with one another, we learn to work together better.”
Rick Dubrow and Cindi Landreth wanted to put their company in the hands of those who knew it best. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders Inc.
The co-owners have taken the time to train staff properly on the essential components of ownership. An essential step in the company transition proved to be the metamorphosis of staff members into owners. “The extremely unique aspect of this transition is found in the structure of the worker-owned cooperative itself and how Rick and Cindi have worked with their employees to show them how they could become successful business owners,” says Grimstead. “They have been willing to invest a lot of time and money in training their people in the various areas of running this business.”
For those who have worked with A-1 Builders, taking on this rather unexplored territory and giving such attention to detail is not surprising. In addition to this cooperative, the Dubrow/Landreth duo leave an impressive trail of new local organizations they helped create during their careers: Sustainable Connections, Pro-Whatcom, Futurewise Whatcom, Transition Whatcom, Coal-Free Bellingham, Whatcom Folk School. Like these other organizations they birthed, their company has always been driven by what Dubrow refers to as triple bottom line management: considering people, planet and profit. Shouldn’t the people who helped grow the company be the ones who then take it to the next level? Who is better able to operate this company than those who’ve already done so?” Dubrow says.
And the definition of “people” for the company extends beyond the staff. Customer care is the highest priority at A-1 Builders. Employees are continuously building positive relationships with their customers and the community.
A-1 Builders’ successful transition will pave the way for others to follow with this innovative succession model. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders Inc.
Martin sees all of the different elements of business in a continually evolving cycle, where every aspect of the business affects the overall entity’s ability to succeed. “There is this reflective process that’s happening between the way we work internally as a company and what’s happening with our clients,” Martin says. “And hopefully one step further is our relationship with the community.”
Conversions of this sort may be rare but A-1 Builders’ successful transition has paved the way for others, laying down the groundwork for other businesses and organizations to follow as a viable, sustainable option in retirement and succession planning.
Self-taught, Hardy knows the importance of pursuing the tools and partners necessary for effective business growth. Photo courtesy: FizzPop Media.
Eighteen years ago, Brian Hardy, owner of FizzPOP Media decided to begin his career as a graphic designer. As a high school student listening to a presentation from a graphic designer in his art class, Hardy decided that this was the path he wanted to pursue. “I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Hardy says.
Hardy and FizzPop Media know the importance of knowing who you are and who your customer is when it comes to creating that online presence. Photo courtesy: FizzPop Media.
Ten years ago Brian Hardy got into web design to work with growing businesses in a new generation of marketing that was happening online. Self-taught and with on-the-job training, Hardy has always believed in helping businesses and people find the right, most productive way to grow their business. Starting out, he knew it was about finding those people who would give him a chance.
“It’s about meeting the right people and doing the right thing,” he says, describing how successful businesses grow.
Meeting the right people is just what Hardy has done in Whatcom County. Three years ago, he and his wife, Dana decided to make the move after visiting Bellingham. After meeting some incredible people, as Hardy describes, they decided Bellingham was where they wanted to plant roots. It was this move that also prompted the creation of FizzPOP Media, a company that focuses on the design of effective and engaging websites for businesses.
With FizzPOP Media, Hardy’s approach to web design goes deeper than just pictures and words on a page. He digs into the business, getting to know the people running it, what motivates the customer and even the sales process. He explains that an effective website will engage its visitors which means more sales and growth.
Brian Hardy created FizzPop Media three years ago focused on creating websites with explosive results. Photo courtesy: FizzPop Media.
Hardy sits down with his clients for a consultation at the very beginning of the process. This creates a customer persona that will result in the best website with the most effective message to attract and retain visitors. “We’ll always tell you the truth,” Hardy says. “You’re paying for our expertise and we’re here to help you.”
Hardy explains that an online presence is a reflection of a business and is often times the first impression of that business. It is through the creation of an effective website, one that goes beyond the coined word for a static website – “brochureware,” that a business is able to see results.
“You know more about your business than we do,” says Hardy. “But we know how to grow your business through online exposure.”
This commitment to working with and helping businesses create a strong online presence is a reflection of Hardy’s own commitment to his personal growth and business. Having never taken formal training in graphic or website design, Hardy has continuously dedicated himself to learning what it takes to be an effective designer that understands how growing through an online presence works.
After deciding on a future in design, Hardy moved from his home in Arizona to Florida. “I moved to Florida because I could,” he says. “I wanted to go so I found a way to make it happen.”
Self-taught, Hardy knows the importance of pursuing the tools and partners necessary for effective business growth. Photo courtesy: FizzPop Media.
It is that resolve and tenacity that has led Hardy to follow his passion for creating growth opportunities for the businesses he engages with. He is so passionate about this work that he even offers free advice to anyone that simply asks. In fact, he has created a newsletter that is full of tips on creating a better website that will result in more engagement and conversions. Working on his own for the past 18 years, Hardy truly understands the dedication it takes to grow a business. He gets great satisfaction in seeing this hard work pay off for his clients.
One of the first things on his agenda after moving to Bellingham was to get involved in the community and meet as many people as he could. Becoming involved in Whatcom Young Professionals introduced Hardy to the local business community and opened the door to growing a business locally. And the doors kept opening as he joined local chambers of commerce and other networking groups.
FizzPOP Media, recognized in 2016 as Best of the Northwest—Best Creative Company, continues to bring the creative side of promotion full circle. Because of his extensive design background, Hardy understands the importance of a logo design and print collateral and how well it needs to work with and complement an online presence for a business. When he works with clients, he ensures that all of their marketing works together to deliver the same, consistent message.
When you are ready for a web design and marketing business that truly wants to see your business grow and improve, look no further than FizzPOP Media. From design to delivery, your business will only benefit from an online presence that is all about creating excitement, engagement and conversions.
Here at the Mount Baker Theatre, we love to delight our audiences with the best of the best. That’s why we continue to curate a season of quality performers from a variety of different genres. This year, the artists boast an abundance of different awards and nominations including Grammys by the armful!
Roseanne Cash is sure to delight audiences. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
Banjoist extraordinaire Béla Fleck, winner of a whopping sixteen Grammys and nominee of more Grammy award categories than anyone in history, will be performing with his equally talented wife Abigail Washburn in support and celebration of their debut as a musical duo.
Roseanne Cash has carved an acclaimed spot in the music industry with three Grammy Awards for her album The River & The Thread. Joined by her husband John Leventhal, a five-time Grammy award winning producer and songwriter, this folk-country duo is sure to delight audiences.
American bluegrass and country music group Dailey & Vincent also hold their fair share of awards and nominations, Vincent alone holds five Grammys. As a duo these talented artists hold thirteen awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, two Grammy nominations in two different genres, and if that wasn’t enough, they were recently inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, a crowning achievement they share with stars such as Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash!
Catch Brian Setzer and his all-star band in their rockin’ holiday show. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
For those of you preferring music outside of country, folk and bluegrass genres, dive into rockabilly and swing with two-time Grammy-winner Brian Setzer and the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Setzer holds the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement award. Catch him and his all-star band in December with their rockin’ holiday show.
But Grammys aren’t the only accolades that this season’s performers have earned. Two of our events feature Canadian artists who have won JUNO awards. Matt Andersen is performing in a twin bill with Shemekia Copeland and belts amazing blues, and Michael Kaeshammer is a boogie-woogie piano man extraordinaire.
We Banjo 3 are sure to delight. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
And since we’re going international, we can’t forget some of our favorite Irishmen, We Banjo 3, who will be returning to our stage this year. Beloved in their home country as well as worldwide, their debut was named by the Irish Times as “Traditional Album of the Year.” Their fourth and most recent album release, String Theory, features the band’s innovative style of “celtgrass” and reached the number one spot on the Billboard World Charts.
You don’t want to miss this collection of award-winning musical acts. Join us for Embark! Open House and On-Sale, July 23, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., when thirty-plus exceptional outings become available for you to include in your 2017-18 entertainment calendar.
Iam not that different from you, you know? I’ve lived in Bellingham for 17 years and am a Pacific Northwesterner to the core. I know summer doesn’t officially start until the 5th of July and that it’s beautiful through September. I love spending time outdoors with my husband and best friend, Juddy. I constantly battle “mom guilt” wondering if I’m spending enough time with my five and seven-year olds. I love my mother dearly and couldn’t be a working mom without her. Sound familiar?
Danielle Rosellison is teaching her children classic American values. Photo courtesy: Center for Mindful Use.
The only major difference is probably that I own and run a cannabis farm. Ten thousand square feet of marijuana, a plant the government deemed eighty years ago as having no medicinal value, puts food on my children’s table and a roof over their heads. It does the same for the twenty plus employees we have working here at any given time.
I didn’t plan on being a cannabis entrepreneur. I was really just chasing the American Dream. Take a chance, work hard, put everything you have behind an idea and anyone can become a millionaire. Rags to riches, right?
While I’m still waiting for the riches, what has been really great to watch over the last three and a half years is how my littles perceive their parents’ career. First, if you ask them what their parents do for a living they will tell you that we “solve problems.” Sounds like a normal American small business owner, right? They think it’s stupid that they can’t come inside the warehouse and they look forward to being 21, not so that they can consume adult beverages, but so they can come to work with their parents. They also view cannabis in a completely different light than my generation. My seven year old asked me the other day, “Mama? Does that plant you grow, cannabis, does it save lives?” It caught me off guard. I realized that my children are growing up in a time when cannabis is viewed as something that can help people rather than something that tears families apart.
Danielle Rosellison is an owner/operating manager of Trail Blazin’ Productions, a cannabis farm in Bellingham, and President of The Cannabis Alliance. Photo courtesy: Center for Mindful Use.
As parents, it is our duty to raise informed citizens, to be good role models and to teach our kids to think for themselves. Although working in the cannabis industry was never my plan (I was going to be a school teacher and have the degree to prove it), I’m thankful for all the teachable moments it has given our family. Since this is such a politically charged industry, my kids have learned the importance (at an age appropriate level of course) of being involved with their government. They’ve learned if they don’t like the rules, they should work to change them. They have learned that nothing comes easy (entrepreneurship is an emotional roller-coaster) and, if you work hard at something, anything is possible. I think, perhaps just like your family, these are American values that any mom would be proud to see instilled in her children.
Danielle Rosellison is an owner/operating manager of Trail Blazin’ Productions, a cannabis farm in Bellingham WA. She is also the President of The Cannabis Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of a vital, ethical and sustainable cannabis industry.
Artist Haley Didier presents her work in Fairhaven's Scandi Butik & Gifts. Photo courtesy: Haley Didier.
Whatcom County is fortunate to be the home of an active, diverse artist community. Many live, create, exhibit and sell their work in Fairhaven. Some local artists have successfully collaborated with Fairhaven businesses to expand Art Walks in Fairhaven from just twice a year to a regular monthly event, dubbed the Fairhaven Fourth Friday Art Walk. On the fourth Friday of each month from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., with the exception of December, the art walk will celebrate the unique character of Fairhaven with local art, appetizers, drinks and, in some cases, live entertainment.
A Little History
Fairhaven Artist Rick Bulman, with help from other artists and the Historic Fairhaven Association, made his idea a reality. Photo credit: Jim Rich.
Traditionally Art Walks have been held in Fairhaven just twice a year. For many years, the Summer Solstice Art Walk each June and the Holiday Art Walk in November have been well attended. Their organization has been led by Erica Hume, Manager of Artwood, a cooperative gallery in Fairhaven of fine woodworking artists.
Bulman has lived and worked in the Fairhaven area for more than 25 years. “I started painting at 14, I think I was selling by 15 and so I’ve been selling my work for over 40 years,” notes Bulman. His work currently appears in galleries in Everson and Monroe, WA and Atlanta, GA. About two years ago, he joined the Whatcom Art Guild (WAG), a non-profit supporting the work of more than 100 Whatcom County visual artists since 1964. WAG artists have access to permanent exhibition and sale of their work at Fairhaven’s Whatcom Art Market (WAM), a co-op gallery in Fairhaven for over seven years. Bulman’s paintings, rock etchings and custom jewelry are for sale there along with the work of more than 45 other artists.
Artist Haley Didier presents her work in Fairhaven’s Scandi Butik & Gifts. Photo courtesy: Haley Didier.
As part of his service to the co-op, Bulman joined WAM’s Promotional Committee. With significant help from other WAM artists, including a relative newcomer to Fairhaven, artist Scott Ward, co-owner of Fairhaven’s Current and Furbish, Bulman made his idea a reality. “Although it was initially my idea, so many people have kicked in and made it happen,” explains Bulman. “We’ve had such a great response from businesses, it’s been a true community effort.” Bulman and his team, along with the Historic Fairhaven Association, have worked tirelessly to make the Fairhaven Fourth Friday Art Walk a regular monthly event.
The Fairhaven Experience
The Historic Fairhaven Association has worked hard to stay connected to its small roots. The Village of Fairhaven is made up of many of the original brick and stone buildings that were among the first built in the area in the late 1800s. Most have been beautifully restored and maintained, highlighting the original architecture. They are situated close together around historic Harris Avenue and 12th Street. That proximity makes walking between businesses a leisure and an accessible experience.
Participating Businesses
Kenneth Kearney’s Northern British Columbia grizzly bears are exhibited at WAM. Photo courtesy: Kenneth Kearney Photography.
More than 18 Fairhaven businesses have signed on to participate and the list continues to grow. Each business will bring their own personal touch to what they’ll offer customers. That might include free samples of their products, special discounts on services, tasty treats and so much more. Each month will be different, meaning patrons can have an entertaining new experience each time they attend.
The list continues to grow. Businesses can join in the fun by contacting Scott Ward at artwalk@fairhaven.com or at 206-696-2671.
Fostering Student Creativity
The posters of budding 7th grade art students from teacher Natasha Brodie’s Fairhaven Middle School art classes made Art Walk posters that will appear in participating Fairhaven businesses. Photo credit: Rick Bulman.
Bulman and WAM’s Promotional Committee took one step further. They reached out to Fairhaven Middle School’s Art teacher, Natasha Brodie. Students in her 7th grade art classes made and submitted posters for Fairhaven Fourth Friday Art Walk. “At first we considered a contest but then we decided that we’ll try to display all of the student’s posters in the participating Fairhaven businesses,” explains Bulman.
The Village of Fairhaven was already a cozy, walkable neighborhood full of locally-owned artisan galleries, enticing restaurants and dedicated businesses. The Fairhaven Fourth Friday Art Walk is a perfect monthly addition that will engage and benefit local artists, business owners and art lovers alike.
The excellent view of Mount Baker from Excelsior Pass, is just one benefit of this adventurous hike. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.
June saw the addition of many new and interesting local reads to the pages of WhatcomTalk. Each month we like to take a look back at what most resonated with our community. Here are some of WhatcomTalk’s most read stories in June:
There are many adventurous hikes around Whatcom County. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.
Here are the top ten summer activities in Whatcom County that might be easy to miss but are too great to pass up. In this area, with ample wildlife, breathtaking views, a variety of water spots and edible plants growing all around, there is a great deal of natural beauty to enjoy. With our businesses, city activities and cultural events, there is so much to do. So get out there and have some summer fun!
Come see what’s on tap at the Waterfront and chat with the best bartender in town. Photo credit: Dan Burwell.
Writer Dan Burwell has been frequenting the Waterfront for years. Nearly every time he’s there he sees Lori, his unofficial best bartender in Bellingham. Now he finally sat down to learn more about the woman behind the bar.
Whatcom County has many great swimming spots. Photo credit: Taylor Bailey.
Every year, when the clouds part and the sunshine begins to warm our skin, Pacific Northwest residents flock to grassy hills, rocky beaches, anywhere to relax and soak in the sun. Luckily for us there are a lot of great swimming spots in Whatcom County, with a long ocean shoreline and numerous lakes sprinkled throughout. Whether you dive, doggie-paddle, skip rocks or sun tan, there is something about being by water with clear blue skies above that feels like summer.
The Elegant Apple Styled Shoot was featured in Apple Brides Magazine in Fall 2016. Photo courtesy: Katheryn Moran Photography.
Bellingham lifestyle photographer Katheryn Moran has been taking pictures since she was gifted her first camera when she was five years old. She now arranges unique photo shoots highlighting local companies in breathtakingly beautiful ways.
WhatcomTalk is a digital media company sharing positive stories about people, places and businesses in Whatcom County. WhatcomTalk offers content marketing and online options to advertise across our community social network in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale and beyond. Advertise with WhatcomTalk to reach your target market, grow your brand, and measure results.
Have you ever seen a grocery advertisement from 50-60 years ago and been amazed at how much lower prices were then? For customers of the first retail cannabis stores in Washington state that opened in July 2014, the dramatic changes since then are similar – but in reverse.
Prices for cannabis products at state-licensed stores are much lower now than they were three years ago, according to Aaron Nelson, senior vice president of Bellingham-based 2020 Solutions.
“When we opened our first location on July 10, 2014, there were few stores, supply was limited and demand was high,” Nelson said. “We saw prices for flower as high as $36 per gram in 2014 and now we have product as low as $4 per gram.
“Also, the number of edible products has grown exponentially. I remember selling two truffles for $65! Now you can get a single serving of 10mg in an edible for around $3. Grams of concentrate were in the $60-$75 range and now we have them as low as $15.”
One of the first dozen cannabis retailers in the state, 2020 Solutions opened its first store July 10, 2014 at 2018 Iron St. in downtown Bellingham. It opened a second store Nov. 1, 2014 at 5655 Guide Meridian, Bellingham, several miles north of the city limits. Those two stores have combined for more than $13.7 million in sales since opening, making 2020 Solutions the leading retailer in Whatcom County. A third store under different ownership but using the 2020 Solutions brand opened this spring on Pacific Highway in north Bellingham.
“The other big change is the number of stores,” Nelson said. “After starting with a dozen stores across the state, there are now over 400 retailers reporting sales, including 24 in Whatcom County. I feel there are some markets that are reaching the point of saturation, while some jurisdictions have created shortages of accessibility due to zoning, moratoriums, etc.”
More stores, producers and processors to meet consumer demand have made legal cannabis a major industry in Whatcom County. Retail sales from July 2014 through May of this year in Whatcom County total more than $51.2 million, according to www.TopShelfData.com, including $23.8 million just in 2016.
The cumulative total of retail, producer and processor sales in Whatcom County from July 2014 through May 2017 is even more staggering – $86.6 million. Also, 2017 is on a pace to reach $54 million in combined retail, producer and processor sales.
The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites is one of five hotels helping benefit Lydia Place with Bowling for Beds. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham.
In addition to being close to fun local attractions, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham offers generous park and fly packages perfect for locals looking to get away.
Peace of Mind with Secure Parking
This property is located within walking distance of the Bellingham airport. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham.
“Parking is secured at the hotel by use of a key card that is provided at the front desk when checking in,” shared General Manager Ragan Humphrey. “That is the only way to access the secure, climate controlled, 108-stall parking garage underneath the hotel.” You’ll travel comfortably knowing your vehicle is well protected.
In addition, Bellingham International Airport is just steps from the hotel if you’d like to walk to the terminal or you can take advantage of their Mercedes Sprinter van shuttle if your luggage needs a lift. The hotel’s generous Park Stay and Go rates include a room and up to 15 nights of parking. Additional parking is available for only $9 per night.
Quiet Comfort for a Good Night’s Sleep
You’ll get a great night’s sleep in this luxurious room. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham.
It’s reasonable to assume that a hotel next to an airport and a major interstate would be loud, but travelers will be pleasantly surprised by Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham’s blissfully quiet rooms. No rumbling take-offs or loud truck noises here – just peaceful rooms that have been expertly designed for a restful night’s sleep. Plus the 1,000 square foot fitness center, steam room, sauna and accessible indoor spa and heated mineral pool mean year-round recreation and relaxation regardless of the weather.
Find the Perfect Room for Your Needs
Movable furniture makes each room’s space easily adaptable. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham offers a smorgasbord of attractive and comfortable room types. The King Bed with Comfort Hideaway room type features a trundle-type bed which doubles as a sofa during the day and can pull out into two twin beds at night. The room design is perfect for families with kids and teens, giving each member a comfortable place to sleep and play. And unlike the spring-loaded pull-outs of yore, every bed, trundle or sleeper sofa is built for a truly comfortable sleep.
Solo or business travelers will rejoice with spacious rooms that feature a separate space to work or to relax and unwind. Plus there’s a suite on every floor perfect for romantic getaways or peaceful, solo hideouts. The northwater suite on the 4th floor is particularly sumptuous, complete with a roomy jetted bathtub and glass marble fireplace. It’d be the perfect place for a restful solo retreat before an early flight, or a romantic preamble to honeymoon travel. Or maybe you just need an impromptu getaway? Alaska Airlines offers lots of direct flights from Bellingham International Airport. There is even a direct Alaska Airlines flight between Kona and Bellingham!
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham is located at 4260 Mitchell Way in Bellingham. Reservations can be made now on their website or by calling 360-746-6844.
Dream says, "My philosophy has always been to do what is fun a feels good. Having said that, it is the hardest thing I have ever done." Photo credit: David Rose.
Whatcom County community members are especially indulgent of each other’s unique interests. We are a region of movers and shakers often fortunate enough to be able to pursue what we choose because of overwhelming support in even the most unconventional subjects. The Bellingham Circus Guild, for instance, is a circus arts collective made up of a variety of jugglers, aerialists, clowns, acrobats, stilters (and anything else you can come up with) that might not otherwise be here without the combination of passionate artists and supportive community.
Della said being a clown is, “really about vulnerability and connections with people and connection with yourself and how you can share your true parts of yourself.” Photo courtesy: Della Moustachella.
Their mission? “To assist and support the circus arts community of Whatcom County, to promote circus arts to the community at large and to radically proliferate delight at every opportunity.” I don’t know about you, but I am 100 percent sold on radically proliferating delight.
The group puts on Vaudvellingham, a monthly community variety show, and offers a variety of classes to the public. According to Dream Frohe, one of the founding members of the guild, the group began nearly 10 years ago. “We came out of Dream Science Circus which was a preforming group that was in the area before us,” she said. “Through them we rented a space for the first time and realized we all enjoyed having a place to train in.”
Today, the guild’s Cirque Lab is located off of Harris Street between downtown Fairhaven and Marine Park. “This is the 5th space we’ve occupied and with each move our space has gotten bigger but our support has gotten bigger as well,” guild member Della Moustachella elaborated.
Over the last decade aerial arts have grown more and more popular. Photo courtesy: Bates.
After talking to both of these amazing women it’s clear that it is not so much the space that the guild occupies, but the inviting and joyous atmosphere created by the collective that allows people like Dream and Della to pursue their passions full-time.
Dream is an aerialist. “I specialize in apparatuses that are not attached to the ground,” she explained. “Gymnastics was my passion growing up and I love the physicality of that but there is not as much room for art there, or at least it is not cultivated in that way. So in a similar way that dance does, aerial has a creative component to it and you can do really cool things.”
As a founding member, Dream has watched the guild evolve over the last few years. She stressed how it is all based on consensus and that not one single person is in charge. “I think our growth has been really nice and organic,” she said. “Because we are run on consensus, we can’t do anything fast. I think that has ultimately been in our favor, even though sometimes it is frustrating.”
Della’s comedy often comes with a meaningful message for the audience. Photo courtesy: Della Moustachella.
This system is unusual but as a tight knit group unwilling to compromise each other’s wants and needs, this has worked well. It also means that members often have multiple roles within the guild and take on positions that need filling to make sure things keep running.
Della, for instance, has acquired new skills as needed. “I was super excited about Vaudvellingham, doing an act in it almost every month, and was wanting to be more involved so I started asking, ‘Can I make the posters? Can I advertise it?’ It’s this cool thing,’” she explained.
She eventually found herself as the show’s organizer, “I did it for three years but in the beginning was still really new and we were trying to find an emcee and sometimes I couldn’t find one so then I would have to do it. It was a gradual but very natural progression to performance.”
Della is a juggler and preforms comedy acts. Through collaboration with Community Food Co-op she has also been involved with The Real Food Show, an act that her and fellow juggler, Jason Quick, do to promote healthy eating in schools. “We’ve been to Olympia and Seattle and Mt. Vernon,” Della said. “The Co-op usually pays for 20 schools a year. It’s so fun and high energy. It is a huge part of what my life has been the last three years and it is awesome what the Community Food Co-op has given back to the community.” This is only one example of how the guild has been an excellent resource to our community. There aren’t many places that have such a unique and talented group willing to share themselves in such fun and educational ways.
The Cirque Lab is located in Fairhaven and is filled to the brim with fun, colorful objects. Photo credit: Kali Klotz-Brooks.
You can experience the guild’s radical proliferations of delight in many different ways. It should be noted that Vaudvellingham is uncensored and open to community participation. Nearly anything goes. The guild describes it as a way to, “promote new art, give performers a venue to try out new material, inspire creativity, encourage new performers and enhance growth in artists and performers.”
There are two shows on the 15th of every month- one at 7:00 p.m. and another at 9:00 p.m. Admission is by donation. If you have yet to experience this Bellingham gem, be sure to make time for it this summer.
For more information about The Bellingham Circus Guild and what they have to offer, check out their website.
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...
