Toward Zero Waste is on the rise across Whatcom County

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Zero waste Terra TZW — Terra Organic is proud to be working Toward Zero Waste. Photo credit: Kali Klotz-Brooks.

Sustainable Connections announces that their Toward Zero Waste Campaign (TZW) has now provided waste reductions services to over 500 businesses since the campaign started in 2008 and, thanks in part to support by the Alcoa Foundation, the TZW Campaign will serve another 50 businesses by July 2017.

The Toward Zero Waste Campaign has been partnering with local governments and over 400 local businesses since 2009. Photo courtesy: Sustainable Connections.

Through the Toward Zero Waste campaign, Sustainable Connections provides free technical assistance to Whatcom County businesses and events and helps local organizations drastically reduce the amount of waste they produce by shifting purchasing choices, fine-tuning recycling and composting programs, and increasing staff education and training.

Over the years, this program has seen many successes and also identified areas of critical need when it comes to waste reduction. One large accomplishment has been the increase in the number of Toward Zero Waste events across Whatcom County. With many large events now serving food, thoughtful planning for waste reduction can mean an 80 percent – or more – reduction in garbage. The Toward Zero Waste Campaign has helped events like SeaFeast, April Brews Day and the Chuckanut 50k successfully implemented Toward Zero Waste procedures.

In fact, with the help of Sustainable Connections, the Chuckanut 50k was one of the first races in the Nation to go “cupless” and required participants to carry their own water bottles on course while also providing reusable stainless steel cups for participant’s post-race beverages. In addition, all the vendors and exhibitors (including food vendors) were required to carry compostable or recyclable-only-items at their booths.

“Working with Sustainable Connections, learning their Toward Zero Waste system and implementing their strategies helped the 25th running of the Chuckanut 50k embody my personal and professional goals,” says Krissy Moehl, Race Director for the Chuckanut 50k. “The TZW team provided a wealth of knowledge, they understand the complications of putting on an event, provided the tools to better explain our goals to the runners and community, and even showed up to sort and dial us in!”

Though we have seen positive growth in waste reduction for events and businesses in the community, the TZW program also identified a serious need to reduce food waste too, it’s estimated that only 10 percent of food-based businesses in Whatcom County have food composting programs in place. Sustainable Connections aims to increase that number.

“Many businesses have a misconception that it is costly or labor intensive to put a composting program in place. For many restaurants – especially for those that have table dining, the program can be implemented relatively easily and often saves money too,” said Mark Peterson, Sustainable Business and Toward Zero Waste Program Manager at Sustainable Connections.

Peterson has seen fantastic improvements at a number of local food businesses that have taken advantage of the TZW Campaign, including Good to Go Meat Pies in Everson and Lynden, who have set up such great recycling and composting programs that they only create about a half a can of garbage per week.

Sustainable Connections is holding a free waste reduction workshop for all food businesses on July 12 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Learn from experts Mark Peterson, Rodd Pemble from SSC and Holly Bevan-Bumford from Good to Go Meat Pies about how you can reduce waste at your business, discuss challenges and solutions and go home with a specialized TZW Toolkit and resources. Please RSVP by July 7. While this workshop is tailored to food-related businesses, all businesses are welcome. The organization will also be holding other industry specific workshops this year to assist with construction and office building waste. Businesses can register for the free workshops at www.SustainableConnections.org.

Businesses do not need to attend a workshop to take advantage of the many resources Sustainable Connections offers with recycling and composting, though. Any business can receive free assistance by signing up to participate in the Toward Zero Waste program at https://sustainableconnections.org/programs/business-development/toward-zero-waste/ or by contacting Mark Peterson at Sustainable Connections: mailto:mark@sustainableconnections.org or 360-647-7093 x 116.

What: Toward Zero Food Waste Workshop
When: Tuesday, July 12, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Sustainable Connections, 1701 Ellis St, Ste 221
More info: sustainableconnections.org/events

Jenny Zenaida Perry: Celebrating Two Decades of Service

By

Taylor Lisa Bailey

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Holiday Inn Express Bellingham Jenny Render — When she's not at work, Jenny enjoys relaxing at home. Photo courtesy: Jenny Perry.

It’s just after lunch on a Tuesday afternoon when I sit down on the comfortable couches of the Holiday Inn Express Bellingham lobby. Across from me are Jenny Zenaida Perry, the executive housekeeper, and Terri Sirmans, the manager of the hotel.

Jenny received flowers for her birthday earlier this year from her coworkers. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Express Bellingham.

Jenny Perry moved to Whatcom County in 1996 from Manila, Philippines, leaving behind her children, family, home, culture and familiarity to pursue a better life for her children. Over the past two decades, Jenny has worked her way from an entry-level housekeeping job to a managerial position and along the way she was able to send her son and daughter to private school in the Philippines, build a house, bring her kids here, become a US citizen and grow confident in herself.

“It was hard moving here,” she began. “The culture is very different, the language was different and I knew no one. My sister is in Texas but the rest of my family was in the Philippines.” Darryl, her husband of 22 years and a retired marine, is from Whatcom County. Jenny made the decision to move to the USA, not for travel and adventure, but to be with her new husband and for a better chance of supporting her children. “I never dreamed I’d be here, speaking English, being interviewed,” she shared, laughing. “I’ve never dreamed of this. Everything I did and do, I do it for the future of my kids.”

Many of the housekeepers Holiday Inn hires come from hard situations in life as well. Jenny has found it easy to manage these other women by simply getting to know them, relating to them and building a family. “Long distance is really hard with children and although they are with me now, it was a hard situation,” she recalled. “It helps me with the other housekeepers, to bond or be like a parent to them. I’m happy to share, I’m happy to help and we like to give lots of chances. I listen and, if something happens, I talk to Terri to see what we could do to help them.”

When she’s not at work, Jenny enjoys relaxing at home. Photo courtesy: Jenny Perry.

This was something both Terri and Jenny stressed- everyone has days and times when they just need a break and this Holiday Inn is not somewhere you would have to worry about job security. The team tries to work hard alongside one another.

“Our main crew here has been together for a long time,” Terri said. “We have a good connection as a team and all work together well and communicate. Everybody is valued here. Front desk isn’t going to sell a room if there aren’t nice, clean rooms. That’s why we need people like Jenny. The presentation is as important as the cleanliness and Jenny has a second sense for stuff like that.”

Both Jenny and Terri smile and chuckle, sharing stories from the past twenty years of memories together. “You just take pride in what you do,” Terri said. “That’s what tickles me. It’s our hotel and we treat it like that.”

“When they offered the manager job to me, I didn’t think I could do it,” Jenny said. “You don’t have confidence when you don’t have the talent and, at that time, I didn’t think I could do it with all the drama of managing people.” Still, her coworkers and friends brought her up and worked to give her positive feedback and encouragement. So Jenny asked her husband, Darryl, his opinion. “I asked him, ‘Is it okay with you if I do this supervisor thing? It’s demanding. I’ll be the first person there and the last to go home. Sometimes I’ll go home angry and I might have to go in extra if they need me.’ And Darryl told me to do what makes me happy. So I’m here.”

This pumpkin was created for the staff’s annual decorating competition, one of the many fun activities that make it feel like a family. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Express Bellingham.

“She’s a very good role model and has learned to be more strict,” Terri adds, smiling warmly at her friend. “It has taken her time. She had culture shock and she had language barriers but she’s moved through all of that and done beautifully. In her culture, you respect your elders- you are never their boss. It’s taken a while for her to realize that she isn’t disrespecting anybody by being the boss.”

Jenny nods. “Our goal is to have friendship but to not let that get in the way of work. We are friends. I’m not picking on you but you need to do your job.”

“Yes,” Terri adds, “Jenny runs an efficient department.”

Jenny began as a housekeeper then moved to working the breakfast bar, followed by laundry. She now runs the housekeeping staff. Although her job does not require her to do any actual cleaning, you will still see Jenny in the rooms alongside her staff, helping, making beds and fluffing pillows. “It makes me feel good when your housekeepers want to work with you,” Jenny commented. “A lot of the girls tell me, ‘Oh, you’re the best manager we’ve ever had, you’re such a good housekeeper,’ and it makes me so happy. I work with them, I help them and we respect each other.”

Back in the Philippines, Jenny has sponsored her late brother’s children in school and her sister’s grandchild. “I like to put my family together and to help them,” she said. “I’m trying to. Even when I had no money for myself, I gave to them. For just a simple thank you, I wanted to help and support them. That’s my inspiration for work – my children and my family.”

Now her daughter comes to her house every night for dinner and drives her around because she never got her license. Her son is married and living close by. They’ve been in the US for eight years and her daughter just became a US citizen. Finally, they are all together. “Because I could put them in private school, they learned English,” she said. “So when they came here it wasn’t hard on them like it was for me. I’m so thankful.”

Jenny enjoys her work at the Holiday Inn Express. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Express Bellingham.

Being in America has changed a lot in Jenny’s life, the most notable being income. “We don’t have a lot and don’t spend a lot, because we don’t need things,” Jenny told me. “It’s just material things, not anything lasting.

At her birthday party this year, Jenny’s son gave a heartwarming speech. “My mom in the United States is different here,” he said. “She is always giving help to the nieces and nephews and grandkids. I wish I could be like you.”

“That is a big deal,” Jenny said, “because we have only had a real relationship for eight years. I am always trying to tell my children to give what you have. We came here for life, not for material things. I’m happy with my life, happy with my husband and that’s all you need.”

Jenny grew up in a poor family with nine brothers and sisters. Looking at her life now, the contentment and joy she feels is palpable. Her biggest dream in life was to have a house, a simple place to live and garden. Now she has two – one in the Philippines on land shared with her family and one in Whatcom County with her husband. “I’m happy,” she said. “I’ve experienced life good and bad. I have nothing to ask for. It’s all I need. The only thing is good health. I have a good job, good people to work with and family. You never know what time you will go and I’m thankful to God, my husband and my work for my dreams coming true.”

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What’s New at Regus Barkley Village

By

Dondi Tondro-Smith

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office space bellingham — Regus-Barkley Village is a newly constructed office building. Photo courtesy: Regus-Barkley Village.

If you know someone looking for prime office space, Regus is offering a wonderful gift of gratitude for your referral. “Our referral program is a great way for people to earn money while they’re also helping to grow business,” shared Regus Barkley Village’s Mike Roe.

Regus-Barkley Village has the ideal office space for everyone. Photo courtesy: Regus-Barkley Village.

That growth could be symbiotic. Not only is Regus’ high-end, all inclusive office space an investment in social collateral, a $500 American Express gift card is a nice reward for the word of mouth networking most businesses do already – both to survive in Bellingham’s interconnected market and to flourish into the long term.

Many new, local and virtual office clients are signing up. Regus recently had a client appreciation day where they hosted lunch for their entire Bellingham client base. They also gathered everyone at their center for a meet and greet. Roe recounted, “It’s nice because Regus is very community driven and very much about knowing each other and having our clients interacting on a semi-regular basis throughout the center.” Regus’ clients help each other, while Regus facilitates those continued interactions through gatherings, special offerings and programs.

Anybody can benefit from the referral program, not just Regus members. And for facilitating one signed twelve-month office agreement, a person becomes part of Regus’ greater business culture. One of Regus’ side programs also pays commissions to real estate brokers, however, any person can qualify for this specific limited time offer. “Anybody, even without a real estate license, can still earn up to $500,” Roe explained. “Not only does Regus work with local real estate agents to utilize our center but also anybody out there who knows someone that can benefit from renting office space from us.”

Mike Roe has recently been promoted to Area Manager of Regus’ Barkley Village Bellingham location. “I’m now in charge of signing new clients, doing tours and launching new programs,” Roe said.

He will continue to be the Community Manager but in this “hybrid role” Roe will be wearing more hats while interfacing with Regus clientele. “Being that I’m from Bellingham and Bellingham is a unique market in itself, they [Regus’ management] feel it’s good to have someone local who knows local agents and businesses and can represent Bellingham.”

To explore the Regus location and receive a tour, call or stop by and talk to Mike Roe. “Anyone can come for a tour and I’ll show them all the amenities,” Roe said. And if you want to try out a fully furnished office space for a day, there’s another tantalizing reason to stop by Regus’ Bellingham offices this month. A free test drive gives local businesses and entrepreneurs a peek into Regus’ benefits and the overall experience of working in a convenient location with all the bells and whistles of a professionally managed office. “If someone wants to come see what Regus is all about and come try out an office for the day, I’ll offer a free test drive of any of our single-station, day offices for any one individual,” Roe said. Use the facilities for the day and see how Regus provides all the comforts of a home away from home office.

Regus’ kitchen offers the comforts of home in the heart of Bellingham. Photo courtesy: Regis.

Regus offers many levels of business service. A free Business World Blue Account gives access to day office rentals. “If someone wanted to come in and use our offices for a day, we would sign them up for a Business World Blue Account which basically gives them access to renting day offices. Normally, with the World Business Blue Account, a day office would run $25 an hour or approximately $100 a day,” Roe elaborated. For a limited time, however, test-driving the office is free for the entire day.

Saving $100 and the chance to make $500 per referral are a few of the ways Regus is coinciding their special offers with their June 1 Barkley Village Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. According to Roe, “The Bellingham Chamber of Commerce and Barkley Village are doing a ribbon cutting for the building we reside in and renaming it the Jim Talbot Building.”

There’s a lot to see and do and much to be celebrated in Barkley Village. You can send someone in the right direction for launching their business success. Or you can simply hang out with other cool entrepreneurs in a purely pleasing and altogether unique business environment. So stop by and experience Regus for yourself today.

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Whatcom County Weekend Events Calendar

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Events Editor

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Mountain Biking IMG_6557 — This breathtaking view is from Double Black and Double Down on Chuckanut. Photo credit: Kevin Bailey.

Happy Memorial Day weekend Whatcom County! I can’t wait for three days of freedom and (hopefully) sun! I’m going to spend most of my weekend enjoying nature—hiking, biking and if I’m lucky, boating. I’ll be sure to make time to enjoy some great city events as well. It’s so great to live in a place where you’ll always find plenty of fun Whatcom County weekend events to keep you busy. Here’s a few ideas to get you started. Don’t forget to check our full events calendar for all the great local happenings this weekend.

Honor living and fallen servicemembers at the Festival of Flags.
Have a blast at the Ski to Sea Block Party
Get healthy with Electric Beet Juice Company.
Check out BAAY’s production of School of Rock.
Take the family out to eat at these delicious and affordable local restaurants.
Put your thinking cap on with Sunday Chess in Bellingham.
Get your groove on with Jazzercise.
Laugh your socks off with Upfront Theatre’s Genre Legends.
Hit the trails for some of the best mountain biking in the state.
Check out the BC Morgan Horse Show.
Hike the great outdoors.
Kick back and relax to the sweet tunes of the Jazz Jam Session.
Grab a cup of coffee with friends.
Cheer on Sehome Fastpitch at state!

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.

Handbags for Housing – How a handbag creates housing and hope for local families

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Lydia Place

Thursday June 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Downtown Bellingham’s Depot Market Square will become Bellingham Fashion Week with a purpose. Lydia Place, along with event partners Whatcom County Association of Realtors, Labels Consignment and Wise Buys Thrift Store present Handbags for Housing, Downtown Bellingham’s largest ladies night (gentlemen welcome), fashion extravaganza and handbag exchange. Hundreds of handbags, a beauty bar, delicious appetizers from Crave Catering, cocktail and wine offerings, along with local boutiques and retailers will come together under one roof (and a 3,200 square foot tent), to showcase the sheer power of local fashion and philanthropy. Tickets are available via the event website handbagsforhousing.com, with all proceeds benefitting Lydia Place, working to end homelessness in our community.

Handbags for Housing is a ton of fun for a great cause.

“Lydia Place and the work they do in our community to end homelessness is so important to me, and my staff at Labels.” said Sage Bishop, Labels Consignment Shop Owner and Handbags for Housing Fashion Show Sponsor. “I have found Lydia Place to be so easy to work with, and I see this same type of accessibility, personalization, and ease when someone needs assistance with housing. As a partner in this unique fundraiser, it’s been such a joy to see its evolution. It (Handbags) keeps getting better and bigger; from the first event in 2013 with 175 attendees, to today with 400+ attendees and a 40+ model fashion show at the Depot Market Square, Handbags for Housing has become one of our community’s favorite events, and a special part of our community giveback at Labels. Thank you lovely, local, Lydia Place!”

From Coach, to Dooney and Burke, and even obscure designer bags, Handbags for Housing has a tote, clutch, wallet and bag for every fashionista. The epic and infamous handbag bazaar, starts out with an assortment of over 400 bags that have been donated for the event and to Wise Buys Thrift Store throughout the year. As attendees arrive and their purses get added to the bazaar, the tables filled with bags begin to rise skyward, reaching upwards of 700 handbags. Purse collector and fashionable philanthropist, Sally Poorman, recalls, “The first time I attended Handbags was two years ago, and I couldn’t believe what I’d been missing! Tables upon tables of every style and fashion of bag, truly something for everyone, surrounded by the most upbeat and heart filling atmosphere. It was professional, sophisticated, and so clearly full of the love this organization has for their work. I was hooked immediately! They’ve made a fun and seemingly effortless way for anyone to get involved in such a critical cause.”

Now entering its fifth year, Handbags for Housing is bringing the handbag back into the spotlight. From the bazaar featuring over 500 gently used bags, the silent auction of 25+ new and nearly news bags, to the live auction bags walking the runway and then being auctioned mid-show, the purse is taking center stage in 2017. In addition, event attendees are being challenged to “fill the purse,” a large acrylic purse at the event that will attempt to be filled to the brim by the end of the evening. Purse lovers can deposit whatever change and/or monthly support commitment envelopes they see fit, into the purse, and see their contributions add up to real change.

With all event activities combined, Lydia Place hopes to raise $60,000 in support of new permanent supportive housing programs like Bell Tower and Baker Place, as well as counseling services and parenting support. “For every three homeless adults you see on our streets, there is a homeless child out there that you don’t see. Lydia Place is committed to getting kids out of cars and unfit living conditions,” said Executive Director Emily O’Connor. “Through events like Handbags for Housing, this amazing community is showing its dedication to vulnerable children. Lydia Place has roughly 150 housing placements at any given time, we need 60-80 more to make that happen. If we can get it right for the kiddos sleeping in cars today, we will have succeeded in disrupting the cycle of homelessness. Together, we have every confidence that we can create enough housing capacity, support and opportunity to end family homelessness. ”

Whether your first event or your fifth, get your ticket, grab your handbag – and head to Handbags for Housing- where handbags create more than a fashion statement, they create hope for the future.

Tickets, sponsorship, and handbag donations available by visiting handbagsforhousing.com

For more details on Handbags for Housing, Lydia Place, images, or to learn more contact event organizer Shultzie Willows at shultziew@lydiaplace.org.

2017 Chelsey Rae Ebert Celebrity Weekend Event

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Chelsey Ebert Fundraiser — The 9th Annual Chelsey Rae Ebert Celebrity Weekend was a success. Photo credit: Radley Muller Photography.

Submitted by: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce

To think it all started with one small request. May 12 and 13, 2017 was the 9^th Annual Chelsey Rae Ebert Celebrity Weekend Event, and no different than the past few years, it proved to be memorable, fun and full of celebrities and guests.

The 9th Annual Chelsey Rae Ebert Celebrity Weekend was a success. Photo credit: Radley Muller Photography.

Friday night’s dinner and auction, held at the Silver Reef Event Center, was beautifully displayed in a hint “Chelsey pink.” With over 300 guests and celebrities, from Mark Lee of Green Bay who is headed to the Green Bay Hall of Fame in July and a five times guest of the event, to Luke Willson of the Seattle Seahawks for his second appearance, the guests could mingle with over a dozen different professional sports members, getting pictures and autographs. The auction was filled with baskets and items donated from all over Whatcom County with items like custom wine barrel dog beds to an All-Signed Seattle Seahawk Super Bowl Football.

Phillip66 was the Title Sponsor of the event and the Silver Reef was the Hospitality Sponsor. There was a dessert dash that was filled with delectable pies, cakes and even doughnuts from local bakeries where guests donated monies by table and then, starting with the highest bidder, sent their table runners in a “dash” for the best desserts. The competition becomes quite deep, with people sprinting from across the room to beat the next table for their targeted p(r)ies!

The desert dash was a fun part of the event. Photo credit: Radley Muller Photography.

Day two was spent at Shuksan Golf Club for a shot-gun start tournament. Ancon was the Tournament Title Sponsor and placed among the top three teams. There were character drawings, sponsors with fun games along the course and a drone for pictures to capture the fun shots as guests golfed along with the celebrities. The day started out with some rain but, as usual, Chelsey helped part the clouds (or so we’d like to think) and it finished with beautiful sunny weather for the awards on “The 7^th Hole.”

In all, the event raised over $210,000 to run the two-day event and will give back to the scholarships, Make-A-Wish, St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, who ran the entire event. If all the in-kind and other donations are taken into consideration, the number is much higher. Any monies left over will be saved for next year’s scholarships.

When people pass away, we are often willing to say our goodbye’s and move on but when Chelsey Ebert was sick with cancer, she wanted to leave a legacy; two Ferndale girl sports scholarships. She didn’t think it was a legacy, she just thought it was a good idea. Now, because goodbye wasn’t enough, ten years later, she has touched so many lives with her one small request as the event has raised over $1,000,000 and given out almost 100 scholarships and donated to numerous organizations in her name. If we all took the time to stop and consider what we want to leave behind as our legacy, then started now, imagine the lives we could touch.

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BP Supports Veterans During and After their Time in Uniform

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LocalTalk Contributor

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growing veterans — BP Cherry Point Refinery has donated six small motorized utility vehicles to Growing Veterans, a non-profit organization that empowers military veterans to grow food. Photo courtesy: BP Cherry Point Refinery.

Submitted by BP Cherry Creek Refinery

Each year on Memorial Day, Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, Washington, hosts the Festival of Flags to honor living and fallen service members.

veterans day — BP Cherry Point Refinery will be supporting a Memorial Day event, supporting by the setup and take down of 1,700 flags. Photo courtesy: BP Cherry Point Refinery.

For the third consecutive year, BP employees and their families will be giving their support to this event, helping with the setup and take down of more than 1,700 flags within the park. As a proud supporter of American military personnel both during and after their time in uniform, BP’s commitment to veterans does not stop there.

BP employs about 800 people at its Cherry Point Refinery in Blaine, Washington. Nearly 100 of those employees have served or are still serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Their time in the military helped shape the experience and skills they bring daily to a refinery that is an important contributor to the economy of the Pacific Northwest — and America. BP is committed to recruiting veterans for refinery jobs and fostering a culture that aligns with shared values.

“I believe veterans embrace BP values such as safety, respect, excellence, courage and one team — which are core values in the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Detrick Grimes, U.S. Air Force veteran, BP Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG) co-lead, and sourcing & contracting procurement team lead at BP Cherry Point Refinery.

The BP Veterans BRG supports veteran outreach and recruiting activities, and also hosts a day of remembrance at BP Cherry Point Refinery to coincide with Veterans Day. Most recently, the Veterans BRG partnered with Growing Veterans, a local nonprofit that empowers military veterans to grow food in order to support their communities and each other.

The refinery donated six mules (small motorized utility vehicles) to Growing Veterans, which are now being used on the organization’s farms in Whatcom, Skagit and King counties. Much of the harvested food is donated to local food banks or sold at farmers markets to raise funds for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues faced by veterans transitioning back into to civilian life.

The public is welcome to join the Festival of Flags ceremony at Greenacres Memorial Park on Memorial Day. The festival of music and food kicks off at 12:00 p.m., and the remembrance ceremony begins at 2:00 p.m.

Sehome Fastpitch Takes High-Powered Offense to State

By

Grant Clark

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sehome fastpitch 3 — The Mariners opened the season by winning their first 22 games, putting up record-breaking numbers along the way. Photo credit: Sheri Emerson.

When last year’s Sehome High School fastpitch team saw their successful season come to an abrupt end a win shy of advancing to the state tournament for a second consecutive season, Head Coach Jim Emerson hoped the setback would light a fire under his young squad.

Sophomore pitcher Savannah Smith has posted a record of 19-1 with 177 strikeouts. Photo credit: Sheri Emerson.

It certainly did. However, there’s fires and then there’s what the Mariners have done this season.

To get an idea, think along the lines of Irwin Allen’s “Towering Inferno” with a dash of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire which destroyed the city and you’d have somewhat of an idea of what burns inside this year’s team.

“I knew coming in we had the potential to be very good,” Emerson said, “but you don’t expect something like this. You just can’t draw that up.”

The Sehome offense, which sports a team batting average around the .425 mark, has scored a gaudy 245 runs, reaching double digits 14 times this season, while belting an unheard of 43 home runs.

Sehome has a team batting average around .425 with 245 runs and 43 home runs. Photo credit: Sheri Emerson.

You can’t fault Emerson. These are record-breaking numbers no one could anticipate. It’s video game-equivalent statistics. That is if said gamer was playing on the easy setting while at the same time using all the cheat codes.

It’s just plain impressive.

“We had a lot of players return from last year’s team,” Emerson said. “I think they saw what could have been and got this very large chip on their shoulder because of that. They worked extremely hard last summer and have just carried it over into this season.”

The Mariners will take a 23-1 record into the Class 2A state fastpitch tournament, which will be held May 26-27 at Carlon Park in Selah.

Sehome opens with co-2A Greater Saint Helens League champion Ridgefield (15-4) at noon.

The Sehome fastpitch team will take a 23-1 record into the Class 2A state tournament. Photo credit: Sheri Emerson.

This marks the seventh state tournament appearance for the Mariners in Emerson’s 14 seasons. The squad looks to make some history as they will attempt to secure the program’s first trophy.

“In all our other trips to state we have never played in a noon game. We’ve always had first-round games in the morning,” said Emerson, whose teams are a combined 1-5 all-time in the opening games of the state tournament with their lone victory coming in 2010 against North Mason, 3-1. “Sometimes it’s tough to get 15 players up and motivated to play early in the morning. Maybe this will be better for us.”

Motivation is something Sehome should have no problem summoning up for state as the Mariners are coming off their only defeat this season, losing a thrilling eight-inning battle to Mountlake Terrace (4-3) in the district championship game.

The Mariners opened the season by winning their first 22 games, putting up record-breaking numbers along the way. Photo credit: Sheri Emerson.

“We had opportunities,” Emerson said about the loss. “They were right there in a position to win. Hopefully, they come to state with that chip back on their shoulder.”

Spearheading Sehome’s offensive surge this year has been sisters Carissa and Tori McDowell. The twins have been an absolute nightmare for opposing pitchers. Prior to the district championship game, Carissa was hitting .623 with a team-leading 15 home runs. Tori wasn’t far behind batting .578 and smacked two home runs in each of the Mariners’ first two postseason games.

“When they get between those white lines,” Emerson said about the McDowell sisters, “they are about as intense as you can get. I really believe Carissa and Tori are two players who you can place at any position and they’d find a way to be successful.”

Sehome is enjoying their victorious rise. Photo credit: Jennifer Dodge.

However, the bats don’t end there as catcher Megan Hall’s batting average is hovering around the .500 range, while fellow sophomore Natalie Zehnder has proven to be a tough out as well.

“It just hasn’t been our offense though,” Emerson said. “It’s been everything. It’s been our pitching and our defense as well. We’ve obviously put up some very good numbers hitting the ball, but all phases of the game have contributed to what we’ve accomplished.”

Sophomore pitcher Savannah Smith has been simply lights out this season for the Mariners, posting a 19-1 record with 177 strikeouts.

This photo was taken right after the win that put Sehome into state. Photo credit: Jennifer Dodge.

“She took her lumps last year as a freshman,” Emerson said, “and she’s learned from it and has worked so hard to get to where she is. A lot of pitching is confidence, and she has that this year. It’s funny, we had about an eight-year span where we probably had one quality pitcher. This year we have five we can turn to on the team if we need them.”

A victory in the first round over the Spudders would send Sehome into the quarterfinals to play the winner of Port Angeles (19-1) and Othello (16-8).

Port Angeles is making its fifth consecutive state tournament appearance, while Othello defeated Fife, 3-1, to capture last year’s 2A state title. The Huskies also finished third in 2015, second in 2014 and third in 2013 to go with state titles in 1999, 2002 and 2008.

WhatcomTalk Honored as Member of the Month by Ferndale Chamber of Commerce

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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During the April 2017 Ferndale Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, ballots were left on each table with three nominees for Member of the Month. After the votes were tallied, WhatcomTalk was announced as the winners.

“It was such a pleasant surprise,” said Stacee Sledge, WhatcomTalk Community Manager. “We were up against two fantastic, long-standing Ferndale businesses.”

The following week, the WhatcomTalk team headed to beautiful Hovander Homestead Park to receive a plaque from Ferndale Chamber Executive Director Ann Cline, Chambers employees and ambassadors.

“The Ferndale Chamber is made up of so many inspiring individuals and businesses. We’re proud to be recognized by our fellow Ferndale Chamber members for this honor,” said Sledge.

“There are so many great people and businesses in our community and the fact that we were recognized shows we are really making a big difference to all those around us,” said Kevin Coleman, Community Relations and Business Development Manager. “When we truly put out the right intent the right things do happen and people feel that and want to be part of it.”

WhatcomTalk will now be one of the nominees for Business of the Year, awarded by the Ferndale Chamber.

“We get to be a part of a community where we are the driving force of positivity and good intent,” said Coleman. “I am proud to be a part of something so amazing and a recognition like this pushes us to be even better than before.”

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.

Nancy Leavitt: Supporting Community One Quote at a Time

By

Lorraine Wilde

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Nancy Leavitt American Family behind desk — Leavitt loves helping, protecting and advising people through her insurance agency and philanthropy.

Bellingham business owner Nancy Leavitt of American Family Insurance has been supporting the Whatcom County community, local business and charities, and her family through the business of insurance for more than 13 years. She’ll continue that streak this June when her agency will raise money for two area organizations during their second annual “Quotes for Community” campaign.

A History of Supporting Others

Nancy Leavitt has owned and operated her Bellingham-based American Family Insurance Agency for nine years. Photo courtesy: American Family Insurance.

Leavitt is a Bellingham native. She was born here, astonishingly in the exact same room where her three daughters were born. As a child, Leavitt’s family moved to Vancouver, Washington for a time but moved back in 1997. After graduating from Lynden High School, she attended Whatcom Community College in the Running Start Program where she earned her Associates degree. While attending Western Washington University, Leavitt got a part-time job as an office manager at a local insurance agency. “I’m one of those few people who actually loves insurance,” she says. “Helping and protecting people, advising them. It’s something I thrive on. I even love reading the details of insurance policies,” Leavitt notes, laughing. Her boss was so impressed with Leavitt’s talent for the business that they encouraged her to get her license and run the office.

“At that time in our lives, my husband Nathan and I owned a construction company and a house-sitting business. So owning and running a business, overseeing things, that was just natural for me,” remembers Leavitt. “So I took the leap and left school. I got my license and eventually opened my own agency.” Leavitt celebrated nine years with American Family Insurance in April. Her agency will have been at its current location at 3031 Orleans Street near Lowe’s for five years this August.

Leavitt is proud that her business continues to provide steady employment for her and her three staff members. In addition to supporting the unique needs of each home and business owner as an insurance broker, Leavitt has also always made time to support local charities, organizations and fellow business owners. For many years, she served as the Board Secretary and the Charity Committee Chair with Whatcom Women in Business. Leavitt currently serves as part of the group’s Banquet Committee. She has also held past board positions with Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County, Women Sharing Hope, and Whatcom Young Professionals, a division of Bellingham Whatcom Chamber of Commerce. “Supporting local charity is near and dear to my heart,” she says. “It’s just part of who I am. So I am honored to have served these organizations and the local charities they support.”

Local Philanthropy through Quotes for Community

The Nancy Leavitt Agency Team will donate $1 to local organizations for each quote issued during the month of June. From left: Amber Blair, Nancy Leavitt and Barb Lee. Photo credit: Lorraine Wilde.

Leavitt’s life has been extra full since she welcomed her third daughter in October 2016. But her predilection for giving back continues to march forward through her business. Each June, her office conducts a “Quotes for Community” campaign where $1 is donated to a local charity for every quote issued throughout the month of June. In 2016, she and her employees chose the Bellingham Food Bank as the recipient. They had a blast recording each quote they issued with a tally on an office white board and then posted the total each day on their Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Last year, community members got behind their effort by calling the office requesting new quotes for auto, home, business, life and other insurance. “Last year was our first and we raised $150,” remembers Leavitt. “The community got really excited. They shared our daily posts and local realtor Jon Hansen saw it and matched our donation. It made our efforts even more meaningful to everyone in the office. We worked so hard and loved every minute knowing that it would bring security to policy holders and food to needy families in Whatcom County.”

When it was time to choose the recipient for 2017, Leavitt turned to her staff. “I like to empower my employees by supporting their choices,” explains Leavitt. They came back with two excellent—but very different—suggestions. “When I thought about how we would decide between them, they were both worthy,” Leavitt recalls. “So we decided to just split it between them.” Leavitt’s employees chose Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT) and The Technology Alliance Group of Northwest Washington (TAGNW) to receive the spoils of their Quotes for Community campaign.

Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT)

Business Development Representative Barb Lee develops auto, home, business, life and other insurance quotes. Photo credit: Lorraine Wilde. Photo credit: Lorraine Wilde.

“Barb Lee, our Business Development Representative, has a horse and her daughter is into 4-H,” explains Leavitt. “Animals as Natural Therapy touched Barb’s heart so it was her immediate choice.” ANT is a 501(c)3 non-profit that believes working with animals can teach humans important life skills that will help them heal, respect and trust themselves and others, and communicate more clearly. Its varied programs serve children, veterans, seniors and adults, many of whom are low-income, who are recovering in one way or another. Their work has served thousands over the past decade from a 5-acre, 100-year-old farm here in Whatcom County.

Technology Alliance Group (TAGNW)

Leavitt loves helping, protecting and advising people through her insurance agency and philanthropy.

Customer Relationship Manager Amber Blair has been with Leavitt’s office for two years while working her way through school. She’s working toward a technology-based degree at Whatcom Community College so she suggested TAGNW as a recipient.

TAGNW’s mission is to promote, educate and advocate for Northwest Washington technology businesses at the local, state and federal level. They provide support, resources and community for tech professionals and companies to help them thrive in this growing, rapidly changing field. TAGNW also bolsters students by offering more than 50 scholarships in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields of study and connecting them with potential employers.

Leavitt and her team hope to build on last year’s momentum and—with the help of the community—surpass last year’s donation by at least 25 percent. To get their $1 donated, community members can call the office or request a quote online anytime during the month of June.

Whether she’s working up an insurance quote, communing with fellow businesswomen or spending quality time with her young family, Leavitt juggles it all with style, practicality and a sense of humor. “I feel so fortunate to be able to balance a busy family and provide protection to our customers while also giving back to our community,” Leavitt adds. “My team and I work hard to pull it off every day, one quote at a time.”

Nancy Leavitt Agency, LLC
American Family Insurance
3031 Orleans Street Suite 202
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-733-3626
nleavitt@amfam.com
www.insurance-agency.amfam.com/WA/nancy-leavitt/

A History of Supporting Others

Local Philanthropy through Quotes for Community

Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT)

Technology Alliance Group (TAGNW)

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