Bob Curtis Keeps Downtown Ferndale’s Beautiful Baskets Looking Their Best

These beautiful baskets add a pop of color to the streets of downtown Ferndale. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

You know that spring is in the air when you see the colorful flower baskets hanging in the streets of downtown Ferndale. These beautiful baskets stay bright and healthy all summer long thanks to Ferndale resident, 85-year-old Bob Curtis, who has made it his job to keep Downtown Ferndale’s blooming baskets looking their best.

Bob Curtis has made it his job to keep Downtown Ferndale’s blooming baskets looking their best. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

Each year, the City of Ferndale purchases 120 hanging baskets to line the streets in downtown Ferndale. And, each year, the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce guides the installation and maintenance of those hanging baskets. Curtis takes time each day, about six hours in total, to water all of the baskets keeping them fresh and vibrant. He can be seen in the morning hours or later in the evening depending on the weather and temperature.

As a former employee of the City Parks Department, Curtis took on the job around eight years ago at the request of the person previously in charge of keeping the baskets watered. Curtis found that he liked the commitment and enjoyed keeping the flowers fresh all summer, so he just continued doing it as the years progressed.

These beautiful baskets add a pop of color to downtown Ferndale. Photo courtesy: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.

“I like being out in the good weather,” says Curtis. “And, because I’m retired, I can set my own hours just as long as the job gets done. And I get to take the winters off.”

Curtis goes on to say that he’s the only one responsible for ensuring the baskets get watered. “I keep them looking good. I know it is up to me.”

You can expect to see those flower baskets hanging all through the summer months. Next time you see them getting watered, stop and say hello to Bob Curtis and thank him for keeping the streets of Ferndale looking beautiful.

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Bellingham Block Party Trailer Provides Free Fun for Neighborhoods

Nonprofit organizations throughout Whatcom County work tirelessly to help those in need.

Submitted by: Monea Kerr of the Mayor’s Office

The City of Bellingham is excited to announce the launch of the Bellingham Block Party trailer, stocked with everything needed to host a block party in your neighborhood. Simply add food, drinks and your neighbors!

The fun will follow as your neighborhood enjoys the contents of the trailer — tables and chairs, coolers/utensils, a variety of games, equipment for closure of the street, safety supplies and so much more. A City staff member will drop off the trailer to you on Friday and it’s yours for the weekend until we pick it back up on Monday.

The trailer is available for weekend reservations by any Bellingham resident, at no cost, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  While there is no charge for the trailer, it must be reserved in advance and the renter must complete an application and obtain a free special event permit.

The project, modeled after a highly successful example from Boulder, Colorado, was made possible with a grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation’s Project Neighborly, which encourages projects that develop a sense of community and promote neighborliness. In addition to the grant funds, multiple City departments contributed resources and supplies to make the trailer a reality.

See the project website for more information: www.cob.org/bhamblockparty.

Arts Commission Seeks Design Ideas for Water Tank Mural

Submitted by: City of Ferndale

The Ferndale Arts Commission is seeking design ideas for painting the water tank at the intersection of Vista Drive and Thornton Street. Submissions will be accepted from May 1 – June 9 at City Hall in Ferndale, with the goal of completing the painting by August 31.

The mural project is an excellent opportunity for both professional and aspiring artists. Photo courtesy: City of Ferndale.

“This is a highly visible spot. We hope this mural quickly becomes a beloved Ferndale icon,” said Colleen Harper, Ferndale Arts Commissioner. “Successful design ideas will reflect a sense of Ferndale identity.”

The mural will occupy up to 10 feet by 140 feet and will adorn the side of the water tank facing the intersection. The Ferndale Arts Commission will help facilitate the painting of the mural. More details are available at www.cityofferndale.org/artscommission.

DreamMaker® Bath & Kitchen of Bellingham wins Guildmaster Award for Exceptional Customer Satisfaction

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Bellingham
Ron Faber is the owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Bellingham. Photo courtesy: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.

Submitted by: DreamMaker® Bath & Kitchen

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Bellingham, a leading home remodeling franchise, recently announced that the company has been awarded a 2017 Guildmaster Award.

Ron Faber is the owner of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Bellingham. Photo courtesy: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen.

The service-oriented approach and exceptional quality of work of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen have earned them rave reviews in 2016 client satisfaction surveys.

“We were very grateful to receive the Guild Quality award, but most of all, extremely pleased that so many of our clients had such a great remodeling experience with us,” says DreamMaker franchise owner Ron Faber.  “We will continue to strive for industry excellence, and through our commitment to quality and to our clients’ satisfaction, have every intention of ensuring the best outcome in each of their remodeling experiences.”

In order to be recognized as a Guildmaster Award winner, a Guild Quality member must achieve a recommendation rate of 90% as well as a certain response rate based on volume.

The annual Guildmaster Awards recognize service excellence in the building, remodeling, contracting and real estate professions. Each year the awards are given to companies that demonstrate an ability to deliver a consistently superior customer experience. In granting awards, Guild Quality considers two primary metrics for each candidate: the percentage of customers who would recommend and the percentage of customers who responded.

For more info please contact DreamMaker® Bath & Kitchen at 360-558-3171 or visit http://www.dreammaker-nw.com/

Savor the Sunshine in SpringHill Suites by Marriott’s Outdoor Spaces

You'll enjoy the outdoor ambiance as much as the sun. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.

Those of us who have relocated to the damp Pacific Northwest climate may not have ever heard the term “sun break” before moving here, but we’ve all learned how to take advantage of them when they arrive. As the days grow longer and summer slowly draws closer, we’re all itching to get outside and soak up whatever bits of sun we can.

There are so many places to bask in the summer sun at SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.

Take advantage of beautiful outdoor spaces in unexpected places at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bellingham. From stunning sunsets outside their Chuckanut Lobby Bar to impeccable views of downtown Bellingham from their fourth floor terrace, this hotel has plenty of opportunities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the changing weather.

Step Outside for a Beautiful Sunset

Outdoor spaces are at a premium in the spring and summer. After a morning buying local produce and handmade goods at Bellingham Farmers Market, going out for a hike, or heading out for a tasty brunch, many locals search for a nice outdoor patio where they can soak in the Vitamin D while enjoying a beer, wine, or a cocktail, of course.

I’ve often heard friends debate the merits of various outdoor seating areas – Which ones end up shady after a certain time, who has umbrellas, who has the best views of the sunset. The newly renovated outdoor space at SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Bellingham will take care of all of the most important requirements for spring and summertime lounging. Adjustable umbrellas will keep those of us with that “Northwest pallor” safe from harmful rays, the west-facing orientation allows for stunning sunset views, and a toasty fire table and heat lamps will keep you cozy even if the air is a bit chilly.

These umbrellas can provide a shady respite or protection from a short rain shower. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.

“It’s the great Northwest, so even though it’s the spring or summertime you never know what you’re going to get,” shared Director of Sales, Elisa George. “It’s really just an expansion of the great bar.”

“We’ll have umbrellas out so you can feel the sun but be in the shade,” shared Operations Manager, Becky Doll. “Or you can feel the sun on your face, which is what I like to do. The view of the sunset makes it a really great space.”

Ready to take advantage of this great outdoor space? The newly renovated patio is scheduled to be open in late spring, but you don’t have to wait to drop by for sunset views from the bar. The SpringHill Suites Chuckanut Lobby Bar is open to the public, with a great happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Breathtaking Views from the Terrace

This lovely terrace offers the perfect place to gather and celebrate. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.

There are many beautiful indoor and outdoor event spaces in Bellingham and Whatcom County but it’s not every day you find one with views of downtown Bellingham on one side and Mount Baker on the other. The open-air fourth floor terrace at SpringHill Suites has just such a vantage point.

“It is just a stunning view of downtown Bellingham,” said George. “It’s the perfect spot for a summer cocktail party or other special event.” From weddings and other milestone celebrations to corporate parties and fundraisers, the fourth floor terrace is a great, open spot that is perfectly customizable for your special occasion.

Home Away from Home at TownePlace Suites

Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.

Home is important to the folks who work at SpringHill Suites by Marriott and the adjoining TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Every staff person I’ve spoken to has shared the same common goal: To make guests feel right at home even when they’re on the road. Neighborhood-style living with thoughtfully designed communal areas and well-appointed living spaces make any guest feel welcome at TownePlace Suites. Their patio space even includes a well-appointed barbecue for cookouts any time of year.

“We’ve got all the spices and tools you need,” shared George. “Having that barbecue really allows guests to feel like this is their home away from home.” After a long week, hotel guests can crack open a few beers and throw something on the grill as if they were in their own back yard.

There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as relaxing in the warm summer sun. Photo courtesy: SpringHill Suites & TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bellingham.

Plus visitors can easily take advantage of the beautiful attractions surrounding Bellingham from the hotel’s convenient location and handy amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. “We have a great bike storage space in the parking garage,” shared George. “A lot of our visitors come in for the weekend to see the sights on their bike and we have a locked area for them to keep their bikes safe.” Guests can take advantage of everything Whatcom County has to offer knowing that they have a secure location to tuck their wheels away when not in use. And when they come back to the hotel after a long day on their bike, they can enjoy the homey, neighborhood feel.

“In the summer we’ll have people barbecuing on the TownePlace patio or sipping cocktails just across the way outside the bar,” shared George. It’s lively and fun, and exactly the vibe they want to provide for guests and locals alike.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott is located at 4040 Northwest Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225.

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Readers’ Choice: WhatcomTalk’s Most Read Stories in April

You just have to cross the street for a Peruvian sandwich at Cafe Rumba. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

April 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 April:

Bellingham’s Hidden Eateries of North State Street – Seven Pedestrian Friendly Finds for Foodies

Stop in for a delicious Peruvian sandwich at Cafe Rumba. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

This handy guide takes you on a culinary tour of the hidden gems of North State Street. From Pelmeni to Café RumbaLeaf and Ladle to the Cosmos Bistro, you’re sure to find plenty to delight your senses and satiate your palate.

Cascade Tiny Houses – A Time And Space Revolution

Candy Mathews stands at the doorway of Shannon Carlton’s new tiny home. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.

Cascade Tiny Houses have all the charm of a dollhouse and the functionality of a full-size home. In custom building affordable tiny homes, the Cascade team’s shared vision serves as a doorway to creative, multi-purpose design which helps their clients discover an altogether different way of defining spatial requirements.

Paul Tuttle – Fanning The Flame Of Creativity

Tuttle begins the process of introducing electrical current to his newest virgin tabletop. Photo credit: Image Smith Studio, Joe Tondro-Smith.

This is a fascinating story about local artist Paul Tuttle. Tuttle uses a transformer he salvaged from a repurposed microwave to conduct electrical current through the wood. The process is slow and methodical. Even though he cannot predict where the burning lines will travel, he continually moves the contact handle around the table until it’s covered in one of a kind fractal patterned magic.

Editor’s Pick: How to Grow the Perfect Tomato – from the Experts at Joe’s Gardens

Joe's Gardens
“Tomatoes are the holy grail of fruits we grow,” says Jason Weston. Photo courtesy: Joe’s Gardens.

A good tomato is hard to come by. Maybe the rarity of tomato perfection is what makes it so sought after and what drives people to want to grow their own. Co-owners of Joe’s Gardens, Nathan and Jason Weston, explain the process so you too can enjoy tomato perfection.

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.

Scratch and Peck Feeds Wins FedEx Small Business Grant, $7,500 Award

scratch peck feeds
Diana Ambauen-Meade visits Brittle Barn Farm which uses Scratch and Peck Feeds for their chickens. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.

Submitted by: Gallatin Public Affairs

The 2017 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest has awarded Scratch and Peck Feeds as a Bronze Level Winner. Since this contest first began in 2013, FedEx has awarded $250,000 in small-business grants to help entrepreneurial companies grow their businesses, and now Scratch and Peck joins these ranks.

scratch peck feeds
Diana Ambauen-Meade visits Brittle Barn Farm which uses Scratch and Peck Feeds for their chickens. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.

“We are honored and grateful for this opportunity,” said Diana Ambauen-Meade, founder of Scratch and Peck Feeds. “Our entrepreneurial spirit, dedicated team of employees and passion for quality and wholesome animal feeds made us well aligned for this grant. The generous contribution by FedEx will allow us to further meet the needs of our customers while operating in our new facility.”

As a Bronze Level Winner, Scratch and Peck receives $7,500 plus a $1,000 credit toward FedEx print and business services. The company will be honored and join other grant winners for two days of sharing and learning at the Small Business Grant Winner Forum in Memphis September 12-13, 2017. A tour of the Memphis FedEx Global Hub is included.

A family-owned company founded in 2010, Scratch and Peck Feeds was the first feed mill in North America to become both Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. Products are also Animal Welfare Approved and the company is B Corp Certified. The grant funding will be used to expand shipping opportunities that will increase efficiency and productivity, while decreasing turnaround time to better assist a growing customer base.

Scratch and Peck’s sustainable business practices support local agriculture, the community, and the planet. Photo courtesy: Scratch and Peck Feeds.

“Reflecting on how far we’ve come as a company – from starting this idea in my own backyard – it has been awe-inspiring to recognize how many people support our mission toward developing better food, a happy planet and well cared-for animals,” said Ambauen-Meade. “We are grateful for our family and friends and for the incredible support we have received from customers who are as passionate about chickens and homegrown food as we are!”

Scratch and Peck Feeds specializes in producing high quality soy free and whole grain feeds for chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigs, goats and supplements and treats for poultry. By buying grains direct from regional farms, their sustainable business practices support local agriculture, the community and the environment.

Learn more about Scratch and Peck Feeds at: www.scratchandpeck.com

Learn more about FedEx Small Business Grant Contest at: https://smallbusiness.fedex.com/grantcontest.html

Launching Success Offers Everything You Need for Educational Fun

Launching Success has everything you need for a fun, educational time. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.

Submitted by: Launching Success

Launching Success Learning Store is a fun, educational toy store filled with a variety of amazing things. You’ll find anything you can think of! We carry a huge range of workbooks for all core subjects such as social studies, math, science and language arts. You’ll find helpful, supplementary books that can aid with even the most specific aspects of a subject. If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, we have plenty of tools for that as well! Our mission is to facilitate and promote learning for all ages. We’ll do our best to find what you’re looking for.

Launching Success offers a wide variety of LEGO products. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.

Not only do we provide educational assistance, we also carry plenty of fun toys! Dolls, LEGO®, crafts, puzzles, science kits and games for the whole family can be found here! It’s perfect if you’re searching for a fun, unique gift or simply something to do. Some of our featured products include SleepyLights, Calico Critters, Magna-Tiles and Rubik’s cubes! We have a large selection of games as well! We offer a healthy, fun middle ground between play and learning in many of our products. Games like Spelligator, Kanoodle, Math Lotto and many others encourage players to use critical thinking skills and apply their in-class learning in a creative way.

Launching Success is a teacher’s dream. Photo courtesy: Launching Success.

And of course we have a surplus of tools for teachers to use in the classroom as well. Charts, posters, books with activity ideas, borders, decoratives and your basic classroom supplies can all be found at Launching Success.

In addition to materials for teachers, we offer a wide variety of resources for homeschooling. We offer several curricula like Horizons, Explode the Code, Wordly Wise and much more! If you’re new to homeschooling, we provide a curriculum guide and are always willing to offer our input as well.

The employees are always willing to lend a hand and give advice on choosing a product that is just right for you. We want to ensure that you get the help you are looking for and welcome you to ask questions about our products. You will always be greeted by a friendly and informed employee at Launching Success Learning Store.

northwater – Revitalizing Locally Inspired Cuisine and Restaurant Culture

park and fly at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites-Bellingham
This property is located within walking distance of the Bellingham airport. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham.

Now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, northwater at Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham aims to share what makes our region so special, from the mountains to the bay and everything in between. Their goal is to bring the outdoors indoors, serving the freshest, local ingredients in beautiful preparations.

The menu was handcrafted by Chef Christy Fox. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

northwater is the brainchild of Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham’s Director of Operations and General Manager, Ragan Humphrey, and his wife, Martha. After decades in the restaurant business, Humphrey leapt at the opportunity to share his vision for a restaurant that is deeply inspired by the natural beauty of our region.

“This has been a labor of love and it’s neat to be able to share it with the community,” shared Humphrey. “This is going to be the swan song of my career.”

Bringing the outdoors in is reflected in the restaurant’s decor as much as it is on the plate. The northwater logo was designed to look as if it had been eroded by water, the seat backs inspired by the colors of sea glass, and if you look close at the wallpaper you’ll see that it looks like tiny rain droplets or birch bark. The wavy glass water feature was made in Canada from a decorative glass called Mirage by internationally acclaimed designer and glassmaker, Nathan Allan Glass Studios. The bar is even outfitted with a custom glass top with river rocks below. “It’s like you’re looking down into a stream,” shared Axelsson.

The northwater menu is diverse and delicious. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

The design elements of northwater celebrates being in harmony with the natural world. That same concept of harmony translates back to the restaurant’s team culture. Instead of being treated as resources to be used, staff are valued for being living, breathing, emotional and intelligent human beings. Theirs is a culture of fostering trust between team members at every level, regardless of title.

“That’s why northwater is spelled all lowercase,” shared Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Randi Axelsson. “When a team works together, no one is above anyone else. We are all equal.”

This culture of trust fosters a collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to work together toward common goals and individual ambitions. The culture of trust extends to restaurant guests.

At northwater, the food is as beautiful as it is delicious. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

“We’re really looking forward to people sharing their thoughts about our place and their reactions to it,” shared Humphrey. “It’s a very nimble concept where we’ll be able to take feedback from guests and our team. It’s a very open, collaborative culture.”

“Yes, it’s my menu,” shared Executive Chef, Christy Fox, “but everyone on my team has a say and has some ownership.” Known to many locally as co-owner/co-founder of Evolve Truffles, Fox brings 25 years of experience as a chef to northwater. She has found the experience to be humbling and intimidating so far but is obviously passionate about the opportunity to foster creative collaboration in an industry often known for indulging hierarchy and ego. “It’s a culture we’re creating for ourselves,” she said.

At northwater, all team members are equal. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

And with the opening of northwater, Fox is now able to share her longtime passion for regional cuisine through food produced in her new kitchen. The restaurant roasts its own northwater blend coffee and the kitchen comes equipped with new Wood Stone ovens and a vertical rotisserie that allows Fox’s team to cook everything from chickens to vegetables side-by-side without any cross-contamination.

“We’ll be marinating vegetables for 24 hours and then hanging them on the rotisserie to roast,” shared Fox. (You read that right – marinated, rotisserie vegetables. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Add a single malt Scotch with their cold-smoked ice to the party and I’ll be good to go.)

There is something to please any palette at northwater. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

“We’re trying to make a very diverse offering,” shared Humphrey. “We really are locally committed.”

northwater also uses technology for efficiency, turning things like once-discarded vegetable scraps into dehydrated seasonings. The goal: Zero food waste from the kitchen. “We’re just about as green as you can possibly be,” shared Axelsson.

This commitment to sustainable practices and supporting local agriculture is a reflection of Bellingham’s values. The responsibility of being the first restaurant visitors see outside of the Bellingham International Airport isn’t lost on Humphrey and his team. “We’re trying to weave a unique culinary experience into a comfortable environment, not only to appeal to our local population but also to make sure we welcome our guests to the north.”

Menu items are creative and inspiring. Photo credit: Chris Howard, HiDrive Photo.

And now, after months of preparation, Chef Fox is excited to provide a place for folks to gather. “We’ve been planning, talking, dreaming for so long,” shared Fox. “I’m ready to go.”

northwater is located at the new Holiday Inn & Suites-Bellingham, situated across the parking lot from the Bellingham International Airport terminal. Like them on Facebook to stay updated on opening plans and ongoing specials.

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