Ferndale’s Winterhawk Leighton Heading to Central Washington University

By

-

Winterhawk Leighton admits to being reluctant to the change at first.

Graduation had gutted the offensive line at Ferndale High School. The Golden Eagles had evolved into one of the state’s storied programs over the past two decades due largely to their traditionally dominating ground attack.

When you saw Ferndale was on your schedule you knew you were in for a physical game, and the boys up front were the main reason for that.

winterhawk leighton — Ferndale’s Winterhawk Leighton (far right) is pictured during National Signing Day. Leighton will play football next year at Central Washington University. Photo courtesy: Winterhawk Leighton.

But last summer was different for coach Jamie Plenkovich and his staff. Usually, the only holes they were used to seeing were the exceptionally large ones the offensive linemen had constantly opened up for the Ferndale running backs to scamper through over the years.

Heading into last season, unfortunately, the line itself was littered with holes needing to be filled.

Enter Leighton – the team’s starting tight end the previous two seasons.

An athletic specimen at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Leighton was the prime candidate to make the move into the trenches.

“At first I wasn’t sure about it,” Leighton said about the transition, “but I’d do anything for this team.”

Leighton, however, didn’t just fill a void. He excelled at the new position, earning first-team all-WESCO and all-county honors while leading the Golden Eagles back to the state playoffs for the first time since 2012.

“It’s asking a lot out of someone to go from catching the ball to playing the interior line,” Plenkovich said, “but Winterhawk is a team-first guy and was always willing to make sacrifices for the benefit of the team. I think that shows how much character and leadership skills he possesses. He was one of the key reasons for us success last year.”

It was a year of redemption for Leighton and his fellow seniors – many of which started two years ago as sophomores – this past football season.

It was baptism by fire for Leighton and his young teammates two years ago as they limped to a 3-6 record – the program’s first non-winning season in more than 20 years.

“That sophomore season was a tough year for everyone,” Leighton said, “but it definitely served as our motivation.”

As a junior Leighton helped the Golden Eagles rebound dramatically as they went 7-4 and advanced to the district round of the playoffs.

This past season, with Leighton paving the way on offense and causing all sorts of headaches for the opposition from his defensive line position, Ferndale finished with a record of 9-2.

Against Capital in a 35-7 district playoff victory, Leighton was a force on defense, basically being unblockable at times.

The Golden Eagles saw their stellar season come to an end in a first round state playoff loss to eventual 3A champion O’Dea. Leighton’s play on the offensive line was instrumental in the team’s success as he helped Ferndale produce a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Ben Broselle and Cole Semu.

“All I’ve ever wanted to do with wear that yellow helmet,” Leighton said. “I’ve loved everything about this program. It has such a great tradition. The list of former players is incredible. The coaches are incredible. I just wanted to be a part of it. This last year meant a lot for the seniors because we felt like we returned Ferndale football to where to belongs.”

Even though he hanged up the much-desired yellow helmet, Leighton’s gridiron days are far from over as he will play next season at Central Washington University.

CWU coaches first got a glimpse of Leighton during the Wildcats’ summer camp. Their initial interest in him was as a defensive lineman, but now envision him remaining on the offensive line.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but I am really looking forward to it,” Leighton said. “I am going to go from Wing-T blocking to zone blocking so I still have a lot to learn.”

It’s a learning curve, however, Plenkovich believes his former standout will have no issue overcoming.

“Central Washington University is getting a great individual, and I’m not even talking the football side of things. He’s just a neat kid,” Plenkovich said. “He is going to be a great presence for them in the locker room. Moving on to that next level is a big step for everyone, but he’s a player who will put in the work that’s needed and do what’s asked from him, and provide leadership.”

Leighton, who is a member of the Lummi Nation, selected Central Washington over several other colleges, including the University of Idaho.

“My mom’s side of the family is here, and my dad’s side of the family is in Idaho. Ellensburg is right in the middle. So I’m halfway to both,” Leighton said. “I’m always going to be involved with my Ferndale family and my Lummi family, even all the way down in Ellensburg.”

Right now Leighton’s spare time outside of school consists of two things – running and lifting as he preps for the next stage of his football career.

“I’m just trying to get stronger and work on my cardio,” Leighton said. “I’m excited. Central felt like a great fit for me the first time I was there. I just want to do everything I can to get ready for that.”

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

By

Kali Klotz-Brooks

-

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

The tomato: a fruit considered more mystical than most and desired by many. To those garden savvy, veggie lovers and growers who live in Whatcom County, this is especially true. Although it is frustrating to realize, 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, “Each spring we have customers ask how they can grow tomatoes that taste as good as ours.” Well never fear, the brothers assure it can be done!

Nathan and Jason Weston are experts at growing the perfect tomato. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.

To start:

Our saturated, chilled northwest climate means April is generally the best month for getting your tomato plants in the ground. The temperatures are finally warming up and frost risk is low. To start, the Westons recommend choosing a variety that is best suited for your growing environment.

Determinate (or ‘bush’) and cherry tomatoes are great varieites for beginners, and folks that don’t have a sunny location, to start with. As you gain experience, or if you have a sunnier location, try your hand at some of the larger, or Heirloom, varieties. If your garden or pot only gets about half a day of sunlight, or you are near the bay or at higher elevations, Early Girl, Oregon Spring, Celebrity or cherry varieties are good options. Nathan and Jason’s all time favorite, and the one that they grow for harvest at the farm, is called Joe’s Special. It is also encouraged to grow from a tomato “starter” rather than a seed.

“Germinating from a seed is hard. It needs perfect conditions,” Nathan stresses.

Jason rattles off a list of temperamental factors that go into seed germination, “Soil temperature, growth rate changes, stretching issues.”

Most people do not have the time to sit at home all day and babysit a plant sprout. Not to mention, starters have about a six week growing advantage over seeds.

Planting:

Twist tie tomato stems to a six foot stake to keep your plant healthy and upright. Photo courtesy: Joe’s Gardens.

When planting a starter, you do not necessarily need a garden. A five gallon pot or bucket works perfectly well and can be moved around as needed from one sunny spot to another.

To plant your starter, begin by hammering a six-foot stake into a 12 square inch plat of worked up soil. Jason likes using half compost and half potting soil to plant in. “Potting soil alone is on the drier side,” he explains. Tomato plants prefer to be consistently moist. Inconsistent watering (dramatic dry to wet soil) induces cracking in the fruit’s skin.

Next, notice all the fuzzy little hairs on the stem of your starter- these are potential roots. A strong root system is essential for the health of your plant, so dig a hole at the base of your stake and bury your starter to the lowest branch.

Maintenance:

Keeping the soil consistently damp protects tomatoes from cracking. Photo courtesy: Joe’s Gardens.

As the plant grows, twist-tie the stem to the stake. This will also help with stability as fruit matures. When choosing which fertilizer to use, Nathan says to choose tomato specific fertilizer. “This ensures the plant will get the proper amounts of magnesium and calcium tomatoes need.” The brothers recommend Nature’s Source All Natural Plant Food.

At about 2.5 feet, flowers will begin to bloom. It is at this stage that your plant might need a little boost. Nathan explains, “Most pollinators aren’t attracted to tomato blossoms.”

“Except bumblebees,” Jason chimes in.

To help with the pollination process, you can purchase pollen in a can or simply give the flowers a little tap with your fingers. On the farm they use electric toothbrushes. This is an important step because, without proper pollination, tomatoes might be malformed or not produce at all.

It is also at this height that you might begin to notice your plant sprouting “suckers,” or growths extending from the joints of the branches. These little guys draw energy away from already existing branches and fruits. By trimming and removing them you are allowing proper sunlight to ripen already established tomatoes and ensuring that they will have enough nutrients to reach a substantial size.

Late season:

In the final days of summer, you should be regularly harvesting and gorging on your fresh fruits. However, to make sure they continue through September, be wary of the fall blight. This is an airborne illness that comes from the tomato’s unlikely cousin, the potato. Cool air from Canada ventures down south picking up blight spores from the surrounding area and leaving them in gardens. If a tomato plant is struck with the fall blight, it’s a goner. Nathan and Jason suggest covering tomato plants with a large plastic bag at night starting as early as August 1. This will keep dew from settling on the plant and decrease the odds of it getting the blight.

At the start of September, frost is on the mind of most gardeners. This means it is time to prepare for your final tomatoes. The Weston brothers suggest cutting your tomato vine off below the lowest fruit and hanging the vine upside down in your garage. The last of the fruit left on the vine will ripen over the next few months, lengthening the life of your plant and tomato harvest.

So there you have it – all the know-how from the best tomato growers in the business. Stop by Joe’s Gardens to gather up the supplies you need to get your plants in the ground before it’s too late. You can find Joe’s Gardens at 3110 Taylor Ave in Bellingham. You can also visit their website, facebook page or give them a call at 360-671-7639.

Sponsored

Shelli Jones Builds Awareness of Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce Members in the Community

By

Jennifer Dodge

-

Born and raised in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Shelli Jones got her start in talk radio as a sports reporter covering hockey. This was in an era when women didn’t ordinarily report on sports, especially male-dominated ones. She was truly breaking down walls and barriers for women entering the world of sports reporting.

Shelli Jones ensures the Chamber’s message reaches its members and the community at large. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

From talk radio, Jones moved into television for thirteen years. She worked for the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) in Harrisburg, PA and Las Vegas, NV. “I met Big Bird, Mr. Rogers and Elmo,” she remembers fondly. “And I gained valuable experience in branding, promotions and advertising from the PBS national marketing team.”

Jones came to Bellingham to run a multi-cultural and multi-lingual television channel. When the station was sold, Jones found herself with an opportunity to reinvent herself.

In 2012 the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce presented Jones with the opportunity to bring her marketing experience and love of the local community to the Chamber.

As the Marketing Coordinator for the Chamber, Jones promotes Chamber events and programs via the Chamber’s website, e-newsletter, print newsletter, social media, weekly radio program on KGMI, blog on WhatcomTalk.com and in the Bellingham Business Journal. The goal is to ensure the Chamber’s message reaches its members and the community at large.

Jones also works hard to support local business growth by promoting Chamber members. “Our members’ successes make us stronger. That is why we provide our members with free promotional opportunities on our website, e-newsletter and social media.”

When Jones is not promoting the next new Chamber program or event, she loves to read historical fiction with a cat on her lap, feed the critters in her back yard and hike our area’s beautiful trails.

Stop into the Chamber, say hello to Shelli Jones and ask her a thing or two about marketing and promotion!

Sponsored

Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber Welcomes New Business Development and Sales Specialist, Christin Lunny

By

LocalTalk Contributor

-

Submitted by: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce

This Q&A interview with new Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce Business Development and Sales Specialist, Christin Lunny, was conducted by chamber Marketing Assistant Liz Leighton.

Christin Lunny is the new Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce Business Development and Sales Specialist. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

Liz: Where are you originally from, Christin?

Christin: Seattle. I’m a third generation graduate of the University of Washington and hold a degree in Communications. I have a broad range of experience in marketing and sales. I began my career working for SEAFAIR in Seattle, where I collaborated with community partners and business leaders.

Liz: How long have you lived in Whatcom County?

Christin: 20 years. I moved here in 1996 knowing that Bellingham was a great place to raise a family. We have a blended family with 5 kids in three different schools, and we enjoy watching them participate in sports and music activities. I am also a member of the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors.

Liz: Can you tell us of an experience that may have influenced you career path?

Christin: Yes! During the summer between my junior and senior years at the UW, I took a backpacking trip through Europe with several of my girlfriends. I had taken along the book, “The Winds of War” by Herman Wouk to read during the trip. It was so fascinating to be visiting the places I read about in the book, that it inspired me to want to make a difference in my own community.

Liz: What do you bring to the Chamber?

Lunny looks forward to bringing her community knowlege to her new position. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.

Christin: From the perspective of having raised our children here, I have a better understanding of the community as a whole and can tie that into sales, event and marketing opportunities.

Liz: What is your favorite place in Bellingham?

Christin: The Taylor Street Dock is the best spot on a sunny day. It’s a spectacular spot to view the scenery, relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Liz: What one thing would you want the members to know about you?

Christin: I am passionate about Whatcom County and the people who live here, and I want to make it an even better place to not only live, but to do business. I look forward to meeting and working with the members of the Bellingham Chamber and generating support for the Chamber’s events and the business community.

Work through Grief into the Light with Luminescence Creative Grief Support

By

Sara Holodnick

-

Luminescence Creative Grief Support 5609 — Karen Mittet of Luminescence Creative Grief Counseling doesn’t offer judgement or advice - just time and space to be heard, or to sit in sacred silence. Photo credit: Sara Holodnick.

Originally from Vancouver, BC, Karen Mittet began her career working at The Royal Bank of Canada. But everything changed when her mother died two weeks after her 46th birthday. Karen was 23 years old.

Karen helps others through mourning at their own pace. Photo courtesy: Luminescence Creative Grief Support.

“The void I felt when my mom died was immense,” she shared. “My mother was my best friend, my hero and role model. She taught me how to love, how to persevere even when life isn’t going your way. She taught me how to treat everyone in society equally, that everyone is special, everyone has a story and everyone has the right to be heard and listened to.”

Karen’s mother also taught her the hardest lesson of all: How to die.

“She planned her funeral. She picked out her burial clothes, her casket, the songs at her funeral. She was sad to die and leave us behind but she also had a faith and knew where she was going.”

More than 25 years later those lessons have inspired Karen to open Luminescence Creative Grief Support: A companioning service for individuals who are struggling with the death of someone they love.

A Journey through Grief

Karen’s mother’s death transformed her life. She left her job at the bank to go back to school to become an elementary school teacher. Karen taught grade one until her first son was born. Her husband’s business brought her family to Bellingham 18 years ago, where they’ve raised their three sons.

“I wish [my mom] didn’t die, but because she died, I’ve become the person I am. I learned a lot from my grief. It brought me to Hospice, which led me to this work,” Karen said.

Luminescence Creative Grief provides a safe, compassionate and understanding environment for those who are grieving to process their emotions. Photo credit: Sara Holodnick.

Karen remembered the nurses who helped care for her mother in the Palliative Care Unit at Vancouver General Hospital while she was battling with ovarian cancer, and she felt compelled to give back. So she began volunteering at Whatcom Hospice House six years ago. She still goes in every Friday morning to make breakfast for the patients, homemade soup and cookies for the families and nurses, however, it was her training as a grief facilitator which opened the door to leading support groups at Hospice and for Our Treehouse.

Whatcom Hospice brought her into contact with Founder and Director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition, Dr. Alan Wolfelt. Karen was introduced to his bereavement caregiver trainings when he came to Skagit County to speak to a group of funeral directors and hospice caregivers.

Dr. Wolfelt’s teachings changed her view of grieving. She came to understand that when someone dies you can’t go back to who you used to be because the grief changes you.

“That liminal space is between the life that you once knew and the life you are going to move forward to,” she explained. “And your relationship with the deceased will never end. It will always continue. It just transforms and changes.”

Karen saw an opportunity to help others through mourning at their own pace. “I felt there was a need for people to be heard in their grief away from counseling,” she shared. “I’m not a counselor. As a companion, I allow the mourner to be the expert of their grief. Grief is chaotic, not linear. There are really no set stages in grief. Grief oscillates. It is a journey that involves emotional bursts when you least expect them, and that is okay.”

Karen traveled to Dr. Wolfelt’s Center for Loss in Fort Collins, Colorado, several times. After completing 150 hours of study, she received her Death and Grief Studies Certification. This year, Karen also certified with The Creative Grief Studios and with The Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy. In March, Karen was asked to speak on Grief Companioning at the Vancouver West End Community Centre for their End of Life Series. This coming November, she will take part in Simon Fraser University’s End-of-Life Matters Expo 2017, the first event of its kind, at SFU Downtown Vancouver.

Creative Grief Support

Karen Mittet of Luminescence Creative Grief Counseling doesn’t offer judgement or advice – just time and space to be heard, or to sit in sacred silence. Photo credit: Sara Holodnick.

Karen doesn’t offer judgement or advice, just time and space to be heard or to sit in sacred silence. Opening up about grief reveals your vulnerability, yet confronting those emotions is a way of caring for yourself.

Luminescence means “moving towards the light,” and with her companioning services, Karen offers grieving individuals ways to move from darkness into light. “It’s a slow and honored process,” she explained.

To illustrate, she placed a jar in front of me and filled it to the top with water. The jar, she said, is your body. The water, grief.

“When someone you love dies, it feels like your grief is filled to the top, like nothing else can fit in. The traditional way of dealing with grief is to vent all your grief and then throw away the water, like all the grief is gone.”

But instead of getting rid of the grief, she models another way. “You may want to start a new job,” she says as she drops a stone into the water. “You may want to do yoga.” Another stone. “Perhaps you want to join a community grief group, make new friendships or explore a creative hobby.” She lists a multitude of things people may want to nurture, dropping a stone into the water with each one. “As you welcome these wholehearted things into your life, you can see that the grief, or water, isn’t gone. It becomes displaced. The grief becomes the connective tissue.”

Karen’s practice provides a safe, compassionate and understanding environment for those who are grieving to process their emotions. She helps the bereaved navigate that connective tissue in ways that work for them, while giving an ongoing voice to the loved one who has died.

“I’m open to other ways of expression,” Karen said. “There’s more than one way to grieve.”

Reach out to Karen Mittet of Luminescence Creative Grief Support for companionship along your journey through grief by calling 360-224-6882 or emailing luminescencegrief@yahoo.com.

Sponsored

PR Consulting Adds Team Member and Continues Expansion

By

LocalTalk Contributor

-

PR Consulting, Inc. Patti Rowlson and Sarah Goodin, PR Consulting — Owner Patti Rowlson recently hired new Social Media Manager Sarah Goodin. Photo courtesy: PR Consulting, Inc.

Submitted by: PR Consulting, Inc.

PR Consulting, Inc. has hired a social media manager and now includes four professionals with a variety of public relations, marketing and design experience.

Owner Patti Rowlson recently hired new Social Media Manager Sarah Goodin. Photo courtesy: PR Consulting, Inc.

Sarah Goodin, PRC’s new social media manager, is a 2012 graduate of Western Washington University. She brings to PRC’s clients a passion for communication, sharing ideas and building community.

“Our aim at PR Consulting is to build a team of experienced communications pros to help Whatcom County companies speak to consumers across many channels,” said PRC founder Patti Rowlson. “With Sarah’s hire, we now have experts on social media, content marketing, graphic design, websites and business consulting on the team.”

Matthew Anderson, PRC’s content strategist and web developer, worked for nearly a decade in the University Communications and Marketing office at Western. Photo courtesy: PR Consulting, Inc.

Goodin’s primary professional experience is in marketing and sales analysis. She also serves on the board of a local company that uses walking tours to teach the history of Bellingham.

Goodin’s hire comes on the heels of two others in the past year:

Matthew Anderson, PRC’s content strategist and web developer, is a 2006 graduate of WWU’s Department of Journalism. He worked for nearly a decade in the University Communications and Marketing office at Western before leaving to pursue a master’s degree in communication and media studies.
Thomas Stoneham-Judge, PRC’s graphic designer, is a 2013 graduate of Washington State University. His background includes graphic design work for business of many sizes, including large corporate brands and small family-owned companies.

Thomas Stoneham-Judge, PRC’s graphic designer, has done graphic design work for business of many sizes, including large corporate brands and small family-owned companies. Photo courtesy: PR Consulting, Inc.

Since its launch in 2009, PRC’s primary role has been to help companies without a dedicated marketing team interact and engage with their customers, clients and communities. While the tools and best practices used to communicate with consumers keep changing; PRC’s human, personalized approach to their marketing efforts remains the same.

“Local companies are marketing to real people, and the work we do for them personalizes their brand,” Rowlson said. “Our engagement marketing work on social media, for example, shows that our clients are real people, not marketing automation robots and we believe real people experiences trump robot experiences every time.”

For more information about PR Consulting’s expansion and expertise in the Whatcom County business arena, contact marketing director Patti Rowlson at 360-325-3127 or pr@pattirowlson.com, or visit the company’s website at http://pattirowlson.com/.

Tails-A-Wagging Owner, Angela Lenz, Teaches Kids How to Safely Greet Dogs

By

Amy Blackwood

-

Tails a Wagging WHS Alderwood — Bubba provides his expertise with a Pat-Pet-Pause meet-and-greet at Alderwood Elementary School. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Humane Society.

To say Whatcom County is a dog-friendly area may be a bit of an understatement. One would be hard-pressed to spend a day—or even an hour—within its boundaries without spotting a number of furry friends walking down sidewalks, riding in cars, jogging on trails and peeking out of grocery carts. Wherever the people go, their canine companions are usually trotting along right beside them.

Angela Lenz gets silly with the kids and Bubba at the WHS Critter Camp. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Humane Society.

And when there are so many adorable pets out in public, it’s only natural for many people to want to say hello. But dogs are still animals and there’s the matter of safety to be considered, especially when children are the ones introducing themselves.

So, what’s the best way to greet a dog? Angela Lenz, owner and lead trainer at Tails-A-Wagging, has been volunteering her dog safety expertise in the school system for more than 20 years. She is working hard to educate the community on a method she incorporated into her outreach programs about three years ago, Pat-Pet-Pause, which aims to change how we approach dogs on every level.

“The old way to approach a new dog–stick your hand out and let the dog sniff it—was really troublesome, as kids were getting bit on their hand and there is the issue of consent,” says Lenz. “Just like kids, dogs have the right to say no. They should not be forced to be touched if they don’t want to be.”

PSE Green Power business Tails-A-Wagging and some of their clients with trainer Angela Lenz.

Lenz explains that seventy-seven percent of all dog bites happen by a family pet, when an adult is less than 12 inches away. She believes this means that people are staying close by and paying attention but they don’t always recognize the warning signs.

“Until we teach parents and kids about how to respect dogs by understanding body language, we won’t stop dog bites,” says Lenz. “Dogs are the only animal on the planet that we have such high expectations of. They are expected to never be afraid, never be upset, never tell someone how they feel and be happy all the time. Dog bites do not happen at random or come from nowhere. We can always see them coming—you just need to know what to look for.”

Lenz is taking her Pat-Pet-Pause movement straight to the schools, educating kids as young as preschool age how to respectfully introduce themselves to a new dog. She sits right down on the floor with the students and teaches them about canine body language in a variety engaging ways, even if it means crawling on the floor like a puppy to demonstrate a behavior.

Lenz walks Bubba down a line of kids at Alderwood Elementary. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Humane Society.

“I also show them photos about what dogs look like when they are happy, when they are sad, when they are mad and when they are afraid,” Lenz says.

She then explains the Pat-Pet-Pause method and they all practice how it’s done. Next comes the fun part: Lenz brings in Bubba, her helper dog for the past 15 years, who’s more than happy to provide the students with some hands-on meet-and-greet experience while the kids get quizzed about his body language and movements.

“Stop and look first,” Lenz says. “Happy dogs are relaxed, with open mouths and exposed tongues, ears are relaxed and weight is evenly distributed.”

Lenz relaxing with a group of her favorite furry friends. Photo courtesy: Angela Lenz/Tails-A-Wagging.

The informative program is 100% volunteer and facilitated through the Whatcom Humane Society’s education department, with which Lenz has been volunteering since 1998. She works closely with WHS in many ways including presenting free monthly workshops, allowing shelter dogs into Tails-A-Wagging daycare for socialization, and helping staff and volunteers with training, evaluations and adoption counsel whenever needed.

“The program at the elementary schools is just one more way she is helping us teach kids—and adults—about canine body language and safety,” says Carly Brewer, WHS Volunteer & Outreach Services Manager. “She is amazing!”

Zakia Kaminski, who works closely with Lenz through WHS Outreach and Humane Education, has already witnessed a positive response from the children and—even more rewarding—a thoughtful shift in behavior. When returning to Alderwood Elementary for a second presentation, she witnessed students in the hall using the skills they learned from the Pat-Pet-Pause program just days earlier.

Bubba provides his expertise with a Pat-Pet-Pause meet-and-greet at Alderwood Elementary School. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Humane Society.

“It was very impressive to see and definitely made me feel as though the presentation made a difference,” says Kaminski. “Humane education is such an important thing for the community and the younger a child is taught something such as dog safety or dog body language, the more likely they are to carry that idea through to adulthood.”

Lenz has been working as a dog trainer since 1989 and opened Tails-A-Wagging in 1997. To learn more about arranging a Pat-Pet-Pause presentation at a school or organization, contact WHS at 360-733-2080 or outreach@whatcomhumane.org.

Blaine Harbor’s Community Presence

By

Jennifer Dodge

-

Blaine Harbor 3881 — Blaine Harbor is the heart of the seaside town of Blaine. Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

With deeply-rooted ties to the commercial fishing industry, Blaine Harbor sees commercial fishing vessels as an important part of the waterfront.

Picturesque Blaine Harbor is ideal for boaters and land lubbers alike. Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

Today, a smaller fleet sets out each day to harvest Dungeness crab and salmon during those respective seasons and supplies to four local seafood buyers.

Port Commissioner, Bobby Briscoe, and his wife call Blaine home. Briscoe, a fourth-generation fisherman born and raised in Bellingham has operated commercial fishing vessels for over forty years in Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California.

“Being a maritime family, a part of the Blaine community and now Port Commissioner gives me a unique perspective. As the gateway to the Pacific Northwest, Blaine harbor and the local commercial fishing fleet are an integral part of this hard working picturesque seaside community.”

Beyond being the longtime home of commercial fishing, Blaine is only minutes from the Canadian border as well as right off Interstate 5 offering the convenience of travel into the Canadian city of Vancouver or even heading south to Seattle.

Across the harbor entrance sits the Semiahmoo Resort, located at the end of a sand spit reaching out into Drayton Harbor. The resort is built on the foundations of the historic Alaska Packers Association fish cannery. The Plover, a seasonal foot ferry operating between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Resort, allows guests and residence alike to go between the resort and town. This historic foot ferry was the same route used to carry the cannery workers from Blaine to their job at the Semiahmoo location.

Come see what Blaine Harbor has for you! Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

With strong community ties as well as a place for boats to come in and dock and moorage available, Blaine Harbor exemplifies the mission of the Port of Bellingham through its consistent activities supporting a strong connection and stability to the community.

As an element of community outreach Port of Bellingham Harbor staff partners with the Blaine School District, Puget Sound Restoration, Drayton Harbor Maritime and the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District to provide class field trips as a part of the Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum for Blaine Elementary fifth grade students. Students participate in hands-on experiences and activities promoting environmental stewardship. Everyone enjoys seeing the children at the harbor learning about environment stewardship and the marine ecosystem.

With its proximity to Canada and walking distance to restaurants and the new waterfront playground, the Port of Bellingham operated Blaine Harbor is at the heart of the sea-side town of Blaine.

Port Commissioner Bobby Briscoe is a fourth-generation fisherman. Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

“Blaine is only 20 minutes north of Bellingham, but you’ll find all of the elements of a summer cruising destination in this quaint, little town,” says Andy Peterson, Blaine Harbormaster. “It’s our best kept secret.”

Peterson, who has worked for the Port of Bellingham for 20 years, grew up a part of his family’s marine hardware and repair business and has been a part of the Whatcom waterfront his entire life. A fifth generation Whatcom County resident, he’s seen the changes to the waterfront that have made the shores of Whatcom County even more desirable over the years.

“I grew up around boats and boatyards,” he fondly recalls. “We explored just about every inch of the shoreline from the Bellingham waterfront to Patos Island.”

Working for the Port of Bellingham, he has worked at the marinas, the shipping terminal, the Alaska Ferry terminal and even the airport before coming back to Blaine Harbor. In 2010, Peterson became the harbormaster at Blaine Harbor and was back to working on the waterfront.

“A leisurely walk from the harbor will get you into downtown Blaine with dining and pubs and loads of small town character,” describes Peterson. “For the boater looking for a quiet place to reconnect, it doesn’t get any better than this. “

Andy Peterson has been a part of the Whatcom waterfront his entire life. Photo courtesy: Port of Bellingham.

The end of April marks the 19^th Annual Semiahmoo Bay International Regatta, when race participants from the United States and Canada rendezvous at Blaine Harbor for a two-day sailboat race. Opening Day of Boating and the Fishermen’s Memorial and Blessing of the Fleet is celebrated the first weekend of May.

The busiest day in Blaine is the Fourth of July with a parade, festivities and fireworks over the harbor. Followed by the Drayton Harbor Days the first weekend in August held by the Blaine Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Bellingham, with assistance from the Drayton Harbor Maritime, Blaine/Birch Bay Parks and Recreation District and the City of Blaine. From raft races and steamboats to the children’s pirate costume contest, this event is a celebrated favorite each year.

Whether you are a boater looking for a new homeport or just looking for a seaside destination to spend a sunny afternoon, Blaine Harbor provides incredible opportunities for both from its locally caught fish and crab to the beautiful sunsets over the harbor. Come see what Blaine Harbor has for you.

Sponsored

Make Summer Great with Whatcom County Youth Summer Camps

By

Jennifer Dodge

-

Whatcom County youth summer camps Kids with Whatcom Wild — Outdoor adventures with Wild Whatcom means learning new and amazing things about our local environment. Photo courtesy: Wild Whatcom.

Do you have a child who would enjoy a unique summer experience? If so, summer camp could be just the ticket. There are many amazing Whatcom County youth summer camps including overnight camps, day camps and sports specific and academic-based camps. Your child can have virtually any experience they want this summer tailor-made to his or her own interests!

Here are just a few of the many options in our area:

Fir Creek Day Camp

Fir Creek, located near Lake Whatcom in a grove of fir and cedar trees, offers a variety of activities for campers from 1^st through 8^th grade. Providing an environment for fun, new friendships and finding new interests, Fir Creek offers kids the opportunity to grow and experience new things.

Activities at Fir Creek Day Camp include water sports like ski boating, aqua jumping and tubing as well as land activities like giant tree swinging, rock climbing and zip lining. They also offer activities from the other end of the spectrum like drawing, ceramics, tree houses, sports, games and a lot more.

Each week has its own crazy theme with equally crazy adventures so kids and families can choose which one works best for them. Fir Creek Day Camp is now taking registrations.

YMCA Summer Adventure Camp

Kids enjoy a variety of activities at YMCA camps.

The YMCA Summer Adventure Camp offers kids the opportunity to meet new friends and learn new skills in an exciting and fun outdoor environment. They offer great activities such as archery, hiking, kayaking, cooking, science, art and much more.

Hope Thompson, Adventure Camp Coordinator, says the camp curriculum is built on the key components of achievement, relationship and belonging with a focus on the YMCA Core Values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. Their open house on June 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. is a great opportunity to meet the staff and learn about their summer program.

The Seekers (for children entering grades 1 and 2) learn new skills, work on projects with new friends and enjoy some undirected time in an environment perfect for fostering resilience and confidence.

The Explorers (grades 3 to 5) learn to respect and enjoy nature through hiking, crafting, field trips and other activities based on exciting themes that change weekly.

And the Challengers (grades 6 through 8) get the opportunity to explore the community through learning a new talent such as art or tennis. They also head outdoors for some adventure and new friendship cultivation. Each week sees a new theme that shapes each day’s plans.

Adventure Quest

Adventure Quest has been offering programs in Bellingham since 2011. They offer a great opportunity for kids to experience a mythical and magical world as they overcome challenges and solve riddles to become the heroes of their quest.

Each week of the camp entails a different “quest” or interactive story involving games and acting in an environment promoting good sportsmanship and respect for others along with creative conflict resolution and problem solving. Activities include magical dueling with foam swords and fending off ogres and bands of pirates. Campers leave feeling excited and empowered and ready to share the story of their mythical adventure with you!

Summer camps are now open for registration for ages 6 to 16.

Wild Whatcom

Wild Whatcom summer programs are all about adventure. Days exploring our local forests, rivers, meadow, waterfalls and beaches provide a mentor-led opportunity to learn and experience our local surroundings.

The day camps are all three to five-day adventures (sometimes including an overnight) with facilitated learning. These day camps are open to kids grades 1 through 8.

Also available to kids grades 5 through 11 are Wilderness Explorations featuring three to eight- day backpacking trips full of facilitated learning opportunities.

With separate camps for girls and boys, the types of adventures and locations vary. Many sessions are available for each adventure in a variety of locations.

Registration is now open for all summer camp sessions. Your adventure awaits!

These are just a few of the camps around town. Check local resources, such as schools, churches and local businesses like Bellingham Bay Gymnastics, to get the latest information on available summer camp options for your family.

Jennifer Lovchik: Reaching Teens Through Books, Games and BA-CON

By

Lorraine Wilde

-

These cosplayers attended BA-CON 2016. More than 1000 enthusiasts are expected to attend this year. Photo courtesy: BA-CON.

Teen Services Librarian Jennifer Lovchik loves her job at Bellingham Public Library (BPL). As a mentor and coordinator of BPL teen programs and founder of the Bellingham Anime Convention (BA-CON), Lovchik connects with the teens of Whatcom County by speaking their language through books, games, anime and fandom of all kinds.

Lovchik grew up in the Seattle area and attended Western Washington University. She took a job as a librarian at BPL 20 years ago and in 2001 she became the Teen Services Librarian. “Being a teen librarian is my dream and always has been,” explains Lovchik. “I love my busy, wonderful job.”

Many parents struggle to relate to the interests of their teens. Some don’t have time to keep up on teen culture and some struggle to understand it, but Lovchik has found a way to stay immersed in some of the areas teens care about through her work at BPL and within the community.

Teen Programs at BPL

BA-CON Steering Committee Members attend Anime Night at BPL, some in cosplay. Left to Right: Anya Mueller, Kambria Mcdonald (Super Pochaco), Jennifer Lovchik, Ben Bernard (Dandy Universe) and Kai Imani (Asnort). Photo credit: Lorraine Wilde.

“Our programs provide a place for teens to explore and learn and grow,” notes Lovchik. “It’s another way of helping them tell their story and be part of the community.” Many kids who haven’t found their ideal social setting through school or other places are drawn to BPL programs. “I’ve seen amazing friendships develop from participation,” adds Lovchik. “One of my joys is to see the kids come in as awkward, impulse-control-challenged 6^th graders and then to watch them blossom.”

Anime Night has been on the second Monday of each month since 2007. Pizza and other refreshments from McKay’s Taphouse & Pizzeria and Rudy’s Pizzeria are provided by Friends of the Library. Candy is given to anyone dressed in fandom-related cosplay. Young adults 12 to 23 are welcome to attend. About 40 to 50 people attend each month.

Game Night is an informal meet up on the third Monday of each month. Kids age 12 to 19 watch and play Wii games and traditional board games. Both groups meet at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in a positive, safe, hate-free environment at BPL’s Central Library Lecture Room.

An off-shoot of Anime Night called Toshokan Cosplay (which means ‘library’ in Japanese) also meets once a month on a Friday. Students watch YouTube videos, take photos, dance and socialize from 4 to 6 p.m.

“The kids have a lot of opportunity to interact, even the shy ones,” adds Lovchik. “I encourage everyone to be kind. It’s a safe, happy place to hang out.” Students that participate have fun while also building friendships and learning new social skills in a respectful environment.

Middle School Lunch-Time Book Groups

These cosplayers attended BA-CON 2016. More than 1000 enthusiasts are expected to attend this year. Photo courtesy: BA-CON.

Each of the four middle schools in Bellingham School District has a different name for their monthly lunch-time book groups, but they have a common goal: to share their mutual love of books. Middle school teens meet to discuss book-related themes and have a chance to win free advance reader copies of books provided by local book store Village Books.

Lovchik also brings this program to other area groups. The Bellingham School District’s Family Partnership Program provides resources and support to Bellingham’s homeschooling community. Lovchik also meets at least monthly with residents of Sterling Meadows, a program of Mercy Housing of Northwest Washington, which has been providing housing to agricultural workers and their families since 2002. “I go to where the kids are because they can’t always get to the library,” explains Lovchik. “I love anime, I love games but I really love books so it’s nice to be able to talk to kids about that too.”

Bellingham Anime Convention (BA-CON)

The 2016 BA-CON Cosplay Competition at Whatcom Community College was well attended. Photo courtesy: BA-CON.

“I knew about Sakura-Con and other fan conventions, and I figured we needed something for young people who couldn’t get to Seattle so they could dress up and hang out with friends at a dedicated event. So I started one,” explains Lovchik. The original monthly evening event inspired an annual, full-day event, now in its seventh year.

In 2010 the first all-day anime convention, then called ADA-CON, was held at BPL. Approximately 20 kids were in attendance. The following year the name was officially changed to Bellingham Anime Convention (BA-CON for short) and it drew more than 90 area enthusiasts. The annual convention continued to grow each year until it reached BPL’s capacity of 250 people. A larger venue was needed to address the increasing interest.

“Although I’m not a personal fan of anime, I try to keep up on everything so I at least know what the kids are talking about,” explains Lovchik. In 2014, the teens in her BPL program told her about an Animation Club at Whatcom Community College (WCC). That’s where she found Jarrett Martin. As a WCC student, Martin had started the popular club. Martin was brought on as Director of Programming in 2014 and BA-CON moved to WCC in 2015. “He’s currently the Convention Director and he is the main reason BA-CON is and will continue to grow.”

“When I joined, it was with the condition that we make it a ‘real convention,’ with guest speakers, workshops and that it become more representative of the kinds of conventions you’d find in other larger cities,” remembers Martin. “Since then we’ve obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and taken the event from six to twelve hours, growing to the more than 1,000 we expect to attend this year.” Last year, the event was attended by many locals, but also by vendors and enthusiasts from Vancouver, B.C., Seattle and Oregon.

BA-CON Artists Alley will expand from 20 in 2016 to more than 50 local and Pacific Northwest artists and vendors this year. Photo courtesy: BA-CON.

In prior years, the event was free for vendors and attendees and funded solely by BPL and donations. In 2016, they began charging a small fee in order to support guest speakers, advertising and to pay for overhead costs associated with the ever expanding event. This year, the event will triple in size, expanding from one to three buildings on the WCC campus. Artists Alley will occupy an entire gymnasium due to growth from about 20 to more than 50 local and Pacific Northwest artists and vendors. The area will take on more of an expo feel.

“It’s not just anime either,” adds Lovchik. “It’s all fandoms. We’re inviting and inclusive. Most people feel it’s a warm and happy event where people love what they’re doing.” Many of the teens that have participated in BPL programs have become members of the BA-CON Steering Committee, helping make decisions and learning new leadership and social skills along the way.

This year’s event will also feature industry professionals, three musical performances and more than 70 hours of content during the 12-hour event. They’ll bring big name guest speakers in the anime world including Raj Ramayya, a California-based Indo-Canadian singer, composer and lyricist. His anime fame is in his musical collaborations with famed Japanese composer Yoko Kanno as a member of The Seatbelts. Ramayya sang wrote the lyrics for songs from the fan favorite feature film Cowboy Bebop: the Movie.

Also, Matthew Erickson, a Canadian voice actor based in Vancouver, B.C. will speak about his experiences in his anime roles that include “Trunks” in Dragonball GT, “Van Flyheight” in Zoids: Chaotic Century, “Harvey” in Sabrina, Secrets of a Teenage Witch.

BA-CON’s website and podcasts have loads of details about past and upcoming events.

Lovchik has remained in touch with many of the kids that participated in BPL and BA-CON programs over the years, many who are now adults in our community. “I’m Facebook friends with a lot of them. I love that I’m more of a mentor. We have a different relationship than they have with their parents or their teachers,” adds Lovchik. “I can be there for support without that layer of authority or judgment. I encourage them to explore what they’re passionate about without having to dictate it. I get to help them learn to manage in the world and they just get to be themselves.”

For more information on Bellingham Public Library Teen Programs visit www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org/kids-teens/teens.

Bellingham Anime Convention (BA-CON) will be held May 13, 2017 at Whatcom Community College.

To start:

Planting:

Maintenance:

Late season:

A Journey through Grief

Creative Grief Support

Fir Creek Day Camp

YMCA Summer Adventure Camp

Adventure Quest

Wild Whatcom

Teen Programs at BPL

Middle School Lunch-Time Book Groups

STAY CONNECTED

Business

Trending Now

Editor Picks