Robert Hall Releases “This Old Building”

Submitted by: Kane C. Hall

Robert Hall’s new book, “This Old Building,” is an essential guide for first-time restorers and a must-read for anyone who cares about preserving the historic character of our cities. For three decades, Robert Hall has been on a mission to rescue old buildings and take them back to their original glory, first through restoration, and then by managing them in such a way as to enhance the community, as intended when newly built.

In this book, he shares entertaining stories and valuable trade secrets from first-hand experience. Hall demonstrates how to restore the integrity of the architecture while making these old timers fit to thrive another hundred years and earn a healthy profit for the owner. With practical guidelines, do-it-yourself tips, and before and after photographs, this book has everything needed to make an old building restoration a success.

“…This Old Building illustrates how deeply these structures are woven into the economic, cultural and social fabric of historic downtowns and Main Streets. Hall’s work is an inspiration … his book provides a blueprint for historic property redevelopment—a perfect primer for anyone afflicted with the historic building bug!”

—Chris Moore, Executive Director, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

Also announcing the release of a new documentary film about Robert Hall’s journey: “Oldies but Goodies,” produced by Lanny Little.

Robert K. Hall is a pioneer in the restoration and preservation of historic commercial properties. Hall’s company, Daylight Properties, owns and manages over 30 heritage buildings in the state of Washington. Hall is recognized as the force behind the urban renaissance in Bellingham, where he revitalized the historic downtown. Hall’s restorations, including award-winning façade renovations, are listed on the Washington Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Hall and his management team share a vision to preserve and showcase historic buildings by establishing healthy, sustainable businesses, and well-managed residential housing.

This Old Building—A Guide to Buying, Restoring, Financing and Managing Historic Commercial Property
$24.95 (paperback)
Available online at CreateSpace.
Available online at Amazon. 

Whatcom County Weekend Events Calendar

In addition to their fun Easter egg hunt, BelleWood Acres offers a delicious country Easter brunch, petting zoo, pony rides, scavenger hunt and more. Photo courtesy: BelleWood Acres.

Happy Easter weekend everyone! The next few days are chock full of great opportunities to celebrate spring, get out and play and hang with the Easter Bunny. Here are a few fun Whatcom County weekend events to get you started. Don’t forget to check our full events calendar for all the great local happenings this weekend.

WhatcomTalk aims to be your source for positive information and events happening in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and throughout Whatcom County. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@whatcomtalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Bellingham and the surrounding area, visit our events calendar. To submit an event of your own, visit our events calendar and click on the green “Post Your Event” button.

Find Health and Wellbeing at Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center

Creating relationships is key to the quality of life for the members of the program. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center.

Update: As of August 10, 2018, Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center is closed. Alternative resources can be found by clicking this link.

Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center provides a range of services that support the physical and mental health of seniors and individuals with chronic illness. A program of Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center’s team provides a range of specialized programs for their members.

Mary Faber Wynstra is passionate about her work with the Adult Day Health Program. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

These programs help older adults and people with long-term illness and disabilities build strength and maintain their independence while bringing meaning and enjoyment to each day. With opportunities for members to visit daily, Monday through Friday, these programs also offer much-needed respite to caregivers. And thanks to strong community partnerships with Whatcom Transportation Authority and Christ the King Church in Bellingham, roundtrip transportation is provided for free for many.

Valuable Therapeutic Care

Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center (NWADH) operated in Bellingham for 37 years but when PeaceHealth announced in 2014 that they would be discontinuing the program, clients and families weren’t sure if anyone would step up to continue the valuable service. Thankfully Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, a long-term health care facility, volunteered to take over the program. Mary Faber Wynstra, who had been employed by Christian Health Care Center for many years, became manager of the adult day health program.

Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center keeps an occupational therapist, nurse and social worker on staff. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

“When the opportunity to help run the adult day health program came, I jumped on it,” she shared. “Our goal is to help members stay in their homes with their caregiver for as long as possible.” The center has an occupational therapist, nurse and social worker on staff who care for members’ health and cognitive well-being.

“There’s always a purpose behind what we’re doing,” said Wynstra. “Our program members spend time with a therapist working on their goals and they have regular visits with our nurse.” These appointments can be incredibly valuable, offering quality preventative care that can catch illness early and even keep folks out of the hospital.

Engaging Activities

NWADH staff gathers information from members and their families about interests and favorite hobbies. Daily activities developed around these shared interests provide meaning and enjoyment for all members. Scheduled activities include guest speakers, live music, art classes, holiday programs, travel programs, health education and group games.

“We have a lot of entertainers who come and volunteer their time with things like live music and travel slideshows,” shared Wynstra. “We have a great volunteer named Mary who comes in every week and leads an art group for us.”

Volunteers enjoy sharing their talents at the center. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

The community also shares their talents by providing valuable companionship. Volunteers at NWADH help serve coffee, visit with members and even go on walks together. “Walking and talking with our program members is a great volunteer opportunity,” said Wynstra. “Walking is always more fun with a friend!”

Care for Caregivers

In addition to therapeutic care and activities for members, NWADH provides much-needed opportunities for caregivers – often family members – to have a break from the challenges of tending to their loved ones’ needs. “Most of our members come twice a week and some come five days a week,” shared Wynstra.

Creating relationships is key to the quality of life for the members of the program. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center.

Program days last from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., which gives family caregivers time to run errands, go to appointments or simply take advantage of much-needed respite. The center also supports caregivers by offering Caregiver Connection support groups. “We want to help strengthen the caregiver and make sure they feel taken care of too,” Wynstra explained.

Free Transportation

Transportation is key for getting folks from all parts of the county to NWADH’s healthcare campus in Lynden. Three vans go out to layover sites such as church parking lots to pick-up members and bring them to NWADH. Round-trip transportation to the facility from various layover sites is provided free of charge thanks to partnerships with Whatcom Transportation Authority and Christ the King Church in Bellingham.

Round-trip transportation to the facility from various layover sites is provided free of charge thanks to partnerships with Whatcom Transportation Authority and Christ the King Church in Bellingham. Photo courtesy: Northwest Adult Day Health and Wellness Center.

“Program members who live in Bellingham are brought to Christ the King Church by paratransit buses or by their family members,” explained Wynstra. “Christ the King Church has provided a space for our members to gather while we wait for a large WTA bus to arrive. We load everyone on that bus and bring them directly to Lynden, then do the same in reverse in the afternoon.”

This strong partnership with Christ the King Church in Bellingham was a critical piece for making the program accessible to clients in Bellingham. “Had they not been willing and volunteered their space and facility, it would’ve been a huge struggle for Bellingham clients to access our program. They’ve opened their doors to us Monday through Friday.” NWADH maintains a reciprocal, mutually beneficial relationship by leading a caregiver support group at the church.

Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center operates Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with extended hours available. Transportation is available with pick-up locations throughout the county in Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Lynden and Sumas. Members must be over the age of 18 and individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, depression, memory loss, heart disease or stroke are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the program visit Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center’s website or give them a call at 360-306-3031. Informational tours are available.

Sponsored

Kulshan Quest – Join the Adventure

These team members are getting ready to participate in one of the Cascadia Adventure Race Series' adventure races. Photo credit: Brent Molsberry.

Ever wanted to feel like Indiana Jones? Well look no further than the sport of adventure racing. Although you won’t be facing any dastardly foes, you will be navigating a secret wooded-course by way of mountain biking, sea kayaking and trail running.

Adventure race team members always discuss strategy before taking to the sea. Photo credit: Brent Molsberry.

Kulshan Quest is Whatcom County’s own adventure race and takes place May 13. Created by Brent Molsberry in 2014, this year will mark the third Kulshan Quest. Molsberry started Kulshan Quest a few years after he started Island Quest, an adventure race that takes place on the San Juan Islands.

A graduate of Western Washington University, Molsberry wanted to expand adventure racing to Bellingham, the place he loves so much and calls home. Molsberry said there wasn’t any adventure racing in the upper Northwest part of Washington until he created Island Quest and Kulshan Quest.

“Bellingham is a spectacular area. When I design adventure race courses I want to make them specific to that area by showcasing the area’s natural beauty,” Molsberry said. “I really try to bring to light the recreational opportunities in the area.”

Kulshan Quest has both a 12 hour and three-hour race. Molsberry said the number of participants has grown since the inception of the race, even though last year he couldn’t host the race because he was in paramedic school in Seattle.

Unlike a relay race, adventure racing requires the whole team to finish together, going at one unified pace. Teams are made up of two to four members. “It really is the definition of a team sport,” Molsberry said. “Team members should ideally be within 10 meters of each other for leg sections and 25 meters for biking sections.” Molsberry races with his team, “Quest Racing,” but because he is the course designer for Island Quest and Kulshan Quest, he cannot compete in those races with his team.

Two team members share a quick moment during the mountain biking portion of the race. Photo credit: Brent Molsberry.

At Kulshan Quest, participating teams receive their course-specific maps 30 minutes before the race begins. The only navigational materials you can use in adventure racing are the given map, a compass and watch. Molsberry said teams start drafting strategy immediately after they receive the maps. The topographical maps Molsberry hands out show where the checkpoints are. The objective – find the checkpoints as fast as you can.

Kulshan Quest’s 12-hour race will be the Pacific Northwest qualifier for the US Adventure Racing Association National Championships. The national championship this year will be taking place in Lake Harmoney, Pennsylvania on September 21-23.

Molsberry said Kulshan Quest does have prizes from their sponsors for the event’s top three winning teams. But the biggest part of Kulshan Quest is placing and getting points toward your Cascadia Adventure Race Series total, he said.

The Cascadia Adventure Race Series is a series of 10 different adventure races. Teams competing in the race series earn points based on their placement in the races. At the end of the 10-month season teams choose their top five races to create their point total for the season. The top three teams at the end of the season split $3,000. First place receives $1,500, second $1,000 and third $500.

These team members are getting ready to participate in one of the Cascadia Adventure Race Series’ adventure races. Photo credit: Brent Molsberry.

Any team that does any of the qualified races is entered into the point system, Molsberry said. And you want your team to do as many races as they can to receive the most possible points. In addition, your team gets more points if you place first in a race with more participants than if you place first in a race with less participants.

Molsberry said he wouldn’t be able to host Kulshan Quest without the help of Recreation Northwest. He said Recreation Northwest helps with a high amount of logistics on the back-end, such as sponsorships, web page design and registration assistance.

Molsberry encourages anyone to sign up for Kulshan Quest, and is hoping to get people of all skill levels to participate in the race by offering both the three and 12-hour race.

He recalls his own story of how he got into the sport, “A lot of people get into adventure racing the right way, starting off with short races, but I didn’t decide to do that when I started,” Molsberry said with a laugh. He did the complete opposite and went right into a sponsored race in 2004, called Primal Quest. Despite his whole team being inexperienced and the race being challenging, Molsberry said he really enjoyed it and fell in love with the sport.

“The sport is eye-opening and truly pushes your limits,” he said. “With adventure racing, anything goes.”

Sponsored

RE Sources, Whatcom MRC launch North Sound Stewards Program to Train Volunteer Citizen Scientists

Free trainings give program participants tools to participate in a variety of beach surveys and play an important role in protecting marine resources. Photo courtesy: RE Sources.

Submitted by: RE Sources

This spring, RE Sources for Sustainable Communities and the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) are launching a comprehensive North Sound Stewards volunteer program that will train participants to become citizen scientists and play an important role in protecting our marine resources.

Free trainings give program participants tools to participate in a variety of beach surveys and play an important role in protecting marine resources. Photo courtesy: RE Sources.

The program is in partnership with the Northwest Straits Initiative, the Northwest Straits Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, and the Cherry Point and Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserves Citizen Stewardship Committees.

The program offers a variety of citizen science opportunities, including intertidal surveys, forage fish surveys and sea star wasting syndrome surveys. Participants can also connect with other nonprofits and government agencies to receive additional trainings and participate in green crab surveys and ocean acidification surveys, among other opportunities.

“North Sound Stewards connects a group of people passionate about protecting the North Puget Sound,” said Eleanor Hines, program manager and lead scientist at RE Sources for Sustainable Communities. “The information we collect provides a baseline of data that informs policy, restoration efforts, cleanups and more. Citizen scientists are integral to support important work that underfunded agencies cannot do themselves.”

The program requires 50 hours of trainings and surveys throughout a one-year period. Program participation can reflect individual skills, from the actual survey work to photography, data entry or event coordination. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Upcoming intertidal survey trainings (participation in one of two trainings is required):

  • Whatcom County: 12:00 – 4:30 PM, Saturday, April 29, Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park, 7290 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine.
  • Skagit County: 12:00 – 4:30 PM, Sunday, April 30, Interpretive Center, Padilla Bay Reserve, 10441 Bayview Edison Road, Mount Vernon.

For more information about North Sound Stewards, visit re-sources.org/north-sound-stewards. To sign up for the program, click the “Register Today” button. Questions? Contact Eleanor Hines at eleanorh@re-sources.org or 360-733-8307 ext. 213.

Mount Baker Theatre will Celebrate 90 Years in May

Mount Baker Theatre Full House
Superstar actor and singer in musical theatre, film, and television, Bernadette Peters, wows a full house. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

This May, the historic Mount Baker Theatre will celebrate 90 years as Whatcom County’s hub for live entertainment from around the world. MBT is inviting the public to attend a free Community Open House on May 5, 2017 from 3 to 5 p.m. that will include birthday cake, historical information, video screenings and more.

Mount Baker Theatre has been the centerpiece of Bellingham’s Arts District for 90 years this May. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

MBT History

MBT will officially turn 90 years old on Saturday, April 29. The true birthday gift is that what began as a luxe movie palace in 1927 has evolved through community, government and private support to become the historic home to a premiere Pacific Northwest cultural tourism destination that also sustains the regional community and economy in Bellingham’s downtown Arts District.

Currently, MBT hosts over 110,000 people in more than 400 annual events across its three venues but in the 1980s MBT was slated for demolition. In a great example of civic partnership between city, county and community, a new structure emerged. Today the city-owned facility is managed by the Mount Baker Theatre Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. That ‘80s wrecking ball was set aside to make room for a gorgeous restoration and repurpose of existing spaces. This was done in phases to arrive at the gem of a building we see today.

Access to the Performing Arts

Mount Baker Theatre
Enjoy great performances at Mount Baker Theatre this season. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism.

MBT gives our community access. Through the touring performances MBT presents, patrons can experience world-class entertainment without having to travel to New York or even Seattle. The Wade Bennett King Education Series hosts over 16,000 school-aged children annually, with professional programming aimed to inspire while augmenting topics studied in more traditional school settings. Commercial renters bring famous acts, festivals and their attendees into the building and the town.

“Access” is not limited to entertainment from afar, but to the building itself as a world-class facility for local presenters. Their professionally-managed historic stage hosts the little feet of local dance students, the “walks” of various college graduates, and well-heeled speakers from many civic and community groups. From ski films to local authors, the stunning theatrical setting can make local events “big.”

But MBT is much more than events with tickets. The community spaces act as an anchor for downtown Bellingham’s Arts District. Performances, rehearsals, keynote speakers, meetings and more happen on the Main Stage, in the Harold and Irene Walton Theatre and in the 1,200-square foot Encore Room. Many community arts nonprofits take advantage of the program that allows free use of the Encore room. There is usually something happening in the building in addition to the all-audience ticketed shows.

“Give Big” in May

MBT’s Education Program serves more than 17,000 Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and upper Snohomish Counties’ public, private and home school communities each year. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.

In early May, in honor of the 90th Birthday Celebration, MBT is encouraging the community to become MBT members and make donations to support the facility and its impact on the community. “Membership supports so many things at MBT: the preservation of the building, keeping the programming we provide accessible, keeping the use of the Encore Room free to local nonprofits, and underwriting the costs of MBT’s extensive education program and the headliners we’re able to bring to the area,” explains Development Director John Purdie.

Fundraising work last year with Mercy Housing and Alderwood Elementary School allowed several children to attend Missoula Children’s Theatre Summer Camps at MBT on scholarship. That success helped get more funds including a matching grant from Bellingham Bay Rotary Club that will support scholarships for more than 20 students to this summer’s camps.

MBT is also planning to increase scholarships for the education program that serves Kindergarten through 12th grade. “Many teachers have told us that even our current low cost for tickets and the costs of bussing is too much for them so we’d like to help those most in need,” adds Purdie. The upcoming William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet is a great example of the many shows presented as part of MBT’s education program.

Donations can be made today on the MBT website or during the “Give Big” program in early May. Donors should note in the comments field, “for scholarships,” when making their donations.

Community Open House Celebration

First built as a luxurious movie palace in 1927, community support has restored and modernized the facility that is MBT today. Photo credit: Damian Vines Photography.

The Community Open House will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on May 5. Two screenings of a video project about MBT’s history from local muralist Lanny Little will be in the Walton Theatre, beginning at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The free, family-friendly event will include birthday cake and historical information from volunteer tour docents. A short public presentation and official celebratory announcement by local dignitaries will occur around 4:45 p.m. Advance reservations are not required.

The majestic MBT brings so much to the community as a performing arts center-piece, providing access and education to both locals and tourists of every age. With the help and hard work of staff, volunteers and donors, the theater is looking forward to the Community Open House and the “Give Big” campaign that will celebrate MBT’s 90th year as a vital member of this lovely community.

Mount Baker Theatre
104 North Commercial Street
Bellingham, WA  98225
Phone:  360-733-5793
Tickets:  360-734-6080
www.mountbakertheatre.com

Now Enrolling for ABCDance Mini Summer Sessions

The new session, Swing into Spring, promises to be fun and educational. Photo courtesy: Tabetha Clark.

Submitted by: ABCDance

ABCDance is now enrolling for summer dance sessions for students ages 3-8. Each 5-week ABCDance mini summer session covers weekly one-hour dance instruction at the ABCDance studio in the heart of Bellingham. Enrollment in a 5-week summer session is $65 with no enrollment fee. The cost of each session also includes an in-studio performance where the students will present the skills they have worked on during the session in a fun, low-pressure event.

Three different classes will be offered in the summer mini sessions: PreK Moves (ages 3-4), Kinder Moves (ages 5-6), and Primary Moves (ages 7-8). Move classes are designed to give your young dancer a head start in the discipline of dance. Classes are divided into two sections. The first half of class covers the basic techniques of ballet, jazz and creative movement, while the second half focuses on rhythm and tap.

ABCDance is proud to offer a teacher to student ratio of 1:5 and personalizes all instruction based on skill and personality. Class sizes are limited in order to maintain this level of personal instruction. Enroll now!

Session 1: June 5 – July 6
Session 2: July 10 – August 18
Ages: 3-8
Cost: $65 for a 5-week session
Location: 1844 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225

Class Schedule:
Tuesday
10:00-11:00a           PreK Moves

Wednesday
4:00-5:00p               Kinder Moves

Thursday
3:00-4:00p               PreK Moves
4:00-5:00p               Primary Moves

About ABCDance: Founded in 2014 by owner/director Tabetha Clark, ABCDance has been formed to bring a positive environment for students to learn and grow. Classes are steeped in technique as well as concept and history of tap, jazz and swing. Locally, Tabetha has had the privilege of working with Mount Baker Theatre as tap choreographer for “The Producers,” choreographer and assistant director for SUGAR the Show, and performing with Bellingham Repertory Dance since 2012. She has taught tap and jazz around the country for the past 14 years, is certified in tap and jazz instruction through Dance Master’s of America and is currently in the certification program for American Tap Dance Foundation in NYC.

For more information contact Tabetha Clark at ABCDance.classes@gmail.com.

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