The Bellingham Chamber Chorale presents “Christmas in Our Hearts,” a winter holiday concert on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the historic Lairmont Manor in the Fairhaven district of Bellingham. Doors open at 1:15 pm with wine and hors d’oeuvres, and the performance begins at 2 pm.
Concert tickets are $100 per attendee and include the pre-concert wine and hors d’oeuvres social. Tickets are available at https://www.bellinghamchamberchorale.org/christmasconcert. Names of attendees will also be recognized in BCC’s printed programs for the rest of the 2023/2024 season.
This winter holiday concert is a fundraiser for BCC’s performance of Handel’s Messiah in June 2024. Proceeds will fund the hiring of professional soloists and musicians for their Messiah concert — a unique and exciting musical experience coincides with Father’s Day weekend 2024.
Get a taste of the talents of Bellingham Chamber Chorale singers on Facebook and on Instagram.
The Bellingham Chamber Chorale was founded in 2003, to bring inspiring and expert musical experience to audiences in Whatcom County and beyond. Led by conductor and composer Dr. Frederick B. Mabalot since 2018, the chorus is composed of some of the area’s finest singer-musicians, who have created a community of collaboration and excellence.
Dr. Mabalot is a Filipino-American composer and choral conductor from southern California and a Bellingham resident since 2016. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington School of Music in Seattle, a Master of Music degree in Composition from the Royal Danish Academy of Music, a second Bachelor of Music degree in Composition from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from California State University, Northridge.
The conductor’s choral work has been performed in London’s Saint Paul’s Cathedral and at multiple international locations. A newly revised version of his chamber opera, Stabat Mater, will be performed this year. He serves as appointed Composer-in-Residence by the Choral Artists of Carmel in Carmel, California for their 2022-2024 concert season.
Commenting on the significant role of music in our society, Mabalot said he believes in “the transformative, uniting, and healing power of music.”
Father Christmas will greet visitors every Saturday at 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. from November 25 to December 16. Photo courtesy Fairhaven Association
Each year, Winterfest brings festive magic to the historical village of Fairhaven. This season, the annual celebration kicks off on Saturday, November 25 with a very merry packed schedule.
Week 1
Small Business Saturday
Winterfest Silent Auction at the “HUB” 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Visit with Father Christmas at The Village Inn from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Carriage Rides at The Village Inn from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Holiday Pop-Up Market at Firehouse Arts & Events Center from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Live Entertainment and Tree Lighting at 10th & Mill from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Winterfest Art Walk from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
“Winterfest encompasses the community and our beautiful and classic area,” says Fairhaven Association Executive Director Heather Carter. “Fairhaven is such a great and walkable community, and we like to add a little something every year to Winterfest events. The main events are every Saturday, starting on November 25.”
On November 25, the annual tree lighting ceremony will commence at 4 p.m. accompanied by live entertainment. Photo courtesy Fairhaven Association
Small Business Saturday will highlight the heart of Fairhaven, local craftsmen, artisans, and entrepreneurs while encouraging visitors to shop locally with the newly introduced Frequent Shopper Card. “For every 50 dollars a guest spends at any of our village businesses, they can turn in the card and be entered to win some prizes,” Carter says. “All of your holiday shopping can be done here in Fairhaven.”
The first weekend event also features the popular official tree lighting ceremony at 10th and Mill at 4 p.m.
“The Artwalk is back, and it takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.,” Carter continues. “We’re doing what we call the Winterfest Kickoff and Silent Auction here at our hub, which is located at 1106 Morris Street. We will have postcards and maps of the village and PortaPixie Events is doing a free souvenir photo booth in Finnegan’s Alley.”
Take a romantic carriage ride every Saturday during Winterfest between noon and 3 p.m. Photo courtesy Fairhaven Association
Week 2
Visit with Father Christmas at the Village Inn from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Carriage Rides at The Village Inn from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Firelight Stroll at Lake Padden Creek Trail, Harris Ave from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Winterfest Bonfire at Stones Throw Brewery from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Romantic and simply magical, the Firelight Stroll has long been a favorite pastime for Winterfest enthusiasts. “The Stroll is a huge event we’re super proud of,” Carter says. “It’s a luminary walk through the Lake Padden Creek Trail. It is the same night as the Lighted Boat Parade and the Gingerbread Festival that takes place down at the port, and it’s really fun because people can spend the whole day here in the village and into the night.”
At the end of the day, there will be a family-friendly bonfire at Stones Throw Brewery featuring little bonfires with s’mores and their holiday ale.
The Firelight Stroll is one of the most beloved events every year at Fairhaven’s Winterfest. Photo courtesy Fairhaven Association
Tales of the Season
On December 7, join in and listen to a set of winning stories written by Whatcom County residents centered around an intriguing theme from 6 to 7 p.m.
“This year, the Tales of the Season writing contest is themed ‘A Midwinter Night’s Dream,’” says Carter. “We encourage local people to write a story of about 300 words to be submitted. We go through and pick selected stories, and then we have a reading at Village Books. Last year, we had over 25 stories submitted.”
The 2023 Fairhaven Winterfest begins on November 25 and concludes the weekend of December 16. Photo courtesy Fairhaven Association
Week 3
Visit with Father Christmas at The Village Inn from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Carriage Rides at The Village Inn 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Lighted Bike Parade Fairhaven Departure at Hillcrest Church
In week three, the festivities continue with a dazzling display of illuminated cyclists riding through town. “The Lighted Bike Parade is a great collaboration we have with downtown Bellingham,” says Carter. “We encourage people to decorate their bikes with lights. The Fairhaven departure is up at Hillcrest Church with the downtown departure from Depot Market Square. Then, they all meet at Boulevard Park where they have a contest for best decorated bike alongside some entertainment and food trucks.”
Week 4
Visit with Father Christmas at The Village Inn from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Carriage Rides at The Village Inn from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Winterfest concludes in week four without any major events — just pure holiday spirit.
“It’s a real nostalgic, old-fashioned experience for people,” Carter says. “We want people to purchase from these artisans, local craftsmen, and small business owners rather than going online and shopping at a big box store. We want people to celebrate our amazing village.”
A warm meal is a basic need that not everyone can take for granted. In Whatcom County over 28,000 people are food insecure, including nearly 1 in every 5 children. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household.
To help address this need, First Fed is matching donations made to Bellingham Food Bank up to a combined total of $5,000. Donations must be made by cash or check in the branches by December 30 to qualify for the match. Or First Fed customers can transfer donations from their accounts over the phone with Customer Service.
Bellingham Food Bank, located on Ellis Street, has 50 years of experience combating hunger in the Bellingham area by serving quality foods, effectively networking, and standing up against racism. They serve up to 5,000 households a week though their free grocery program, drive through, and home delivery service. Last year they provided over 89,000 household visits and distributed over 117,000 food boxes. Their mission is to address not just the immediate needs of hunger in the community, but also the root causes of it.
Community-Driven
The Bellingham Food Bank relies on support from their donors, volunteers, and partners to sustain their programs and outreach. In 2022, they received over 20,500 volunteer hours and 80% of their funding from community members. This support has helped them grow substantially over the last few years, with their numbers more than doubling in 2022 and growing an additional 30% in 2023.
“With demand continuing to rise, we’ve doubled our hours of operation to create greater access,” said Stephanie Sission, Communications & Outreach Coordinator for the Bellingham Food Bank. “We are grateful for the support that allows us to offer healthier and more culturally relevant food and have enough staff to maintain a trusted and safe environment for anyone who uses our services.”
For those who use the drive through or home delivery service rather than visiting the market, the food bank offers a choice of specialized food boxes, including Latin American, gluten-free, and vegan.
Much of the fresh produce the food bank offers is purchased from small Whatcom farms, which helps create stability and support for local farmers. Volunteers also glean, or pick, surplus produce from farms and gardens in the region, resulting in over 82,000 pounds of produce for the food bank last year.
In addition to their core services, the Bellingham Food Bank serves as a distribution center that collects and sends several million pounds of food every year to additional food banks in Whatcom County.
Fresh produce from local farms in the Bellingham Food Bank market. Photo courtesy First Fed
Partnering With First Fed
It was a natural collaboration for Bellingham Food Bank to partner with First Fed, a trusted community bank with 100 years in the PNW. First Fed has a long history of outreach and support for local organizations, including the holiday match campaign for donations to the Bellingham Food Bank.
“We couldn’t do what we do without community-based funding,” said Sisson. “The donation match from First Fed is one of the most effective and efficient ways to help our community in need. We really appreciate their support.”
“Our Chief Banking Officer Chris Neros is a longtime supporter of the Bellingham Food Bank,” said Julie Ranson, First Fed District Branch Manager for Whatcom County. “It was his idea to set up a donation match in Whatcom. We are excited to support their mission.”
Last year’s donation to the Bellingham Food Bank with Crystal Marvin, Jennifer Barnhart, Chris Neros, Jessica Haugen, and Julie Ranson of First Fed. Photo courtesy First Fed
“This holiday season, you can double your donation to the Bellingham Food Bank in our First Fed Barkley or Fairhaven branches,” said Ranson. “We are accepting cash or check donations payable to the Bellingham Food Bank and whatever is deposited in the food bank’s account through December 30 will be matched up to $5000.”
Anyone interested can drop by the branches to make a direct deposit to the food bank’s account. “We encourage everyone to give what they can,” added Ranson.
Donations to the Bellingham Food Bank can be made by cash, check, or account transfer at the First Fed Bellingham Barkley Boulevard or Fairhaven branches by close of business on December 30, 2023. Or if you have a First Fed account you can donate by calling Customer Service at 800-800-1577.
First Fed is a member FDIC and equal housing lender.
The Great Depression was the worst economic disaster in American history. During the 1930s people adapted to difficult times and helped each other as the country tried to recover. Through it all they still found reasons to give thanks at Thanksgiving. While looking back on this time in our community, it’s important to also acknowledge and honor the truth about the holiday while supporting our Indigenous peoples every day of the year.
The traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce was already well established by the time of the Great Depression. “Crisp sharp air out-of-doors, busy preparations for the feast filling the air with glorious scents within,” wrote a syndicated columnist in the Bellingham Herald in 1938, “That’s the Thanksgiving story that never loses its charm.”
But budgets were tight and many opted for more affordable meats than turkey, like chicken and beef. Stores used sales and gimmicks to tempt customers in. Howard’s Market, at Railroad and Magnolia Streets, offered free balloons and shopping bags at their “Thanksgiving party” in 1934. Others threw in a free turkey with select purchases. In 1932, for example, Weisfield & Goldberg, at 102 West Holly Street, gave a free eight-pound dressed turkey with a purchase of $24 worth of on-sale items. In 1938, B.B. Furniture Company, located at 1311-1319 Bay Street, handed out a free turkey with the purchase of a Monarch range. That would set someone back $89.50, or five dollars down and five dollars a month.
“Stuffed bird to stuff a boy.” Tommy’s ready to dig into his mother’s roasted turkey fresh from the oven. This photo accompanied recipes for oyster, skinless frankfurter, sausage, and skinless frankfurter/rice stuffings. Image from Bellingham Herald, November 20, 1939. Photo courtesy Washington State Library
Some stores offered Thanksgiving specialty items. Bakeries sold freshly baked pumpkin and mince pies. Fruit cake was another popular option. People could preorder fruitcake from Fisher’s Bakery at 1327 Cornwall Avenue to pick up closer to the holiday.
Ice cream was particularly popular, despite the usually chilly weather. In 1937, Hillview Dairy, at 1824 Cornwall Avenue, offered ice cream in individual turkey-shaped molds, as well as bricks of ice cream with a dyed turkey design in the center perfect for serving in slices straight from the freezer. Holiday flavors included cranberry sherbet and pumpkin or mincemeat ice cream. Darigold sold individual ice cream pumpkin “pies” for ten cents each in 1931.
For those who did not want to cook, a holiday dinner could be had at a hotel or restaurant. Prices were low during the Great Depression, usually between fifty cents and a dollar. In 1932, Ford’s, the “moonlight pie headquarters,” in the Herald Building at 1146 North State Street, served a full turkey dinner for 75 cents — or 60 cents for a chicken option.
A turkey chef reminds people of Thanksgiving sales at Mallahan’s Fountain Grocery in this ad from the November 22, 1935 edition of the Bellingham Herald. Photo courtesy Washington State Library
Community Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving Day, businesses and stores closed to give people time to spend with their families, though some sawmills continued production. Churches held union, or joint, Thanksgiving services.
Groups organized inexpensive gatherings and parties around or on the holiday. Typical was a social given by the Scandinavian Methodist Church’s Young People’s Society in the church’s basement. Members and guests enjoyed pumpkin pie and coffee. Other groups added musical and speaking programs to their gatherings and collected donations for charity.
Dances, often with live music, were also very popular. In 1937 the Eagles held an annual “grand ball” in their hall Thanksgiving night. They hired Jay Curtis’ orchestra while the Welcome Grange hired Chuck Sudduth’s orchestra to play at their 1938 Thanksgiving dance.
Schools held their own programs before the holiday, centering around the themes of thankfulness. In 1932 Lowell School junior high students put together a program of orchestral music, speeches, and readings themed to the holiday. Sixth graders also performed a short play, “The First Thanksgiving.”
Another popular tradition was Thanksgiving day football games — Bellingham residents could choose between high school and Western Washington State University games. In 1938 the WWU Vikings clashed against Eastern Washington University at Bellingham’s Battersby Field. Other teams had to spend the day away from home when traveling for the matchups. In 1930 Whatcom High School traveled to to Wenatchee to play against the Wenatchee High School “Applepickers.”
Like something out of a sci-fi movie, a giant turkey looms over football players in this holiday image from the front page of the Bellingham Herald on Thanksgiving Day 1936. Photo courtesy Washington State Library
Helping Those In Need
During the Great Depression, putting food on the table was hard for many and charity groups worked to ensure families had enough to eat on Thanksgiving. The Bellingham Family Welfare Association, Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, and the Elks distributed baskets filled with ingredients for the Thanksgiving feasts, from turkeys to vegetables. These baskets were packed by groups such as the Campfire Girls, Girls Reserve of the YWCA, Visiting Nurses Association, veteran organizations and auxiliaries, churches, and schools. People donated enough food to serve hundreds of families every year.
For unemployed single men, many of them living on the street, groups such as the Salvation Army and Lighthouse Mission hosted free holiday dinners. “We asked no questions,” said the superintendent of the Lighthouse Mission at 1313 E Street in 1939. “If they were hungry, we fed them.” The need was great. The Mission served 140 men in 1932 alone.
The Thanksgiving holiday offered hope during the trials and troubles of the Great Depression. “It was a day of feasting and goodwill,” the Bellingham Herald reported in 1939. Even during the hard times, people could find reasons to be thankful.
Health care should always be accessible and affordable for everyone. Unity Care NW believes that no one person is more deserving than another. Photo courtesy Unity Care NW
Submitted by Unity Care NW, written by Dr. Katy Mayer
When I was growing up, I knew I wanted to become a doctor. I had a strong desire to play an active role in building and becoming a part of a strong, healthy community. Throughout my medical training it was clear that individuals of a community who are healthy in mind, body and spirit are better able to get an education, have a successful career, and better care for family, friends and in turn their community.
Dr. Katy Mayer, MD feels her role as a family physician is to work with her patients on becoming healthy and whole so that they can in turn focus on caring for their families and friends. She enjoys caring for families through all stages of life — from newborn care to elder care. Photo courtesy Unity Care NW
When I began practicing medicine, I was deeply concerned to see that the cost of basic medical services was burdensome to many and that some people weren’t able to get the care they needed. I knew then that my calling was to provide care for everyone, regardless of status or income. No one person is more deserving than another.
“My patients, no matter their challenges, can depend on Unity Care NW for affordable whole-person care.”
— Katy Mayer, MD Unity Care NW Medical Provider
As a provider at Unity Care NW, I have the privilege of caring for a variety of people on a daily basis: a small business owner without insurance, a single mom with a new baby, a 20-something just out of college, and an unhoused individual seeking care. And for all of them, prevention is key. If an individual postpones care because they are afraid it will cost too much, undiagnosed conditions may become costlier to treat, or deadly.
Unity Care NW is a nonprofit community health center and never turns anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay. Photo courtesy Unity Care NW
I was grateful that, during the pandemic, emergency measures meant Medicaid was able to provide coverage for more people. We started seeing patients who may not have sought care otherwise. But now, with the end of the public health emergency, many of our patients are no longer eligible for Medicaid. We’re caring for more patients without insurance which puts more pressure on our limited resources.
We can all see that our community is struggling from mental health problems, addiction issues, increased homelessness, and general poor health — but you can help by making a nonprofit donation to Unity Care NW! Our health center is well equipped to support our community, we’ve been doing it for over 40 years. Unity Care NW is strong and serving more patients than ever before. Our sliding fee discount program makes sure care is always accessible and affordable for everyone.
Charitable giving from generous individuals like you make it possible! This giving season, make your donation to Unity Care NW. Your nonprofit donation will provide care, hope, and dignity to so many who may have forgotten that they deserve it. Donate to Unity Care NW and support the medical, dental, and mental health of our community this holiday season!
At a time when we are all affected by economic forces and the world seems to be lurching from one crisis to another, we at Assistance League of Bellingham, through our mission, offer our members and our community the path to celebrate what is meaningful for all of us.
Working together toward our common goals, we are busy this holiday season.
It began with the Yule Boutique on November 4th. Our annual gift and baked goods sale was a huge success. A festive gathering of friends meeting friends enjoying the offerings available. Members work year round to offer handmade items, jewelry, soup mixes and, of course, a tempting variety of cookies and cakes. Added to the festive atmosphere was the music provided by Enrichment Scholarship Program students. If you missed this year’s celebration, mark it on your November calendar for next year.
While we would like to think of our friends and relatives enjoying their golden years, many living in care centers can feel alone in their memories and isolated from this festive holiday season.
The core of our Care Center Support program answers the need to bring joy this season with our members shopping for 121 residents in seven care and skilled nursing centers. Each team works with the center’s activity director who provides us with a personal gift request list for each resident. We work very hard to fill each request, no matter how difficult it may be. In the past we have had requests like old Mexican songs, Prayer Book in Russian, and old John Wayne movies — all of which we were able to fill. If we have funds remaining in our budget after our Christmas purchases, we use that money to buy a spring gift for each facility that all residents can enjoy.
Don’t let your holiday season go by without visiting the Old City Hall’s Rotunda Room, filled with decorated uniquely crafted Christmas trees. Assistance League of Bellingham is honored to be included in showcasing our tree. Look for a new design this year that will bring delight to your visit. Deck the Old City Hall viewing times are Friday, November 24 through Saturday, December 31 from noon to 5 p.m.
This holiday season is a celebration of hope and joy. There are many volunteer opportunities in Bellingham, either as a family or individually. Make your holidays more meaningful for all.
You can support us by:
shopping at our Thrift & Gift, 2817 Meridian Street in Bellingham.
making a donation on Assistance League of Bellingham’s website “Donate” page.
mailing a check to Assistance League of Bellingham, P.O. Box 2998 Bellingham, WA 98227.
becoming an Assistance League of Bellingham volunteer.
All funds stay in Whatcom County to support our five community programs.
Data supports that if customers are walking or biking past a business, they're more likely to notice that business than when simply driving past. Photo courtesy Smart Trips
Foregoing a solo drive in favor of biking, busing, walking, or ridesharing can come with many satisfactions. From getting exercise to knowing you’re doing the environment a solid, using active (or other modes) transportation is a great thing to do.
But did you know that doing so frequently can also save you money at dozens of Whatcom County businesses?
That’s all thanks to Smart Trips, a community-wide program for residents and businesses that encourages active forms of transportation for a healthier lifestyle, while also reducing traffic congestion. As a program of the Whatcom Council of Governments, Smart Trips receives funding from the City of Bellingham, Whatcom Transportation Authority, and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Once someone logs 10 or more annual Smart Trips, they’re eligible for a Smart Trips Merchant Discount card and eligible savings at dozens of local businesses. Photo courtesy Smart Trips
Smart Trips’ Discount Merchant Program — which has close to 100 participating businesses in Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, and Blaine — allows customers to log their trips with trip dairies on the program’s website. Once customers have logged 10 trips annually, they’ll receive a discount card in the mail. This card provides savings on everything from food and beverages to bike accessories and wellness, recreation, and even pet care.
“It’s such a nice part of the incentive area of our program, that local businesses are willing to do this,” says Michelle Grandy, Smart Trips program manager. “Many of them have done it since the Smart Trips program started in July of 2006. They think it’s an important program for community members to participate in, so they want to reward people for it.”
Smart Trips = Smart Savings
Anyone who logs at least five Smart Trips per month is also entered into a $250 cash drawing, and a quarterly giveaway of $1,000 is offered for those taking five trips or more for three consecutive months.
Whatcom Smart Trips partners with nearly 200 Whatcom County businesses, helping employers encourage alternative transportation to and from work. Photo courtesy Smart Trips
There’s no fee to participate in the program, either for citizens or businesses. For the latter, participation essentially offers free promotion and a showcasing of their values, while also potentially soliciting new customers.
“There’s a lot of data out there that proves the more you can encourage people to ride or walk down the street, the more likely you are to get a new customer through that door,” says Grandy. “They have more time to look around and pay attention to the goods and services available in their community.”
Benefits for Employers
Nearly 200 county employers partner with Smart Trips to encourage their employees to bike, bus, walk, or carpool to work.
For those with 100 or more employees commuting between 6 and 9 a.m., Washington State’s Commute Trip Reduction Program actually requires businesses to encourage or assist workers with other transportation methods besides driving in a car alone.
For its employer partners, Smart Trips can provide free bus passes to help familiarize employees with the local transit system. Photo courtesy Smart Trips
Still, many of Smart Trips’ participating businesses aren’t big enough to have to follow state law, Grandy says, and simply choose to encourage their workers to be healthier, happier, and environmentally friendly in how they commute. Smart Trips provides businesses with education and encouragement, including bike classes, educational materials, and free bus passes provided by WTA to help people become familiar with their local transit system.
Some employers also offer their workers additional incentive.
PeaceHealth, which operates Bellingham’s St. Joseph Medical Center, offers caregivers a $1.50 daily stipend for each day they walk, bike, bus, or carpool when signed up for Smart Trips. Barbara Pongracz Lamb, a PeaceHealth communication specialist, says the company also has bike storage lockers at several buildings to support caregivers who bike to work.
How to Participate
Becoming part of the program is easy and involves a simple phone call or email to Smart Trips’ employer coordinator, Blanche Bybee. Each business then designates someone as their ‘employee transportation coordinator,’ and is the contact for Smart Trips to provide free resources.
For more detailed information on Smart Trips, please visit their website’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
Sponsored
The Smart Trips program encourages both local businesses and citizens to choose active transportation methods for getting around Whatcom County.
Posters of WHS "alumni" animals decorate the shop, created by volunteer Doug Bestle. Photo credit: Kristin Noreen
Thrift shops are big in Whatcom County these days. With lots of people still struggling to recover from the pandemic’s economic impacts and others simply having discovered the value in reusing things — or the small joy of a great bargain — thrift shopping is in fashion.
Like many nonprofit agencies, the Whatcom Humane Society has been in the thrift shop business for a while. From Paws Awhile, the Fairhaven “gently used gift shop” that attracted foot traffic from the Fairhaven Green for over a decade, to the thrift shop they took over in 2020 from WeSnip, the Whatcom Spay-Neuter Impact Program, thrift shopping has contributed to the agency’s operating budget. The shop benefits domestic, wild, and farm animals in their shelters.
The Move to Birchwood
Recently, though, under the leadership of powerhouses Dana Browne and Jo Williams, the WHS Thrift Shop has become a standout in the Bellingham thrift shop scene. After three years in the Bakerview Square shopping center, the shop moved to the Birchwood Neighborhood in the Park Manor Shopping Center (near the old Albertson’s, now Big Lots) at 1534 Birchwood Avenue.
Photo courtesy Whatcom Humane Society Thrift Store
The move has put the shop in the spotlight. “We have better visibility and much more foot traffic,” says manager Dana Browne. “More drivers impulsively turn in when they see we’re here.”
The Birchwood neighborhood brings in more families, and the shop fills the void created by the closure of the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Another thrift shop, La Segunda, is next door, which has meant more business for both shops. Big Lots, in the old Albertson’s location, is a deep-discount retailer, making the strip mall a center for bargain shopping.
The Park Manor Shopping Center had been troubled by high vacancy rates since Albertson’s closed in 2016. The popularity of the WHS Thrift Shop has revitalized the center and brought a lot more people to the area, benefitting all the neighborhood businesses.
Photo courtesy Whatcom Humane Society Thrift Store
The WHS Thrift Shop stands out by offering only quality merchandise. “We accept clean, unbroken items,” Browne says as she sorts a chipped plate from a donation area into the “pass” bin. “People know when they come here that they will find only working, usable items.”
Sam, a 96-year-old volunteer, comes in once a week to test all the electrical items and make sure they can be offered for sale.
A Change for Dana Browne
After working as the events manager at WHS for 10 years, managing the thrift shop has been a huge change for Browne. “I thought about the path to retirement,” she says. “Did I want to do the same thing for 10 more years, or mix it up with something new?”
She has consistently broken fundraising records for the society’s annual gala, and supercharged other regular events with new ideas, like the Dog Days of Summer Festival and the Putt Fore Pets golf tournament. Her long career in fundraising has taught her what works and what doesn’t.
Jo Williams and Dana Browne manage the Whatcom Humane Society Thrift Shop. Photo courtesy Whatcom Humane Society
“My favorite part is working with the volunteers,” she says. “They’ve been around forever and I learn so much from them.”
Browne plans a spring fashion show featuring only clothing for sale at the thrift shop, and getting the shop involved in neighborhood events. “We’re joining the Neighborhood Association and we want to be active citizens of Birchwood,” she says.
Browne is closely flanked by Assistant Manager Jo Williams, who has made a big splash in the year she’s been at the thrift shop. Williams discovered a flair for presentation, including social media promotion. While talking with Williams, her eyes were all over the shop, keeping track of what was happening in every area, ready to jump in if she was needed.
Volunteers Are the Heart of the Shop
It takes a roster of 65 volunteers to keep the shop running. Volunteers worked 1,373 hours from September 1 to October 19, 2023. This included the move from Cordata and the Grand Opening day on September 30.
Browne showed me a binder filled with sign-up sheets for potential volunteers to attend biweekly orientation meetings. Volunteers do donation intake, display, customer assistance, cleaning, cashiering, and often help customers out to their vehicles with their purchases.
Mother-daughter volunteer team Anne and Nancy Seeger sort donations in the shop’s bustling back room. Photo credit: Kristin Noreen
Mother-and-daughter volunteer team Nancy and Anne Seeger work in the donation room. For seven years they did small animal TLC with rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets — whoever came in the door. Three years ago they started volunteering at the thrift shop, and they love spending the time there together.
“I don’t know what this is, Mom,” Anne interrupts, holding out an object that turns out to be a classic book inside a dust sleeve that holds it like a box. It’s like that with donations: sometimes it takes a few people to figure out what an item is for.
Extra Features to Build Community
If you’re lucky, you also might see animals while at the thrift shop. Stephanie, a volunteer who has fostered over 150 kittens in four years, recently brought her litter of four kittens to show at the shop, to raise awareness of the foster care program where animals too young to be in the shelter are cared for until they’re old enough to be adopted.
The kittens had a small swatch of different-colored paint on their right ears. “That’s safety paint, so we give medications to the right kittens,” Stephanie explains. “You can’t rely on their markings to tell them apart; you might still make a mistake.”
Foster care volunteer Stephanie shows off Scottish-fold-mix kittens who will be available for adoption when they reach 2 pounds. Photo credit: Kristin Noreen
Near the kitten enclosure is a community bulletin board where people can post animal- and neighborhood-related notices. A poster on the board advertises that every child who visits the thrift shop may pick a free book.
By the cash register, there is a lovely tooled “vegan leather” purse with a jar next to it for the weekly Customer Appreciation Drawing. “I pick an item that I think will be popular and raffle it off,” says Browne. “It gets people to come back, and it’s just a lot of fun.”
The thrift shop welcomes new volunteers, who can sign up for shifts in 2-hour increments. This encourages people with a range of physical abilities and time constraints to participate. There is a sign-up sheet at the shop, if you’re interested.
The shop is currently decked out in holiday delights — and every child who visits the thrift shop can pick a free book! Photo courtesy Whatcom Humane Society Thrift Store
Location: 1534 Birchwood Avenue in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood.
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donations are accepted Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Important note: Only credit/debit is accepted; the shop does not take cash or checks.
Blind Fate, from left to right: Chris Zender, Ann-Marie Olive, Drew Anderson, Chet Zender, and Jeff Randell. Photo credit: Twelve Shots
It’s time to hop in the way back machine to a time of big hair and hyper colors. You left your boom box behind and don’t have to worry about anyone posting a picture of you on social media. It’s just another night out, rocking with your friends, while live musicians fill the bar with your favorite hits. With the slogan “If it’s too loud, you’re too old,” the band Blind Fate has been transporting people back in time by playing cover songs on stages around Whatcom County since 2006.
Keeping a band going for nearly two decades is an impressive trick, but Blind Fate has a secret weapon for staying together: the band consists of people who are actual family — and additional members who might as well be. Not only do they perform everything from classic rock to current hits on stage, but the bandmates spend time together away from music, as well.
Chet Zender, who sings and plays bass, had been in various bands before putting together Blind Fate. He added his lifelong friend and drummer, Drew Anderson, when he launched the band. His cousin, Chris Zender, and friend, Jeff Randal, play guitar and sing, and the band is rounded out by Chet’s younger sister, Ann-Marie Olive, on vocals.
Their strong offstage camaraderie translates on the stage where years of band bonding creates an clear flow while performing.
“As siblings, our voices just blend together naturally. We have that as a band, too,” says Chet. “A lot of times, we can just feel the way Drew’s playing or Chris is playing or myself or Jeff — you just kind of know. We can feel what the other one’s feeling before they do it.”
Blind Fate perform for a crowd at downtown Bellingham’s The Underground. Photo credit: Twelve Shots
This presence is what Blind Fate is all about. They want to be completely in sync so the audience gets the best experience possible.
“When someone chooses to come listen to us, our job is to make sure they feel like this was the best choice they could have made for the night out,” Ann-Marie says. This sentiment was engrained in Chet and Ann-Marie at a young age, as they watched their parents, who were also musicians. They also had a band of mostly family members, which included Chris’s dad. The band traveled to Nashville on multiple occasions to record records. Band practice was the soundtrack to their Chet and Ann-Marie’s young lives, and what they fell asleep to every night.
This previous generation’s example of hard work and passion directs Blind Fate today. Yes, it’s all about fun, and the band likes nothing better than when everyone is on the dance floor having a blast — but those on stage also take each performance seriously.
The siblings, Chet and Ann-Marie, front and center at The Beach in Birch Bay. Photo credit: Twelve Shots
When you hear about the band’s makeup, it seems natural they would all be together, but it didn’t happen overnight. Chet has been in bands since high school — and Ann-Marie secretly wanted to join him. She spent her time singing in church. Ann-Marie got the chance to sing on stage with her parents before her dad’s passing, but never expected to be in a band until Chet brought her in and coached her on singing rock.
Today when singing in the band, she’s now in her comfort zone, but don’t ask Ann-Marie to talk to the crowd. Chet usually fills the downtime between songs because when he tries to pass the mic to Ann-Marie, she does what only a sister can do. She pretends not to hear him.
While there’s a lot of fun and games in a band with family, it’s also clear that it’s extremely special to those involved. The carrying on of a family tradition runs deep in their purpose to connect with those on and off the stage.
“It’s crazy to be up on stage and look over, and I swear I’m on stage with my dad,” Ann-Marie says. “The expressions Chet makes are identical to my dad’s when he sings. It’s the relationships, just how tight you get as a group the more you work together. Also, we’ve played around Whatcom County long enough that there’s a lot of people that come listen to us that have become friends and feel like family.”
Mary Ann and Jim Zender, Chet and Ann-Marie’s parents, paved the musical way for their children. Photo courtey Ann-Marie Olive
While there’s deep meaning behind the music, in the end, the whole point is that the audience gets to rock out. “We like to get people out on the floor dancing, just having a fun time,” says Chet. “Kinda escaping the real world and having fun like you’re back in high school or college, going out with all your friends. We try to play songs that everyone is going to know and can dance to.”
Stay up-to-date on the band’s performance schedule by following them on Facebook. Blind Fate’s next performance is at the Main Street in Ferndale on December 2, 2023, at 8:30 p.m. There’s no cover, so dust off your dancing shoes and come party to your favorite rock songs from the 1970s through the 2000s.
Kuntz and Company, Bellingham’s community storyteller through dance and theatre, presents Documenting Grace: a Film Series, beginning Sunday, December 3. This series of six films was selected to portray dance in its power to give voice to people through movement. The films will be shown at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Avenue, in Fairhaven. Films will roll out one Sunday per month, December through March, at 3pm. Tickets are available on the website, www.kuntzandco.org, and are $12 for general and $6 for seniors/students.
Pam Kuntz, principal of Kuntz and Company, has been keeping dance on people’s minds for decades. “I’m frustrated that dance is sometimes placed in the category of concert dance, or only for those with training,” she says. “I’d like to see it ‘in’ our lives instead of a separate thing we watch from the seats. Dancing has an amazing ability to keep us in the present, to keep us in our world. It opens possibilities to move, to stimulate, and to express.”
Kuntz, an educator, dancer, and choreographer, founded Kuntz and Company in 2005 to give expression to a passion for working with diverse communities to tell their stories through the arts. Those communities include the young, the old, prisoners, parents, families, moms, the dying, those with stories to tell about their bodies, those with disorders, the chronically ill—in summary, everyone who has run into life’s challenges. She has received numerous awards for her work and has been on the faculty of Western Washington University since 1999, teaching dance technique, history, and anatomy.
Support for this series has come from a number of sources, listed individually by film on www.kuntzandco.org. In collecting the series, Kuntz was inspired by the idea that “film might have a different potential for awakening people. We are very receptive to film as a medium, and we tend to let it into our minds without being shut down by our subconscious limitations.”
The kickoff film is “Moving Stories” (Dec 3, 3pm), an inspiring documentary following six dancers from the acclaimed Battery Dance company who travel the world, working with young people who’ve experienced war, poverty, sexual violence and severe trauma as refugees.
In “Calendar Girls” (Jan 7, 3pm), the love of dance and glitter bonds an unlikely group of 60-plus women in southwest Florida. Under the veil of fake lashes and unicorn horns lurks the deeper truths of what aging women face within society.
“The Dancing Man – Peg Leg Bates” (Feb 11, 3pm) brings to the screen the remarkable story of the legendary tap dancer and entrepreneur, Clayton “Peg Leg” who broke down barriers for Black Americans and all people with disabilities. And wrapping up the film series is an evening of shorts (March 3, 3pm).
In “Adumu” African Choreographer Fernando Anuang’A creates a dance show drawing on contemporary dance and Maasai tradition,
“Dance for Change” shows us a dance scene emerging in Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi and “Why I Dance” is a documentary following a group of dancers in Kigali, Rwanda where we gain insight into everyday life in Rwanda and witness these young dancers’ passion and commitment to dance.
Kevin Wiebe is a Ferndale native. Although he graduated from Ferndale High School, he admits he wasn't a model student. His teachers and administrators...
