This year, Whatcom Women in Business will be awarding four $5,000.00 scholarships to women entering higher education including but not limited to technical or trade school, beauty school, community college or university. Applicants must be a high school graduate by Spring 2017 and a current Whatcom County resident.
Applications are due by March 31, 2017 and will be carefully reviewed by our Scholarship Committee. Finalists are selected based on their application, goals, past grades, community involvement and volunteerism, extra-curricular activities, work experience as well as financial need. See application for further instructions. For a downloadable application please visit http://wwib.org/programs/scholarships/
The finalists will be contacted to schedule an interview and non-finalists will receive a notification letter. Selected scholarship recipients will be required to volunteer up to 20 hours with Whatcom Women in Business prior to September 1. Applicants may only receive one scholarship. If an applicant does not receive a scholarship one year, they may apply again. Payments are sent directly to each school or university.
Whatcom Women in Business is comprised of business owners and managers developing and maintaining proactive role models within the organization and the community at large. Through teaching, learning, leadership and peer support, we strive to exemplify and promote the four areas we honor- leadership, professionalism, mentoring and community.
For more information about scholarships and membership in Whatcom Women in Business, see www.wwib.org.
Mary Kay Robinson, host of Whatcom Report, tackles property issues. Photo courtesy: KGMI.
The Whatcom Report radio show on KGMI has something for everyone. The show covers issues such as the impact of outdoor recreation on the community, legal matters like the Hirst case, local business updates and the latest in technology.
The Whatcom Report radio show is on the air every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Photo courtesy: KGMI.
Created several years ago by the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, the Whatcom Report radio show is an hour-long program each Sunday morning at 8 a.m. The show features six hosts covering an array of topics relevant to businesses and the community.
The hosts include Guy Occhiograsso of the Bellingham/Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce, Wes Herman of Woods Coffee, Scott Hume of Salish Wealth Management, Mary Kay Robinson of Windemere Real Estate, Bill Gorman of Gorman Publicity, and Kelsey Rowlson. Each host focuses on a different topic that is always timely and relevant to the community.
“My goal is to educate and engage the community,” says host, Kelsey Rowlson of the Whatcom Young Professionals. “There’s always so much going on in our county.”
The Whatcom Report gives audience members the opportunity to hear these local stories straight from people in the community. “It’s fun when you have someone listen to the program and say ‘I had no idea this was going on!’ I personally like being the connector,” Rowlson explains.
The show has proven to be so impactful that sound bites are often heard on the Monday morning news.
Kelsey Rowlson and Shu-Ling Zha, the capital campaign chair for Sylvia Center for the Arts, posed together in the studio. Photo courtesy: Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.
Wes Herman has covered topics such as solar power in the Pacific Northwest and has invited guests that include the community’s young entrepreneurs. “I love interviewing young entrepreneurs,” he says. “Nothing is more exciting than risking everything for something you believe in.
“Hosting the Whatcom Report radio show gives me an opportunity to learn something new from the various community representatives we interview. We have such fascinating people in Whatcom County that do interesting things. From their work to where people volunteer, this show really captures the passions that people have for what they do.”
The Whatcom Report also tackles timely issues impacting business and community, such as the legalization of marijuana, and issues that could potentially impact property, such as the Hirst Case. “My goal is to educate about the issues and let the listener come to his or her own conclusions,” says Mary Kay Robinson. Robinson recently hosted a show featuring Senator Doug Eriksen discussing the upcoming legislative session and the Hirst decision. “At the end of the show, if a listener comes away knowing something they did not know before, then I’ve succeeded as a host,” Robinson says.
The Chamber is like the front door to the community. It is their responsibility to promote local businesses. People also look to the Chamber for answers to the issues that are pressing to business. That is also a goal of the weekly Whatcom Report radio show.
Mary Kay Robinson, host of Whatcom Report, tackles property issues. Photo courtesy: KGMI.
When it comes to the business community, Scott Hume knows the impact local businesses can have around the county. “My main goal is to present the positive side of businesses in Whatcom County to the listening public,” he says. “I like to show the human side of business with all its trials and challenges along with its rewards.”
Through the years the format has changed quite a bit for the Whatcom Report. Listeners today have a lot more variety with rotating topics and hosts each week.
“Since I’m not a career or professionally trained radio host, I find the most rewarding part of the job to be watching people relax and then open up as they get more comfortable with the microphone,” says Hume. “Most guests get nervous and unsure about being on the program. So I personally feel it’s my job to make them feel comfortable and at ease so they can excel during the interview.”
From local and state issues to interviews of local businesses and organizations, the Whatcom Report delivers the latest news, information and happenings to Whatcom County residents. Tune in each Sunday at 8 a.m. to catch the latest around the county.
Missed an episode? Check out the podcasts on the KGMI site.
Brittany O'Brien recommends calligraphy as an option for customized letter writing. Photo credit: Brittany O'Brien, Owner of Spruce.
Some of us remember waiting for a letter from a friend. We remember receiving letters from pen pals written on rice paper or emblazoned with “par avion” across a blue envelope. We recall the sound of the metallic mailbox opening and closing as we grabbed the letter eagerly awaiting its contents.
In the age of instant delivery, many people find themselves returning to an age-old tradition. This leaves me wondering what Jane Austen or William Shakespeare would have done with e-mail.
Join the Write More Letters Club hosted by Bison Book Binding and Letter Press. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
In Bellingham, we have ample shops to purchase stationery, pens, art supplies and rubber stamps. Some letter writers make their own postcards using watercolors and others try their hand at calligraphy.
Bison Book Binding and Letter Press (112 Grand Avenue, #101) hosts the Write More Letters Club the third Wednesday of the month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the back of the shop. Stampadoodle (1825 Grant Street) offers on-location crafting workshops which spark inspiration.
Brighten up a friend’s mailbox with colors of the rainbow. Dakota Art offers an array of writing paper. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
First, we start with paper. Wendy Schwartz, the owner of Stampadoodle, showed me a variety of paper ranging from letter size to imported paper measuring one meter. Some people send a standard letter written with a regular pen while other writers create collages or craft a letter.
“We sell a variety of lightweight papers that have matching envelopes and cards with matching envelopes. These can be enhanced with rubber stamps in designs as well as monograms. Stickers are another quick way to add decoration to the writing paper. We also sell seals and wax which can be used on the stationery as well as to seal the envelopes,” says Schwarz.
Brittany O’Brien, owner of Spruce, specializes in elegant paper, think wedding invitations and specialty cards. “We can create almost anything people are looking for in the way of personal stationery for letter or note writing. We carry an array of ready-made note cards, letter writing kits and 8.5 by 11 text weight papers,” says O’Brien.
Brittany O’Brien recommends calligraphy as an option for customized letter writing. Photo credit: Brittany O’Brien, Owner of Spruce.
O’Brien addresses the conscientious letter writer as well, “Our papers are at least 30% post consumer waste with some as much a 100% depending on the color offered. Our papers also come from mills that practice sustainable forestry and use renewable energy sources, such as hydro power or wind power.”
Bison Book Binding/Letter Press also offers custom-made cards. I especially enjoyed browsing through the bicycle-themed cards, which no doubt have popular appeal in Bellingham. Over at Dakota Art, a serious letter writer has choices of watercolor postcards and specialty paper ranging in colors of the rainbow or sporting exotic designs.
Whether a writer prefers a fountain pen, a calligraphy pen, a brush pen, or a parallel pen, the shops offer a variety of options. Dakota Art Store Manager Alan Weydert mentions specialty pens as a draw. “We get a handful of people asking about traditional writing supplies, usually asking about fountain pens. We don’t carry the high-end fountain pens as most of our customers are looking for art and drawing pens. However, we have a small stock of cheaper fountain pens as well as, dip pens and nib for those that want to go that route. We get inquiries regarding calligraphy supplies. And I think that decorative writing and calligraphy are going to be trending,” says Weydert.
Wendy Schwartz recommends the parallel pen which enhances anyone’s handwriting. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
When I spoke with Schwartz she showed me her favorite pens, including a parallel pen, originating in Japan and brush pens.
“Personally, I love the LePens, these are a very fine felt markers. The range of colors and fine tip makes them an ideal tool for letter writing as well as, drawing. Parallel pens which are a type of calligraphy pen, are a wonderful unique pen that makes anyone’s writing look fabulous. One of the most popular pens that we sell are the Uni-ball brand, which are a very smooth gliding ink that comes not only in black, blue and red but also gold, silver and white,” enthuses Schwartz.
Letter writers range from age 20 to 80 according to Schwartz. “Who doesn’t love opening a handwritten card or letter.”
Rubber stamps offer a fun way to custom decorate letters. Stampadoodle offers a room filled with rubber stamps. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
O’Brien mentions the importance of the envelope. “There’s nothing more exciting when sifting through your mail then coming across a beautifully addressed envelope. It’s the icing on the cake! And we offer calligraphy and brush lettering workshops so folks can step up their addressing game. Add some quirky or vintage postage and you’re all set!”
ABCDance has a new 12-week spring session starting March 1 for students ages 3-12. The SWING Into SPRING session covers weekly one-hour dance instruction at the ABCDance studio in the heart of Bellingham. The cost of this session also includes a community performance where the students will present the skills they have worked on during the session in a fun, low-pressure event on May 20.
ABCDance is proud to offer a teacher to student ratio of 1:5 and personalizes all instruction based on skill and personality. Participation in a dance class is a great way for children to learn a new skill and improve self-esteem. All students are welcome.
ABCDance also offers a 100% money back guarantee for all new students if your child is not engaged after the fourth week.
Session: SWING Into SPRING Dates: March 1 – May 30 Ages: 3-12 Cost: $144 (payment options available) Location: 1844 N State Street in Bellingham
Tabetha Clark specializes in tap and jazz. Photo courtesy: ABCDance.
Class Schedule: Tuesday
10:00-11:00a PreK Combo Wednesday
4:00-5:00p Kinder Combo
5:00-6:00p Junior Tap Thursday
3:00-4:00p PreK Combo
4:00-5:00p Primary Combo
The new session, Swing into Spring, promises to be fun and educational. Photo courtesy: Tabetha Clark.
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.
“Teaching dance is my life’s passion. My promise to the Bellingham community, and dance community as a whole, is to never stop growing as an educator for the arts.”
Well, Valentine’s Day has come and gone but there is still plenty of fun, both romantic and otherwise, to be had this weekend. So carpe diem and explore the great outdoors, experience the urban epicenter and engage in new experiences. Here are a few fun Whatcom County and Bellingham weekend events to get you started. Remember to check our full events calendar for all the fun happenings this weekend.
Delve into whole new worlds with the Bellingham Film Festival. Follow the dangerous sea journey of a Syrian refugee to safe haven in Europe. Witness the growing global resistance to the use of fossil fuels. Understand homelessness in Bellingham within the larger context of homelessness in the US. These are just a few of the amazing options showing this weekend.
Do you suffer from Glossophobia: The fear of public speaking? Or would you just like to polish your presentation skills? If so, come experience the fun and the friendly, supportive learning environment that is a Toastmasters club at a special Barkley Toasters Open House.
Kick back and relax at Stones Throw Brewery to the sounds of Skellig, a local Bellingham, three-piece band that plays traditional Celtic, Americana, English and acoustic rock and roll. Enjoy a pint, foot-tapping good music and street food. It’s free and family-friendly.
The dating world can be tough, which makes watching others try their hand at it hilariously entertaining. This weekend you can bust a gut at the Upfront Theatre’s presentation of Cupid’s Arrow – an improvised dating game, inspired by the classic 1960’s and 70’s show, The Dating Game.
Break loose at One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & the Works at Mount Baker Theatre. This spectacular live concert event recreates the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time. Hailed as the world’s premier Queen tribute, Gary Mullen’s pitch-perfect imitation of icon Freddie Mercury has won rave reviews throughout 13 years of touring.
Stretch your mind and connect with others at Village Books Reads Book Club. Science fiction and fantasy can be a great escape, but it can also be a great way to examine social issues and alternative viewpoints or identities. It’s a great way to see contemporary problems or questions in a new light.
Stop into the new Galloway’s Cocktail Bar in Fairhaven. This unique location offers novel drinks like the “Southside Queen” (made of Hendrick’s Gin, Giffard Elderflower liqueur, honey syrup, egg white and sage) as well as a delicious cheese and meat plate.
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.
Maya Green, Julie Guay and Robyn Johnston are dedicated to Blue Skies for Children. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.
The piece of mind we get from helping a child develop self-confidence and self-esteem is truly beyond measure. At Blue Skies for Children the emphasis on serving children’s basic needs can restore hope where hope is needed most. The supplies that serve the most vulnerable of our community come in the form of a winter coat, a pair of shoes, a backpack or the ability to participate in a school activity otherwise forgone.
Smiles abound as Blue Skies for Children distributes new shoes to children in need. Photo courtesy: Blue Skies for Children.
Executive Director Julie Guay remembered, “We had three little boys that came in just last year through the Shoe Give Program. Their shoes were literally … all the layers were coming through. Their shoe laces were frayed. They didn’t want to give up their old shoes to get new shoes because they were afraid they’d need their old shoes again.”
Hand me downs were exchanged for brand new kicks, the boy’s faces lit up and they were left with a bit more spring in their small steps. “It was pretty beautiful to see the smiles on their faces,” Guay recalled.
“We might not be able to help a family with their situation, but we can certainly help a child with an immediate need,” said Guay, a former corporate executive and Blue Skies for Children board member. Guay is assisted by two dedicated part time employees, making up the small but mighty staff of this well established non-profit.
Maya Green joined Blue Skies for Children out of high school and has been with the organization for seven years. Green and Robyn Johnston split administrative and program duties, in addition to dedicating their time in assisting with the programs that help homeless, low-income and foster children ages 6-18. The Blue Skies for Children staff is supported by a dedicated group of ten board members who believe in the power of building confidence and reinforcing self-esteem – qualities that result from meeting a child’s most fundamental and basic needs.
Backpacks are stored until the next Backpack Distribution Program begins. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.
Established in 1997 and becoming a 501(c)(3) organization in 2002, Blue Skies has only recently been able to double their office space to accommodate various program and in-kind donations. A distribution room doubles as a conference room while down the hall there’s more space for stored items. Winter coats, hats, scarves, blankets, shoes, socks, gloves and backpacks all take space to store until specific programs open up for children to receive these essential items.
Blue Skies for Children facilitates the needs of a great number of children in comprehensive ways. Blue Skies’ Little Wish Programs have expanded greatly over the years and their Little Wish Enrichment is one of their largest programs. “At any given time, we have 90 kids enrolled in this program,” Guay accounted. Over the course of a calendar year, an average of 1,200 children are served through all six programs.
These children can participate in multiple programs. Most recently added is the Backpack Distribution Program that assists children each fall with a new school backpack. Last year, 400 children sported a new bag to carry their school supplies.
A worn out pair of shoes gets exchanged for brand new ones during Blue Skies for Children’s Shoe Give Program. Photo courtesy: Blue Skies for Children.
The Shoe Give and Winter Warm-Up Programs round out the distribution side of what the organization provides in the way of material help. Children can also use a One-Time Little Wish Program to request help purchasing a one-time item, “Anything from cleats to an ASB card for school,” Guay shared.
And then there’s one of the most solace inspiring gifts – the gift of music. A metallic green drum set sparkles on the top shelf of the storage room. Students have the opportunity to select an instrument and participate in school orchestra or band programs without the additional cost of purchasing or renting the instrument themselves. A collection of 128 instruments are on hand and as many as 30-50 instruments are loaned out at any given time. Students can use the program until they age out of Blue Skies for Children at age 18.
So how can the community help Blue Skies’ children grow into confident adults? “Not all people can help in the same way, but certainly financial donations are welcome,” Guay said. “People who have more time on their hands and less financial ability often volunteer their time or perhaps become part of our board.”
The Instrument Loaner Program provides musical instruments to local children. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.
There are a number of different ways to engage and support children by getting involved. One of Whatcom Talk’s own, Kevin Coleman, has just joined Blue Skies’ compassionate group of ten long-standing board members. Just last weekend he and his family spent an evening stuffing 500 envelopes for Blue Skies for Children’s annual Casino Night fundraiser.
Contributors can also choose to sponsor a local child through Blue Skies’ Sponsor A Child Program. For $50 per month a sponsor receives information about the child they sponsor and will receive regular updates about a given child’s progress in their enrichment activity.
Coleman has been impressed by Guay’s diligent efforts as the Executive Director of Blue Skies for Children. “We support 500-700 homeless, low-income and foster children through each distribution program,” Coleman said.
Maya Green, Julie Guay and Robyn Johnston are dedicated to helping children. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.
Because Coleman was a foster parent himself, he’s seen first hand the children who move through the system. “When kids go from one home to another, they lose everything they’ve had. They don’t have anything to take with them or rely on and then there’s the added stress and possible post- traumatic stress disorder. Blue Skies for Children provides a jacket and it’s theirs. Or they provide the ability to take karate classes and that says, ‘You mean something. You’re worthwhile.’ It builds their hope and self-esteem. They need to know those feelings after not having consistency or a forever home.”
Marry Me Wedding Ceremonies creates a meaningful ceremony for anyone chosen by the family to officiate. Photo courtesy: Marry Me Wedding Ceremonies.
Jen Bean owner of Marry Me Wedding Ceremonies in Bellingham has done over 75 weddings. “I still get choked up,” she says. Bean, who has been ordained to officiate weddings for over ten years, specializes in writing and developing ceremonies that fit the couple and create a unique experience.
“The ceremony is what the day is about,” Bean says. “It should reflect the couple and who they are as people.”
Jen Bean, owner of Marry Me Wedding Ceremonies, creates the ceremony that fits the couple. Photo courtesy: Marry Me Wedding Ceremonies.
Bean describes the process of creating the ceremony as a collaboration between the couple and herself. She will even gather stories from family and friends to make the experience special.
As part of the process, Bean will also write ceremonies that others can officiate. She says that having someone the couple knows and is close to officiate the ceremony makes the day even more special. “It’s those personal statements and stories that make the day special, touching and funny,” she says.
Bean’s focus is creating a unique and meaningful ceremony for the couple regardless of who officiates. She explains that there is a trend towards customizing ceremonies. There isn’t a lot of guidance when it comes to actually writing and organizing the ceremony, so there is freedom in creating the schedule, gathering personal statements, writing the words and even detailing responsibilities.
The wedding ceremony is a reflection of the couple and what is important to them. Photo courtesy: Marry Me Wedding Ceremonies.
“I love working with couples that are excited and invested,” she says. “The ceremony starts the day and sets the tone for the entire wedding.”
In order to collect stories and statements, Bean contacts and works with friends and families while also meeting and consulting with the couple. Together they discuss and research what elements are important to make the ceremony and the day meaningful to those involved.
Bean works with the couple to curate the ceremony by discussing what is important to them. This includes everything from the type of ceremony, such as traditional or modern, to the timing of the day. She then sends them samples of types of ceremonies so they can get a feel for what they really want.
“I tell my couples not to get hung up on where the ceremony is at when we meet,” she says. “We’ll find a way to make it work with the elements that are important to them.”
Bean enjoys working with those couples who want a very special ceremony and are willing to put in the work to make that happen. “Writing a ceremony has been trending for years,” she says. “A wedding ceremony is very important. It’s about your family and community and what that means to you.”
“I’ve officiated over 75 weddings and I still get choked up,” says Jen Bean. Photo courtesy: Marry Me Wedding Ceremonies.
More and more couples want that personalization to their ceremony. After all, weddings are such a special moment in people’s lives.
Bean puts a lot of time into every ceremony she creates for a couple. Together they collaboratively determine the flow of the ceremony, the details and who will be fulfilling each role.
Bean describes her roles at various ceremonies throughout the eleven years she’s been in business with Mary Me Wedding Ceremonies. “I’ve sewn brides into gowns, I’ve cleared plates and I’ve even decorated the cake.”
Through the experience she’s developed, Bean can provide an enormous amount of support from working with vendors to guiding the officiator through the ordaining process and responsibilities of the wedding day. Bean says she’s even attended a few rehearsals to ensure that the day is on track and everyone is prepared. “It’s an intense experience,” she says. “I want everyone prepared when it comes to responsibilities.”
Marry Me Wedding Ceremonies creates a meaningful ceremony for anyone chosen by the family to officiate. Photo courtesy: Marry Me Wedding Ceremonies.
The devil is always in the details, which is why Bean works so hard with couples on creating the ceremony as well as working with the ordained person. “It’s knowing the details and the timing,” she says. “It’s all about making sure the officiate is prepared.”
Bean values the importance of her job. She recognizes the important and valuable role that she plays in each and every ceremony. “I love to see each couple start off with a bang,” says Bean. “That’s what the experience of a unique and meaningful ceremony can bring.”
Galloway's Cocktail Bar has a variety of snacks if you're feeling a bit peckish. The Cheese and Meat Plate features rotating selections of cheeses and meats accompanied by fruits, pistachios, fig jam and baguette. Photo courtesy: Galloway's Cocktail Bar.
Bellingham’s new deco-era bar, Galloway’s Cocktail Bar, quietly opened its doors December 28th in the space adjacent to the Fairhaven Village Inn. Both businesses are owned by Gene and Connie Shannon. Late last summer, the Shannons hired Allison Sutherland as General Manager of Galloway’s. Sutherland has nearly 20 years of food and beverage experience under her belt; the majority of those years were spent working in Fairhaven restaurants making her the perfect match for Galloway’s.
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar prides itself on its craft cocktail menu that focuses on gin-based beverages. Photo courtesy: Galloway’s Cocktail bar.
The Shannons knew the time was right to open their own bar as an amenity to Fairhaven Village Inn guests and locals alike. Hotel Manager, Emma Weinberg, explains, “The Fairhaven Village Inn is a unique 22-room hotel competing with the big brand name hotels, all of which feature a lobby bar. The local market has boomed over the past few years with the number of hotel rooms in Bellingham doubling.” More hotel options means increased competition. “While the Inn has the historic Fairhaven district as its number one amenity, we found it necessary to provide a true ‘hotel bar’ experience for our guests.”
Fairhaven Village Inn hotel guests receive a “key to the bar” upon check-in. Photo credit: Sara Holodnick.
Part of that “hotel bar” experience is providing guests a seamless experience between their time at the Inn and at Galloway’s. Fairhaven Village Inn guests receive an antique brass key at check-in which they can use at Galloway’s for an exclusive complimentary nightly offering.
Galloway’s ambience and décor are inspired by the 1920’s jazz-era, right down to its deco-style logo. While you may think the name is reminiscent of that era, it’s actually named for an Iowa couple, Gregg and Carla Galloway. The Galloways were frequent guests of the Inn who eventually became Fairhaven locals after their retirement. The bar’s namesake represents the experience Sutherland wants her patrons to enjoy: a wonderful mix of hotel guests mingling with local Bellinghamsters.
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar has a variety of snacks if you’re feeling peckish. The Cheese and Meat Plate features rotating selections of cheeses and meats accompanied by fruits, pistachios, fig jam and baguette. Photo courtesy: Galloway’s Cocktail Bar.
“We decided to make Galloway’s a gin-focused bar,” shared Sutherland. “Gin is essentially vodka infused with botanicals. You can take it in many flavorful directions and our cocktail list reflects that.” After working with a consultant, the team at Galloway’s developed a creative craft cocktail menu that’s uniquely their own. Sutherland’s personal favorite is the Southside Queen made of Hendrick’s Gin, Giffard Elderflower liqueur, honey syrup, egg white and sage. While craft cocktails are a big focus at Galloway’s, they also offer an extensive beer and wine list with food and dessert options to choose from.
Guests and locals alike can either sidle-up at the bar or nestle into a cozy, custom-built booth from 3 – 10 p.m. and Happy Hour from 3 – 6 p.m. daily.
An attendee at the Recreation Northwest 2016 EXPO explored hiking areas on a map of Washington state. Photo credit: Todd Ellsworth.
Whatcom County is abundant with natural beauty and opportunity. But in order to keep it that way, there must be people willing to lead the charge in protecting public lands. Recreation Northwest formed four years ago when co-executive directors Todd Elsworth and April Claxton realized Bellingham needed a non-profit organization focused on the ideas of recreation and conservation.
A large crowd gathered to enjoy the 2016 Recreation Northwest EXPO. Photo credit: Dallas Betz.
Since Recreation Northwest’s inception, they have thrown their annual Recreation Northwest EXPO event. The EXPO is aimed at bringing people together via Washington State’s various outdoor recreation opportunities and outdoor recreation retailers. The EXPO will be held Feb. 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. It is free to attend.
Elsworth said each year the EXPO gets larger and he is happy with how much it has grown since it was started. In addition to the EXPO, Recreation Northwest is hosting their Outdoor Recreation Summit for the second consecutive year. The summit will contain keynote speakers discussing various aspects concerning the outdoor industry from economic benefits to policy issues.
“The Expo is where the public can be exposed to the variety of recreation businesses, organizations and programs that are available locally and statewide. The Summit is our way to help drive the development of Washington’s recreation economy as a renewable resource,” Elsworth said.
The summit will take place the day before the EXPO on Feb. 24 at Bellingham Technical College’s Settlemyer Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It will feature a variety of keynote speakers specializing in the outdoor industry including Jon Snyder, Governor Jay Inslee’s policy advisor on outdoor recreation and economic development.
Exhibitors displaying McNett gear answered questions from community members at Recreation Northwest’s 2016 EXPO. Photo credit: Dallas Betz.
Elsworth said the idea for the summit came out of a study Recreation Northwest did with Whatcom County. They investigated the economic impact of various factors affecting the recreation industry. “We want to make recreation recognizable as an economic driver and a valid industry,” Elsworth said. “We need to support Washington State recreation as an important business.”
This year the EXPO will feature more exhibitors than they have ever hosted before. Because of this reason the team at Recreation Northwest decided to move the EXPO to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, a larger venue than used in previous years.
With a larger venue comes more space. With more space comes the opportunity to provide each exhibitor with a generous amount of room to display their wares. Elsworth said this is one of the most exciting parts of the EXPO for 2017. Last year they were only able to supply exhibitors with 6-by-6 foot tables, but this year some exhibitors get 10-by-10 foot booths for their items.
“We are fortunate in Washington to have access to public lands and a vast amount of outdoor recreation opportunities,” Elsworth said. “Lots of outdoor brands can be created here and we want to give them a place to showcase what they have created.”
An attendee at the Recreation Northwest 2016 EXPO explored hiking areas on a map of Washington State. Photo credit: Dallas Betz.
Washington is a leading example in outdoor recreation for states around the whole country, Elsworth said. In order to reach a greater audience and share the ideas being fostered in Washington State with people around the world, the Recreation Northwest summit keynotes will be livestreamed on their Facebook page.
There are many perks to attending this year’s EXPO. Live gear demonstrations, small clinics and door prizes from the exhibitors will be running throughout the day. Both the summit and EXPO are sure to get you excited and prepared for the upcoming dry season. After all, spring is right around the corner and there is no better time to go out and explore the wonderful outdoor landscapes Whatcom County has to offer. When the clouds part and sunshine breaks through, there is no better playground in the Pacific Northwest than the Northern Cascades region.
A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio's team is ready to help make sure that your renovations are done right the first time to help preserve the integrity of your house. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio.
I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I love to cook and experiment with new recipes. When friends come over they usually start out in the kitchen with me – snacking and talking while we prepare a meal to share. Kitchens are the heart of a home because they’re the room where we prepare nourishment for our families and communities.
A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio is on Northwest Drive in Bellingham. You probably recognize their reader board! Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio.
Because it’s the center of so much daily activity, the kitchen is usually one of the first rooms that comes to mind when people consider home improvements. From appliance updates to gaining more counter space, most anyone could give a list of what they think would make their kitchen more comfortable and efficient.
A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio has been setting the standard in Whatcom County for design/build remodeling and repairs for more than six decades. Their award-winning team is dedicated to reflecting Whatcom County’s commitments to sustainability and the value of long-term thinking, which is how they became property preservation specialists.
Since purchasing the business in 1976, owner Rick Dubrow has seen his fair share of remodels. Sure, A-1’s projects span a wide spectrum of home improvements and repairs – bathrooms, basements, additions, whole-house remodels – but let’s stay with this kitchen scenario. Why? The thing just about everyone wants to remodel? You guessed it: their kitchen.
But all too often when customers call about a remodel, the A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio team finds underlying deterioration that should be dealt with before, or during, a significant remodeling project.
Your dreams of a kitchen remodel may need to be adjusted if you have underlying water damage. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio.
“I’ll approach the house and be led to the kitchen, noticing a significant slope in the floor, bulging siding or troubling paint failure on the exterior,” said Dubrow. He and his team often end up being the bearers of bad news for homeowners who were hopeful to knock out a wall or add an island counter. But underlying problems like rot from water damage can jeopardize the future of the house itself. “Imagine you’re wanting cosmetic surgery on your face but your arm is torn off and you’re bleeding,” Dubrow said. “So our approach is: Sure, let’s do improvements, but let’s make sure your house isn’t deteriorating faster than it needs to be.”
The A-1 team, when such conditions warrant it, performs a Pre-Remodel Condition Evaluation [PRCE] as part of their design and discovery process. PRCEs are essentially wellness exams for the house that help ensure the integrity and longevity of the home. These exams include detailed photographs of hard-to-reach spaces such as the crawlspace and attic, a detailed list of trouble areas by priority, and preliminary, good-faith estimates of what they think it might cost to fix each issue.
PRCEs can cost between $200-500, which is small in the grand scheme of a large remodel project, especially considering they can save a property owner thousands of dollars in the long-run.
Rot and water damage is often hidden from view until the wall is opened up. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio.
“We have an in-house expression: Pay us now or pay us later,” shared Dubrow on his blog, The Hammer. We all know the temptation of cutting corners to save a little money now. The problem with doing so on a house is that low-cost solutions have a way of creating high-cost problems later. “When clients are faced with trying to save some dough, it’s easy to jump into a low price while overlooking why a lower price may be less. In the end we find that you get what you pay for.”
In 2016, about a third of all the work A-1 Builders performed were repairs related to those dream renovation projects customers had wanted to tackle. A founding board member of Sustainable Connections and current board member of RE Sources, Dubrow is committed to helping home and property owners make good choices that are also good for the environment.
“We helped birth the green building effort in Whatcom County,” he shared, “and perhaps the greenest thing you can do is to install whatever material you pick so that it lasts in place as long as possible. It’s called Life Cycle Assessment. You’re the steward of these resources, so make them last for the long haul no matter how long you intend to live there.”
A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio’s team is ready to help make sure that your renovations are done right the first time to help preserve the integrity of your house. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio.
It’s easy to avoid the warning signs you see around your house but Dubrow wants to warn homeowners that the temporary bliss of pretending the problem isn’t there only leads to more issues later. He recommends that you find the right business for the job as early as possible once you start to see the warning signs of deterioration. “If a surface you see starts to deform – building materials that twist or crack; tile coming off your tub surround; exterior caulking pulling away; curling or missing roofing –, pay attention to it and get on it right away.”
Dubrow and his team want homeowners to be attentive to problems and find the right people to fix them as soon as they can to improve the sustainability of their house. “This is property preservation,” Dubrow explained. “The damage can be much like bone cancer in your home:. if you let it go the price you pay – financially and emotionally — can grow exponentially. Hence the need for periodic wellness exams.”
Ready to see if your dream remodel is in the cards for you? Give A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio a call at 360-734-5249 or stop by their showroom at 3310 Northwest Avenue in Bellingham.
Submitted by First Fed
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