Owners (from left) Chas Malich, Jerry Spraggins and Sam Malich make Chazzam tick. Photo credit: Katie Ann Plick.
When you walk into Chazzzam Signs & Vehicle Restyling, you’ll probably hear loud music. You’ll see work getting done on projects all around you and you’ll feel the high energy of the room.
The Chazzzam crew moved and prepped their new location in style. Photo credit: Katie Ann Plick.
That’s what makes Chazzzam tick.
Brothers Chas and Sam Malich and longtime friend Jerry Spraggins are the owners of Chazzzam, a shop created and located in Bellingham in 2012. Chazzzam was the product of what they visualized in a signs, graphics and restyling kind of shop. “We knew in the market there was something that was lacking. Somebody wasn’t filling a void in this town that needed to be filled,” Jerry said.
“We saw that void as an opportunity,” Chas added.
Chazzzam staff (and pups) participate in a secret Santa shop party over the holidays. Photo credit: Katie Ann Plick.
Work in a sign shop wasn’t anything new to Sam and Chas before the creation of Chazzzam. In fact, Chas said he and his brother were born into the industry. Their father owned some sign shops which they had the experience of working in over many years.
Thinking that they would not follow the path of their father, the brothers went to school in other areas of expertise. Still, they found their way back in the familiar business of signs. “We ended up figuring out it was a niche industry and a place where we could really utilize our skills,” Chas said.
In addition to the vast amount of experience and technique surrounding signs, the Chazzzam team developed a new talent as their business budded: vehicle wrapping. “Our wraps are not made of tortillas or lettuce, so people always wonder what the heck it is,” Chas said, laughing.
Wrapping a vehicle allows for more efficiency and precision than painting does. Photo credit: Katie Ann Plick.
Vehicle wrapping replaces the act of painting a vehicle. Whether a customer wants the color of their car changed or a business needs their van to act as an advertisement, wraps greatly range in variety and get any job done.
Lasting between five to 10 years, a very general wrap could run around $2,000 to $5,000. They can also be changed or redone whenever desired.
“We have some companies that will change their wrap once a year or once every two years to coincide with how their company is progressing,” Jerry said. “They understand the value of that purchase and how many times people will see that new wrap.”
You can’t tell the difference between a painted vehicle and a wrapped vehicle. Sam, who went to automotive school and has experience as a painter, confirmed this. “People just think it looks very cool,” Sam said. “They usually don’t know why and assume it’s a custom paint job.”
An example of some stickers produced at Chazzzam, 25,000 to be correct. Photo credit: Katie Ann Plick.
Between high-end signs, stickers, banners, murals, labels, wraps and other projects, it takes a lot of space and the effort of nine crew members to run Chazzzam. Most recently, in the midst of their five-year business anniversary, everyone at Chazzzam is dedicating their time to their big move to 1918 Iowa St. in Bellingham.
In this new space, Chazzzam will have doubled their capacity to 10,000 square feet. From fresh offices and work areas to new equipment such as a car lift, Sam says efficiency and quality will surely increase.
“It’s important for us to continue to build relationships – with customers and competitors – while taking our own space,” Chas said. “Bellingham has a strong sense of community and we know relationships and connections are key. We don’t just want to be a business, we want to give back to the community and make sure we are a staple in this environment for a long time. That’s exciting for us.”
Owners (from left) Chas Malich, Jerry Spraggins and Sam Malich make Chazzam tick. Photo credit: Katie Ann Plick.
Chazzzam has participated in fundraisers and events concerning topics such as cancer awareness and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Jerry, Sam and Chas agree that Chazzzam’s future is far from finished.
You can find Chazzzam at their new location or take a peek at what they’re up to through their website, Facebook or Instagram.
Treat your loved ones to a special show at MBT. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
Seeing a live theater performance at Mount Baker Theatre (MBT) can be a once-in-a-lifetime event. One of the best parts for both audience and performers is the crackling energy and intense feelings that flow back and forth between the stage and crowd. But not everyone is an experienced theater-goer. For many of us, it’s a very special occasion. Others have never attended before. We’re not exactly sure how to dress, what the proper etiquette might be or even what to expect.
An audience must be attentive to appreciate the finer details of technique employed by Brazilian artist Chrystian Dozza and the other artists of “International Guitar Night.” Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
What is considered acceptable or preferred behavior during a show has shifted over the last few years. Where once anything but silence throughout a performance would have been considered rude, now some performers welcome the audience to use their phones to photograph, check-in and even tweet their attendance during the performance.
But when can you stand up and dance to the music? What should you be looking for when watching a concert, Broadway musical or dance performance? To help you navigate the shifting etiquette and have the best chance of connecting with the performance in a positive way, MBT has put together this little viewer’s guide.
What to Wear
As a viewer of a live performance, everyone can do their part to ensure that everyone has access to an enjoyable experience. Different performers and different types of shows have differing expectations. In general, the west coast—and Bellingham—are pretty relaxed about dress code. MBT was originally designed as an opulent movie palace and they’ve done their best to preserve her beauty so you won’t feel out of place if you choose to dress up to celebrate your visit. But, of course, they’d rather have you attend in blue jeans than not attend at all. Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you’ll be comfortable and not distracted so you’ll be able to focus on enjoying the performance.
General Cell Phone Etiquette
Often, an artist or emcee will describe their expectations for the audience, so listen carefully to the introduction for clues. It’s important to respect the performers’ feelings about cell phone use. Some ask that phones are off and away while others encourage their use. When in doubt, err on the side of caution, leaving the phone for after the show. In 2015, Tony-award-winning actress Patti LuPone took a phone from an audience member who had been texting during the first act of her play. Even silent texting can be disruptive because the glow of the screen can be distracting to surrounding patrons.
Punctuality
To truly appreciate ballet, a viewer must notice the strength and effort it takes to make the dance look effortless, as in this piece by the Houston Ballet. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
Although it is acceptable in many circles to be ‘fashionably late’ to a party, that is often not the case for live theater. Plan to arrive early for a performance. The box office and theatre often opens at least 30 minutes before the show begins. Concessions are open for your convenience and you’ll have plenty of time to find your seats and use the restroom before the performance. That’s particularly important for shows without an intermission. Late seating once the performance has begun is at the discretion of the ushers only and they wouldn’t want you to miss out on the performance or disrupt the experience of others.
Little Ones
MBT encourages families to attend together when the show’s content is appropriate. Live theater can affect a child’s life and outlook on the world in so many unpredictable ways. MBT’s Education program has developed a detailed Theatre Etiquette Guide for their education program shows to help teachers, families and children have a positive theater experience. These tips can be generalized to any show and can apply to adults as well.
Because every show is a little different here are a few specifics based on the type of show you’re attending.
Ballet and Other Dance Performance
Dance has a long history in theater. As such, it has held onto traditions. That includes the expectation of a quiet and attentive audience. Dancers work for decades to perfect their performance. Their goal is to transport their audience to another place and time—to glide and even appear to fly with ease and grace. They want you to forget who and where you are and join them in their story. But the truth is, they work hard to make it look effortless.
Gary Mullen & the Works expect the audience to dance with abandon when they bring “One Night of Queen” to Bellingham. Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
To best enjoy a dance performance, pay close attention to the details. When watching the Houston Ballet: Season Tour on April 1, it’s easy to notice that the costumes are chosen with care. They allow ease of movement, define the character and allow the audience to appreciate each subtle movement of the performers’ body, from the tip of their pointed toe to the position of their arms in relation to their perfect posture. For more details on how to best appreciate the beauty of dance, check out this guide for non-dancers.
The Diversity of Concerts
As a general rule, the type of music being performed will likely dictate how much audience participation is intended. As you might expect, many concert performers invite audiences to leave their seats and move forward to get up and dance in the aisles. If you’re planning to attend a performance like the upcoming One Night of Queen Performed by Gary Mullen & the Works, be sure to wear your dancing shoes. You should expect that patrons in seats closer to the stage might stand and dance to the music while those further from the stage might remain seated.
Be sure to notice the effort a band or group has invested in their multi-media and stage lighting, choreography and costumes. Often they are considered important components of a live performance.
For other shows, like International Guitar Night on February 24, featuring solos, duets and quartets of diverse world acoustic guitar, audiences will appreciate being able to hear every nuance the artists are able to pull from their instruments. Simple set design and costumes invite you to focus all of your attention on the technique behind the art form. These shows make you want to hold your breath in witness of the masterful artistry on stage.
The Spectacle of Musical Theatre
You’ll laugh out loud to the extravaganza that is Broadway’s “The Pirates of Penzance.” Photo courtesy: Mount Baker Theatre.
With a few exceptions, this genre is often energetic and full of action. The performers can feel the audiences’ reaction. You’ll be too enthralled to talk to your neighbor during a musical theater performance (and it is frowned upon). Generally laughter, applause and occasional clapping along to the music are highly encouraged. To fully enjoy musical theater, be sure to notice the variety and effort invested in costuming and the ingenious ways sets are moved and changed from scene to scene. Both the costumes and sets will add to the spectacle of Broadway’s The Pirates of Penzance on the MBT stage March 12. You’ll enjoy getting sucked into their adventure by the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players.
Of course, every show has its own feel specific to the performers. When in doubt, you usually can’t lose if you observe and copy the behavior of those around you. Being respectful and considerate of others is always a safe bet. When you’re not sure, please ask one of the very experienced volunteer ushers who’ve been through training and make it their mission to ensure everyone gets the most from their theater-going experience.
The documentary film "Overburden" will be one of 25 films included in the Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival. Photo credit: Chad A. Stevens / milesfrommaybe Productions.
This is often the time of year where we begin to feel the winter blahs. We tire of the cool, rainy weather and the fact that it keeps us indoors. Thankfully, this time brings some of the best viewing opportunities for independent film in Whatcom County. This round up of independent film opportunities will keep the winter blues at bay. The best part is that each of these opportunities supports a local business, filmmaker or both.
Bellingham Film Annual Showcase
Many of the independent film events include opportunities before and after the screenings to meet filmmakers and community organizations. Photo credit: Daisey James.
$7 regular admission, $5 students, seniors and Pickford Members
Each year, Bellingham Film hosts a short film showcase as an opportunity to share with the public content produced in Washington State. The showcase includes both short films and trailers for projects that are currently seeking funding and for feature films. For the Pacific Northwest filmmakers, it is a chance to see their work on screen and perhaps find investors and future collaborators. It’s a great way to see what is being made right here and nearby. Many of the filmmakers attend.
17th Annual Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival (BHRFF)
The documentary film “Overburden” will be one of 25 films included in the Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival. Photo credit: Chad A. Stevens/ milesfrommaybe Productions.
February 16 – 25, 2017
Free admission and parking
Over the 10-day BHRFF, 25 thought-provoking films will be screened across 13 venues throughout Whatcom County. Volunteer committee members select the insightful, moving films that they hope will encourage the community to explore and engage in critical issues that are particularly relevant in our country today. Topics include environmental activism, overcoming disability limitations, the effects of militarization on our society, refugees and immigration law, gender identity, food waste and antagonists cooperating to solve problems. Films are followed by facilitated discussions, some led by the filmmakers themselves.
BHRFF received a 2015 Mayor’s Arts Award and was listed as one of nine “Film Festivals That Are Making A Difference.” Amnesty International USA’s local Group 270 also received an award for its financial and volunteer support of BHRFF.
Opening night of the festival will be held at PFC with Western Washington University (WWU) Fairhaven College as the primary venue. Be sure to check the full program for exact show times and locations.
Bellingham Children’s Film Festival
PFC’s Children’s Film Festival features fun films from around the globe. Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center.
This annual festival showcases innovative and fun films from around the globe with animation, live action, shorts, and features. The whole family will enjoy the ice cream social and interactive art projects in the Pickford lobby. Check the PFC site for more details on films and show times as they develop or join their e-mail list to have a weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox. Part of PFC’s mission includes an increasingly active education program for kids in elementary through high school.
Bellingham Music Film Festival
The Bellingham Music Film Festival will share music-related film as well as live performance and receptions for filmmakers, performers and viewers. Photo credit: Kenneth Kearney Photography.
April 6 – 8, 2017
The Bellingham Music Film Festival is a collaborative effort between WWU‘s New Media Design, the Make.Shift Art Space and PFC to share the diversity of music through the medium of film. The festival features a collection of music videos, documentaries and narrative pieces by regional, national and student filmmakers. The fun is augmented by live performances and receptions with filmmakers, performers and viewers alike. Check their Facebook page for the latest details as the festival gets closer.
CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival
CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival will present the silent film, “The Dumb Girl of Portici,” the first blockbuster directed by a woman, Director Lois Weber. Photo courtesy: CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival.
April 20 – 23, 2017
In order to help shift the historical under-representation of female directors in the global film community, CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival (CIWFF) has created a curated three-day festival that showcases female-directed shorts, documentaries, and feature films from around the world. Many of the directors will be available for discussion after the films. Films shown will include those by emerging and seasoned women directors from France, Russia and Austrailia, as well as a historic silent film.
This first annual festival will also include social events, workshops, industry panels and educational events including a panel discussion, “The Emerging Technology of Immersive Technology—Virtual Reality,” co-presented with Bellingham Film at Sylvia Center for the Arts on Tuesday, April 11. The panel will include female filmmakers currently filming with virtual reality technology. Check their website and Facebook page for the official selection and evolving details as the festival gets closer.
These thought-provoking, artful films will keep the winter blues away from now until May when the weather will allow more comfortable outdoor excursions. Enjoy and feel good about supporting Whatcom County’s local film community.
Nursing Assistants play a vital role. Photo courtesy: CHCC.
Looking for a job in Whatcom County? What would you say to a quick-start career with practically guaranteed full-time work?
The only caveat is that, like any nurse, you have to be compassionate and loving, with a servant’s heart.
Is that you? Great. Read on.
As the population ages, the value of nursing assistants (also known as Nursing Assistants-Certified or Certified Nursing Assistants) only grows. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts booming job growth for NACs through at least 2024. The predicted 17 percent growth rate for nursing assistants far surpasses the national average of 7 percent.
Not only is there a great need for nursing assistants, but the process of becoming a NAC is fast and easy. Christian Health Care Center offers free classes for anyone who wants to start a career in healthcare and work at CHCC.
Nursing Assistants make a difference in the world. Photo courtesy: CHCC.
The four-week training program teaches students about the roles and responsibilities of nursing assistants, residents’ rights, patient care techniques, infection control, observation and reporting skills, addressing mental health challenges, using modern technology to record medical records and much more.
Quite a few people work as NACs while they’re going to school to become a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse or while they’re earning a degree for another position in the healthcare field. CHCC has seen a number of people work as NACs while they attend educational programs at Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College or Western Washington University.
What do NACs do on a daily basis?
In a nursing home setting such as at CHCC, NACs work as members of the facility’s care team under the direct supervision of a team leader or unit coordinator who is an RN or an LPN.
Christian Health Care Center is a great place to work. Photo courtesy: CHCC.
“Nursing assistants are the heart and hands of the work we do here,” reports Heather Lewis, director of nursing services at CHCC.
A nursing assistant’s primary goal is to ensure that residents are well-cared for in a pleasant, positive and calm environment.
This means helping them perform activities of daily living, such as moving around, eating, using the bathroom, bathing, grooming and positioning. It also means measuring and recording residents’ blood pressure, weight, breathing and pulse.
“We know that a good NAC is a great communicator who always respects a resident’s rights and confidentiality.”
NACs also need to be attentive to residents’ needs. Sometimes, that might mean encouraging them to be more independent. Other times, it might mean encouraging them to accept help. While most residents have the same basic needs, the process of how ensuring those needs are met differs from person to person.
This group of Nursing Assistants graduated in November of 2016. Photo courtesy: CHCC.
Want to get started?
Christian Health Care Center is recognized by the Washington State Department of Health as an approved training program for nursing assistants. Classes at the skilled nursing facility are held several times throughout the year. To sign up, visit CHCC online or check in on Facebook for upcoming sessions. Believe it or not, there is no cost to students. CHCC pays all class-related expenses (more than $1,000 in value), including the instructor fee, books, testing fees and application fees.
Once they’ve completed their certification, graduates of CHCC’s free NAC training class receive priority consideration for any nursing assistant jobs that are available at the time.
The Viewmont Manor offers a cozy and romantic getaway that feels like home. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
For many people, bed and breakfasts remind them of spending time in the country or in a quaint neighborhood. Often, bed and breakfasts offer romantic getaways or a memorable honeymoon experience. Here are two Whatcom County B&Bs that are sure to please.
Moon Dance Inn
Gary and Linda Fuller are owners of the Moon Dance Inn. Photo courtesy: Linda Fuller.
For Linda and Gary Fuller, the romance preceded their dream of opening the Moon Dance Inn on the edge of Bellingham, on the shores of Lake Whatcom.
Located at 4737 Cable Street in Geneva, the Moon Dance Inn began welcoming guests during August of 2010. The Fullers manifested a long-time dream that, for Linda, began during a European trip.
“The summer before I met Gary in high school, I had a wonderful experience helping my grandmother run her B&B in a little town in Germany,” Linda recalls. “Meeting people from all over the world and sharing their life stories, careers and adventures had such an impact on me that I have always felt how great it would be to one day own a B&B.”
The Lake Side Room at Moon Dance Inn is warm and inviting. Photo courtesy: Linda Fuller.
The Fullers were high school sweethearts in the 1970s. They both married other people, divorced, and years later became reacquainted which lead to a long distance relationship. They shared a dream of opening a bed and breakfast which they pursued in Bellingham.
In 2004, the Fullers bought a 1933 lakeside home. In 2005, they were the first couple to be married on the property. Remodels began in 2006 and the Fullers realized their dream in 2010.
“The house did not have much curb appeal at the time, but immediately upon walking in and seeing the gorgeous view, I turned to Gary and said, ‘This is it! I could see this as the perfect B&B.’ You could feel the warmth emanating from the walls. And we knew with Gary’s creative, attention-to-detail redesign talents and my love of decorating and cooking, that it could be transformed into a special place for people to come and experience,” recalls Linda.
Head east to the corner of Austin and Cable to stay at the Moon Dance Inn. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
The inn boasts a panoramic view of Lake Whatcom as seen from the indoor dining area and deck. In the past, guests launched their kayaks from the property. The Fullers also accommodate special dietary needs and offer gluten-free and vegetarian options. The gorgeously decorated rooms range from cozy two-person rooms like the Garden Room and the Paradise Room to the Moonstruck Room which accommodates four guests. The Fullers offer the rooms year-round, even when they travel during the off-season.
Viewmont Manor
Betty Cribbs transformed her manor into a B & B because she loves to cook and meet travelers. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
A stay at the Viewmont Manor, located at 1031 38th Street, offers a view of Bellingham Bay . Originally, Betty and Glenn Cribbs built the manor as a private home. Then later, after the children left the nest and the couple found themselves occupying a five-bedroom house, they transformed their home into a bed and breakfast.
“There’s always the option of downsizing, selling our home and moving to a smaller house or condo,” recalls Betty. “But in looking around at our secluded garden space and thinking about Glenn’s shop where he works on projects for the houses he builds, we simply knew we were not ready to give up all the pleasantries of our present home. Our sister-in-law had operated a bed and breakfast in Eugene, Oregon for 13 years and we had often envied her that aspect of her life. So, we decided to give it a try.”
This Viewmont room comes with a view of a garden best seen in the spring and summer months. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
With the right chemistry, it worked. Glenn, who founded Cribbs Construction Incorporated, contributed the gorgeous structural details which include an Italianate staircase and a chef’s kitchen. Betty contributed her eye for decorative details and her cooking talents (which include making dietary accommodations for guests with food restrictions). The manor boasts luxurious beds, views of a luscious garden, private bathrooms, a library and electrical fireplaces to warm your feet after hiking around Lake Padden. And guests wake to freshly-baked scones left by their doors.
Travelers who enjoy connecting with their hosts prefer to stay at bed and breakfasts where they enjoy connecting through conversations. And hosts often harbor fond memories of their guests ranging from newly married couples to elders spending their retirement years on the road. The Cribbs and the Fullers express pleasure from getting acquainted with their unique guests.
The Viewmont Manor offers a cozy and romantic getaway that feels like home. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.
The Cribbs spoke of guests who traveled from as far away as Perth, Australia and other guests who showed up when they were going through a life transition. These guests chose a bed and breakfast over a hotel because they prefer the personal experience of having an innkeeper who can share all the details of the area.
The Fullers find pleasure when meeting the guests, hearing their life stories and sharing their genuine hospitality as well as helping to create a couple’s perfect wedding day.
The Moon Dance Inn and Viewmont Manor offer romantic memories with views.
These were the stories our readers enjoyed the most in the month of May. Photo credit: Jodi Broughton.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Whether you plan to spend the upcoming weekend celebrating romance, bromance, your best girlfriends or taking a little time for yourself, you’re sure to find plenty to fill your schedule. Here are a few fun Whatcom County and Bellingham weekend events but remember to check our full events calendar for all the fun happenings.
Treat your sweet tooth at Blaine Library’s Feel the Love Bake Sale and test your own culinary skills at their cupcake competition, Cupcake Wars.
Learn to make some decadent chocolate truffles at the Handmade Chocolate Truffle Workshop. You’ll learn three different flavors/techniques and each one can be varied to create more flavors: milk chocolate with chai spices, white chocolate with Grand Marnier and dark chocolate with raspberry-chocolate filling.
Enjoy the tunes at Make.Shift’s Seventh Annual Valentine’s Day Cover Show. You’ll rock out as artists ranging from beginners to seasoned performers cover songs from 23 bands spanning decades of musical history and genres.
Flex your creative muscles by making Upcycled Valentines at Ragfinery. They’ll provide the vintage patterns, fabric scraps, paper and other embellishments. You provide the cheesy/sweet sayings.
Treat the entire family to a movie at the Pickford Film Center with The Tale of Despereaux. In this tale of bravery, forgiveness and redemption, one small creature will teach a kingdom that it takes only a little light to show the truth: what you look like doesn’t equal what you are.
Delve into some sweet music with Marcel & Nakos as they play their signature bluegrass and jazz that is both traditional and improvisational. Grab a cold pint and some delicious street food from Stones Throw Brewery while you’re at it.
Express your Valentine’s wins and woes in truly artistic form at an open mic.
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.
As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, roses make their big appearance. Did you know you could give roses to a loved one and give back to farmworkers? At Whole Foods Market, this is what happens when shoppers choose Whole Trade® flowers. Whole Trade® growers work with Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade USA and other third-party organizations to verify that farms meet occupational health and safety requirements, provide legal minimum wage and respect human rights. They also monitor farms to make sure they meet clear criteria for environmental responsibility — including restricting pesticide use.
Whole Foods Market takes it one step further to strengthen and empower farmworker communities by paying a “community development premium” for each case of Whole Trade® flowers. These funds flow to farmworker committees who identify local needs and allocate funds to community projects such as health clinics, scholarships, schools and housing.
Lucia, a rose farmworker from Ecuador, shares her experience with Whole Trade:
“I used to spend my free time doing laundry for my family in the rivers with very cold water. I had very little free time. Now thanks to the washers and dryers project from the sales of Whole Trade Roses, I can bring my laundry to work during working hours and take care of washing and drying my clothes for me and my family.”
Regardless if you purchase a single rose, or our best value, the double dozen, you bring beauty to your own community as well as your global community. In the Victorian era flowers were used to express feelings that otherwise could not be spoken. Today flower colors continue to be coupled with specific emotions and wishes. This Valentine’s Day, let the color of the roses you choose mimic your feelings, including:
Red—true love, passion and respect
Dark Red—beauty, perfection and adoration
Pink—romance and admiration
Deep Pink—appreciation, gratitude and sincerity
Light Pink—sweetness and gentleness
Orange—desire, passion and excitement
White—spiritual love, purity and new beginnings
Yellow—warmth, joy and friendship
Lavendar—love at first sight
Whole Foods Market in Bellingham is located at the corner of Lakeway and Lincoln. The store is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sales, coupons, events and more are available at wfm.com/bellinghamlakeway.
Written by Olivia Yates, Marketing and Community Relations Liaison
Each year, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) honors one local Friends of the Library group or individual with an award for Outstanding Service. This year the award was presented to the Friends of the Lynden Library (FOLL) for their work to support the Lynden Library throughout 2016.
Lynden Library Branch Manager Dianne Marrs-Smith, nominated the Lynden Friends for the award. “Our Friends group works every day to keep 2nd Hand Prose Book Store fully stocked and looking attractive for our patrons,” said Marrs-Smith. “This year, the Friends made roughly $15,000.00 between their in-library book store and book sale events.”
In her nomination, Marrs-Smith praised Friends President, June Hahn, and members Leslie Williams, Connie Orfanos and Nancy Rourke for their dedication, generous support and hard work. The money FOLL raised was used for special library programs and for landscaping around the building. “We will also make a few upgrades to our workspace this year with the Friends assistance,” said Marrs-Smith.
The Lynden Friends have purchased and will install a Little Free Library in honor of Serena and Bob Haugen. Serena and Bob were presented with the 2007 WCLS Outstanding Friends Award in its inaugural year in honor of their long-time volunteering and outstanding service as Friends’ Book Sale caretakers.
WCLS Deputy Director Michael Cox presented the Friends with the engraved “Traveling Plaque” to be displayed for the next year at the Lynden Library. “Our Friends groups are our biggest advocates,” said Cox. We thank the Lynden Friends for their hard work and dedication.”
Congratulations go to all the nominees for the Outstanding Friends Service Award: the Friends of the Deming Library, Friends of the North Fork Community Library member Susan Lafferty, and the Friends of the Point Roberts Library.
This Peruvian woman sells her wares at the market. Photo courtesy: Hunt family.
People love living in Whatcom County for its natural beauty. Yes, the trees are wonderful and the ocean is great, but what makes Whatcom County truly beautiful is the people. Many sacrifice their time and effort to help others in need. Here are two stories of Bellingham residents giving back in unique ways.
The Hunt family worked together to build this stove. Photo courtesy: Hunt family.
The Hunt Family
The Hunt family lives in Bellingham, but their good deeds spread beyond the boundaries of Washington. In the summer of 2016, the Hunts went to Peru and volunteered in Cusco. Here the Hunts worked to paint a boardinghouse for children. Family matriarch, Jolyn Hunt, said, “Whenever I travel to places, I get so much out of it. I felt selfish and I wanted to give back.”
Jolyn and her husband, Vance, have a daughter and a son, Arden and Noah. Arden is 14 and Noah is 12. “I felt as if I was doing something good for the world,” said Noah.
Arden felt close to the kids in Peru, despite the difference in their upbringing and culture. She now wants to travel to other countries to help other kids in need. “Playing with the other children showed that even though we live thousands of miles away, we can still have fun together.”
The Hunt family built this mud brick stove. Photo courtesy: Hunt family.
For Jolyn and Vance, their goal of teaching their kids the importance of giving back and living meaningful lives was accomplished through physical work of building an oven and painting a room for children who were living far away from their families and attending schools without heat. Physically being in a place where people live in houses with dirt floors, no heat and no running water opens your eyes to another level of poverty that most of us here in America will never experience. “People think it’s too much work but in the long run, it’s more productive and fun than going to Hawaii and sitting on a beach,” said Vance.
Jane Talbot
Jane Talbot takes a moment to connect with one of her rescued dogs,
Surrounded by the animals she rescued, Jane Talbot exudes love and kindness. When she moved to Bellingham she wanted to be a positive, contributing member of Whatcom county. Jane has always loved animals and had a profound experience with taking care of urban feral cats in Chicago while studying art at a university.
She started working with Whatcom County Humane Society and now is an integral member. Jane functions as a veterinarian assistant and donates part of her house to serve as an after-surgery recovery center. Because of her experience in Chicago, she firmly believes in spaying and neutering animals and the majority of her work is in this area.
Jane Talbot loves to care for rescues like this one.
Jane would like to see a more peaceful, nurturing society and she believes animals help people become more compassionate. “Make time and make it a priority,” Jane said. “Make your community a better place by taking care of those who can’t speak or take care of themselves.”
Whatcom County is a beautiful place to live. It’s not just nature that makes it nice, but the people who care enough to give their time and energy. The people who choose to make things better are what makes Whatcom a beautiful place.
Scenic365, publisher of several popular Scenic Washington State 365 travel planning resources, is expanding and integrating its marketing channels to help advertisers reach more people likely to consider Washington as a travel destination. Called ScenicWA Surround Sound, the integrated offering now includes the Scenic Washington State 365 mobile app, which rewards users for exploring the state. The app joins the Scenic Washington State 365 Road Trip Guide, Map, digital and toll-free travel planning tools used by more than a million Washington State travelers annually.
The Scenic Washington State 365 mobile app rewards users for exploring the state. Photo courtesy: Scenic365.
Historically a resource for people traveling the state’s 29 officially designated scenic byways, Scenic Washington State 365 is expanding its content to include Washington’s major metropolitan areas. Recommended stops within Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Olympia will be added to all Scenic Washington State 365 materials and engagement channels.
“What we hear loud and clear from Washington State tourists is that they want more of what we’ve been giving them—across the entire state and spectrum of media in which they engage,” said Marcus Yearout, President of Scenic365. “As ‘consumers’ media consumption habits—and therefore advertisers’ marketing needs—continue to shift, we are improving our product to ensure we engage Washington travelers—whoever they are, wherever they are and whenever they want 365-days-a-year.”
ScenicWA Surround Sound integrates print, web, e-marketing, social and mobile media—combined with the only Washington State toll-free concierge center—to create a comprehensive engagement platform that enables clients to influence the millions of people to choose Washington State from among our neighboring states and provinces. Channel improvements include a new ScenicWA.com with more of a magazine format and easier trip planning tools. Clients also now have the option of sponsoring daily posts from the wildly popular 365 Things to do in Washington State Facebook page, with a following of 110,000 that grows by several thousand every month.
With new evergreen-themed rates, clients can take advantage of ScenicWA Surround Sound, regardless of budget. At every price tier, clients’ message will reach consumers across the media spectrum—from printed guide to mobile app. Furthermore, every Scenic Washington State 365 client will receive an annual Travel Trends Report, which delivers information and insights about who is visiting Washington State and why.
The new ScenicWA Surround Sound rates are available immediately. The redesigned ScenicWA.com and Washington State 365 mobile app will launch in spring 2017. Rates and product descriptions are available at www.scenic365.com/ScenicWA.
About Scenic365
Publisher of the popular Scenic Washington State 365 platform, Scenic365 is a full-service destination-marketing firm that develops strategy, builds products, creates content and delivers audiences for a range of tourism clients. For decades, the company has worked with and knitted together communities that share common routes and goals. In the process, Scenic365 has built a portfolio of people, skills and tools to create compelling stories that engage consumers across a growing array of platforms.
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