Nowicke Estate Presents $144,000 Bequest to Everson Library Friends Group

By

-

Library Manager Eileen Shaw and Everson Friends Treasurer Christel Bronsema with Nowicke Bequest Check for 144K resized — Library Manager, Eileen Shaw, and Everson Friends Treasurer, Christel Bronsema, were thrilled with the generous donation. Photo courtesy: Everson Library Friends.

Submitted by: Friends of Everson Library

The 33rd annual Silver Tea at Whatcom County Library System’s Everson McBeath Community Library was all about silver and gold. Staff and Friends of the Library were on hand to dole out tasty cookies and piping hot tea while local musicians played and sang. There was a warm buzz around the room, as neighbors caught up with neighbors. There were several older people in attendance who had been brought there by friends and family. Two individuals were overheard to exclaim how much they enjoyed socializing and experiencing local culture at the library.

The gold part of the day – besides the golden glow of friendships old and new – came in the form of a presentation of a check to the Friends of the Everson Library, on behalf of the estate of Fred D. Nowicke. The Whatcom County Library Foundation had recently received over $4,000 from the estate for use at the Everson Library. At the Silver Tea, a trustee for the estate presented a second gift to the Friends of the Everson Library – a check for over $144,000! To say that everyone was amazed and thrilled is an understatement.

Several Friends officers were on hand along with Everson Library Manager Eileen Shaw. Treasurer Christel Bronsema accepted the check, which must be used for capital improvements. “What a wonderful bequest from the Nowicke family to the Friends of the Everson Library,” said Bronsema. “We are so grateful for their heartfelt thoughtfulness and incredible generosity.”

The Friends will be working closely with WCLS staff and administration, the City of Everson, which owns the facility, and local community groups such as the Lions Club to determine the best way to honor this generous legacy.

“Listening to the description of Fred Nowicke and his wife Evelyn, it is clear that they loved books and reading and treasured the Everson Library,” said WCLS Executive Director Christine Perkins. “Reading brought a lot of joy to their lives and the library played a significant role.”

Originally from the Chicago area, the Nowickes eventually landed in Everson, where Mr. Nowicke worked as a butcher. After retirement, the couple continued to read avidly, and their home bookshelves had books several layers deep. Their friends mentioned the couple’s deep intellect and their sense of fun. Former Everson Library staff member Susan Johns remembers visiting them at their home and having good conversations about books.

“It is extremely touching that they chose to recognize the library by making such a major gift,” said Perkins. “The Friends, so active in the creation of the Nooksack Valley Heritage Center, can’t wait to get to work!”

northwater Welcomes Christy Fox as Executive Chef

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

-

christy fox — Photo credit: Photiio Portraits.

Opening soon for breakfast, lunch and dinner, northwater at Bellingham’s brand new concept hotel, Holiday Inn & Suites, plans to feature regionally focused food from the Pacific Northwest. Behind the creative menu, boasting memorable flavor profiles, is Executive Chef Christy Fox.

Christy brings her years of passion with food to northwater which enables her to create a diverse menu that embraces the many cultures of the Pacific Northwest. Utilizing the best of what the region has to offer and by working with local farms and artisans she is crafting a menu to serve a wide range of exciting and interesting foods to please the palette. It’s important to her to include many choices for people with food sensitivities so everyone can experience northwater. “I am looking forward to providing taste tempting meals that offer a wide range of dining experiences, a quick business lunch, a leisurely dinner or happy hour with friends,” states Chef Fox.

bellingham holiday inn — Executive Chef Christy Fox prepares a regionally focused menu for the new concept restaurant, northwater, at Holiday Inn & Suites. Photo credit: Photiio Portraits.

Situated across the parking lot from the Bellingham airport, northwater offers an inviting atmosphere that strives to bring the outdoors inside with homage paid to all aspects of water, predominant in our unique corner of the world. Styled with comforting slate blues, etched glass and a water feature, northwater creates a feeling of balance and community with plenty to keep the senses alive. It’s the perfect place to relax before checking in for your flight or waiting for arriving family and friends. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy a memorable meal full of fresh ingredients and exquisite flavors served by a team of friendly professionals.

The restaurant will introduce the freshest of coffee to the area, roasting their own northwater brand daily in their custom roasting room on site. Enjoy with your meals and also buy a bag to take with you!

Future plans include the unveiling of the northwater whiskey society, a platform where connoisseurs can develop their knowledge of the spirit by attending special tastings with specially designed pairing menus to compliment a vast variety of whiskeys.

At northwater, you can look forward to creative specialties from Chef Christy’s imaginative culinary expertise. For Christy, the work she continues through northwater will come from her love of the region and local offerings paired with 25 years’ experience as a chef. For Christy, food is about community. “It’s about gathering,” Christy shares. “It’s about bringing people together and enjoying great food and drink in that moment in time.”

Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham / northwater is located at 4260 Mitchell Way. www.northh2o.com

Kjell Redal: Multimedia Storytelling to Leave You in Awe

By

Jade Thurston

-

Redal navigates his drone over downtown Bellingham to capture iconic buildings such as the Whatcom Museum. Photo courtesy: Screenshot from Above Bellingham.

Kjell Redal was in high school when he went on a family trip to southern and eastern Africa. Here he saw local people going about their day-to-day lives. He had a “crappy point and shoot” camera and, with that, he realized his passion for telling a story through an image.

Redal, 22, is currently a student at Western Washington University, but it didn’t start there. From Boulder, Colorado, Redal made his way to Canada to begin college. When there was no journalism program offered at his school, Redal said he found WWU.

Kjell Redal, 22, says his outdoor pursuits and travel experiences help define who he is. Photo credit: Andrew Jernberg.

“I love the area and the natural landscape around here, the mountains mostly,” Redal said.

Beyond the local landscape, Redal was hooked by a particular track in WWU’s journalism program: visual journalism.

“I am passionate about accurate, engaging and immersive multimedia storytelling, which I think constitutes journalism at its best,” Redal wrote on the “about” section of his website.

Recently, Redal displayed his storytelling talents in his “Above Bellingham” video, shot entirely with a DJI Phantom 3 4K drone. The video has been widely shared on social media and played 130,000 times on Vimeo.

Redal navigates his drone over downtown Bellingham to capture iconic buildings such as the Whatcom Museum. Photo courtesy: Screenshot from Above Bellingham.

“Above Bellingham” features aerial shots of individuals walking, running, hiking, biking, boarding, skiing, rowing, swimming and even backflipping their way around Bellingham and surrounding areas. These clips took two seasons to compile and the video was formed after three full days of editing, Redal said.

“When I think about making videos, I think of creating content that appeals to everyone. Not in my journalism – because you just can’t do that – but with a video platform,” Redal said. “You have to have the quintessential icons of a city, but also think about what looks best from a drone. It’s kind of a balancing act.”

Redal captures cliff jumping, along with many other outdoor activities, from an aerial view. Photo courtesy: Screenshot from Above Bellingham.

The most challenging part about creating something like “Above Bellingham” is simply getting the drone to certain destinations, such as Mount Baker. After all, ski touring is complicated enough considering the extensive equipment and avalanche gear an individual must bring along. On top of that, Redal carries a separate drone backpack that latches to his main pack. “It’s this massive, unwieldy thing that hangs off my back and anytime I ski into a turn it’s pretty challenging,” Redal said.

Skiers stand and celebrate atop the snowy mountains as Redal’s drone soars overhead. Photo courtesy: Screenshot from Above Bellingham.

Redal personally takes part in about half of the athletics displayed in “Above Bellingham,” with skiing being his main winter activity. Cliff jumping is also up there in Redal’s favorites. As far as adventures go, Redal said he has spent the most time exploring the three regions of Bellingham, Boulder and Bozeman, Montana.

Before “Above Bellingham” Redal made a video on his hometown titled “Above Boulder,” which also earned a high number of views.

Redal releases his drone in a variety of landscapes to piece together a range of video content. Photo credit: Andrew Jernberg.

“I didn’t really plan this B-theme,” Redal said. “There’s a lot of towns that would be sweet to continue doing it with a B-theme. But there’s also a lot of other cool cities that don’t start with a B, so we’ll see.”

With about a quarter and a half left of university, Redal is enthusiastic for what lies ahead. Currently, he is in the process of sending out job applications and keeping an open mind for opportunities. To view Redal’s many work experiences and qualifications, visit his interactive resume for computer or mobile.

“I’m kind of branding myself as a multimedia journalist,” Redal said. “I’m constantly working to have all the tools of a storytelling toolbox to communicate effectively and engage accurately.”

Bellingham Weekend Event Calendar

By

Events Editor

-

This week has flown by in a hurry. It seems like it was just New Years and now we’re a full month into 2017. After spending most of this week working, fulfilling family obligations and trying to find that thermostat sweet spot between freezing and financial ruin, I am ready to go have some weekend fun. I hope you are too. Here are a few Whatcom County and Bellingham weekend event ideas to get you started. Don’t forget to check out our full events calendar for all the fun happenings in Whatcom County this weekend.

Get your groove on at MiniHam. This event is held on both Friday and Saturday at Tillie Lace Gallery and is jam packed with music and activities.
Let loose with some lively Irish and Scottish folk music at Honey Moon Meadery. It promises to be a roarin’ good time.
See what’s new in health and wellness at the Health & Fitness Fair where you can meet local natural health practitioners, sample and learn about supplements that can support your fitness goals, and enter to win great door prizes. Then swing by the Wellness Fair where you’ll find free samples, raffles, free massage coupons and more! Your body will thank you.
Speaking of health, try out some veggie based dishes at these great local restaurants.
Finally figure out how to use that digital camera at Turner Photographic’s Digital Photography Workshop. You’ll learn to take control of your camera and develop the confidence to make better photos.
We’re deep into winter now, but spring is just around the corner. Get ready to sow those seeds with the class, “Learn to Grow a Vegetable Garden.” Staff from Cloud Mountain Farm Center for a practical overview of how to successfully grow a wide variety of produce throughout the year.
Go for a walk downtown and check out The Phone Booth. This grassroots art project exemplifies the spirit of Bellingham.

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.

Photo credit: Jodi Broughton

Western Solar – Creating Solutions

By

Jennifer Dodge

-

Western Solar 2015-12-09 — Western Solar focus on what they do best and that provides value to their community. Photo courtesy: Western Solar.

When asked about their newest product, a small-scale battery system, Markus Virta of Western Solar says, “We were inspired by the idea. There wasn’t a cost-effective solution on the market so we built one.”

This battery solution is safe enough to be in your indoor living space. Photo courtesy: Western Solar.

Virta explains that many of their solar clients were looking for more flexibility with their power, especially if the utility grid went down as is the case with a power outage. Western Solar created a more affordable solution that has a small footprint and everything you need to keep your power on during an outage. A battery system coupled with solar panels can provide a long-term solution that is not dependent on a fuel supply. This solution can be designed to fit customers’ needs.

The small scale battery storage system created by Western Solar is more affordable than a conventional battery system providing all the electricity needed and with a more localized generating capacity. “The size of the battery system can be customized based on the individual needs of the customer,” says Virta. “Energy consumption can feel like an ambiguous thing for many people. We like to help our customers determine and understand what their exact electric consumption is. This enables us to design a battery storage system that fits their specific needs.”

Virta goes on to explain that their battery system is an alternative solution to a home generator. A typical solar installation does not supply power during an outage (as required by the National Electric Code). This battery system ensures continued production of solar panels despite loss of utility service. It can provide an uninterrupted power source which is important to those customers with vital medical devices which can’t afford to lose power.

The battery solution provided by Western Solar is sourced within Washington State, supporting local manufacturing. Western Solar takes pride in doing business with companies they know, who create quality products, treat their employees well, and believe in ethical business practices.

Stackable and custom-sized to fit the needs of any customer based on personal power consumption. Photo courtesy: Western Solar.

Virta also describes the great deal of intellectual property surrounding battery storage solutions that were pioneered in Washington. This further tells the story of Western Solar’s quality and commitment to power solutions. Washington State has made it a priority to begin exporting these types of solutions globally. Washington will continue to play a large role in this area as power goes from single utility generation to distributed power models creating autonomy and flexibility for the utility and its customers.

These battery solutions provided by Western Solar are turn-key packages. They meet all of the local code and utility requirements providing one solution for one price. They can be safely installed indoors or in an outdoor enclosure. The batteries are sealed, maintenance free, with minimal off-gassing and no watering required.

“Our customers are often concerned about flexibility and their future wellbeing. We get a lot of calls from people looking for a power solution when the grid goes down. Solar with battery storage can give them a more stable generating capacity.” Storage solutions alleviate the strain on generators and the need for fuel. “The battery storage systems we have engineered are simple, scalable and intelligent,” says Virta.

Virta also describes the basic lifecycle of these batteries. With a shelf life of 12-15 years and a cycle life of 2,000 to 3,000 cycles, a battery solution will provide reliability and flexibility long term. To give some perspective on cycle life, the power would have to be out every day for three years to get to 1,000 cycles.

Western Solar focus on what they do best and that provides value to their community. Photo courtesy: Western Solar.

Describing the role of Western Solar in the industry as well as in the local community, Virta says he appreciates the flexibility to be nimble and respond ahead of the curve when it comes to creating and being a part of change. “I love the open space to innovate and grow. Every year we see dramatic change.”

As a member of the Solar Installers of Washington, Western Solar is intent on working with utility companies to develop solutions such as small-scale battery storage that make sense as future needs for power consumption and storage change. And, with the growth of tiny homes and a higher commitment to the environment, the need for energy management systems is also growing. Western Solar continues to respond to the community by developing solutions to fit those needs.

“You have to focus on what’s close and what you know,” says Virta. “That’s how you’ll make an impact around you. And that is who we are at Western Solar.”

Sponsored

Floating at Still Life Massage and Float

By

LocalTalk Contributor

-

Submitted by: Still Life Massage and Float, written by Matt LeGrand

Starting in early childhood we are taught to occupy our time and our minds. We soon begin to believe an idle mind is a wasted mind. We then fill up our brains with tasks and goals to achieve. Before long our minds become overloaded with “voices” telling us where we need to go, when we need to be there, and how much we should have once we arrive. Luckily as children, we are still encouraged to use our imagination and stare at the clouds. It’s in that wandering mind that we reach new levels of understanding.

As adults, idle time is even more scarce. We are bombarded with our daily life of flashing lights, loud noises, and unwarranted opinions. These come from the outside but eventually make their way into our inner dialogue. Our minds become scattered and frantic but we live in this state for so long that we don’t know any other mindset.

From time to time we need to turn this chatter off. We need to reach that deeper part of ourselves that is who we truly are and not who we perceive ourselves to be. Meditation, being in nature, and yoga can help reach that state.

Another way is floating in a float tank. You are literally blocking out all stimulus. Cutting off the food source of a frantic mind. Once the mind begins to slow down, a deeper self emerges. One that is not concerned with when, why, and how. You are simply existing in the moment.

Physically, floating is a peaceful experience. It may take a second to adjust to the new environment but once you do, it is very relaxing. It feels as though your whole body is weightless. You feel yourself stretch out physically and mentally. Your pupils open completely to the darkness. We rarely get to experience this complete darkness. Even at night we are still bombarded with various blinking lights and noises. However this is a darkness that is relaxing and inviting. Once I experienced it I began to crave it.

Upon waking I usually feel very relaxed and refreshed. Energized in a peaceful way. Colors seem a little more vibrant and food tastes better. The chatter has been turned down and all of my perceived problems seem a lot less daunting.

Flower Power —Tea with Christie Tomlin of Birchwood Botanicals

By

Patricia Herlevi

-

Christie Tomlin has been making plant-based personal care products for 37 years. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

After walking down a long road in the Birchwood neighborhood with its large lots peppered with Craftsman houses, I arrived at Christie Tomlin’s home. I imagined the lavender, calendula, mint, and motherwort blossom on the three-and-a-half acre farm during the warmer months.

According to Christie, her husband grew up on the farm which has been in his family since 1946. “When he was a child they had cows, pigs and chickens. This acreage was in the county in those days,” says Christie.

Hand-crafted soap made from locally-grown plants. Photo courtesy: Christie Tomlin.

These days, Christie and her apprentice Brenna cultivate the land growing and harvesting the flowers that become soaps and essential oils. They make the Birchwood Botanical products in a special kitchen-office tucked away in the corner of the farmhouse.

Christie started her business 37 years ago. She sells oils, soaps and other home-crafted personal care products at the Bellingham Farmers Market. During the holiday season, Birchwood Botanicals appears at the Allied Arts Holiday Festival. Christie also sells her products through her website.

For Christie, her natural body care business finds its origins in a personal connection to the land. “I started working with herbs when I was around 21 and I was pregnant with my first child. I started reading and exploring the uses of herbs. I found myself fascinated with the history and folklore of herbs and their many uses. This led me to explore the medicinal uses of herbs and turning these precious plants into oils and salves to use on our bodies for gentle and safe nourishment and healing.”

Calendula growing on a three (and a half) acre farm in Birchwood. Photo credit: Christie Tomlin.

On a rainy January day, I sipped a chamomile-mint blend tea while Christie and Brenna described their seasonal work and connection to the earth. As we sat at an oak table, Christie’s two dogs relaxed in the background seemingly enjoying our conversation. These two women along with Mary Ann preserve a folkloric tradition that brings renewal to the earth and our bodies.

“My love of herbs was a self-discovery,” recalls Christie. “However, I did grow up helping and learning to grow and preserve food that came from my Grandfather’s gardens and orchards. When I was in my twenties, I met an older woman, MaryAnn who quickly became my gardening mentor and my dearest friend, teaching me how to get my hands dirty.

“To date Mary Ann continues to guide me through the process of growing and creating herbal products. With her encouragement and support, I now have a part-time employee, Brenna, who has fulfilled an apprenticeship with us. Together we are finding joy and fulfillment passing on to her all the knowledge and experience we have learned.”

Christie Tomlin sells her oils to customers at the Bellingham Farmers Market. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

Several years ago, I bought Geranium essential oil from Christie. And several times since then, I have browsed through her diverse soaps, salves and oils at the farmers market. Like many other herbal product makers in Whatcom County, Christie grows the flowers that make up her products. Who wouldn’t want to visit the farm during the height of growing season?

“We grow a large variety of plants, including an array of aromatic herbs, culinary and medicinal herbs, several mints; peppermint, ginger mint, apple mint, Swiss mint, Kentucky colonel and even a strawberry mint. Our main crop is calendula officinalis. You will find calendula in most of our products and blends. In 2014, we put in another 40 lavender plants that we simply love,” describes Christie.

Christie Tomlin grows and harvests the calendula flowers for her oils. Photo courtesy: Christie Tomlin.

We contemplated the best time of year to interview Christie. Winter lacks photographic opportunities and during the spring and summer, Christie is too busy growing, harvesting and making products.

“Through the growing season, we harvest and bundle ornamental flowers for sale at market and by special order starting with lily of the valley in the spring,” Christie says. “About mid-summer, we have a beautiful crop of Calla lilies and we finish the season with a crop of fiery orange Chinese lanterns which provide a beautiful harvest color that our customers enjoy.

“We harvest our herbs as soon as they are ready, depending on the weather – Comfrey, herwort, nettles, bergamot, rose petals, chamomile, red clover, St. Johns Wort to name a few.”

Christie Tomlin has been making plant-based personal care products for 37 years. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

An artist as much as an herbal craftswoman, Christie demystifies the production of our favorite self-care products. “Over the years, I’ve organized our herb kitchen so that making the products is an easy and smooth process. We’re always a season or two ahead in our planning. All our herbs and flowers are harvested by hand and processed one stem-at-a-time. After the herbs are processed, they are brought into the herb kitchen to store and create our herbal oils, infusing the plant material into a high-quality olive oil for our skin care line.”

As I conclude my interview with the wise women, I give thanks for the preservation of a folkloric tradition.

Join Hearts to House the Homeless this Valentine’s Day at the Lydia Place Hearts for Housing Gala

By

LocalTalk Contributor

-

Submitted by: Lydia Place

Classic Hollywood glamour is coming to Whatcom County at the 16^th Annual Lydia Place Hearts for Housing Gala and Auction presented by Innovations for Quality Living. Saturday, February 11^th, 400 guests will join hands and hearts at Bellingham’s premier Four Points by Sheraton. A red carpet runway, sky lights, luscious drapery, and sweeping floral displays will bring sophistication and Hollywood style to the region’s most elegant event of the Valentine season. Through sponsorship, ticket sales, contributions, and event activities, attendees will help to raise $200,000 to support housing and essential supportive services at Lydia Place, working to end family homelessness.

Hearts for Housing attendees will enjoy an array of activities throughout the evening, including a chocolate bar by Evolve Truffles, photo booth by Oh Snap! Photo Booth, Hello, Sweets! cupcakes, music by GMB Entertainment and Roosevelt Elementary Choir, and Valentine inspired silent and live auctions. In addition, Lydia Place will be awarding several outstanding community members with their Heart of the Organization awards to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their support of the Lydia Place mission and commitment to end homelessness in Whatcom County.

“Raising $200,000 in one night is an ambitious goal,” said Community Outreach Director Shultzie Willows. “But when asked, this community steps up, and steps up big. We have complete confidence that together we can not only reach our goal, but surpass it.”

For over 27 years, Lydia Place has been a key partner in the community’s efforts to end homelessness. In addition to its cornerstone housing programs – Family Services, Community Re-housing, and Campus Support – Lydia Place is expanding its capacity with the goal of breaking the cycle of homelessness for families with children. Funds raised at Hearts for Housing will support the Lydia Place Parent Support Program, providing in-home evidence-based parent education for children prenatal to age 5, along with a new Counseling Program that provides in-home mental health counseling services to Lydia Place program individuals and families.

For more information about Hearts for Housing, or Lydia Place programs and services, please contact the Lydia Place business office at 360-671-7663. For event images, quotes, or media inquiries please contact Community Outreach Director Shultzie Willows at shultziew@lydiaplace.org.

Enjoy Tasty Breakfasts and Good Company at Homeskillet

By

Tessa Kilcline - Intern from Bellingham High School

-

Homeskillet sunnyland social club — While you wait for a table, you can order drinks from the Mimosa Garden, also known as the Sunnyland Social Club. Photo credit: Tessa Kilcline.

When you drive into Homeskillet’s parking lot, you immediately know that it is a unique place. The outside walls of the tiny restaurant are painted in bright colors. Decorative frying pans hang from the posts of the Mimosa Garden, also known as the Sunnyland Social Club. Inside it is colorful, crowded and loud. Not only is the interior busy, but people gather outside waiting for a table. The wait is worth it.

breakfast plate.JPG: Homeskillet offers a variety of unique dishes in large portion sizes that can easily last two meals. Photo credit: Tessa Kilcline.

Homeskillet, located in Bellingham’s Sunnyland neighborhood, has a reputation for delicious food and a quirky atmosphere. It is best known for its breakfast menu but also serves lunch. The restaurant was opened in May of 2012 by owners Kirby and Tina White. The pair met while cooking in

The pair met while cooking in Antarctica but eventually settled in Bellingham. Kirby is a Western Washington University alumnus and Tina used to live in Seattle, so the transition was easy for them. Before they opened Homeskillet, Tina was a scrimshander, a bone and ivory carver, and Kirby was an independent contractor, but both had worked as cooks on and off for decades. When the building’s previous owner retired, they asked about the space and eventually bought it.

As anyone who has ever been to Homeskillet knows, the menu is wonderfully unique. “Well,” Tina says, “let’s just say that if your friends use the phrase ‘shut up’ when you describe a food idea… you’re onto something.” One of the classic favorites is a Pulled Pork Tater Tot Hash & Eggs which, just like it sounds, combines tater tots and pulled pork into one mouthwatering plate with a side of eggs. Other top choices include The Meaty Veggie Skillet, The Barnyard, Homemade Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, and Hot Green Mess.

Outside of the restaurant, chicken statue Velveeta Jones proudly represents Homeskillet and its quirky energy. Photo credit: Tess Kilcline.

All of these unique dishes are made by one man: Kirby. Tina calls him “the real heart and soul of the place.” The wait outside is always so long in part because there is only one cook and also because of the restaurant’s small size. Due to limited space, they cannot seat parties larger than four.

It might take some time for a table to free up, but while you wait, you can get a drink from the Mimosa Garden, talk to your friends or meet new people, and enjoy the artwork outside. Most of the art is done by Tina herself, who loves to find any excuse to do art. Various friends, all of whom live in Sunnyland, also contributed.

One interesting piece of artwork that you can find on Homeskillet’s property is a large, colorful sculpture of a chicken, dubbed “Velveeta Jones.” Tina got the inspiration for Velveeta on a trip to Burning Man, where she was impressed with the size of the art. As a scrimshander, she was used to working on a much smaller scale and she wanted to give something bigger a try. Out of it came Velveeta. Velveeta is covered in patches, each displaying bright colors, patterns, symbols, peace signs, quotes, or little phrases such as “Be kind” and “Go green” that perfectly capture Bellingham’s essence.

The inside is just as bright and fun. It is colorful and various knickknacks, gathered from world travels, customers and countless other places, line the walls. Walking into the bathroom, you are met with yet another surprise: the walls are covered in pictures of clowns.

No matter how you feel about clowns, you cannot deny that simply being inside the restaurant has the power to cheer a person up. The combination of comfort food and good company makes it so that sometimes people forget that they are even in a restaurant. Instead, they feel as though they have been eating brunch at a friend’s house. Homeskillet has positive reviews on Zagat, Yelp and Trip Advisor and a segment on King 5’s Evening Magazine, but it is also a small neighborhood place where people can feel at home.

“Homeskillet is not for everyone,” Tina explains. “It’s loud, raunchy, chaotic and cramped. But it’s us, no formula or business plan. People like it here because people actually talk to one another, connect with one another, share their dishes with strangers or pay for the meal of someone they just met that they had a great conversation with. In the ‘connected’ world of social media, nothing satisfies like a real live connection. We knew people are hungry, not just for honest food, but real human connection. We had no idea it would blow up like it did.”

Homeskillet is a place where you can strike up a conversation with the person seated next to you and end up making a great friend. It is a bright place where you can escape the cloudy, gray weather, eat some quality food and really connect to the people around you.

Homeskillet
521 Kentucky Street in Bellingham

WCC receives $650,000 NSF Grant to Award STEM Scholarships to 36 Talented Low-Income Students

By

LocalTalk Contributor

-

Submitted by: Whatcom Community College

Whatcom Community College will use a five-year, $650,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to provide scholarships and academic support for 36 low-income, academically talented students pursuing associate degrees in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics and physics. Leaders of the “STEM Excellence through Engagement in Collaboration, Research, and Scholarship” (SEECRS) grant will employ strategies that help students to successfully complete STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) associate degrees and promote transfer and completion at four-year institutions.

Biology classes learn in the field by collecting and discussing samples of pond water. Photo courtesy: Whatcom Community College.

“The fact that Whatcom’s proposal was selected in this highly competitive grant process indicates the caliber of WCC’s faculty and the stature of the College’s innovative STEM instruction,” says Kathi Hiyane-Brown, WCC’s president. “We’re honored and eager to begin this important work.”

Beginning fall 2017 and continuing through fall 2019, 12 SEECRS scholarship recipients will be selected annually to participate in the STEM Scholarship Academy at WCC. The project will use what is called a guided pathways approach to provide a distinct road map to the destination of STEM degree achievement, meaning students will spend less time and money earning their degrees. Together, students will experience faculty mentoring, STEM pathway degree planning, and optional research and internship opportunities. The program will support a national need to attract and provide access to students who do not typically pursue, persist in, or earn STEM degrees.

“The program will help boost students’ confidence and concept of themselves as STEM scientists and leaders,” says project leader Dr. Tommaso Vannelli, a chemistry instructor at WCC. “To accomplish this, it will do more than provide scholarships. It will activate strategies that are proven ingredients for STEM success such as mentoring and internships.”

The SEECRS project will contribute to the national conversation on guided pathways and can serve as a model to other institutions. It builds on the strengths of existing College programs and initiatives, including student support, active and collaborative learning, and faculty involvement with other grant programs.

This academic year, WCC has been awarded four new NSF grants totaling $1.3 million. WCC currently leads or collaborates on eight NSF grants totaling $8.1 million. The College ranked third in the state and 150th in the nation among higher education institutions receiving NSF grants in 2015, the most recent year for which statistics are available.

STAY CONNECTED

Business

Trending Now

Editor Picks