Mindful Eating Made Easy— Clarissa Mansfield Shares Vegan-Friendly Whatcom County Eateries

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Kale is a favorite vegetable for vegans. It's versatile and contains high protein content. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

Bellingham is home to a variety of alternative diets ranging from the protein-based Paleo to the animal-friendly vegan diets. At local eateries, wait staff don’t blink an eye when customers ask about the ingredients that go into the cuisine, based on their personal dietary preferences. However, it does help to have a guide to walk us through the maze of local eateries. That’s where Clarissa Mansfield, founder of the “Vegan in Bellingham” blog-turned-website comes in handy. She can help you find Vegan-Friendly Whatcom County Eateries.

Mansfield declared herself a vegetarian on Thanksgiving Day while still a teen. She grew up in a small town in West Texas where cattle-raising dominated the community. “I stopped eating meat when I was 14, although I had been thinking about it for a number of years before that,” Mansfield recalls. “When my family first moved to Texas when I was around nine or ten years old, we had an opportunity to have sheep as pets. I discovered they were such smart, sweet, loyal and wonderful creatures with their own unique personalities and social relationships.

Clarissa Mansfield says that there are too many vegan dishes in Bellingham to choose only three top favorites. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

“My experiences with them made me question the reasons why some animals are considered to be companions while others are considered to be food. I became very conscious of my own discomfort with eating animals.”

While many dietary-conscious folks would stop at becoming a vegetarian, Mansfield took her diet one step further. “I later became vegan in 2000 when I was an undergraduate at Western after meeting a vegan student. I grew very interested in veganism. The more I read and learned about the connection with the meat and dairy industries and how animals are harmed in the production of dairy products, transitioning from vegetarian to vegan seemed to be the next logical step for me.”

Ambo Ethiopian lands is one of Clarissa’s top favorite eateries for vegan cuisine. Photo credit: Clarissa Mansfield.

Eight years ago, Mansfield launched the blog, “Vegan in Bellingham.” Visitors to her blog include vegans thinking about moving to Bellingham and the local vegans already living here. She also receives e-mails from vegans in British Columbia. Her website currently features luscious photographs of Mansfield’s favorite dishes from local chefs.

When asked to choose her Top Three vegan-friendly eateries, Mansfield responded, “I don’t think I can choose just three! There are so many great places to get a good vegan meal in Bellingham. As you know, I adore the vegan food at Ambo Ethiopian (located in the Public Market). And I think Mulu is an amazing chef.

“The Soy House is another one of my go-to places. There are many delicious vegan options there. Everything they make is yummy. I think the Soy House might be the most vegan-friendly place in town.

The Soy House pizza. This Vietnamese restaurant serves up the most vegan entrees in Bellingham. Photo credit: Clarissa Mansfield.

“D’Annas has a dish called ‘Aglio E Olio’ that I love to get with their vegan spinach rigatoni. It has walnuts, garlic and olive oil. I usually add mushrooms to that dish. I am in heaven. D’Annas is awesome and they have vegan options right on the menu. They are always super friendly. I have been going there for years. It’s definitely one of my favorites.”

As Mansfield and I ate Ethiopian lentils and kale at Ambo Ethiopian, the foodie’s eyes lit up as she rattled off her favorite vegan eateries—all which are featured on “Vegan in Bellingham.”

Clarissa Mansfield includes her favorite local vegan cuisine on her website, “Vegan in Bellingham.” Photo credit: Clarissa Mansfield.

It wasn’t that long ago when the average person relegated vegans to the dietary fringe. Vegans still face obstacles such as finding restaurants where they can take their omnivore family members and still eat vegan. “When I hosted meetups, potlucks, or other vegan food-based get-togethers in the past, I frequently heard from vegans that they appreciated the chance to connect with other vegans because the biggest challenge for them, especially when they were newly-vegan, was feeling isolated,” Mansfield says.

“I think the internet and social media have really helped people deal with this because they are able to reach out and connect with each other online when they may not have otherwise had that opportunity in their daily lives. I think that’s been a positive development. Because of that, things have improved greatly, including the mainstream awareness of what it means to be vegan.”

Kale is a favorite vegetable for vegans. It’s versatile and contains high protein content. Photo credit: Patricia Herlevi.

As far as her own experiences as a vegan, Mansfield grew passionate about cooking and trying out different recipes. A vegan diet provides wonderful opportunities to see food in a new light.

“I feel healthier, happier and more in touch with my values,” Mansfield says. “Being vegan has enriched my life in many ways and has made me more adventurous with food and with cooking. I love to cook. And I have grown more skilled over the years in creating wonderful flavorful dishes. I feel nourished, satisfied and more connected to people, to animals and to the earth.”

Karen Timmer receives WCAR’s Lifetime Achievement Award

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by: Brumbaugh Co.

Karen Timmer, the branch manager for the Windermere Real Estate office in Lynden, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Whatcom County Association of Realtors at its annual awards banquet on January 13.

Timmer gained her real estate sales license in 1990 and has been one of Whatcom County’s top agents since then, ranking No. 1 in the Lynden area and No. 4 countywide in 2016 home sales. She joined Windermere in 2000 and has been involved in the sale of more than 300 properties in the last five years.

“I enjoy real estate and working with people,” Timmer said. “I like making things fun and this doesn’t seem like a job to me. I love working hard for my clients to see them reach their real estate goals.”

Timmer also has been active in the community. She has served as president of the Lynden Chamber of Commerce and chairman of Lynden PRCA Rodeo’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink Committee, which raises funds for the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center in Bellingham. She also has been on the Lynden Boys & Girls Club board and the Lynden Rodeo Advisory Board and is a member of the Mt. Baker Rotary Club.

Timmer’s WCAR involvement includes serving as its president and on its board of directors. She was named WCAR’s Realtor of the Year in 2002.

“Over the last 25 years Karen has consistently been one of the top producing agents in Whatcom County and has served Windermere well as our Lynden Branch Manager,” said Dan Washburn, owner of Windermere Real Estate Whatcom, Inc. “Karen has been a valued asset for us as well as for our industry.”

Women’s Soccer National Championship Celebration

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LocalTalk Contributor

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WWU soccer — estern Washington University will celebrate the 2016 Division II Women’s Soccer National Championship won by the Vikings in a special event

Submitted by: Western Washington University

Western Washington University will celebrate the 2016 Division II Women’s Soccer National Championship won by the Vikings in a special event open to the campus and community on Monday, January 23rd in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room on the WWU campus.

The Vikings captured the NCAA Division II National Championship beating three-time defending champion Grand Valley State 3-2 on December 3, 2016 in Kansas City for the 10th team national championship in WWU history. WWU ended the historical season with a 24-0-1 record, marking the most wins ever by a women’s collegiate team in state of Washington.

The celebration is open to the public. WWU alumni, faculty, staff, parents, fans and supporters are invited to a reception in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room starting at 3:30 pm before welcoming WWU students and the women’s soccer team.

“This will be a wonderful event to celebrate the amazing accomplishment of this program and the student-athletes,” said Director of Athletics Steve Card. “This team not only rose to the top of its sport, but was an outstanding representation of our University and the Bellingham community.”

A student MARCH TO THE CELEBRATION procession with the soccer team and the national championship trophy will start 3:30 pm from the Wade King Recreation Center to the Viking Union.

Fans and students are encouraged to register for the FREE event to ensure ample refreshments will be provided. Anyone who registers for this event will be entered into a drawing to win season tickets for women’s soccer in 2017 along with an autographed women’s soccer ball from the 2016 National Champions.

WWU president Sabah Randhawa, along with local and statewide dignitaries, are scheduled to be in attendance at the event, which is scheduled to conclude by 5 pm.

“We are excited to share this wonderful moment with our campus and the community,” said head coach Travis Connell. “We have received so much support in building the program up to a championship level, that it is only fitting that we get to share special moments with the people that helped make it happen.”

TIME & DATE:
Monday, January 23, 2017
3:30-5:00 pm

LOCATION:
Viking Union, Multipurpose Room
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225

PRICE:
FREE

PARKING:
FREE on Campus (after 3 pm)

STUDENT MARCH TIMELINE:
3:30 pm Students meet at the Rec Center for a short walk to the Viking Union
4:00 pm Enjoy free food and the festivities
5:00 pm Students say one more congratulations before heading home

FAN TIMELINE:
3:30 pm Arrive at the Viking Union Multipurpose Room for a hosted reception
3:45 pm Welcome WWU’s newest national champions – WWU women’s soccer
4:00 pm Join in on the festivities as we celebrate
5:00 pm Say one last congratulations to the women’s soccer team and coaches

Tommy Geng – Indomitable Spirit

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Dondi Tondro-Smith

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High kicks and lots of focus make for a vigorous practice. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.

Tommy Geng waited patiently on the giant blue mat for his name to be called. He was vibrating with subdued energy, as he sat cross-legged, listening to the other students’ names being announced. Surrounded by a sea of shiny faced children and adults waiting for their new belts, he faced the Taekwondo instructors and esteemed masters from three of the area’s USTA Taekwondo studios – Bellingham, Lynden and Ferndale. Family and supporters packed the wooden bleachers to bear witness as trophies and ornate certificates of achievement were collected. This was the night for the students to be celebrated for their evolution into martial artists.

As Tommy entered the Ferndale High School’s gymnasium for his black belt ceremony, he recalls checking the program and saying to himself, “Are you kidding me? I have to sit until last … almost forever?” The evening would include boards shattering into splinters, men and women who used each others’ backs like stair steps into thin air, nunchucks, and several aerial and flying kicks from the demo team. There were choreographed routines to the rhythm of upbeat music which elicited cheers from the fans. All the while Tommy sat with hands on knees, patiently waiting.

Form and symmetry are cultivated with every movement. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.

Working toward a black belt must have seemed like an eternity to a child who’d started practicing Taekwondo when he was only four. Now at the ripe age of eight, he’d collected colored belts like many children collect Pokémon cards (Tommy included). Four years ago, after a two-week summer trail as a “Little Tiger,” Tommy became a serious and devoted student. He was hooked.

In order to achieve a black belt in Taekwondo, one has to master increasingly challenging physical skills as well as codes of conduct such as courtesy, integrity and self-control. As students progress through the belts, the teaching style changes and more of the students’ individual effort is required. Tommy had to write an essay describing his journey through Taekwondo. In his own words, “I ran for my target! I made a HUGE whiteboard at home to record all my techniques. I kept practicing, harder and harder and HARDER until I had 0% strength to use.”

High kicks and lots of focus make for a vigorous practice. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.

Having passed a set of rigorous martial art moves called a “poomse,” Tommy progressed through several colors on his progression from white to black belt. But this wasn’t the most impressive aspect of his accomplishment, according to one of his teachers, Master Sonny Lee. Rather it’s two of the five tenets of Taekwondo’s student oath for which he had innately demonstrated mastery from the youngest age- perhaps the most difficult to teach- “Indomitable Spirit” combined with “Perseverance.” Master Lee said, “Tommy may appear small, but really, in spirit, he’s a little man.” When asked if he could be a prodigy, Master Lee agreed saying, “I never had any hard times with Tommy. My only challenge was how to keep Tommy challenged.”

Tommy’s commitment has remained strong. That consistency, combined with athletic quickness and flexibility, make him a contender for a future of high level Taekwondo competition. In the meantime, he doesn’t miss classes and his parents say they are still able to harness his enthusiasm to encourage his good behavior at home.

Tommy Geng at age five, receives his senior white belt. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.

The Taekwondo studio becomes a second home for adults and children alike. The word “dojang” in Korean, brakes down to: “Do” (?) meaning “the way” or “art” and “Jang” (?) meaning “a place.” Together they are translated as, “ the place where one practices the way.” Tommy will continue with his two weekly sessions, plus an Olympic Sparring class on Fridays. This would be a substantial commitment for anyone, even a devoted and highly focused eight-year-old.

Tommy’s mother, Tracy Geng moved to Bellingham from China ten years ago. She was recruited by Zodiac Airline Interior Integration (Heath Tecna) to design interior electrical systems for the airline industry. She confided, “He prepared for his ‘poomse’ on his own by writing out every move in all eight routines to memorize the series. We didn’t tell him to do this. He did it all by himself.”

Tommy Geng receives his black belt in Taekwondo at age eight. Photo credit: Dondi Tondro-Smith.

According to his earliest teacher, instructor Chris Dillard, “I do remember him as a little tiger. He was always a very focused child. That hasn’t changed which is why I think he’s been so successful.” Mr. Dillard remembers Tommy as a serious student who’s learned over time to have more fun while maintaining his natural focus.

Good things come to those with patience and perseverance. For Tommy Geng, the wait was worth the effort. As the other students sat and listened to the announcer call their names, Tommy maintained an intent gaze and steady smile. Then, the moment arrived. When he heard his name, Tommy stood and promptly jumped over the heads of a few little tiger students seated in front of him. He said he didn’t even see them or remember he’d leaped. When one has worked this hard to reach a goal there’s no more patience, just pure enthusiasm and a joyful pounce. Tommy accepted his black belt and a heavy trophy, almost as big as he is.

Feed Your Resolution in 2017

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LocalTalk Contributor

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NewYearsRes, whole foods market — Whole Foods Market is a great source for healthy, nutritious food. Photo courtesy: Whole Foods Market.

Submitted by: Whole Foods Market

5 Tips For Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions:

Write It Down

Writing down your goals and the action items you’ll need to take in order to reach them will help to push you toward success according to the British Journal of Health Psychology. It is helpful to focus on things that you wish to start, stop or change, because this will encourage proactive behavior.

Brag About It

Have an accountability buddy who you can share your experience with. A study from the Dominican University of California shows that people are most likely to achieve their goals when they plan out specific steps and report progress to someone weekly.

Be Realistic

Set achievable goals. If your goal is to do more yoga and you don’t currently do any, set an incremental goal of doing yoga 2-3 times per week. The Journal of Consumer Research says that people are more likely to attain their goals when they give themselves a range as it gives them something to track against and remain accountable to.

It Takes A Village

Surround yourself like others who are like-minded. A study form the University Of Pittsburg School Of Medicine shows that people are more likely to hit and maintain a goal with the help of three other people. This can be a group of friends who go to work out classes together, or even co-workers who all commit to packing healthy lunches four days a week.

Celebrate Wins

Take time to congratulate yourself on successes, no matter how small. It can be as simple as telling yourself that you feel energized after a day of eating healthy and being active, or encouraging yourself to take a walk on your lunch break. Researchers at the University of Toronto found when people exercise their inner voice, it increases self-control and decreases impulsivity.

About Whole Foods Market^®

Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company’s motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, team member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 87,000 team members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 19 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2015, the company had sales of more than $15.4 billion and currently has more than 467 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. For more company news and information, please visit media.wfm.com.

WhatcomTalk Announces 2016 Photo Contest Winners

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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Whatcom County is filled with talented people. The photos we received for the 2016 Photo Contest were each beautiful in their own unique way. We had so much fun reviewing them all. In fact, with all these wonderful choices, it was hard to choose a winner. Yet, after much evaluation, four winners emerged. Without further ado, I present the winners of the 2016 WhatcomTalk Photo Contest:

Carol Kilgore

As first place winner, Carol Kilgore received an overnight stay at SpringHill Suites Bellingham and a one-hour float from Still Life Massage and Float.

“I took this photo a couple years ago, on Mount Baker Highway,” Kilgore said. “Every once in awhile you’ll just be driving along and the sun and clouds are right. That was one of those moments. I submitted five photos and all of them were from times when I was just out and about exploring. That’s what I really like to do. That’s what it means to me, the New Year, just more time to do that. I’m semi-retired so I have time. And we live in such a beautiful place. Before I started taking photos, about five years ago, I never went anywhere. I knew it was so beautiful around here, but when I started photography, that’s when I really started to get out and explore. You really notice things more, like the light. On my way here I noticed that the mountains look incredible and wondered if I had time to stop. On the way home, I’m going to go take a few photos.”

Jennifer Coleman

As 2nd Place Winner, Jennifer Coleman received a $50 gift card from Chinuk Restaurant – at Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham, a $50 gift card from Whole Foods Market in Bellingham and a $25 gift card from Old World Deli. Coleman is the Marketing & Social Media Director for Scenic Washington State. It’s part of her job to take fantastic photos that showcase how beautiful our area is.

“I’ve been managing our Facebook and Instagram for a couple of years,” Coleman said. “It was taken at Birch Bay State Park and it was one of those ‘wow’ sunsets, where it was peak. It was amazing. And then the kids were out there playing, in silhouette with their arms up. I always feel like it’s sort of an opportunity pose; arms are open and also just being out and being able to see what’s happening. You know, that sunset was happening regardless of whether or not we were there, but we were there. And so just to make an effort to have those experiences, especially with the kids there. Just getting outside. I drag them out hiking all the time and take them to the beach. Two of them are my kids and the other is a friend. It’s part of my job to be out there doing things, capturing and sharing it.”

Molly Greenleaf

As 3rd Place Winner, Molly Greenleaf will receive a $25 gift card from Brotha Dudes, a Bellingham Flag swag bag, four gate admissions to the 2017 Northwest Washington Fair, and two tickets to a performance of The Upfront Theatre.

“It was actually taken of my sister and her dog,” Greenleaf said of her winning photo. “I was over at her house helping her decorate this last Christmas and I saw her and her dog having this little moment outside and I just leaned out and took a quick snap with my camera phone. I love photography and I travel quite a bit. With what you guys were asking for in 2017, it kind of speaks to taking those quite moments and enjoying life for what it is and all that good stuff.”

Tarah Redpenning

Fourth place winner, Tarah Redpenning received a one-month membership to CrossFit Iron Industry, including nutrition coaching, a pre/post fitness assessment and unlimited access to classes.

“I chose this picture because of the beautiful colors,” Redpenning said. “It makes me think of the day I took it. I had bought this basket specifically for the farmers market and was so happy to walk downtown and collect some locally grown goodies. I love to support local farmers. I live in an apartment but love to garden. I grow all that I can on my balcony and get the rest from the farmers market as often as I can. I had just gotten my camera, so I was testing it out on my new basket with all the goodies in it. It was so fresh and beautiful, I couldn’t resist. There’s just something so beautiful and peaceful about growing fresh veggies and sharing them. It’s a great way to meet new friends and keep the old ones. My neighbors love harvest time too.”

Molly Greenleaf

Jennifer Coleman

Carol Kilgore

Skookum Kids Expands into Perch & Play, Offering More Options in Whatcom County

By

Daniel Meyer

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Ray Deck is the Founder and President of Skookum Kids. Photo credit: Nick Graves.

Soon after arriving in Bellingham from North Carolina, Ray Deck was told he should use the word “skookum” as often as possible to sound like a local. Today, while Deck is pretty sure this was a joke, he did eventually look up the Chinook word to discover it means “strong and brave.” Later this word is what popped into mind when Deck was searching for a name for the movement focused on caring for Whatcom County foster kids.

Skookum Kids has operated in Whatcom County for roughly the last two and a half years. Skookum Kids aims to eliminate the gaps that can occur in the foster care system when it comes to service. Deck mentions that if people have heard of Skookum Kids, it’s likely in relation to one of their programs, Skookum House which cares for kids who are new to foster care. In the past 18 months, Skookum House has served about 300 kids. Trained volunteers, who all have a heart for helping foster children, care for kids at Skookum House.

“We do normal kid stuff with them, which is exactly what they need in the midst of such a stressful transition. We play, hang out, take them on fun outings, and get them to a doctor at least once,” Deck explains.

Skookum Kids aims to care for foster kids in Whatcom County. Nichole Silva, Mikaela Chandler and Ray Deck pose inside Perch & Play. Photo credit: Nick Graves.

By inviting children to spend a week at Skookum House, social workers have more time to find the best fit possible for their placement. It also gives kids some much needed time to process all the changes taking place in their lives.

Deck continues, “This leads to better foster care outcomes in general. It helps social workers find a place that is ready and eager to care for a child just like them. When the kids are with us for the week, we depressurize the search. It allows the right placement to be made rather than a fast placement.”

Another program recently offered by Skookum Kids is called Skookum Parents. With this program, the goal is to assist families through the foster parent licensing process.

Now, Skookum Kids is ready to open a third chapter. In the search for additional space, a door opened for Skookum Kids when Deck crossed paths with Raleigh Kukes, founder and owner of Bellingham’s beloved play café, Perch & Play. She was looking to sell the business soon so Deck and Kukes began talking and dreaming together.

Ray Deck is the Founder and President of Skookum Kids. Photo credit: Nick Graves.

“There are a lot of things about Perch & Play that represent opportunities to serve foster kids in new ways. Perch & Play is very well designed and loved by the people who frequent it,” says Deck.

Deck mentions that Perch & Play is a great concept, however, while looking into buying it they had to consider that the business had not consistently generated free cash flow. So the Skookum team really had to look into how they could make it work.

Deck’s hope is that he and his team can execute further on some of the plans Kukes already had in place – things that will be exciting for families with young kids while also using the space to build programs that serve foster parents, foster kids, and social workers in our community.

Those who already frequent Perch & Play will likely be curious as to how the play café may change in the near future. “Perch & Play is going to stay like it is for the time being. It will grow and advance even,” Deck says enthusiastically. “We believe in the business of Perch & Play. We hope to make a couple of key changes and improvements that will hopefully attract people in the community.”

The Skookum team had fun doing a little “research” at Perch & Play. Photo credit: Nick Graves.

Deck mentions he will reach out to the community to learn what they love about the business and what suggestions patrons may have, ultimately selecting the most impactful options. He indicates he may introduce a monthly membership program with unlimited use and also offer a family night for foster parents.

Those already involved with Skookum Kids are very excited about this new chapter.

“Skookum Kids brings with it a talented staff that’s very capable of serving and supporting the Perch & Play staff in a way that they haven’t had before. Skookum Kids also has an army of volunteer support that when they saw the potential, got really excited and are ready to jump in as well,” Deck says.

To learn more about being involved with Skookum Kids, visit www.skookumkids.org or click here to get more information about volunteer options. You can also visit the Perch & Play open house on February 4 during normal business hours. Skookum Kids board and staff will be onsite to chat with visitors and celebrate the future.

The Local Public House Acquires New General Manager, New Executive Chef, and New Direction

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by The Local Public House

Morgan Peters, previously General Manager of the Mount Bakery Cafe and Alec Bartee, previously head pastry chef, have been hired by The Local Public House on Railroad Ave. Together they bring fresh ideas and innovation to an already popular tap house and restaurant. Peters says a new brunch menu is already in place and a new dinner menu launched on January 19, 2017.

Among the brunch offerings are unique items, including Kung Pao Corned Beef Hash and Pain Perdu. The dinner menu will be comprised of fan favorites such as the Reuben, but will also include Duck Cassolet, Thai Dungeness Crab Salad, Scallop and Wild Mushroom Risotto and an Elk Steak. Bartee, Bellingham native and now Executive Chef at The Local, said, “I like to make dishes that are familiar and approachable with a touch of whimsy. I always aim to source seasonally and locally.”

Peters said the new dinner menu will take advantage of The Local’s 34 beers on draught by offering more beer-paired food options, including a beer-paired cheese dessert course. She said, “With a knowledgeable service staff and carefully curated dishes, we want to take beer and food pairings to the next level.”

Peters said The Local Public House will soon be hosting special beer-paired dinner events. These coursed dinners will feature select beers from regional breweries and tickets will be sold prior to the event.

“We are extremely excited about welcoming both Morgan and Alec to The Local Public House. They have come in with enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and an overall commitment to providing an excellent dining experience. We are thrilled to be working with them,” Ben Buccarelli, owner and head brewer.

The Local Public House was established in 2013 by locals Tom Raden, Ben Buccarelli, and Brandon Peterson and is located at 1427 Railroad Avenue, downtown Bellingham.

Nooksack Valley Disposal Customers Recycling More Food Waste, Yard Waste

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Nooksack Valley Disposal & Recycling

Nooksack Valley Disposal & Recycling customers continued to recycle more food waste and yard waste in 2016, enabling the company to surpass more than 6 million pounds of materials recycled for the sixth consecutive year.

The company’s yard waste/food waste recycling rose to 3,468,000 pounds (1,734 tons) in 2016. Also, Nooksack Valley Disposal customers in north Whatcom County recycled 2,539,798 pounds of glass, mixed paper, cardboard, newspaper, plastic, scrap metal, tin cans and aluminum in 2016. This was slightly down from 2015 as an increase in recycling of plastics was offset by declines in newspaper and glass.

“Our average residential customer recycled 837 pounds last year for a total of 6,007,798 pounds,” said Calvin Den Hartog, general manager of Nooksack Valley Disposal. “Thanks to our conscientious residential and business customers who set bins out for collection or bring recyclable material to our Lynden transfer station, we kept 3,004 tons of material out of landfills.”

A breakdown of specific materials recycled is: mixed paper, 714,111 pounds; glass, 632,612 pounds; cardboard, 419,062 pounds; newspaper, 302,163 pounds; plastic, 264,600 pounds; scrap metal, 90,936 pounds; tin cans, 75,842 pounds; and aluminum cans, 32,028 pounds.

Nooksack Valley Disposal, founded by Dan and Steff Leidecker in 1971, serves over 8,000 customers in north Whatcom County, roughly from Interstate 5 east to the foothills of Mt. Baker. Customers in the cities of Lynden, Everson, Nooksack and Sumas may arrange for regular pickup of yard-waste containers and place food scraps and food-soiled papers in their yard-waste containers.

The material is taken to Green Earth Technology of Lynden, which produces compost from the yard and food waste. Yard waste also may be taken to Nooksack Valley Disposal’s transfer station at 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Road in Lynden.

For more information about Nooksack Valley Disposal’s recycling program or pickup service, call (360) 354-3400 or visit www.nvd-inc.com.

Food Nourishes Community at Rome Grocery

By

Dondi Tondro-Smith

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The next generation of Rome Grocery lineage is bringing back healthy food. Photo courtesy: Noah Westgate.

Noah and Megan Westgate live just two miles down the road from the Rome Grocery store they purchased four years ago. As a highly food conscious couple, (Megan is the executive director of the Non-GMO Project and has served on the Community Food Coop board for seven years), the Westgates couldn’t pass up the opportunity to revitalize the original building and reintroduce healthy food options for themselves and their neighbors.

Noah points out, “It was almost a food desert out here, which is ironic, because you have all these amazing organic farmers and small farms and yet the closest markets for them were those located twenty to thirty minutes away in Bellingham.”

The recent renovation shines Rome Grocery to its’ former glory. Photo courtesy: Noah Westgate.

Before Mount Baker Highway was paved, Rome Grocery store began providing foodstuffs for county residents. The old Rome township and store were named after the Rome apple orchards that proliferated in the area. The Rome Grocery building was moved to its’ current location in 1915 from Goshen.

Originally a dance hall, the building was rolled on logs and moved by old-fashioned horsepower seven miles up the road. Noah replaced the original fir flooring with hand-milled lumber cut from salvaged old growth fir trees. Although he wishes they could have refinished the original flooring, the boards were too worn from wear and tear and years of dancing feet.

Back then, all the stores’ inventory was organic by default (all food was) and there was no need for labels on packaged food. In those days all beef was grass fed and all eggs were fresh and free range. Mt. Baker had lodging and famous actors and socialites, as well as many locals, who enjoyed the slopes and made the mountain a destination. Westgate saw the “sparkle” beneath the layers of the run down building and expired food labels. “If it would’ve been a functioning store, we probably wouldn’t have been interested in buying it. It was the fact that it was on life support; that’s where the opportunity was,” he recounted.

Sustainably harvested fir floors are now shined and ready for customers. Photo courtesy: Noah Westgate.

The opportunity to introduce quality name brands and alternative ingredients to some of the store’s historically not so healthy staples was a fine balance to strike. By 2016 Rome Grocery had a made to order kitchen that offered freshly sourced food options.

Noah emphasized, “Everyone has taste buds and, for the most part, everyone wants the highest quality and best tasting food.” Some of the clientele at the store have slowly been influenced by exposure to new options. “Everyone deserves access to safe and healthy food choices,” Megan added. I feel very privileged that I have the opportunity to support this both globally and locally.”

Rome Grocery can cater to a customer’s preferences on certain products because of low overhead. This lends a personalized touch to what may often seem like an impersonal shopping experience at bigger chains. “We’re able to work with vendors that are too small to supply the Food Coop or some of the bigger stores,” Noah explained.

Then and now- this image shows a look at the Rome Store from the 1920’s and today. Photo courtesy: Noah Westgate.

Only a few people need to like a product for the store to keep it stocked on the shelves. “At the end of the day, no one really wants to drive to Costco or Walmart,” he said. “The few dollars folks might save are just as well spent when they’re reinvested in local businesses and the families that fuel them.”

Sarah Klein lives on Kelly Road and worked at Rome Grocery for a little over a year. Her Earthen Home bath and beauty products are just some of the local, handcrafted products offered at the store, exemplifying the integrity of high-quality ingredients that make for good retail. Klein said, “The homey, friendly atmosphere created in the store generates a feeling of connectedness. In my opinion, Rome Grocery is such a successful business due to the dedicated management and owners, variety and quality of products, and an amazingly strong and caring community.” Rome Grocery brand honey is just another example of the circular economy established by locally sourced products and the personal relationships that result.

Locally sourced and sustainably produced products are a staple of Rome’s offerings. Photo credit: Noah Westgate.

The store has evolved and the Westgates’ activism has been the undercurrent of a social experiment of sorts- running a small-scale grocery store that straddles the divide between organic foods and their GMO and preservative laden cousins. The dynamics of supply and demand and the politics of food are something the Westgates have been careful to navigate without imposing dogma.

“We have a strong policy of no political discussion here at the store,” Noah said. “We want to serve the entire community, and it’s not a business that would work if we exclude people who believe or don’t believe certain things. We really want the store to be a safe and friendly place for everyone regardless of whom you voted for or what church you attend.

Noah points out that people vote with their dollars everyday and that eating is a continually intimate choice of what to consume. In his experience, price consciousness can give way to the advantages of quality and taste. “Butter is butter is butter,” he said, “but when you look at where the butter comes from or how it was produced, it becomes something else. Ultimately, everyone is experimenting with different levels of healthy or unhealthy living.”

Admittedly, the Westgates have learned a great deal owning the store. Noah’s gratitude to his loyal staff and the stake they play in the business was palpable. “There’s myself, our family, the greater community, friends and tourists, as well as the glue that holds the store together- our core staff,” Westgate said.

The next generation of Rome Grocery lineage is bringing back healthy food. Photo courtesy: Noah Westgate.

That same deep sentiment regarding food’s origins and the importance of community is deeply engrained in the store’s identity. The revitalized energy Rome Grocery’s team has cultivated will honor the diversity and agricultural legacy of this community’s homegrown store for years to come. Megan concluded, “Rome Grocery’s been serving this amazing community for over a hundred years. Hopefully our work here will help insure that it’s here for at least a hundred more.”

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