John Burns Appointed General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center
Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center is conveniently located only 10 minutes from the Bellingham International Airport. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center.

Submitted by Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center

John Burns, who has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, has been appointed general manager of the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center.

John Burns
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center is excited to welcome John Burns as its new general manager. Photo courtesy: Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center.

Burns, a Seattle native, has been a hotel general manager for much of his career, most recently at Hotel Telluride, an upscale resort in Telluride, Colo. Burns started in hotel operations in Seattle at the Olympic Hotel Westin, then moved to sales there and at the Crowne Plaza/Madison Hotel and Doubletree Hotels. His appointment was made by Providence Hospitality Partners, which manages Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center and hotels in Colorado, California and Wyoming.

Burns said he was excited to return to Western Washington. “Bellingham has so much to offer visitors and so does our hotel,” he said. “We’ve made major improvements recently, making us ideal for both tourists and business groups that utilize our 14,000 square feet of meeting space.”

 

Little Caesars Raises $8,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County

Little Caesars
Photo courtesy: Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County.

Submitted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County

Little Caesars helped Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County raise $8,000 through their Little Cheesers campaign.  The campaign went through the month of July at Little Caesars stores in Whatcom County, and raised 60 percent more than last year. It is the third year the fundraiser has taken place. Funds are raised by asking customers to make a gift at the register.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the staff and customers of Little Caesars,” said Heather Powell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. “Because of their support we’ll be able to serve more of the kids who need us most.”  

Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County serves more than 6,000 kids in Whatcom County and relies on supporters like Little Caesars. “We have been contributing free pizzas to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County since we opened our first Bellingham store in 1988,” said Rob Coulthurst, CFO of Target Market Enterprises and manager of marketing for local stores. “In a typical year we donate around 200+ pizzas to the Clubs.”

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County in 2015:

  • 79,000 healthy meals and snacks provided to kids
  • Nearly 13,000 hours spent helping kids with homework and teaching them skills for academic success
  • 48% of members qualify for free or reduced lunch

 

Poppe’s 360 Neighborhood Pub Expands Hours, Now Open to All Ages

Poppe's 360 has provided delicious food, fun and entertainment since 2002.

Submitted by Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center

Poppe’s 360 Neighborhood Pub in Bellingham recently expanded hours to include lunch and now is open to all ages.

Located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center at 714 Lakeway Drive, Poppe’s 360 is now open from 11:00 a.m. until closing each day. Also, minors are now allowed in its dining area for lunch and dinner.

The changes enable families and lunch patrons to enjoy the outdoor patio seating of Poppe’s 360, according to John Burns, general manager of Four Points Bellingham. Poppe’s 360 includes eight big-screen televisions for sports fans and nightly entertainment.

“Poppe’s 360 also offers more privacy for businesspeople meeting for lunch,” Burns said.

In a related move, Chinuk, the other restaurant inside Four Points Bellingham, is now open only for breakfast from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. daily

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center, managed by Providence Hospitality Partners, is a full-service property located at 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, just off Interstate 5 at Exit 253. Four Points by Sheraton is a brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Four Points Bellingham is totally smoke-free throughout its 132 guest rooms, two restaurants (Poppe’s 360 Neighborhood Pub and Chinuk), indoor pool, fitness area and 14,000 square feet of meeting-room space. For more information, call 360-671-1011 or 888-671-1011 or visit www.FourPointsBellingham.com.

 

2016 Northwest Washington Fair Pleased by Success in Many Areas this Year

Submitted by Northwest Washington Fair

The 2016 Northwest Washington Fair concluded its six-day run in Lynden with positive news on all fronts, according to General Manager Jim Baron.

“It was a great week,” Baron said. “While the record-setting temperatures limited our ability to set any attendance records, we were very pleased with the outcome. Although slightly down compared to last year, the attendance of nearly 184,000 was well within the averages of the last few years. Other key indicators were also very positive with both carnival and food vendor revenues up over recent years.

Baron also was pleased by the response to the Northwest Washington Fair’s grandstand entertainment.

“Again, the demolition derby has proven to be a very popular opening program and the rodeo too has found its place during the Fair,” Baron said. “Good crowds turned out for all three musical acts with a complete sellout on Saturday night for Josh Turner.”

One of the new acts away from the grandstand also drew crowds.

“We knew the Wenatchee Youth Circus would be popular, but even they were impressed with the large number of people watching every show,” Baron said. “We hope it works with their schedule to return next year.”

Temperatures reaching the 90s posed additional challenges to ensuring the health and safety of everyone that attends the Fair, but Baron said reports were positive on that front as well.

“This year proved to be another year where, thanks to the efforts of our exhibitors and staff working with local law enforcement, emergency services and the Whatcom County Health Department, the Northwest Washington Fair again proved to be one of the safest places to spend your week,” Baron said.

“This is a great community and I so appreciate all the people that come together to make this a great event and all the people that live here and come to enjoy and support the Fair.”

 

Christian Health Care Center’s Care Transition Team Awarded for Key Service

Christian Health Care Center
Transition services post-rehabilitation are also available for interested patients. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

Christian Health Care Center’s (CHCC) Care Transition team recently received the 2016 Excellence in Research and Education Award presented by Leading Age Washington.

This award, a part of the Leading Age Awards Program, Awards of Excellence, recognizes individuals and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution in the fields of aging, health care, housing and community-based services.

Leading Age Washington is a trade association serving not-for-profit and mission-driven organizations dedicated to providing quality housing and skilled long-term care services.

Transition Support Services
The Transition Support Team at Christian Health Care Center. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Services.

The care transition program at CHCC is made up of a team of Faith Community Nurses, CHCC social services staff, and healthcare administrators who work to educate and advocate for patients and their families. The service is designed to assist adults with the follow-up care they need to remain at home and out of the hospital after surgery or an extended illness.

The program started in January 2012 in an effort to reduce the percentage of re-admittance following discharge from PeaceHealth Medical Center. Christian Health Care Center offers care transition services at no cost to their patients and their families. Since 2012, more than 400 individuals have taken advantage of the program at CHCC.

Care transition services include one pre-discharge visit, one home visit within 48 hours of discharge and three follow-up phone calls (or home visits) within 30 days.

“One of the goals is to educate patients how to take care of themselves,” says LeAna Osterman, program coordinator. “We are the support person for patients as they transition from acute care to rehabilitation and home.”

Christian Health Care Center
Christian Health Care Center provides transportation services to take patients to doctor appointments. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

Through follow-up, a team member monitors the recovery process and helps patients and their families navigate through the health care system.

Osterman says they are also able to link patients to other helpful resources in Whatcom County such as Northwest Regional Council, Lion’s Club medical equipment loan programs and Northwest Adult Day Health & Wellness Center.

As a result of this service, CHCC has seen a decline in the percentage of patients being re-admitted to the hospital. And that’s the main objective of the program, says CHCC’s social services manager, Steve Wallace.

“A follow-up with patients who have been through our care transition program 45 days after discharge from the hospital shows a re-admittance rate of only 4.42 percent,” says Wallace. “Nationwide this percentage is approximately 25 percent.”

In fact, Wallace points out that CHCC does get inquiries from other facilities curious to know what makes this program work so well.

The initial meeting with the patient and family prior to discharge is to discuss any concerns, go over the medications, and prepare plans for medical visits.

Transition Support Services
Patrick O’Neill, CEO, accepting the award on behalf of the Transition Support Service at Christian Health Care Center. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

Then, they meet with the patient in his or her home a few days later to ensure that the patient is in a safe environment with a support person available.

The patient is provided with a mini medical record that lists all of their medications and includes space for the patient to write down questions for his or her medical care provider.

Education regarding possible warning signs is also provided to the patients, helping them identify when to call a medical care provider in order to ensure quick treatment and preventative care. Warning signs may include elevated temperature of pain.

“Each nurse has a different background,” says LeAna of the collaborative effort of the team. “If we’re faced with a challenge, we just put our heads together to find a solution.”

Faith Community Nurses are partnered with the Health Ministry Network and act as liaisons between the hospital and the patient, providing spiritual and clinical support. Their goal is to provide a holistic healing approach, regardless of the patient’s religious affiliations. They are trained to provide personal consultations, offer education, advocacy and referrals to adults within our community. These nurses are also specially trained in transition care.

Most recently, the program had its first two students from Western Washington University’s RN to BSN program participate in the care transition program as a part of their studies. The students were able to see the clinical setting they had just learned about in their care transition training course.

Rest and Rehabilitate After Surgery
Christian Health Care Center in Lynden. Photo courtesy: Christian Health Care Center.

Christian Health Care Center continues to be at the forefront of providing care and advocacy that makes a difference to patients and their families in Whatcom County.

“It’s been a lot of fun working with these retired nurses,” says Wallace. “It’s been a who’s who of nursing in Washington.”

For more information on this cost-free and valuable service, visit CHCC’s website.

 

Sponsored

Bellingham Traverse Celebrates 15 Years

Bellingham Traverse
Cyclists pass Fairhaven Park during Bellingham Traverse. This event helps support stewardship of the park. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Traverse.

Have you ever considered participating in a relay race? Until recently, I hadn’t. More likely to be found hiking or backpacking, I tend to shy away from competitive forms of recreation. But imagine a different kind of race — one that focuses more on fun (think costumes, simple rules, and a beer garden) than winning. It has a competitive aspect for those who seek first place, but also fosters an inclusive environment for participants of all abilities. That race is the Vital Choice Bellingham Traverse, and it’s coming up on Saturday, September 17 in Bellingham.

2016 Bellingham Traverse
The Department of Fun team dresses up in new costumes each year. Photo courtesy: Recreation Northwest.

Organized by local non-profit Recreation Northwest, the Bellingham Traverse is all about getting the community together for a good time. “I have intently avoided calling it a race over the years,” says Recreation Northwest Executive Director, Todd Elsworth. “I joke with people — why are they in such a hurry? This is really all about fun.”

Todd created the Bellingham Traverse in 2001. Born in Bellingham, he left the Pacific Northwest for a number of years before returning — like so many of us do — to his northwest roots. According to Todd, “When I chose to leave the northwest, my buddy said, ‘You’re a salmon. You were born in Bellingham; you will return.’ When I came back, it was fulfilling that life journey that I had for myself.”

Upon returning to his birthplace, Todd was inspired to create a new race in celebration of the journey of wild salmon. “I started this race because I had done a similar endurance race solo and saw an opportunity to complement Ski to Sea,” says Todd. His goal was to design a course that could be completed solo by endurance athletes, while allowing teams to compete as well. Today’s course is 37 miles long, with five distinct legs.

2016 Bellingham Traverse
A kayaker competes in the paddle leg of Bellingham Traverse on Bellingham Bay. Photo courtesy: Recreation Northwest.

The course includes a 5.5-mile Greenways run to Lake Padden, a 6-mile mountain bike on the Padden trails, an 18-mile road bike around Lake Samish to Fairhaven, a 3.4-mile trail run in the Chuckanut Community Forest, a 3.6-mile paddle on Bellingham Bay, and a 0.65-mile team trek from Cornwall Beach back to the finish line.

Racers participate in the Traverse as Chinook (solo), Coho (tandem) and Chum (relay teams). The rules are simple: be safe, have fun, and show respect. Within these bounds, participants are welcome to exercise their creativity. “We’ve had people in 14-person canoes,” says Todd. “One team carried an empty keg the whole race. They handed it off as a baton.”

Amidst the fun, the Bellingham Traverse serves a greater purpose. Because the Traverse has an impact on Fairhaven Park (the trail running leg utilizes park trails), Recreation Northwest has chosen to support the park through stewardship. The end goal? To build a wetland boardwalk and connect Fairhaven Park to the Chuckanut Community Forest. In Todd’s words, the Traverse “is a way for us to fulfill our mission and take care of the places where we play.”

2016 Bellingham Traverse
An enthusiastic Traverse team carries a keg to the finish line. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Traverse.

That mission — promoting outdoor recreation and bringing people together to enjoy, preserve and improve the places where we play — is what Recreation Northwest and the Bellingham Traverse are all about. Of course, none of this would be possible without a committed crew of volunteers. “It takes 100 volunteers to make this happen day of, and even more as the year goes on,” says Todd. “The success of the Traverse really comes down to the great volunteers and the Traverse crew that make this all happen.”

The Bellingham Traverse celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Commemorative navy blue t-shirts are available, featuring the Traverse salmon logo on soft-poly wicking material. Additionally, race participants and volunteers receive a collectible gift. This year’s prize is a snap-on beer koozie, reflecting the Traverse’s celebratory spirit and partnership with Boundary Bay Brewery.

The Bellingham Traverse begins and ends at Boundary Bay. Bellingham’s oldest brewery has been involved with the Bellingham Traverse since the beginning — each year, they brew up a special batch of Traverse Red IPA and throw a big party at the finish line. Spectators can hang out here, check out the farmers market across the street, and cheer racers on as they finish. Race sponsors and partners will set up booths at the finish line, providing games and demonstrations to keep spectators busy during the race.

2016 Bellingham Traverse
Enjoy celebratory pints of Traverse Red IPA at the Boundary Bay finish line. Photo courtesy: Recreation Northwest.

For those like me who are on the fence about relay races, the Bellingham Traverse may be the answer. After all, it’s simply a big party for a great cause. And everyone is welcome to participate. “If you do it as a team, the legs are really approachable as an individual without really even training,” says Todd. So form a team, break out your best costume, and give the Bellingham Traverse a try. See you at the finish line!

For more information and to register for the Bellingham Traverse, visit Recreation Northwest’s website.

Sponsored

Honey Salon Presents ‘Honeys Hunnys’

Honeys Hunnys
Join Honey Salon for 'Honeys Hunnys' Opening Reception during the Downtown Bellingham Art Walk on September 2, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Photo courtesy: Honey Salon

Submitted by Honey Salon

This September, Honey Salon proudly presents a sweet group show featuring the ‘beeutiful’ works of Honey clients, stylists and friends titled “Honeys Hunnys.” This open theme gallery presentation is meant to showcase the incredible talent of the whole Honey hive. Opening reception, complete with honey cocktails, sweet treats and our own PhDJ spinning Sting, Beyonce, The Bee Gees (and other bee favs) debuts September 2 during the Downtown Bellingham Art Walk, 6:00 p.m.­ to 10:00 p.m.

From traditional acrylic and oil, to fiber and collage, “Honeys Hunnys” is an eclectic presentation surely to bring a buzz to downtown. Honey Salon clients include an array of local and regional talent. Local gallery owner and painter Sharon Kingston joins the showcase, along with up-and-coming fiber artist Quinn Dimitroff and her wool and wood woven wall hangings. These and other new and unknown creatives have boldly submitted their unique pieces to create an even greater body of work, demonstrating the incredible talent that makes up the Honey Salon family hive.

Honey Salon supplies an urban oasis of beauty, art, and heart in lovely Downtown Bellingham. Honey Salon participates in monthly Art Walk gallery walks and showcases the talent of both local and nationally acclaimed artist’s throughout the salon. With “Honeys Hunnys,” salon owner Liz Azzara and curator Shultzie Willows wanted to turn the lens the other direction and showcase the work of Honey Salon clients. Those who normally grace the stylist’s chair, as well as the stylists themselves, have an opportunity for a different perspective and opportunity to celebrate their incredible talent.

For more information or images from “Honeys Hunnys,” please contact gallery curator Shultzie Willows at shultziefay@gmail.com.

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