Bellingham United Football Club: Scoring Goals on the Field and in the Community

Bellingham United team
The starting lineup at a recent Bellingham United Football Club match. Photo courtesy: Bellingham United.

It’s an exciting time to be a soccer fan in Whatcom County. From recent improvements at Phillips 66 Soccer Park to an action-packed season for Bellingham United Football Club, the ball is rolling when it comes to local soccer.

Known to fans as the “Hammers,” Bellingham’s semi-professional soccer team plays competitively in the Evergreen Premier League. Bellingham United FC is an adult male team made up of locals and players scouted from around the world. Each year, their season begins in April and runs through July.

Bellingham United goalee
Hammers players in action on the field. Photo courtesy: Bellingham United.

“We’ve got a good energy with the squad this year,” Head Coach, Lance Calloway, said in a recent KPUG interview. “We’ve got a great group of guys.”

When they’re not playing soccer, Bellingham United players shoot for another goal — to inspire young readers. This year, three local elementary schools participated in the Bellingham United FC Reading Challenge. The Reading Challenge is a fun way for United players to connect with kids about the importance of reading.

“It promotes not only reading but allows us the opportunity to reward those kids for being good students and completing the challenge,” says Bellingham United FC General Manager, Marc Ronney. As a reward for completing the Reading Challenge, students received tickets to a match against Vancouver Victory. Among the crowd of 370 were more than 40 student readers. The game ended in a tie, with victory for neither team.

Bellingham United score
Hammers score! Photo courtesy: Bellingham United.

Overall this season has been going quite well for Bellingham United. “We are certainly in a better position than at the same point a year ago,” says Lance. “Our returning players seem to be re-energized, as it seems they have something to prove after last season.”

Currently in a three-way tie for second place in the Evergreen Premier League, Bellingham United is gearing up for a final series of home games in July. Join them at Civic Stadium July 10, 17, and 31 as they seek first place in the league. Tickets are available online.

Sponsored

Scratch and Peck Feeds Supports Local Animal Organizations and Non-Profits

Scratch and Peck Feeds
Scratch and Peck Feeds will be the Presenting Gallop Sponsor for Animals as Natural Therapy's Horsin’ Around fundraising campaign. Photo credit: US Chamber of Commerce.

Submitted by Scratch and Peck Feeds

Scratch and Peck Feeds was built on the foundation that the relationship between people and animals is symbiotic. They believe that the way we treat animals — from felines to pooches, ducks to horses — directly impacts us. As animal feed manufacturers, they see the environmental and health benefits of raising our own poultry and livestock as well as the relationships that many backyard chicken owners have developed with their feathered friends. That belief is why being the Presenting Gallop Sponsor of Animals as Natural Therapy’s 2016 Horsin’ Around fundraising campaign is a perfect fit for the company.

Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT) is a Bellingham non-profit based on the knowledge that “animals can teach humans important life skills,” such as respect, trust and clear communication. The organization works with children and adults from all walks of life, including at-risk youth, veterans, and low-income families and individuals. Participants in ANT’s array of programs work with animals to build life skills that can help them work toward a more positive outlook and awareness.

Scratch and Peck Feeds
Committed to the health and well-being of animals and livestock, Scratch and Peck Feeds takes pride in supporting local animal organizations and non-profits. Photo courtesy: U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

As the Presenting Gallop Sponsor of ANT’s Horsin’ Around, Scratch and Peck Feeds will receive a whimsical wooden painted horse, which will be on display at ANT’s annual Summer Bash BBQ on July 16. After the event, the horse will be displayed on Hannegan Road, alongside other sponsoring businesses and organizations. Drivers along the rural stretch between Bellingham and Lynden will be able to see up to 30 horses on display, each representing the businesses and organizations that contributed to the Horsin’ Around Campaign.

“The Horsin’ Around Campaign is a fun way to support a fantastic organization. Many of us at Scratch and Peck Feeds have pets or raise animals and know firsthand how beneficial that relationship between humans and animals is to our social well-being and overall planet. We’re fortunate to have Animals as Natural Therapy in our community. Their work is critical; we’re honored to be supporting their work, and we love the playfulness of this sponsorship,” said Scratch and Peck Feeds founder and owner, Diana Ambauen-Meade.

Animals as Natural Therapy isn’t the only local animal organization that Scratch and Peck supports. The company frequently donates animal feed, supplements, and treats to the Whatcom Humane Society to help ease the non-profit’s food costs for rescued and abandoned chickens and pigs. They are also a sponsor of the Alternative Humane Society’s 8th Annual Paws and Claws Expo on July 31 at Bloedel Donovan Park. “We are grateful that we can contribute to these much-needed organizations in our community,” said Ambauen-Meade. “They do such important work!”

 

2016 Sunnyland Stomp Features Art, Music, Food and Shenanigans

sunnyland stomp

Submitted by Sunnyland Stomp

The 8th annual Sunnyland Stomp will take place on Saturday, July 16 when the Sunnyland neighborhood will transform itself into a friendly summer art walk full of backyard galleries displaying a wide range of art, music, food and more. In 2010 the event was honored with a Bellingham Mayor’s Arts Award for bringing awareness to the creative talents and community spirit of Sunnyland’s residents. This year 25 galleries will be participating, showcasing everything from paintings to a puppet garden to wood fired pizza to live action screen-printing among many other festivities. Local artist and Homeskillet co-owner, Tina White, created the poster art for this year’s event.

The Stomp has new organizers this year — Alice Clark has passed the baton to Erin Boyd (of Red Boots Design) and Kendall Dodd. Both are committed to continuing Clark’s vision for The Stomp as a grassroots neighborhood event that showcases Sunnyland and its residents.

sunnyland stomp
Scan the schedule of events to plan your Sunnyland Stomp itinerary.

“I’m really excited to see the community come together for this unique, creative event. It’s such a good reflection of the best of Bellingham,” said Stomp co-organizer (and participant) Erin Boyd. “We’re looking forward to sharing art, food and fun times with all of the visitors to our neighborhood.”
Other highlights from this year’s Stomp include: family activities at Sunnyland Park, Broadway park and St John’s Lutheran church earlier in the day (between 11am-3pm), art by many local artists and craftspeople, live music as well as food prepared at many of the galleries as well as food trucks that will be in the area.

Sunnyland Stomp Schedule

  • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Broadway Park (by the playground): Cardboard Playground with Play Lab.
  • 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Sunnyland Park: games, music and shenanigans for kids of all ages.
  • 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at St John’s Lutheran Church: free concert and sing-a-long.
  • 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. backyard galleries will be open throughout the whole neighborhood.

Sunnyland Stomp maps will be available at each gallery as well as at many of our sponsor locations. In addition, the list of galleries and a downloadable map will be available in early July on the Stomp website – www.sunnylandstomp.com. Bike and pedestrian travel around the neighborhood is highly encouraged. See you at The Stomp!

 

Local Breweries Partner with Bellingham Energy Prize for Special Happy Hours

Aslan Brewing Company
Raise a glass at Mount Baker Theatre. Photo courtesy: Aslan Brewing Company.

Submitted by Sustainable Connections

Throughout the month of July, the Bellingham Energy Prize (BEP) will be celebrating Independents Month with local Bellingham breweries. Kilowatt Kitty will be raising a glass to Stones Throw, Boundary Bay, Aslan, and Kulshan Brewing Co., and toasting to all of the impressive work they do at each brewery to empower our community and save energy! 

Independents Month celebrates locally owned businesses during the month of July, and the Bellingham Energy Prize has received tremendous support from independent businesses throughout Whatcom County. A total of 51 local businesses have come together to promote and participate! Many have gone above and beyond; including the Community Food Co-op, Sanitary Services, Barron Heating…and many of our local breweries. The breweries in our region continue to prove, time and again, how important they are to our community wellbeing — pitching in and supporting local causes, and many other businesses and organizations when they need it most!

They also happen to be experts in energy savings. Stones Throw recovers heat from brewing and refrigeration to heat the tap room and pre-heat water for the next brew, Boundary has retrofitted all of their lighting to LED lights, Aslan has invested in renewable energy and offsets 100% of its impacts with wind power, and Kulshan recycles chilling water from the brewing process which substantially reduced their water usage and how much has to be heated in the first place. These are just a few of the things each brewer does to save energy, the BEP invites you to attend the happy hours to learn more!

So, come and celebrate Independents month with local breweries and the Bellingham Energy Prize! Get happy with Kilowatt Kitty at four happy hours scheduled throughout July. Be the first to learn about special edition beers brewed just for the BEP, take your picture with Kilowatt Kitty, win prizes, and come support your independent brewers. The series will begin with a big kickoff at Stones Throw on Tuesday, July 12 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Kilowatt Kitty says you should mark your calendar right meow!  

Happy Hours of Power — When & Where

July 12 | Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. @ Stones Throw Brewery
July 20 | Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. @ Boundary Bay Brewery
July 24 | Sunday, noon to 3:00 p.m. @ Aslan Brewing
July 26 | Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. @ Kulshan Brewing Co.

My Journey Toward ‘Greener Pastures’ — A Mid-Course Correction

At A-1 Builders, business is about more than the all mighty dollar. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders.

Submitted by Justus Peterson for A-1 Builders

On January 15, 2016, I went back to work for A-1 Builders, a small, local, design/build residential contractor, after an interim period of 10 years of lucrative employment in the oil industry. I turned my back on the oil industry for a number of reasons, but ultimately it was for my health, both physical and mental. But my journey goes deeper than being just about me; my journey sheds light upon our culture’s “jobs versus the environment” debate. Upon this region’s challenge to manage the explosive nature of oil by rail; upon carbon energy’s horrendous contribution to heating up our world.

Looking back now, my mid-course correction to a safer and saner means of employment has softened my impact upon all of my spheres of influence — in my own skin, at home, everywhere. Every step I take I can feel, appreciate and adore my reduced ecological footprint. My shoe size has plummeted! 

I was 19 years old in 1997 when I was offered a great paying job by my friend’s father. The job offer was for a laborer for an industrial contractor. Little did I know how this offer, which I accepted, would change my life forever. 

Anyone who regularly drives down busy Northwest Avenue can enjoy the ever-changing words of wisdom posted on the A-1 Builders leader board. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders.
At A-1 Builders, he was finally able to start each workday with a smile. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders.

I began my new job inside the Arco Cherry Point refinery then moved around to a few different plants. In November of 1998, I discovered why they paid so well: I was working at the Equilon refinery in Anacortes as a maintenance hand when suddenly an explosion erupted in the Coker unit, killing six men. I stood in disbelief as I literally watched these men die

When I came home from that tragic day my girlfriend — now my wife — was crying on the phone with my father. I had phone messages from my family waiting to hear if I was alive. I made the decision to leave that world behind and find something more humane, something safer, something softer on the planet. Monetary security was not worth my life. 

I applied for and was hired by A-1 Builders in April of 2000. I quickly fell in love with this company and its vision, seeking green business and building practices. I found peace in its simple approach to life and the pursuit of happiness — working to live instead of living to work. For the next seven years, my life was full of education and creative freedom. 

But money again nudged its aggressive power. Toward the end of 2006, at the seven-year mark working at A-1, Ben Franklin showed up, along with the dead presidents, saying they would fill my pockets with dough if I’d sacrifice my soul. So I returned to work at the refinery as a carpentry foreman. At the ripe old age of 28, I thought I had made it: over the next 10 years I made more money than most men in my family, and I gloated about it. To earn that money I averaged about 2,500 to 2,700 hours a year, 25% to 35% more than a typical fulltime job. 

My wife and I welcomed our first child in 2008 and our second in 2011, yet both times I was at work when I got the call that she was in labor. I had sold my soul to the company store — again. 

In 2012, three days after my son’s first birthday, disaster struck again. A major fire erupted at the BP Cherry Point Refinery, destroying a large portion of the plant I was in. I ran as fast as I’ve ever run as those flames reached as high as 400 feet. Reaching safety, I was able to call my wife to tell her I was okay, after a 60- to 90-minute delay since the fire broke out. As she wept on the phone my heart pounded and I thought to myself, “it’s time to get the hell out of this place for good.” 

At A-1 Builders, business is about more than the all mighty dollar. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders.
The A-1 Builders team cares about the community, the planet and, most of all, each other. Photo courtesy: A-1 Builders.

I spent the next 16 weeks working nights, each shift being 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 a.m., seven days a week — that’s a 98-hour work week — to get the plant back into operation. I worked as hard as I’ve ever worked and in the end, the plant and its money were flowing again. I gave and they took. I was offered and accepted promotions. They seemed to embrace the level of devotion and care I invested. 

But I was wrong. 

I came into the office that I had helped build and they asked if I’d manage their next large projects — out of town. I said, “No.” My family was here and they needed me home every night. I then asked for the time I would need to coach my son’s tee-ball team and they cringed.

I longed for the days of being with a company that had heart and direction. I began to despise the pursuit of financial gain being the end-all be-all of my life. I knew who and where I was meant to be. 

Let’s move the clock ahead to late 2015. I was on a break in the plant when I came across a web posting that A-1 Builders was seeking new employees — my chance to abandon the life of a refinery rat, an insignificant cog in a dying, heartless industry. I applied and was hired back into the world of the living.

The grass is greener in these pastures. This team cares about our impact on our community and on our planet. Most of all, we care about each other.

Amory Lovins nailed it when he wrote, Economies are supposed to serve human ends, not the other way round. We forget at our peril that markets make a good servant, a bad master and a worse religion.” 

Professional Party Starter Aireekah Laudert Makes Bellingham Sparkle

Photo courtesy: Aireekah Laurdet.

Celebrating the colorful side of life is in Aireekah Laudert’s blood. She performed in choir and theater throughout school, worked as a professional event planner, and owns her own glitter-driven business. But in retrospect, she believes her path to party starting began on her 8th birthday.

“My grandparents gave me a karaoke kit that year,” Laudert shared. As a kid, she would bust out her Queen tapes on karaoke, and as she grew older she started throwing parties for her friends, including Spice Girls karaoke (complete with mimosas, of course).

Aireekah Laudert
Aireekah Laudert considers herself to be a professional party starter. “I believe that everyone should be allowed to find their inner glitter unicorn, and I can help with that,” she said. “It really is the best job.” Photo courtesy: Aireekah Laudert.

Laudert moved to Bellingham in the fall of 2005, but she didn’t host her first karaoke event until 2011 when Redlight Bar asked if she’d like to take a stab at her own karaoke night. Classyoke encouraged guests to wear clothes, hats, wigs, mustaches — anything that made them feel fancy.

It wasn’t long before Redlight bartender Michelle Schutte started calling Aireekah’s karaoke nights “Aireeoke.” The name stuck, and she hasn’t looked back since. Aireekah’s events have always offered fun-packed and sparkly ways for people to have a good time when they’re out for the night. This glittery approach eventually led to her Costume Karaoke nights at The Shakedown. In addition to having an opportunity to host another karaoke night, Costume Karaoke provided its own perks.

“I stopped having to get rid of costumes because I have too many,” Aireekah said. “I have an excuse to never get rid of costumes again!” And it’s a good thing. Because of her love of all things dress-up, Aireekah is able to provide a seasonally rotating selection for all ages, shapes, and sizes.

“I believe that everyone should be allowed to find their inner glitter unicorn, and I can help with that,” she said. “It really is the best job.” Her racks of costumes, wigstand props also help put karaoke singers at ease. People who are curious about singing karaoke but afraid of being in front of crowds can use costumes as a security blanket.

“Costumes help people get into a different character,” Aireekah said. “Sometimes people are a little nervous about going on stage, but when they can put sunglasses on that are three times the size of their head it helps.”

And in addition to the comfort brought on by dressing as someone (or something) else for the night, the crowds that are attracted to Aireekah’s events are kind and supportive.

karaoke
“The nicest people come to my karaoke events,” said Aireekah Laudert about her karaoke guests. Even the Christmas demon Krampus (Django Bohren, pictured here with Robert Lashley) is friendly during Krampus Karaoke. Photo credit: Jonathan Williams.

“The nicest people come to my karaoke events,” she said. Sure there are karaoke regulars, but a newbie will find the crowd friendly and supportive. Aireekah herself is like a bedazzled cheerleader for her costume-clad team of singers.

“It’s hard not to feel relaxed and have fun because everyone is instantly put at ease with the costumes,” Aireekah said. She always dresses up, so karaoke-goers can come to events already costumed as well. “They’ll never be the only one in costume.”

No costume? No worries. Aireekah seriously has just about everything you could want for your dress-up needs.

“My shark costume is a big hit,” she shared. But most people tend to opt for less-involved options. “It really cracks me up that people go for the most normal clothing items. Everybody wants the bandana and the ugly shirt!” Her most popular items tend to be fairy wings, wigs, pompoms, and ribbon dancers. Sometimes she’ll even bring glitter and face paint. As Halloween nears, she’ll even bring cosmetic blood.

From supportive crowds and hilarious costumes to tasty beverages available at the bar, revelers will find lots to love about any of Aireekah’s events. Plus karaoke means prizes from local businesses like the Pickford Film Center, La Fiamma, Shrimp Whisperer, The Comics Place and Glitt3r Lyfe.

You can book Aireekah for a birthday party, wedding or company holiday party (Christmas karaoke, anyone?), or join her for any number of ongoing fun events scheduled around town. Aireekah’s current regularly scheduled events line-up includes:

  • Krampus Karaoke
    Krampus Karaoke is the holiday edition of Aireekah Laudert’s Costume Karaoke. “I always have lots of Santa and elf hats on hand for that,” Aireekah said. Photo credit: Jonathan Williams.

    Fancy Bingo at Glow Nightclub: 3rd Monday of the month. (Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their best Bingo glam.)

  • Cabaret Karaoke Rumors Cabaret : Mondays
  • Aireeoke at The Shakedown: Tuesdays
  • Karaoke at Kombucha Town’s Culture Cafe: Thursdays
  • Karaoke at Jalapeños in Barkley Village: Saturdays starting July 2

And during the holiday season, keep an eye out for her Krampus Karaoke, involving photos with the holiday half-demon and holiday costumes. “I always have lots of Santa and elf hats on hand for that,” Aireekah said.

 

Gain Confidence in the Kitchen during Demo Days at the Bellingham Farmers Market

Bellingham Farmers Market, Demo Days
At Demo Days, shoppers can learn new ways to make use of seasonal produce from professionals like Sarah Southerland of Sustainable Connections and Electric Beet Juice Company. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Farmers Market.

In Whatcom County we’re lucky to have access to lots of local farms producing seasonal ingredients, but it can be a challenge to know how to use them at home. For many, trying new recipes can lead to some anxiety. New tools and preparations can be intimidating, so oftentimes we stick with what we know or resort to prepared foods or eating out instead. Sound familiar? Well you’re in luck. The Bellingham Farmers Market and Sustainable Connections have teamed up to help shoppers find confidence in the kitchen with Demo Days.

Every second Saturday through October, Demo Days presenters demystify how to use seasonal ingredients at home during their free demonstrations.

After watching a demo, fill up your shopping basket with fresh produce and other foods.
After watching a demo, fill up your shopping basket with fresh produce and other foods.

“Chefs want to show off interesting, creative ways to use local ingredients,” said Bellingham Farmers Market Director, Caprice Teske. “We have a canopy set-up with featured seasonal ingredients, and staff will demo and talk to people about how to prepare them. Printed recipes are provided, as well as how to find and store ingredients.” And shoppers can also learn practical skills that come in handy no matter what they’re cooking.

“A lot of people are starting from scratch and don’t know basic culinary skills,” Teske said. A wide variety of demonstrations means that people from all backgrounds and skill levels can find something valuable during Demo Days. Topics can include everything from how to make a salad dressing, to canning and preserving, to what to look for when buying a particular kind of produce.

bellingham farmers market
The bounty of the season is available at vendor stalls throughout the Bellingham Farmers Market.

“The great thing about Demo Days is that people engage with topics in a more direct way,” shared Teske. Chefs and food professionals have fun demonstrations set-up, but attendees can learn a lot from other participants as well. “There’s a lot of information sharing that happens between market-goers that can be really valuable.” Those culinary successes — and failures — can be very informative to others, after all.

Build your kitchen confidence during Demo Days at the Bellingham Farmers Market, running from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month through October.

 

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Readers’ Choice: WhatcomTalk’s Most-Read Stories in June

Concerts in the park are a great way to get together and enjoy some summer fun.

Summer is officially here, so it’s no surprise locals are looking for fun ways to get out and experience the splendor of the season. From outdoor concerts to stand-up comedy, our readers made it clear that, in the month of June, they were most interested in learning about what’s happening in their community this summer. These were our readers’ favorite stories published in June.

1. Brent Cole: The Man Behind Bellingham’s Music Magazine

Brent Cole, What's Up! Magazine
Brent Cole is the editor of What’s Up! Magazine, Bellingham’s music magazine since 1998. Photo courtesy: Brent Cole.

2. Dancing in the Street — Your Guide to Free Outdoor Summer Concerts in Bellingham

Concert-goers gather under 100-year old trees at Elizabeth Park’s gazebo. Photo credit: Brandon Fralic.

3. 5 Bellingham Stand-Up Comedy Venues Certain to Tickle Your Funny Bone

Justin Shepherd
There’s no shortage of laugh out loud fun in Bellingham Photo courtesy: The Upfront Theatre.

4. Editor’s Pick: 5 Bellingham Gas Stations & Markets with Killer Food (and Beer)

Elizabeth Station
We love efficiency — especially when it comes in the form of food. ©WhatcomTalk.

Holiday Inn Express Bellingham Delivers Heart

holiday inn express bellingham
The Holiday Inn Express is surrounded by 5 acres of commercial conveniences that allow guests to easily access amenities by foot. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Express Bellingham

The Holiday Inn Express Bellingham sits just above Meridian in one of the prime locations in the city. Its easy and quick access to favorite local restaurants, shopping and entertainment make it ideal for our out of town guests or rural Whatcom residents looking for a city staycation.

From corporate travel to vacationing families, this hotel has so much to offer anyone coming to the area. Situated closely to downtown and the airport, anyone will find this location ideal for meetings and even a quick round of golf in the afternoon. Vacationers find easy access to hiking, wineries and fishing while still being close to shopping and dining.

As you enter the lobby, you immediately notice the enthusiasm of the staff greeting you at the front desk. You feel immediately welcome. A front desk clerk is helping an elderly woman by gathering menus from restaurants nearby while calling the complimentary car service to the airport for a couple departing. Two other staff members are ensuring that additional guests are being given the best attention possible.

Holiday Inn Express Bellingham
Holiday Inn Express Bellingham is located just above Meridian in one of the prime locations of the city. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Express Bellingham.

The brightly lit lobby leading to the breakfast area, pool and outdoor patio continues the bright mood that greets the guests.

The hotel boasts a serene water wall and simple furniture in a subtle modern maritime theme, all part of the 2014 renovation. A modern, but professional space includes printers, computers and comfortable seating for anyone looking to get a little work done or simply play a game or two on the computer while relaxing.

What makes this hotel so unique? It’s the heart and pride shown every day by the team that works here.

“I’m really lucky,” says Terri Sirmans, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express Bellingham. “We have a team that has been together for years and years. We are a family.”

In fact, this hotel family plans regular get-togethers as a team such as lunches, treks to watch the Bellingham Bells play and even ice cream!

Terri started her career at Holiday Inn Express Bellingham as an intern at the front desk in 1999. In 2003, she was named the General Manager. Each one of the team has risen through the ranks at the hotel translating to an understanding of what it takes to meet the needs of the customers checking in daily.

From the ever-sparkling pool to the new flowers in front of the hotel and even to the greeting and care of each guest, the heart and pride of this team is evident.

Holiday Inn Express Bellingham
The serene water wall in the lobby welcomes guests entering the hotel. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Express Bellingham.

“We go beyond,” says Sirmans.

And, by beyond, Sirmans refers to the many ways they consistently and constantly review the way they take care of the property and deliver service to the guests.

In fact, one such service available to guests is full access to the local gym, City Gym, located in very close proximity to the hotel. As a strong supporter of City Gym the hotel encourages its guests to take advantage of the full-service gym that also includes special senior programs.

In fact, you get a continued sense of the heart and pride each morning as you come for the breakfast served. The hearty breakfast offers a variety of options from pancakes and oatmeal to eggs, yogurt and fruit. Sirmans recalls one special memory of a little girl on her tip-toes watching, with fascination, her pancakes being made in front of her. The memories being formed right there in the breakfast room of a hotel. That’s the heart and the pride of the staff.

Not only does this unique pride and heart of the team and hotel show in the service delivered, it shows in the strong community support.

As a sponsor of the local Bellingham Bells baseball team, the hotel hosts the out of town teams, enjoying and welcoming these young adult athletes to the community.

Holiday Inn Express Bellingham
Visitors of Holiday Inn Express Bellingham can enjoy the quiet, sunny patio just outside the pool. Photo courtesy: Holiday Inn Express Bellingham.

The return to the community continues with the support of local charitable organizations. The hotel believes in recycling what still is useful and helpful such as donating furniture, bedding and even coffee pots after their remodeling efforts to organizations in town answering to the needs of community members.

The American Cancer Society calls on the hotel to provide accommodations to cancer patients coming to the area for treatments whenever possible and rooms are available. The staff has gotten to know some of the patients as they’ve come back time and time again. These patients have experienced a sense of belonging to a much larger family. That’s the heart of Holiday Inn Express Bellingham team.

Sirmans believes in always thinking outside the box to do things just a little differently. Each hotel perk and amenity is approached with a new perspective on a regular basis to make the experience of their guests just a little better each time.

Stop in and see for yourself the difference at the Holiday Inn Express Bellingham located at 4160 Meridian St. Experience the pride they take in their service and the heart in which they deliver that service.

 

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5 Bellingham Gas Stations & Markets with Killer Food (and Beer)

DiVincis
Dig into a classic Philly cheesesteak at DaVinci's Classic Subs near Whatcom Falls Park. ©WhatcomTalk.

It’s been a long day. You’re on your way home from work and are nearly home before it hits you — there’s nothing in the fridge for dinner. Sound familiar? Yeah, me too. Thankfully, on the nights when you just aren’t up for braving one of Bellingham’s best for dinner, these local neighborhood markets are perfect for buzzing into for a quick bite. Heck, you can even fill up your gas tank at a few of them while you wait for your order. High five for multitasking!

DaVinci’s Classic Subs

DiVincis
Dig into a classic Philly cheesesteak at DaVinci’s Classic Subs near Whatcom Falls Park. ©WhatcomTalk.

Known for far more than just being a super-convenient gas station in the Whatcom Falls neighborhood of Bellingham, DaVinci’s is also home to some of the best Philly cheesesteaks in town. If you’re brave enough to go at lunchtime, be prepared to stand in line and wait a few minutes for them to whip up your made-to-order cheesesteak, which is completely customizable. Go with the House Sauce and all the classic cheesesteak fixings if it’s your first visit.

Bonus points: Being located right across the street from Whatcom Falls, DaVinci’s is the perfect spot to grab a picnic lunch before heading to the park to play and explore.

DaVinci’s Classic Subs
1480 Electric Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-671-7200
www.davincismkt.com

Northwest Fresh Deli and Pizza

Who knew that there was such a hidden gem tucked inside this often passed-by gas station? Located on the busy intersection where the York neighborhood meets downtown Bellingham, Northwest Fresh Deli and Pizza features tasty (and cheap!) breakfast items on their menu starting first thing in the morning, transitioning into hot and cold sandwiches, pizza, and burritos in the afternoon.

Bonus points: If you stop in for a late morning breakfast, you’ll get a steal of a deal. It’s just $1 for an order of biscuits and gravy after 10:00 a.m.

Northwest Fresh Deli and Pizza
Located inside Chevron Gas Station
310 Lakeway Drive
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-734-8690

Elizabeth Station

Elizabeth Station
Where beer and food meet the convenience of a neighborhood location, you’re going to wish you lived near Elizabeth Station ©WhatcomTalk.

If the last time you visited Elizabeth Station it was a typical neighborhood convenience store, you’ll be amazed at the transformation this modest-appearing space has undergone. The moment you walk in the door, you’ll be in awe of how incredible this neighborhood hotspot is — filled with cooler after cooler of beers, an entire separate room for ciders, food to nosh on while you sip on your favorite pints, and even a play space for kids, you’re going to wish you lived closer. As in, right next door.

Bonus points: If you don’t fill up on the goodies from their menu (get the nachos!), there are plenty of other snacks to choose from. You can even grab a gallon of milk before you head home.

Elizabeth Station
1400 West Holly Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-733-8982
www.estationbeer.com

Silver Beach Grocery

In this corner of the Pacific Northwest, beer counts as food. And when it comes to beer, the Silver Beach Grocery is the place to stop. With an entire wall of local brews on tap, you can take home a growler of your favorite when you’re in too much of a hurry to stop in at the brewery. Or, step into their beer cooler in the back to grab something from their expansive selection of beers and ciders.

Bonus points: They also carry some other local favorites, like Acme Ice Cream, to satisfy the non-beer drinking crowd.

Silver Beach Grocery
609 Northshore Drive
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-734-4615

Pizza’zza

Pizzazza
Straight from the oven to you, grab a slice or an entire pie at Pizza’zza, with two locations in Bellingham. Photo credit: Will Annett.

With two locations in Bellingham — one at the bottom of Alabama Hill and one in Fairhaven — if you’re a pizza lover in Bellingham, you probably already know about the delicious menu at Pizza’zza. Famed for their tasty pizzas, killer grinder subs, and even their burgers, this is the best of the best when it comes to food that you’ll find at a gas station. Pizza’zza sources their ingredients locally and features organic and gluten-free options. You can swing by for a slice or an entire pie — make sure to place your order before you fuel up.

Bonus points: There’s a United States Post Office tucked away in the Alabama Hill location so you can get your mailing done while you wait for your pizza to cook.

Alabama Hill in Yorky’s Market
2418 Alabama Street
Bellingham, WA 98229
360-647-1122

Fairhaven
1501 12th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-756-9322
www.pizzazza.com

Tell us your favorite Whatcom County gas station or neighborhood market to grab a bite to eat!

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