We are excited to announce that the Birch Case Study House, designed by Dan Welch, won the Home of the Year “Best Building Science” award. Dan Welch is the founder of [bundle], LLC, a local design studio in Bellingham. His house, the Birch Case Study House, incorporates many innovative green building elements, such as rainwater catchment, a green roof, composting toilets, and greywater reuse to name a few. Dan Welch is passionate about green design and seeing its implementation in the Bellingham community.
Sustainable Connections has previously partnered with [bundle], LLC for an education and outreach program, creating informative workshops dedicated to green design. The project led to the promotion of green building materials and created an opportunity for the architecture and building community to learn about various green design products and materials.
The Birch Case Study House was also a featured tour stop on the 2015 Imagine This Home and Landscape Tour, an annual event hosted by Sustainable Connections to highlight current green home designs in Bellingham.
Dan Welch is an active member of the community and an advocate of green design. Last year, he helped design the Bellinghamster Wheel for KAPOW, a Sustainable Connection event for creative urban development design. The annual event attracts local designers and creatives, who compete to have their designs brought to life in the Bellingham community.
Watching Whatcom County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Taddonio and his partner K-9 Elliot together, I’m immediately struck by one thing: In this situation — the duo is on the clock but not in pursuit of anyone or anything — it’s very much like a boy and his dog. They’re just playing.
“Atta boy! Good boy!” Taddonio calls out, as Elliot retrieves a tug toy thrown deep into a nearly pitch-dark Barkley Village field. He returns, tail wagging, to where we stand under a streetlight, and drops the toy. He then goes back into the field, to sniff around. “He’s a dog and he’s going to do dog stuff.”
Taddonio whistles to Elliot and lets out a playful: “Yeah, yeah!” Elliot bounds back to us, looking for another toy.
It’s a popular misconception that police dogs are vicious and aggressive. In fact, everything Elliot does with Taddonio is play — even when he’s tracking a suspect or uncovering narcotics.
“Everything we teach them is a game. The satisfaction for him isn’t in biting somebody — we’ve taught him that the body is a toy, so that’s okay,” Taddonio explains. “But when we say the game’s over, it’s over.”
K-9 Elliot is a 75-pound German Shepherd who came to Whatcom County directly from Germany. Photo courtesy: Mike Taddonio.
Elliot, a 75-pound, four-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd, came to Taddonio from Germany two years ago. Most of Whatcom County’s police dogs are imported.
Taddonio was off his regular beat for three months while he and Elliot trained for 400 hours in general patrol and an additional 200 in narcotics. They still spend one day a week strengthening Elliot’s skills.
“We’re almost two years on the road together now,” Taddonio says. “And you do get attached. He’s like one of my kids now, for sure.”
But Taddonio must always be the alpha dog. “We teach them that they’re outstanding,” he says. “They’re the best, the baddest, and not to be afraid of anybody. But I’m the boss and you have to listen to me.”
And when Taddonio clocks out, Elliot is still there.
“Even on my days off, I play with him for a couple hours. He needs that,” Taddonio says. “I grew up with dogs and the temperament of a working dog versus a housedog is night and day.”
Elliot never barks in the car or at Taddonio’s home. “But he whines,” Taddonio says, grinning and shaking his head. “Here’s my tough police dog; he’s crying because he wants out to play.”
Taddonio counts himself lucky to have been teamed up with Elliot. “When I got him he was two-and-a-half, which is a bit older than usual, and he had been doing Schutzhund, a German show sport. A lot of police dogs start out that way.”
Some of the necessary training was already in place and Elliot clearly had the disposition to be an effective police dog.
“Elliot is kind of a goober. He loves to heel, and then he’ll start jumping up, like: ‘Where’s my toy? Where’s my toy?’” Photo credit: Amy K Photography.
But he’s also still a puppy at heart, in some ways.
“Elliot is just kind of a goober. He loves to heel, and then he’ll start jumping up, like: ‘Where’s my toy? Where’s my toy?’ He’s kind of nerdy.”
Goober or not, when it’s time to track a suspect, Elliot does what’s expected of him every time.
“Patrol entails finding lost property, tracking people, searching buildings and areas for people or articles,” Taddonio explains. “Elliot has different commands.” He also searches for narcotics.
“His ability to scent discriminate is phenomenal,” says Taddonio.
In an ideal tracking situation, Elliot is brought to an area in which the suspect was the last person to move through. “So he’s told to find the freshest scent,” Taddonio says. “Once he gets on that, that’s the only scent he follows. It’s amazing to watch.”
A recent track occurred off of Hannegan Road, after a man broke into a business, and then fled behind the building, up a steep hill.
“Elliot goes up the hill and finds the guy’s backpack stashed in the bushes,” says Taddonio. “Without Elliot, we’re not going to find that by just looking. He pushes past it and smells the guy, 150 yards to the north of us.”
The officers, led by Elliot, find the man hidden in trees and bushes, tucked behind a generator box. He comes out without incident once he realizes Elliot is there.
“The guy is his reward; that’s his toy,” Taddonio explains. “And the officer with me has the guy now, so Elliot recognizes this game is over. Now he turns to me, because he knows I always have a toy on me.”
Elliot as a puppy in Germany, before he joined the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Photo courtesy: Mike Taddonio.
All of Whatcom County’s six police dogs — both in the County and in the Bellingham Police Department — have Kevlar vests, thanks to continued support from local companies like Sanitary Service Company.
In fact, generous donations are the reason Elliot is with Taddonio now. “The Chelsey Ebert Foundation donated the money to buy Elliot,” says Taddonio. “That was awesome, and I appreciate it.”
Taddonio says it’s humbling to be an officer with the K-9 Unit.
“It’s such a learning curve. I felt I was pretty good as a cop for my first 10 years, but this is something different. You can’t have an ego. There’s no machismo to it, because you’re constantly humbled — by a dog.”
Taddonio gives Elliot the German command for “heel” as he again tosses his toy into the dark field. “Fuss…fuss…” Elliot sits incredibly still, belly down on the pavement, watching Taddonio closely. His body is taut, itching to go after his beloved toy.
He receives the okay, and Elliot instantaneously jumps while letting out a small yelp.
We both laugh as we watch Elliot disappear from the street lamplight into the dark, and then bring the toy back.
“Pust, pust,” says Taddonio, giving the Czech command for “let go.” Elliot drops the toy at his feet. “Good boy! Wanna show her your high kicks?”
“You do get attached,” says Deputy Taddonio “He’s like one of my kids now, for sure.” Photo credit: Amy K Photography. Photo credit: Amy K Photography.
Taddonio and Elliot practically dance across the parking lot, the dog jumping high on two legs next to his human partner.
“I just love watching that,” says Taddonio when they stop, “because he’s so happy doing it. You can see the joy it creates in him.”
The longevity of any police dog’s career depends on its health. Whatcom County has been lucky, with recent dogs working up to age 10. “That’s huge,” Taddonio says. “Eight is kind of the average.”
And after Elliot hangs up his Kevlar vest for the last time and retires?
“Elliot becomes mine,” Taddonio says, smiling. “He’s not going anywhere.”
If paying $10 a day or $30 a year is a deterrent for adventuring into Whatcom County’s scenic coastal State Parks, try going on a discover free day. No payment or pass is required on these days, meaning you and your family can explore nearby state parks and a plethora of outdoor fun at no cost.
March 19: State Parks’ 103rd birthday
March 26: Saturday Spring Day
April 22: Earth Day
May 8: Sunday Spring Day
June 4: National Trails Day
June 11: National Get Outdoors Day
August 25: National Park Service Birthday
September 24: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
Birch Bay State Park
Clams can be dug up from the sandy shore at Birch Bay State Park.
Birch Bay State Park rests on the coast of the second most northern bay in Washington State. Gentle currents and the wide, flattened shoreline make it an ideal location for clamming.
Birch Bay features several picnic tables with barbecue grills all along the ocean front, as well as deeper into the park under the shade of evergreens. Plenty of picnic areas make it a popular place to gather with friends and family throughout the summer months when the town picks up and comes alive with locals and tourists.
For hiking, enjoy walking along the beach and exploring the Terrell Creek Loop Trail, which showcases native plants and information placards. About halfway through the trail is a bench that overlooks the Terrell marsh, a freshwater estuary that flows between the shore and the forest, dividing the park.
Additional activities of bird watching, crabbing, windsurfing, sailing and swimming can all be enjoyed here, depending on the weather conditions. If you find yourself wanting to come back and stay longer, there is always overnight camping to be enjoyed throughout the year.
Larrabee State Park
Winding along cliffs through evergreens on Chuckanut Drive you’ll ultimately arrive at Larrabee State Park.
Wildlife viewing can be enjoyed from the rocky shore of Larrabee State Park.
Across the road from the Fragrance Lake trailhead is the state park entrance. Once past the welcome station, a right turn leads to the campground, straight goes to a picnic area, and left leads to the day area parking lot.
The day area opens up to a large field stretching out toward an amphitheater, and a playground is tucked in the northeast corner. A long covered day use center houses multiple picnic tables for gathering friends and family. The Burlington Northern Railroad travels directly through the park and can be seen quite easily from this area, offering an exciting up-close experience. A tunnel with a distinctly northwest themed mural passes under the train and leads to a hiking trail.
Heading left on the trail leads to the area’s rocky shoreline, perfect for sunsets and wildlife viewing. The path to the right goes down toward a beach cove in the exact place a creek flows out into Samish Bay. Pebbled shoreline stretches out under gentle ocean ripples and sandstone while sculptural qualities adorn the north cliff side.
A boat ramp accessible from Cove Road can be used during high tide while calm waters and gorgeous views create excellent conditions for memorable canoeing. For a full day of hiking up Chuckanut Mountain, head up the Fragrance Lake trailhead to reach Fragrance Lake, Lost Lake and the Chuckanut Ridge Trail. Both lakes are fishable with a license. With its remote lakes, peace and quiet might be the ultimate catch.
Peace Arch State Park
Peace Arch State Park rests along northwest Washington at the Canadian border. Panoramic views of White Rock, Semiahmoo, Vancouver Island and Boundary Bay can be seen in the distance on a clear day. It’s easy to marvel under the Peace Arch, a large 67-foot arch honoring peace between two countries.
Marvel under the Peach Arch at the Washington State and Canadian Border.
Here, you can enjoy the afternoon strolling along the beautifully maintained gardens. The path at the west end of the parking lot guides past white oak, red sunset maple, weeping katsura, hydrangea and more. Daylilies, roses and dahlias bloom and burst into color throughout the warmer weather. A hedged garden contains Pleasure, Double Delight and Fragrant Cloud rose varieties, to name a few.
Well-placed gazebos, ocean views and landscaping make this park an excellent place for gorgeous family photos and get-togethers. Swing on the swing set. Play horse shoes by the east side of the parking lot, and enjoy a picnic at a table or on the sprawling lawn.
Sculptures ornately decorate the park May through September. Though there is no overnight camping here, the interest of views, gardens, picnics and family fun can leave you coming back the next day for more.
Many might be fooled into thinking that solar isn’t economical considering our dark Pacific Northwest winters. However, local business membership organization Sustainable Connections has teamed up with Whatcom County solar designers, installers and manufacturers to squash that myth by offering free educational workshops throughout the spring. The Solarize Whatcom Campaign intends to streamline the process while passing along significant discounts to homeowners and businesses, all while benefitting the community by supporting the local green economy and equipping Bellingham Food Bank with its very own set of solar panels.
Since 2002, Sustainable Connections has helped locally owned and independently operated Whatcom County businesses thrive through sustainable business practices in support of a strong local economy. “Our work is pretty widespread,” Green Building and Smart Growth Manager, Rose Lathrop, explains. Sustainable Connections’ programs focus on promoting business practices that contribute to a healthy environment and include Food and Farming, Sustainable Business Development, Think Local First, Green Building and Smart Growth, and Energy Efficiency and Renewables.
Workshop attendees learn about all aspects of the process of converting to solar energy. Photo credit: Rose Lathrop.
Sustainable Connections’ Energy Efficiency and Renewables program was recently awarded a grant to bring the Solarize Whatcom campaign to the county, a plan originally developed in 2011 in Portland, Oregon with the Seattle-based non-profit Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (SEED). “Among the goals of Northwest SEED has been an effort to coordinate across jurisdictions to reduce financial barriers associated with solar conversion and installation,” Lathrop explains.
The path to solar is relatively simple, but making an informed decision involves considering a number of factors. Questions are common about the overall process, the available panel and inverter technology, local, federal, and state tax and production incentives, existing architecture and aesthetics, permitting, and financing. “These solarize workshops cover all of this information efficiently so it really streamlines the process for both the homeowners and the installers,” Lathrop notes.
Local Businesses Benefit
Partners of the Solarize Whatcom campaign include three locally owned and independently managed Whatcom County businesses who are also members of Sustainable Connections. “Western Solar and Ecotech are our designers and installers, each with a great reputation,” Lathrop says. “They both agreed to discount pricing for this campaign, as did the panel and inverter manufacturer, Itek Energy.”
Sustainable Connections helps local solar businesses and Bellingham residents support the local economy while harnessing the sun.
Founded in 2011 by John Flanagan, Itek has created more than 75 full-time green jobs in Whatcom County while sustaining the area economy. “Itek is a great company and their presence here eliminates the need for, and the associated cost of, California distributors that previously sourced solar materials from as far away as Japan,” Ecotech Owner and Founder, Dana Brandt, explains. “That reduces the cost to homeowners and the environment by reducing fossil fuels used for transport.”
The Time is Now
State and federal tax and production incentives make solar a solid choice, but the climate is shifting. “Available incentives now include a one-time federal tax credit for 30% of the system cost recently extended through 2019, a state sales tax exemption through mid-2018, as well as the Washington State Production Incentive of $0.54/kiloWatt-hour available through July 1, 2016. Supply and demand has also brought down the overall costs each year,” says Brandt, a Bellingham-native educated in renewable energy in Europe.
But current bills in the Washington Legislature will include revamping in the existing state production incentives, meaning that both home and business owners, as well as installers, will be scrambling to convert as many homes as possible to take advantage of existing rates before they change on July 1, 2016. “It’s a very interesting time in the solar world,” Lathrop says. “We’ll see what happens, but at the end of the day, now is the best time. The financing we set up through Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union offers very low-interest loans and no money down. It’s super easy. If you’ve got a roof, you could have your loan paid back in four-and-a-half years, and then you could be making money after that.”
Ecotech’s crew installs locally-made Itek Energy panels on a Bellingham residence. Photo courtesy: Ecotech.
Turns out, solar is also a wise financial investment for homeowners because it can increase the resale value of their home. “People now recognize the value of solar and so houses with solar are selling faster and for more. That allows for a greater return on the investment, even in the shorter-term of only five or six years,” Lathrop adds.
Hungry Families Benefit Too
A highlight of the Solarize Whatcom campaign is how it will give back to the community for decades to come. “Itek is going to donate one panel for each contract signed, and the installers are going to donate their time and some materials. We’re hoping to get at least 20 to 30 contracts signed so that we can create a pretty big array,” Lathrop says, beaming. “For every $5 the Food Bank isn’t spending on their electricity bill each month, that will provide 50 pounds of food for hungry Bellingham families.
The response to this program has been so impressive that Sustainable Connections has added additional workshops to accommodate interest. Contracts must be signed by April 30 and installation completed by July 1 to receive the discounts and incentives offered in this campaign. “Sustainable Connections’ Community Energy Challenge is another great way to make conscious energy choices. We conduct a thorough energy assessment for local residents and businesses. We then develop a customized energy action plan that includes utility and tax rebates and incentives. Solar is just one piece of that assessment,” Lathrop notes.
The Solarize Whatcom campaign aims to educate and streamline the process to encourage individuals and businesses to make the switch now.
The Solarize Whatcom campaign appears to be a win-win situation for everyone. “We’re not only helping community members save energy, save money, increase property values, and reduce climate change, but we’re also helping our local green businesses — solar designers, manufacturers and installers — really thrive,” Lathrop says. “We’re offering solar at the lowest prices Whatcom County, and probably all of Washington, has ever seen, so this is a really good deal for folks.”
The Healthy Living Center would like to introduce you to Herbal Legends Cannabis, the highly anticipated recreational access point opening up behind our medical clinic. The debut of Herbal Legends marks the first time in Whatcom County that a medical access point has successfully transitioned into the retail market and we couldn’t have done it without your continued support.
We are sending you this letter because we value our relationship with you and want to keep you abreast of our situation as it adapts to the ongoing changes in the cannabis market. First of all, medical access will continue at HLC, albeit with a slightly new name. The Healthy Living Center is now the Healthy Living Clinic and we are actively working with state representatives to preserve the professional, friendly, and discreet medical cannabis access you’ve come to appreciate. In order for us to effectively navigate this ever-changing industry, our core team members will be assisting patients with the transition from the strictly medical Healthy Living Clinic to a medical-recreational hybrid per the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
The Healthy Living Clinic will remain open and operational for as long as possible, with adjusted hours. Our goal is to open Herbal Legends very soon and when we do, Healthy Living Clinic’s business hours will be Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our goal is to preserve the unique experience and care you receive at the Healthy Living Center while adapting to the evolving rules of the cannabis market. We would also like to welcome you to Herbal Legends by extending discounts for our current medical patients at Herbal Legends Cannabis.
HLC was founded in 2011 on an ambitious dream and a passion for this amazing plant and we’ve been thrilled to watch it grow into a destination for safe access and cannabis stewardship. We have worked tirelessly to provide our patients and local providers with a knowledge of the cannabis industry and products that are unattainable through many avenues. We have been faithful members of the Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce and have been awarded TWO Best of the Northwest awards. Additionally, HLC has had our very own, exclusive strains featured in Northwest Leaf and were named the featured dispensary in a recent issue of DOPE magazine.
With the changes in the legislature regarding the merging of the medical and recreational cannabis industries, our efforts are geared towards assuring that after the state-imposed July 1, 2016, deadline, our team members will be able to continue to service our valued medical patients and clients. We understand that change can be uncomfortable, but we are urgently striving to make sure we can provide for our patients to the fullest extent allowed.
As many have noticed, the back portion of our building has gone through a major renovation. It is important to us to support our local economy and we kept our business with local firms such as Fairhaven Floors, West Coast Windows, and Security Solutions. We have installed brand new flooring, repainted the walls, installed new doors and windows, and implemented a state-of-the-art security system. Our recreational facility is 100% ADA accessible, is located directly behind the Healthy Living Clinic, and will continue to experience improvements over the next several months to assure the best experience possible for our clients.
Herbal Legends Cannabis will be open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You’ll see the same friendly faces, and have the opportunity to meet several new team members that we’ve vetted for the past several weeks. It is our mission to be the best purveyors of fine cannabis products in Washington State and servicing our irreplaceable clients and providing them with an unparalleled knowledge of cannabis products is our priority.
Our faithful team members are excited to introduce you to the project we’ve been determinedly working on behind the scenes for the past year. Help us celebrate the legalization of this divine plant by visiting us at Herbal Legends Cannabis when we open our doors soon.
We look forward to seeing you in and continuing our relationship with you!
Film Is Truth's Board of Directors are: Front Row: Anna Haskin, Secretary; Charley Dyer, Treasurer; Emily Marston, Board Member; Dee Dee Chapman; Board Member.
Back Row: Anna Wolff, President; Sam Kaas, Vice President; Karl Freske, Board Member.
For nearly two decades, Film Is Truth has relied on our community, day in and day out. It’s true that we wouldn’t exist without our friends, neighbors, and patrons.
But the phrase “community support” took on an entirely new definition one night in September 2015, when, as midnight approached, dozens of volunteers draped gondola racks filled with DVDs in plastic wrap, pointed them north, and pushed them down the sidewalks through downtown Bellingham, from our former Holly Street location to our new home in the Public Market on Cornwall Avenue.
If there was one moment — one distinct image — that summed up the last twelve months here at Film Is Truth, this would be it.
We knew from the very beginning that 2015 would be a pivotal year for Film Is Truth. However, last year turned out to be more exciting than any of our board members, staff or supporters could have imagined. We became an incorporated non-profit, held a pair of incredible fundraising events, staged an overwhelmingly successful crowdfunding campaign, and, with the help of a team of enthusiastic and well-caffeinated volunteers, moved our entire collection – more than 17,000 DVDs, Blu-Rays and VHS Tapes – to our new location.
We hit the ground running in the first week of January when we became incorporated as a non-profit in the State of Washington. This was our first step toward becoming a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit.
(From left) Volunteer Coordinator, Anna Larson, Manager, Dee Dee Chapman, and employee, Benjamin Owens, work hard to settle in at their new location in the Bellingham Public Market.
In April, we planned our very first fundraising event, celebrating National Poetry Month with an evening of film-themed poetry and music at the Honeymoon in downtown Bellingham. “Every Frame Tells a Story,” featuring performances by Jessica Lohafer, Carol Guess, Scot Casey, Dee Dee Chapman, and the band Falling Up Stairs, was a massive success. In addition to raising more than $500, we were thrilled by the turnout – the event was standing-room-only, and we were able to connect with longtime friends and new supporters alike.
As part of our mission to connect to our community and bring people together over a shared love of movies, we went out on the town this summer, tabling at events all over Bellingham. You might have seen us at Art Walk, the Night Market, the Make.Shift Block Party, the Pickford Rooftop Cinema, or at Western’s Info Fair.
Despite bad weather and a widespread power outage, a crowd came out for our Movie Karaoke Fundraising Event at the Shakedown in late August. Chad Petersen’s Front Porch Swing played an early set that night, and local karaoke legend Aireekah hosted a memorable night of singing – and a little dancing. We raised about $500 to help us in our efforts to relocate the store.
And our Kickstarter campaign, launched in part to help us cover the costs of the move and construction on the new space, turned out better than we could have dreamed, thanks to the many people who contributed and helped spread the word.
We ended up raising $14,543 — exceeding our goal by more than $2,000.
But the big news this year was, of course, our move from our longtime Holly Street location to our new home in the Public Market at 1530 Cornwall Avenue. This is the fourth downtown location Film Is Truth has occupied in our 18 years, and we couldn’t be more excited about the space and its possibilities. We’re centrally located, in a place that is a convenient stop for many of our patrons. The Market features plenty of free parking, and is situated less than a block from the central downtown bus station – a major step forward in our ongoing quest to be more accessible to everyone in our community. The owners of the Public Market and Terra Organic and Natural Foods were supportive and welcoming from the very beginning, helping us to quickly settle in.
And, while the move to this new location didn’t happen magically, it did quite literally happen overnight. Our staff members worked straight through to the next morning, and our die-hard volunteers boxed up DVDs, dismantled shelves, loaned us their pickup trucks and, in that particularly spectacular display of community spirit and creative problem-solving, helped wheel our wire display racks several blocks through downtown Bellingham.
Film is Truth’s collection includes over 17,000 titles and continues to grow.
We opened the next day in our new space. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.
All in all, 2015 was a remarkable year here at Film Is Truth, but we intend to make 2016 an even better one. In the coming year, we’ll be moving forward with our goal to host film clubs in the community space our new location has provided. We’ll continue to organize fun and unique events around Bellingham. And, we’ll keep growing our collection and seeking ways to better serve our patrons. We’ll be engaging with our community in as many ways as possible, so keep an eye out.
None of our accomplishments in the past year would have been possible without the support of our patrons, neighbors, and friends. We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who helped, in ways large and small, to make our first full year as a non-profit such a successful one.
We’re looking forward to doing some great things in the year ahead. We hope you’ll be a part of them.
You are invited to join us again on the red carpet, sip and schmooze, and mingle with the who’s who of Bellingham at Pickford Film Center’s 7th annual Academy Awards viewing party — The Red Carpet Affair. This swanky benefit event sponsors Pickford Film Center’s Education Fund, which provides innovative Media Literacy courses and Doc-ED documentary screenings, free to local middle school students
The Cause
All proceeds from the evening will go to benefit Pickford Film Center’s Education Fund. The Pickford Film Center is expanding K–12 education initiatives by continuing to create new programs that serve our community, and build a new audience of future filmgoers.The Mary Redman Foundation and Pickford Film Center’s Board of Directors have generously presented a $10,000 Challenge Gift for the evening. Come prepared to join together with fellow attendees, and rise to meet this challenge!
The Scene
Enjoy an evening of entertainment with the Pickford Film Center during The Red Carpet Affair — A Benefit Gala for Pickford Film Center’s Education Fund.
Start your evening by making a grand entrance on the Red Carpet — be sure to pose for the flashing cameras of the paparazzi along the way! You’ll be welcomed by our glamorous volunteers who will give you two drink tickets and guide you into the lobby of Pickford Film Center, which will be dressed to the nines itself. Visit the professional photographer to have your gorgeous mug photographed in front of the Pickford Film Center backdrop.
The Flavors
Enjoy a decadent cheese board, passed appetizers and gourmet hot dinner bar by twofiftyflora, featuring an eclectic northwest inspired menu with primarily locally sourced ingredients. The dessert bar will delight both your eyes and your taste buds, and a premium coffee servicewill round out the evening perfectly. The bar will be stocked with special edition wines and sparkling selections, and creative cocktail queen Sara Galacticawill be mixing exclusive themed cocktails, available for a donation.
The Entertainment
Food, drinks and fun are all on the menu during the Pickford Film Center’s Red Carpet Affair — and it’s all for a good cause. Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center.
The broadcast of the 88th Academy Awards will begin at 5:00 p.m. and this begins the evening of entertainment. The awards ceremony will be screening in both cinemas and in the lobby, so grab a seat or feel free to roam around. Intermezzo fun will be dispersed throughout the commercial breaks — so be ready to win prizes with some interactive games, enjoy some live entertainment, and learn more about the story of Pickford Film Center.
Except for the occasional El Niño year, eastern Whatcom County is known as a playground for local winter sports. In addition to skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, getting out for some good old-fashioned sledding is a great way to celebrate the snow. In previous years, the go-to location was off Squalicum Parkway in the center of the former Pacific Concrete Plant. But last year marked the final phase of development transforming the area into one of our newest parks, Squalicum Creek Park. Although this area still has a number of slopes that look ideal for sledding, the City of Bellingham has closed them so that new vegetation can become established and take permanent hold.
In response, we’ve compiled a list of options for families, adventure-seekers, and the young-at-heart to rejoice in the white stuff we’ll get this season. Whether you’re planning to stick to the bunny hills or hoping to pick up some serious speed, these options will prepare you for your next snow day or jump-start planning for your next trip to conquer the mountain.
Fairhaven Park
Mike Duryee from Bellingham reminds us that sledding isn’t just for kids. He’s catching some speed at Mount Baker.
Located off Chuckanut Drive North and marked by historic brick pillars, the expansive, naturally beautiful Fairhaven Park is perfect for first-time and younger sledders eager to dive into the magic. The hills are smaller and the crest is spread out to offer more space and fewer potential collisions. Convenient parking both below and above the hill, as well as the on-site playground with slides and swings, make this park a great option for differing ages and interests. When the fingers and toes begin to get cold, the walk home, or to the car or bus, is short and convenient.
Lake Padden
Although most of the sledding-sized hills around Lake Padden are wooded or too close to the water’s edge, there is an area above the playground that can be accessed using the south entrance near the golf course. Parking is conveniently just above the hill, and the view of the lake, miles of trails, and wildlife make this an excellent anytime stop.
Fairhaven Middle School
Bellingham friends Asa Row and Max Duryee take a break from sledding at Mount Baker to dig their snow cave.
A second common Fairhaven spot is near the soccer fields of Fairhaven Middle School. These moderate-sized, gradual slopes, long run-outs, and wide crests make this spot best for intermediate-level sledders. Parking is available nearby when school is closed or out for the day.
Mount Baker
When you mention sledding, most locals think of Mount Baker first. Although the hour-drive from central Bellingham is more of a commitment, the consistent snow quality and variety of hill heights and slope lengths to suit most ages and skill levels make this the most visited sledding spot in our county. The drive, varying access conditions, and short hike from parking make this less desirable for the tiniest of sledders, but the height, expanse and steepness of the available sledding slopes, wider availability throughout the ski season, and spectacular views make this a favorite destination for adventurers and die-hards. Access to this area is east up Mount Baker Highway toward Mount Baker Ski Area. Between the lower and upper Baker ski lodges, at a 180-degree bend to the left, just across from a chalet, you’ll see a great snow bowl. Park to the right near or just past the chalet, or take the loop drive past the upper ski lodge and park on the downhill side of the bowl. Chains are a general recommendation for the area November 1 through April 1, but you can check changing road and weather conditions here. Allow at least a half-day for this outing, bring your own snacks and hydration, and dress for the weather to make the day great.
Silver Lake Park
The sledding bowl at Mount Baker is a winter wonderland. The landmark chalet can be seen in the background.
Silver Lake Park is a great compromise between city sledding and driving the full distance to Mount Baker. Approximately 30 miles or 45 minutes east on scenic Mount Baker Highway from downtown Bellingham, this park is often quiet and underused in the winter. Although the hills are not high and powerful like Mount. Baker, there may be snow here even when there isn’t any in the city-based areas (elevation is about 775 feet). The roads are usually maintained and rustic cabins are available to turn this trip into a winter weekend getaway.
Don’t Have a Sled?
Support area businesses and buy local. Yeager’s Sporting Goods and Hardware Sales have sold sledding equipment and a wide variety of coats, gloves, hats and boots in the winter months for decades. Or add to your fun by creating your own sled from reclaimed and recycled materials available from the RE Store. Make a one-of-a-kind chariot with a little ingenuity and these Do-It-Yourself ideas from Pinterest and Bob Vila.
One of the best parts of sledding can be the surrounding view. This one is a blustery day at Mount Baker’s sledding bowl.
There’s nothing like the feeling of a crisp breeze in your face and snowflakes in your eyelashes as you glide — or careen — down a hillside blanketed in a fresh Pacific Northwest snowfall. Did we overlook your favorite spot for making those lasting winter memories? Help us out with your suggestions in the comments below and start planning your own winter quest today.
Sehome High School football coach Bob Norvell gave it his best shot at trying to sway star safety Taylor Rapp toward Pullman.
“I would mention Washington State [University] every now and again to him,” said a chuckling Norvell, who was an offensive lineman for the Cougars in the late 1980s, “but I think Taylor knew for a while where he was going to end up. It’s his dream school.”
Rapp, ranked as the No. 6 player overall in Washington and the country’s No.51-ranked safety by Rivals.com, verbally committed to the University of Washington last March, but he made things official in October when he signed his financial aid agreement.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Rapp selected the Huskies over Stanford, Oregon, Notre Dame, Nebraska, USC, UCLA and Arizona State.
Rapp was a four-year starter at Sehome High School where he was an all-state selection as a safety.
“Being close to home was a big part of it. I wanted my family and friends to be able to come see me play, and if I ever just want to come home, it’s a short drive. So, that was really appealing to me,” Rapp said. “I also think coach [Chris] Petersen and his staff are building something special here. It’s something I couldn’t miss out on.”
Rapp has been enrolled since January at UW, having graduated early by loading up on classes at Whatcom Community College during his shortened senior year of high school. The reason for his early enrollment is he can now participate in spring practices — which is becoming more of a trend with incoming freshmen across the country.
“It gives you a huge advantage,” Rapp said about arriving on campus early. “This gives you time to get a little more familiar with the program. You’re not just thrown right into things like you would if you enrolled in the fall. This allows me the opportunity to get adjusted to college both in terms of football and academics.”
With the early enrollment, however, came sacrifices for Rapp, who graduated with a 3.95-grade point average.
Outside his time on the football field during practices, Rapp’s senior year was spent not with his classmates at Sehome, but on the Whatcom Community College campus.
“I gave up a lot. There were times I thought about just enjoying a normal senior year,” Rapp said, “but I think, in the long run, I’m going to benefit from this decision.”
Rapp pictured with UW head football coach Chris Petersen.
Rapp arrived at Sehome as a freshman during Norvell’s first-year with the Mariners and immediately made an impact on the program, forcing Norvell to overlook one of his long-standing coaching philosophies.
“I always believe you have to let players develop. I think they need to be given a chance to mature and work their way up through the program. That’s why when Taylor was a freshman, he initially played JV for us,” Norvell said, “but we couldn’t keep him there. He’s such a dynamic player and he actually would hurt people playing JV. We had to move him up to varsity.”
A four-year starter at Sehome, Rapp quickly earned a reputation as one of the state’s heaviest hitters.
“He plays hard, does everything you ask and hits like a truck,” Norvell said. “He was just a pleasure to coach for four years. I think [UW] is getting a special player and they have some spots open. Taylor could have a chance to see the field early.”
Rapp earned USA Today all levels and Associated Press 2A all-state honors as a senior and received an invite to play in the US Army All-American Bowl following his senior season.
He received his first offer as a sophomore from Montana State.
“I think people initially saw his 40 time and it wasn’t blistering,” Norvell said, “but then they see his shuttle run. He posted one of the fastest times in the nation. His first three steps are as about as fast as you’ll find. He has great instincts.”
Taylor Rapp became the UW’s first recruit from the Class of 2016.
Once UW offered, it appeared the word on Rapp was out as he suddenly received interest throughout the Pac-12 Conference as well as traditional national powers Notre Dame and Nebraska.
As it turned out, none of the other universities could pull Rapp away from the purple and gold.
“I’m still adjusting [to college]. I get homesick, but I am excited for what’s ahead. Academic-wise I get to go to one of the best universities in the country,” Rapp said. “I have a lot of great memories playing under Friday night lights at Sehome. Now I am looking forward to making memories on Saturdays.”
Bellingham artist Nicole Bishopp, wearing an Avalon7 face shield carrying her design. Photo courtesy: Nichole Bishopp.
Nicole Bishopp is an illustrator and painter who never expected to draw or paint. Her passion for years — and first foray into selling her art — was ceramic sculpture, which she studied in college.
But after her son was born five years ago, Bishopp’s sleepless nights turned into inspired doodling with a Sharpie and a new creative obsession.
Those drawings evolved into designing and hand-painting skate decks, snowboards and surfboards. Today, her creations can be purchased on wall panels, textiles, jewelry, phone cases, puzzles and much more. Bishopp also regularly creates custom, commissioned pieces.
Last summer, Bishopp moved to Bellingham from Wenatchee with her husband and son.
“I’d been kind of manifesting the move for awhile,” Bishopp says with a laugh. “I was living in Wenatchee, selling my art there online because there was no art outlet, and I just kept thinking there’s got to be a better place.”
Bishopp says her designs are inspired by the ocean, mountains and concrete waves. Photo courtesy: Nicole Bishopp.
Bellingham and Mount Baker beckoned, a perfect place for Nicole and her outdoor-loving family.
“It’s been phenomenal,” Bishopp says. “I put out so many intentions that this was the place for me that when I got here I was just full of happiness.”
Before moving to Bellingham, Bishopp completed a degree in fine art and opened a pottery business.
“That worked out well until my husband and I started traveling and moving around a lot, and that put everything on hold,” she says. “I stopped art for awhile and didn’t get back into it until I had my son.”
Bishopp didn’t like drawing or painting in college — in fact, she thought she was terrible at both. “I’ve always been three-dimensional, more hands-on creative,” she says.
But when she struggled with postpartum depression, Bishopp bought a pack of Sharpies and began to doodle as a form of relaxing therapy.
Before moving to Bellingham from Wenatchee last year, Mount Baker beckoned Bishopp and her outdoor-loving family. Photo courtesy: Nicole Bishopp.
“The Sharpie art came about because Sharpies are really cheap. They’re a hard marker and they just last,” she explains. “And they’re fun to use because it’s a nice contrast and you can really get a dark dark.”
Bishopp’s detailed, swirling doodles — which she describes as inspired by the ocean, mountains and concrete waves — began to get noticed.
“People were like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s amazing. Can I buy it?’” Bishopp says, laughing. “I was like, ‘You want to buy that?’”
She didn’t truly see the appeal of the work until a friend told her to really look through all her drawings — and start adding color.
“I started with digital coloring,” Bishopp says, “and then I won a graphic contest for Revolution Snow and Skate in Wenatchee and decided to hand paint. I needed to get dirty.”
As soon as Bishopp completed that first skateboard, she knew it was the direction in which she wanted to go.
“I love skating and snowboarding and thought I might as well put surfboards in there too,” she says. “Todd Fischer, surf artist and friend, asked me to sell my stuff over in Westport, and I sold everything. It was amazing. He showed me that I could do this and it was completely possible.”
Bishopp’s designs appear on OZ Snowboards, in Heckler Magazine, on Avalon7 accessories, and more. Photo courtesy: Nicole Bishopp.
Seattle group RAW Artists took on Bishopp and set her up with a show in San Diego.
“As soon as you hit California, everybody thinks you’re somebody,” she says. “But I was just starting out! One guy wanted to license t-shirts. It just went crazy.”
“But I’m not here to just design snowboards for a living,” Bishopp says. “What makes my living are my collectors and my commission work.”
Ask if Bishopp is pleased with where her art has brought her today and she doesn’t hesitate: “I’m completely satisfied,” she says. “This is a dream come true!”
Bishopp’s snowboard designs are on display in the window of the Mt. Baker Snowboard Shop. Photo courtesy: Nicole Bishopp.
She’s confident that if she puts the intention out there — for further inspiration, more clients, bigger challenges — it’s going to happen.
“I have to be careful what I ask for because I don’t want to be overwhelmed,” she says. “And I think that’s true for anybody: If you really want it badly enough and you ask for it, it will happen. You just have to know you’re ready.”
You can currently find Nicole Bishopp’s painted skateboards and other items locally at the Mt. Baker Snowboard Shop. Visit her online store to peruse an array of products or contact her directly for custom commissioned pieces.
