Monday, July 14, 2025
Facebook Mail RSS

Introduce Your Kids to the Slopes with Mount Baker Powder Pups Ski Program

By
Laura Rogers
-
Spending time with your kids at the mountain is a great way to reconnect and get some exercise too

For snow lovers, Christmas came early this year. Our majestic Mount Baker is open for the ski and snowboard season, and with lots of fresh snow and fantastic conditions, you’ll hear rousing cheers all around. For parents of young children however, this news can evoke loud sighs and fond memories of when skiing was a regular part of their lives. But wait — did you know it’s now possible to take your young children skiing at Mount Baker (and get yourself a lift ticket, too) without breaking the bank?

Parents and kids can learn together in the 4-week course, Dads, Moms & Groms.
Parents and kids can learn together in the 4-week course, Dads, Moms & Groms.

Yep, it’s a beautiful truth called the Powder Pups program. Active parents everywhere who’ve been looking for their long-lost freedom and frivolity can now score half price lift-tickets just for bringing their little ones along (ages 6 and under ski free!). And this isn’t the only brilliant offer for kids and families at Baker this year. It’s now easier than ever before for kids and parents to get up to the mountain and learn to ski or snowboard.

Powder Pups arose out of the conundrum parents face when they spend several hours of their ski day dressing, teaching and helping their child on the mountain. Afterward, maybe one parent can break free for some sweet adult-only runs, but by the time they’re able to hit the slopes on their own, most don’t want to buy a full-price ticket. Enter Powder Pups. If your child is between 4 and 6 years old, which also happens to be prime learn-to-ski years, you’re in luck. Up to four adults can be designated as the Powder Pups family and two adults (age 18+) can take advantage of the deal in a given day. Once registered for the program, a parent should bring their 4 to 6 year old to a ticket window after 11:00 a.m. to receive a half-price ticket.

Ready to sign up your little one, or as they say at Baker, “Bring a little ripper, leave a little richer”? Parent and child must go together to the Mount Baker business office, located at 1420 Iowa Street in Bellingham, with proper documentation for both to sign up. At the office, you will receive a Powder Pups card and be required to sign a release form. The card is good for 10 adult half-price tickets per child per year. Remember, children ages 6 and younger ski free. If a Powder Pup kid comes to the mountain seven times in a season, he or she can earn a $30 voucher toward a first child season pass.

Mount Baker
The gentle, open slope outside Heather Meadows is the perfect place for kids to try their ski-legs for the first time.

As the mother of a 3 and 5 year old, Mount Baker’s Marketing Director, Amy Trowbridge, doesn’t just plan awesome programs at the mounting, but she knows firsthand how important it is to keep skiing and boarding accessible and affordable for families. “We’ve had an amazing start to the season,” Amy says. “We opened November 19, which is even earlier than our average. Conditions and visibility have been great, especially for those who are learning. For beginners, we have something for everyone — from the gentle sloping hill outside the Heather Meadows Lodge (where many kids take their first runs), to the free Handle Tow, to the beginning chair lift. For programs (just to name a few), there are Powder Pups, Dad’s Moms and Groms, Snow School, Best for Beginners, Komo Kids, and don’t forget that all fifth graders ski free this year.”

Dads, Moms & Groms

This class series for 5 and 6 year olds and their parents not only teaches kids essential ski and snowboard skills, but it teaches parents how to teach their children as well. “I am planning on doing the class this year because I actually have no idea how to teach my daughter to ski,” Amy says. Even seasoned skiers can feel lost when it comes to instruction. The class is a four-week session starting mid-January and meets every Saturday or Sunday. Kids are grouped by age and ability and meet with the same instructor each week, making the series both fun and welcoming.

Komo Kids

Young children enjoy lessons from expert instructors at Mount Baker.
Young children enjoy lessons from expert instructors at Mount Baker.

Designed for young skiers and snowboarders ages 7 to 15, Komo Kids derives its name from the native name for Mount Baker, Komo Kulshan. This program is tried and true, as it’s been a Mount Baker staple for over 40 years. Komo Kids follows a similar format to Dads, Moms & Groms, but parents don’t come to class and classes and the entire series run a little bit longer. Sign up before January 1 and save $30 on the series.

Best for Beginners

Best for Beginners is an economical way for a newbie to spend a day at the mountain. For kids and adults ages 7 and up, Best for Beginners includes a group lesson, rental gear, and an all-day beginner lift ticket. All this for the low price of $49.

Regardless of which track you take, the beginner chair lift is a perfect place for kids to start learning how to ride the ski lifts. “I love how the beginner lift goes nice and slow and has a safety bar to lower down,” Amy says. “It offers my kids a break and a chance for a snack. It has also become somewhat of a tradition for my kids and I to look for various animal tracks while we’re up there.”

Gear Rental

For nearly everyone new to the sports of skiing and snowboarding, they need to rent gear. Luckily, Mount Baker has good prices on rentals and some great packages to go along with the various class series. The standard kids rental package comes with skis, bindings, ski boots and poles for $20 for kids under 6 years old, and $28 for kids ages 7 to 15. Add a ski helmet for another $9. Be sure to check the specific rental package deals under each class series description. For instance, if your little one is signed up for Dads, Moms & Groms, you can score kids rentals for $60 for the four-week program.

The beginner chairlift is intentionally slow, to give kids a break and make sure they get on and off safely.
The beginner chairlift is intentionally slow, to give kids a break and make sure they get on and off safely.

Rental boots at Mount Baker begin at a children’s size 10.5. For children or toddlers with smaller feet, it’s possible to buy skis with stretchy bindings, where the child can wear their own snow boots. Yeager’s Sporting Goods in Bellingham also offers ski and snowboard rental gear. Yeager’s rental prices are comparable, and the rental length is always 48 hours, which allows the convenience of picking up the day before your trip to the mountain.

Introducing your children to skiing or snowboarding is a great way to spend time together outdoors during the winter months. However, it’s important to give your kids lots of breaks to warm up, which is why Amy stresses, “The most important feature of any trip to the mountain is the hot cocoa break.”

 

Nominations, Entries Sought for Sustainability Awards

By
LocalTalk Contributor
-

Submitted by Sustainable Connections

Sustainable Connections is seeking nominations and entries for the 14th annual Sustainability Champion Awards. Members of the public can nominate a Sustainable Connections business who is a pioneer in our local economy to receive a Sustainability Award.

Drawn from the four tenets of Sustainable Connections’ mission, the awards congratulate leaders in promoting a Strong Community, Healthy Environment, Meaningful Employment and Thinking Local First as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award for leaders making positive changes within their business and the greater community.

The Strong Community Award recognizes a Sustainable Connections business that actively engages our community, leads by example, and gives back. They are strong collaborators and openly share their knowledge with others.

The Healthy Environment Award goes to a Sustainable Connections business that measures their triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, profit) and inspires others to implement sustainable business practices in their own business.

The Meaningful Employment Award is given to a Sustainable Connections business that provides employment opportunities to engage employees, provide livable jobs and plan for the future.

The Buying Local First Award recognizes a Sustainable Connections business that promotes a strong and diverse local economy.  They have also increased awareness about the personal, community and economic benefits of choosing local first.

The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2016. A directory of Sustainable Connections Businesses, previous year’s winners and a short online nomination form can be found on the organizations website at www.SustainableConnections.org. Nomination forms are also available at Sustainable Connections’ office at 1701 Ellis St, Ste 221 in Bellingham.

The awards will be presented at an annual awards ceremony held in February. The winning businesses will receive a custom engraved wood plaque, promotional photos taken at their place of business, media exposure and the hard earned recognition of their contribution to a local lively economy.

Kathy Green — A Look at Life at Sea, Life on Land

By
Theresa Golden
-
Kathy Green
Kathy Green stands next to her colorful sample balls of Potluck Roving.

 

What do Widehand hermit crabs and Romney sheep have in common? The answer is most likely Kathy Green — marine biologist, teacher, Marine Life Center Advisory Board member, and owner of Ferndale Fiber.

When Captain Jacques Cousteau stepped onto the Calypso for his five-year exploration at sea, he was also inspiring one Bellingham middle school student, Kathy Green, to become a marine biologist.

Once an outdoor fountain, the Observation Pool is the Marine Life Center’s largest aquarium.
Once an outdoor fountain, the Observation Pool is the Marine Life Center’s largest aquarium.

Kathy’s first adventures at sea were sailboat racing with her father aboard the Gypsy Rose. “It was a big fleet that raced on Wednesday nights out on Bellingham Bay,” Kathy says. “We had a crew of guys – and me. It was really fun.”

It was during her sailboat racing days that Kathy met her future husband, Dave Green. “He was racing on a boat that belonged to one of the teachers at Bellingham High School,” Kathy says, “and he saw me and came over and asked me out.” The high school sweethearts married at ages 19 and 20.

As a college student at Western Washington University with an interest in marine biology, Kathy spent a lot of her time at the Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes. Kathy studied biology at the undergraduate level and marine biology at the graduate level before going on to teach laboratories and a 400 level biology class for a university instructor who was on medical. It was during this time that Kathy discovered her love for teaching.

While earning her Masters degree, Kathy taught courses at Whatcom Community College and became involved with the Marine Life Center, initially working on her thesis in the back room. It was here that she first started studying the molting patterns of the Widehand hermit crab.

The Marine Life Center is open daily with free admission and features a variety of local marine life.
The Marine Life Center is open daily with free admission and features a variety of local marine life.

Kathy’s question was if the Widehand hermit crabs would continue to grow and get bigger even if they didn’t have larger shells. To find out more, Kathy started to experiment and observe. “I isolated some [crabs] with empty snail shells they could move into and some without and then watched to see what size they would get. If there were larger snail shells to move into they would grow larger in their whole body but if there wasn’t then just the parts that hung out of the snail shell would grow bigger. Their claws would get bigger but their body would stay the same,” she explained.

While working on her thesis, Kathy was invited to join the Advisory Board of Directors for the Marine Life Center, where she has currently served for more than 20 years.

After completing her graduate studies, Kathy continued to teach at Whatcom Community College. And over the years, she partnered with Whatcom Community College colleague Sue Weber and Western Washington University biology professor Burt Weber to provide educational tours to middle school students around Whatcom County.

Kathy Green
Kathy Green currently keeps a small flock of six Romney sheep.

For 13 years, Kathy worked as a part-time biology instructor, so when Sue, a full-time biology instructor at the college, retired, Kathy was hopeful of filling the position. However, when the position was filled by another applicant, Kathy decided to resign and embark upon a new career path — Ferndale Fiber.

Kathy’s first Romney sheep, Sofie, is what started her on the gradual journey into the world of fiber processing. “We had to have her sheared and I thought, ‘I can’t throw this wool away. I have to do something with it.’ So then I went and took a spinning class and learned how to process and spin,” she explains. “I knew about fiber processing because I had stuff sent off to be processed. So I thought, well maybe I could do that.”

Kathy did some research, bought a little machine, and began processing fiber for people. She toured mills with her husband, a fellow Marine Life Center Advisory Board member and president of Acme Valley Foods, to gain knowledge of the industry and was later given the opportunity to buy an industrial sized carding machine from a mill in Oregon that was going out of business.

Kathy Green
Kathy is currently processing “Paradise” roving on her industrial sized carding machine.

Weighing nine tons, the carding machine was originally shipped from the East Coast to the Oregon mill around 1925. From Oregon, it travelled by Semi Truck and moved with a forklift to Kathy and Dave’s workshop in Ferndale. At this time, Kathy stopped custom processing and began dying wool to process for wholesale instead.

Working part time at her own business allowed Kathy to be involved with her children while they were in school. “It was fun raising the kids on a farm with sheep and they would get to see lambs born,” Kathy says. “They would help out and do stuff around the farm. I think that was good for kids.” But now that her children are grown, Kathy says she’s ready for a change and plans to sell her Ferndale Fiber business.

From the sea to the land, Kathy has always found herself working with animals. As she looks ahead to the next chapter of her life, she’s not yet sure where exactly she will end up, but like the Widehand hermit crab, she will take on a new adventure and continue to grow.

 

ACME Farms + Kitchen Offers Weekly Locavore Boxes and Holiday Fare to Be Shared Far & Wide

By
Stacee Sledge
-
The ACME Farms + Kitchen Founders' Favorite Box is one of four special holiday boxes that can be shipped anywhere in the United States. Photo credit: Tiffany Brooks Photography.

 

In 2011, Bellingham friends Cara Piscitello and Joy Rubey’s young children were reaching that stage of eating real food — the meals moms and dads also ate — and both women grew increasingly concerned with the quality of food on offer.

“We wanted to know where it was coming from and make sure we were feeding them the best food that we could,” says Piscitello.

The duo developed ACME Farms + Kitchen as a way to easily shop for local, farm-fresh items without having to make multiple stops — from farmers market to co-op, grocery store to individual farms.

ACME Farms + Kitchen provides an easy way to shop local for farm-fresh foods without having to make multiple stops. Photo credit: Tiffany Brooks Photography.
ACME Farms + Kitchen provides an easy way to shop local for farm-fresh foods without having to make multiple stops. Photo credit: Tiffany Brooks Photography.

ACME Farms + Kitchen morphed into offering consumers weekly Locavore Boxes, which still provides all the great local options, but pairs them with recipes and a meal plan. They can be ordered online just once or on a weekly or bi-weekly subscription basis. Other box options include a paleo option, salad kit, produce and more.

Just peruse this lengthy list of fantastic farmers, ranchers, fishers and artisans that ACME Farms + Kitchen works with.

“For veggies, we work with Osprey Hill Farm, Moondance Farm, Hopewell Farm, Hedlin’s Farm — there are so many,” Piscitello says. “We get our meat through Crown S Ranch in Winthrop and our eggs through a bunch of great suppliers, including Prairie Road Farm and McIntyre Family Farm.”

Bread comes from Breadfarm and cheeses from Samish Bay Cheese and Golden Glen Creamery.

“It’s impossible to list them all — we have so many great suppliers,” Piscitello says with a laugh.

In developing the Locavore Box, ACME Farms + Kitchen also created regular, large orders their vendors can count on.

“We order close to 300 packages of pasta from Bellingham Pasta Company every week,” Piscitello says. “They know that’s coming and that’s guaranteed income. We can map forecasts and plans and arrange things with our vendors and they’re not left surprised.”

ACME Farms + Kitchen also operates year-round. “Having that year-round income is nice for those folks,” she says.

ACME’s large boxes contain meat, fish, bread, cheese, pasta, dairy and eggs, combined with produce and includes detailed recipes to turn everything in the box into five different dinners that feed 3 to 4 people.

The company started in Acme, when Piscitello and Rubey worked only with Moondance Farm, which is located there. They used an old church as a packing facility.

“We quickly realized that bringing all the food from Bellingham out to Acme, packing it in boxes, and then driving it back to Bellingham to deliver to people was not efficient,” Piscitello says. “So we moved into town.”

Their next space was in downtown Bellingham, and now ACME Farms + Kitchen is in the Irongate area off Hannegan Road.

A weekly e-newsletter goes out on Fridays, giving customers information about the following week’s boxes. Orders are due every Monday by 10:00 a.m. and are ready for pick-up or delivery (for an additional cost of between $5 and $8) on Thursday.

ACME Farms + Kitchen has grown into Seattle and will soon expand to Portland.

For the holidays, ACME Farms + Kitchen has pulled together special boxes that are perfect to give as gifts — in person or through the mail.

The ACME Farms + Kitchen Founders' Favorite Box is one of four special holiday boxes that can be shipped anywhere in the United States. Photo credit: Tiffany Brooks Photography.
The ACME Farms + Kitchen Founders’ Favorite Box is one of four special holiday boxes that can be shipped anywhere in the United States. Photo credit: Tiffany Brooks Photography.

“We have five different holiday boxes that are meant to help people break away from the traditional, mass-produced gift boxes,” says Piscitello. “It’s something truly different.”

“For individuals who want to send gifts to out-of-state family or across the country, it’s a great way to show your hometown pride,” she says. “Just look at all this great stuff we have in our region!”

For businesses, it’s a fantastic way to show clients or colleagues that you support your local economy and gift local.

The Founders’ Favorite Box ($80) is chock full of Piscitello and Rubey’s absolute favorite things: an ACME Farms + Kitchen tea towel (printed by Red Boots Design), Not Without Salt cookie mix, Theo salted almond chocolate bar, Jon Boy Salted Caramels, Flying Bird Botanicals Farm + Forest Tea, Spielman Bagels Bagel Chips, Vincent Family Farms Dried Cranberries, Olympia Provisions Pepperettes, and Moon Valley Organics Moon Melt Lotion Bar.

Piscitello says the Savory Snacks Box ($45) is a good respite from all the holiday sweets. With Dakota black popcorn from Lonesome Whistle Farm, housemade kale popcorn seasoning, a Thyme + Season hummus kit, housemade rosemary roasted nuts, Olympia Provisions salami, and Spielman Bagels Bagel Chips.

Keep things toasty with the Warm & Cozy Box ($35), which offers Quin Magic Cocoa Mix, Quin Vanilla Marshmallows, and Breadfarm Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread.

Are your taste buds taking notice yet? Read on.

The Rise & Shine Box ($65) brings together Bitter Baker Overnight Waffle Mix, Flying Bird Botanicals Irish Breakfast Tea, Bellingham Coffee Roasters Viking Blend, Pipitone Farm Dried Peaches, Woodinville Whiskey Co. Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup and Raven Breads Granola.

New this year is the Bartender’s Box ($65), which comes with a load of fun accoutrement for making cocktails: Jacobsen Sea Salt Bloody Mary Rimming Salt, Bitter Housewife Aromatic Bitters, Bradley’s Tonic Syrup, Raft Lemon Ginger Simple Syrup, and Stopsky’s Brandied Cherries.

“I think we’re all always struggling for that unique gift to give someone and not do the same old same old,” Piscitello says. “Also, the more money we spend locally strengthens our economy and supports all these independent producers.”

Of course, that’s ACME’s goal throughout the year, evident in everything they do.

“But there’s so much money spent during the holiday season,” Piscitello continues. “Any small percentage we can capture back into our community is a great thing.”

Quantities are limited for holiday boxes; so if any sound ideal for recipients on your holiday list, act fast. “When they’re gone, they’re gone,” Piscitello says, smiling.

Mail orders to be shipped anywhere in the U.S. must be placed by December 18 and the last delivery day for Whatcom County and Seattle is December 23.

For more information, visit the ACME Farms + Kitchen website or call 360-325-1903.

 

Bellingham Duo Don Santa and Mrs. Claus Costumes During the Holidays, Clown Around the Rest of the Year

By
Stacee Sledge
-
Santa and Mrs. Clause
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Holiday Port Festival on December 2, 3 and 4. Photo credit: Mark Turner | TurnerPhotographics.com.

 

Zig Zag & Ragz
Cameron and Alyse met in Pennsylvania before moving to Whatcom County, and then marrying in 1997. Photo courtesy: Cameron Stewart.

Cameron Stewart and Alyse Axford don’t live double lives — they live triple ones.

By day, Cameron works as the production manager at Speedy Automated Mailers and Alyse is a certified Zumba and Zumba Kids & Zumba Kids Jr. instructor who volunteers at the Bellingham branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County.

But throughout the year, the duo performs as clowns under the moniker Zig Zag and Ragz Z Clowns — and come holiday season, Santa and Mrs. Claus also come out to play.

So, which came first?

“The clowns,” Cameron says with a laugh. He took his first clown class back in 1987, in Pennsylvania, when his then-wife suggested it. “She signed me up for an adult evening class because I was a truck driver and licensed gun dealer, and she thought I needed to do something fun.”

Cameron and Alyse would eventually meet at a North Penn Clown Alley meeting, ultimately move to Whatcom County, and marry in 1997 in a clown-themed wedding on Friday Harbor, broadcast live on 92.9 KISM.

Alyse was drawn to an adult evening clown class through a desire to learn more about the differences between American and European clowns. The instructor taught several styles: whiteface, Auguste, character, hobo and tramp.

Zig Zag & Ragz
Zig Zag & Ragz make appearances at parties, corporate events, and more. Photo courtesy: Cameron Stewart.

“I’m an Auguste clown,” Alyse says, when describing her Zig Zag character. “It shows the flesh tone and is German for ‘silly.’”

The couple’s clown club volunteered at nursing homes, hospitals and a variety of charities.

“That’s where we got our feet wet,” says Alyse, “going out as a group and learning the ropes.”

Nowadays, you find Zig Zag (Alyse) and Ragz (Cameron) entertaining at parties, corporate events and the occasional festival. Their events include balloon creations, face painting, silly magic tricks and much more.

Clowning is serious business for this couple, members of Clowns of America International and the World Clown Association, who have continued their education under numerous professionals and organizations.

Santa Claus came along a bit later.

“I developed Santa Claus first because of the beard and everything,” says Cameron, who has long had a real beard (albeit shorter than Santa’s) and long, mostly gray hair. He began by doing video Santa jobs, speaking to kids around the world via computer.

“I always said to him, ‘Whenever you want a Mrs. Claus, I’ll be there,’” Alyse says with a laugh.

Santa and Mrs. Clause
Photographer Mark Turner will take photos of children with Santa again this year at the Holiday Port Festival. Photo credit: Mark Turner | TurnerPhotographics.com.

One of Cameron’s first Santa gigs was playing the Jolly Old Elf at the Port of Bellingham’s Holiday Port Festival, which he and Alyse have now been attending in costume for several years, working with Mark Turner of Turner Photographics.

“You have to have thick skin to do it,” Cameron says, recalling the many heart-wrenching questions he hears, such as: Can you bring my Daddy home for Christmas?

Cameron is quick with a stock answer for the tough requests: “I’ll see what my elves can do.”

Alyse’s role is to find out the children’s names, and then direct them to Cameron for a chat and photo.

“When they’re done, I give them a candy cane and sticker,” she explains. “I’m there to make sure everything’s flowing right.”

The couple sees hundreds of children every year.

“There’s one family that has been back every year, so we’re watching those kids grow up,” Cameron says. “And we see generations. I’ve got a collection of Christmas lists I’ve saved over the years.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus also go to people’s homes and make other private visits. As they’ve become busier locally, Cameron has done less video work. “Last year we got so busy that I only spent 20 to 30 hours doing video Santa, as opposed to over 60 hours the year before.”

Whether it’s in their roles as clowns or the Claus couple, Cameron and Alyse always take the soft approach.

A favorite story of Cameron’s involves Zig Zag and Ragz surprising a family with young kids for a party in Anacortes. All the children hid behind the Mom’s skirt.

Santa and Mrs. Clause
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on hand again this year at the Holiday Port Festival. Photo credit: Mark Turner | TurnerPhotographics.com.

“We set up and I started making balloons,” Cameron recounts. “One by one, slowly, the kids started coming to us. That’s how education works; they will come to you eventually.”

“We don’t come in yelling,” says Alyse.

Cameron describes a recent television commercial for Walmart, which includes a clown laughing and screaming in a person’s face. He looks personally affronted at the memory.

“No, no,” he says. “I’ve had people who have said, ‘Hey, I want you to come over and scare my friend.’ Nope, not doing it — that’s not our job.”

Cameron approaches Santa Claus the same gentle way. “If I’m sitting down at their level, I’m not scary,” he says. “And Mrs. Claus isn’t scary at all.”

A favorite moment in all their years of entertaining children young and old took place last year around Christmastime, when they were asked to visit a young boy who was dying.

“The parents and caretaker, the sister was there, nobody was bedridden,” Alyse remembers. “Everyone was up and in a good mood.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus got him to smile and presented him with a bevy of gifts. “We had them in our bags, and we just brought them out, gift after gift after gift,” she continues.

“It was one of his better days,” Cameron says, smiling at the memory. “A friend of the family contacted us and we did it for no cost. We went and made somebody happy.”

Santa and Mrs. Clause
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Holiday Port Festival on December 4, 5 and 6. Photo credit: Mark Turner | TurnerPhotographics.com.

The couple has often worked with terminally ill children. Rather than focus on how hard a situation is, they find the fun and lighten the mood.

“You go in there and know you’re going to do something fun and you see the smile and you just go with that,” Cameron says. “It’s all about being in the moment. They’re happy, having a good time, and so are we.”

Check out the Zig Zag and Ragz Z Clowns Facebook page for more information about both their clown and Claus events, and to see examples of their balloon creations.

 

Bellingham Markets and Etsy Sellers Have It All for the Holidays

By
Laura Rogers
-
The holidays are upon us. This year, gift your friends and family members with handcrafted items created by local artisans.

 

By Laura Rogers

The holidays are upon us. This year, gift your friends and family members with handcrafted items created by local artisans.
The holidays are upon us. This year, gift your friends and family members with handcrafted items created by local artisans.

We live in a place bursting with talented local artisans peddling endless holiday treasures to behold. For those unfamiliar with shopping local for the holidays, it’s easier than you think. There are holiday markets where you can check-off everyone on your list in one place, or, if you prefer holiday shopping in your p.j.’s from your laptop, you can do that locally, too. There are local artisans on Etsy (a handmade online marketplace) whose amazing products are just a click away.

Whatever your shopping style: downtown, farmers market, online, or artists market, we’ve got you covered with convenient and novel ideas. Your friends and family will be thoroughly impressed by your local shopping savvy!

Local Markets 

Holiday Festival of the Arts

Allied Arts’ Holiday Festival of the Arts is a local favorite. Tried and true is an understatement. This stellar seasonal arts market has been going strong for 36 years. And this year it will be open for a full five weeks, showcasing more than 100 artisans and craftspeople. Katy Tolles, the artist coordinator for the event, comments that “for those who seem to have everything, you can find that special item by shopping locally for one-of-a-kind handmade items at Allied Arts!” The market even features Friday and Saturday night happy hours this year from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., along with live music.

Holiday Festival of the Arts
4145 Meridian Street
Bellingham, WA
www.alliedarts.org/holiday-festival-2015

santa bellingham
Horse-drawn carriage rides and visits from Santa during the Fairhaven Holiday Festival make gift shopping just a little bit more magical.

November 20 through December 24
Open 7 days a week
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Fairhaven Holiday Festival

Fairhaven Holiday Festival is a two-day, fun-filled, family friendly shopping experience. And it couldn’t be held in a more picturesque setting. Fairhaven’s ornate, historic buildings and stately streetlights and cobblestone roads beg for twinkly lights and holiday shoppers. From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, there will be an Art Walk including most Fairhaven businesses. Santa will be present on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Fairhaven Gazebo on 10th and Harris. There will also be a tree lighting, a high school sining troupe, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more. Find all your gifts in this picture perfect two-day festival.

Fairhaven Holiday Festival
Fairhaven, Village Green
www.fairhaven.com/event/fairhaven-holiday-festival-art-walk

November 27 and 28
Hours: 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Farmers Market and 2nd Annual Pop Up Gift Market

Some folks don’t realize how lucky we are to have a Farmers Market that goes all the way through December. There’s truly no better place get your week’s dinner fixings, get your holiday shopping done, and see everyone you know. Our amazing, award-winning Farmers Market will be going strong , with more than 100 participating vendors, every Saturday through December 19.

bellingham farmers market
The Bellingham Farmers Market doubles as a Pop-Up Gift Market for the second year in a row.

In addition, on Friday December 4, the Farmers Market will be teaming up with Downtown Bellingham Partnership and the City of Bellingham to present the 2nd Annual Pop Up Gift Market. This will conveniently be held the same night as the Downtown Art Walk and Tree Lighting. The heart of Bellingham will be full of holiday cheer.

Farmers Market
Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave.
Hours: Every Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Pop Up Gift Market
Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave.
Hours: December 4, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Buy Local Shopping Guide 

Sustainable Connections is once again offering its annual Buy Local for The Holidays shopping insert, which will be available after Thanksgiving in select print publications and online. This year’s guide is even more exciting, as Sustainable Connections is offering a Holiday Shopping Passport. Completed passports will be entered into a drawing to win a grand prize of 31 gift cards to local businesses, totaling approximately $775. That’s one gift card for every day of the month. Now there’s an incentive to buy local, if I’ve ever heard one!

A Few of My Favorite Things, On Etsy 

If you’ve not broached the handmade treasure trove that is Etsy, your hipster soul hasn’t lived. But before you go and lose yourself in it’s 36 million items for sale, be sure to check out these local Etsy artisans listed below. No need to get dressed to get your holiday shopping done this year.

Moss Bags 

The Buttercup Bucket Bag is a slouch bag made from genuine leather so it wears in, not out. Photo courtesy: Moss Bags.
The Buttercup Bucket Bag is a slouch bag made from genuine leather so it wears in, not out. Photo courtesy: Moss Bags.

The funky fresh purses and carrying cases that Moss Bags’ creator makes are sure to please the most discriminating fashion-lover on your list. The bright pops of color, buckles, contrast stitching and even well-tailored fringe on her genuine leather bags make Moss Bags a perfect fit for the modern, yet easy-going individual.

Moss Bags’ super talented owner and seamstress, Julie Simon, started her business in 2013, and when asked about this place we live, she said, “I just love my community. Whatcom County has been completely supportive since the beginning! My surroundings have influenced and helped define my style.”

After looking through Julie’s Etsy shop, I can see how it would be hard to narrow down the choices. Julie has given me her two current favorite items to help in this dilemma. She said, “My favorites are The Fringe Clip with Ring —I never lose my keys now that there’s fringe attached. And also the Mossy Messenger Bag — It combines function and fashion. It’s my daily go-to, but also my carry-on when traveling.”

Moss Bags will be at Allied Arts this holiday season. Julie also sells her bags at Sojourn in downtown Bellingham.

Margotbianca 

Margot Myers creates gorgeous linens and fabrics, and her skill and dedication to tradition in the way she makes them show through immediately. In her company (and Etsy shop), Margotbianca, Margot uses the traditional hot wax style to create her beautiful batik pieces. This involves dyeing fabric in small batches, by soaking and boiling her fabric. The care she puts into her work shows through in the finished product. If you are looking for unique table runners, tea towels, napkins, and more, look no further. Margot shares that one of her favorite batik patterns right now is the new leaf pattern. “It’s bold and elegant, and seems to work well with fall fruits and colors,” she says.

Many of the items Margot Myers produces are made with organic fibers. Photo courtesy: Margotbianca.
Many of the items Margot Myers produces are made with organic fibers. Photo courtesy: Margotbianca.

Margot began making fabrics professionally about 10 years ago. She has recently opened a downtown studio called Runway Press, which is where her fabric making happens, but also where she teaches classes. Margot works in etching and printmaking as well as batik and teaches community classes in print and fiber each month.

Margot’s commitment to durables and reusables is something that stands out. It’s clear she loves this area of the world and strives to keep it healthy and beautiful. “I think that the sensibility of responsible consumption in our area is the thing that I connect to most often in my daily life as well as my work. I decided to design a line of table linens initially because I think it’s so much smarter to have reusable fabrics in the kitchen than disposables. As the years have gone by, I’ve been able to incorporate more and more organic fibers into my products, too.”

Margotbianca will be at The Bellingham Farmers Market and at the Pop-up Gift Market this year.

The Nautical Gnome and Siren Silks 

Joanna Lynam is the creative genius behind both of these fabulous local shops. The Nautical Gnome is filled with whimsical sea and boat-inspired jewelry, as the name suggests, and Siren Silks is a wonderland of beautiful hand-painted silk scarves, shawls and wallhangings. Between the two shops, there is literally something for everyone. There is even a handy section for Gifts & Ornaments under $20. Joanna’s work is reflective of the landscape, sea-culture, and flora and fauna all around us here in Whatcom County, which make these gifts even more fun to give.

Give a friend a piece of nautical style with this stainless steel shackle bracelet. Photo courtesy: Nautical Gnome.
Give a friend a piece of nautical style with this stainless steel shackle bracelet. Photo courtesy: Nautical Gnome.

Working as a visual artist all her life, Joanna chose Bellingham as home due to its landscape and supportive artist community. Originally from the UK and having lived all over the world, Joanna says, “The Pacific Northwest is home. I feel fortunate every day to be here for the incredible natural beauty, the vibrant community, and the mountains and sea.”

At the moment, Joanna is most excited about her work on silk depicting whales, polar bears and birds. She uses silk dyes to sketch the design, then paints the background with a watercolor technique. In her newer Etsy shop, Nautical Gnome, Joanna is raising funds for sailing around the world with her family. She is making and selling nautical gifts such as leather and silver jewelry, paper pennants, and handmade gnome pins. Joanna says, “I really like the stainless shackle bracelets and keychains in particular.” And, I’d have to agree. What a fun, unique gift for the boater or ocean-lover in your life. You can read more about Joanna’s family sailing adventure online, which was inspired by her amazing sea-faring father and a dream.

In addition to the Etsy shops, Joanna’s work can be found at the Lightcatcher Museum, the Jansen Art Gallery, the Wild Bird Chalet and the Chukanut Gallery. Her studio is also open by appointment.

Pickford Film Center Asks: What Festive Movie Do You Want to See This Holiday Season?

By
WhatcomTalk Editor
-
pickford film center
The Pickford is excited to continue serving all people in Whatcom County. Photo courtesy: Pickford Film Center.

 

Submitted by Pickford Film Center

What festive holiday movie do you want to see this year, Bellingham?

As a vital piece of the Downtown Bellingham landscape, Pickford Film Center is proud to receive generous community support, and provide it in return. This year, proceeds from the holiday movie will be donated to a Whatcom County non-profit — and it could be under your name! Sign up or renew your PFC membership by December 31 and win a chance to designate a gift to your favorite cause.

But, what festive movie should we play? The staff and board of Pickford Film Center chimed in on their favorite holiday films and now we need your help choosing the winner. It’s quite the lineup to choose from, featuring family friendly favorites like the 1966 classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, with the vocal talents of Boris Karloff, and the more recent Will Ferrell comedy Elf. Or should it be the touching story of snow from the imagination of Tim Burton in Edward Scissorhands, or the yuletide brawn of John McClane in Die Hard? And a few more. Vote for your favorite — or favorites — at Pickford– Film Center’s website by following the link here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/HR6X9Q8.

The value of a Pickford Film Center membership goes far beyond discounts on tickets and popcorn. PFC members play a vital part in keeping independent cinema alive in Bellingham. Your annual Pickford membership brings quality independent cinema to our community and sustains programs not fundable through our box office, like Doc-ED, with free documentary screenings to over 2,400 local middle school students.

Over 5,000 strong, PFC is proud of its healthy membership base. This diverse group of friends and neighbors comprises the largest membership of any arts and cultural organization in Whatcom County. Visit www.pickfordfilmcenter.org for more information, or visit the box office if Pickford Film Center or the Limelight Cinema.

 

Lynden Restaurateurs Inspired to Show Gratitude to Heroes, Every Day

By
WhatcomTalk Editor
-

 

Submitted by Jake’s Western Grill

Brian Poag and his wife Tanya, owners of Jake’s Western Grill in Lynden, have long recognized that first responders and active duty military personnel work hard to protect and serve every day, year-round.

They have also had an appreciation for Veterans and a personal desire to give back to that community.

Lynden Police Chief Jack Foster and Brian Poag of Jake's Western Grill. Photo courtesy: Jake's Western Grill.
Lynden Police Chief Jack Foster and Brian Poag of Jake’s Western Grill. Photo courtesy: Jake’s Western Grill.

“My dad was a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corps” says Brian. “On Veteran’s Day 2014 he encouraged me to find a way to use Jake’s Western Grill to show gratitude to active duty military and Veterans. Tanya and I had wanted to do something like that in our business for a while but it just seemed to always be an afterthought, then my dad passed away in March. As Veteran’s Day approached, I felt very strongly that we needed to do something–he was definitely our inspiration to do something now.”

On November 11, 2015 Jake’s Western Grill launched a new discount program called “Honoring Heroes” for those who serve our country locally and globally.

First responders (like police, fire and EMT), border patrol agents, active duty military and U.S. Veterans can simply show ID and receive 20 percent off their meal at the Lynden restaurant. The discount is available every day the restaurant is open, year-round.

“This is one small way we can show heroes we are thankful for what they do every day—not just on national days of remembrance,” says Brian.

Launching the Honoring Heroes program is also a way for Brian to personally honor and remember his dad.

“When I see a Veteran or a service man or woman, I usually like to shake their hand and tell them ‘thanks for your service’. I hope this program shows not only are we thankful for the military personnel, but also to those first responders in our community that risk their lives to keep us safe daily.” says Brian.

The Poag’s have had a long history of giving back since they opened Jake’s Western Grill in 2008. Through the restaurant they have donated food and gift cards to nearly every school and athletic program in Whatcom County. They host benefit nights at the restaurant for local nonprofits and even support mission work in Honduras.

“Adding a program that benefits heroes felt like a natural fit.”

Learn more about Jake’s Western Grill and their Honoring Heroes program here: http://www.jakeswesterngrill.com/giving-back.html

1...493494495...549Page 494 of 549

STAY CONNECTED

17,793FansLike
8,647FollowersFollow
3,763FollowersFollow

Business

Trending Now

Editor Picks

© WhatcomTalk, Inc.
Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Powered by Social Snap
Copy link
CopyCopied
Powered by Social Snap