Find a Treasure at Antique Shops around Whatcom County

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By Carlee Wilson

antique shops bellingham — Find a groovy poster at Penny Lane Antique Mall in Bellingham.

The antique shops of Whatcom County have proven age is nothing but a number. The search for childhood memories or do-it-yourself possibilities is being made by customers of all ages, and the four shops listed below are my recommendation for your next hunt for home décor, holiday gifts, or hobby items.

Penny Lane Antique Mall

427 W Holly Street, Bellingham
pennylaneantiquemall.com
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Lyndsey and Matt Berglund are the cool brother-sister duo and co-owners of Penny Lane Antique Mall, named after the Beatles’ 1967 hit song. Their store, which sits above Aladdin’s Antiques and Records, is a colorful mix of collectibles, clothing, and upcycled finds. Lyndsey mentions their most popular items include mid-century modern furniture, Pyrex, records, maps, and globes, but don’t miss out on their wide variety of offerings, Lyndsey’s great displays, or what I call “the poster room” at the back of the store, where the walls are lined floor-to-ceiling with bicycles, butterflies, and – my favorite – breeds of cows.

Ormolulu

301 W Holly Street, Bellingham

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If you’re looking for timeless furniture, Ormolulu is a must. The chic shop’s items are carefully curated by co-owners Jim Blondeau and Debi Burton, who build upon backgrounds in design to offer magazine-worthy finds. Take a lap around the store to see their antique bed frames, old library circulation chests, gym lockers, and glass chandeliers, but don’t forget to stop and chat with Debi, who will bond with you over shared infatuations with farmhouse and French-country style décor. Browse the store while celebrating the Grand Opening from noon to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 19.

More Than Antiques

400 Front Street, Lynden
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Put your walking shoes on, because you’ll need to take several laps around this Lynden shop to see all it has to offer! Don’t forget to grab a basket, as you may find more than your arms can hold as you browse through the shabby chic décor, children’s toys, and antique tools. The plethora of mason jars and cookie cutters were my favorite finds, but the store’s witty humor is what I enjoy most – check out the signs behind their desk for proof. After you peruse the first floor, don’t forget to head upstairs to see the discount items begging to be used in your next DIY project.

Etta’s Attic Antiques & Collectibles

2009 Main Street, Ferndale
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If antique-shop visits were like sightseeing tours, Sharon Quast would be your go-to guide. Equal parts friendly and funny, the owner of Etta’s makes you feel right at home. To your left is all things feminine: clothing, jewelry, dolls, and more. To your right? Perfect items for a man-cave, which include taxidermy moose and deer mounts, two of the store’s most popular items. Ask Sharon to guide you down memory lane with her expertise in all things jewelry then check back for furniture options, which arrive daily. Sharon herself is reason enough to visit again – you’ll leave with a great purchase and a new friend.

Binyon Vision Center: Focused on Eye Care, Building Relationships & Supporting Community

By

Stacee Sledge

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“Our goal is to try to step into each patient’s life for 40 minutes,” says Dr. Mark McEathron, owner of downtown Bellingham’s Binyon Vision Center. “We figure out how they use their eyes during their day—and anything we can do to help enhance that for them.”

Of course, an exam at Binyon also includes assuring the eye is healthy and that patients understand preventative and wellness measures. “We let them know what they can do for their eyes, over the course of their life, to slow down those birthday changes,” says Dr. McEathron.

Binyon Vision Center has been in Bellingham since 1935. Dr. McEathron joined the practice in September of 1980, working alongside Leroy Freeman, nephew of founding optometrist James R. Binyon. Within a few years, Dr. McEathron took over the business.

“It had been in Bellingham for 45 years and everyone was familiar with the name—and they have a hard time spelling or pronouncing my name—so we decided to keep it,” Dr. McEathron says, with a laugh.

Binyon called several downtown Bellingham spots home over the years, once occupying spaces that are now the Horseshoe Café and Taco Del Mar. The current location has been home for 20 years.

Dr. McEathron grew up in Wisconsin, attending the University of Wisconsin before moving to California to attend optometry school.

“I met my wife-to-be in California and I took her back to Wisconsin one winter – and she let me know that she would never, ever live there,” he says with a smile.

Bellingham was a nice compromise between California and Wisconsin; the couple had visited on their honeymoon, driving up the coast from Los Angeles. “Bellingham was our favorite spot,” he says.

Dr. McEathron’s interest in optometry was sparked early.

“I’ve always had bad eyes and I wore glasses as a young child,” he says. “I always thought it was such a neat thing to be able to see better.”

The majority of Dr. McEathron’s staff has been with the practice for many years—including his daughter, Caitlin Bruno, who spent her high school summer breaks filing, and now serves as the practice’s office manager.

“Our entire team wants to give the most thorough eye care based on the best service and the highest quality of products,” Bruno says. “And building relationships—both with our patients and with each other—is really important to us.”

Dr. McEathron recently brought on Dr. Luke Hoekstra, who graduated from optometry school in 2013, allowing the practice to expand its hours to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

“We’ve got a few employees that have been here near and over 20 years,” Dr. McEathron says, underscoring the reliability of his team.

Sarah is Binyon’s receptionist. “She’s got a great welcoming presence,” says Bruno. “Plus, she’s got that knack for remembering names.”

“Terri our bookkeeper has been here for 24 years,” Bruno continues. “She’s seen a lot of changes and is just a great, solid rock.” Terri knows insurance inside and out and helps explain the ever-changing and -confusing topic to patients.

Frame buyer Christie does a fantastic job of keeping their inventory interesting. “She has a real flare,” says Dr. McEathron. Christie travels to Vision Expo in Vegas ever year to meet with frame vendors and keep up on all the latest trends.

Licensed opticians Jim and James have patients who return again and again to be fitted by them for glasses. Bruno describes their work with customers as gentle and attentive. And Christie often brings Jim and James into the discussion of new frame options to stock, to get their perspective. “They work as a team,” says Dr. McEathron.

James’s wife Nikki—who comes from an optical family—has recently joined Binyon as its Saturday receptionist.

You’ll always find a slew of fantastic frames to choose from at Binyon—and staff members who are genuinely excited to show them. Eyeglasses are now more of a fashion accessory than ever before.

“There are very few items a person will wear every day for two years—there’s really nothing else that we wear that often,” says Dr. McEathron. “It’s got to be something they like, that complements them—there’s that fashion aspect—but at the same time, durability is so important; this is something they’ll be taking on and off every day.”

The trick is finding something that looks nice, functions perfectly, and will hold up to the rigors of daily wear.

And Binyon knows that if you love the look of a pair of glasses, but they aren’t completely comfortable, you’re not going to wear them.

“We’ve been trained to know that even if it looks great on you—‘Look, it’s pressing against your temples right there and you’re going to feel that in two hours, I promise,’” says Bruno.

“That can make for a difficult discussion sometimes, when someone falls in love with a frame, but we want them to wear them – so that’s a huge part of the conversation.”

A visit to Binyon Vision Center means a thorough, thoughtful exam by Dr. McEathron or Dr. Hoekstra and impeccable customer service from his staff, from glasses that look and fit fantastically to contact lenses you love.

And Binyon is also tied tightly to the community, giving a portion of its sales every month—beginning in 2003—to 12 different charities over the course of the year.

“They all do such great things for our community, and they’re all fighting to make it work,” says Dr. McEathron. “We just want to contribute—to give back and help them and our community.”

This year’s charities that Binyon is contributing to are: Blue Skies for Children, Meals on Wheels, the Opportunity Council, Brigadoon Service Dogs, Whatcom Community Foundation, Interfaith Community Health Center, Whatcom Hospice Foundation, the Bellingham Food Bank, Lydia Place, Kulshan Community Land Trust, the Bellingham Salvation Army, and the Lighthouse Mission.

Binyon Vision

www.binyonvision.com

411 East Magnolia Street

Bellingham WA 98225

360-647-2020

www.facebook.com/binyonvisioncenter

Pickford Film Center Presents the 2015 Bellingham Children’s Film Festival, April 30 – May 10

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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pickford children's film — “Lola On the Pea” is a film that tackles difficult subjects while also being musical, funny, and fast-paced.

All over the world, filmmakers are crafting works of exhilarating imagination and creativity just for kids. Pickford Film Center is proud to present the Bellingham Children’s Film Festival.

By showcasing innovative, inspiring and fun films from around the globe, we promote delight, discussion and even debate while sparking interest in different languages and ways of life. Through creative workshops we encourage our young audience members to sharpen their critical skills and leave with a better understanding of film as one of the greatest means of storytelling ever created.

Read on for the full lineup of films, activities, and details of the exciting ways you can experience the 2015 Bellingham Children’s Film Festival!

We start the festival on Thursday, April 30 with a unique presentation—not to be missed. Miles and Karina, an eclectic folk duo from Seattle, will be live in theatre performing their original score to the 1928 silent film and Buster Keaton classic, Steamboat Bill Jr. Miles and Karina packed the house with their performance of Prince Achmed at the Pickford in December, so we advise buying tickets in advance. Perfect for all ages, the film begins at 6:30 p.m., but join us at 5:30 p.m. for a pre-screening reception including snacks, refreshments and colorful, fresh virgin cocktails!

Flaunt your fanciest frock on Friday, May 1 for the courageous tale Lola on the Pea with a Red Carpet Reception before the film—and an Ice Cream Social presented by Mallard Ice Cream.

Soccer fans will enjoy our Saturday selection, Horizon Beautiful, presented by the Bellingham United Football Club, about young Admassu of Addis Ababa who goes out of his way to impress a visiting soccer manager and follow his dreams of becoming a pro.

Sunday we celebrate indigenous culture and cinema with Shana: The Wolf’s Music, the coming-of-age story about a Canadian First Nations girl who triumphs over obstacles in her young life, with special guests, Producers Cynde Harmon and Henrik Meyre.

Throughout the whole weekend, enjoy a collection of animation and live action short films, the “Best of the Fest” from the Children’s Film Festival Seattle, curated by Elizabeth Shepard of the Northwest Film Forum. With this stellar lineup of wonderful shorts, acclaimed feature length films, and interactive creative workshops—it’s a weekend of fun for the whole family!

For more information, please visit: http://www.pickfordfilmcenter.org/event/childrens-film-festival.

Barron Heating Joins Sustainable Connections, Strengthens Link With Opportunity Council and Community Energy Challenge

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Barron Heating

Barron Heating is proud to announce that they have joined Sustainable Connections (SC), a network of locally owned and operated Whatcom County businesses. Barron sees their membership as a way to better support workers, neighbors, and the community, while playing an integral role in energy-reduction services—especially for those in need.

Sustainable Connections’ Energy Efficiency Program collaborates closely with the Community Energy Challenge (CEC) and the Opportunity Council to reduce energy usage in Whatcom County. Though Barron has had a connection to the CEC and The Opportunity Council for some time, the new partnership with SC will deepen the connection and the overall possible impact of their services for Whatcom County.

Both the CEC and the Opportunity Council work to improve quality of life for our neediest residents by retrofitting, insulating, and weatherizing their homes, and thereby putting money back in their pockets each month. The CEC and The Opportunity Council contract with Barron Heating to install new furnaces, heat pumps, and water heaters.

Helping folks in Whatcom County save energy through HVAC and weatherization is a cornerstone of Barron’s mission, but there are other equally important opportunities within that, says Barron’s General Manager, Chris Baisch: “Specifically within the goal of reducing ‘wasted’ energy and the benefits of conservation, one of the largest benefits has always been the quality of life that is improved with the monies that are able to be spent on other quality of life items rather than ‘heat,’ and the healthier indoor environment that’s generally achieved after a project is completed.”

Sustainable Connections works hard to create a vibrant network and community for local business owners. They nurture that community by providing Buy Local marketing, and educational programs like Green Power, Toward Zero Waste, Smart Trips, the Watershed Pledge, and Sustainable Business Workshops for businesses who are interested.

Barron is excited to be part of Sustainable Connections for both the business opportunities and the sustainability aspect. Baisch says, “We are always looking for ways to support and help grow the awareness of programs like the CEC. Add to that SC’s commitment to ‘Buy Local’ and sustainable business practices and it’s a good match for our sponsorship.”

Barron Heating, based out of Ferndale, Washington, has served the Pacific Northwest for 43 years and endeavors to create a more comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient home for their neighbors.

Color Chiropractic Moves to Bigger Space in Fairhaven

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Color Chiropractic

Dr. Richard Tran and Dr. Michelle Hsu opened Color Chiropractic in 2013. The couple has been in practice for 10 years specializing in a holistic approach to chiropractic care that includes physical, nutritional and emotional aspects. They are happy to announce that they have outgrown their space are re-locating down the street from their current location.

Color Chiropractic offers more than temporary relief of pain. By living a “colorful life,” patients are taught to integrate all aspects of healthcare into a proactive balance. The doctors at Color Chiropractic bring their skills together for each client by offering detoxification services, laser light therapy, nutritional testing and counsel combined with chiropractic adjustments. In addition to adults, Color Chiropractic also offer services to children and mothers-to-be.

“We wanted to provide a service where people could receive good quality care at a reasonable price,” said Dr. Tran. “We also want to create more health awareness through our events in the community.”

Starting May 1, 2015, you can find Color Chiropractic in the Fairhaven Professional Building at 1114 Finnegan Way. For more information about Color Chiropractic call 360 922-0626 or visit their Color Chiropractic online at www.colorchiropractic.com.

Vintage Kimonos Come to Ragfinery

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Ragfinery

Ragfinery kimono — 88-year-old Phyllis Evans shares her kimonos with Ragfinery.

These kimonos come to Ragfinery with a remarkable story. Phyllis Evans is a local artist whose world travels brought her to a large source of kimonos that were, according to Japanese cultural beliefs, discarded. As she traveled throughout the world, Phyllis created scenes of the memorable places she visited by piecing together bits of kimono, mimicking textures and tones she experienced with the storied pieces of silk. Phyllis’ works convey a richness, depth, and multi-layered history that is truly unforgettable.

Several months ago, Phyllis (who at 88-years-old is sharp as a tack and full of life) came to Ragfinery with her remaining kimonos, her stories, and some samples of her work. She wondered if these kimonos might continue to tell stories and inspire others as they have inspired her. We have humbly agreed to share these kimonos with our customers, and are confident that we can carry on Phyllis’ legacy with these beautiful works of art.

Stop in, get a sense of the texture and the history of these kimonos, and see if their story calls to you. They will likely go very quickly, so come see them soon!

North Cascades Institute Celebrates 25 Years of Mountain School

By

Lauren Fritzen

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By Lauren Fritzen

Being a fifth-grader in the Bellingham School District comes with a coveted perk: three days at the North Cascades Institute’s (NCI) Mountain School, where students spend their time outdoors, learning about the North Cascades ecosystem and the roles they play as stewards of the environment.

“For the next three days, these trails, this beach and these mountains will be our classroom,” says Mountain School instructor Dylan Klinesteker, as he greets a small group of students from Sunnyland Elementary – known now as the Ravens – on the first morning of their program. I’m tagging along with the Ravens on this day, and we don’t waste any time getting outside and experiencing nature first-hand.

Mountain School celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. It began as a camping-based program in 1990, and moved to NCI’s Environmental Learning Center when it opened in 2005 on the shores of Diablo Lake. Various Bellingham schools have participated since the early days, and in 2013 it became part of the science curriculum and is funded jointly by the school district and North Cascades Institute donors. Since it’s inception, Mountain School has served 27,000 area students. Each year, around 2,500 4th – 12th graders participate in either the “Ecosystem Explorations” or “Field Science and Leadership” programs.

Instructor Dylan gathers the Ravens together. “Take a moment, be quiet and listen. Make one observation about our classroom,” he requests. We all ponder the lake in front of us, the forest around us and the mountains above us – the gorgeous setting of the Environmental Learning Center, located 65 miles east of Sedro Woolley on the North Cascades Highway.

“There’s a crisp, moist smell to the air,” observes one student. “Is that a glacier on that mountain?” asks another. “Yes! Excellent observations,” exclaims Dylan, and the experiential learning begins. Our theme for this day is “abiotics,” and we talk about things in the ecosystem that are not (and never were) alive. We make “mountains” out of rocks on the beach, then learn about erosion and glaciers with buckets of water and blocks of ice.

Sunnyland 5th grade teacher Bill Steele, aka “Mr. Bill,” accompanies our group. This is Mr. Bill’s sixth year attending Mountain School with his class. “It’s amazing how much they learn here. Getting out of the classroom and being outdoors makes a huge difference,” he says.

The second day is spent learning about the biotic (living) aspects of the ecosystem, and the students take a long hike to a waterfall. “It was probably the longest hike most of them have ever been on,” said Mr. Bill afterwards. “They had to persevere to make it to the top. But you could definitely see the sense of awe and accomplishment on all their faces.”

The final day is spent tying it all together with a focus on community and culture. Mountain School program coordinator Chris Kiser describes the finale to the program. “Each student shares an unselfish wish with their community at the closing ceremony, and we lead a thoughtful discussion about how we are all connected to the environment, to special places like this, and to the natural spaces in our home communities,” she says. Wishes from Sunnyland students include “I wish other kids would have the same opportunity to come here,” and “I wish we would protect places like this, and the animals that live here.”

Back in their Bellingham classrooms, the students finish the journals they started at Mountain School. They become experts on different topics, and share their knowledge with each other. And before long, they reunite with some of their Mountain School instructors for a day of local stewardship. Sunnyland students will weed out invasive plants at adjacent Memorial Park and replace them with native species.

Bringing home the lessons learned at Mountain School is one of NCI’s key goals. “We encourage students to continue learning from and exploring the wild nearby, and to be stewards of these places that they know and love,“ says Kiser. Her thoughts are reflected in the words of student Aidan Bartlett. “Something that I learned at Mountain School is to be careful of the environment. It’s fragile and we need to care for it,” he says.

I come home from my day with the Ravens full of enthusiasm and ready to learn more. Luckily, NCI also offers a range of adult and family programs, both at the Learning Center and around northwest Washington, led by local naturalists, scientists, writers and artists.

Mountain School has become a rite of passage, and Mr. Bill’s students often ask if they’ll get to go back in middle or high school. And while they fondly recall the campfires and the camaraderie, he believes they come away with much more. “I think that the Mountain School experience plants seeds within our students that may one day grow into further longings to go out and enjoy wilderness, as well the motivation to help protect such places.”

North Cascades Institute

810 State Route 20

Sedro Woolley, WA 98284

360-854-2599

Paper Dreams Buyer Kelly Evert Fills Store with Fabulous Finds for Everyone

By

Stacee Sledge

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paper dreams bellingham — Kelly Evert says it is “fabulous fun” to source products and gifts for Paper Dreams.

Meander a few minutes through Paper Dreams—sister store to Fairhaven’s Village Books—and you quickly realize it truly has something for everyone.

From an amazing array of greeting cards to lovely home décor items, fantastic bath and beauty products to educational games—and let’s not forget the jewelry, bags, toys, clothing, candy, kitchenware, books, candles, and on and on—Paper Dreams is the epitome of one-stop gift shopping. (Even when you just want a little something sensational for yourself.)

For Kelly Evert, Village Books co-manager and Paper Dreams buyer, filling the store is an enjoyable challenge.

“I love being able to choose what Whatcom County is going to buy,” she says. “It’s fabulous fun.”

Village Books and Paper Dreams have always been owned and operated by Chuck and Dee Robinson, but it wasn’t until recent years that the two stores integrated—to the benefit of both.

“In the book world, gifts are called sidelines, but if you’re on the sidelines, you’re not in the game,” says Evert. “If it weren’t for the gifts, the bookstore wouldn’t do as well as it does. We are now one store.”

After construction of a new Village Books building in 2004, the two stores were conjoined. Shoppers can now browse back and forth between the spaces, making purchases of any items in either shop.

“Village Books and Paper Dreams transformation over the years is due to the foresight of Chuck and Dee,” notes Evert. “They are willing to try new ideas and change as the world changes.”

Evert has been with Village Books and Paper Dreams for nearly four years, having worked at several other independent Pacific Northwest bookstores: Port Books and News in Port Angeles, Michael’s Books in downtown Bellingham, and Eagle Harbor Book Co. on Bainbridge Island. She was also an interior designer in Seattle.

Evert co-manages Village Books and Paper Dreams along with Sarah Hutton and Evert’s husband Paul Hanson.

Her role at Village Books and Paper Dreams marries her background of books and merchandising with design. Evert has a clear eye for what looks excellent—and what will sell.

Before Dee Robinson retired last year, she and Evert made some changes to the shop. “Dee and I really wanted to make it fun for everybody of all ages,” Evert says. “So we worked really hard at doing that.”

They began to attend the Atlanta Gift Show each January and the Vegas show each summer, locating the perfect items with which to line Paper Dreams’ shelves.

“But now that I do all the buying, I’m going to be in trouble,” Evert says. “It’s going to turn into Kelly Dreams!”

When something catches Evert’s eye—be it at a gift show or an item brought to her by a sales rep—she thinks about prices and potential buyers and if she wants to bring it into the store. “But I’m also picturing how it’s going to go out on the floor,” she says. “I’m already picturing where it will go.”

Evert is very hands-on when it comes to merchandising the Paper Dreams displays—quite literally. “I’m constantly touching everything,” she says. “I tell my staff, ‘I’m touching it because that’s how I learn it, by going through and organizing.’ I’m very tactile.”

The store is broken down into departments, such as kids, wearables, jewelry, beauty, kitchenware, greeting cards, and so on.

And while it’s true that the shop is chock full of amazing items, it doesn’t feel overwhelming or in disarray.

“That’s the thing with merchandising,” Evert says, “to make it look full, but not full.” Evert can take just one thing away and suddenly and entire display looks better.

Some of Evert’s favorite Paper Dreams items?

“I like the swings; I have one in a special sunny spot on my deck. And the socks—I own so many socks,” she says, laughing.

Kitchen items are really big now, too. “Holy moly—the cookbooks!” she says. “They were downstairs in the corner of Village Books, but we wanted them up here. They needed to be seen! I’m not much of a cook, but they are beautiful books. And I love buying kitchen stuff.” And while on the topic of kitchen wares, Evert adds that the tasty fudge is made in house.

Greeting cards continue to be a big Paper Dreams draw. “We sell so many cards. People still write!” Evert says.

Evert’s support team includes an assistant who helps with the mountains of paperwork and two receivers who label and input into the computer everything as it comes in. She also has a passionate candy buyer who works hard to bring in retro items everyone remembers from their childhoods.

She raves about the entire team that keeps Village Books and Paper Dreams running.

“We’ve had people here for almost 20 years and they’re wonderful and so full of knowledge,” she says. “We all try to take care of each other and support each other. We all wear a lot of hats and we all do a lot of work, but we try to make it fun.”

Paper Dreams also supports local artists by showcasing their work in both stores.

Evert stresses that her goal for Paper Dreams is just that: for it to be a fun store.

“I want people to be relaxed and have fun,” she says. “I had a guy come in around Christmas one time and say, ‘I’m supposed to be at my therapist right now, but I’m having too much fun,’ she says with a laugh. “I loved that.”

Paper Dreams
1206 11th Street

Bellingham WA 98225

360-676-8676

Village Books

1200 11th Street

Bellingham WA 98225

360-671-2626

Hours for both stores:

Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Opens Near Bellingham Airport

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Home2 Suites by Hilton

The public is invited to the Thursday, April 16 grand opening for the 105-suite Home2 Suites by Hilton Bellingham Airport, designed for modern business travelers and extended-stay guests.

Appetizers, refreshments and tours of the hotel will be offered from 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Home2 Suites by Hilton, located at 805 Home Lane, just off Northwest Avenue and a couple blocks south of West Bakerview Road.

The Bellingham hotel, which opened March 16, is the first Home2 Suites by Hilton property in Washington state and only the 48th in the world, according to Bellingham General Manager Sara Holliday. It has 25 employees and is operated by Erck Hotels of Missoula, Mont., which also runs seven other properties.

“Our commitment to environmentally friendly products and operations make Home2 Suites an ideal fit for Bellingham,” Holliday said. “We utilized recycled materials during construction, our saline-based swimming pool is maintained with natural minerals rather than harsh chlorine and we use LED lighting, low-flow showers and toilets, and china and glassware rather than paper products when serving our complimentary breakfasts.”

Home2 Suites by Hilton also has named Bellingham’s Lighthouse Mission Ministries as its Your2 Hands community outreach partner. “We’ll make a difference in ways that reach far outside hotel walls, engaging members of the community and guests, to make the biggest impact possible,” Holliday said.

For more information, call the hotel at 360-734-3111 or visit www.ExploreHome2Suites.com.

Free Movies, Music Available Instantly Online Through Local Libraries

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Bellingham Public Library

The Bellingham Public Library and Whatcom County Library System now offer thousands of movies, television shows, music albums and audiobooks, all available for mobile and online access through a new service provided by hoopla digital.

This new service is available free of charge to all library cardholders. Key features include:

Instant access: no waiting, no holds
Always available
Automatic returns

Area library card holders can download the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or IOS devices, or visit hoopladigital.com on a computer, to begin enjoying thousands of artists and titles — from major Hollywood studios, record companies and publishers — available to borrow 24/7, for instant streaming or temporary downloading to their smartphones, tablets, computers and Apple TV.

More hoopla information, links and user tip sheets can be found on both library websites: www.bellinghampubliclibrary.org and www.wcls.org.

Bellingham and Whatcom County libraries are among about a dozen library systems in the state of Washington to offer hoopla digital to their patrons, including Seattle Public Library, Tacoma Public Library, Spokane County Library, Pierce County Library System and others.

“We’re pleased to expand our collection by offering this remarkable library service,” Bellingham Public Library Director Pam Kiesner said. “There are no holds and no waiting: if you see a title you can borrow it immediately, renew it easily, and it is automatically returned when it is due. This is just one of the many ways we are meeting people’s needs for materials and services in multiple formats,” she said.

Whatcom County Library System Director Christine Perkins said hoopla offers a new model for library borrowing, with every title available to everyone in Whatcom County simultaneously. “With such ease and variety, everyone can find something they enjoy and access it instantly. Hoopla offers a broad collection of popular and niche titles, and are adding more all the time, available free-of-charge with your library card,” she said.

Jeff Jankowski, founder and owner of hoopla digital, said “with hoopla digital, it is our mission to empower the evolution of public libraries while helping them to meet the needs of the mobile generation. We’ve worked for years to create a best-in-breed service that is fun, fast and reliable. And we continue to secure content deals to expand our offering of popular and niche movies, TV shows, music and audiobooks.”

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