Jake McNeely Finds His Crowd at Vital Climbing Gym

vital climbing gym
Jake is defying gravity while testing his limits at Vital. Photo by Nancy McNeely.

 

By Lorraine Wilde

village booksBellingham fifth grader, Jake McNeely, is a little smaller than some of his classmates, but that hasn’t gotten in his way. In fact, Jake discovers his strength and passion at least four times a week at Vital Climbing Gym, a unique community filled with mom-approved role models. With hard work and the support of his new friends, the sky is literally becoming the limit for Jake.

Jake began climbing at Vital in August 2013 after first trying outdoor rope climbing. “I didn’t like rope climbing at first because you have to count on someone else to hold you. I like bouldering because I can trust myself more than the rope,” explains the sweet ten-year old.

rock climbing
Taking it outside, Jake applies his indoor practice to this 30-foot rock face in Mazama. Photo by Nancy McNeely.

Vital has no ropes, but instead covers the floor surface with two-foot-thick pads, while enforcing a clear safety policy to protect its members. “There aren’t a lot of injuries at Vital, because you intuitively find your own comfort level, so you learn to trust your gut, find your own limits, and push and expand them at your own pace,” explains Jake’s mom, Nancy McNeely.

 

With upbeat tunes in the background, the inviting, friendly atmosphere is ideal for individuals and families with a wide range of skills and stamina. In addition to extensive climbing walls, the gym has free weights, a slack line, aerobic exercise equipment, a quiet room and kitchenette, and ample table space for down time. “It’s a perfect hangout for teens who gather here in the early evening and college students who arrive later that study and climb late into the night,” describes Vital Crew Member, Rosi Green. In fact, Vital’s 24/7 approach is part of what makes it unique among fitness spots in our area. “Members have access around the clock with a door combination so they can come when it suits their schedule and their comfort or introvert/extrovert level,” explains Nancy.

After becoming a member for several months, Jake chose to sign up for additional biweekly Team Practice for youth age 10-18. “Climbing relaxes me and takes my mind off anything stressful, like homework or missing my sister who’s away at college,” confesses Jake. Team practice offers structure and challenge through small groups, but includes a lot of free-choice and exploration, with student-specific guidance by skilled instructors on self-challenge, technical terms, safety, and etiquette. “I love Vital because it allows kids a constructive way to test their limits, vent excess energy, and exercise in a safe space full of positive role models of every age and skill level, both male and female,” beams Nancy. “It’s as if Jake has a gym full of big brothers and sisters. Students pass by and say, ‘Nice work, Jake’ or ‘Hey dude, did you decide on your science fair project?’ There is a culture of support and encouragement without being intrusive.”

vital climbing gym
Jake is defying gravity while testing his limits at Vital. Photo by Nancy McNeely.

There’s no chance of boredom either. Gym managers provide constant challenge by changing one of five sections of the climbing wall each week, setting new routes with a range of difficulty. “My favorite is when I’m one of the first people to climb a new route,” explains Jake. “I’d love to become a forerunner, a person who tests the new runs before anyone else. So far, they’ve only let me set the color rating on a new route.” Vital uses a voting-based color-coded rating system developed on-site ranging from green for beginners to black for experienced climbers with freakish strength. Routes are marked near the floor by colored paper and members provide feedback and vote to help set the difficulty rating that can easily be translated to the outdoor standard ‘V’ scale. “When a climber can conquer routes of a certain color and then advance to the next, they feel confident and successful,” emphasizes Nancy.

With his effort, Jake has gained the confidence to participate in several climbing competitions across Washington and Oregon. “Competitions help you see how you are on a scale with 90 other people. It’s like a gauge so you know how you’re doing. Also, it’s just fun,” Jake points out. Travel has also allowed him to meet new people, including a few of his climbing heroes. Jake met World Champion climber, Daniel Woods, at the Portland Boulder Rally in October. “He’s not that tall, only 5’ 7”, but he’s one of the best climbers in the world. I’m not tall for my age. But how big I am doesn’t really matter.”

vital climbing gym
Jake meets his climbing hero, World Champion Daniel Woods, at the Portland Boulder Rally. Photo by Nancy McNeely.

But competitions are still just play for Jake. “I love that he has a place to be competitive with himself, without having to be competitive—it’s not in his nature,” adds Nancy. Like a human spider monkey, Jake has been placing regularly in his 10 and under age group. Next year Jake will move up into Youth C, the 11 to 13 age bracket. Says Jake of the move, “That will be an even greater challenge. But you have to be 14 to compete at the world competition. I can’t wait.”

“We’re looking forward to outdoor bouldering with friends we’ve met here when the weather improves,” notes Nancy. Jake is also looking toward the future. “My dad is going to install beams and holds so I’ll have an indoor overhang in my room. I can picture myself rock climbing for…well, forever.”

Vital Climbing Gym

1421 North State Street

Bellingham, WA 98225

360-399-6248

Public hours open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

 

The Chuckanut Radio Hour Celebrates 8 Years Of Showcasing Authors, Poets, Musicians & ‘The Bellingham Bean’

chuckanut radio hour
Village Books co-owner Chuck Robinson was approached in November 2006 to create content for community radio station KMRE.

 

chuckanut radio hour
January marks the eighth year of the Chuckanut Radio Hour.

For longtime fans, it will come as no surprise that our community’s beloved Village Books is set to mark the eighth anniversary of its Chuckanut Radio Hour, Bellingham’s very own radio variety show, which began in January 2007.

For the rest? It’s time to learn about this adored local program, and then join in the celebration, while looking ahead to many more.

The Chuckanut Radio Hour gets compared to A Prairie Home Companion, but in truth, it’s uniquely Bellingham. It points its microphones at guest authors, poets and musicians – both local and national. Guests have included Garth Stein, Elizabeth George, Tom Robbins, Cheryl Strayed, Sherman Alexie, Jodi Picoult, Ann Rule, and so many more.

Local columnist Alan Rhodes has shared his essays since episode one, and the Chuckanut Radio Players were also there at the start, entertaining with sketches.

A few shows into its run, the Chuckanut Radio Players introduced “The Bellingham Bean,” a serial whose characters amusingly play out a tale set in a Bellingham coffee shop and bakery.

Shelley Muzzy plays Polly Bean alongside her husband Robert, who embodies Polly’s brother Michael Bean. These days, Shelley writes the serial’s scripts.

“For a stretch of time, she and Alan wrote it together,” says Chuck, “and occasionally, Les Campbell has helped.” (Campbell most often plays Chester Ballou, but fills in with other characters.)

But back to how it all began.

In early November of 2006, Phil Printz approached Village Books co-owner Chuck Robinson, looking for people to create programming for low-power community radio station KMRE.

“I was interested,” says Chuck, who’d had an idea bouncing around in his head for a while. “Some friends of ours own the terrific Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi, and they’d been doing a radio variety program. I was very intrigued.”

chuckanut radio hour
Village Books co-owner Chuck Robinson was approached in November 2006 to create content for community radio station KMRE.

Chuck and Phil decided to work together on the project and perform it with a small crew – including Village Books co-owner and Chuck’s wife Dee Robinson, announcer Rich Donnelly, the Muzzys, Rhodes, and McKay – at downtown’s American Museum of Radio and Electricity (now the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention). They planned to launch it the following spring or summer.

But a week later Chuck discovered the store had already booked Seattle author Erik Larson to come read from his new novel, “Thunderstruck,” in January. That book happened to include the real-life character Guglielmo Marconi, creator of the wireless.

“Turns out, the radio museum downtown has many pieces from Marconi’s lab,” Chuck says with a laugh. “We thought, well, this is too good to pass up!”

So the ball began rolling much faster than anticipated for the first ever Chuckanut Radio Hour. Chuck confirmed Larson as a guest and the date was set for the inaugural show on January 10.

“Now we have to put a show together in less than two months, and we’ve never done one!” Chuck says. (Spoiler alert: They totally pulled it off.)

As he unravels the yarn about the Chuckanut Radio Hour’s origins, Chuck begins to dig through a pile of old notebooks.

“Son of a gun, I may have the old scripts here,” he says. “Yup, January 10th. Ha! This is funny. I forgot I had all these old notebooks.”

He scans the very first Chuckanut Radio Hour script, sharing highlights.

“We started out the show with a little bit of chit chat, and we had The Honeybees on, a musical group like the Andrews Sisters,” Chuck says. “It’s their little clip that we do at the beginning of every show, when they sing, ‘The Chuckanut Radio Hour.’”

James Bertolini was the first poet on Poet’s Corner; he would return several times. Alan read an essay, and after the show’s conclusion was asked to become a regular.

Also at that first taping was popular local group The Walrus, who for a two-year stint became the program’s house band. They’ve been back over the years and will perform at the 8th anniversary show.

“We have guest musicians for every show,” says Chuck, bringing things back to the present. “There’s so much talent in this town. There’s a young woman named Sarah Goodin who’s been on the show three times. She’s terrific and such a sweetheart.”

Music, performance, and discussion have always intertwined on the program.

The Poet’s Corner evolved from showcasing a variety of local poets to shining its spotlight solely on program regular Kevin Murphy. “He’s a fantastic performance poet,” Chuck says.

chuckanut radio hour
Musicians perform during the Chuckanut Radio Hour which plays on Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:00 p.m.

Floyd McKay, an on-air newsperson for years with the KING-5 affiliate in Portland, has conducted the author interviews since the first show – though Chuck, Dee, and Rich have taken on the task here and there.

Being an extension of a bookstore that hosts hundreds of author events each year, The Chuckanut Radio Hour never lacks for interview subjects. William Deitrich holds the record for guesting most often – six or seven times.

The Chuckanut Radio Hour eventually outgrew its original location at the museum’s radio station and its second home at the Leopold’s Crystal Ballroom.

In 2013, the show moved to Whatcom Community College’s Heiner Theater and WCC became a sponsor.

“We’ve had people from their faculty perform music and students work as interns for the show,” Chuck says of the partnership. “We hope to expand that.”

When Garrison Keillor was a guest, in 2008, the show took place at Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center and played to an audience of a thousand.

Chuck calls the WCC auditorium the show’s “permanent home,” and says it’s been a long time since a performance didn’t pull in more than 100 people.

The finished product that listeners hear is not broadcast live. “It all gets a bit of editing and goes to KMRE and gets played there,” Chuck says.

When the show first began, Chuck wrote the scripts, and then Phil’s wife Leslie Clark took over. Leslie has also been a producer of the program, as has Jeff Bender, another writer for the show.

“Now we’re doing it without a specific producer,” says Chuck, who has always executive produced.

“It’s less work than it used to be,” he says. “Five of us brainstorm what the theme should be for each show. The bridge pieces are only a minute long, so it’s a little bit of transition work and some introduction to the next part, and some bad jokes. That’s it.”

He makes what he and the team do sound simple, but what they’ve accomplished certainly is not. With 83 episodes under their belt, they’ve been entertaining listeners every month for eight solid years now.

chuckanut radio hour
Celebrate the 8th anniversary of the Chuckanut Radio Hour on January 22 at Whatcom Coummunity College.

Ticket sales – everything beyond the hard costs of doing the show – go into a charitable account. “We’ve done things for Whatcom Community College, raised money for Sustainable Connections, and many other local nonprofit organizations,” says Chuck.

“Our audience skews a little gray,” he admits, laughing. “I guess part of the reason for that is we’re old enough to remember radio variety shows and television variety shows – most of which are gone.”

Dee has retired from working at the bookstore, but she’s not about to give up her role as Aunt Suzette with The Chuckanut Radio Players.

“She hasn’t retired from the Radio Hour,” says Chuck, letting out a big laugh. “She always tells people: ‘That’s not work, that’s fun.’”

You can listen to the program on Spark Radio: KMRE-LP 102.3 FM (and online here), at 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 9:00 p.m. on Sundays.

The 8th anniversary performance of the Chuckanut Radio Hour takes place Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Whatcom Community College’s Heiner Theater. Tickets are $5 and are available at Village Books and BrownPaperTickets.com. Co-sponsored by Whatcom Community College Foundation, 12th Street Shoes, and Westside Pizza.

Bellingham and Whatcom County 5Ks: One A Month for the First Half of 2015

bellingham 5k run

 

bellingham 5k runIt’s no secret that Whatcom County is chock full of fans of the great outdoors – and why wouldn’t it be, when the environs are so magnificent? Many locals love nothing more than lacing up their running shoes and hitting the trails (or pavement or track) to get in a good workout while also taking in all the beauty.

Those who enjoy 5K races or walks are always in luck, with events happening every month of the year.

Tammy Bennett, an avid runner, has lived and worked in Bellingham for the past 30 years. “I love this place!” she says, and encourages locals to participate in 5K runs and walks. “It’s an achievable distance, so people who don’t currently participate may consider giving a 5K a whirl.”

Her official title at the Whatcom Family YMCA is Healthy Living Director, but she proudly claims the alias Department of Fun Director.

“Every day I get to work with a great team, helping people in their quest for better health,” Bennett says.

Bennett shared with us a few of her favorite 5K events – and also tipped WhatcomTalk off to a likely addition to the Bellingham 5K calendar this year: The Color Run. Those interested in this very popular event can sign up for VIP updates at The Color Run’s Bellingham web page.

If you’re looking to up your fitness goals – or simply take part in more community 5Ks, here’s a list to keep you busy for the first half of 2015.

January

bellingham 5k runIn wintry January, you can ease into your New Year’s running resolutions with a fun run/walk that clocks in a bit under a full 5K.

The annual Resolution Run/Walk on New Year’s Day circles Lake Padden at 2.6 miles (rather than the full 3.1 miles of a 5K). The Lake Padden Polar Dip follows this free annual event, so runners can cool off (and how!) after running counter-clockwise around the lake. The run starts at 11:00 a.m., followed by the dip at 12:00 p.m. No registration is necessary.

February

Race through Whatcom Falls Park with the Greater Bellingham Running Club’s annual Two for the Road 5K Run. Participants can run solo of with a partner, though teams must finish together.

The race takes place on Saturday, February 14 at 10:00 a.m. and starts near the fish hatchery. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. at the large shelter near the start and is free for GBRC members and $5 for non-members.

March

bellingham 5k runExpect some extra special celebrations this year as the Birch Bay Road Race celebrates its 10th year. Participants can choose to run a 5K, 15K or 30K, each course taking them along the spectacular shores of Birch Bay and through tree-lined country roads.

The race takes place on Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees change depending on how soon you register, but range from $30-$40 for the 5K. More information here.

Another 5K walk/run to consider in March is the Runnin O’ the Green through downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven on Saturday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. Fees range from $15 (for earliest registration) to $35 on the day of the race.

April

Bennett touts the Fun With The Fuzz 5K as another favorite.

“Here’s one you can actually race, if that’s your thing,” she says. “It’s super well-organized and is welcoming to alpha dogs, beginners, and everyone in between.”

This road race supports the Behind the Badge Foundation and takes place on Saturday, April 18 at 9:00 a.m.

“It starts and finishes at the Bellingham Police Department, so skip it if you’re sitting on 100 unpaid parking tickets,” Bennett jokes.

Another of Bennett’s favorites takes place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25: the Superhero 5K Run/Walk, which benefits the Firs. “I’m a sucker for 5Ks for a good cause,” she says.

Tons of families arrive at Bloedel Donovan Park decked out in Superhero gear and run or walk – or both – through the Whatcom Falls Park course.

bellingham 5k run“The 2-year-old superhero I got to do it with me decided to be done about a quarter of the way and no one blinked an eye,” says Bennett. “Perfect.”

May

The annual Haggen to Haggen 5K Fun Run and Walk takes place on Saturday, May 2, kicking off at the Sehome Village Haggen store. This certified event starts at 8:00 a.m. and finishes at the Meridian store, winding through downtown Bellingham. Sponsors shares samples at the finish line of great products Haggen offers, and shuttles are then provided to take racers back to the Sehome Haggen.

Race packets may be picked up on Friday, May 1 at the Sehome Haggen between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Day-of-race registration begins at 7:00 a.m.

June

Bennett admits that this 5K recommendation comes with a bias, as it’s a YMCA program. “I think everyone should come to a Girls on the Run 5K at least once and feel the power of 250 third- to fifth-grade girls doing their first 5K with their coaches, families, teachers, pets and friends,” she says.

bellingham 5k runThe Girls on the Run Spring 5K happens at Lake Padden on Saturday, June 13, with another 5K in December; check their site for the December date as the time gets closer, as well as for information about its ongoing running curriculum at area schools.

Everyone is welcome, and every participant gets to wear the number one. All proceeds sustain the Girls on the Run program.

“I know, I know, sheer, unadulterated bias,” Bennett says with a laugh. “Alpha dogs would need to go on a run before or after, as this is not a personal record 5K.”

There you have it, a list of popular 5K races and walks you might consider participating in during the first half of the year. WhatcomTalk will bring you a list for the second half of 2015 as the time gets closer.

Photos supplied by Fun With The Fuzz and Whatcom Family YMCA.

January Author Talks at Village Books

village books bellingham

 

Submitted by Village Books

Another year has come and gone. Whether you need to replenish your reading list or start a new one, Village Books has countless titles to pique your interest and keep you reading all winter – and year – long. And, what’s more, throughout the entire month of January, Village Books will be hosting local and visiting authors. Learn more about titles you love, or discover new reads while attending one of Village Books’ many scheduled January author talks.

Friday, Jan. 2, 7:00 p.m.
Susan Middleton, Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates, The Backbone of Life

Marine invertebrates make up more than ninety-eight percent of the known animal species in the ocean, yet they remain elusive to most of us. Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates, The Backbone of Life by pioneering nature photographer Susan Middleton blends science and art to reveal the hidden beauty and remarkable biodiversity of sea creatures without backbones. The result of seven years of fieldwork across the Pacific Ocean, and showcasing the photographic techniques Middleton has developed over the past three decades, this volume presents more than 250 portraits of rarely or never-before-seen ocean dwellers. Middleton visually isolates each creature she photographs to best capture its individual character and to spotlight the dazzling natural blueprints inherent in the marine invertebrate realm of life. An endless array of remarkable diversity in life designs parades across the pages of Spineless: resplendent sea cucumbers, ethereal jellies, otherworldly nudibranchs, and a host of other fascinating creatures. From the stubby squid to the frilled anemone to the white phantom crab, these images open our eyes to both the fragility and the resiliency of these species.

Susan Middleton is an acclaimed photographer, author, and lecturer specializing in portraiture of rare and endangered animals, plants, sites, and cultures. The recipient of a Guggenheim fellowship in 2009, for many years she was the chair of the Department of Photography at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, where she currently serves as research associate. Her photographs have been exhibited worldwide in fine art and natural history contexts and are represented in the permanent collections of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Gallery of Art. The author of Evidence of Evolution and co-author of several other books, Susan lives in San Francisco.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 7:00 p.m.
June Eastvold, The Boys on the Porch: An Allegory–Bridges from Fear to Faith

When a company of homeless men took up residence on the portico at University Lutheran Church in Seattle, Washington, all hell broke loose. Neighbors, realtors, health professionals, the bishop’s office, the business community, the daycare staff, irate parents, and the ecumenical community began to divide around the question, “Who is our neighbor?” This allegorical work addresses middle class values and superficial material appearances that block the mysterious, transformational work of the Spirit, who bridges all to the vision of the celestial city of God: crossing without fear to faith and love. Written by retired Lutheran minister June Nilssen Eastvold, The Boys on the Porch is based on her years as an activist in Seattle, Washington, while serving in the university district as the pastor at University Lutheran Church.

Sunday, Jan. 18, 4:00 p.m.
Colleen Haggerty, A Leg To Stand On: An Amputee’s Walk Into Motherhood

Join us for an event with local debut author Colleen Haggerty for her touching memoir, A Leg to Stand On: An Amputee’s Walk Into Motherhood, which depicts her story of loss, anger, redemption, and forgiveness after losing her leg in a car accident during her senior year of high school. A Leg To Stand On is Haggerty’s poignant story of a young woman suddenly faced with physical limitations, sacrificing two pregnancies out of fear, and choosing two more later in life, also faced with fear. Those four choices informed the seasons of her emotional and physical life. Abortion undid her emotionally, pregnancy undid her physically, and motherhood reconfigured her in both ways. The paradox is that while motherhood amplified her disability, it ultimately changed her life for the better. This is the story of Haggerty’s transformation into motherhood, both in spite of and in light of her disability. Haggerty takes us on her journey as she explores her physical world with vigor, testing the limits of her body as well as her heart, pursuing love and passion with restless men. Inevitably, youth and wanderlust would be their undoing, and it would play a role in two of the most difficult choices in her life.

Colleen Haggerty is a writer of memoir and personal essay. She has contributed to four anthologies: The Spirit of a Woman, He Said What? (penned as Colleen Robinson), Dancing at the Shame Prom, and Beyond Belief. After Colleen lost her leg at seventeen years old she found herself feeling marginalized. She developed a deep empathy for, and desire, to help others living on the fringe of society which led to her twenty year career in non-profit management. She is an inspiring public speaker and was a speaker at the 2013 Bellingham TEDx event where she talked about the power of forgiveness. Colleen writes about walking through life as an amputee at www.colleenhaggerty.com. She makes her home in Bellingham, WA with her husband and two teenagers.

Friday, Jan. 23, 7:00 p.m.
Joseph Coons, USFactsFirst

USFactsFirst is a thorough review of the issues that Americans have been debating intensely in recent years. The author tells you how he was tired of seeing, hearing and reading confusing claims and reports about fifteen of our most important issues: Politics, Healthcare, the National Debt, Taxes, Incomes, Education, Financial Institutions, and more. Determined to get the facts straight, Joe Coons spent almost two years gathering accurate data from unimpeachable sources and then, always, carefully and clearly putting it into perspective. Written in a non-partisan, frank, understandable style, and illustrated with clear data including 28 color charts, he lets you draw your own conclusions except when there is no controversy. Then, to make this a chance to develop your thinking further and involve your family and friends, he ends the discussion of each subject with stimulating, relevant questions for you to consider. Early readers universally praised the book and recommended it to US citizens and voters, and especially to anyone in an elected position, or involved in community, state or national leadership. They also emphasized its use as a primer on these issues for younger citizens.

Author Joseph Coons, now retired, cast his first vote in 1956. He worked his way up from pumping gas and washing cars to running successful businesses, and lived in both the Eastern and Western US and in between. With his unbounded admiration for most of the 300-plus million folks who make the US the great place it is, he calls himself independent, having supported candidates, not parties, over his lifetime. He believes in America and especially, Americans!

Sunday, Jan. 25, 4:00 p.m.
Stephen & Anthony Palumbi, Extreme Life of the Sea

The ocean teems with life that thrives under difficult situations in unusual environments. This illustrated lecture takes the audience to the absolute limits of the aquatic world—the fastest and deepest, the hottest and oldest creatures of the oceans. It dives into the icy Arctic and boiling hydrothermal vents, and exposes the eternal darkness of the deepest undersea trenches to show how marine life thrives against the odds. It brings to life the sea’s most extreme species, and reveals how they succeed across the wide expanse of the world’s global ocean. The authors tell the unforgettable stories of some of the most marvelous life forms on Earth, and the challenges they overcome to survive.

Every attendee is given a deep look at the lives of these species. The authors show the audience the world’s oldest living species, narrate how flying fish strain to escape their predators, how predatory deep-sea fish use red search lights only they can see to find and attack food, and how at the end of their lives, mother octopus dedicate themselves to raising their young. They also discuss how ocean adaptations can inspire innovative commercial products—such as fan blades modeled on the flippers of humpback whales—and how climate change and our planet’s tenacious marine life.

Stephen R. Palumbi, Ph.D., is the Director of the Hopkins Marine Station and the Harold A. Miller Professor of Marine Science at Stanford University. He is one of today’s leading marine scientists. His previous work has appeared in publications from the New York Times to the Seattle Times, and he has contributed to or been interviewed by the BBC/Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and National Geographic. His film projects include the BBC series The Future Is Wild, the History channel’s Life after People, and the Short Attention Span Science Theater. He is also the author of The Death and Life of Monterey Bay and The Evolution Explosion: How Humans Cause Rapid Evolutionary Change. Visit him at http://palumbi.stanford.edu/.

Anthony R. Palumbi is Stephen’s son. After growing up on the beaches of O’ahu and in the suburbs of Boston, he fled winters by moving to California. Graduating from Stanford University in 2006 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Ultimate Frisbee, he worked in both the film and video game industries before striking out as a writer. Today, he writes about science and video games for several outlets. He has written extensively for Electronic Arts’ video game The Sims 3 and continues consulting for the industry. His nonfiction work about modern culture from the eyes of the next generation has been published by The Atlantic and ThinkProgress, and his fiction by The Peninsula Paper. Tony maintains a blog titled I Drop Things and is finishing his first novel. He lives and works in San Mateo, California along with the world’s most talented Frisbee dog.

Saturday, Jan 31, 7:00 p.m.
Stewart O’Nan, West Of Sunset – Fiction

In 1937, F. Scott Fitzgerald was a troubled, uncertain man whose literary success was long over. In poor health, with his wife consigned to a mental asylum and his finances in ruins, he struggled to make a new start as a screenwriter in Hollywood. By December 1940, he would be dead of a heart attack. Those last three years of Fitzgerald’s life, often obscured by the legend of his earlier Jazz Age glamour, are the focus of Stewart O’Nan’s gorgeously and gracefully written novel, West of Sunset. With flashbacks to key moments from Fitzgerald’s past, the story follows him as he arrives on the MGM lot, falls in love with brassy gossip columnist Sheilah Graham, begins work on The Last Tycoon, and tries to maintain a semblance of family life with the absent Zelda and daughter, Scottie. Fitzgerald’s orbit of literary fame and the Golden Age of Hollywood is brought vividly to life through the novel’s romantic cast of characters, from Dorothy Parker and Ernest Hemingway to Humphrey Bogart. A sympathetic and deeply personal portrait of a flawed man who never gave up in the end, even as his every wish and hope seemed thwarted, West of Sunset confirms O’Nan as, “possibly our best working novelist” (Salon)”

Stewart O Nan’s novels include Snow Angels, The Speed Queen, A Prayer for the Dying and The Night Country. Granta has named him one of the Twenty Best Young American Novelists. He lives in Connecticut.

 

Pickford Film Center to Show “The Interview” Starting on December 26

the interview movie
Pickford Film Center is one of few movie theaters showing "The Interview" beginning on Friday.

 

Submitted by Pickford Film Center

the interview movie
Pickford Film Center is one of few movie theaters showing “The Interview” beginning on Friday.

Very few movie theaters in Washington state will be among those showing The Interview this week as part of Sony’s limited Christmas release of the film. Pickford Film Center, Bellingham’s only independent cinema, has strongly supported freedom of expression and taken a stand against censorship since first opening it’s doors.

The Interview, the Seth Rogen and James Franco comedy about a plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has been sweeping headlines in recent weeks. Sony had previously announced that the film’s release would be pulled completely, following a hacking attack on the company and threats against cinema chains that planned to screen the film.

“The news coming out of Hollywood since the attack on Sony Pictures by a group the FBI has connected to the North Korean government has mostly been one of embarrassment, paranoia and botched release plans for the studio’s Christmas feature, The Interview,” says PFC’s Program Director, Michael Falter.

the interview movie
Showtimes and tickets for “The Interview” can be found by visiting Pickford’s website at www.pickfordfilmcenter.org.

Everyone had an opinion, including President Barack Obama, who urged Sony Pictures not to cave in to pressure from an authoritarian regime, and later called the decision to cancel it “a mistake”. Independent theaters in America, under the loose affiliation of the Arthouse Convergence, joined to stand for freedom of expression and offered to release The Interview on their screens. “Pickford Film Center is excited to stand with our art house and independent friends around the country,” Falter says. “No matter what merits the film has, it is now linked to an historic event in film distribution, one that extends to the very ideals America holds dear.”

The Interview will be playing daily at Pickford Film Center 1318 Bay Street starting Friday, December 26. Showtimes are listed below, parenthesis () denote bargain pricing – Fri & Sat: 8:45, 11:15pm; Sun: (12:15), 8:00; Mon & Tue: 9:00; Wed: (1:15); Thu: 9:00

More information including trailers, and advance tickets are available online:

http://www.pickfordfilmcenter.org/programs/pickford/the-interview/

WhatcomTalk’s Top 10 Articles From 2014

Photo credit: Stacee Sledge

 

By Stacee Sledge

With our first year of publishing WhatcomTalk nearly under our belt, we thought we’d look back and summarize our most popular articles.

Take a look at the list below. As always, the articles are an education about the positive things happening in our community: whether it’s a featured article detailing a local business, a profile of a community member doing something fantastic, or an article focused on where to go for good eats (and drinks), WhatcomTalk.com delivers quality content about Bellingham and Whatcom County.

#1 – Hannah Dashiell Memorial Bench Planned for Barkley Village Gazebo

When a tragic accident took the young, promising life of Hannah Dashiell, the community rallied around her memory and helped create a memorial bench in Barkley Village in her name.

#2 – Local Filmmaker Jessica Valentine Wins International Contest To Shoot Short Film With Uma Thurman

Jessica Valentine worked in film for a decade before getting her chance at writing and directing. She made a major splash with her first foray into both, directing Academy-award winning actress Uma Thurman in her short film “Jump.”

#3 – Nuu-Muu: Bellingham Business Creates Seriously Cute Exercise Dresses For Working Out – And For Play

Two friends created an exercise dress in which they could work out – and play. Functional and fabulous, the designs have taken off and are now being sold across the country and the world.

#4 – The Cooperative Caffeinated Crew: Owners of Local Coffee Roasters Share Workspace

What happens when two competing coffee roasters decide to share a workspace? All good things. Meet the owners of Maniac Coffee Roasting and Hammerhead Coffee Roasters, who have turned competition into coopetition.

#5 – 25 Free Things To Do With Kids In Bellingham and Whatcom County

Our list of fun things to do with kids – oh, and did we mention they’re all free? – was a big hit with our readers. And it’s just a starting point. There are hundreds of fabulous, family-friendly activities all across Whatcom County; let our list inspire a list of your own.

#6 – Get Your Buzz On At Bellingham Coffee Shops

Bellingham has no shortage of superb spots to coffee up. We shared a long list of many of our favorite places to caffeinate.

#7 – Bellingham Bells Owner Eddie Poplawski Driven By Love Of Community, Mentoring Players

We profiled Bellingham Bells owner Eddie Poplawski before the Bells were crowned the 2014 West Coast League Champions. Read our article and you’ll understand the positive power leading this incredible team.

#8 – 6 Bellingham Breakfast Joints Worth Getting Up For

Bellingham is full of incredible, reliable breakfast places. We shine our spotlight on six of them.

#9 – Shuksan Middle School’s Katie Brown: Washington State Teacher of the Year Throws Out First Pitch For Mariners, Meets President Obama

Bellingham’s very own Katie Brown was named Washington State Teacher of the Year – and what a year it was.

#10 – 7 Date Spots Around Bellingham

Need a little inspiration for your next date night? WhatcomTalk pointed readers to seven different eateries – all of them ideal for a romantic night out.

We’ve been delighted with the community’s response to WhatcomTalk and look forward to another year of bringing you positive articles about the people, businesses and organizations doing good thing around Whatcom County.  If you have a story idea, email us at submit@whatcomtalk.com.

Trustees Association Honors Whatcom Community College Student with Statewide Award

 

Submitted by Whatcom Community College

wcc studentWhatcom Community College student Sukhdip Singh is one of five statewide recipients of the 2015 Transforming Lives Award from the Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges (TACTC). Each of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges nominate individuals for the prestigious award, which recognizes students who have overcome significant barriers to achieve their higher education goals and celebrates how two- year colleges help to transform lives through education. Singh conquered prejudice and financial challenges to pursue his goal of becoming a doctor. He will receive the Transforming Lives Award at a Jan. 28, ceremony in Olympia where he will share his story and receive a $500 prize.

“Sukhdip is truly an inspiring student,” says WCC President Kathi Hiyane-Brown. “He constantly challenges himself to perform at a higher level and is a thoughtful, compassionate person who is respected by his fellow students as well as faculty and staff. I am grateful TACTC is recognizing his perseverance, intellect and optimism. While his story is singular to his own experience, his desire to better his life and the community through higher education is representative of all our students and illustrates the importance of access to education.”

An international student from Greece, Singh credits the support system and vibrant Student Life program at Whatcom for his success. “The faculty and staff are genuinely willing to help,” he says. “Whatcom has enabled and encouraged me to grow, learn, and become stronger by using my past experiences as fuel to help me accomplish my goals.” A Sikh, Singh says growing up he experienced prejudice and persecution because of the color of his skin and his religion. He moved to the United States to escape the oppressive environment and to pursue his educational goals.

Singh, who has a 4.0 grade point average, is studying biology and will transfer to a four-year school after earning his associate’s degree from Whatcom this spring. He is an officer of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two- year colleges; serves on the student leadership team of the programming and diversity board; and is a member of the Associated Students of Whatcom Community College social justice, equity and pluralism committee. Demonstrating his belief in the power of education to overcome prejudice, he is organizing a Turban Awareness Day on campus.

Where To Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Bellingham and Whatcom County

jansen art center
Photo courtesy: Jansen Art Center.

 

jansen art center
The Jansen Art Center is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration in Lynden.

Where does the time go? 2014 is nearly now a memory and 2015 looms large.

Whether you’re looking for a blow-out New Year’s Eve party or something a little more subdued, WhatcomTalk has you covered with our list of the goings-on around Bellingham and Whatcom County on the big night.

Dancing and dining options abound. Celebrate 2015 right!

A Manhattan New Year’s Eve Celebration at Lynden’s Jansen Art Center

Love New Year’s, but not staying up late? Then celebrate a Manhattan New Year’s Eve at the Jansen Art Center in Lynden (and still be in bed before midnight). The event will include a happy hour, live music with Telefon, Darla Bradshaw Lobb with guitarist Walt Burkett, and Cheryl Hodge, plus a four-course dinner, beer, wine, and champagne. It all leads up to the live streaming of the Times Square Ball Drop to ring in 2015. The event is December 31 from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased at the Jansen Art Center Gallery Gift Shop or by phone: 360.354.3600. For more info about the Jansen Art Center, visit their website. 

New Year’s Eve Party With Flannel: 90s Tribute at the Shakedown

Party like you’re in your 20s again with ’90s tribute band Flannel at the Shakedown. The band will play three sets of covers of your favorite songs from the ’90s, in the vein of Weezer, Blink 182, the Dave Matthews Band and many more. Flannel has come to be one of the most popular party bands in Bellingham, so it’s only natural that they’ll be the life of the party for New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show, and include a complimentary glass of champagne. The Shakedown is at 1212 North State Street in Bellingham. The Shakedown will be dressed for a party – and word on the street is there may even be a confetti cannon.

New Year’s Eve Variety Show at Honey Moon

Bellingham’s Honey Moon presents its first ever New Year’s Eve Variety Show with aerialists (yes, aerialists!), dancers, musicians, storytelling, poetry, astrology readings, and more. The extraordinary show kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Cover is $10 and includes a special noshing buffet and complimentary cider toast at midnight. Advance tickets available by calling 360.734.0728, or stop by Honey Moon at 1053 North State Street Alley.

new years eve bellingham
There are plenty of ways to ring in 2015 around Bellingham and Whatcom County.

Yogoman Burning Band’s New Orleans Masquerade Ball at the Wild Buffalo
Yogoman celebrates its 10-year anniversary in style at the Wild Buffalo on New Year’s Eve with a New Orleans Masquerade Ball. They band will perform all four of its studio albums. Yogoman – aka Jordan Rain – is heading down to New Orleans in early 2015 for an ambitious musical project; this event hopes to help with a crowdfunding campaign for Yogoman to rehearse and live in New Orleans for three months. 

Bellingham Country Dance Society

Bring in the New Year on your feet, with the Bellingham Country Dance Society’s New Year’s Eve Gala Dance and Party. Beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the Eagles Hall at 1125 North Forest Street in Bellingham, this alcohol-free celebration will include a finger food potluck, dancing, and party favors. Portland’s Wild Hair will play the tunes, with Marlin Prowell calling.

Uisce Irish Pub

Bellingham’s favorite Irish pub rings in 2015 in style with tunes by DJ KitchenSink all night long and their annual champagne toast at midnight. They’re claiming it will be there best New Year’s Eve party yet – and have you been to their St. Patrick’s Day bashes? Go find out if they’re right!

Semiahmoo Resort’s Pierside Kitchen

Would you rather enjoy a quiet meal over dancing on the ceiling? Pierside Kitchen at Blaine’s Semiahmoo Resort is celebrating the New Year with a seasonal five-course menu created especially for the holiday. Tickets are $85 per person ($125 with wine pairings, $55 for children 6-12; free for children 5 and under). Prepare your taste buds for something spectacular – read the entire menu here.

Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse Bar & Grill

Hotel Bellwether’s Lighthouse Bar and Grill will serve a special New Year’s Eve three-course menu from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31. Choose from rack of lamb, scallops and prawns, duck breast, or beef tenderloin for the main course. Peruse the entire exceptional menu here.

Best Western Plus

You’re invited to Poppe’s 360 Lounge at the Best Western Lakeway Inn for a New Year’s Eve celebration to remember. For a $10 cover, guests can enjoy the music of DJ Ryan-I, a champagne toast, and a raffle for prizes. The party kicks off at 9:00 p.m. and reservations are not necessary.

Rhododendron Café

Celebrate the New Year in high culinary style at The Rhody with Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne and choice of prosciutto-wrapped sea scallop or duck breast appetizer, shaved beet salad, lobster tail or filet mignon, and chocolate torte or raspberry crème brûlée. Reservations are required, with seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The cafe is located at 5521 Chuckanut Drive in Bow.

new years eve bellingham
Flannel is a 90’s tribute band that will be playing at Shakedown on December 31.

Nooksack River Casino

The Nooksack River Casino celebrates New Year’s Eve with free live entertainment, a photo booth, midnight balloon drop, and cash drawings from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. – plus its delicious buffet featuring prime rib and seafood specialties for $24.95.

Skagit Valley Casino Resort

Skagit Valley Casino Resort ushers in 2015 with its New Year’s Eve Gala 2015 featuring the Beatniks, starting at 8:00 p.m. in the Pacific Showroom. Reserved seating is $90 and includes buffet dinner and entertainment. 5984 North Darrk Lane in Bow.

New Year’s Eve Party at the Elks Lodge

Bellingham’s Elk Lodge invites folks to join them for an exciting evening of dinner and dancing, ringing in the New Year in an old way. The theme is Titanic, and it’s guaranteed to be a blast from the past. Music will be provided by Cruise Brothers with Jan Akkryod. Please call the Lodge office at 360.733.3333 for reservations; space is limited, and reservations are a must. 710 Samish Way in Bellingham.

New Year’s Eve at the Fraternal Order of Eagles

Bellingham’s Fraternal Order of Eagles invites the community to ring in New Year’s Eve together, with a prime rib dinner. Cost is $12; please RSVP to Mrs. Luanne Peel at aux31secretary@gmail.com. Hats, horns, and champagne toast will be provided. 1125 North Forest Street in Bellingham.

Earlier Celebrations For The Younger Ones

And what about the small set? If you’d like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your kiddos, but can’t keep them up too late, consider Perch & Play’s Countdown to Noon from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (1707 North State Street in Bellingham) or Lynden Skateway’s New Year’s Eve Skate Party from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

230 Families Receive Turkeys from Snapper Shuler Kenner Insurance Holiday Drive

 

Submitted by Snapper Shuler Kenner Insurance

turkeys SSK insuranceA holiday drive to help local families in need resulted in 230 turkeys being donated to the Bellingham Food Bank and Lynden-based Project Hope.

Snapper Shuler Kenner Insurance (SSK Insurance), with offices in Lynden and Bellingham, offered to match donations of up to 100 turkeys (valued at $15 apiece). The third-annual drive exceeded that goal by Friday’s deadline.

“We’re grateful that so many members of our community joined us in helping make the holidays a little better for so many families,” said Paul Kenner, executive vice president of SSK Insurance. “We encourage everyone to be generous with their support of Project Hope, Bellingham Food Bank and other nonprofit organizations in our community.”

An independent agency with origins dating back to 1925, SSK Insurance has offices at 501 Front St. in Lynden, and 2115 Barkley Blvd., Suite 201, in Bellingham. Donations may be delivered or mailed to either office. For more information, call 360-354-4488 or visit www.sskinsurance.com.

Downtown Design Competition to Create Lively Places

Submitted by Sustainable Connections

Sustainable Connections announces plans for a Downtown Bellingham Placemaking Design Competition to kick off January 5, 2015. The competition, titled KAPOW, seeks to engage the community in designing “tactical urbanism” projects that enhance downtown Bellingham’s identity, vitality, and health.

A collaboration between Sustainable Connections, The City of Bellingham, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Whatcom County Association of Realtors, and Northwest American Institute of Architects, the competition invites the community to design inexpensive projects that make small places more lively and enjoyable. The design ideas are to reflect Bellingham’s unique community identity, attract people, activate inactive spaces, provide amenities and promote people’s health, happiness, and well-being. Some tactical urbanism ideas include: parklets, pop up cafes, chair bombing and guerilla gardening. More information regarding tactical urbanism can be found on the Tactical Urbanism Guide by Street Plans.

Individuals and teams will be selected to pitch their idea to the community, and winning ideas will receive seed funding to turn their concept into reality. Assistance will be provided for permitting, design and planning support.

Applications will be available on Sustainable Connections website January 5, 2015 and are due January 30, 2015. Individuals and teams are encouraged to start thinking of ideas for submission, visit SustainableConnections.org for more information and contact Rose Lathrop at Sustainable Connections with questions.

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