Merry Bock Hits the Taps at Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen

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Submitted by Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen

The bells are beginning to ring and the darkest day of the year is coming soon. Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen (located at 601 W. Holly Street) will be tapping into Chuckanut Bock on December 26, to brighten up our days and celebrate the holidays. This is the beer that had fans talking for years and hasn’t been brewed since 2010. Chuckanut’s Bock beer is a traditional lager that is aged for 12 weeks before kegging. Cold-aging makes Bock a smooth high alcohol, rich flavored, mahogany colored beer savored during special occasions.

At Chuckanut Brewery we believe we have a special beer perfect for the holidays. With its rich, toasty overtones, fruity notes, and smooth significant alcohol presence, it’s a real festive treat. With just enough hops to balance out the sweet maltiness, this style of beer matches perfectly alongside any rich entree, dessert, or just by itself. Chuckanut Bock is available at Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen by the glass or you can take it home in growlers. You might even be lucky enough to find it at select bars and restaurants around the Puget Sound, too.

Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, located at 601 West Holly Street, was awarded the National Small Brewpub/Brewer of the Year 2009 and National Small Brewery/Brewer of the Year 2011 at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. The full-service “Kitchen” serves from 11:00 a.m. every day to guests of all ages with an eclectic fresh local menu. Bar specials include: HoPPY Hour Sunday to Thursday, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday Night $3 Pints, Kolsch Night Tuesday’s, and more. Check out additional information about Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen at chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com.

Massage Envy: Bringing Relaxation To Bellingham While Supporting Local Charities

By

Stacee Sledge

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massage envy bellingham — Edna and Mark Christianson opened their Sehome Village Bellingham Massage Envy clinic in November of 2011.

For owners Edna and Mark Christianson and their team of 25 licensed massage therapists, estheticians and office staff, Massage Envy Spa in Bellingham has two overarching goals: to help customers reach true relaxation and wellness – and to give back to our community.

The clinic’s motto says it all: “Better lives. Better families. Better Communities. A better world…through our hands.”

Edna and Mark opened their Sehome Village Bellingham Massage Envy clinic in November of 2011.

The couple lives in Snohomish, but spends several days a week up here, managing the business. Their local team, lead by sales manager Kevin Coleman and office manager Stacy Paul, also works hard to keep things running at the open-seven-days-a-week business.

Edna had been a stay-at-home mom for eight years when a former co-worker approached her about Massage Envy. The trusted friend, impressed with the company’s business plan and knowing Edna’s work ethic and drive, suggested she think about doing the same.

“I knew I liked massage – I was a great customer of massage,” Edna says, laughing. “But I wanted to know more about it, like: Why do we all feel so much better after a massage?”

As part of her due diligence, Edna went through massage school – and fell in love with it. She got her my massage certificate in 2005 and purchased a Massage Envy license in 2006.

She and Mark opened their first Massage Envy clinic in Everett in 2007. In 2011, they expanded to open the Bellingham location.

“I love Bellingham,” Edna says. “It’s an area I want to grow old in. I just love the community itself.”

Between the two of them, Edna and Mark are in the Bellingham clinic three to four times a week. They’re also active members in the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce. Their local Massage Envy team is made up of men and women who love to live, work and play right here.

When you walk into the clinic, the outside world seems to fade away. The welcoming entry is all warm wood tones and aromatherapy wonders. A dozen private, calming rooms await customers beyond the lobby and its helpful staff.

“We’re a really stressed out society, generally, and don’t even realize it until we take the time to de-stress,” says Edna. “We live with a lot of pain, and being able to de-stress is huge. We help people manage their pain and reduce their meds.”

In addition to the standard 90-minute or two-hour massages – which can be enhanced with aromatherapy, sugar scrub foot massages and more – Edna and Mark’s Massage Envy also offers hot stone massage.

“The first time I had a hot stone massage I was out of it for two hours,” Edna says with a sigh. “It was SO relaxing.”

Having trouble sleeping?

“We recommend adding the lavender garden aromatherapy to your massage, because it can help you relax even more,” says Edna. “You’ll go home and go right to bed and have a really awesome night’s sleep.”

Massage Envy also offers deep muscle therapy, a treatment-focused massage enhancement. “It actually relaxes your tissue topically, lessening that ‘feel-good’ pain that can make you need to do deep-breathing exercises during a treatment,” Edna says.

They also offer sugar foot scrubs, ideal for folks who are on their feet a lot or simply love a fantastic foot massage. “We rub in an exfoliating sugar, and then take it off with hot towels. It’s wonderful – you totally love your life after that,” Edna says with a laugh.

Facials using the popular Murad® line of products were added to the Massage Envy Spa mix several years ago.

“Dr. Murad believes you are what you put on yourself,” says Edna. “If you can safely eat it, he believes it’s safe to put onto your body.”

The Massage Envy team is great at what they do – bringing relaxation, wellness, and beauty to its clients – but they’re also dedicated to supporting and sponsoring numerous local events and organizations, including Ski to Sea, Run Like A Girl, Muds to Suds, the Bellingham Bells, Lynden Rodeo, and many more. It’s not uncommon to see Massage Envy therapists working on participants at events.

“The Arthritis Foundation is probably our number one charity we work with,” says Edna, who serves on the organization’s Bellingham Community Advisory Board. “This year, Massage Envy raised over a million dollars for them nationally; in our region, we raised over $50,000 for local chapters.”

Massage Envy also supports the Bellingham Bells and the Roller Betties, and regularly gives free massages to military personnel, veterans and their spouses.

Ask Massage Envy Bellingham’s sales manager Kevin Coleman what he loves most about working in the clinic and he’s quick to answer.

“I get to see lives changed,” he says. “Not only for our clients and members – but also the staff and the employees that help us all remain a close-knit group with the same focus and drive to exceed the expectations of our community.”

Part of that drive includes providing donations to local organizations, fundraisers, schools, hospitals and others in need throughout our area.

For business manager Stacy Paul, who is celebrating 16 years as a licensed massage practitioner, one of her favorite things about working at Massage Envy in Bellingham is hosting an intern each year from Whatcom Community College.

“I love getting a chance to show new licensed massage practitioners how to become successful,” she says. “I feel really lucky to be given a chance to still grow in a profession that I love – and help others grow, too.”

Bellingham is a massage therapist-rich area, to be sure, and Massage Envy is proud to stand out from the crowd in several ways.

“Our model is to be professional, affordable and convenient,” says Edna. “We want you to find a therapist you connect with, but if they’re on vacation or you need a massage right now and they’re not available, chances are we have another massage therapist that will also be suited for you.”

Because Massage Envy employs so many licensed therapists, they can accommodate many more clients every day.

“There are a lot of great massage therapists working as sole proprietors in Bellingham – and if they’re good, they’re booked out.” says Edna. “Anyone else trying to get in for an appointment is going to have to wait, and that’s not how massage works. When you wake up and you need a massage, you need it; you don’t want to wait three weeks to get in.”

At Massage Envy – open seven days a week and offering evening hours – that’s never a problem. “We’re there when the customers are available,” says Edna.

Another thing that sets Massage Envy apart is its memberships. “Our membership really helps keep the price down and keep it more affordable.” For $59.99 a month per membership, clients can enjoy a one-hour massage.

Want a second massage in that same month? You’ll pay just $49.99. Compare that to paying between $75 and $95 per massage at most places – and much, much higher prices at high-end spas.

“When we first opened for business, I took probably 40 or 50 people on a tour of our clinic and they’d all say, ‘Oh my goodness, Bellingham needs a place like this,’” Edna says. “Over and over I heard that it can be a little awkward to go into somebody’s house to get a massage.”

Massage Envy Bellingham offers an exceptional massage and spa experience in a warm, inviting, professional setting. “Massage is a very personal service,” Edna says. “And we treat it – and the customer – with the utmost respect.”

Massage Envy Spa – Bellingham

330 36th Street

Bellingham WA 98225

360.756.1100

Hours:

Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Give the Gift of Experiences This Holiday Season

By

Stacee Sledge

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experience bellingham — Find a new hobby or increase physical fitness with some time spent at the VITAL Climbing Gym.

By Stacee Sledge

Sometimes the smallest packages deliver the biggest punch. And sometimes those packages don’t even contain an actual material thing – rather, they give the gift of an experience.

Imagine slipping an envelope under the tree for a loved one that doesn’t include a gift card or check – rather, a gift certificate for a San Juan Airlines aerial tour of majestic Mount Baker or a cooking class at Ciao Thyme.

Experiential gifts are a great way to go this holiday season – especially for those on your list who already may already have it all.

San Juan Airlines

Give a gift they’ll never forget with an aerial tour of Mount Baker or a San Juan Islands day trip from San Juan Airlines.

At $149 per person, the hour-long Mount Baker tour gives amazing close-up views of the 10 spectacular glaciers that blanket the mountain’s peak, as well as the active steam vents of Sherman Crater just south of the main summit. You’ll also get glorious glimpses of neighboring Mount Shuksan.

A three-hour San Juan trip incorporates a gorgeous aerial tour with a two-hour stop in Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, or San Juan Island.

Tours can be chartered to fit your exact needs, starting as low as $79 per person for a 30-minute tour. Find more information here.

Cooking Classes

From the beginner to the home gourmet, Ciao Thyme offers cooking classes for every level – and no one will leave class hungry. Co-owner Jessica Gillis says many people take Ciao Thyme’s classes for entertainment – “to learn a few tricks, have a great meal, and get some recipes.” Others are serious gourmet home cooks, who come to add to their repertoire.

Gillis and husband, Mataio, started the classes about eight years ago; the same time they expanded their catering business into a downtown Bellingham dining destination.

“We bring in guest chefs from all over, and our chefs do some classes,” says Jessica. “Most are demonstration-style, where you watch, get recipes, and eat.”

Each quarter, Ciao Thyme also offers a popular knife skills class, taught by Mataio.

twisp-river-suites3 — Gift a romantic getaway at Twisp River Suites.

“For anyone who cooks at home, prepping vegetables is a huge part of the time and energy it takes to prepare a meal,” says Jessica. “Our knife skills class teaches safety, accuracy and speed.”

Specific classes can be purchased online, or folks are invited to stop in and buy a gift certificate and let the giftee choose from several options.

Want in on a fabulous Ciao Thyme meal yourself? Sign up several loved ones (and you!) for an Incognito Dinner – six courses over three hours of eating at a communal table.

Romantic Weekend Getaway

Whisk your significant other away for the weekend or give this as a gift to a couple with young children – and offer to babysit.

For a quiet getaway that isn’t far from home but feels light years away from the day-to-day bustle, book a stay at Bellingham’s charming MoonDance Inn, on the shores of Lake Whatcom.

Want to get out of town? Twisp River Suites in the magical Methow Valley offers gorgeous river-view suites with fireplaces, kitchens, and covered porches. The five-hour drive (when Steven’s Pass is closed; it’s only three hours over the Cascade Pass in warmer months) is half the fun of this getaway, as you amble along the Columbia River and up through the lower Methow Valley.

The Gift of Sailing Lessons

Give the gift of sailing lessons to the adult or child in your life. It is never too early or too late to learn! There are a few options in Bellingham. Check out San Juan Sailing and Sail Northwest, as well as youth lessons through the Bellingham Yacht Club’s Youth Sailing Program.

Rock Climbing Lessons or Gym Membership

Help someone on your list attain a new physical fitness goal. VITAL Climbing Gym can show anyone how to enjoy the sport of bouldering, offering clinics or simple instruction to get them on their way. Purchase a single day pass, 5- or 10-day punch card, or full membership. Lear more here.

Discover Pass, Forest Pass

Got a camper or hiker on your list? Consider the gift of a Discover Pass. Most state parks now require a Discover Pass for entry and parking, so give one as a much-appreciated gift this year. You can buy one online here. Also consider giving the Northwest Forest Pass; learn more here.

Snowshoeing

Hit up the Glacier Ski Shop for snow-fun rental gear of all kind. Consider a gift of snowshoe rental for someone on your list who loves the outdoors but doesn’t generally hit the slopes.

Tickets for the Mount Baker Ski Bus

Know someone who loves to ski but needs transportation to the mountain? Consider giving them tickets to ride the Baker Bus. The route includes several stops between Bellingham and Baker, running daily from Kendall and on weekends and holidays from Bellingham.

The Gift of Education

Washington State’s Guaranteed Education Tuition credits can be bought in any dollar amount. Better yet, set up automatic payments to go into a child’s account and they will receive a gift of education for their lifetime. Learn more about the GET program here.

Organization

Julie Clarke is a professional organizer who can give you quick tips to de-clutter.

Help a loved one create efficiency – and peace – in their living space with a visit from Julie Clarke and her Organized At Last team.

“I charge $100 to come in and walk through your space with you,” Clarke explains, “but a lot of times I’ll say, ‘If you just move your couch to this wall, change the location of that shelf, de-clutter that area, put hooks here instead of bars, and remove this, you’ll free up so much space.’”

Clarke is able to see a room and in an instant know how to transform it. “Often they just need me to guide them with a few ideas using items they already own,” she says.

Of course, Organized At Last tackles larger projects, as well. A cluttered garage that hasn’t housed a car in over a decade? Or a pantry that is more black hole than streamlined staple storage? Clarke and her team can tame the chaos.

2014 Holiday Port Festival

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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It’s one of the season’s most popular festive destinations in Bellingham. The 2014 Holiday Port Festival was a celebration of gingerbread, local bands and choirs, dance performances, free cookies and hot apple cider and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus!

The holidays are here. This year, gift a different kind of present.

No Christmas celebration is complete without the perfect tree.

Ryan Shupe Helps Fellow Cancer Survivors and Amputees Around the World

By

Lorraine Wilde

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By Lorraine Wilde

Whether through his work, play, or volunteerism, 29-year-old Bellingham resident, Ryan Shupe, has found ways to connect with and support fellow cancer survivors and amputees across the country. “I do it because I’m passionate about whatever I choose to do. I like to challenge myself, not only for me, but for the benefit of others as well.”

At the age of 10, Ryan told his mother about a mysterious pain in his right foot. Doctors began with a cast but soon realized the problem was much more serious. Ryan was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma—an aggressive cancer of the muscles that attach to bones. They soon discovered that his cancer had metastasized to his lungs. Ryan’s foot was quickly amputated and he underwent radiation therapy. “For a lot of people, cancer is like a crucible—a test. As an amputee, reaching out to cancer survivors and people with disabilities has become a big part of my life.”

In 1997, Ryan’s condition was severe enough for him to be granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ryan spent a day with his hero, comedian Robin Williams, on the set of the film, Flubber. “We hung out. He was completely genuine and interested—inspiring.” Williams’ death earlier this year was particularly meaningful for Ryan. “It brought up for me exactly how much every individual has their own story and challenges. I feel for his family, for losing him so unexpectedly. He will continue to inspire people with his legacy.”

Ryan and I first met a few years ago, following in the footsteps of his hero, in an improvisational acting class. It helped more than just his acting. “What I learned there about spontaneity and connection has helped me in my work and relating to the kids at camp.”

Ryan first attended Camp Journey at Ross Point—a summer camp in Idaho for children in cancer treatment—fresh out of radiation therapy and still on crutches after his amputation. Now, he returns each year as a volunteer cabin counselor and camp-wide problem-solver. “I feel fortunate that kids are drawn to me. There is something about the potential that I can help kids explore, sparking that imagination—not giving them ideas—but helping them find their creativity, and then letting them realize it.”

Ryan’s work is also close to his heart. Over the past three years, he has become a Digital Modification Trainer and aided in research and development at Cascade DAFO, a Bellingham-based pediatric medical orthoses manufacturer. DAFO stands for Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthotic—a customized, flexible brace designed to help children with neuromuscular disabilities.

“In college, I studied pre-physical therapy—biology and physiology. It’s not enough to diagnose like an orthotist, but I am learning so much online about computer programming and applying that to my work.” Ryan uses a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program to customize the fit of each brace to order as requested by orthotists. “Everything I do at work is unique. You can’t hire someone with this experience from just anywhere. DAFO is investing in me. We’re creating my skill set together.” The orthotics Ryan helps create are shipped to children across the country and internationally.

Ryan’s amputee status hasn’t held him back when it comes to recreation either. “I love living in Bellingham. There’s so much to do.” With only a month to train, Ryan completed the five-mile running leg of the Bellingham Traverse for the DAFO team this year. “When they asked, I thought, sure, that sounds like a good challenge.”

Ryan also completed the kayak leg of this year’s Ski to Sea race for the DAFO team. “I will do it again. I’d like to keep a tempo of staying active.” Recently, Ryan began playing kayak polo with friends near Marine Park. “I think that I’m one of the more fortunate among cancer survivors and amputees because of what I can do. Having this happen when I was young gave me a great advantage—a resilience.”

Ryan’s cancer has been in remission for nearly 20 years, but he is still deeply connected to his fellow survivors. “Life is definitely an adventure. I’ve tried to use what I learned in improv class, to ‘say yes’ to the things that have made me feel like I’m making good use of my life.”

Give the Gift of Chuckanut this Holiday Season

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen

The holiday season is near and Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen is the perfect place to be. As the days are getting shorter, Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen is adjusting to the seasons with new holiday hours. The food service will be operating at 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, while the bar will stay open late. On Fridays and Saturdays the food service will start at 11:00 a.m. and stay open until 9:30 p.m., and the bar will still stay open late. Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen will be closed Christmas Day and will close early on Christmas Eve. Regular hours will start back up on New Year’s Eve and January 1, 2015.

With the new holiday hours, you can have more time to find all your friends and family the perfect gift right at Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen. So stop the search of looking for that perfect gift and head toward Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen to get some great gifts and reward yourself with a pint. New gift offerings this year include bottled Chuckanut Beer in 16.9 fluid ounce bottles! The bottles will be Pilsner and Kolsch beers to start. If you are looking for a new Chuckanut gift item our kitchen will also have zippered hoodies, 2-liter growlers, colorful long sleeve t-shirt, logo trucker hats, and much more!

Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen, located at 601 West Holly St, was awarded the National Small Brewpub/Brewer of the Year 2009 and National Small Brewery/Brewer of the Year 2011 at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO. The full service “Kitchen” is open daily at 11:30 a.m. to guests of all ages with an eclectic fresh local menu. Bar specials include: HOPPY Hour Sundays through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday Night $3 Pints, Kolsch Night Tuesday’s and more. Check out additional information about Chuckanut Brewery and Kitchen at www.chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com.

Red Boots Design Marks 10 Years in Business

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Red Boots Design

Red Boots Design, an independent, Bellingham-based custom screen printer serving local companies, is celebrating ten years in business with an inventory blow-out sale. Red Boots Design was founded by Erin Boyd in 2004. In addition to a production facility and online retail shop, Red Boots was a mainstay of the Bellingham Farmers Market for nine years.

Red Boots focuses on quality, and sources American-made shirts, sweatshirts, hats and home goods whenever possible. Original Red Boots designs and customer logos are custom-printed on tees, hoodies, baby clothes, hats and home goods, like bottle openers and coat hooks.

Local companies that sell Red Boots Design clothing as part of their marketing outreach include Kulshan Brewery, The Local Public House, Old World Deli, The Idiom Theater, and Village Books. Original Red Boots Design clothing is sold locally at Kids Northwest, Kulshan Cycles, Bellingham Baby Company and Four Starrs Boutique, and in boutiques from San Francisco to Philadelphia.

“Red Boots strives to produce high quality, American-made clothing that businesses are proud to sell to their customers,” said owner Erin Boyd. “My mission is to ensure that people love their shirts, hats and hoodies, wear them often, and wear them for years. I’m proud of the 200,000 or so American-made shirts I’ve produced over the years, and that Red Boots clothing does not end up in the landfill.”

The Red Boots Design story began in a basement location on a Downtown Bellingham alley, and the business has since expanded twice. Boyd recently purchased a building on Grant Street with plenty of room for screen printing and sublimation equipment, some of which was purchased after a successful Kickstarter campaign, supported by her customers.

“Bellingham and the Farmers Market are wonderful incubators for independent businesses,” said Boyd. “I really enjoyed having my Farmers Market booth for so many years. Now, I’m excited to start a new chapter, focusing on commercial screen printing for local businesses that want to expand awareness and advertise in a fun way. It’s all about creating signature clothing that represents their identity.”

Red Boots Design is celebrating its 10th birthday with an inventory blow-out sale at Make.Shift’s holiday event, Make.Sale, which features local businesses and handmade goods. The event takes place at Make.Shift, 306 Flora St. in Bellingham, WA on Saturday, December 13, from noon to 6:00 p.m.

Holiday Concerts and Performances Around Bellingham and Whatcom County

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Want to add even more good cheer to this already-festive season?

Take your pick of holiday concerts and performances hitting stages around Bellingham and Whatcom County – from classic Christmas carols to the Nutcracker, Mendel’s Messiah, and much more. You can even see a performance of “The Toys Who Saved Christmas” – on ice.

The Bellingham Theatre Guild’s Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical

The Bellingham Theatre Guild celebrates the holiday season with a beloved musical version of “Miracle on 34th Street.” Come see their take on this perennial Christmas favorite.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $8 for children. The ticket office is open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, or call 360.733.1811 for more information.

Miracle on 34^th Street: The Musical

Bellingham Theatre Guild

1600 H Street in Bellingham

7:30 p.m. shows: December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13

2:00 p.m. matinees: December 7 and 14

The Claire VG Thomas Theatre Presents A Christmas Story: The Musical

Join Ralphie, the Old Man, and the entire Parker family in this hilarious, heartwarming musical based on the now-classic 1983 movie of the same name, brought to the Lynden stage by the Claire VG Thomas Theatre.

Take a trip back to 1940’s Indiana and the story of the most important yuletide season of Ralphie’s life. Exciting song and dance numbers and a large cast make this rollicking musical a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.

Performances continue through December 14.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $8 for children 4 years and older. The box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the theatre. Order tickets by phone at 360.354.4425 during box office hours, or visit in person.

A Christmas Story: The Musical

Claire VG Thomas Theatre

655 Front Street in Lynden

7:30 p.m. shows: December 4, 5, 11 and 12

2:00 p.m. shows: December 6, 7, 13 and 14

Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth Presents Nightmare Before Christmas

Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY) brings “Nightmare Before Christmas” to the stage. Tickets are $10, children five and under are free. Available online or at the door.

BAAY Theatre

1059 North State Street in Bellingham

360.306.1543

7:00 p.m. shows: December 5, 6, 12 and 13

12:00 p.m. show: December 7

2:00 p.m. shows: December 6 and 13

Ballet Bellingham Presents The Nutcracker

Prepare to be transported by Ballet Bellingham on it magical journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. Choreographed by Artistic Director Jessica Crook and married to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, the show is completed by gorgeous costumes and beautiful dancing. Ballet Bellingham students and local dancers share the stage in this delightful telling of a Christmas classic.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at 360.734.6080 for other options.

Ballet Bellingham Presents The Nutcracker

Mount Baker Theatre

104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

360.734.6080

Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Bellingham Chamber Chorale’s Heading East: Ceremony of Carols

Join the Bellingham Chamber Chorale on December 6 as they bring you the BCC’s Ceremony of Carols concert, the first in its 2014-2015 season, themed “Heading East.”

Led by artistic director Ryan Smit, the Ceremony of Carols begins in the United States with the inspired work of Conrad Susa, and then travels to the United Kingdom and the timeless Benjamin Britten.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students 18 and over; $5 for those under 18. Tickets available at the Community Food Co-op, Piper Music, Village Books, Brown Paper Tickets, and Timekeepers in Lynden.

Heading East: Ceremony of Carols

First Congregational Church

2401 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham

206.438.3927

Saturday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Bellingham Figure Skating Club Presents The Toys Who Saved Christmas

The Bellingham Figure Skating Club throws its largest annual fundraiser with its 16th Winter Show, sure to delight audiences young and old. This year’s performance is “The Toys Who Saved Christmas,” and will be held at the Bellingham Sportsplex on December 6 at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets are $8 in advance, at the Sportsplex office, or $10 at the door on the day of the show.

The Toys Who Saved Christmas Annual Fundraiser for the Bellingham Figure Skating Club

Bellingham Sportsplex

1225 Civic Field Way in Bellingham

360.676.1919

Saturday, December 6 at 4:30 p.m.

Holiday Extravaganza with the Mount Baker Toppers and Bellingham Children’s Choir

Warm up the season with a program of holiday favorites brought to you by the Whatcom Symphony Orchestra. The annual holiday concert features the Mount Baker Toppers under the direction of Doug Broersma, and the Bellingham Children’s Choir, led by David Post.

Tickets are $39, $33 or $13, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at 360.734.6080 for more options.

Holiday Extravaganza

Mount Baker Theatre

104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

360.734.6080

Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m.

Northwest Ballet Theater Presents The Nutcracker

The Northwest Ballet Theatre has been performing “The Nutcracker” since 1999, and this year has created its most elaborate production yet – with beautiful scenic backdrops made in Russia, classical tutus made by professional New York seamstresses, and exciting set pieces and technical effects that culminate in an unforgettable theater experience.

Tickets are $34, $30 or $20, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call the Mount Baker Theatre box office at 360.734.6080 for more options.

Northwest Ballet Theater Presents The Nutcracker

Mount Baker Theatre

104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

360.734.6080

Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Whatcom Chorale Presents Handel’s Messiah

Whatcom Chorale – Bellingham’s community-based choir – brings together over 90 members from Whatcom and Skagit Counties to perform Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Western Washington University.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and $5 for all under 18 years of age. Tickets are not available online, but can be purchased at Village Books, downtown’s Community Food Co-op, and at the WWU Box Office. Call 360.650.6146 for more information.

Whatcom Chorale Presents Handel’s Messiah

WWU’s Performing Arts Center

516 High Street in Bellingham

360.650.6146

Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m.

BAAY Dance Company’s Winter Show

Choreographer/artistic director Lisa Markowitz presents performances by her two dance groups on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the BAAY Theatre, 1059 N. State St. Tickets are a suggested $5 donation at the door. Come and enjoy some spirited, polished and dazzling performances.

BAAY Theatre

1059 North State Street in Bellingham

360.306.1543

Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Dancing For Joy Presents Nativity: We Danced Our Best For Him

Dancing For Joy presents “Nativity: We Danced Our Best for Him,” the nativity story told through the language of dance. The true meaning of the season is born with this spirit-filled, local rendition of Christ’s birth. Come be reminded of the true reason for the season. Dance styles include jazz, lyrical, modern, and ballet.

Tickets are $15 and $12, plus applicable fees. Buy tickets online or call for more options.

Dancing for Joy Presents Nativity: We Danced Our Best For Him

Mount Baker Theatre

104 North Commercial Street in Bellingham

360.734.6080

Saturday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m.

25 Nativity Sets Displayed Before Lighted Christmas Parade in Lynden

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Hope Lutheran Church

A collection of 25 treasured nativity sets will be displayed from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at 415 Front St. in downtown Lynden.

Admission to the display, titled “Embracing the Meaning of Christmas,” is free. Donations will be accepted for the Lighthouse Mission’s Christmas meals.

The nativity sets are being loaned by members and friends of Lynden’s Hope Lutheran Church, sponsor of the display. The site is along the route of Lynden’s Lighted Christmas Parade, which will start at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Hope Lutheran Church at 360-354-4211.

Nancy Ivarinen Named to State Board Governing New Legal Profession

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Whatcom Community College

Whatcom Community College paralegal studies program coordinator Nancy Ivarinen has been named to the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) 13-member governing board for the Limited Licensed Legal Technician (LLLT) profession. Approved by the Washington Supreme Court in 2012, the Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) rule authorizes non-attorneys who meet certain educational requirements to advise and assist clients in approved practice areas of law. Washington is the only state in the nation to sanction the LLLT profession, making it a leader in expanding legal services for all citizens. The governing board serves as the supervisors of this new rule, including regulations for professional conduct, exam procedures, continuing education requirements and disciplinary procedures.

Ivarinen’s board service aligns with her interest in and commitment to providing legal counsel to under-represented populations. She is also leading WCC’s efforts to offer the LLLT educational requirements, including new curriculum in family law.

Ivarinen, coordinator and instructor for WCC’s paralegal studies program since 2003, has been an attorney in both private practice and for legal aid programs since 1988. During her time at the College, Ivarinen developed the volunteer-based Street Law program, which provides free, confidential legal advice to students and their families. Ivarinen was also named the 2010 Professional Woman of the Year by the Whatcom Women in Business and was the 2006 recipient of the Courageous Award from the Washington State Bar Association, presented to a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity. Earlier this year, the Whatcom County LAW Advocates’ Board of Directors honored her with the Joseph T. Pemberton Award for her longstanding commitment to civil legal aid in the community.

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