Take In The Autumn Colors From The Water: Top Spots for Whatcom County Kayaking

Fall is a beautiful time of year to enjoy kayaking.

 

By Stacee Sledge

Fall is a beautiful time of year to enjoy kayaking.
Fall is a beautiful time of year to enjoy kayaking.

With the change of season comes the gorgeous cascading of colors throughout Whatcom County. And, for those who prefer their temperatures on the less scorching side, this is also a fantastic time of year to be outdoors as much as or even more than during the gorgeous summer months.

While you could take a drive to take in the verdant variety of leaves or a hike or bike ride to explore fall scenes in the countryside, an even better way to do so is by kayak.

Think about it: It’s a lot more exercise than sitting in a car, but it’s not as strenuous as pedaling or trekking up and down hills. Gliding through one of the area’s many quiet bays or along one the picturesque rivers is a fun and relaxing way to get out into nature and see the leaves from a new perspective — and you don’t need a helmet. Plus, it’s an activity that’s gentle yet active and intriguing enough to be perfect for all ages – and for everyone from singles to couples or the whole family.

Ted Wang, co-owner with Kelly Patrick of Salish Sea Kayak School, knows Whatcom County kayaking inside and out. Here, he shares with WhatcomTalk a few of his favorite fall kayak destinations.

Kayaking is an activity that can be enjoyed alone or in a group.
Kayaking is an activity that can be enjoyed alone or in a group.

Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park
You can go either north to Chuckanut Bay or South toward Samish Bay. Both directions have nice wooded scenery, along with the interesting Chuckanut sandstone formations and not a lot of residential development close at hand. Currents are very mild and don’t present difficulties even for beginner paddlers. Just be aware that wind can stir up big waves. Samish Bay is very shallow, so be careful not to be marooned at low tide!

Bowman Bay (option 1)
One option is to paddle towards Anacortes, then cross the channel to Burrows and Allan Islands. This is as close to a San Juan Islands paddling experience as one can get without venturing into the heart of the San Juan’s themselves. Paddlers need to be aware that there are some stronger currents around the islands and some tide rips.

The lighthouse on Burrows is a gorgeous picnic spot, with views of the Olympic Mountains and Rosario Strait. I would regard this paddle as appropriate for kayakers with strong intermediate skills, not beginners.

Another option is to launch at Washington Park in Anacortes and paddle around Fidalgo Head, but currents and exposure to westerly winds also make this less suitable for beginners.

Don't forget to bring a life jacket and other essential gear.
Bringing the appropriate gear is essential to a safe and comfortable trip.

Bowman Bay (option 2)
The other Bowman Bay option is, of course, to paddle around to the south and enter the Deception Pass area. At slack tide, this is an easy paddle through Canoe Pass (the smaller of the two channels) into Similk Bay. When the tide is running, however, this is advanced water with strong currents, very cold water, and tidal rapids. Recommended for advanced paddlers only.

South end of Lake Whatcom
A pleasant kayaking day paddle can be found on the south end of Lake Whatcom. The public launch is next to the fire station on South Bay Road. Once you clear the bay at the ramp, great scenery opens up. In early fall, the water is generally warm. Paddlers must have the Whatcom County/City of Bellingham Invasive Species inspection tag on their boats, and a Discover Pass is needed for parking at the ramp. Unless a north wind is blowing hard, this is a good paddle for the less experienced.

Gooseberry Point to Lummi Island
Finally, the paddle from Gooseberry Point south to the Lummi Island DNR campsite and back is a longer paddle with nice views across the bay to Bellingham and the undeveloped parts of Lummi Island close at hand. Care needs to be taken to avoid times with strong currents when crossing Hale Passage, particularly when wind opposes the current.

Kayaking is an activity that can be enjoyed alone or in a group.
Kayaking is an activity that can be enjoyed alone or in a group.

Another option is to paddle across Hale Passage and turn northerly around Point Migley, then south into Legoe Bay or beyond to Lummi Rocks. Paddlers need to respect the Lummi Nation and not land on Portage Island, which is part of the Reservation, unless in an emergency.

Makes you want to grab your kayak quick, doesn’t it? Read more about Salish Sea Kayak School, and then make your plan to get out on the water soon.

Todd Elsworth, executive director of Recreation Northwest and contributor to Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, also shared with WhatcomTalk a list of some of his favorite area kayak spots:

Up Whatcom Creek – Without a Paddle

Launch your Paddle Adventure from Wildcat Cove at Larrabee State Park

Kayak Camping on Lummi Island

Kayaking the Calm Waters of the Nooksack River Delta

Clarks Point

Get OUT THERE and Paddle or Row on Lake Whatcom

 

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center Hosts October Art Walk Open House

The changing colors of the leaves is a sight to behold.

 

Submitted by Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center

The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) invites community members to celebrate Conflict Resolution Month at the WDRC Art Walk Open House on Friday, October 3, from 5:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at 13 Prospect St. Suite 201.

From 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m., WDRC Executive Director, Moonwater will teach a free conflict resolution workshop, open to the public. From 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., people are welcome to stop by, enjoy featured artwork, live music by the Heebie Jeebies, refreshments, kid’s activities, and learn about the conflict prevention and intervention services provided by the WDRC. Featured artists displaying work at the Center’s Art Walk Open House include: Mary Jo Maute, Meredith Blume, Mila Faulkner, Ronna Biggs, and Trish Harding.

The WDRC Art Walk Open House corresponds with Conflict Resolution Month and takes place one day after the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who inspired international commitment to non-violence. Nearly 66 years after his assassination, his teachings of kindness and compassion resonate across the world and influence practices of centers such as the WDRC in promoting collaborative and constructive approaches to conflict. The Association for Conflict Resolution states, “October has become a time to promote and celebrate peaceful conflict resolution practices worldwide.”

The WDRC promises a celebratory and engaging evening for individuals of all ages and backgrounds; particularly citing the event as a perfect opportunity for those who are curious about what the WDRC does, or who are interested in conflict resolution and communication. Mayor Linville concurred when she shared, “The Dispute Resolution Center provides a valuable asset to our community by helping resolve a wide range of disputes. Their highly skilled mediators help strengthen our community by creatively and proactively resolving challenges.” 

No registration is required but RSVPs to outreach@whatcomdrc.org or at www.whatcomdrc.org are appreciated for the training.

The WDRC is a non-profit dedicated to providing and promoting constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict through mediation, training, facilitation, and community education. More information can be found at www.whatcomdrc.org or by calling 360-676-0122.

 

Barron Heating: Passionate About Providing The Best Solutions For Every Customer

 

“My dad and grandfather each spent over 50 years in the business,” says John Barron, who co-owns Barron Heating with Bill Pinkey. “And now I’ve been in it for over 35.”

barron1
John Barron followed in the footsteps of his dad and grandfather and now runs Barron Heating in Bellingham alongside Barron’s financial manager, Bill Pinkey.

John Barron worked during summers in high school as a berry picker. “That was really good, hard work and I did that for a couple years before asking dad if there was anything I could do with the company,” John says, smiling.

His first job was sweeping the warehouse floors. John worked up to cleaning the bathrooms, and then cleaning the fiberglass insulation in the shop’s fabrication area – a job no one else wanted.

“It was all better than berry picking, so I gladly grabbed that,” he says with a laugh.

He eventually moved into the fabricating shop with his grandfather. “As my dad worked the business side, I got hands-on training with the tools from my grandfather. He took great pride in teaching me all the little details.”

It was a special time for John Barron.

“I was really close with my grandfather and we’d have great conversations,” he says. “I loved to see how hard I could work to impress him.”

John began installing fireplaces and working on heating jobs before graduating from Sehome High School in 1979 and jumping into a Barron apprenticeship.

“I already had a running start,” he says. “I was passionate and intense and loved what I did.”

John worked up through being a sheet metal and heating/air conditioning installer, to becoming a journeyman, and eventually into full-time sales, in 1986.

“I really enjoyed the interaction with customers and contractors,” John says of his move from installation to sales. “My dad knew how much I cared. He put me on the difficult jobs, where there could be no compromise, and that allowed me to see the real complexities.”

Five years before John’s parents, Dan and Vivian Barron, decided to retire, Dan approached John and longtime Barron financial manager Bill Pinkey about taking over the business; he knew they were the right team to lead Barron once he’d retired. In 1998, they took over.

barron4
Under the guidance of John and Bill, Barron Heating continues to grow and evolve, while still upholding the core values Barron was built on.

For the first six months, Dan stayed away from the business, to help the transition, which was a smooth one.

“But make no bones about it, my dad has been a tremendous ally for Bill and I,” says John. “I’d say he’s been our number one advisor and confidante.”

The company has continued to innovate and grow under John and Bill’s guidance. And both men still hold tightly to many of Dan’s central philosophies.

One of those is that a customer’s perception is reality. John and Bill feel strongly about customer service – but not in the way one might initially think.

“We wanted to stop talking in general about ‘customer service’ in management meetings and just live it everyday,” says John, of a direction they moved the company in while his father was still in charge – they had Dan’s blessing, but he left it to the two younger men.

John and Bill cut back on advertising spending and instead invested those dollars in making sure every single customer was taken care of, every single time. When problems cropped up, as they inevitably do, Barron fixed them.

Customer feedback became a hallmark of the company.

“We learned we could get everything we wanted for our customers and contractors if we would just ask questions and listen to them,” says John. “And I believe when a business owner really cares that deeply about a customer’s experience, customers can tell you’re sincere.”

These philosophies continue to drive John Barron and Bill Pinkey as they direct Barron Heating and Air Conditioning into the future.

barron6
In 2008, Barron Heating opened its new location. “When we decided to build, we built for growth. And now we’re definitely in a growth mode,” says John.

A Big Move
After nearly 25 years at its original location on Meridian, Barron bought land and built a new facility in 2008, right off of I-5 between Bellingham and Ferndale.

“We just did not have enough space,” John says of the original place. They had taken to staggering the work time of the company’s 80 crew members so everyone’s vehicles could fit on the lot.

Over the years, Barron Heating had expanded its original building. “We built appendages upon appendages,” says John. “And if we couldn’t go horizontal, we’d go vertical.”

“And that part of town had just gotten so congested for our kind of business,” adds Bill. “It was very difficult for customers to get in and out.”

“When we decided to build, we built for growth,” John continues. “And now we’re definitely in a growth mode.”

The future: Turning new training and certification into even better solutions
A big part of that growth – while remaining a leader in selling and servicing all HVAC needs for both commercial and residential buildings – has been a focus on home performance.

“We’re actually making houses healthier and more comfortable, while genuinely saving our customers money,” says John.

Barron has invested time and money into team members who now hold highly specialized national certifications in building science.

While many things have evolved and changed over the years at Barron, John hits on the one thing that has not: “We always want to do our best – to make sure we’re meeting every customer’s expectations.”

To learn more about the company, visit www.barronheating.com.

 

 

Tim Hubner’s Collection, “After After Party,” on Display at Honey Salon, Oct. 3-Nov. 28

 

Submitted by Honey Salon

"After After Party" will be on display at Honey Salon Oct. 3-Nov. 28.
“After After Party” will be on display at Honey Salon Oct. 3-Nov. 28.

This fall Honey Salon is proud to present “After After Party,” a new collection of drawings by Bellingham born and raised screen print and graphic artist Tim Hubner. The perfect intro to the season of excess and holiday party revelry, Hubner flexes his unique artistic muscle in this fanciful, brilliant, and tongue in cheek collection. Music from PhDJ, hand-crafted fall beverages, and sweet noshes will round out the gallery opening and artist reception on October 3, from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. during the Downtown Bellingham Art Walk.

“After After Party” is a brilliant new screen print collection from the wickedly talented, child-like imagination of Tim Hubner. Hubner’s Honey salon debut is what happens when your nine-year-old accidentally drinks all your High Life (the bottled kind of course) and then sits down with pencils, pens, paper, and crayons. “After After Party” conjures hazy distant memories (and some not so distant) of creative party revelry. Hubner admits that most people are far too responsible to let any of his candy coated booze-laden shenanigans occur, but they should by no means use this spectacle as a how-to study in party going. Instead, the artist recommends learning from his and others (most to remain anonymous) mistakes, and simply enjoy this show.

Tim Hubner is a homegrown Bellingham artist, but currently resides 84 miles due south on I5. Hubner has, at various times, worked places, gone to school, ridden bikes and eaten food. Most likely he didn’t finish his recent collection until about three hours ago. Also, he is approximately 5’9″.

“After After Party” will be on display at Honey Salon from Oct. 3 through Nov. 28.

 

Burlington Opens Two New Locations, Helps Support Lydia Place, Wise Buys and Friendship House

 

Submitted by Burlington

Burlington, a leading national off-price retailer, opens two new Whatcom locations and supports local non-profits.
On Friday, Sept. 26, Burlington will open  two new Whatcom locations and supports local non-profits Lydia Place, Wise Buys and Friendship House.

Burlington, a leading national off-price retailer, is opening two brand new locations in our area on Friday, September 26, 2014. The new stores will be located at 4131 Meridian Street in Bellingham and at 1500 S. Burlington Blvd. – the Cascade Plaza Shopping Center – in Burlington. The retailer will host ribbon cutting ceremonies to celebrate jobs, community, and of course, shopping.

Along with the ceremony, Burlington will host its premier philanthropic program, Burlington Gives Back. This program is dedicated to donating new merchandise to local charitable agencies in communities surrounding Burlington locations.

The retailer’s national non-profit partner, K.I.D.S. / Fashion Delivers, will work with the new stores to make contributions to locally based Lydia Place (Bellingham location) and Friendship House (Burlington location), which both provide shelter for those in need and work to raise awareness of homelessness.

As part of this program, Burlington will donate 60-80 boxes of new product to both Lydia Place/Wise Buys and Friendship House.

The first 500 customers who make a purchase at each new store will receive a free tote bag with purchase.

Additionally, on Saturday, September 27, customers are invited to a day of family fun. Stop by the stores for gift card giveaways, face painting, balloons, popcorn and more!

Burlington’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Burlington Gives Back
Friday, September 26, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.

Bellingham Location
4131 Meridian Street
Bellingham, WA 98226

Burlington Location
1500 S. Burlington Blvd.
Burlington, WA 98223

 

Industrial Credit Union Kicks Off Its 20th Feed The Need Community Food Drive With Its 2nd Annual Food Truck Round Up

food drive

 

By Stacee Sledge

food driveFor Industrial Credit Union, supporting the entire community is a way to support its members. One of the many ways Industrial CU lives by that value is with its annual Feed the Need Community Food Drive.

Last year, Industrial CU raised over 300,000 pounds of food for Whatcom County food banks. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Feed the Need Community Food Drive, which has collected over two million pounds of food since its inception.

Feed the Need takes place every October – and Industrial CU wants this year to be bigger than ever. To increase donations, last year they pulled together an array of fantastic area food trucks to serve up mouth-watering eats as a fundraiser to help feed those in our community who don’t always have enough on their plates.

“Last year we held our first Food Truck Round Up, the first event of its kind in Whatcom County – in an effort to make a greater impact with our donation,” says Industrial CU Marketing Coordinator Amanda Ager. The popular event raised over $5,000.

This year’s second annual Food Truck Round Up, proudly presented by Ben Kinney and Keller Williams Realty, will take place on Saturday, September 27th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Civic Stadium parking lot. The popular (and delicious!) event kicks off Industrial CU’s official food drive season.

The Rotary Club of Whatcom County North Beer Garden will feature beer donated by Kulshan Brewing Co. and SpaceBand will be keeping the crowd energized with live covers all day long. Proceeds benefit Whatcom County food banks.

Ager says the goal is to double last year’s donation.

food driveTake a look at Whatcom County food bank statistics to be reminded why it’s so important to help, if you’re able:

  • Whatcom County Food Banks distributed more than 6 million pounds in 2013.
  • 500,000 pounds are distributed each month, the equivalent of 15 fully loaded semi-trucks.
  • Since 2007, visits to local food banks have increased by 80%.
  • There are 30,000 visits each month.
  • 1 in 6 households in Whatcom County use a food bank.
  • 35% of recipients are children.
  • 60% of food bank families skip or cut the size of their meals on a weekly basis.
  • 44% have at least one family member working.
  • 52% have some college education.

It’s for all of these reasons that Kim Sutton, Executive Vice President of Industrial CU, has led the Feed the Need Community Food Drive for the past 20 years.

“Our Board of Directors has always believed that we needed to be stewards to our community, place of business, and home,” says Sutton. “It’s one of the ways we can truly be local and be true to our roots.”

Two decades ago, Industrial CU saw the growing need of the local food banks.

“We decided that collecting food and bringing awareness to the need was within our abilities and mission,” Sutton says. “We can all relate to being hungry and the negative impact it has on people when they don’t get enough to eat.”

food driveThe food drive started as a joint effort between all Whatcom County credit unions, but quickly became an Industrial CU passion.

“The staff’s commitment, passion and understanding of the impact feeding people has on their ability to do anything else in life is what has made it the community event it is today,” Sutton says.

The goal in the first year of Feed the Need was to fill a bus with 10,000 pounds of donated food items.

“If we collected 10,000 pounds in one week, we could stock the shelves through the holidays,” Sutton says. “Now we’re striving to reach 300,000 pounds in that week – which won’t even account for one month’s worth of need in our local food banks.”

For years Industrial CU did gimmicks to try and draw the attention of the community to the need and the event, such as living on a bus in the parking lot, drives across the county, and so on.

“We found that while many enjoyed the gimmick, it wasn’t necessary to get people to give,” Sutton says. “They willingly gave to help a neighbor in need.”

Sutton stresses that Dave Walker of KAFE 104.1 has long been one of the strongest voices for Industrial CU’s Feed the Need. “There are many others at Cascade Radio Group that have been a part of it as well,” she says. “Mike Cohen, Executive Director of the Bellingham Food Bank, will tell you the impact we have.”

food drive“The Feed the Need Community Food Drive is the most important food drive of the year,” says Cohen. “It’s the biggest, supports food banks across Whatcom County and comes at a time when many food banks are desperately short of food and funding. By donating food – or, even better, money – you will directly help get food to hungry families across the county.”  Because of the Food Bank’s ability to purchase items at significant discounts, they are able to stretch cash donations the furthest.

Sutton points out that the Community Food Drive and the opportunity to help a neighbor feed their child or themselves is something the Industrial CU team thinks of year-round. “It brings emotions to the surface and inspires more dedication and commitment than any other donation we do,” she says.

Tickets for this year’s Food Truck Round Up are available at any Industrial Credit Union location for $10, which includes $5 in food tickets and a free raffle ticket. For other food drive event updates, follow the Community Food Drive on Facebook and visit www.CommunityFoodDrive.com.

Food trucks at this year’s Food Truck Round Up will include: Bellingham Sliders, Cicchitti’s Pizza, El Tapatio Taco Truck, Goat Mountain Pizza, Grant’s Burgers, Hot Mess Food Truck, Just Philly, Kurly’s Kart, Mountain Acres Bakers, B&B Sweet Treats, Northwest Kettle Corn, Sugar Shack Ice Cream, and Deli’cious Mischief. Additional event supporters include: Ideation Design Group LLC, Lithtex NW, 92.9 KISM and KAFE 104.1.

 

Food Truck Round Up

Saturday, September 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Civic Stadium parking lot

$10 Presale tickets include entry, a raffle ticket and $5 in Truck Bucks

Kids 12 and under get free admission, but will still need Truck Bucks

If you do not pre-purchase your ticket, a $5 donation to the Food Bank will be collected at the entrance.

 

Bellingham Native Craig Johnson Directs “The Skeleton Twins,” Attends Benefit Premiere For Whatcom Center for Early Learning

Director Craig Johnson will be in attendance at the premier of his movie "Skeleton Twins" at the Pickford Film Center on Friday, Oct. 10. Photo courtesy of Dikayl Rimmasch

 

By Stacee Sledge

Craig Johnson, director of "Skeleton Twins," was born and raised in Bellingham.
Craig Johnson, director of “The Skeleton Twins,” was born and raised in Bellingham.

Craig Johnson was born and raised in Bellingham – a theatre kid who graduated from Sehome High School. He appeared in local productions with Hilary Swank at the Bellingham Theatre Guild and became a self-described movie nerd who regularly hit Trek Video for the latest film releases.

On Friday, October 10, Johnson will be back to attend the premiere of his latest motion picture, The Skeleton Twins,which stars Saturday Night Live alumni Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader and won Best Screenplay at Sundance Film Festival.

While studying theatre at the University of Washington, Johnson transitioned more into writing and directing. He also did some sketch comedy. “But I always knew that my passion really was for film, and I wanted to do that,” he says.

Seattle’s filmmaking culture at the time was not as robust as it is now, so Johnson set his sights on New York City. Johnson moved to New York in 2002 and attended graduate film school at NYU.

“I got exactly what I wanted,” he says. “It was a thrill. I can clearly remember getting the call from them, telling me I got in – and I kind of lost my mind.”

Johnson lived in New York for nine years, doing the whole film school thing, making short films. His first feature, True Adolescents, didn’t run on many screens, though it’s now available on iTunes and Netflix DVD. It starred actor and director Mark Duplass and was shot here in Washington State, around the Olympic Peninsula and Seattle areas.

The film premiered at South By Southwest in Austin, TX, in 2009 to a lovely reception. “It really jump-started my career,” Johnson says. “I got a manager and an agent. I was still living in New York, but started coming to Los Angeles for meetings.”

Former "Saturday Night Live" stars Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig star in Johnson's film, "Skeleton Twins."
Former “Saturday Night Live” stars Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig star in Johnson’s film, “The Skeleton Twins.”

The script for The Skeleton Twins had actually been written before True Adolescents with a film school buddy named Mark Heyman, who went on to co-produce The Wrestler and write The Black Swan.

Johnson dug out their script for The Skeleton Twins, re-read it, and knew what he wanted his next project to be.

He sent the script to Mark Duplass. “He really liked it, and said, ‘Let’s get this movie made,’” says Johnson. Duplass – well-known for directing and acting in many independent films, as well as his role on the long-running FX series, The League, – signed on as executive producer.

“And so, from that point on, we started pushing that boulder uphill,” Johnson says, smiling. “That indie-film boulder.”

He and Duplass knew that the way to get a movie like The Skeleton Twins made was to cast actors people have heard of.

“Tonally, it’s funny but also a little dark and emotional,” Johnson says of the film, which depicts Wiig and Hader as estranged twins who are unexpectedly reunited and realize that the key to improving their lives may just lie in patching up their own relationship.

“Our first step was getting a cool casting director, Avy Kaufman,” Johnson says. “We were thrilled to get Avy on board. She casts all of Spielberg’s films. It was a real coup for us.”

In turn, they were able to get fantastic actors for the leads – Wiig and Hader – but also wonderful supporting actors, such as Ty Burrell from Modern Family.

Director Craig Johnson will be in attendance at the premier of his movie "Skeleton Twins" at the Pickford Film Center on Friday, Oct. 10. Photo courtesy of Dikayl Rimmasch
Director Craig Johnson will be in attendance at the premier of his movie “The Skeleton Twins” at the Pickford Film Center on Friday, Oct. 10. Photo courtesy of Dikayl Rimmasch

“It took a long time and there were lots of roller coaster bumps in the road, but eventually we had our cast set and were able to finance the movie,” Johnson says.

From there, it was all about finding the right collaborators, from cinematographer to production designer. The team Johnson pulled together gave the finished film a sheen that feels far more expensive than its $1 million budget.

Ask Johnson how he feels about the finished film and he answers excitedly. “I’m just over the moon,” he says. “I’m bananas happy.”

He pauses, and then laughs. “I still can’t quite believe it,” he says. “I find myself saying, ‘Are Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader really in my movie?’”

Johnson will appear at the premiere of The Skeleton Twins at Pickford Film Center on Friday, October 10, as a fundraising benefit for the Whatcom Center for Early Learning sponsored by Ruth Marie Flucke and Glen and Sandy Goforth.

“My mother worked at WCEL for about 25 years and just retired last year,” Johnson says. “It’s a wonderful organization for very young children with disabilities and it’s been my mother’s heart and soul for years and years. She was a fixture there for a long, long, long time and I very much believe in it.”

Johnson lives in Los Angeles now, but says he adores Bellingham and gets back as often as he can. “I’d love to spend more time up there,” he says. “I’d like to take a month or two up there and just write – it’s very conducive to writing.”

Johnson is currently touring the country – and the world – promoting the film, but will return to Bellingham to personally attend the opening night premiere at Pickford Film Center. Johnson will introduce the film and host a question-and-answer session with the audience afterward.

View the film’s trailer here.

"Skeleton Twins" premiers at the Pickford Film Center on Friday, Oct. 10.
“The Skeleton Twins” premiers at the Pickford Film Center on Friday, Oct. 10.

Meet Craig Johnson, Director of “The Skeleton Twins” – a benefit for Whatcom Center for Early Learning
Friday, October 10
Pickford Film Center
1318 Bay Street
Bellingham, WA 98225

5:00 p.m. wine/hors d’oeuvres reception
6:30 p.m. screening of The Skeleton Twins

Q&A with film director Craig Johnson of Bellingham
Suggested donation: $50
Questions? Call 360-671-3660 x113 or email info@wcel.net

Ragfinery and Eileen Fisher Present: Green Eileen’s First West Coast Pop-Up Shop

 

Submitted by Ragfinery

The average American throws away 68 pounds of clothes per year, almost 100% of which is recyclable.

Eileen Fisher is an upscale clothing brand with a focus on sustainability and great design. Its offshoot, Green Eileen, is a recycled clothing initiative committed to reducing environmental impact and generating income to support programs that improve the lives of women and girls. Ragfinery, Bellingham’s own textile reuse center and job-training organization, is pleased to be hosting Green Eileen’s very first West Coast Pop-Up Shop on Saturday, Oct. 11 from noon-4:00 p.m. There will be close to 500 designer garments on display and for sale at a fraction of their original prices!

All are welcome to come shop the collection of gently worn Eileen Fisher clothing and learn about similar initiatives in our local community. Meet the folks who are taking care of those in need and are protecting our environment, and learn about the local and national organizations that benefit from the Green Eileen recycling program. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to support Ragfinery.

Note that Ragfinery will have a delayed opening on October 11 (open noon to 5:00 p.m.) so that they can prepare for this exciting event.

For more information about Green Eileen, click here here, or visit Ragfinery’s website here

 

END

Top 8 Picks for the Best Bellingham Burger Tour

Bellingham boasts a bevy of mouth-watering burgers, but crowning one the best can prove difficult — after all, everyone has different tastes and opinions.

Instead, we’ve narrowed it down to eight magnificent burger options of all kinds: thick or thin, piled high with toppings or plain, classic or cutting edge.

Even if we can’t agree on the best burger, this list is a fantastic starting point for any burger-lover’s tour of Bellingham’s variety of delicious options

The 1950s vibe at Boomer's is just as classic as the burgers they serve-up.
The 1950s vibe at Boomer’s is just as classic as the burgers they serve-up.

Boomer’s Drive-In
Boomer’s Drive-In feels like a true blast from the past with its car hop service: simply pull up and park under the canopy, leave your lights on, and wait for your server to arrive. Want to eat inside or grab it to go? Head into the 1950s-feeling dining room (complete with circular fireplace) and get your grub there. With a diverse burger menu, Boomer’s has thought up nearly every classic combination you could want. Don’t forget to order a shake and waffle fries, too.

Boomer’s Drive-In
310 N Samish Way
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-647-2666
www.boomersdrivein.com

Bob’s Burgers and Brew
Bob’s Burgers and Brew has been a Whatcom County burger institution since Lynden native Bob Kildall opened his first one in 1982. There are now a dozen Bob’s Burgers and Brew restaurants throughout Washington. Bellingham has two locations – downtown and in Barkley Village – and at both you’ll find an extensive menu of charbroiled burgers topped with everything from bacon and an egg, to ham and pineapple. Want a hot dog with your burger? Bob’s does that too, with its Double Dutch Burger, which includes a cut-and-curled foot-long hot dog.

Bob’s Burgers and Brew
Downtown location:
202 East Holly
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-734-1350

Barkley location:
2955 New Market Street
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-647-3355
www.bobsburgersandbrew.com
Click here for other Bob’s Burgers and Brews locations in Whatcom County

HomeSkillet
It’s not just for breakfast – but oh, what a breakfast they do dish up! Sunnyland staple HomeSkillet also does lunch fare, including a one-third-pound burger of ground chuck served alongside hand-cut fries or tater tots. Mmmm, tater tots. For $1 more, you can make ’em sweet potato tots. Even better! Add cheese, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, bacon or ham to any burger for a small additional price.

HomeSkillet
521 Kentucky Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-676-6218
www.homeskilletinsunnyland.com

Not in the mood for the pizza? That's okay, because Pizza'zza is also renowned for their incredible burgers.
Not in the mood for the pizza? That’s okay, because Pizza’zza is also renowned for their incredible burgers.

Pizza’zza
Not only does Pizza’zza make one of the best pizzas in town – located within Yorky’s Market, a gas station/convenience store – but they also dish up a fantastic burger. Using Skagit River Ranch organic, pasture-raised beef and Breadfarm buns makes for top-notch burgers – and the price isn’t any higher than most other local burger spots. Free add-ons include red onions, mayo, chipotle mayo, and roasted garlic. Hungry now? You can also add bacon for $1.49. Cutting carbs? Go bunless and have your burger served on a bed or organic greens.

Pizza’zza Fairhaven
1501 12th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-756-9322

Pizza’zza Alabama Hill
2418 Alabama Street
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-647-1122
www.pizzazza.com

Five Guys
Sure, it’s a quickly growing national chain, but you really can’t miss Five Guys if you’re a fan of a big, sloppy, phenomenal burger. Made using local and regional ingredients (when possible), you can enjoy shelling and devouring peanuts while you wait for your order – but don’t eat too many, because portions at Five Guys are large. Order fries to go with your burger and be amazed at how many arrive in the brown paper bag alongside. The topping combinations are impressive, with all the usual – and delicious – suspects, as well as grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, relish, jalapeño peppers, green peppers, A-1 Steak Sauce, and more.

Five Guys
1301 West Bakerview Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-734-8300
www.fiveguys.com

Boundary Bay

bellingham burger
The lamb burger at Boundary Bay is charbroiled to perfection and piled high with all your favorite burger fixins.

At Boundary Bay you can choose beef or lamb, and either way, you’ll leave happy. Their one-third-pound lamb burger has been my personal favorite for well over a decade. And their one-third-pound beef burger uses Squaw Creek Cattle Co., from Everson, WA, so you know you’re in for something spectacular. Both are charbroiled and heaped with all the fixings on a Ralf’s pretzel bun. Choose roasted potatoes, house salad, or Tim’s potato chips as a side.

Boundary Bay
1107 Railroad Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-647-5593
www.bbaybrewery.com

Harris Avenue Café
Harris Avenue Café has long been a Fairhaven favorite for breakfast and lunch, serving a variety of dishes at either time of the day. Truthfully, I’ve never gone wrong there, and their burgers are just another example of simple food prepared with thought and care. Misty Isle Farms beef is shaped into a one-third-pound patty, grilled, and topped with a choice of cheeses and the usual toppings, then served on a Breadfarm sesame bun. You can have soup, salad or house-made yam chips on the side. A difficult choice, but I almost always go with the crunchy chips and I’m never sorry.

Harris Avenue Café
1101 Harris Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-738-0802
www.harrisavecafe.com

Go for a traditional beef patty, or try Fiamma's turkey patty, chicken sausage, chicken breast, or lamb.
Go for a traditional beef patty, or try Fiamma’s turkey patty, chicken sausage, chicken breast, or lamb.

Fiamma Burger
A more modern take on the typical burger joint, Fiamma Burger offers an array of burgers topped with inventive fixings – and you can choose from beef, turkey patty, chicken sausage, chicken breast, lamb and more for your burger’s base. Today, our favorite is the B “ham” burger, topped with cheese, prosciutto, egg, shoe-string potatoes, and smokey sauce. Yup. (Yum.) But ask us tomorrow and we might be on to another Fiamma offering. Want to skip the bun? They’re happy to put your burger in a bowl atop a bed of iceberg lettuce or organic spring greens with secret sauce on the side.

Fiamma Burger
1309 Railroad Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-733-7374
www.fiammaburger.com

Summer’s Final Friday Ferry Farewell

 

Submitted by The Community Boating Center

The Community Boating Center will open specially for 2014’s final Ferry Farewell Flotilla Friday September 26 starting at 4:00 p.m.. The Boating Center will host a flotilla of boats in south Bellingham Bay to bid adieu to the departing Alaska ferry. The 418­foot MV Columbia is scheduled to leave the Bellingham Cruise Terminal at 6:00 p.m., bound for Ketchikan. Boats of all kind are encouraged to join the gathering.

To encourage participation for this final Ferry Farewell Flotilla, the Boating Center is offering special discounts of 50 percent off rental fees for sailing dinghies and human-­powered watercrafts, including kayaks, rowboats and paddle ­boards from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m..

Plume, the longboat replica built by staff and students of Bellingham’s Home Port Learning Center, will be available for a limited group of folks who want to row out for the ferry send-­off. Sign­ups for participating aboard Plume will begin at 5:00 p.m., near the public boat launch in Fairhaven.

The Community Boating Center is open for boat rentals every day of the week through September 22, and continues to offer instruction in sailing, paddle­boarding, sea­kayaking, and rowing. The Center will operate on weekends until October 12. For details, visit the CBC website, here.

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