Whatcom Educational Credit Union Gives Back To Its Community Through Volunteer Projects, Charitable Donations

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A team from WECU participates in the Farmer's Day parade.

 

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A team from WECU participates in the Farmer’s Day parade.

Nearly a quarter of all Whatcom County households choose Whatcom Educational Credit Union for their financial needs – from checking and savings accounts to mobile banking, safe deposit boxes and loans of all kinds.

But many members of this trusted nonprofit cooperative don’t realize just how deep WECU’s roots go into our community – its years of fiscal support given to education, health and community concerns – and the depth of giving, in volunteer hours, that comes from its employees.

Known today as WECU, the organization was founded as Bellingham Teachers’ Credit Union in 1936, a cooperative just for educators.

With a name change in the mid-1970s and expansion in 2002 that opened membership to those outside education, WECU has grown and evolved along with its Whatcom County communities.

One thing that hasn’t changed is a requirement of just $5 to open a savings account.

“We are open to anybody who lives, works, worships, or goes to school in Washington State, but we primarily target in Whatcom County,” says WECU marketing manager Kessa Volland, “and most often simply based on word of mouth – you do right by someone and they’re going to tell their neighbors and friends; that’s how you maintain a good business structure.”

WECU
WECU employees are often found throughout the community, giving back through volunteer projects like this trail clearing event on Gailbraith Mountain.

Membership has more than doubled since 2002.

WECU’s employees are also dedicated community members, each with a strong desire to give back to this fantastic place we all call home.

From putting together teams for the annual Jingle Bell Run and several other charity events to trail maintenance on Galbraith Mountain, work parties for the Salvation Army, Whatcom Humane Society, and more – WECU’s employees band together to do an enormous amount of good in our area.

WECU has even formed a Sweat Equity Team for WECU employees looking for fun, rewarding, and interesting volunteer opportunities.

“Our staff members have always supported different organizations on their own time,” says Volland, “and we wanted to give them the forum through which to do that, as well as recognize their contributions.”

WECU raffles off goodies throughout the year to employees who have volunteered their time, and recognizes those who help the most.

Putting together these regular volunteer events as a team has inadvertently turned into a great welcome wagon.

WECU
WECU believes that volunteering together is a great way for branch employees to interact with people they may not usually see.

“When I greet our new employees I tell them this is an excellent opportunity to get out and do something you’re proud of, get some visibility in the community, and also to interact with people from other departments or branches that you might not normally get to see,” says Volland. “And you’re doing something together that you can feel really good about at the end of the day.”

The list of organizations that have benefited from WECU’s volunteer hours and fiscal donations goes on and on.

“WECU has partnered with us for years,” says Mike Cohen, executive director of Bellingham Food Bank. “Staff at WECU has always been very community-minded and eager to help us.”

The Sweat Equity Team helps with two food drives every year – the food bank’s Milk Money and Food4Tots campaigns.

“WECU has done an excellent job of promoting these causes and engaging hundreds in our fight against hunger.”

Carla Hasche, executive director of Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL), is equally grateful for the help WECU employees have given her organization.

“WECU volunteers have been amazing at helping out Whatcom Center for Early Learning,” says Hasche. “They came and painted the fire escape on ‘The Big Blue House,’ the home of our organization.”

“We were so grateful that they would donate their whole sunny Saturday to our project,” she continues. “And what a fantastic job they did; it made such a difference in the building’s appearance.”

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WECU also fiscally supports many local non-profit organizations.

WECU volunteers also help WCEL with its fundraising, offering data entry and other support services on the night of its annual gala. “They are such capable help and make things run smoothly during our biggest fundraising event of the year,” says Hasche.

These are just two examples of the many organizations and projects WECU employees enthusiastically throw their support behind.

“We also do quarterly donations through out Social Responsibility Committee,” Volland continues. “We strive to fiscally support organizations that really keep the community strong, addressing issues that really benefit us as a whole.”

Organizations can apply for a social responsibility donation at WECU’s website.

“We sit down and hash those out,” Volland says. “The committee talks it through and tries to find the most pressing needs. Our giving is pretty diverse, with a lot of requests for different pieces of community support.”

In the first quarter of 2014 alone, WECU donated more than $42,000 to a variety of organizations.

Learn more about WECU’s Sweat Equity Team and see a list of the many local organizations WECU has donated to in the past year at WECU’s website.

 

Village Books Receives $7500 James Patterson Grant for Kids’ Programming

village books bellingham

 

Submitted by Village Books

village books bellinghamVillage Books is the recipient of a $7500 grant from bestselling author James Patterson as part of his Million Dollars to Indie Bookstores program. The start-up grant will support the store’s children’s programming, including the new position of Kids Programming Director, filled by Claire McElroy-Chesson, a bookseller who has been with the store for several years and leads various children’s events.

“We were thrilled to be included in James Patterson’s Million Dollar support of indie bookstores,” said Chuck Robinson, co-owner of Village Books. “His grant will make it possible to launch the new Kids Programming Director position in a much bigger way than we would otherwise have been able to do.”

James Patterson will give a total of $1 million dollars to dozens of independent bookstores across the country. His independent bookstore campaign has been featured in the “New York Times” and “Publisher’s Weekly” as well as on “CBS This Morning” and “NPR Morning Edition.” Patterson announced his second round of grants, which included Village Books, at the Book Expo America trade show in New York City at the end of May. Store owners Chuck and Dee Robinson picked up the check at the event.

Village Books will be using the grant to support McElroy-Chesson’s position and to expand on the programs and services to children, families and local schools. In her new role, McElroy-Chesson will work with the children’s book buyer and events coordinator in planning a variety of activities for kids of all ages. She’ll work closely with schools in planning author visits and book fairs, she will lead non-author children’s events at the store, and she will assist with other activities. McElroy-Chesson will lead this year’s Camp VB, a week-long, half-day camp for kids, and she hosts story time the first Saturday of every month in the kids’ section.

“Claire has been with Village Books for a long time and has already been engaged in kids programming,” said Robinson. “She’s the perfect person to step into this position. She’s already created a number of new activities and has many more in the works.”

James Patterson’s grants come at a time when independent bookstores work hard to stand out as community hubs in the face of online retail giants. Patterson is committed to bringing attention to the important contributions of indie bookstores, and he is especially concerned with inspiring children to become lifelong readers. Patterson worked with the American Booksellers Association, publishers and fellow authors to identify stores that would be good candidates, and he accepts applications from viable bookstores that have a children’s book section in their stores. Grants are personally funded by Patterson. For more information about James Patterson and his program, click here.

“It’s great that someone like James Patterson recognizes the value of independent bookstores to our country’s culture and to the future of reading. Everyone should be grateful for his generosity,” said Robinson.

 

Pro Rodeo, Exotic Animals and More at the 104th Northwest Washington Fair

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Photo credit: Phillip Palermo

 

Submitted by Northwest Washington Fair

washington state fair
Photo credit: Patrick Hagerty

The cows, pigs, rabbits and other animals featured annually at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden are being joined this year by camels, reptiles and bucking broncs, oh my!

The 104th edition of the fair, being presented Aug. 11-16, also will include the Lynden PRCA Rodeo, a slate of entertainers led by country star Gary Allan and perennial favorites such as the demolition derby.

“This year’s variety of top-notch entertainment is amazing,” said fair manager Jim Baron.

The Northwest Washington Fair, which annually draws around 200,000 attendees each year, will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Gate admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted for free. Discounted admission tickets will be available before fair week at Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores and Peoples Bank branches in Whatcom County and online here. Also, discounted carnival ride passes are offered before fair week at Little Caesars Pizza stores in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Gary Allan will be one of many star studded performers at the Northwest Washington Fair.
Gary Allan will be one of many star studded performers at the Northwest Washington Fair.

Highlights of this year’s fair include:

  • The 10th annual Lynden PRCA Rodeo, featuring PRCA Clown of the Year JJ Harrison and some of the world’s top professional cowboys competing in bull riding, bareback riding and more, will be presented Aug. 12-13.
  • After the demolition derby Aug. 11 and the rodeo, the grandstand stage will be brought out for Allan on Aug. 14, rock-and-roll great Huey Lewis and The News on Aug. 15 and alternative rockers Collective Soul on Aug. 16.
  • Whatcom County-based Camel Safari, a hit in its fair debut last year, returns to offer rides on its Dromedary (one-hump) and Bactrian (two-hump) camels.
  • Predators of the Heart, an Anacortes-based exotic animal refuge that is home to alligators, cougars, snakes and more, will bring some of its residents and provide educational talks.
  • The Rainbow Squares, a local square-dancing group, will perform at the fair for its 30th year at 5 p.m. Aug. 16 in front of the fair’s clock tower.

The core of the fair continues to be thousands of exhibits from local farms, residents and 4-H and FFA youth, displaying the area’s best in livestock, flowers, art and much more. Last year’s fair featured more than 10,000 exhibits and 1,600 exhibitors.

A wide variety of carnival rides and games for all ages also is available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Free entertainment will be featured each day from noon-9 p.m. on the Charter College Festival Stage and from 1:30-7:30 p.m. on the RECO Community Stage.

The schedule of featured grandstand performances follows with fair admission included in the prices for tickets purchased before fair week:

  • Monday, Aug. 11 – Demolition derby. Reserved grandstand tickets are $22 for the 12:30 p.m. show, $27 for the 7:30 p.m. show or $32 for both shows.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 13 – Lynden PRCA Rodeo, 7:30 p.m.; adults, $27; children ages 4-12, $22.
  • Thursday, Aug. 14 – Gary Allan, 7:30 p.m.; reserved tickets, $52.
  • Friday, Aug. 15 – Huey Lewis and The News, 7:30 p.m.; reserved tickets, $52.
  • Saturday, Aug. 16 – Collective Soul, 7:30 p.m.; reserved tickets, $42.
Fans can't wait to see Huey Lewis and the News at this year's Northwest Washington Fair.
Fans can’t wait to see Huey Lewis and the News at this year’s Northwest Washington Fair.

Allan’s “Every Storm” is his fifth No. 1 single and was nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year. Allan, 46, also has reached the top of charts with “Man to Man,” “Tough Little Boys,” “Nothing On But The Radio” and “Watching Airplanes” as he mixes honky-tonk bravado and grainy isolation. He’s amassed seven gold albums, including three that were certified platinum, during his 17-year recording career.

Huey Lewis and The News have sold more than 20 million albums since forming in 1979. Their Top Ten hits include “Heart of Rock & Roll,” “Stuck With You,” “I Want A New Drug,” “If This Is It,” “Hip To Be Square” and “The Power of Love,” which debuted in the hit film “Back To The Future” and reached No. 1 on Billboard’s singles chart. The group’s live show incorporates a variety of musical influences, including rhythm & blues and soul, and features a horn section with two saxophones and a trumpet.

Founded by vocalist and guitarist Ed Roland, Collective Soul shot to international fame with its 1993 release, “Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid,” and its mega No. 1 hit “Shine.” Collective Soul dramatically expanded its fan base by performing on the soundtrack to one of the hottest movies of 2008 – “Twilight.”

The public can purchase tickets and select seats for all grandstand performances through the fair’s website here. Tickets purchased through the website may be printed by the buyer through their computer, eliminating the need to pick them up at the fair office. Tickets also are available at the fair office, 1775 Front St., Lynden, and by phone at 360-354-7777. Discounts are available for groups of 40 or more. For group sales, call the fair, 360-354-4111.

 

2nd Annual Sunnyland Stomp Chicken Race

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For the second year in a row, Batman won first place in the Sunnyland Stomp Chicken Race! Second place went to Jesse and third place to Phyllis Diller. Rumor has it they’ll need bleachers for next year’s event — it’s become so popular!

 

8 Free Ways To Cool Off In Bellingham (Plus One That Costs $1)

bloedel park bellingham
The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry works to boost our local economy by bolstering the business community and influencing public policy. ©WhatcomTalk.

 

Sizzling! We always get a few days here in Bellingham each summer when our usually moderate temperatures begin to skyrocket. We simply aren’t accustomed to 90+ degree weather and it can sometimes feel sweltering.

bloedel park bellingham
Bloedel Donovan Park is one of the places to dip your toes around Bellingham during sunny summer days.

How do you cool off around Bellingham without spending a dime? Here are 8 ideas to keep your cool during these steamy summer days.

  • Visit your neighborhood branch of the Bellingham Public Library. You know the library is a spectacular stop when the rainy months get you down; try a library visit for hot days, too. Perhaps you can even find a book about polar bears, ice cream, and ice caps.
  • Cool off at the Cornwall or Fairhaven spray parks.
  • Take a power walk inside Bellis Fair Mall. Play “I Spy” with the kids to keep them engaged while you circle. Bonus points if you wear a pedometer and log some serious miles.
  • Frolic in the water feature at Barkley Village’s Gazebo Park.
  • Dip in your toes at one of our lovely local beaches: Try Teddy Bear Cove, Semiahmoo Spit, Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, or Lily Point Marine Park.
  • Dive in at Lake Padden or Lake Whatcom at Bloedel Donovan Park – or any of the many spectacular swimming holes in our area.
  • Find shade under the playground equipment at a local park. Elizabeth Park in the Columbia neighborhood is one shady favorite, much of it protected from the rays by its plethora of magnificent trees.
  • Take a stroll in nature. Get under the cool shade of massive trees at the Sehome Arboretum or make the climb up to Fragrance Lake.

Bonus: If you have $1 in your wallet, take in a family-friendly movie on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings through August 19 at Barkley Village Regal Cinema. Get all the details on $1 summer movies here.

Want more free ideas? Find our bucket list of 25 free things to do with kids this summer here.

Did we miss your favorite way to stay cool without breaking the bank? Drop us a note at submit@whatcomtalk.com.

 

How’s Your Financial Health?

 

Submitted by Jordan Mahoney, Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed, Inc.

jordan mahoneyHave you reviewed your financial fitness?
Just as it’s important to maintain good physical health on a consistent basis, the same holds true for your financial health. If you haven’t done so, take a moment to assess your “financial fitness” in the following key areas:

Don’t put off setting up a financial plan.
Utilize a personal inventory process and set realistic short and long-term goals. A qualified financial advisor can help you learn more.

Increase savings, reduce debt.
Develop a monthly budget to provide a clear picture of your current and projected expenses, separating recurring expenses from fluctuating. Find out where your money is going and see where you can reduce spending and increase savings. Set a goal, such as reducing your debt by $2,000 for the year, and use credit as little as possible, paying above the minimum whenever possible. The power of compounding is on your side, so the sooner you get started, the better.

Be financially prepared for emergencies.
Ideally, having several months’ worth of living expenses put aside for an emergency is the best recommendation. This also can help you to avoid using credit to make ends meet during an emergency.

Save up for big-ticket purchases.
Plan ahead to replace appliances, furniture or a car. Rather than using credit, have a savings plan and budget for these items.

Explore ways to fund your children’s education.
Consider options, such as college savings plans, or Coverdell ESAs. Before selecting a savings option, sit down with a financial advisor to determine which one best fits your overall plan.

Examine your insurance coverage.
Ask yourself a few questions with regard to your current policy: Has your mortgage payment gone up? Has other debt increased as your income has gone up? Would your children be able to attend college if you were gone? Do you have disability coverage? Have you considered long-term care? Be sure that you and your spouse have examined all the issues — not just for today, but for your future to ensure that you have adequate coverage.

Consider an estate plan.
An estate plan can protect your loved ones and your assets, providing for distribution of your property and helping to determine how much will go to your beneficiaries, to your charities or to Uncle Sam. Failing to have a will or an estate plan can exhaust some estates through fees and other costs related to estate administration.

Plan your retirement.
Ask yourself when you want to retire. Then, find out if you are saving enough for the standard of living you want after retirement. Think about current and anticipated sources of income before finalizing any plan. Ask yourself how much you will need each month to maintain your standard of living without depleting your retirement resources too soon. To achieve the right answers, you will need to ask yourself the right questions. As with any aspect of your financial fitness, a qualified financial advisor can help guide you.

 

This article is meant to be general in nature and should not be construed as investment or financial advice related to your personal situation.  Please consult your financial advisor prior to making financial decisions. Investing involves risk and the potential to lose principal.

Jordan Mahoney is a Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed and is licensed to offer securities and insurance in WA.  She can be reached at 360-734-4728 ext.: 123.   Securities are offered through Waddell & Reed, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC.  Insurance products are offered through insurance companies with which Waddell & Reed has sales arrangements.

Community Boating Center Hosts Friday Ferry Farewell Flotillas

 

Submitted by Community Boating Center

friday ferry flotillaEach fourth Friday this summer, beginning July 25, the Community Boating Center will host a flotilla of boats in south Bellingham Bay to bid adieu do the departing Alaska ferry. On those days, the 418-foot MV Columbia is scheduled to leave the Bellingham Cruise Terminal at 6:00 PM, bound for Ketchikan. Boats of all kind are encouraged to join the gathering. To encourage participation, the Boating Center is offering 20% off rental fees for sailing dinghies and human-powered watercraft, including kayaks, rowboats and paddleboards, starting at 5:00 PM each fourth Friday through September.

On Flotilla Fridays, 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. Sign-ups for participating aboard Plume will begin at 5:00 PM, near the public boat launch in Fairhaven, on the evenings of the events.

Ferry Farewell Flotillas are planned for July 25, August 22, and September 26. All participants should wear a life jacket and have clothing available for a variety of weather. Life jackets will be available for Plume participants and CBC renters. “Our intent is to showcase and celebrate the variety of boats that contribute to the maritime culture of the Bay,” says Community Boating Center director Steve Walker. “The CBC’s primary focus is on education and access for small watercraft. However, with Bellingham Bay being the largest bay in the Salish Sea, there is plenty of water to share for all kinds of vessels, from paddle boards to big commercial ships. The Boating Center hopes Fourth Friday Flotillas will become a summer tradition for boaters from throughout Whatcom County.”

The Community Boating Center is open for boat rentals every day of the week and continues to offer sailing and paddle-sports youth camps as well as instruction in sailing, paddle-boarding, sea-kayaking, and rowing. For details, visit the CBC website, www.boatingcenter.org.

Lombardi Trophy Visits Bellingham

lombardi trophy

 

The Seattle Seahawks brought the Lombardi Trophy to Bellingham on Sunday, July 6.  Fans came out to celebrate the Seahawks Super Bowl championship at the Lakeway Inn and Conference Center.

Seahawk fans invited to see Super Bowl trophy Sunday at Poppes 360 in Bellingham

 

Submitted by Dave Brumbaugh

Super_Bowl_trophyThe Seattle Seahawks will be displaying their Super Bowl championship Lombardi Trophy for public viewing from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, July 6 at Poppes 360 Neighborhood Pub, part of the Lakeway Inn & Conference Center at 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham.

The Lombardi Trophy will be set on a raised stage, enclosed in a clear case on a stand just outside the Poppes 360 patio entrance in the Lakeway Inn’s north parking lot. No touching of the trophy nor access to the stage will be allowed, but attendees may gather around the stage to take photographs.

The Seahawks also are bringing members of the Sea Gals dance team, their mascot Blitz and the Blue Thunder Drummers from 3-5 p.m. Sunday. Barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs will be available. Attendees 21 and older may see the trophy from the Poppes 360 patio, where food and drink specials will be offered beginning at noon.

The trophy tour’s stop in Bellingham is its only one in Northwest Washington.

“We’re so excited to have the Super Bowl trophy coming here for fans to see,” said Larry MacDonald, General Manager of the Lakeway Inn. “The Seahawks were so impressed by the turnout at their tour stop here last summer that they made Bellingham one of the few communities getting a chance to see the trophy and relive their amazing championship run.”

Parking will be available in the Lakeway Inn’s north parking lot, accessed from Lakeway Drive, and its south parking lot, which has a Lincoln Street entrance.

The Best Western PLUS Lakeway Inn & Conference Center, managed by Providence Hospitality Partners, is located at 714 Lakeway Drive, just off Interstate 5 at Exit 253. The Lakeway Inn is totally smoke-free throughout its 132 guest rooms, two restaurants (Poppe’s 360 and The Oboe Café), indoor pool, fitness area and 11,000 square feet of meeting-room space. For more information, call (360) 671-1011 or (888) 671-1011 or visit www.thelakewayinn.com.

 

Bellingham Store Will Become One of the First Retail Marijuana Stores in Washington

bellingham date spot
Views from Keenan’s on the Pier of Taylor Dock and Bellingham Bay beyond are guaranteed to wow any date.

 

Submitted by Dave Brumbaugh

Pledging to promote responsibility and education, 2020 Solutions will become among the first marijuana retail stores in the state when it opens at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 8 at 2018 Iron St., just a block from Hardware Sales and the intersection of James and State streets in downtown Bellingham.

Open from 8 a.m. until midnight daily, 2020 Solutions features legal marijuana and locally made glass pipes and smoking accessories. Edible products are expected to be available soon, said Aaron Nelson, Senior Vice President of Operations for 2020 Solutions. The store paid its licensing fee on July 3 and the license from the state Liquor Control Board will take effect early Monday morning. The licensing process included an intensive background investigation and site inspection.

“We have built relationships with suppliers that will supply us with product for opening day,” Nelson said. “As local suppliers come on line, our goal is to sell high-quality, locally produced products when available.”

Nelson, who has 14 years of management experience in a corporate environment, said 2020 Solutions will offer a clean, professional and relaxing environment. The store will educate customers on the differences between various strains and their potential effects, he added.

“Our goal is for consumers to have a pleasant experience with cannabis,” Nelson said. “We believe the important elements of an enjoyable experience are: Purchase Responsibly, Consume Responsibly, Act Responsibly, Possess Responsibly.”

The emphasis on responsibility extends to the store’s management and employees, he said.

“We are working closely with the Liquor Control board to ensure we are keeping marijuana out of the hands of minors, exceeding the recommended guidelines,” Nelson said. “We will be working closely with youth drug prevention and awareness.”

For more information, visit www.i502solutions.com.

 

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