10 Terrific Places to Devour Scrumptious Sandwiches in Bellingham and Whatcom County

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Whether you’re of the generation that equates a love for comically large sandwiches with Dagwood Bumstead or Homer Simpson, there’s one thing we can all agree on: Bellingham has tasty sandwich options galore.

Hot or cold; open-faced or rolled up in a wrap; in a hoagie or wedged between thick-cut slices of spongy bread. Sandwiches come in all shapes, sizes, flavors and combinations. Head to any of these Bellingham-area sandwich shops to get your fill(ings).

Old World Deli

Top notch noshing in a fantastic setting, downtown’s Old World Deli brings together an authentic European-style delicatessen with scrumptious sandwiches, fresh salads, wines, specialty food items, and much more.

But we’re here to talk about the sandwiches.

Old World Deli creates many of their meats in-house, including corned beef, roast beef, bacon, smoked duck breast, sausages, and more. Other meats are carefully chosen from high-quality producers. Pair those with hard-to-find fine cheeses and local Breadfarm bread and you simply can’t go wrong.

Old World Deli
1228 North State Street in Bellingham
360-738-2090

Hours:
Monday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Bagelry

The Bagelry has been dishing out delicious authentic New York bagels in Bellingham for 30 years.

For a fantastic lunch option, top any of the Bagelry’s 13 different bagel varieties with a selection of Boars Head brand meats and cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. They’ll finish it off with a pickle spear and a bag of chips – or choose one of the Bagelry’s fantastic house-made deli salads.

The Bagelry
1319 Railroad Avenue in Bellingham
360-676-5288

Hours:
Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Da Vinci’s Classic Subs

More than a decade ago, I wrote restaurant reviews for the Bellingham Herald. My fantastic editor pointed me toward Da Vinci’s Classic Subs – tucked in the back of a convenience store on Electric Avenue – and I’ve fondly remembered that experience ever since.

Da Vinci’s will create your own classic sub or hoagie from a long list of fresh ingredients – on white or wheat French bread, in a variety of sizes. There’s also a premium sub menu with a range of combinations. Love cheese steaks? They’ve got that covered, too.

Da Vinci’s Classic Subs
1480 Electric Avenue in Bellingham
360-671-7200

Hours:
Daily: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Avenue Bread

You’ll spot Bellingham’s popular Avenue Bread Cafes in three locations: downtown, Fairhaven, and on James Street in the Sunnyland neighborhood. And at all three, you’ll find hand-formed artisan bread and mouth-watering sandwich-topping combos galore.

The variety of sandwiches at Avenue Bread can almost overwhelm — a fantastic problem for anyone who likes a variety of sandwich types. Breakfast sandwiches, classic hot and cold versions, wraps, flats, grinders, and more – there’s something for every sandwich lover at Avenue Bread.

Avenue Bread
Downtown Café
1313 Railroad Avenue in Bellingham
360-714-3354

Downtown Café Hours:
Sunday through Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Fairhaven Café
1135 11th Street in Bellingham

Hours:
Daily: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

James Street Café
2301 James Street in Bellingham

Hours:
Daily: 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm

Community Food Co-Op

Whether you hit the deli at the downtown Bellingham Community Food Co-op or the one out at Cordata, you’re going to undoubtedly find fresh, vibrant, often organic options for spectacular sandwiches.

Sandwich-filling selections vary slightly between the two delis, but you’ll find something delicious at both, to be sure. If you’re in a hurry, grab a pre-packaged sandwich and if you’re selective about toppings call ahead or fill out a simple form and wait for your deliciousness to arrive on a plate or ready to go.

Add a small bag of Kettle Chips and half a pickle for just a dollar. Lunch is taken care of.

Downtown Co-Op Deli
1220 North Forest Street in Bellingham
360-734-8158

Deli hours:
Daily: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Cordata Co-Op Deli
315 Westerly Road in Bellingham
360-734-8158

Deli hours:
Daily: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Café Rumba

Not familiar with Peruvian sandwiches? Get yourself to Café Rumba, but quick, and take in its varied cuisine, a reflection of three Peruvian geographical zones: the coast, the Andean highlands, and the jungle. Your taste buds will thank you.

Opened in 2012 by Lima natives Marco Mellet and Antonio Diaz, Café Rumba brings something completely different to Bellingham with its assortment of “sanguches” served in a Peruvian French roll. The ingredients sound familiar – chicken, turkey, ham, pot roast, bacon, cheese, roasted peppers, and on and on – but the spices and sauces give them a Peruvian oomph you need to experience.

Café Rumba
1140 North State Street in Bellingham
360-746-8280

Hours:
Monday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sandwich Odyssey

A modest stand-alone shop planted across the street from Bellingham High School, Sandwich Odyssey has been receiving raves from in-the-know locals for 20 years. It’s all about quality ingredients and care in preparation. Ordering a turkey sandwich? The turkey was roasted on-site that very day. Sandwich Odyssey is lauded for whopping portion sizes, as well.

Try the cold grilled eggplant sandwich or the Italian sub, among a myriad of options and ever-changing daily specials. Want something hot? The chicken stack is one of nearly a dozen delicious options, topped with grilled peppers, onions, and provolone cheese. Any sandwich can also be made into a wrap.

Sandwich Odyssey
2001 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham
360-738-6919

Hours:
Monday through Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lynden Dutch Bakery

Take a short drive north of Bellingham and experience Lynden Dutch Bakery’s quintessential Dutch hospitality – and their delicious baked goods.

Piled high and built with local Lynden products, sandwiches from Lynden Dutch Bakery never disappoint. Dutch sandwiches come in ham, roast beef, turkey pastrami, tuna salad, or salami with all the fixings, lovingly lodged between thick-cut slices of freshly baked bread.

Lynden Dutch Bakery’s submarine sandwiches are served on a wheat or white roll and offer the same variety of meats – plus pepperoni – and top it all with lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, mayo, and a tangy dressing. You can also choose a monster sub, great for a crowd.

Lynden Dutch Bakery
421 Front Street in Lynden
360-354-3911

Hours:
Tuesday through Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Leaf & Ladle

You’ll always find at least one vegan panini option at Leaf & Ladle on the south end of downtown — but there’s a plethora of other yummy sandwiches to select from, whether you’re vegetarian or full-on carnivore.

Creating inventive, fresh, flavorful sandwiches (and so much more: wraps, salads, soups, and now hand pies from Alice’s Pies), Leaf & Ladle opened in 2013. Its menu changes every week, so check out their Facebook page to see what’s currently being served.

Leaf & Ladle
1113 North State Street in Bellingham
360-319-9718

Hours:
Daily: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Greene’s Corner

There’s a lot more to love about Greene’s Corner than just its magnificent sandwiches, but that’s a tremendous starting point. Perched on James Street, near Kulshan Brewing Company, Greene’s Corner makes hot and cold sandwiches to order while showcasing a truly impressive array of microbrews.

Using local breads and bagels, Greene’s Corner sandwiches can be made-to-order or choose from a delectable variety, from pesto turkey or reuben to pulled pork or classic club, and more. The menu also includes a roast tempeh topped with organic salad mix and a variety of veggies.

Greene’s Corner
2208 James Street in Bellingham
360-306-8137

Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Clearly, there are too many wonderful Whatcom County sandwich options to outline in just one article. Here are a few more to consider the next time a sandwich craving comes calling:

Whatcom County Business Owners Like Buying Local – And Like When You Do It, Too

By

Stacee Sledge

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bellingham wine store — For Seifert & Jones Wine Merchant co-owners, Ted Seifert and Diane Jones, buying local gives them a stronger sense of community.

By Stacee Sledge

Buy local. It’s a simple slogan many of us can happily get behind.

After all, we’ve seen the statistics showing the power of $1 spent at a local, independent store versus a big-box chain store; that single locally spent dollar generates three times more direct, local economic activity.

But for many – even those with the best of intentions – buying local can get lost in the everyday commotion of go go go. When the checking account balance dwindles or the To-Do List grows long as the hours fly by, suddenly an Amazon order has been placed or we’ve popped into the chain store with the giant parking lot or steered through a massive conglomerate’s drive-through window.

WhatcomTalk asked local business owners why they believe in buying local – and why it’s important for everyone in Whatcom County to try to do so as often as they can.

For Ted Seifert, co-owner of downtown Bellingham’s Seifert & Jones Wine Merchant, buying local gives him a stronger sense of community.

“I love walking around town and seeing other small business owners and customers,” he says. “It weaves more into the fabric our community.”

bellingham book store — Dee and Chuck Robinson, owners of Village Books, believe that buying locally brings prosperity to the entire community.

That’s something he says you simply don’t find when you order online. “Buying online is a false pleasure. I feel you get far better quality with the local option.”

Chuck and Dee Robinson opened Village Books in 1980. The bookstore has undeniably become the heart of historic Fairhaven and has long been deeply involved in our community and supportive of other Whatcom County small businesses.

“If your neighbor has it to sell, give him your business. Like consideration from your neighbor adds prosperity to both,” says Chuck Robinson, quoting from Robert Spector’s book The Mom & Pop Store.

Robinson believes there is no better reason to buy local.

“Buying locally brings prosperity to the entire community,” he says. “It’s not only true of one merchant buying from another, it’s also true of individuals buying from folks who support their community in so many ways.”

Robinson believes many of the features that make our community so livable wouldn’t be possible without the support of locally owned and independently operated businesses.

“Ask any nonprofit from where the bulk of their funding comes from,” he says. “Look who serves on the boards of local organizations. Watch who volunteers in so many ways in the community. Local businesses are, and have always been, an essential part of the fabric of a healthy community.”

Brian Poag, co-owner with wife Tanya of Jake’s Western Grill in Lynden, knows customers always have a choice of where to shop – and that, thankfully, many see the big benefits of doing so locally.

“We’ve found that people in the Lynden community – and throughout Whatcom County – appreciate local, family-owned and -operated businesses,” he says. “They understand many of us are working hard every day to deliver something special, and that we are also giving back to our local community in many ways.”

Jake’s Western Grill donates gift cards to nearly every local sports team for fundraisers and hosts charity nights where a portion of the proceeds goes to a local non-profit. They also partner with local church fundraising programs.

“We think small, local businesses that offer great products at fair prices are rewarded with loyal customers who are willing to share their business with their friends and neighbors,” says Poag.

Mary Burwell and Scott Hartwich run Hammerhead Coffee Roasters as a true mom-and-pop business, working with retail and wholesale customers.

“Buying, trying, thinking, eating, and drinking local builds community, our economy and keeps Bellingham independent, unique, interesting, and thriving,” says Burwell.

bellingham coffee — Scott Hartwich and Mary Burwell, operators of Hammerhead Coffee Roasters, say that buying local keeps Bellingham independent.

“Buying local simply makes cents and sense,” she continues. “Better service, fresher product, and the ability to connect with one another as mindful community members.”

Burwell mentions the Bellingham Farmers Market and Fairhaven Farmers Market as perfect examples of all things local in Bellingham.

“It’s as local as it gets,” she says. “All vendors are from Whatcom or Skagit Counties and offer a plethora of produce, flowers, plants, crafts, ready-to-eat and drink options.”

Check out this gorgeous short film from Bellingham’s Hand Crank Films, which showcases many of the local farmers you’ll see, buy from, and get to know at our local farmers markets. Created for Sustainable Connections and its Eat Local First campaign, the film underscores the importance – and fantastic feeling – of buying and eating local Whatcom County foods.

Labels Women’s Consignment Store reaches milestone of 30,000 consignors

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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bellingham consignment store — Labels owner Sage Bishop (left) and store manager Kirsten Reid celebrate the shops' success.

Submitted by Dave Brumbaugh

Sage Bishop has found a way of packing 30,000 sellers into two Bellingham stores.

Bishop, owner of Labels Women’s Consignment Store, earlier this week passed an amazing milestone: 30,000 consignors have placed goods for sale through Labels since it was founded just 10 years ago.

Destiny Garvin of Bellingham received a gift certificate when she became the 30,000th consignor by bringing clothes to be sold at the Labels store on Northwest Avenue. Labels also has a store on James Street.

The milestone is even more amazing when one considers that Whatcom County had only 205,800 residents in 2013, which would be the equivalent of one in every seven county residents being a Labels consignor, although Labels does draw some consignors from counties to the south and also British Columbia.

“We are grateful to all of our consigners who have brought items that are cute, current and clean,” Bishop said. “The quality of their women’s clothing, accessories, home décor and housewares has been the cornerstone of our success.”

Labels, which also offers new plus-sized women’s clothing and accessories, has been voted Best Clothing and Best Consignment store by Bellingham Alive magazine, Cascadia Weekly and The Bellingham Herald in recent years.

Bishop opened the first Labels store in 2004 in downtown Bellingham. Since then, she has opened a second store at 3927 Northwest Avenue, between the Interstate 5 northbound onramp and West Bakerview Road, and moved the original store to 2332 James St., just south of Trader Joe’s and Sunnyland Square.

Both stores are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call (360) 738-0333 or visit www.labelsconsignment.com.

Fitness Gear & Training Celebrates 25 Years

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WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Dave Brumbaugh

Owner Bob Palmer said that Fitness Gear & Training, like many businesses that have reached the 25-year milestone, has successfully evolved over time. It started in 1989 as Fairhaven Health & Nutrition, primarily a health-food store with some exercise equipment. The business emphasis soon changed as exercise equipment revenue outpaced nutrition sales by a 5:1 ratio, Palmer said.

He bought Locker Fitness Systems in 1992 and moved to Bellingham’s Sehome Village as Fitness Gear. The business then headed downtown, first in 1997 to Cornwall Avenue and in 2004 to Railroad Avenue before settling on its current location at 1605 N. State St. in Bellingham.

Also in 2004, son Zac Palmer became general manager and began to offer personal training services. He had suffered a herniated disc at age 17 due to a football injury and underwent back surgery at 21, leading him to take a different approach to fitness than many other gyms and personal trainers.

“More often than not, trainers take a quick-fix approach to fitness – adopting a no-pain, no-gain mentality that often leads to injuries,” Zac Palmer said. “We developed a more balanced approach to every body’s personal needs. We take into consideration everyone’s current level of fitness, health history, injuries, and personal goals.”

In 2011, Zac Palmer introduced 30-Minute Fit, a program combining the expertise and guidance of certified personal trainers with flexibility in workout times and difficulty. It is a dynamic circuit-based program with 24 different stations that can be modified for everyone from beginners to advanced fitness enthusiasts. A Fitness Gear & Training certified trainer answers questions and help participants perform the exercises correctly and effectively.

Fitness Gear & Training in downtown Bellingham is celebrating its 25-year anniversary with events from April 24 through May 31.

Fitness Gear & Training is offering tours of its new facility at 1605 N. State St., across the street from Village Lighting and Quality Rentals. The new site includes new expanded personal training areas, larger 30-Minute Fit training area, new retail showroom, showers and free off street parking. Also, prizes topped by a 58-inch flat-screen television are being awarded during the celebration.

A portion of sales proceeds during the 25th anniversary celebration are being donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, which serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury or illness related to their service after Sept. 11, 2011. Also, as part of the celebration, Fitness Gear & Training will be hosting a food drive to benefit the Bellingham Food Bank.

Fitness Gear & Training offers quality fitness equipment, featuring Precor, Life Fitness, Sports Art, Vectra, Hoist Fitness and BH Fitness ellipticals, treadmills, exercise bicycles, benches and universal gyms.

For more information, call Fitness Gear & Training at (360) 671-5059 or visit us at 1605 N. State Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 or on the web www.Fitnessgearandtraining.com.

Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants Celebrate One Year Anniversary with Local Artist, Lorna Libert

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants

Join us for our new art show reception. We have one Bellingham’s favorite local artists, Lorna Libert, in house presenting her work. You will easily recognize Libert’s art as her work is much loved and respected in the region and beyond. Best known for large format pieces of old buildings, boats, trucks, animals and landscapes, her warped expression of these old, weathered subjects is very cool.

The opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 8, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Libert’s work will be up through July.

The same weekend we will be celebrating our 1st Anniversary. Diane and I are very thankful for all of your loyal support and we have several tastings planned to help show it. The year flew by and we are thrilled to be downtown Bellingham’s exclusive wine shop.

Events scheduled:

Thursday, May 8

Dusky Goose Tasting, Dundee Hills Oregon Tasting 4-5:30
Lorna Libert Opening Reception 5-8 pm.
Local Spanish wine importer-Basi Rodriguez Grueso from Casa Ventura Imports will be present pouring a selection of new arrivals during the artist’s reception.

Friday, May 9 – Ridge Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mnt. Tasting Starts @ 4pm

Saturday, May 10 – All day Saturday we will be pouring some of our favorite shop wines.

For more information about the art exhibit opening, the one year anniversary celebration and more, contact Seifert & Jones Wine Merchants by emailing your inquiry to Ted Seifert at ted@sjwinemerchants.com, or calling 360-393-3271.

Lorna Libert artist statement:

Truck painting by local artist, Lorna Libert.

My paintings are inspired by old structures: abandoned buildings, weathered boats and rusting trucks. Aesthetically, these edifices have magnificent forms and shapes, yet I am attracted to their crookedness and decay. The fading wood, peeling paint and broken windows provide each image with a personality and a history. Utilization or these subjects imparts cultural metaphors relating to time, society, man and nature. They hold within them mysteries and suggestions of the past. Who built that house? Did teenagers ever sneak in and out of the windows? What happened to the family who lived and loved there? What storms and hardships did that vessel endure? Who was the Captain? Who created the beautiful lines of that boat? Who proudly drove that once brand new shiny red truck? Did a dog get to sit up front or did one ride in the back? These commonly found subjects are now beaten and worn, yet they speak of strength, dignity, love and time. Their future is questionable. The old truck will continue to rust and crumble. Nature may take over a vessel and send it to the bottom of the sea. Man may tear down an old beloved house leaving it to be paved over and parked on by Wal-mart shoppers. I am attempting to open peoples’ eyes, to draw their attention to the human side of life and to remind them of the humanity that these 20th Century relics and ruins represent.

Through the warping of space and the subtle nuances of color, I emphasize the significance of these worn and decaying structures. I employ Renaissance theories of perspective along with multiple viewpoints in order to establish an ambiguous, all-encompassing pictorial space. This space invites the viewer to experience the subject and the place. It creates a feeling, expresses a personality and emphasizes the dignity of my subject. Using brushstrokes of color and light, I describe the movement or stillness of the environment. Weathered wood, dripping rust and peeling paint create patterns and colors that provide for a sensuous surface. By focusing on these tactile qualities, I am emphasizing the feeling of solidity and decay of each building, vessel or vehicle.

The process of creating my work includes various procedures and experiments. I make several on site visits to the subjects which I am attracted to. I will do some sketching and take photographs to use as references in my studio. My small canvases are usually painted on location, while the larger pieces are worked in the studio. I experiment with variations in the shapes and sizes of my paintings, including diptychs and triptychs. Some pieces are worked on canvas, while others on wood panel or masonite. My works are always changing through composition, space and color until I reach what I feel is the most effective visual statement.

Through creativity, experimentation and research, I am suggesting historical and sociological concepts that are connected to these abandoned and decaying structures. By placing these commonly found structures in a unique space and emphasizing specific characteristics, they become icons and metaphors relating to our culture. The abandoned buildings, vessels and vehicles of the 20th Century will continue to decay, but through thick strokes of paint I am seeking to immortalize their profundity.

Bellingham Musician Sarah Goodin Looks To The Future

By

Stacee Sledge

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Sarah Goodin had never even heard of “The Voice.”

But when a friend’s wife heard Sarah’s CD and suggested she try out for the reality television singing competition, Goodin was game.

Having played solo around Bellingham for years – and also garnering quick attention over the past year with her full band sarah in the wild – Goodin was up for whatever might – or might not – happen.

Finding Her Voice

“I was always really noisy as a child,” Goodin says with a laugh, answering the question of when she first began singing. “My favorite thing was to mimic other people’s voices.”

She says her mother tells a story of Goodin as a toddler, crawling up onto the kitchen table and dancing and singing along to Lionel Richie while her mother did dishes.

Her first time on stage, so to speak – but far from her last.

“It just developed from there,” she says of her voice. “You start mimicking other people’s singing, and then you see what you can do. I was always kind of just quietly singing in a corner by myself.”

Elementary school friends asked Goodin to sing for them. “They would be like, ‘Okay, sing us this song. Sing the song from Pocahontas. Sing it again.’”

In seventh grade, a friend who was a big Mariah Carey fan asked Goodin to imitate her songs.

Goodin eventually developed her own voice while singing in choir at Sehome High School.

“Choir was lovely because it taught me a lot of things I needed to sing well, like how to stay in pitch and breath control,” she says.

Writing her own music didn’t come as naturally to Goodin – at first.

“That was a tougher leap,” she admits. “For years I didn’t write my own material; just sang a capella covers and performed around town.”

Goodin didn’t pick up the guitar until she was 21. “I was, like, I think it’s probably about time,” she says with a laugh.

She started a poetry night at Stuart’s Coffeehouse, and began to perform there.

“When I got the guitar, they had to suffer through a year of, ‘Okay, here’s the same song you heard last week – but it’s a little bit better this week.’”

Goodin had a son in 2006, and then went back to school, attending classes at Western Washington University. It was during a poetry class that her knack for writing original lyrics bubbled up.

While struggling with a poem Goodin felt was really promising but couldn’t quite untangle, she realized: It wasn’t a poem; it was a song.

“It was my first really good original writing,” she says of what would become her song “Sleep.” “I just started writing and I haven’t stopped.”

Auditioning for The Voice

In the middle of one night this past winter, Goodin turned on her laptop, recorded a video of herself singing two songs – “giggling the whole time” – and then sent it to “The Voice,” not expecting to hear back.

“Seven days later, I got a phone call,” she says, eyes widening still at the surprise. “They said, ‘You should audition. We have a second round coming up.’”

The only catch? It was in Miami.

Goodin’s friends Marissa McGrath and Sara Holodnick – The Bureau of Historical Investigation’s Good Time Girls – quickly hatched a plan to throw a fundraiser to get Goodin to Miami. The community came out in a big way.

“They did everything,” Goodin says of McGrath and Holodnick. “It was miraculous. And we raised a lot of money.”

Months later, Goodin still sounds awed by the community dollars that seemingly rained down. “So many people pitched in so I could go,” she says. “I owe everyone who donated in person and online so much.”

It all happened very quickly: The initial phone call from “The Voice,” the fundraiser two weeks later, and a flight to Miami a week-and-a-half after that.

“It was so exciting and also really scary,” she says of her arrival in Florida. “It was a nice vacation too, since I hadn’t been on a trip in forever.”

Goodin had followed very specific audition guidelines and chosen a few songs to sing.

“I learned a bunch of pop music, sifting through songs from the last five years and figuring out what suited me. I prepared the songs and rearranged them, fixed them up a little.”

Ultimately she went with an acoustic version of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory,” and Adam Lambert’s “What Do You Want From Me?”

“That was my big showstopper,” Goodin says of the Lambert piece. “I was going to open with it.”

She showed up for her audition and waited with a small group of other hopefuls.

“I’m clearly the oldest person there. I’m the least dressed up with the least makeup,” she says, laughing at the memory. “I could hear a couple of the auditions before mine and I’m like, ‘I got this.’”

She walked in feeling confident, introduced herself to the assembled group in the audition room, and began to play to the camera.

“I auditioned in front of this guy and his assistant and the camera people. I got halfway through my first song and he cut me off, saying: ‘I’m going to say no. Thanks so much for coming out.’”

She knew she hadn’t done badly – they said she wasn’t what they were looking for – but the rejection stung at first.

Coming Home & Looking to the Future

Goodin picked herself up, dusted herself off, and enjoyed a Miami mini-vacation.

“I was there for three days,” she says. “I went swimming in the moonlight. It was warm and gorgeous. I tried to have the biggest experience I could have in just a couple days.”

Goodin then headed home to the community who supported her in trying – and applauded her mightily upon her return.

Not making it on “The Voice” was a revelation, forcing Goodin to reassess what she’s doing and why she auditioned. “Because I don’t like the idea of fame at all,” she admits. “I like privacy.”

She would like to tour at some point, but do so on her own terms – which would include taking her son with her on the road.

Ultimately, she just wants to keep making music.

She’s recently started writing instrumental music and working with local director Dan Hammill on a documentary series about the Good Time Girls.

She likes the idea of composing for video games, films – writing songs for other people.

“Even if I end up doing it for fun and joy and because it’s the thing I’m best at, I’d like to make a little money at it, as well,” she says, smiling.

One thing she’s already fully accomplished: Making her son proud.

“The other day he was on the playground with friends and he didn’t see me and I heard him ask: ‘Do you know the band sarah in the wild? My mom’s the Sarah.’”

Sustainable Connections Plant Sale Raises Funds to Support Farmer Education

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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Submitted by Sustainable Connections

Photo courtesy of Sustainable Connections.

It’s that time of year – readying garden beds, planting seeds and starts. Sustainable Connections announces the ever popular Cascade Cuts Plant Sale is back again this year. On Saturday, May 17, the wholesale nursery will open its doors to the public as a fundraiser for Sustainable Connections’ Food & Farming Program.

Familiar and unique plants galore, the plant sale is a fun-filled event – shoppers can peruse organic vegetable & herb starts, talk with local plant experts, consult master gardeners, and contribute to a great cause.

“I look forward to this sale every year. It’s so much fun to search the greenhouses for unique flowers and herbs and the hanging baskets are beautiful,” says Erin McCain-Anderson, events coordinator with Sustainable Connections. “The volunteers and staff are so helpful and everyone has such a great time.”

The beautiful array of hanging baskets are a big draw for many shoppers, in addition to the greenhouses full of ornamental plants, vegetable and herbs starts and more; many regular shoppers wait for this sale to buy most of their plants for the season.

Flower-lovers will find the walkways and greenhouses at Cascade Cuts packed with annuals and perennials familiar and unusual, in every size, color, and shape. Tucked in the greenhouse corners are intriguing oddities for viewing pleasure, including coffee trees, hops and compost tea machines.

Plant sale shoppers will support local farms when they buy plants – the Cascade Cuts Plant Sale is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Sustainable Connections’ Food & Farming Program. This fundraiser supports the projects that connect people to local farms and Whatcom agriculture, such as the Whatcom Food & Farm Finder, the annual Whatcom County Farm Tour, and events that celebrate local farms and food.

Join Sustainable Connections and the Food & Farming Program on Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the King Mountain neighborhood (632 Montgomery Road, Bellingham) during this fun for the whole family, gardening event. For more information, click here, or call Sustainable Connection at 360-647-7093.

Conner Johnsen Reflects on First Year at WSU and Distance Running in Bellingham

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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wsu cross country — A member of the Washington State University cross country and indoor/outdoor track and field teams, Conner Johnsen is hoping to parlay his experiences and training from his freshman season into a strong sophomore campaign. While a senior at Sehome High School in 2012-13, Johnsen led the Seahawks to 2A team titles in cross country and track and field. Photo credit: Washington State University Athletic Communications

By Tom Rohrer

Surrounded by the wheat fields, green pastures and rolling hills of the Palouse, Conner Johnsen can still see the trails and routes of his hometown.

“There’s a beauty that’s easy to notice, and it’s really amplified when you’re running outside,” Johnsen said of the Bellingham area. “There are so many trails that you get a little lost out there, but in a way that allows you to still perform at a high level. It’s pretty inspiring.”

Following his prolific four year run on both the track and field and cross country teams at Sehome High School, Johnsen decided to trek across the state to continue his education and distance running career at Washington State University in Pullman. Johnsen led Sehome to the 2A Boys championships in both cross country and track and field his senior year and finished third place individually at the state cross country championships.

Now past the midway point of the outdoor track and field season, the 2013 2A State Champion in the 1600 and 3200 meter races is preparing for the future and taking advantage of the present opportunities.

“The distance team for outdoor is very deep, so I’m there to step in if needed. I’m mainly looking at the season as an opportunity to be ready for cross country next fall,” he said. “I’ll run in a few races, but my eye is on next fall.”

During the fall cross country season, Johnsen competed in five events and finished 70th overall at the Pac-12 Conference Championship.

It was a promising start to a potentially prolific collegiate career. Even more impressive was Johnsen’s ability to transition quickly from high school to college athletics.

“It was a better transition then I thought I would be,” said Johnsen. “I ran at the varsity level right off the bat and wasn’t expecting that. Being put in that position, I think it raised my competitive focus. It was sort of sink or swim and I was pleased with how I reacted in that situation.”

Helping Johnsen with that transition was junior Lee George, a distance runner from Ferndale High School. The connection the two forged will likely have a long lasting impact on Johnsen’s time in Pullman.

“George was a senior when I was a high school freshman and I knew of him but didn’t know him personally,” he said. “This last summer, I met Lee for the first time. I was running and training on my own and he called me up and basically said were going to be teammates and let’s run. I got to know him really well. He’s a great guy and a good role model. Having someone like that, it was huge.

Along with the advice handed down from George, Johnsen has noticed a positive change in his technique and approach thanks to the guidance from Washington State University head cross country coach Dr. Tim Riley.

“He’s really helped me to be more relaxed as a runner. Coaches were always telling me in high school to relax and I never relaxed and never understood what they were saying. I was uptight and nervous,” Johnsen said. “He’s really helped me calm down as a racer. I used to hit points in the race where everyone speeds up. I would break out and go too quick at those points. Now, I’m more in control and able to maintain a certain pace.”

Johnsen has benefitted from strong coaching dating back to his days at Sehome, where the distance and cross country programs are overseen by Mark Kerr and Kevin Ray. As a middle school student and underclassman at Sehome, Johansen looked up to Scott Carlyle (2009 and 2010 2A state cross country champion) and Mason McHenry (2008 2A 800 meter champion). By his junior year, Johnsen was making his own legacy as a Seahawk. He finished fifth at the 2011 2A State Cross Country Championships, leading to a personal realization about his future in the sport.

“I thought, I can go to the next level and I sat down with my coaches and we spoke about ramping my training up,” he said. “That year was the season where things sort of clicked and came together. I felt confident enough to pursue a college career at that point.”

When initially brainstorming possible collegiate destinations, Washington State University was not considered an option. While his father Cris graduated from the school, Johnsen had never envisioned himself making the trek east of the Cascade Mountains.

“Honestly, it wasn’t until (Coach Riley) called me that I thought I would attend WSU,” Johnsen said. “I remember thinking, ‘wow this is the Pac-12,’ and I may regret not competing at that level four years later.”

Nearly a full year into his time at WSU, Johnsen is happy with his decision.

“The overall support system here is really great. It’s a great, small community where everyone looks out for each other, sort of Cougs looking out for Cougs,” Johnsen said. “I remember sitting at Sea-Tac Airport in my school gear and the amount of people who said ‘Go Cougs’ was ridiculous. Things like that help you realize what a special place this is.”

Following the end of the academic year and the outdoor track and field season, Johnsen plans on returning home for the summer, the perfect place to continue his training.

“Bellingham, it’s not a football strong area like other areas of the state so people really branch out to running,” he said. “There’s not really a better place to train than in Bellingham, and I love it during the summer,”

“It will be nice to come home, get readjusted and hit the trails.”

Local Author Barbara Jean Hicks Hosts Celebration for Poets, Aspiring Poets, Lovers of Poetry

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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disney frozen — Disney's Frozen author, Barbara Jean Hicks, will make an appearance at Village Books on February 22.

Submitted by Barbara Jean Hicks

In celebration of National Poem in Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 24, lovers of poetry all across America will carry a favorite poem in their pocket to share with co-workers, classmates, friends and family throughout the day. In Bellingham, local poets, aspiring poets and poetry lovers of all ages are invited to gather at Barnes & Noble, 4099 Meridian Street, at 7:00 that evening to share their pocket poem’s journey and perform it in a public forum. The poems may be original work or the work of a favorite poet, and prizes will be awarded for Best Poem Performance and Best Original Poem in children’s, teen and adult categories. Local children’s book author and poetry lover Barbara Jean Hicks will host the event.

As someone who has been known to “burst into poetry” without warning, Hicks was pleased several years ago to discover a national celebration dedicated to just that. Poem in Your Pocket Day was the brainchild of the Academy of American Poets, she says, and has been celebrated in New York City every April since 2002 and nationwide since 2008. Describing herself as a “closet poet,” Hicks committed on her birthday in July 2013 to write a poem every day for a year. “They aren’t anything I’d show to anyone in their present state,” she says, “but at the end of a year I figure I’ll have enough raw material to complete a polished poem or two. In the meantime, the practice gives me great pleasure.”

Hicks is the Ferndale-based author of both adult fiction and children’s picture books, including two books in the Disney Frozen Series, A Sister More Like Me (Disney Press, 2013) and An Amazing Snowman (Disney Press, 2014). She has not, to date, published any of her poetry—although, she says, “Picture books have many similarities to poetry. They are a similarly compact expression of an idea or emotion and use the language of poetry.”

The event is open to the public. For more information, contact Cate McCarthy or Stefanie Winger at Barnes & Noble, (360) 647-7018 or crm2682@bn.com, or contact Hicks at 206-465-1168 or bhicksgvv@att.net.

About the Author: Acclaimed children’s book author, speaker and educator Barbara Jean Hicks recently moved from Port Hueneme, California back to Ferndale, Washington, where she grew up. Her picture books include the award winning Jitterbug Jam: A Monster Tale, The Secret Life of Walter Kitty and Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli. She has taught at the preschool, middle school, high school and community college levels, worked as an online educator, and served in an elementary school as author-in-residence, program facilitator and parent educator. She is also the author of 13 romance novels and novellas and has written marketing copy and edited manuscripts for numerous trade publishers. Currently, in addition to writing, she makes presentations in elementary schools up and down the West Coast as a visiting author.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County Hosts Its 35th Annual KidsFest Auction

By

WhatcomTalk Editor

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This year marks the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County’s 35th annual KidsFest Auction, which will be held Friday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County is simple: to serve the kids who need the Clubs most, enabling them to become productive, caring, responsible citizens.

But making that happen is an immense undertaking – and one that relies heavily on support from the community.

“We’re growing future teachers, city workers, military, hospice workers,” says Jill Reid, Bellingham Branch Director. “We’re teaching the kids about compassion and giving back to the community.”

This is done through effective after-school programs focused on youth development, as well as youth athletic programs.

Any child living in Whatcom County can become a Boys & Girls Club member for just $30 a year. Membership entitles youth to after-school programs that include a healthy prepared meal and a plethora of enriching activities – from education to art, computers to games – that keep them engaged, entertained, and on the path to continuing to make the right choices.

“On average, we serve about 400 kids a day through our after-school program and through our athletics,” says Reid. Whatcom County Clubs serve 3,500 children every year.

The Clubs rely heavily on volunteers to help coach athletic teams, but also to help run science activities and small-group curriculum in after-school programs.

And the dollars necessary to help fund the facilities, programming, meals, and so much more is nearly all provided by the community.

“We’re not at all subsidized by the government,” Reid explains. “We have some city grants, but 95 percent of our funding comes from local businesses and local donors.”

Our local businesses and community members have long been supportive of and generous with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County.

“But because we’re serving more kids now than ever, the need is always greater than ever,” says Reid. Additionally, the Clubs are always looking to do even better, which means looking at greater opportunities and strengthening programs and infrastructure – and with that comes higher expenses.

Studies show that kids who go to a Boys & Girls Club versus those who don’t get involved with an after-school program are really giving back. Boys & Girls Club supporters know their investment today will pay off in wonderful ways throughout their community in the future.

The upcoming KidsFest auction is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County’s biggest fundraising event of the year and always looked forward to by attendees.

This year’s event will begin when guests walk through the doors of the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club branch, where they’ll be given the new (speedy) option to express pay, and then handed chilled champagne and delectable appetizers. Club kids will be there to greet them.

Hilltop Restaurant & Catering will serve a tantalizing menu featuring chicken Jerusalem and flank steak with gluten-free and vegetarian sides, followed by the auction itself, let by Brady Hammerich from Stokes Auctions.

An array of fantastic silent and live auction items will be up for bid – from smaller items, such as manicures and pedicures, to larger packages such as timeshare opportunities and fishing trips on Bellingham Bay.

Reid says that many of this year’s donated items are focused on locavore opportunities and packages.

“Our community is so gracious,” says Reid. “Small businesses around here really do pull it off for us because of their investment in our kids.”

One of this year’s KidsFest auction items is a local hike for eight, hosted by Dave Mauro, hiker, financial planner and improv actor who has scaled each of the Seven Summits.

Mauro raised more than $30,000 for our Boys & Girls Clubs last year during his “Climbing for Kids” campaign, after climbing Mount Everest.

“He’ll spin tales of his hikes far and wide,” says Reid. “He’s just amazing and so generous.” Mauro also helps raise money for the Phoenix Boys & Girls Club.

As it has done for more than 15 years, Key Bank is the KidsFest Title Sponsor.

“Community is key for Key Bank, who really invests in the Boys & Girls Club,” says Reid. “Their people are on our advisory committee, on our boards; they have the boots on the ground to make sure they’re putting their money where their mouth is.”

Additional local businesses and organizations also help make the event a success.

For more information, visit whatcomclubs.org or contact Jill Reid.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County KidsFest Auction

April 25, 2014

1715 Kentucky Street

Bellingham, WA 98229

Tickets: $75 per person, $150 per couple

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

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