Meredith Marsh Whatcom Community College. Photo credit: Annalisa Fish
Meredith Marsh, a standout volleyball player at Whatcom Community College (Whatcom), has committed to continuing her career at the four-year level with Rocky Mountain College (RMC) in Billings, Montana.
“My commitment to Rocky Mountain is so special to me. I am beyond excited to be a Bear and compete in the Frontier Conference next year,” Marsh said.
Meredith Marsh Chooses Rocky Mountain College
Last season, Marsh, an alumna of Arlington High School in Snohomish County, made headlines after becoming the all-time assists leader for the Whatcom program. She totaled 1,073 assists, breaking the previous record of 1,037. Marsh also helped lead Orca Volleyball to the postseason and the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Regional Round.
In December, Marsh chose RMC—a private Montana college that competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)—based on a number of key factors.
Meredith Marsh in a game at Whatcom Community College. Photo credit: Annalisa Fish
“I chose Rocky [Mountain College] because of the connections I made with Coach [Aubrey] Beaumont and the current players on the team,” said Marsh, who was also impressed with the academic opportunities at the college.
“The campus and atmosphere checked all of my boxes. Billings is such a beautiful place. Academically, I found a program that I am excited about. The energy and sense of urgency all the players had during practice was a big factor in my commitment as well. I want to be somewhere that prioritizes passion for the game,” Marsh said.
Before committing to RMC, Marsh considered two other schools and had recruiting trips planned—but canceled them after being impressed during her visit to Billings.
“I had visits planned for two other schools at the end of the week, but I committed to Rocky while I was still in Billings. I canceled the other visits I had lined up because I found exactly what I was looking for at RMC,” she said.
For many collegiate student-athletes, the recruiting process can be stressful and daunting, but Marsh said she enjoyed the experience.
“For me, the recruiting process was really fun. I enjoyed sending emails and having phone calls with coaches. It’s not something I enjoyed two years ago when I was graduating high school, but I have become more confident and outgoing since then,” she said. “I think the difference in my recruiting experiences goes to show how formative and important the first few years after high school are. Even though I had fun going through it this time, I’m still excited to be done with recruiting. It’s definitely a weight off my shoulders knowing where I’ll be next year.”
Marsh and her new teammates at RMC will compete in the NAIA’s Frontier Conference, which includes an all-Montana division made up of the University of Providence (Great Falls), Montana Tech University (Butte), the University of Montana Western (Dillon), Montana State University-Northern (Havre), and Carroll College (Helena).
Meredith Marsh has spent the last two years at Whatcom Community College and looks forward to her time at Rocky Mountain College in Montana. Photo credit: Annalisa Fish
Meredith MarshReflects on Her Time at Whatcom Community College
Marsh credits Whatcom Community College with having a significant impact on her life and development as a student-athlete.
“My experience at WCC was very character-building. In the last two years, I have grown so much overall as an athlete and person,” Marsh said. “I wasn’t ready to go out of state right after I graduated high school, but I knew that I wanted to leave Washington for college at some point. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to spend two years in Bellingham—close to my family and home.”
“This [attending Whatcom] allowed me to adjust to the college lifestyle at a pace that worked well for me,” she continued. “My experience at Whatcom also helped me further myself academically. Whatcom has a program where you can earn a bachelor’s degree in business management in two years, which was perfect since I was coming in with my associate degree.”
Meredith Marsh of Whatcom Community College totaled 1,073 assists, breaking the previous record of 1,037. Photo credit: Annalisa Fish
Looking Ahead With Meredith Marsh
Marsh offered some advice to aspiring student-athletes who were considering playing at the community college level first.
“I would tell them that if they care about staying close to home or want to save money, community college is a great route. I would suggest it to anyone who had the same situation I did coming out of high school,” she said. “WCC can be a great stepping stone for people trying to play at a four-year school. Playing in the NWAC is so fun and so competitive.”
As Marsh looks ahead to her next chapter in Billings, she carries with her the experience, growth, and confidence gained during her time at Whatcom. With her passion for the game and dedication to both academics and athletics, she’s poised to make an immediate impact at Rocky Mountain College.
Her journey from Whatcom Community College standout to NAIA recruit is a testament to the value of perseverance, self-belief, and taking the path that best suits personal growth.
The Pike Place-styled building is currently between uses, but now open to change since the Lighthouse Mission moved to their new location. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
In downtown Bellingham, the corner of Cornwall and Magnolia offers an interesting site: a commercial building with historic photos and captions covering its windows. This recent project by the City of Bellingham, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, and partners showcases the history of a landmark once called Bellingham Public Market.
As a nearby historical sign explains, “Bellingham Public Market had everything under one roof!” This site first allowed vendors to sell their wares along the streetcar lines long before the farmers’ markets and grocery stores that we have today.
The historical marker quotes The Bellingham Herald in 1925: “It is not too much to say that the Bellingham Public Market directly encouraged the building of a new business center.” Bellingham’s commercial district not only grew around its original public market but has expanded with today’s efforts to create another.
The Bellingham Public Market building, until recently a Rite Aid, has gained these historic photos in its windows in partnership with the City of Bellingham, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, Whatcom Museum, and others. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
“Where the Producer Meets the Consumer”
Bellingham Public Market began in 1909 with seasonal stalls that drew farmers from as far as the San Juan Islands. The Commercial-style building at 1400 Cornwall Avenue was built in 1916 to expand the operation.
The building started with 23 vendors at 15 cents per stall. Advertisements called Bellingham Public Market “Where the Producer Meets the Consumer,” today’s signage says, and promised, “savings for the housewife by eliminating the middleman’s profits.” Open every day of the week, the building saw “over 10,000 people on Saturdays alone.” Business blocks sprang up around the market. It continued even after a 1933 fire gutted the building, requiring renovations.
As the present-day sign states, “businesses included grocers, soda fountain, coffee vendors, meat and fish markets, delicatessen and lunch counter, flower shop, dairy, shoe repair, beauty parlor and barber shop.” Visitors could take the streetcar and see the overhead bay doors lifted upward to reveal the riches inside.
Bellingham Public Market closed in 1957, a time when the transition from Pacific Highway 99 to Interstate 5 slowed downtown traffic to a crawl. Parking meters were installed in 1948, and competition from supermarkets spelled its undoing. The building then became a Rite Aid until recent years, when the new historical signage has beautified the building as it awaits new use.
Interpretive signage on the Bellingham Public Market building now describes its original vendors and mass appeal to customers. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
The Next “Public Market”
Confusingly, the name “Public Market” might make locals think of another building at 1530 Cornwall Avenue, with its sign styled after Seattle’s famous landmark at Pike Place Market. This building started in the shadow of the commercial district and briefly carried on the dream of a public market, but with an uncertain future.
The site had a Safeway grocery, one of the original Bellingham Public Market’s competitors, starting in 1942. The building itself began construction in 1963 and served as a Safeway until the 1980s.
The building cycled through various uses until it became Tube Time, a favorite play place of 90s and 2000s children in Bellingham. It included tubes, ball pits, and slides, plus party rooms, pizza, and an arcade. As one of Bellingham’s nostalgic lost landmarks, many of us mention it to other locals as an “if you know, you know.”
As shown, the original building had overhead bay doors that opened it to customers who visited by streetcar. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
This other “Public Market” building best realized its predecessor’s promise with Terra Organica, the organic grocery store operating there from 2005 to 2018. They first installed the Pike Place-style sign and shared space with other tenants. Film Is Truth operated at the building with popular support until it closed in 2022 and became the digital collection owned by Pickford Film Center.
The building and parking lot saw its most recent use as the “Base Camp” homeless shelter for Lighthouse Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. It replaced Bellingham High School as the temporary shelter, offering shelter, meals, and services to over 600 unhoused people for four years before the permanent shelter’s construction.
As of 2025, the building awaits new life as a once-great hub of downtown activity.
Depot Market Square became the dedicated site of the Bellingham Farmers’ Market after a community-led effort to promote urban spaces for farm-grown food. Photo credit: Robert Ashworth / Wikimedia Commons / CC-By-2.0
Depot Market Square
In terms of vendor space and services, Bellingham Farmers Market is the true successor to Bellingham Public Market. Starting with Western Washington University students’ efforts in the 1970s, it became official in 1993 and gained a home at Depot Market Square in 2006.
Depot Market Square uses the site of the Bellingham Bay and British Columbia Railroad’s 1892 train depot. The open-air building’s structure uses steel from a 1937 Skagit Valley bridge that was demolished in 2004. In addition to the Saturday market with over 100 vendors, Depot Market Square also hosts weddings, Antique Road Shows, Bellingham Pride, and other events.
From the original market on the streetcar line to the supermarket reached by automobile to the new farmers’ market at the old train depot site, these landmarks span Bellingham’s transportation history. They have shaped and are shaped by the exchange of commerce, so the green markets grow on the old bones of industry.
Comcast has announced a new offer that promises to bring stability and transparency to internet pricing for Whatcom County residents. Customers who sign up for a new Xfinity Internet package will receive a five-year price guarantee starting at just $55 a month.
This means customers can lock in this rate for five years, with no annual contract required, and enjoy the flexibility to cancel anytime without penalty. Plus, add a line of Xfinity Mobile with WiFi PowerBoost for gig-speed WiFi at home and on the go!
This new offer is part of Comcast’s mission to provide clear and consistent pricing nationwide, enhancing the value customers receive from its fast, reliable, and secure internet products.
What’s Included in the Package?
Reliable, Powerful WiFi: Connect up to 100 devices with the Xfinity Gateway and access the nation’s largest and fastest WiFi network. Streaming, gaming, or working from home, customers experience seamless connectivity.
Unlimited Data: Stream, browse, and game without limits. No more worrying about data caps or overage fees.
Xfinity Mobile Included: An unlimited mobile line is included at no cost for a year, providing gig speeds on the go. Stay connected on the go with the nation’s largest converged network, delivering gig speeds wherever you are.
Gig Speeds Everywhere: With WiFi PowerBoost, customers can experience seamless speeds up to 1 Gbps at home and on the go. Perfect for households with multiple devices and heavy internet usage.
Ultra-Low Lag Internet: Ideal for video calls, gaming, and using apps on various devices. Enjoy ultra-low lag Internet for smooth, uninterrupted video calls and online gaming.
Cybersecurity Protection: Stay safe with Xfinity Advanced Security. Customers can protect all connected devices from malware and other threats at the gateway level.
Parental Controls: The Xfinity app allows customers to manage their home network with ease, set parental controls, test connections, pause WiFi, and set WiFi schedules.
Experience the best in Internet connectivity and customer service with Comcast. Sign up online here or visit your local Xfinity store in Washington to learn more.
Spring turns many students’ thoughts to Summer and all its opportunities. An enriching and unique opportunity for learning and discovery that could be life changing is offered by Assistance League of Bellingham.
Every student’s path is different. Our Enrichment Scholarship Program supports Whatcom County public middle and high school students with merit-based scholarships for engaging, enriching summer experiences in music, science, technology, art, leadership and college prep courses.
Every public middle school and high school in Whatcom County is guaranteed that at least one student who completes an application and qualifies will receive a scholarship.
As in all areas, the current economy reflects increased costs for summer programs. However, through our customers’ support at our Thrift & Gift Shop (where every dollar earned is directed into our philanthropic programs) together with other fundraising efforts, we are pleased to be able to help offset that increase. This year we awarded approximately $79,000 in Summer Enrichment Scholarships to 113 Whatcom County students.
These experiences provide an environment to interact with and learn from instructors and classmates from a wide range of backgrounds to promote dialogue, foster independence and acceptance. This is positively supported by previous recipients who participated in debate camp, ground school and in-flight training, business week seminar, summer dance intensive and summer music camp.
Assistance League of Bellingham appreciates your financial support to remain a valuable resource for future Whatcom County students.
Working Together…Making a Difference Assistance League of Bellingham has been successfully making a difference in Whatcom County for 43 years.
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center invites the community to join us for a fun run that is more fun than run on Saturday, June 7. This Bellingham-based race benefits the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center and is hosted by Wander Brewing. Beginning with donuts at the WDRC office, participants will ‘wander’ (or sprint) along the 0.62-mile-long route to Wander Brewing. At the finish line, enjoy a pint of beer or root beer (included with all registrations), food trucks, raffle prizes, and the fanfare of this exciting, friendly competition, all while raising funds to advance our mission to provide and promote constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict.
Photo courtesy: Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
Wander to Wander 1k Saturday, June 7th from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Start: WDRC at 206 Prospect Street, Bellingham Finish Line:Wander Brewing at 1807 Dean Avenue, Bellingham Distance:1k or 0.62 miles
Brief calisthenics will help the crowd warm-up for the race, with the start whistle blowing shortly after 11 a.m. Participants may wander at any pace that is comfortable along the marked route .62 miles to Wander Brewing. All ages, abilities, as well as pets are welcome. Costumes are encouraged. We hope you will join in the fun and support the WDRC!
This event is ADA accessible, and volunteers will be available to support racers who need assistance.
Red Square at the center of campus is a hub of activity for many scheduled events at Western Washington University in Bellingham. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
Western Washington University is many things to Bellingham’s community as the landmark defining us as a college town, many locals’ alma mater, and a nice place to visit. The campus offers countless fun activities open to the public, including performances, sports, and art and science museums.
Public parking is available for purchase at Western’s C lots, with free parking after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and all hours on weekends. Routes 1, 14, and 105 on WTA buses also access campus. From there, you have numerous permanent and scheduled activities to enjoy.
Events at Western Washington University
Western’s website offers an events calendar and a Western Involvement Network (WIN) Calendar. These list sporting events, concerts, performing arts, social gatherings, film screenings, educational presentations and workshops, and more. Although many are geared toward students, they are typically open for the public to attend. See a specific event’s listing for information on whether you need to buy tickets or RSVP.
Sign kiosks at Red Square and inside Viking Union are also a great place to find flyers for upcoming public events.
Red Square at the center of campus is a hub of activity for many scheduled events at Western Washington University in Bellingham. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
Western Washington University Sports
WWU Vikings offers an online portal for student-athletes and the public to view sporting events from the events calendar and order tickets.
Sports at Western include men’s and women’s teams for basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field, plus women’s rowing, softball, and volleyball. The WWU cheer squad has a gender-neutral team that attends basketball games and other activities.
Site visitors can also browse the teams’ records. These include the women’s rowing team’s nine NCAA Division II national championship titles (as the first women’s team to win seven consecutively).
Western Gallery at WWU
The Western Gallery art museum is free and open to the public. Their visit, exhibitions, and events pages note regular hours they are open Monday through Saturday, plus special events.
“Western Gallery exhibitions concentrate on national and international art,” their site notes, and they sometimes exhibit students’ capstone projects. Gallery A and Gallery B are accessible within the building while exhibits are running.
Gallery events, which emphasize public education, include guided tours, artist talks and symposia, and music and dance performances.
Western’s permanent sculpture installations include pieces by internationally renowned artists such as Isamu Noguchi, whose “Sky Viewing Sculpture” (pictured) is one of the most famous and viewable at Red Square. Photo courtesy: Western Gallery
Western Washington University’s Sculpture Collection
Western’s Sculpture Collection, previously covered in WhatcomTalk, has twice made records as one of the country’s top ten campus collections and features internationally renowned artists. Over 30 permanent sculptures are open to the public at all hours.
Pieces such as Isamu Noguchi’s “Sky Viewing Sculpture,” Nancy Holt’s “Stone Enclosure: Rock Rings,” Bruce Nauman’s “Stadium Piece,” Lloyd Hamrol’s “Log Ramps,” Richard Serra’s “Wright’s Triangle,” and Mark di Suvero’s “For Handel” encourage the observer to walk under and interact with them. Tom Otterness’ “Feats of Strength” human figures create a whimsical spot to relax.
Indoor Sculptures appear inside buildings such as Wilson and Haggard Libraries, Viking Union, Miller Hall, Academic West, and the Performing Arts Center.
Performing Arts Center at Western Washington University
The Performing Arts Center features its own concerts and events calendar for both free and ticketed performances.
The PAC Galleries include tapestries by American sculptor Alexander Calder, paintings by Pacific Northwest artists in the Sarah Clark-Langager Gallery, and a permanent “Nooksack Middle Fork” video installation by Claude Zervas. The lobby is open during building hours, and the halls are open during concerts or by request.
The exhibits at Western’s Geology Museum include fossils and illustrations of creatures such as the ancient birds that once roamed present-day Whatcom County. Photo credit: George Mustoe
Science Activities at Western Washington University
As noted in a previous WhatcomTalk article, Western’s Geology Museum features collections throughout three floors of the Environmental Studies Building. George Mustoe’s exhibits include minerals, fossils, and models in ascending order. Visitors during building hours can see local fossils of Diatryma bird tracks and Chuckanut formation palm fronds, plus others from around the world.
Notable landmarks on campus include this sequoia tree, often decorated for the holidays. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
Sehome Hill Arboretum in Whatcom County
Sehome Hill Arboretum offers six miles of hiking trails through 175.5 acres. Visitors can enjoy the Chuckanut formation tunnel and observation tower, which provide spectacular views of Bellingham Bay.
Wilson Library (pictured) and Haggard Hall are open to the public and include Zoe’s Bookside Bagels as a dining location. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
Dining Options at Western Washington University
Dining at WWU includes publicly available options such as Miller Market, Atrium Market, Zoe’s Bookside Bagels, Viking Union Coffee Shop, Freshens Fresh Food Studios, and Vendor’s Row outside Viking Union. Chains such as Subway and Starbucks are available in buildings such as Viking Union and Arntzen Hall.
Lunch inside Viking Union offers one of the best views in town. It’s also the home of KUGS 89.3 FM, the student-run station playing multi-genre music anywhere in Bellingham and online.
When visiting Western Washington University, mind all written rules and respect the learning community as it gives back to the surrounding city.
Have a need for speed? The Chuckanut Sports Car Club gathers regularly for motorsports events and socializing. Photo courtesy: Chuckanut Sports Car Club
Emilio Lopata has always loved anything with an engine. The Bellingham resident grew up with vehicles ranging from classic American cars to snowmobiles, and when he moved to the city during the COVID-19 pandemic, acquainting himself with local car culture was a priority.
In doing so, Lopata found and joined the Chuckanut Sports Car Club (CSCC), a local organization of motorsports enthusiasts that began in 1956. It is likely the longest-existing club of its kind in Whatcom County, with a current membership of about 120 people. Many of its events draw 30 to 40 attendees, including Canadians.
“CSCC is full of some of the nicest, most approachable and eager-to-help people I’ve ever met, and it makes attending and hosting events incredibly fun,” says Lopata, now the club’s chair for autocross events.
Autocross – a time trial-based activity in which a single car navigates a cone-based course set up on a paved surface (often a parking lot) – is the club’s primary focus, says Alex Howard, current CSCC president. Howard says the club was once more rally-focused but has always adapted its events based on membership interest.
In addition to autocross, the club currently holds “gymkhana” events. This form of motorsport also uses cone-based courses but is exclusive to rear-wheel drive vehicles and often necessitates more sliding, drifting and other maneuvers than in a typical autocross course.
From a fancy sports car to a compact electric car, almost any vehicle is welcome to compete in CSCC autocross events. Photo credit: Matt Benoit
No Sports Car Required for Chuckanut Sports Car Club
While CSCC once was made up primarily of professional and business people who could afford the Jaguars, Austin-Healeys and Alfa Romeos of their era, today’s CSCC involves folks from all walks of life.
Owning a sports car isn’t even a requirement. In fact, Howard says current members race everything from a Porsche 911 to an electric Nissan Leaf, with many vehicles also serving as someone’s daily driver.
“The only requirement (to compete) is that the car can’t be a roll-over risk,” Howard says. “So no big, tall trucks or vans. It needs to be something that’s safe at speed.”
Howard races his 1983 Toyota Corolla, while Lopata often drives a 1988 Toyota Celica Turbo with four-wheel drive. Lopata heavily modified the car himself and even crafted custom-made parts for it.
“I occasionally ask others from the club to give me a hand because, to me, cars are a means to connect with others,” Lopata says. “CSCC is special because we are such a close group of people that we share our cars with each other at every event.”
The 1988 Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD of club vice president Emilio Lopata sits after taking part in a March autocross session. Photo credit: Matt Benoit
In addition to monthly racing events, the club holds monthly meetings at local restaurants, where members vote on activities, budgets and club officers. Every other month, members also meet for fun social activities, like go-karting, miniature golf, or ultimate Frisbee.
The only requirement for CSCC membership is a passion for cars, Howard says, with dues running $30 annually. Those competing in racing events will need a couple more things: a valid driver’s license and a certified helmet. Members also get $10 off the fee for each autocross event, which otherwise costs $60 a day.
Founded in 1956, CSCC is likely the oldest motorsports-related club in Whatcom County, and currently has membership of about 120 people. Photo credit: Matt Benoit
Chuckanut Sports Car Club’s Longevity and Location
The club’s oldest members are in their 70s, and some have been part of CSCC for 40 years, Howard says. Some of those have long since traded racing helmets for bench racing but still love to socialize and be part of the club.
And over the decades, the club has weathered a lot without folding: the 1970s oil crisis, the shifting locations in which they could operate, and even the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, which prematurely ended a multi-day regional rally competition in which members were competing.
The club also survived the 2020 pandemic and was – due to its outdoor, socially-distanced nature – able to resume activity early in Washington’s phased re-opening.
CSCC has held autocross events in numerous spots throughout the years, including parking lots at Bellingham Technical College and a Port of Bellingham lot adjacent to the old Georgia-Pacific pulp mill. Events were also held at Thomas Glenn Way before waterfront development led to the current Bellwether Way and up near the Mount Baker Ski Area.
Along with the assistance of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)’s Northwest Region, CSCC members also once formed the Bellingham Grand Prix Association to hold autocross events on the streets of downtown Bellingham in 1988 and 1989.
The club leases an overflow parking lot near the Bellingham International Airport for its events, but may soon require a new home. Photo credit: Matt Benoit
For the last seven or eight years, CSCC autocross events have taken place in an overflow parking lot off Sound Way near Bellingham International Airport. The club has a recurring weekend lease of the spot through the Port of Bellingham, but Howard says they’ve been informed a warehouse may be built on the lot sooner than later.
“We’re on the hunt for a new site,” he says. “Once we lose this site, we’ll be without a place to host our autocross events. We’re stewards of the club, and we’d love to keep it going.”
A full schedule of 2025 events can be found on the CSCC website.
Take part in unique Easter egg hunts this season. Photo credit: Vlad Vasnetsov
As spring takes hold of the beautiful Whatcom County, Easter is close on the horizon. Check out these events in April to find out where to partake in the age-old tradition of Easter egg hunts, celebrations and delicious brunch opportunities.
Mt. Baker Golden Egg Hunt
April 12 at 9 a.m.
Take a trip to the Mt. Baker Ski Area and join in on a free Golden Egg Hunt for all ages. For the main hunt event, there will be some Mt. Baker Season passes to find, and for children 10 and under, there will be two separate hunts with cool prizes filling up 5,000 eggs.
Kendall PTA Spring Resource Fair and Egg Hunt
April 13 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Bring the kids and enjoy a free rollicking, fun-filled event with plenty of activities and an egg hunt for the kids.
Plenty of Easter egg hunts throughout Whatcom County feature treats and prizes for everyone. Photo credit: Couleur
Lettered Streets Neighborhood Egg Hunt
April 19 at 10 a.m.
This free annual festivity features an egg hunt for children in 5th grade and below, with a variety of fun opportunities for the whole family. Rest assured, your toddler can participate in a Special Hunt Area for their own age group, and there will be adult door prizes, an inflatable double slide, snacks, crafts, and games to enjoy as well. Find the fun at Fouts Park!
Egg Hunt at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center
April 19
A unique twist to the classic egg hunt archetype, this event is a swim featuring a multitude of hunts for eggs filled with candy and toys. There will be other activities to enjoy between the hunts, and you are advised to bring your swimsuits! Note: Children 6 and under will require an adult to be within their reach in the water.
Semiahmoo Easter Brunch
April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This beloved brunch at The Great Blue Heron will feature an array of delicious foods to choose from, such as honey-glazed ham, a prime rib carving station, bagels and lox, oysters, freshly baked pastries, fruit, bacon and more. The cost is $74 for adults, $25 for children 12 years and under, and children 5 and under are free.
Don’t miss out on family-friendly Easter celebrations throughout Whatcom County this April. Photo credit: Vlad Vasnetsov
Semiahmoo Egg Hunts
April 20 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
A Whatcom Easter activity favorite, these seaside egg hunts are bound to help create lasting family memories. The egg hunts will take place on Seaview Lawn with two age-appropriate sections (0-6 years and 7 years and up). Each family can find their own golden egg full of awesome prizes. With face painting, an Easter Bunny meet and greet, lawn games, music and more, don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration.
Easter Brunch at Chuckanut Bay Distillery
April 20
Check out the Chuckanut Bay Distillery in Bellingham’s newly renovated and revamped Grand Ballroom when you participate in this delicious Easter brunch. The brunch menu will include delicacies such as vanilla bean-infused crepes, and apricot-bourbon glazed ham alongside buffet fare with mimosas, a Bloody Mary bar and non-alcoholic drink options. Please note alcoholic beverages are a separate purchase. The price is $55 for adults, $30 for children 10 and under, and children 5 and under are free.
Take part in unique Easter egg hunts this season. Photo credit: Vlad Vasnetsov
Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt
April 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Suit up to search for glowing eggs amid the backdrop of Cornwall Park in Bellingham. This year, the organization hopes to set out 12,000 eggs for hunters to find alongside games, music, face painting and more family fun – with some surprises mixed in! This event is free, and the egg hunt starts promptly at 8:30 p.m.
As a family-run business since 1972, our team at Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing has developed a deep appreciation for our community. “Our Mission: Improving Lives™” is not just a tagline—it encapsulates our enduring commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. And through our Barron KARES initiative, we’re humbled to do just that—ensuring that Kindness, Appreciation, Response, Empathy, and Service are not just words but principles we live by.
Barron KARES is our commitment to showing kindness and appreciation in our community through direct, empathetic service. Each month, we spotlight a different charity or non-profit organization that holds high esteem among our team and the areas we serve. Barron KARES provides a charitable donation of $110 from select monthly purchases, such as tankless water heaters, heat pumps, solar installations, generators, and more.
Why $110? It carries significance from an early mentor of Owner John Barron, who advised, “go above and beyond your call of duty…push past 100…give 110% every time…”—a philosophy of exceeding expectations that has become a guiding principle for Barron ever since.
With Barron KARES, we see our commitment as more than a monetary donation. It represents a dedication to making a tangible, positive impact on the causes and individuals we support. As we close the first quarter of 2025, we’re looking back at the past 14 months of this initiative and the organizations we are proud to have supported.
Photo courtesy: Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing
February of 2024 was our kickoff of Barron KARES, and we featured Skookum Kids. Entering foster care can be overwhelming for children, so Skookum’s emergency shelter offers a safe, stabilizing environment, addressing the “72-Hour Problem” and giving social workers time to assess the situation. Skookum focuses on reunifying children with their biological families by facilitating hundreds of visits each year and hosting family events while recognizing the importance of foster parents in shaping children’s lives and providing extensive support and training. Thanks to our customers, Barron KARES donated over $10,000 to Skookum Kids this month, helping to build resilient communities where children experiencing foster care can thrive.
March is MS Awareness Month—a cause that holds a special meaning for the Barron Family. Barron’s co-founder, Vivian Barron, suffered from Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) from her mid-30s through her passing in 2017 at the age of 82. Vivian’s kindness is still remembered, having loved her family, friends, and co-workers deeply; she had a profound impact on anyone blessed to know and be around her. In March 2024, Barron KARES donated over $10,000 to the National MS Society in Vivian’s honor, proud to support their efforts to find a cure for MS.
Photo courtesy: Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing
No child goes hungry—a commitment of Wild Bird Charity to feed every hungry child in Whatcom County. The organization provides multiple meals and snacks to children in Whatcom County every weekend, partnering with 27 area schools that identify families in need and distributing food to kids each Friday. As the need continues to grow, Wild Bird Charity is determined to meet it—a mission Barron KARES was honored to support in April of 2024 with a donation of over $12,000.
Photo courtesy: Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing
Barron KARES featured Royal Family KIDS in May—an organization that creates positive, life-changing moments for children aged 6-11 who have experienced neglect, abuse, and abandonment. RFK gives these kids a weeklong summer camp, with one-on-one attention from safe, caring adults modeling positive connections and relationships. For one week, instead of operating in survival mode, they can just be kids. With tea parties, crafts, woodworking, birthday parties, music, dress up, and much more, kids can feel “normal” and once again dream, believe, and find new hope for their future. Several Barron Team Members volunteer each year at this camp as counselors, event coordinators, kitchen staff, and other support roles, and Barron KARES donated over $10,000 this month to RFK.
Photo courtesy: Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing
On a mission to preserve and protect wildlife habitat, as well as scenic, agricultural, and open space lands in Whatcom County, Whatcom Land Trust is an advocate for future generations of all species. Over the past 40 years, the Land Trust has protected forests, farmland, wildlife habitat, shorelines and created 15 parks and preserves in Whatcom County. The organization engages community members in stewardship, inspiring meaningful connections between people, land, and each other, a cause that Barron KARES was honored to support with a donation of over $6,000.
Photo courtesy: Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing
Barron KARES donated over $9,000 to D.I.S.H. Foundation in July, supporting their mission to employ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). D.I.S.H. provides stable jobs that teach valuable workplace skills while promoting dignity, independence, and purpose. They offer respite, cooking classes, vocational training, job coaching, and help navigating community programs. Since 2022, D.I.S.H. has run a cafe at the Container Village at the port in partnership with Our Kitchen, providing job opportunities for people with IDD. This work gives them independence, purpose, and a sense of belonging, focusing on their abilities rather than their challenges.
Operated since 1902, the Whatcom Humane Society is the oldest non-profit animal welfare organization in Whatcom County. They provide for abandoned, injured, abused, or neglected animals and educate the community to promote humane animal treatment and respect. WHS also provides 24-hour animal control and rescue services for the majority of Whatcom County. As an open-admission animal shelter, WHS turns no animal away, regardless of its age, breed, temperament, or condition, and cares for approximately 4,500 animals annually through three shelter facilities. Barron KARES is honored to have donated over $5,000 to this core community service in August of 2024!
With an over $6,000 donation, Barron KARES supported Whatcom County Search & Rescue in September, an organization that plays a vital role in our community as they stay ready for search, rescue, recovery, and incident response. Six units, comprised of over 200 volunteers, specialize in traditional foot search, mobile emergency transport, snowmobile, dive, technical rope, and swift water rescue. Common duties range from traditional wilderness and urban search to wilderness body recovery, first aid and pack-out of injured hikers and hunters to urban searches for lost children or dementia patients, and more. SAR has also played a key role in flood rescue, delivery of PPE and food during the pandemic, severe weather transportation, safety patrols, and wilderness safety education.
DVSAS (Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services) was Barron KARES’ featured organization for October of 2024 and the recipient of a donation of over $8,000. Committed to supporting individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation and to leading the community toward ending these abuses of power, DVSAS works to heal victims and end domestic abuse. With client-centered, accessible housing and support services, DVSAS empowers victims and survivors while offering safe housing and the possibility of a new life. They provide a full spectrum of support and services that victims need after trauma while also offering prevention education to break the cycle of violence.
Founded by a combat-wounded USMC veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and a former mental health counselor turned farmer, Growing Veterans is more than an organic, bustling farm (now expanded to two locations!). It brings together veterans and civilians, and by sowing seeds in the field together, helps to end the isolation that leads to suicide. The farm is used as a catalyst for human connection and veteran reintegration, making a powerful impact on the health and well-being of vets returning home, and the world. Growing Veterans is a place to find purpose & camaraderie again. As a professional stepping stone, vets can build their resume and skill sets and get involved through employment, volunteering, internships, and more. In November, Barron KARES donated over $8,000 to this essential organization.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries aims to be a consistent friend to people in homelessness, offering hope, giving dignity, serving, and supporting them as they undertake the difficult work of leaving homelessness behind. Their programs include the Base Camp 24/7 shelter, the Ascent Program for men’s recovery, the Agape Home for women, the Good Neighbor Project for local businesses, and Outreach, all to share faith and serve those in need. Lighthouse Mission Ministries provided 650+ meals per day, sheltered 253 individuals each night, and placed 150+ people in stable housing—all in the past year—an essential service that Barron KARES was proud to support in December with a donation of over $8,000.
With an over $10,000 donation in January of 2025, Barron KARES supported Brigadoon Service Dogs, an organization that provides trained service dogs for disabled veterans, children, and adults to promote a more independent and enriched life. The demand for a well-trained service dog far exceeds the industry’s ability to provide them, and Brigadoon addresses this great need in the Pacific Northwest. Through an intentional and compassionate approach to animal-assisted interventions (AAI), they focus on harnessing each match’s therapeutic potential and healing qualities. With positive reinforcement and force-free training methods, Brigadoon maximizes the success and welfare of the dogs in their care.
Lydia Place believes that housing interventions today with prevention strategies for tomorrow are an investment in ending family homelessness in our community. But housing is only one facet of long-term healing for families that have faced years of homelessness and complex traumas. With that in mind, all families that are in housing programs at Lydia Place also have access to parenting support and clinical mental health care. Lydia Place serves 300 families annually, and with generous community donations, as well as Barron KARES’ February donation of over $10,000, they aim to increase capacity, services, and access in the near future.
Barron KARES featured Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County for the month of March—a local branch of a nationwide organization that enables all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs are safe, positive, and fun places for youth after school or during summer hours. Through regular attendance, kids and teens create lasting friendships with their peers and can look to staff as trusted mentors for support. Since 2014, Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County has seen its budget grow more than sevenfold and currently serves over 1,700 members, all with a commitment to local kids and providing them with the support they need to thrive. Barron KARES will be donating over $10,000 to aid in their fantastic efforts!
DVSAS Prevention Education Coordinator Hanna Estes (l) and Prevention Education Intern Cameron Callahan (r) table at Options High School in honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February 2025. Photo courtesy: DVSAS
In the summer of 2020, I was among a group of Bellingham teens who volunteered to attend Teen Advocacy Academy, a prevention education program developed by Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) of Whatcom County, designed to help youth gain insight into the realities of domestic violence and sexual assault. DVSAS has been providing advocacy counseling, legal and medical advocacy, support groups, parenting classes, safe housing, and a 24-hour helpline (360.715.1563) in Whatcom County since 1979.
Peer Educators Emma Esquivel (l), Cameron Callahan (c), and DVSAS volunteer advocate Lorraine Wilde (r) tabling at Bellingham High School for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February 2022. Photo courtesy: DVSAS
Going in, we assumed that this was purely an educational program and that we’d walk away with another bullet point for our resumes. However, this group of students felt inspired and that we needed to do something–an issue this important deserved to be talked about. We made a club to spread awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. By providing education on healthy relationships to our peers, we hope to help them create positive connections and learn how to keep themselves safe from harm.
Since then, Teens Against Abuse, a peer education club, has done a multitude of activities, from launching our first social media campaign in 2021 for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month to tabling within the community, hosting educational events, and distributing homemade zines filled with students’ art, relevant information, and youth-specific resources.
Today, one in three adolescents in the United States will experience some form of emotional, sexual, or physical abuse in the United States. That’s 1.5 million teens a year. To make a dent in this statistic, Teens Against Abuse spreads awareness in Whatcom County middle and high schools through tabling and classroom-based prevention education to hundreds of students each year. It’s heartwarming to see students actively engage with the information we provide. We know we are making a difference. In just the few years since the club has been around, we can see that being able to have a presence in the schools has been incredibly impactful.
TAA club members worked collaboratively to create this graphic for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February 2023. Photo courtesy: DVSAS
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
The history of the prevention movement in the United States runs deep. Back in the civil rights era, circa the 1940s and 1950s, people took to the streets to advocate for equal rights for everyone, and this gave way to discussions of the prevalence of sexual violence–previously seen as something to keep quiet. The movement picked up once more in 1971 when the first sexual assault crisis center was founded in San Francisco, California. Later, in 1993, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed, which granted legal protections to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
April was established as Sexual Assault Awareness Month by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) in 2001. Initially, there was a focus on spreading awareness to college campuses, workplaces, and communities. Over time, the campaign evolved into a bigger, more widespread movement, with organizations like NSVRC funding campaigns all over the country.
Throughout the month of April, Teens Against Abuse will be a frequent visitor to most of the middle and high schools of Whatcom County. Through our interactions with students, we hope to raise awareness and provide tools to help them make healthy relationship choices throughout their lives.
TAA club members make and distribute zines (homemade magazines) filled with students’ art, prevention education information, and youth-specific resources. Photo courtesy: DVSAS
How to Get Involvedin Teens Against Abuse
Teens Against Abuse accepts new club members on a year-round basis, and we are excited to welcome new leadership who can continue this important effort in the years ahead. To learn more about this dynamic, creative club, contact DVSAS Prevention Ed Coordinator Hanna Estes at hestes@dvsas.org or 360.671.5714 x1215 and fill out the application linked in the bio of our Instagram.
Prevention Education Intern Cameron Callahan tables in honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February 2025 at Meridian High School. Photo courtesy: DVSAS
Cameron Callahan is a junior at Arizona State University pursuing a degree in Family and Human Development. She has been a youth volunteer peer educator with DVSAS TAA since 2020. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy.
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