Barron KARES: Supporting Local Causes and Strengthening Our Community

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Submitted by Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing

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.

Skookum Kids—February 2024

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.

National MS Society—March 2024

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.

Wild Bird Charity—April 2024

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.

Royal Family KIDS—May 2024

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.

Whatcom Land Trust—June 2024

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

D.I.S.H. Foundation—July 2024

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.

Whatcom Humane Society—August 2024

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!

Whatcom County Search & Rescue—September 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.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services—October 2024

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.

Growing Veterans—November 2024

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—December 2024

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.

Brigadoon Service Dogs—January 2025

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—February 2025

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.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County—March 2025

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!

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Teens Against Abuse Inspires Prevention Education and Community Awareness in Whatcom County

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Teens Against Abuse — 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

Submitted by Cameron Callahan for Teens Against Abuse

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.

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.

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.

How to Get Involved in 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.

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.

Help Bellingham’s Old City Hall Become an Official LEGO Set

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Anna Diehl

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Bellingham LEGO Old City Hall — The LEGO model of Old City Hall features "5 sections: Landscaping, First Floor, Second Floor, Third Floor, Roof & Towers." Photo credit: Brad Bergman

Since March 2024, the LEGO Ideas website has included an entry for Bellingham’s Old City Hall (present-day Whatcom Museum). This design has the chance to become an official LEGO set if it receives 10,000 votes within two years from the start.

This design was the creation of “Master Builder” Brad Bergman. Since playing with LEGO as a child in the 1970s, Bergman started hobby building while working at a Fort Bragg, California toy store in 2009. After briefly opening a secondhand LEGO store in Seattle, he now hosts family events with his husband, Mike Tarrant, in Bellingham and Lynden.

Built in 1892, Old City Hall became the Whatcom Museum in 1941. The rare example of Romanesque Revival style towering over Bellingham made it a prime candidate for the design.

“It’s a striking landmark in town,” says Bergman. “It catches your eye. I love old architecture. You know, in America, we only go back, what, 400 years from now and that’s why I love castles and older architecture in the rest of the world. But I thought it would make a really cool, iconic building, so I designed it digitally using a program from BrickLink.com.”

With enough awareness and votes, the project can inspire fun education on local features and civic pride for all ages.

Sharing LEGO Ideas

At this time of writing, the Old City Hall project has received nearly 4,000 votes of the needed 10,000.

“As a designer, I can go out and solicit people to support or vote for the model, and if that model reaches 10,000 votes, then LEGO will consider it,” says Bergman. “They put it through a review board process, and they’ll consider producing it as a real set. Some things in the past that have gone through that process are like a fisherman’s shop on the wharf. A lot of different sets that people have started to collect came out of that project.”

Bergman says that when the vote count reaches 5,000, the deadline will gain 180 more days.

“The more local support we can get, and if people share it, that’s the big thing right now,” says Bergman. “To not just vote, but share with your friends, even outside of town. I think Bellingham, the LEGO community here, has already seen it. We’re now reaching out to their friends and family, as well as city officials. The museum obviously has put it in their newsletter, so we need to broaden our voting pool to really get to that 10,000 now.”

Bellingham is Awesome

Whatcom Museum has hosted events where Bergman built the Old City Hall model, and kids played with LEGO kits, raising awareness of the project among families.

“It’s been just joyful wherever we encounter people with the museum build,” says Bergman. “If I take it to other events, people instantly recognize it, and we start talking about Bellingham and the building’s museum events, and what we love about the town. And you know, the things that make Bellingham unique, and being part of this community, everything has got a different story.”

In the meantime, LEGO events have also become a way to build community.

“LEGO is often viewed as a toy, but it’s also a tool, I’ve found, in a variety of different ways,” says Bergman. “When I had the store, there were a number of families that had adult kids with learning disabilities or ADHD or autism. When they come into the store, LEGO becomes a medium for communicating and building community. If you put bricks on a table at a work event, people just start playing, and they get the toy. Then, they also start playing and interacting differently as people through this toy, which really is an amazing tool. Children and psychologists often will have toys and LEGO in their offices for kids to play with.”

“Play On” in Bellingham

Bergman has continued other LEGO projects, such as a boat design for All American Marine and hopes for more Bellingham-themed designs.

“It has brought people together, and it crosses race, it crosses gender, it crosses socioeconomic levels,” says Bergman. “Which is what I loved about the store I had because we got our bricks secondhand so we could charge a lower price. And a lot of disadvantaged families were able to come in and participate with LEGO, bring it into the home for the kids and not have to pay full price.”

Whatcom Museum will also continue hosting events to promote the LEGO design as its campaign progresses.

“I’m pretty sure once we hit 5000, we’ll do something with the museum to either do a special newsletter or do some kind of event,” says Bergman. “If you want to see the model, the actual one for voting is at the museum.”

You can support the Old City Hall project by voting on the LEGO site. Voting requires a signup with an email address, but the site does not send marketing emails. For project updates, sign up for the Whatcom Museum mailing list.

Bellingham Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 50 Years With a Golden Season Like No Other

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Margaret Bikman

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The Bellingham Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 50th season in 2025/2026—and bringing Yo-Yo Ma to town for the first time ever. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Symphony Orchestra

In 1976, a group of local instrumentalists came together to prepare a concert celebrating the country’s bicentennial. They called themselves the Whatcom County Bicentennial Orchestra, and Frank Nielsen directed its first public performance on March 16th, 1976.

Dream Big and Give Back

Fifty years later, Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s best-kept secret for its Golden Season is that internationally acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the BSO on April 26, 2026, as part of the symphony’s successful Harmony from Discord series.

“We’re thrilled to have Yo-Yo Ma join us,” Executive Director Gail Ridenour says of this momentous milestone. “We wanted to dream big and give back to our community, which has helped us bring amazing music to Whatcom County for so many years.”

The performance will mark the first time the internationally acclaimed cellist has played in Bellingham.

Half a Century of Change and Growth

The symphony has seen remarkable growth over the years. Its name changed in 1979 to Whatcom Symphony Orchestra while under the direction of Nicholas Bussard. In 1991, the symphony found its permanent home at the historic Mount Baker Theatre; two years later, Roger Briggs was named conductor.

In 2019, six years after current Music Director Yaniv Attar came on board, the nonprofit’s name was changed to Bellingham Symphony Orchestra.

Attar says the Golden Season will be the BSO’s most ambitious yet, both in terms of programming and the extraordinary soloists coming to town.

“Each year, I bring a draft of programs to our artistic committee,” he says. “Together, we refine them, making adjustments and tweaks until we have what feels like the perfect lineup. Then we discuss soloists, carefully considering the best fit for each piece.”

He’s especially excited about the opening concert. Not only because Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is one of his all-time favorite works, but also because the symphony will be joined by a newly formed BSO Chorus, which is currently auditioning members. The BSO Chorus is under the direction of Dr. Frederick B. Mabalot, who is also the artistic director and conductor of the Bellingham Chamber Chorale.

Another exciting Golden Season concert is Gustav Holst’s The Planets. A rarely performed masterpiece that requires a massive orchestra, this special event will include unusual instruments like the bass oboe, as well as video projections of spectacular original animations and NASA media.

What else is in store for the BSO’s 2025/2026 season?

“As we celebrate 50 years of making music with our community,” Ridenour, “each concert and event has something special.”

In addition to Yo-Yo Ma, guest soloists include Simone Porter and Joshua Roman, plus a work by Grammy Award-winning Jessie Montgomery.

“This 50th anniversary season is a celebration of BSO’s musical journey,” says Attar, “and we want every person in Bellingham to be part of it. Whatcom County is going to have a season of extraordinary music, world-class artists, and unforgettable experiences.”

Other BSO Events, Youth Programs & Local Partnerships

The BSO does more than perform concerts at Mount Baker Theatre.

Chamber music concerts are performed at more intimate venues throughout the year. Many are educational projects, while others are concert experiences.

Concertmaster Dawn Posey leads BSO’s Trailblazers youth engagement program. Trailblazers tells the stories of female composers and historical figures who have paved the way for so many future women to flourish. This string quartet plays several times a year at area schools, the Jansen Art Center, and other events.

BSO’s Soloists in the Schools program brings featured soloists from around the country and the world to schools in Whatcom County. Kids get to meet them, hear their stories, and learn about the music and their specific instrument.

Over the course of a year, the symphony performs more than 50 in-school events, all of which are free.

Bellingham Symphony Orchestra violinist and graphic designer Audrey Negro says the BSO Educational Concerts are an important part of BSO’s mission and extension into the community. They are part of the Mount Baker Theatre Wade King Bennett Educational Series.

“It’s truly incredible that we can fill Mount Baker Theatre with kids of all ages and expose them to all kinds of music,” she says. “The introduction of music—classical or otherwise—to kids at an early age is something the BSO takes very seriously. The BSO’s vision for this is truly unique, both for the youth and for the players on stage.”

As part of BSO’s Classical Kids program, young ones are invited to attend free dress rehearsals the day before concert performances where kids get to meet an instrument and have storytime with the Bellingham Public Library.

Milica Jelaca Jovanovic (left), piano soloist for BSO’s March concert, and BSO Executive Director Gail Ridenour take questions at Everson Elementary School as part of BSO’s Soloists in the Schools program. Photo courtesy: Bellingham Symphony Orchestra

“I think we all see the value of sharing the music making experience with the young audience,” Negro adds, “clapping, dancing, and moving in a way that’s authentic and not restrained.”

Part of each Educational Concert is the Instrument Petting Zoo, coordinated with Bellingham Wind Works.

“It’s an opportunity for kids (and their adults!) to discover and participate in music in ways they might not have access to in their everyday life,” says Kat DeVaney of Bellingham Wind Works. Participants learn about the strings and percussion family, the materials the instruments are made out of, how they make their sound, and the differences when materials or sizes change.

The symphony partners with a myriad of other local organizations, as well. The Pickford Film Center screens music-related films in conjunction with the BSO programs, and this August will shut down Bay Street for an evening of silent films backed by live orchestra musicians. Village Books offers music-related books and merchandise at BSO concerts and also holds a BSO Book Club, where readers can discuss books related to each concert’s theme.

“For our 50th season,” says Ridenour, “we wanted to lean into our collaborations and hope the whole community will join us in celebrating.”

To learn more about the symphony, please visit here.

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The City of Bellingham’s Maps and Geographic Information Services Guide an Informed Public

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Anna Diehl

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Bellingham’s Maps and Geographic Information Services — The Maps and GIS Apps include self-guided tours on public art, from individual pieces to series (such as Big Rock Garden Park and the Salmon Art Walk). Photo credit: Anna Diehl

For the past two decades, the City of Bellingham has offered Maps and GIS (Geographic Information Services) Apps online. These digitalized versions of paper and mylar resources help inform residents on history, zoning, utilities, and other public considerations.

“Maps have been an integral part of the way the city operates from the very beginning of the city back in the late 1800s,” says IT Director Don Burdick. “We pay attention to our past and we plan the future, and our maps are a great way of doing that. And we have the opportunity to use all of that information to give the public a different perspective.”

The City of Bellingham website uses ArcGIS software by Esri to translate data into interactive story maps.

“Those online tools are becoming much more prevalent and heavily used because really all anybody needs is a web browser to view and interact with that information, making it really compelling,” says GIS Manager Ann Stark. “And you see, New York Times, NPR, or the news outlets have started using that as their story storage device as well.”

By using these tools, we can navigate Bellingham’s physical, cultural, historical, and information landscape with convenience and clarity.

Magical History Tours in Bellingham

The city’s Self-Guided Tours include photos, information, and interactive maps of Public Art Collections, Historic Downtown, and Old Highway 99.

“In 2007, we got a grant from federal and state,” says Kate Newell, Senior GIS Analyst at the Planning Department. “The state grant came from the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to do surveying inventory of three neighborhoods: South Hill, Whatcom, and Sehome. So, with that grant money, we were able to hire historic preservation consultants. They, in conjunction with Jeff Jewell at the Photo Archives at Whatcom Museum, really were sort of like the experts for the history tour.”

Within Historic Downtown, the tours cover Bellingham, Sehome, Fairhaven, Bellingham Federal Building, and Highway 99.

“It’s a way to capture that history and make sure that it’s memorialized and those stories are captured and not forgotten,” says Newell. “And the best part about it is that we’re putting the place to it so it’s not just a picture or a story. We can know where that person lived and where they came from, so that spatial component of the history tours is really important. We’ve had middle school classes that have taken a tour just to learn more about their town, and they’ve been able to see buildings how they used to be and kind of imagine themselves in that space.”

Bellingham’s Interactive Map Data

The city’s other offerings include the Land Parcel Report, Aerial Photos, Active Capital Projects, Survey Data and Information for benchmarking, and CityIQ maps for zoning, parcels, utilities, trails, and more.

“The GIS data has been available to download and use for over 25 years and it’s our way of giving back to what the community has put into our management and resourcing of this,” says Burdick. “So it’s important that we’re really transparent about it, and as we see new opportunities to be transparent with the public, whether it’s through the CityIQ application or whether it’s through our story maps, whether it’s through the projects application, all of those, it’s our way of communicating to the public about what’s going on.”

City employees in the public works, utilities, fire department, police department, and others consult maps for work, and the general public has its own interests.

“I think most importantly, its access. You have access to the same data that the decision-makers have access to,” says Stark. “So our housing statistics story map was really important when housing issues became important. It provided the exact same data that the decision-makers were using, so it leveled the playing field essentially. And having access to things like City IQ just means you’re a better-informed citizen. You can find who your lawmakers are and how to access them, or you can find out where the bus stop is, what your neighborhood is called, and where the next meeting is.”

Mapping the Bellingham Community

Since their inception, the city’s GIS programs have received widespread recognition.

“We have nationally award-winning cartographers that work for the city and a lot of our mapping and the whole core of that is based on the work they’ve done,” says Burdick. “Our City IQ application won an international award, and so it’s a passion. The GIS team in the city is not in one department; it’s all over the place, and there are people in parks, public works, planning, and the 9-1-1 center. And all of them are a very cohesive team to build the tools and passionate about providing the information, so it’s a labor of love.”

As the programs help Bellingham locals navigate their community, they grow with public support and new technology.

“They will continue, and there is continued funding and just a continued effort, like we said, to use those new tools that are online,” says Stark. “And they get more complex and capable, so we’ll continue to build and evolve with them.”

For more information on the City of Bellingham’s GIS services, you can contact their IT department.

Small Business Wins: The Power of Banking With a Community Bank

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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As a small business owner, choosing the right banking partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You need a bank that supports your growth, understands your challenges, and provides the right financial tools to help you succeed. Local community banks, such as First Fed, offer personalized service, flexibility, and a strong commitment to the local economy—making them a great choice for small businesses.

Think Local, Bank Local: Why Small Businesses Are Making the Switch

Personalized Service, Just for You

At a community bank you’re more than just an account number. Local banking experts take the time to understand your business and provide tailored financial solutions that fit your unique needs. Whether you need a business loan, a checking account, or financial advice, these banks offer fast, local decision-making and personalized support.

“We had been frustrated working with Wells Fargo,” recalled Todd Glass co-owner of Story in a Bottle Wines in Bellevue. “At First Fed, it’s been amazing to work with people who care and show an interest in our business. The personalized experience makes a huge difference, especially with more complex transactions, like international wire transfers.”

Flexible Lending to Help You Grow

Securing funding for your business can be tough, but local banks often make it easier. Their flexible lending solutions may include:

Small Business Loans: Competitive interest rates and customized repayment terms to fit your budget.

Lines of Credit: Access to funds when you need them for cash flow, inventory, or unexpected expenses.

Commercial Real Estate orConstruction Loans: Financing options to help secure or build the perfect location for your business.

“First Fed helped us get our business off the ground,” said Jacob Ramsey, owner of A Taxi Cab Company in Port Townsend. “Their helpful, responsive, and friendly customer service has made them an excellent partner. I would recommend them for any banking needs.”

Investing in the Local Economy—Including You

Unlike big banks that send profits elsewhere, community banks reinvest in local businesses and community initiatives. When you bank locally, you’re not just managing your finances—you’re helping to build a stronger local economy that benefits everyone.

“We realized that Fairhaven is an amazing microcosm of the Bellingham community. People and businesses help each other,” said Jude Machin, owner of Fairhaven Coffee in Bellingham. “First Fed heard about our plans with Fairhaven Coffee when we opened our business account with them. They invited us to do a pop-up station at their Fairhaven branch location even before we had opened the coffee shop officially. It was apparent how supportive First Fed is to local businesses.”

Smart Deposit Solutions for Small Businesses

Small businesses need to be strategic with their deposit products to maintain financial stability and maximize growth. By choosing the right mix of deposit accounts, businesses can manage cash flow efficiently, earn interest on idle funds, and safeguard against financial uncertainties, all while keeping their money accessible when needed. Local banks like First Fed offer a variety of deposit accounts designed to help you manage your money efficiently:

Business Checking Accounts

A reliable checking account is essential for any business. A business checking account with a local community bank often provides personalized service, lower fees, and greater flexibility than big banks, all while being tailored to your unique business needs.

With online and mobile banking, low or no minimum balance requirements, and competitive transaction limits, small business owners can efficiently manage cash flow while enjoying the support of a bank that prioritizes the local economy. Plus, banking locally means investing in your community, fostering relationships that can lead to new opportunities and growth.

“Several of our friends here recommended First Fed,” said Caleb Messinger, co-owner of Southern Nibble in Sequim. “We’ve been banking with them since before we opened our business. We love that they are a community bank that really cares about their customers.”

Business Savings & Certificate of Deposit (CD) Accounts

Keeping a financial cushion is key, both for unexpected expenses and for future growth. By setting aside funds in interest-earning accounts, businesses can generate passive income while ensuring stability during slow periods or economic downturns.

Some useful options include:

Business Savings Accounts: Earn competitive interest on idle funds while maintaining full flexibility and easy access to your money whenever you need it.

Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Lock in a fixed interest rate for secure, long-term growth.

Treasury Management Services

Managing your finances should be simple, and treasury management services from a community bank can provide personalized solutions to streamline operations and improve cash flow. Merchant services allow businesses to process credit card payments securely and efficiently, while automated payroll and ACH processing ensure seamless payments to employees and vendors. With customized treasury solutions, small businesses can optimize financial operations, reduce risks, and focus on growth. “While we were banking at First Fed, their team introduced us to an alternative merchant services system,” recalled Shauna Peters, co-owner of Bug and Buf’s Espresso in Forks. “They helped us set up the new system that not only solved our processing and payroll issues, but also added easy inventory, daily sales, and labor cost tracking.”

The Advantage of Banking Locally

Local banks like First Fed are committed to helping small businesses succeed. With personalized banking services, competitive deposit products, and flexible lending options, they provide the financial support small businesses need to grow and thrive.

“It’s been incredible working with First Fed,” shared Joe Fugere, Founder and CEO of Tutta Bella in Seattle. “First Fed’s focus on supporting their customers is unmatched in the banking community. I would recommend them for virtually any banking need.”

Make the smart choice for your business. Consider banking with a local community bank and experience the difference of working with a financial institution that truly cares about your success.

To learn more, visit ourfirstfed.com or stop by a branch today!

First Fed is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

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Xfinity Internet Customers in Whatcom County Get Speed Upgrade and More at No Additional Cost

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LocalTalk Contributor

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We’re making Xfinity Internet faster for our customers in Whatcom County this week, and it won’t cost you anything extra. As more people need better internet at home, these upgrades will give you faster download and upload speeds. This means you can stream, game, chat, surf, and more on all your devices at the same time.

Xfinity Internet plans, including the NOW prepaid products, will have 50 to 100 percent faster upload speeds than before. This helps you upload big files quickly when working from home or posting videos on social media. Download speeds will also increase for most plans. These upgrades are possible because of our fiber network, which is the largest in Washington, with more than 41,000 total network miles deployed across our state footprint.

Since 94 percent of devices connect to the Internet via WiFi, fast speeds are only as good as the WiFi that connects them. At home, our Xfinity WiFi Gateways and extenders create a fast, reliable, and secure connection in every corner of your home. Outside of the home, Xfinity Internet customers can use the nation’s largest network of WiFi hotspots to stay connected on the go. This includes nearly 100,000 Public WiFi hotspots in Washington, all free for our customers.

Fast download and upload speeds are an important feature of a comprehensive connectivity experience that delivers incredible benefits to consumers, including:

Reliability: Xfinity has greater than 99 percent reliability, and the Xfinity network utilizes artificial intelligence to keep customers connected by fixing issues before customers know they happened.

Ultra-Low-Lag: Comcast recently introduced the first customers in the world to a pioneering new feature of Xfinity Internet that dramatically reduces latency when using interactive applications like gaming, videoconferencing, and virtual reality. Customers will have less delay, and a smoother, more responsive end-to-end online experience.

Great WiFi in and out of the home: Next-generation Xfinity gateways deliver advanced WiFi capacity to power hundreds of devices in homes and more than a billion devices each year across Comcast’s network. WiFi PowerBoost delivers Xfinity Mobile customers speeds up to 1 Gbps over WiFi at home or at millions of WiFi hotspots across the country.

Digital Security: xFi Advanced Security, included for free for customers who lease an Xfinity gateway, protects connected devices from malware and other threats at the gateway before they reach connected household devices. Since launching xFi Advanced Security, Xfinity has stopped more than 10 billion cyber security threats.

Customers can take advantage of the unlimited mobile line offer via their account on Xfinity.com, in the Xfinity app, or by calling 1-800-XFINITY. For more information, visit the Xfinity website.

From the Canadian border down to the Oregon state line and eastern Washington, we’re committed to our customers in Washington. Over the last three years, we’ve invested $1.1 billion in our technology and infrastructure here. This includes network upgrades to provide an exceptional Internet experience to nearly three million homes and businesses in Washington.

Rodrigo Lopez is the Region Senior Vice President for Comcast in the Pacific Northwest.

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SPARK Museum Announces David Epley (aka Doktor Kaboom) as 2025 Recipient of the SPARK Award

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is proud to announce David Epley, widely recognized as Doktor Kaboom, as the recipient of the 2025 SPARK Award. The award will be presented to Epley at the SPARK Museum’s Annual Gala on April 19, 2025, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science education and his commitment to igniting the curiosity of young minds through entertainment.

As Doktor Kaboom, Epley has become a beloved figure in the world of educational entertainment, using humor, interactive science demonstrations, and electrifying performances to inspire audiences of all ages. His work has captivated children, families, and educators alike, creating an engaging space for learning about science in an altogether unique way.

The SPARK Award is presented annually and honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Science Education. David Epley’s unique ability to combine his love for science with theatrical storytelling makes him a perfect fit for this distinction. His efforts embody the mission of the SPARK Museum to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and promote understanding of the world of science and invention.

“We are beyond thrilled to present the SPARK Award to David Epley,” said John Jenkins, President and CEO of the SPARK Museum. “Through his work as Doktor Kaboom, he has brought science to life in a way that is not only entertaining but also deeply educational. He has touched the lives of countless young learners, sparked their imaginations, and built up their self-esteem in ways that few others have been able to do.”

The Annual Gala will take place at the Bellingham Yacht Club in Bellingham in Bellingham and will include an evening of celebration, inspiration, and a special presentation honoring David Epley’s achievements. The event will also feature live entertainment, gourmet dining, and opportunities to learn more about the museum’s mission and programs.

Tickets for the SPARK Museum Annual Gala are now available, and proceeds from the event will support the museum’s educational initiatives, which aim to inspire the next generation of inventors, innovators, and scientists.

About the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of electricity, science, and innovation. The museum houses a world-class collection of artifacts related to the development of electrical technology and offers engaging exhibits and educational programs for people of all ages. The SPARK Museum’s mission is to inspire curiosity, creativity, and learning through the power of scientific discovery.

Bellingham Woman Wins Contest With Her 56-Year-Old Furnace

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing

A Bellingham woman grew up in an era of five-and-dime stores, penny candy and 99-cent six-packs of beer. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Being frugal was a good thing. But Marilyn Kuhns had to admit that eventually, things like cars and appliances need to be replaced – even her 56-year-old furnace,

A furnace typically has a lifespan of 15-20 years, but Kuhns’ furnace was quite an overachiever. She and her late husband, Jerry, bought a house in the Columbia neighborhood in 1966. They purchased a furnace in 1969, and Kuhns has been there since then.

With that furnace working fine, Kuhns used her time on more pressing things. She raised her children and worked as a floral designer in Bellingham shops, primarily I.V. Wilson Florist and A New Leaf Florist Shoppe.

Finally, she decided that the furnace had served its purpose.

“It’s been in the back of my mind for some time,” Kuhns said. “I didn’t want it to quit during the really cold months.”

Kuhns contacted Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing – almost as old as the furnace since the company was founded in 1972. Chris Travers, a Home Performance Expert for Barron, was amazed her furnace lasted so long. However, he said today’s furnaces are much more efficient than ones manufactured in the 1960s, reducing monthly utility bills. Also, repairs are much less likely, even if appropriate parts can be found for old furnaces, Travers added.

The timing was fortuitous. Barron was having a contest – the customer with the oldest furnace replaced would have a new one installed for free up to $6,000.

“I was pretty much speechless,” Kuhns said of being notified that she was the winner. “I love my new one.”

With her new furnace in place, Kuhns returned to maintaining her home and yard by herself – after getting up early to swim every day, of course. Comfortable in her home, she’s not going anywhere.

“I love my neighborhood,” she said.

Committed to improving lives through its licensed technicians, electricians, plumbers, and Certified Home Performance Experts, Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing provides a wide range of heating, cooling, solar, electrical, plumbing, and indoor air quality products and services. It also offers a large selection of stoves and fireplaces in its Firelight by Barron showrooms.

Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected home performance experts. A showroom in Ferndale and approximately 200 local employees serve customers along the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands.

For information, call 360.676.1131 or visit Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing online.

For the Birds: Bellingham’s Darrell Rosen Builds Beautiful Birdhouses

By

Holly Redell-Witte

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Bellingham Darrell Rosen birdhouses — Darrell Rosen holding his first masterpiece, Pagoda. Darrell, by the way, is 6'8" tall! Photo credit: Holly Redell-Witte

Talk about downsizing. Bellingham’s Darrell Rosen downsized from building million-dollar residential homes to intricate birdhouses, resulting in beguiling structures lovingly and skillfully crafted.

It was no small feat. Darrell’s first structure was a pagoda, which was so beautiful that his teacher/artist wife, Jenn, insisted on pricing it so high that no one would ever buy it! Many of the 100 or so birdhouses he has built have been sold – or gifted – dotting our local landscape.

From Woodstock to Bellingham

Darrell is a local artist who began out on the East Coast. “I came from a really little town, Woodstock, New York,” he says with a question at the end of his voice, as if no one ever heard of Woodstock. To him, it’s the intentional artist’s colony started by Californians in the 1800s, not the site of that famous weekend musical fest. That would be a natural distinction since his mother is an artist and teacher, and his father has written and published two dozen books. Many of those are about sports, including one written with Phil Jackson, with whom he also coached.

Rosen grew up surrounded by writing, sports and art. He kicked around Woodstock for a while but then chose the Pacific Northwest. “I was doing random jobs, the kid at the local deli, and then I just decided to leave because it was that small-town thing where everybody knows your parents,” he shares.

The choice of the northwest was for the rain. “I like rain,” he says. Darrell’s original plan was to go to Evergreen and become a social worker. While there, he wandered onto a construction site and asked if any help was needed. He started by doing the scut work and moved up to working with carpenters who taught him how to use the tools and how to frame. “I learned how to lay out walls and how to build a wall all by hand. No nail guns were involved,” he says.

His love of fine craftsmanship was being instilled. Then, he got a job building wooden yurts in Eugene. “I fell in love with the colors of the wood grain and the smell of western red cedar,” he recalls. Darrell was cutting 500-piece floor packages and began taking home leftover pieces. “Reclaiming and rescuing became important to me,” he says. “It was the right thing to do if you were going to kill trees to take home scraps and build things for gardens.” He got a jigsaw and began scrolling and cutting cedar trunks, making animals and decorative shelves.

And the Fanciful Birdhouses Began to Appear

Then came the birdhouses. The first one, the pagoda, took 20 hours. Darell handmade all the shingles. Each one began to flow into the next. Inspiration comes from anywhere. “I might have an idea to make a VW van,” he says, “or I’m just working with the wood, and things happen. I see something that may be a base for something or a cool piece of metal that I want to use for the roof.”

Darrell looks at what he has and develops ideas. He draws those ideas with his fingers on a program on his phone. One of his most inventive was a Spanish Villa with Ferdinand, the famous children’s book character created by Munro Leaf, painted on it. He made that for his mom because she read that story to him as a child.

The houses are designed for small garden birds, the nesters that typically visit us here. He makes clever use of materials. Small electrical television conduit cable, cut and painted, became Ferdinand’s villa’s stucco tile roof. A mason jar became the searchlight on a lighthouse celebrating a wedding anniversary. There was even a little karma around that one since he used an internet image of a Cape Cod lighthouse, and it turned out to be the recipients’ exact favorite one! Another structure Darrell built withstood a 70-mile-an-hour windstorm in a garden. He builds each one with the same structural integrity as a full-size house.

For the Bellingham Birds

Darrell also paints, so the birdhouses are beautiful. As a kid, he got to try everything from airbrushing to screen printing to clay to paper making to jewelry casting. He even got skillful at pointillism portraits in high school. When his dad was coaching basketball, Darrell would create portraits and sell them to the players. With his dad’s friendship with Phil Jackson, he did several of NY Knick’s players in the 1980s.

As he was perfecting his art, he also went to Western for a teaching certificate in multi-cultural history. While students in Whatcom County may not be benefiting from Darrell’s fascinating mind, the birds definitely have exceptional homes.

Darrell primarily sells his work locally. You can find him at the Sunnyland Stomp every summer and on Facebook Marketplace. So, feather your own nest with one of Darrell’s works of art and provide spectacular digs for the local avian community.

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