“Where are you going to school? What are you going to study? What’s next after graduation?” These are the questions continually bombarding our youth these days. From well-intended advice from school counselors and parents to peers and the media, it’s been drummed into many of us as early as middle school that if you want to “succeed” in life, you start by going to college and getting a four-year degree.
This opinion, while common, is simply not the case. And as we come into a new year, it’s time to change the definition of “success” and how to achieve it.
While college can still be a great route to a career for many people, it’s not a guarantee. As the sticker price of a four-year degree keeps going up, the financial return is softening. Student loan debt in the United States is at an all-time high of nearly $1.77 trillion (investopedia.com), with the average cost of a bachelor’s degree now at nearly $103,000 (educationdata.org). That’s a staggering financial burden on students and their families, especially to take on before many have even earned their first professional paycheck.
For those looking for a different path, careers in the skilled trades are a huge opportunity that continues to be overlooked. While many of us associate the trades with jobs of our parents’ generation, they’re not going anywhere. Plumbers, HVAC Technicians, Electricians…these skilled jobs are in demand right now — big time. Baby Boomers are retiring at a rapid rate: for every five that vacate a position in the trades, just one person enters the field. 40% of the current 12 million people in the skilled trades workforce are over the age of 45, with nearly half of those workers over the age of 55. And just 9% of workers aged 19-24 are just entering the trades, proving the deficit we are facing now and into the future (peopleready.com).
The trades allow students to enter the workforce with little to no student loan debt and begin earning right away — often earning wages that are equal to or far more than those of university grads. And the wages of those jobs continue to increase as the shortage of workers grows. This labor deficit is real for service-based businesses like ours at Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing. People in our community want and deserve comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient homes, and it is imperative for us to employ the best team possible to continue to provide that well into the future.
Dan L. Barron started Barron Heating 50 years ago with the goal to not only support our community with honest, quality service, but to support our employees and their families with rewarding, lifelong career opportunities. After Dan’s passing in December of 2018, it has become a priority to continue his legacy and traditions within the company. Dan’s son and grandson, John and Brad Barron, and the Barron Team wanted to honor him in a way that would give back to our employees and the community we call home.
John Barron (right), and Brad Barron (left) are honoring the memory of their father and grandfather, Dan L. Barron (center), with the Dan L. Barron Trades Scholarship. Photo courtesy: Barron Heating
The Dan L. Barron Trades Scholarship aims to provide opportunities to individuals looking to enter the HVAC/R, Electrical, or Plumbing trades and begin a successful career journey for themselves and their families. Barron will be providing two $5,000 scholarships to Bellingham Technical College: one to a current Barron employee or employee’s family member and one to a community member. There is no obligation to future employment with Barron to receive these scholarships — it is simply our way of encouraging and building up the ever-important and rewarding trades field.
In honor of Grandpa Dan, all of us at Barron
are proud to support the trades and provide opportunities to our community. Applications
for the Dan L. Barron Trades Scholarship may be submitted at https://www.barronheating.com/scholarship/ now through January 31, 2023. Here’s to a bright future
for the industry and redefining success as we continue to live out our mission
of Improving
Lives™.
After enjoying breakfast by the fire at The Resort at Port Ludlow, awaken the senses with a morning walk around the Beach Loop Trail located just a short distance from the doors of the restaurant. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Pacific Northwest winters are known for dark
skies, cool moist air from the marine layer fog and days of sideways rain. A
relaxing winter trip to The Resort at
Port Ludlow in the beautiful Puget Sound is a retreat for rejuvenation of
mind and body. Take in the beauty of the water, eat, rest, take a walk, kayak,
golf, get a massage, and storm watch on the Olympic Peninsula during this
enchanted time of the year.
Book a Stay at Port Ludlow Resort
Resort
packages are available at the 37-room boutique waterfront Inn at the
Port Ludlow Resort and each guest room offers a gas fireplace and jetted
oversized bathtub with local handmade bath salts, soaps and lotion bars.
The winter season at The Resort at Port Ludlow offers a rejuvenating local retreat. Enjoy seasonal cuisine; restful guest rooms with fireplace and jacuzzi; as well as nature inspired wonderment. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Along with the award-winning Fireside
Restaurant located onsite, guests can anchor into the beauty of the resort or
choose to explore more of the Olympic Peninsula with short day trips to nearby
towns for shopping and culinary tourism.
The New England-inspired Port Ludlow Resort is
waiting for you to stay and play in the Puget Sound. Whether you are looking
for a nature hike, relaxation by a fire, a taste of local produce or the sound
of music, you can find it in Port Ludlow. With less crowds in the off-season,
many of the tourist activities can be experienced in a more introspective way.
Historic Totem Pole
A 40-foot totem pole stands at Burner Point
overlooking the bay at the resort. Carved from a 720-year-old western cedar
tree that was blown over in 1993 during a wind storm on the Olympic Peninsula,
discover the history and take in the details of the art that tells the story of
the evolution of Port Ludlow.
Trails Near Port Ludlow
Adventure into the day by layering up and
strolling along the water’s edge for an invigorating breath of fresh air along
the Beach Loop Trail. The Ludlow Falls Interpretive Trail is great for a
half-mile easy walking loop through sword ferns, red huckleberry growing from
nurse logs, western hemlock, red alder and cedar trees. Explorers can hear the
rushing sound of the falls throughout the forest walk and learn about the
native plants and trees from the interpretive signs. Port Ludlow offers 30
miles of maintained hiking and biking trails with detailed maps are available
at the Port Ludlow Resort concierge desk upon arrival.
The Ludlow Falls Interpretive trail winds through a winter forest lined with sword ferns, red cedar, alder and hemlock. Visitors will enjoy the invigorating sound of the falls as they meander along the half-mile trail. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Finnriver Farm & Cidery
Agrotourism is thriving here and can be discovered
by taking a short drive to Finnriver Farm & Cidery to sample seasonal
and organic farm-crafted hard cider on tap after taking a barn tour. If you
catch a starry night, rent a personal campfire and roast marshmallows while
engaging in meaningful conversations.
Finnriver Farm & Cidery welcomes visitors year-round with farm tours, organic cider tasting, workshops and live music. While staying at The Port Ludlow Resort, drive the 15 minutes to experience a beloved gem of the pacific northwest, a thriving farm that offers a unique story of deep connection to the land and community. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Weekends bring the local community together
with live music being offered in the farm’s beautifully designed, heated
pavilion. Who knew that the Community Table feeding both our hearts and body
was the original dairy farm’s old concrete feed trough! One of the Finnriver
co-founder is also the farmer at Chimacum Valley Grainery, which grows
organic grains and mills flour just down the road. Your travels through
Chimacum may take you past the very land that grew the buckwheat from the
pancake breakfast at the Port Ludlow Resort. This is the level of connection to
be experienced when there is time to see, feel and appreciate the hidden gems
of a special place.
Rest and Relax: Your Stay at Port Ludlow
Resort
After a full day, retire to your guest room,
turn on the fire and draw a jacuzzi bath complete with those local, handmade
bath salts. After a restful night’s sleep, open the curtains and enjoy coffee
in bed while taking in the colors of sunrise and waterfront view of the marina.
Port Ludlow Resort is an accessible winter getaway to enliven and warm hearts
this winter.
Puget Sound Storm Watching
That waterfront view also makes your Port
Ludlow Resort room the perfect place to sit back with a hot drink and do some
Puget Sound storm watching. The winter is the perfect time to catch mother
nature putting on a display with winds, waves and even some spectacular
thunderstorms.
Where To Eat in Port Ludlow
The Fireside Restaurant at The Resort at Port Ludlow partners with local farms for an in-season menu that celebrates farm-to-table cuisine. The buckwheat pancakes are a breakfast favorite sourced from Chimacum Valley Grainery, an organic family farm located within 10 miles of the resort. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
With a robust Washington wine list and
seasonal award-winning northwest cuisine, the Fireside
Restaurant at the Port Ludlow Resort offers an intimate setting to
put you in vacation mode. Their farm-to-fork menus feature ingredients sourced
from within 20-miles. For breakfast, choose from a curated menu of locally-sourced
delights like buckwheat pancakes from Chimacum Valley Grainery, which are
served with a roasted berry compote, pure maple syrup and mascarpone.
Since our launch in January 2014, WhatcomTalk and its team of local writers have strived to bring readers positive stories about people, businesses, and organizations doing all the things it takes to create — and sustain — a vibrant, supportive community.
We’ve had the privilege of writing stories about amazing people dedicated to improving and uplifting our community. We’ve learned about and shared with you innovative local businesses, heartwarming nonprofits, remarkable individuals, and so many creative endeavors.
WhatcomTalk’s fantastic, talented, plugged-in writing team published nearly 400 stories this year. We couldn’t be prouder of our writers and are grateful to them for the time, energy, skill, and knowledge they share every week on this platform, helping us all more fully understand what it’s like to live, work, and play here in Whatcom County.
To celebrate and mark another successful year of publishing, we’ve compiled a list of our WhatcomTalk writers’ favorite stories from 2022, and their thoughts on why these particular stories stayed with them. We hope you enjoy these highlights and that you will continue to visit WhatcomTalk.com for even more local features in 2023.
Thank you for making these stories — and the community they represent — a part of your daily lives!
Steven
Arbuckle
Learning about the work that Lisa Marx does stands out in my memory. I started by emailing a complete stranger and asking her to open up about her private life in front of an online audience. Then I learned that the story really begins with her losing her job and declaring bankruptcy. Fortunately, it then follows her road to recovery, and ends with her realization that the best way to spend our lives is by making life better for others.
Because it was a short article, I had to leave out so many powerful stories and details — some dark, and some inspirational — but I still think it tells a pretty incredible story.
Read Steven’s feature Bellingham Carpenter Lisa Marx Built a New Life for Herself, and Now Builds for Others, here.
Lisa Marx traveled to a dark place in life before she had the opportunity to prove her strength to herself. Photo courtesy: Lisa Marx
Matt
Benoit
I relish writing for WhatcomTalk, as it gives me the chance to write fascinating stories that hopefully resonate with other community members. Among the most interesting people I interviewed in 2022, Bellingham monster truck legend Mike Welch and famed Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward come to mind. Local businesses like Red Rum and Ashuri Baklava & Cafe had fun stories to tell. And when it comes to local history, pieces I wrote on ‘Ghost Fields’ of Bellingham baseball and Whatcom County’s KKK history were of great interest to me.
Action abounds during this 1949 Western Washington University game at Battersby Field. Jack Carver photo courtesy of Whatcom Museum
Margaret
Bikman
Tracy
Spring is among the “under the radar” musicians who doesn’t make a
big splash in this lake of amazing Whatcom County musicians.
She is always true to herself, seeking what is best in compassionate outreach, whether it’s teaching children, honoring underrepresented people in our community, finding wisdom in our natural world, or a gentle reminder to be kind. She’s worthy of recognition!
Bellingham’s Tracy Spring began several projects to see her through the pandemic, since live performances were minimal. Photo courtesy of TR Ritchie.
Marla
Bronstein
Earlier this year, I started a regular volunteer gig with KMRE, Whatcom County’s community-powered radio station. I wrote about producing one particular episode of Margaret Bikman’s Art & Entertainment Spotlight podcast, in which I had been tasked with recording an interview between Margaret and internationally famous American author and public speaker, Fran Liebowitz.
Fran was promoting an upcoming Bellingham appearance but was in San Francisco at the time of the interview. Connecting with her virtually to record the interview for radio was a challenge since she doesn’t use Zoom, the internet, or a computer. At the interview’s appointed time, her hotel’s phones were being temperamental. The memory of that morning makes my heart race all over again.
Spoiler alert: The interview turned out fine, and Ms. Liebowitz was more than delightful. Read all about it here.
Once connected, Margaret conducted her interview, while I spent the next 15 minutes breathing deeply and trying to slow down my elevated heart rate. Photo credit: Marla Bronstein
Anna
Diehl
My favorite story from this year would have to be my piece on Bellingham’s historic ghost signs. To research this article, I literally took to the streets of downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven to document every faded sign I could find. I probably missed a few but squinting at my own photos and going down search rabbit holes to identify century-old companies and advertisements must be the closest I’ve gotten to guerrilla journalism.
I’d thought about pitching this article for months but was initially unsure how to frame it. When I discovered “ghost signs” as a term and documented phenomenon online, I leapt at the chance of being first to record all of ours. I always enjoy researching niche hobbies’ place in Whatcom County and I hope the story inspires others to learn more. Even now, as I travel past the brick buildings downtown, I still keep my eyes out.
The Knights of Pythias Building features both antiquated lettering and typical ghost advertisements, visible from the front and overlooking Fairhaven Village Green. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
Tony
Moceri
When our fearless leader [WhatcomTalk publisher] Stacee Sledge asked us to write about our favorite Whatcom Talk article for 2022, I went back and read some of my favorites from other writers and revisited some of my own. What I found in this recap is that my favorite part of Whatcom Talk is that it gives a voice to what would otherwise be untold stories.
I couldn’t pick one favorite, but I want to say thank you to Stacee for letting me tell stories about local people doing cool stuff like Dan Friday, my outdoor adventures with my family, and even giving me some space to write about my completely healthy obsession with yard games.
Dan Friday creates a blown glass canoe paddle. Photo courtesy Dan Friday
I loved the Thai House story because it gave me the opportunity to deepen relationships I’d taken for granted for 16 years. Sure, the people there made it feel like home, but how much did I know about them? I learned about their lives as immigrants and gained a new appreciation for the way they enrich our community.
The Cat Burglar story was just plain fun. I saw the events unfold on Nextdoor and the way the community took to Laura Boynton’s posts about her larcenous feline, and I wanted to share the story with more people. It was just the right time for something funny and uplifting.
Is Junie planning her next adventure? Photo credit: Laura Boynton
Kelley
White
My favorite piece this year was A World Like No Other, a peek into the lives of three of our local circus artists. It was so interesting to get a sense of what the circus world entails, what makes its artists tick, and the unique perspectives Richard Hartnell, Laura Gwendolyn Burch, and Dream Frohe of The Bellingham Circus Guild shared with me about their individual vocations.
Dream Frohe stretches to an elegant pose in her hoop apparatus, creating an art form based on movement and dance. Photo credit: wittypixel_productions
Here at WhatcomTalk we’re already excited about the stories we have planned in the new year and can’t wait to see what else 2023 brings to our platform and our readers. As always, please feel free to drop Publisher Stacee Sledge a line at stacee@whatcomtalk.com if you know someone whose story deserves to be told.
High tide at Beach 4 from the view of the charming driftwood bridge. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Many who are interested in geotourism or
have traveled the Olympic Peninsula Loop,
are familiar with the majestic Ruby Beach. Not only is the name glamorous, but
the towering sea stacks and red colored minerals in the sand make this stop a
true gem to experience while visiting the Washington Coast. For nature lovers
who seek quiet reverence without crowds, visit the other Kalaloch beaches near
Ruby Beach on the Olympic Peninsula that are jewels in their own right.
Where To Hike While Visiting the Olympic
Peninsula
The Kalaloch beaches, named simply Beach 1,2,3 and 4, each offer a unique opportunity for wild immersion, without an excess of people. The trail to Beach 1 is lined with bulbous spruce burls that give an “Alice in Wonderland” feel to the area. Cross a wooden bridge to find long stretches of coastline that is less frequented by tourists.
Beaches 1 through 4 offer enchanted trails of towering trees, bright green ferns and bulbous spruce burls. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Beach 2 begins with a vibrant forest walk, which winds down to a wide and sandy beach below. Here, explorers can observe the driftwood forts that are decorated with cairns made from the abundance of river stones.
Beach 3 offers extraordinary beauty and tranquil solitude with uniquely curved boulders, views of the iconic coastline and intertidal life to explore.
The Kalaloch beaches are a wonderland of discovery for travelers of all ages. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Beach 4 is a hidden gem
of the Olympic Peninsula, which offers a parking lot and bathrooms upon
arrival. The interpretive trail, which is excellent for bird watching, winds
down an invigorating path to a charming driftwood bridge. Make sure to check Washington
tides before visiting as high tide will cover
this beach completely. Beach 4 is one of the best locations to observe the tide
pools and is part of the Marine Wildlife Preserve that is protected by the
National Park and part of the Olympic Coast National
Marine Sanctuary.
North of Beach 4, make sure to turn east
off highway 101 onto Big Cedar Road to walk the short and accessible Big Cedar Tree – Kalaloch
Trail. This quick drive on a bumpy, gravel road, ends at a cul-de-sac where
visitors can park. Walk a short distance on the well-managed trail and take in
the extraordinary view of a massive cedar that is believed to be nearly 1,000
years old.
Journey Into the Temperate Coastal
Rainforest of the Washington Coast
Erin and Ben Braudrick visit the
Washington coast annually, and stay in a private Bluff Cabin at the Kalaloch
Lodge, located in the Olympic National Park.
“Each day is a little different,” explains Erin. “We enjoy walking our dog
Dottie at Beach 2, which is more secluded than the popular Ruby Beach.”
Located just north of Beach 4, follow signs to the Big Cedar Tree to witness the magnificence of this nearly 1,000-year-old cedar. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
“Our
favorite adventure is a day trip into the temperate rainforest without all the
hullabaloo,” adds Ben. “We recommend vacationing in the off-season during the
winter months, and feel that the South Fork of the Hoh is a reviving, best of
the pacific northwest kind of encounter that will make a hot shower and warm
beverage by the fire so rewarding at the end of the day.”
Writer Jess Caldwell traveled the Olympic Peninsula Loop to discover the hidden gems of the Washington Coast. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Based on Ben’s recommendation, consider
planning a sensory adventure into the complex ecosystem of the rainforest
through the South Fork Hoh River – Big Flat Trail. Hikers will enter the Olympic National Park, surrounded by a canopy of
towering old growth beauty, but without the crowds of the popular Hoh Rain Forest.
Although Beaches 1 through 4 were not
given catchy names, the invitation is to discover for yourself what makes each
Kalaloch beach special. The Washington Coast is an all-season vacation
destination for all ages.
For more information and ideas to plan a unique travel experience that celebrates profound nature-scapes, history, agritourism and front-country adventure, visit Enjoy the Olympic Peninsula.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) helped thousands of customers this holiday season pay off millions in past due bills.
The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) awarded PSE $20.4 million in COVID relief funding authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, passed in 2021. The money went toward paying off or reducing unpaid electric and natural gas utility bills for nearly 36,000 current and former customers.
“Ensuring every household can meet basic needs is essential for an equitable economy that provides opportunities for all. We are pleased to be able to support PSE in their commitment to make sure no customer has to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for food, medicine or other necessities,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown.
The funds were allocated throughout PSE’s 10-county service area, with King County having the most customer accounts credited, followed by Pierce and Thurston counties. Together, these three counties saw more than $13 million of the award total credited to outstanding balances.
Eligible customers were those who received bill assistance during the pandemic and had a current outstanding debt of at least $10 accrued between March 2020 and Dec. 2021. PSE ended up crediting an average of $570 to the nearly 36,000 customers.
“Throughout the pandemic, we committed to supporting our customers with dependable utility services. It’s almost three years later and we’re thrilled that we are able to continue to provide assistance through these programs,” said PSE President and CEO Mary Kipp. “PSE employees worked tirelessly with new technology and data to ensure the rapid distribution of the funds to those who need it most. We are extremely proud of their work and thankful to the Commerce Department for awarding us the funds to help our customers.”
PSE is committed to helping the communities where Puget Sound Energy serves its customers and has facilities. Customers have access to a number of programs to help them save money and reduce their bills and PSE is working to make these programs more impactful, and more accessible to help customers avoid getting behind on their bills, or their service disconnected.
Customers who continue to need help can check on whether they qualify through PSE’s bill assistance program (Home Energy Lifeline Program), the government LIHEAP program, and the Salvation Army Warm Home Fund. All customers can participate in PSE’s payment arrangement plan and we will work with customers to create a manageable payment schedule.
In 2023, PSE plans to introduce a new discount rate for low-income customers and seniors, increased funding for low-income bill payment assistance, as well as a new pilot program that would help manage the debt of eligible customers facing significant past-due balances.
The 2023 Whatcom READS selection is the propulsive historical saga The Cold Millions by Spokane-based author Jess Walter. An intimate exploration of love, family, betrayal and loyalty, The Cold Millions presents a wide range of discussion and event opportunities leading up to the March 2-4, 2023, in-person author events. Visit whatcomreads.org to learn more about The Cold Millions, author Jess Walter and the upcoming programs that enrich the reading experience.
Photo credit: Rajah Bose
Winner of the Washington State Book Award and named to numerous “Best Book of the Year” lists, The Cold Millions follows the lives of orphaned brothers, Gig and Rye Dolan, as they struggle to realize their dreams of a better life. Spokane’s Free Speech Riots of 1909 form the backdrop of the novel and historical figures such as Elizabeth Gurley Flynn and Police Chief John T. Sullivan anchor the plot. As Gig and Rye careen through booze, flophouses, vaudeville, jails and IWW protests, they find themselves caught between fighting for labor rights, looking out for each other and securing personal safety. Author Anthony Doerr calls the book “a literary unicorn: a book about socioeconomic disparity that’s also a page-turner.”
The 2023 season marks 15 years of Whatcom READS programming. The region’s premier annual literary event, Whatcom READS celebrates reading, readers and strong communities through the shared experience of one book. Whatcom READS is presented by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County and community partner Village Books.
Community events inspired by the 2023 Whatcom READS selection, The Cold Millions by Jess Walter
All programs are free except where noted. Pre-registration is required for some events. Find more information and register at whatcom.reads.org.
She Travelled Solo: Strong Women in the Early 20th Century
Inspired by her own 5,000-mile solo bicycle ride, Tessa Hulls researched little-known intrepid female adventurers. In this presentation, she demonstrates why female role models — such as characters in The Cold Millions — are vital in affecting social change.
Archivist Conor Casey, head of the Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries Special Collections, will discuss the dynamic history of the labor and social justice movements of the Pacific Northwest though the frame of the collections of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). Also known as the Wobblies, the IWW is featured in The Cold Millions.
Ferndale Library, 2125 Main Street 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21
Vintage Vaudevillians
Echoing characters chronicled in The Cold Millions, this photographic exhibition highlights a dozen vaudeville acts that performed in Bellingham in the early 20th century.
Noon-5 p.m. Feb. 3 – May 31, 2023, Wednesday-Sunday Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher building, 2nd floor hallway, 250 Flora Street, Bellingham
General admission: $10. Free museum passes are available at the Bellingham Public Library.There is no admission fee during the Feb. 3 First Friday Art Walk.
The IWW Today
Yes, the Wobblies are alive and well. An organizer for the Whatcom-Skagit Industrial Workers of the World will discuss the current activity of the union, its goals and its principles. Hear about IWW union activity in the Pacific Northwest and around North America today.
Join us for an interactive book discussion with co-editors Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn of University of Washington-Tacoma, Dr. Anna Lees of Western Washington University and Dr. Cornel Pewewardy of Portland State University. Their book presents an innovative framework for promoting critical consciousness toward decolonization efforts among educators. The impacts of colonization and racism are part of The Cold Millions story.
Kolby LaBree from Bellinghistory Tours with the Good Time Girls will discuss life on the vaudeville circuit and its ties to the underworld. She will share examples from The Cold Millions as well as stories from Bellingham history.
Whatcom Museum, Old City Hall, Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 Free; donations to the Whatcom Museum are welcome. Sponsored by the Whatcom Museum
History of Spokane
Lynden Library Assistant Branch Manager Wendy McLeod was born and raised in Spokane. In this presentation, she shares the history of the city at the heart of The Cold Millions.
Local writers read from their work selected for the 2023 Whatcom WRITES anthology. This year’s theme inspired by Jess Walter’s The Cold Millions is Between Fact and Fiction.
Village Books in Lynden, Inn at Lynden conference room: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19
Village Books in Fairhaven: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Allied Arts Whatcom READS Challenge
Submit original artwork inspired by The Cold Millions for display at the Allied Arts Gallery in Bellingham.
Submissions accepted: Feb. 28-March 1
Exhibition: March 2-31
AUTHOR EVENTS WITH JESS WALTER
The author visits Whatcom County to discuss the book and his creative process.
March 2-4, 2023
Book Discussion with Jess Walter
Deming Library Manager Katrina Carabba and Public Services Assistant Erin Suda will co-host a conversation with the author about The Cold Millions and his other books. Audience questions are welcome.
Jess Walter is the featured guest on Village Books’ popular radio variety program.
Location TBA 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Purchase $5 tickets online or at the event. Space is limited.
Art and Craft of Writing
Jess Walter shares his writing practice and tips to inspire your own writing.
Village Books’ Readings Gallery, 1200 11th Street, Bellingham 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, March 3 Registration required.
An Evening with Jess Walter
Whatcom READS’ premiere event is at the beautiful Mount Baker Theatre. Following his presentation, Jess Walter will answer audience questions and sign books. The 2024 Whatcom READS title will be announced at the event.
Mount Baker Theatre 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 3
A Conversation with Jess Walter
This year’s author events close with a lively online conversation between Village Books co-owner Paul Hanson and Jess Walter.
ONLINE 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, March 4 Registration required.
About Jess Walter: A former National Book Award finalist and winner of the Edgar Allan Poe Award, Jess Walter is the highly regarded author of seven novels, two short story collections and one nonfiction book. His stories, essays and journalism have appeared in Harper’s, Esquire, The New York Times, The Washington Post and many other publications. Walter began his writing career in 1987 as a reporter for his hometown newspaper, The Spokesman-Review. He has also worked as a screenwriter and has taught graduate creative writing. In addition to winning the Washington State Book Award, Walter has twice won the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award (for The Zero and We Live in Water) and was a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize (The Zero) and the PEN/USA Award in both fiction (The Zero) and nonfiction (Every Knee Shall Bow). His novel Beautiful Ruins spent more than a year on the bestseller list. Walter was also a finalist for the 1992 Pulitzer Prize as part of a team covering the shootout and standoff at Ruby Ridge in northern Idaho. He lives in Spokane with his family.
Mystic and mythic images from dreams and folk tales make up a large part of Black’s artwork. Photo courtesy Adrian Black
Born in Arizona, Aidan Black’s family moved to the area before turning three. “My mother was born and raised in this area, so it was kind of a homecoming for her. We have deep roots in this part of the United States.”
As a youngster, Aidan’s forays into art seemed to be a reaction to the world, rather than a thought-through exercise. An introverted child with asthma, they weren’t able to go out and do a lot of things with other kids. “I was overweight and kind of awkward and didn’t really know how to interact with kids that much,” they say, “so I spent a lot of my time either in my room or wandering through the woods.”
Aidan kept journals from the age of 9, spending hours every day writing down stories, drawing, and bringing in found forest materials, like leaves and fungus. The journals’ binding nearly broke, they were stuffed so fully. “It was my way of interfacing with a world that I found kind of scary and overstimulating,” Aidan says. “I was able to translate my experiences in the world into something where I could explore the finer details and not just be overwhelmed.”
Aidan describes the “great fortune” they had to attend Explorations Academy, a small and independent private high school in Bellingham that follows an experiential learning model. “While fulfilling state requirements for education, I could follow things that were interesting to me,” they say. “That gave me a lot of freedom, and I could take responsibility for my education.”
The art world serves as a venue for Aidan to feel comfortable sharing with other people. Photo courtesy Aidan Black
All school classes revolved around a single subject or
concept, such as the Renaissance period, and all lessons related to that focus.
“We learned about Renaissance history for our history class, about the
chemistry behind making your own paints for our science class, and in our art
class we figured out how to copy Renaissance painters’ work in our own styles.”
Studying art in school allowed art to transition from a habit of coloring outside the lines into a conscientious practice of sharing an inner vision with the rest of the world. “That’s when it went from doodling in my journal or drawing with crayons on my walls to making art that I can share with people, that I can have conversations with people about,” says Aidan. “I learned how to make it more a community activity, not just a single person in a room by myself.”
An ever-evolving set of media give Aidan’s art a sense of depth and texture. Photo courtesy Aidan Black
That willingness to experiment — and to experience new modes of expression — soon took Aidan through a couple of unexpected turns. “One of my teachers at Explorations was an Evergreen grad, and they thought I’d do really well at Evergreen State College, because it’s the same interdisciplinary setup,” says Aidan. “I went there and stayed within the artistic, creative avenues, but I took a sharp left turn and got into dance, which is something I never thought would happen.”
Part of the appeal was a new type of interdisciplinary arts
experience, one that happened in a less intellectual way.
“It was really tapping into what was happening in the body,
and then we would go make art about all the things that came up,” they say. “That
was extremely powerful for me, and for a long time I thought I was going to be
a practitioner of dance therapy, but then I injured my knees. From dance I
moved into doing theater, backstage, stage management, technical theater stuff.”
After schooling, Aidan’s focus returned to visual art, though the media they used continued to evolve and push along the expression.
“I started with markers, because I didn’t have to wait for the art to dry before I continued working. And for a really long time I would only use black ink,” says Aidan. “But when I picked up markers with alcohol-based ink, I found out how to use color. That was a revolutionary learning moment for me because I could suddenly get very bold colors — which are my favorite — very easily, and I wouldn’t have to wait for paint to dry.”
Aidan learned to harness creative impulses at Explorations and Evergreen, two schools that allow students to plan their educations. Photo courtesy Aidan Black
Aidan has now moved into highly pigmented watercolors and layers on inks and markers and some acrylic paint when they want to bring out highlights, plus metallic paints for finishing touches.
Many artists have a hard time discussing their aesthetic, but Aidan seems to have a good handle on some fairly heady themes.
“If I had to attempt to describe my art, I would call it dream art, or mythic art. A lot of my stuff is inspired by dreams that I’ve had, or images that have come into my mind that strike me as important. A lot of it is very symbolic — I’m very interested in psychology and Jungian archetypes and exploring inner worlds,” says Aidan. “That’s normally unseen, and I think art is an excellent way to tap into the stories we have in our heads, whether they’re stories about us or stories about the world we’re experiencing.”
Mystic and mythic images from dreams and folk tales make up a large part of Black’s artwork. Photo courtesy Aidan Black
Aidan sees similar images coming to us by way of fairy tales, myths, and legends from around the world.
“There’s a unifying humanity in that, and in a time of
people butting heads it’s an excellent reminder that we’re all still human. We
all have these inner worlds that don’t necessarily align with the world outside,
and the goal is to bring the world that we imagine inside of ourselves out into
the world, to make it a better place.”
While Black loves to frequent Art & Happiness and enjoys taking part in the marketplace created by the Rebel Artists of Whatcom. Their art can be found and purchased on Instagram and Etsy. They also want others to join in the artistic cameraderie. “Everyone is an artist,” Aidan says. “The technical skills of art are just technical skills, and anyone can learn them at any age. But everyone is an artist because we’re all human. That’s it.”
Ellie Murray lists family as her favorite part of holidays, although she also appreciates a visit from Bubbles, as well. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
As the end of the year approaches, winter holidays call to
mind large groups of relatives gathering together in the family home. So, what
does it look like for people who don’t share their home with their relatives?
Fred Kamperman has been answering that question for the
last four years as Summit
Place Assisted Living’s facilitator of holiday spirit — and finds
his job title to be a great match for his personality. “My title here is Director
of Life Enrichment,” he says. “I love it because it’s a real ‘people person’
type of position, and that’s right up my alley.”
Life Enrichment Coordinator Fred Kamperman sits with the two most popular members of the Summit Place staff. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
Although traditional visions of a cozy yuletide don’t
necessarily include a professional medical staff, Kamperman sees that Summit is
exactly what some people need.
“Last year we had a woman move in and I gave her some
special attention because she was moving out of her own house,” he says. “I
asked her how her Christmas was here, and she said it was the best Christmas
she ever had. Because for the last few years she had been living on her own,
and all her friends are living on their own, and they never get a chance to get
together. But here everybody comes together.”
Sheila Tomtan didn’t always have a great Christmas as a child, so she enjoys the season even more when it comes around now. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
The season started around the beginning of December, and Kamperman
and his crew wasted no time getting all of their plans underway. “We just
finished caroling,” he says. “We have a pianist come in to start off the season
and everybody sings along with her. The music gets them into the spirit of the
holiday.”
The staff also transform hallways and gathering spaces with
a variety of festive decorations and lights. “The trees are up and we’re
decorating, so a lot of the residents come out and give their opinions on what
should go where, and we incorporate them as much as we can,” says Kamperman. “We’ve
decked the halls already, so everybody has a wreath on their door.”
This oversized hallway decoration is the result of two neighbors collaborating. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
Many residents don’t stop at the wreath, installing more
ornate decorations on and around the doors to their private rooms. One couple,
who have two rooms next to each other, take advantage of their increased real
estate by dreaming up elaborate displays that brighten entire hallways.
While decorations are a big part of the holiday spirit, everyone
loves presents — giving and receiving. “Some residents are adopted by staff
members,” Kamperman says. “We don’t say anything to them, we just give them a
present and they don’t know where it’s coming from.”
Personalities are on full display when the halls are decked at Summit. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
Community partners also help with gifts for residents,
including Bellingham’s Assistance League, a
nonprofit that does philanthropic work in places ranging from schools to
hospitals. “They ask for a list of people who don’t have family in the
vicinity, and we give them a shopping list of what we think these residents
might like,” says Kamperman. “They are constantly getting back to me and asking,
‘Does this work, does that work, is this size okay, should this be in large
print or small print,’ and then they come in with the gifts all wrapped. Then
Santa comes in on the 22nd and we hand out the presents.”
In the evening, residents go for a ride to James
Street Estates, just north of Safeway, which is known for its
bright and shining holiday displays, as well as Hospice
House, who also go all-out with their show of cheer.
“Then, for our New Years, we usually pick a European city,
because midnight their time is 3 o’clock in the afternoon our time,” Kamperman
says. “We’re doing New Year’s Eve in Rome this year, so ‘When in Rome’ is the
theme. We have a whole menu with different Italian foods and wines, and we’ll
toast with Italian champagne and Italian sodas.”
The last few years have seen a lot of COVID restrictions
affecting who can visit, but as we get further away from that danger, families are
getting back to being closer to each other. Kamperman is glad to see that the family
room is once again able to host groups who stop in to celebrate with their
loved ones.
Ellie Murray lists family as her favorite part of the holidays, although she also appreciates a visit from Bubbles. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
As he makes his way among the people who call Summit Place home, Kamperman makes sure to listen to what everybody cherishes about the holidays. “One resident was talking about how important family is, and another resident was talking about both the gift giving and how important it is to show appreciation to your friends and to your family,” he says. “Another resident who is very religious said that it’s a time for her to reflect on her faith. Everyone has a different approach, and we try to accommodate a lot of different aspects.”
In keeping up with the holiday season’s festivities, 7
Elements Wellness Spa is in the midst of 12 days of specials for its services
and popular products. Operations Manager Emma Winningham sat down with
WhatcomTalk to help spread the word about their next few weekends of deals.
“It’s a fun way to give people different discounts, treats,
and incentives to celebrate the holiday season,” says Winningham. “On our end,
it’s a great way to see what people are interested in and we can see what kind
of bundles, discounts, or deals people are gravitating toward.”
Photo courtesy 7 Elements
Saturday, December 17: Free Nail Art
“Both of our techs are amazing at nail art but Sierra, in particular,
really enjoys doing really fun designs,” Winningham says. “A couple of weeks
ago, she did some snowflakes and a penguin on one of the fingers on each hand. She’s
so creative and it doesn’t have to be an image; it can be different gradients
or marbling, too — all kinds of designs.”
Free nail art will be available Saturday, December 17. Photo courtesy 7 Elements
Thursday, December 22: 10% Off All Retail
7 Elements carries several popular and trending products
including Handmade La Conner and Image Skincare.
Friday, December 23: Get 20% Off Your Next
Service When You Book Before You Leave
From facials to massages, there are a wide variety of
rejuvenating services to enjoy at the spa. “You must book on the 23rd, but
there are no exclusions in the discount,” says Winningham.
Saturday, December 24: Join Their Text or Email
List and Get $20 Off Retail
Customers can sign up for one or the other — they do not
have to join both — to receive $20 off of any 7 Elements’ retail products on
this day.
Thursday, December 29: 25% Chemical Peel
Discount
“The chemical peel is a skincare offering,” Winningham says.
“Essentially, it works to take off that first, dead, and dry layer of skin. To
get better results, it is recommended you do them in a series and the peel can
be tailored to your personal skin concerns. We do start off with one
introductory chemical peel, the gentlest one on your skin, to see how your skin
will react, and then we just build from there.”
The chemical peels include regimens for fine lines and
wrinkles, dark spots, and a series for acne. These peels can also be combined
in different ways.
Friday, December 30: Half Off First Month
Membership
“We have our Refresh membership, which is basically one
service a month, and that is 10% off, plus some other perks like free nail art
in the nail salon or different add-ons in your sessions,” says Winningham, “We
also have a Revitalize membership, which is two sessions a month, 10% off, and
you also get 10% off retail along with the free add-ons and free nail art.”
Saturday, December 31: Appointments Entered to
Win IMAGE THE MAX Bundle
7 Elements has been working with the Image Skincare line
since the spa opened earlier this year, frequently featuring Image products’
quality and effectiveness in their items.
“We talked to our Image rep about different promotions we
could do, and they were kind enough to send us some samples for our V.I.P.
party as well as a bundle of IMAGE MAX products,” Winningham says. “The MAX
line, specifically, uses plant stem cells. They’re really good for anti-aging
and healing dark spots and the bundle includes a facewash, serum, mask, and
cream. You really get a full set of products with those stem cells to help with
anti-aging or correcting spots and wrinkles.” The entire set has a retail value
of nearly $300.
7 Elements celebrates its first anniversary at the end of January in the new year. Stay tuned for updates!
On Sunday, December 31, all appointments will receive an entry to win the IMAGE THE MAX bundle. Photo courtesy 7 Elements
While visiting Kalaloch Lodge, adventure out to Beaches 1 through 4 located just minutes from the bluffside cabins of the lodge. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
The Olympic Peninsula – with its iconic coastal
landscapes, temperate rainforest and hidden gems of natural wonder and beauty –
offers a romantic year-round destination for couples who wish to discover the
many gifts of our Pacific Northwest coast. Nestled within the Olympic National
Park, the Kalaloch Lodge is the perfect romantic
weekend getaway on the Washington Coast. A rustic cabin overlooking the scenic ocean
is waiting.
Stay
in The Olympic National Park: Kalaloch Lodge and Cabins
Kalaloch
means “a good place to land” in the Quinault language. The sandy beach located
here was considered a safe landing place for the dugout canoes historically
used by the Quinault people. Kalaloch Lodge offers a perfect home-base to
discover the many local attractions of the natural world located in the Olympic
National Park. Choose the private Buff Cabins looking over the ocean; log
cabin-style Kalaloch Cabins that sit behind the Buff Cabins; the Seacrest House
with its cozy studio rooms; or the main lodge with its soulful charm.
Thankfully
Wi-Fi or TV access is not offered at this property. The Kalaloch experience is
an immersion for the senses and opportunity to leave feeling rested and deeply
connected.
The oceanview cabins located at The Kalaloch Lodge offer a private sanctuary for couples who want to enjoy a romantic vacation while visiting the Olympic Peninsula.Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Where
To Eat in the Olympic National Park
Upon
your arrival, experience the Creekside Restaurant with panoramic views of the
ocean. Their entire menu is created with ingredients sourced within 150 miles
of the restaurant, guaranteeing fresh, local flavors. And what pairs better
with local flavors then wine from a Washington State winery?
Chef
Jackson Kramer shared that Creekside is a Certified Green Restaurant due to
their extensive efforts in sustainable practices. His favorite dish is the grilled
king salmon with quinoa kale and pickled cucumber. Many couples loves to try
the northwest elk burger with arugula, caramelized onion and bacon jam, he says.
Chef Jackson Kramer serves a northwest elk burger, a favorite item on the menu from the visitors who enjoy local fare and the panoramic views of the ocean while dining in. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Natural
Attractions of the Olympic Peninsula
After
a lazy morning, walk hand-in-hand along the short trail from the Kalaloch Lodge
towards the Kalaloch Campground. From the parking lot of the
campground, there is well-marked beach access. Upon entering the sand, head
north along the driftwood-lined beach to find The Tree of Life, also called the
Kalaloch Tree Root Cave. Here, couples can share a sweet moment from below the
suspended root system of this mysterious tree. A small waterfall flows down the
embankment in the center of the tree making everything about this place
extraordinary.
Beach
1 and 2 are a short drive south of Kalaloch Lodge while Beach 3 and 4 as well
as the famous Ruby Beach are all located north of the
lodge within eight miles. Although Each beach is unique and offers stunning
forest trails with interpretive signs, driftwood bridges, boulders and vertical
sea stacks.
A
day trip to the Hoh Rain Forest will surely be one of the
highlights of this romantic adventure. The .8-mile Hall of Mosses Trail and 1.2-mile
Spruce Nature Trail will be an invigorating sensory experience before retiring
by the fire upon your return to the lodge.
While visiting Kalaloch Lodge, adventure out to Beaches 1 through 4 located just minutes from the bluffside cabins of the lodge. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
Kalaloch
Lodge Is a Pet-Friendly Resort in the Olympic National Forest
For
three consecutive years, Ben and Erin Braudrick have visited the Kalaloch Lodge
during the winter season. They reserve one of the private Bluff Cabins,
complete with a small kitchen, a picture window overlooking the ocean and a cozy
fireplace for a complete staycation experience.
Ben and Erin Braudrick enjoy an evening nightcap at the Creekside Restaurant located at the Kalaloch Lodge after a stormy day of exploring the Olympic National Park Together. Photo credit: Jess Caldwell
“We
come here to storm watch, to spend time together in a special place, and to
adventure in the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula,” Ben shares. Erin appreciates
that the Kalaloch Lodge cabins are dog friendly. After sleeping in to the sound
of the crashing waves, Ben and Erin walk the nearby trails and beaches with
their dog, Dottie.
They
shared that the South Fork of the Hoh
River – Big Flat trailhead is a hidden gem and less crowded than the main Hoh
Rainforest. “It’s the road less traveled,” Ben adds. “Enjoy the rainforest in a
more private way. Make sure to bring rain gear so you can fully enjoy and
appreciate one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest. It’s so reviving
and it’s always so green. Makes a hot shower and a Port Hot Toddy at the Creekside
Restaurant so rewarding.”
For
those who appreciate history, feel that food should have a good story, seek
authenticity in experiences and wish to feel the sacredness of a place,
consider a short road trip that will take you and your loved one into what many
consider to be a magical portal. With each mile driven away from urban centers,
couples will feel energized by the excitement of possibility, as they venture
west into wonderland. Book your weekend getaway to the Olympia National Forest
by visiting the Kalaloch Lodge website today.
Kevin Wiebe is a Ferndale native. Although he graduated from Ferndale High School, he admits he wasn't a model student. His teachers and administrators...
