The Odyssey of Anna Marie Adams and Her New Specialty Store Hela Provisions

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Hela Provisions Bellingham Washington — Photo courtesy Hela Provisions

Anna Marie Adams, owner and operator of newly minted Hela Provisions, didn’t enter adulthood with the notion she’d someday own a wonderfully unique shop filled with specialty procurements. But life sent her down a road of steady experience working in small, specialty, family-run businesses, which eventually led to her opening Hela Provisions this past November.

The Beginning

“I got in here mid-October and it’s been a whirlwind starting from scratch,” Anna says. “I haven’t done that in 16 years. It’s kind of like having a second child.”

Since graduating from Fairhaven College at Western Washington University in 2000, Adams has always worked with food. “I studied transpersonal psychology and health and wellness and planned to go into that field,” she says. “But the whole time I was in college I worked in mom-and-pop sandwich shops and restaurants. I’ve worked every position from dishwasher to mostly front-of-the-house stuff later.”

Anna (right) and her daughter Mira (center) have worked hard to open Hela Provisions. Photo courtesy Hela Provisions

Anna worked for the original owners of many local eateries and food vendors, gaining a singular perspective in how best to get a Bellingham business off the ground.

“I worked at Avenue Bread with the original owners, then after I graduated from Fairhaven I worked at the Rhododendron with Don and Carol Shank,” says Anna. “I also worked in La Conner at Nell Thorn in their first location with Susan and Casey Schanen. I worked in a lot of high-quality, specialized things.”

Anna was just at the point of wanting to return to her original college studies and apply to graduate school when her husband at the time suggested opening a restaurant.

Customers can tell Anna what to include in their personal baskets, making their gifts entirely exclusive to their tastes. Photo courtesy Hela Provisions

While Anna had worked at Avenue Bread, the idea for a deli began to take shape. “The Radio museum was next to us at the time, and we always talked about taking over that space and putting in a deli,” she says. “That was where that concept was born. My then-husband kind of talked me into it and we went with a deli because it wasn’t a full-time restaurant. Although it did become quite complex with the development of the catering, wine section, events, and evening menu and I grew the market area extensively in 2020 and ’21.”

After Anna and her husband separated, she gained the opportunity for something brand new.

The New Beginning

“I didn’t think I was going to have to give up the [original] business, but I did,” Anna says. “Now I believe it was truly the best thing for me and it’s nice to have a fresh start.” In the meantime, Anna pondered what she wanted to do next. “I was thinking of doing something like this concept, but I didn’t want to be in charge of a restaurant ever again.”

As the store develops, Anna continues to bring in different flavors and products for her customers. Photo courtesy Hela Provisions

Last spring, Anna began looking at job postings and felt downhearted by what she found. “I didn’t feel like anything was calling to me,” she says. “I decided I just had to start making a motion.” She tried a different career path for half a day and decided it was very much not for her. “It was good because it made me start planning my own business.”

With travel plans for Europe in the summer with her partner, Anna decided to pre-order specialty market products from Italy and holiday items, thinking she would — at the very least — sell them out of her garage or a pop-up. “I just needed to start putting the pieces down,” she says. “I took my trip, got back in September, and realized I had all this product coming in. Again, I just kept making steps. I started designing the logo and opened a business bank account.”

Hela’s Home

Anna’s vision for Hela’s Provisions involved finding a brick-and-mortar spot with a warehouse component. After turning down an opportunity in Fairhaven and considering Barkley but deciding not to go that route, she serendipitously came upon a space in the Sunnyland neighborhood.

The Hela Provisions space includes a store side, a warehouse, and an extra space Adams is still considering how best to use. Photo courtesy Hela Provisions

“A really close friend has her business right across from the space I now have in Sunnyland,” Anna says of Rachel Taylor’s Custom Cushions. “She mentioned an open opportunity and I looked at it. It had a warehouse side, a store side, and a whole floor I will probably end up subletting to someone or using for classes or events. It was perfect.”

In Sunnyland, Anna is surrounded by collaboration and true neighborly love. “Maniac Coffee Roasters is right next to me, Rachel is right across from me, and the North Fork Brewery opened a location near us recently,” she says. “I love my neighbors. Everyone is super awesome and amazingly supportive.”

Hela’s Provisions

Anna’s passion for great food inspires the tasty products found at Hela’s Provisions today. “I’m hoping to add charcuterie boards,” she says. “I love cooking and trying new things and there are so many good chocolates now. It’s so much fun and I just love food. I never had a conscious thought that this is what I would do with my life; I’ve just always been in it.”

Once Anna and Hela Provisions get more established, she plans to dive into researching foreign foodstuffs and possibly traveling to track down new flavors and products. For right now, she loves to create baskets filled to the brim with her delicious goodies.

“I do a lot of custom baskets,” Anna says. “I try to keep adding them to the website, but a lot of people call me or email me to ask for a custom basket. I love it when people trust that I’m going to pick stuff that’s great and they’ll have a nice gift to give.”

Hela Provisions just had its first annual holiday wine tasting with the help of longtime rep, Renee Stark with Prime Wine & Spirits. “It was incredibly successful and fun to see how people react to the space. Everyone just loves it,” says Anna. “We’ll definitely be planning more wine events beginning in February.”

Anna encourages guests and customers to come in and find something delightful. “There are tons of great holiday products like peppermint marshmallows, sipping chocolate, gingerbread kits and cookies, Italian amaretti cookies, and torrone,” she says. “I have cocktail stuff, tinned fishes, chocolates, gift baskets…and I’m starting to slowly integrate fortified wines like vermouths and amaros. I got into those in the last couple of years and carry some of my favorites — and am always looking to learn and love something new.”

Hela Provisions is just starting to bloom, making it one of the best new places to peruse for your next perfect gift — or to snag a lush delicacy for yourself.

Hela Provisions
2000 Franklin Street, Suite #102, in Bellingham
360.223.5567
www.helaprovisions.com

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WECU Reminds You to Shop Local This Holiday Season

By

Matt Benoit

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We all know how easy it is to fill your virtual shopping cart with holiday gifts ordered from big box and online retailers. But this holiday season, WECU reminds you to shop locally when possible. After all, there’s no shortage of amazing local businesses offering fun, high-quality goods that will definitely please someone on your gift list.

“Shopping locally is less convenient but it’s more fun and it makes a difference,” says WECU Vice President of Business Banking, Kent Bouma. “We want to live in a community that’s full of diverse, unique, and interesting small businesses, so we all must work hard to keep them alive.”

This year, WECU is spotlighting a handful of local businesses in several communities with a series of short videos, all to get shoppers thinking about local gifting.

From Blaine and Ferndale’s Anytime Toffee and Lynden’s Cheek’s Jeans to Bellingham’s Garden Spot Nursery and Skagit County’s Docking Bay 93, the videos feature WECU employees providing some very appealing options for holiday gift hunting.

“The videos showcase just a few of the many small businesses out there,” Bouma says, adding that the showcase is on par with WECU’s many years of sponsorship towards Sustainable Connections’ “Think Local First” campaign.

“It’s great to see the community to come together to support each other,” he says. “Supporting local is a key part of the WECU brand and true to the credit union mission.”

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WTA Driver Pat Brown Receives Courage in Action Award

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LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Whatcom Transportation Authority

Whatcom Transportation Authority Driver Pat Brown was recently honored with the American Red Cross Northwest Region’s 2022 Courage in Action Award for his quick thinking that led to the rescue of an unattended toddler.

While on a route, Pat noticed a toddler running around on busy Lakeway Drive. Pat stopped traffic to grab the child and reunite them with their parents. A heroic ending to what could’ve been a tragedy.

Bellingham Training and Tennis Club Offers Help for Healthier Knees

By

Tony Moceri

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BTTC Cycle Class — Bellingham Training and Tennis Club offers a wide range of classes at times to meet varying schedules. Photo courtesy BTTC

Robin Robertson has a passion for healthy knees. Luckily for anyone dealing with difficult knees, she’s turned that passion into action by sharing her deep knowledge of the subject. Through in-person classes at Bellingham Training and Tennis Club (BTTC), community workshops, multiple books, and her Healthy Knees blog, Robin always seeks opportunities to help people overcome knee problems. Her next in-person workshop takes place Saturday, December 17th, from noon to 1 p.m. at BTTC and is completely free to the public. A new eight-week healthy knees clinic begins on January 2^nd and will run for eight weeks.

Robin’s desire to share what she’s learned stems from her own struggles with knee pain.

“I was born with a pair of lemons for knees and had pain all of my life,” she says. “When I figured out ways to make life livable, even with a terrible pair of knees, I thought I should share that information with others.”

And share she has. With three published books and an active blog, Robin puts resources to help people’s knees right at their fingertips.

Robin and husband Doug Robertson own BTTC, where they offer personal training, group classes, and workshops. While learning from people is great, it’s even better when someone practices what they preach — and leads by example. Robin, thanks to her bad knees, does just that.

“I’ve had 12 knee surgeries altogether, but here’s the key: I had 12 knee surgeries and I’ve stayed active throughout my life even with those surgeries,” she says. How? By knowing the right approach to take going into the surgery and how to improve results post-surgery physical therapy.

“I’ve been able to stay very active within bounds,” says Robin. She doesn’t run anymore and there are some activities she’s had to give up along the way. “But I’ve found other things to take their place that support good health for my knees.”

Through all of her knee pain, battling arthritis, and eventual knee replacements, Robin has lived by the motto “motion is lotion and the rest is rust” and kept moving. From being a competitive runner at a young age to her favorite activity now, which is cycling, she’s embraced the change. She and her husband have even taken long bicycle trips crisscrossing the country. Not only does her bike keep her exploring the outdoors, but it’s also a key tool at the club for helping others have healthy knees.

Robin and Doug Robertson enter Missouri on one of their cross country cycling trips. Photo courtesy BTTC

From the moment someone enters a class, the team at BTTC focuses on a setup based on a person’s body to ensure proper form. It’s common that improper form leads to the knee pain to start with, so relief can often be realized quickly. Through a combination of strength training and beneficial movements, the programs are designed to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

Robin is excited to bring people together in her upcoming workshop and talk about healthy knees. She won’t give away her secrets during our interview, but in the free clinic, which takes place December 17th, from noon to 1 p.m. at BTTC, she’ll share three tips to saving knees that people will be able to put to use right away.

The big thing, she says, is to let people know they have options. “The biggest misconception is that there’s nothing you can do about it and that you shouldn’t use your knees if they hurt,” Robin says. There may be things going on that require medical attention, but there is also work that can be done before and after for overall improvement.

In addition to becoming a hub for healthy knees, BTTC offers fitness memberships, tennis memberships, and has a team of trained personal trainers to lead classes ranging from cardio tennis to TRX workouts. The club is a safe, fun place for a community of people looking to live a healthy, active lifestyle. Whether working out on your own or joining in on one of their many classes, BTTC is your one-stop shop for all your fitness needs.

BTTC is located at 800 McKenzie Avenue in Fairhaven. Feel free to stop in any time to learn more. You can also find out more on their website or by calling 360.733.5050.

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Shirlee Bird Café Brings Second Location To Downtown Bellingham

By

Steven Arbuckle

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Shirlee-Jones-Bellingham-Fairhaven-Shirlee-Bird-Cafe — Shirlee has distilled her experiences in life — including travel, learning new skills, and working for others — into a business model that keeps her and her employees happy and successful. Photo credit: Patrick Beggan / www.patbeggan.com

The Shirlee Bird Café in Fairhaven turns out a wide array of coffee drinks, baked goods, salads, sandwiches and breakfasts that is downright shocking, given its small footprint in the Sycamore Square building. Now owner Shirlee Jones has opened a second location in downtown Bellingham, moving into the space occupied by the beloved Black Drop Coffeehouse before it closed in early 2022.

Shirlee was raised in a small southeastern Idaho town whose only claim to fame is that it’s near where the movie “Napoleon Dynamite” was filmed. But that tidbit of trivia was not enough to keep her there. “I got to Bellingham as soon as I could,” she says. “I picked Western because they had a dance team and a softball team, and I studied international political economy and philosophy.”

A dancer from the age of three, Shirlee joined several different dance teams during her time at Western. “Coming from small-town Idaho, I was pretty proud of myself to take on that stuff and be picked to perform,” says Shirlee. “But what I actually found was the women’s rugby team.” In addition to discovering a new passion and developing a new set of skills, she also found she had to explain her rugby bruises to her fellow dancers, and her ballet classes to her rugby teammates.

Emmy shows off a delicious array of pastries, all of which are freshly baked specifically for the coffee shop. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle

While the physical demands of playing rugby are obvious enough, Shirlee also found a different source of a different kind of strength that could serve her through the rest of her life. “I learned a lot about what women could do. I’m really weird where I’m from, and when I moved here, I found out that it was fine to be a strong, feminine woman, and to do all those different things. I was greatly blessed to meet all those women and be guided by them.”

After paying her way through two years at Western, Shirlee decided to move to Boise, to take advantage of in-state tuition rates. And she also saved money by cooking for herself, a simple decision that would affect her life’s trajectory. “I started making cookies, and they were awful. So, I started making better ones. Then I moved to my mom’s in Southern California and went to culinary school and started making desserts and waiting tables at a couple of fancy restaurants.”

The new location, in downtown Bellingham, has resurrected the very same espresso machine that gave the beloved Black Drop Coffeehouse its start. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle

She brought her new skillset with her when she returned to Western to finish her bachelor’s degree and worked at a now-defunct downtown eatery called Chiribin’s. Her connections there led her to jobs at current downtown staples D’Anna’s and Avenue Bread. “I started baking at Avenue when it was just the downtown location, and we made everything by hand and from scratch, on site,” she says. “Hundreds of croissants, thousands of scones — I worked 40 hours a week for them while I finished my bachelors in 2004.”

And rather than celebrating by taking a break from all the hard work, Shirlee decided to strike out again. She spent some time travelling around the world before settling in Ashland, Oregon, to run what she describes as a fancy cheese shop. But Bellingham beckoned again, and Shirlee began to notice a pattern. “I decided to move back up here because I always landed here better than I left,” she says. “And I feel like each one of those jobs was pivotal and taught me how I want to run a business — and how I don’t want to run a business.”

In addition to hard work and smart decisions, Shirlee attributes her success to the support she’s received from her network of friends. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle

When she returned, Mike Waters, owner of the Senate Smoke Shop, and Mo Green, who worked the counter for him, were able to help Shirlee put her ideas to use. “I signed a lease for my first brick-and-mortar shop the day after I heard about it, because Mo and Mike vouched for me,” Shirlee says. “It opened August 31st of 2015, and we’ve been open seven days a week ever since.”

Since opening Shirlee Bird Cafe, Shirlee has survived a global pandemic and overcome a terrible broken ankle that plagued her for 18 months. It was baking on crutches that finally taught her to truly rely on her employees. “My employees have blown me away since the day I could afford to have one, and that’s still true today,” she says.

Shirlee Jones has distilled her experiences in life — including travel, learning new skills, and working for others — into a business model that keeps her and her employees happy and successful. Photo credit: Pat Beggan / www.patbeggan.com

With years of success at her own business — and some help behind the counter — Shirlee was recently presented with a business opportunity she says she literally could not refuse. “I’m real picky about who I do business with, but the building is owned by DVSAS,” Shirlee says, referring to Bellingham’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services nonprofit. “The tenants I’m leasing from moved here the same year I did, and have just been devoted, bad-ass Bellingham women this whole time. We have similar inspirations and memories.”

The deal also involves Shirlee taking over a very special piece of equipment that has been in the building since the former tenants left. “There are legacy pieces of the Black Drop that Bellingham needs, and the espresso machine I have now used to be theirs. It was one of the last built in Seattle and it was the one that first opened the Black Drop. It’s unbelievable,” says Shirlee. The new location is open downtown from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday; hours for the original Fairhaven cafe are daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If there’s something driving Shirlee to preserve her love of this community, it’s probably because the love of this community is what has preserved her. “None of this could have happened without the community around me,” she says. “I survived on the kindness of my community for years before the general populace found me. My cafe was completely built by friends and love and teamwork.”

Featured photo by Pat Beggan / www.patbeggan.com

Take a Day Trip and Explore Wildlife at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

By

Molly Walsh

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Billy-Frank-Jr-Wildlife-Refuge-Nisqually-Estuary-Boardwalk — A visit to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge can make a great trip for those looking to learn more about the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Photo credit: Molly Walsh

Home to many species of bird, mammal, reptile and other wildlife of the Pacific Northwest, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is open to the public for activities like nature walks, bird watching and educational opportunities. Because of its central location in the South Sound region, the refuge is an ideal day trip destination for out-of-town visitors and local residents.

The refuge was officially formed in 1974 to prevent industrial development on the land and to safeguard the unique landscapes and habitats that are key for many of the region’s migratory bird species.

The Norm Dicks Visitor Center can be a helpful starting point for a Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge visit, containing a gift shop and a team of volunteers who can help visitors to learn more about the refuge and the wildlife that visitors may view during their stay. Photo credit: Molly Walsh

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge visitors can take in sights and sounds of the Nisqually River Delta from the marked trails and boardwalks. They will experience diverse landscapes including freshwater marshland, forest and grassland, and may see some of the 250 species of wildlife that call the refuge home. Visitors may be able to spot different types of birds depending on the time of year, including herons, woodpeckers, sparrows, hawks and bald eagles.

Outdoor Day Trip in the South Puget Sound Region

Activities permitted within the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge varies from that of a state or national park. In a park setting, there may be space for recreation, meal preparation, sporting events or bonfires. At the refuge, though, the primary focus is to maintain wildlife habitat while educating the general public about the local environment.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge visitors are welcome to take a nature walk, explore the refuge trails and boardwalks, observe landscapes and wildlife, photograph, and engage with educational programs hosted by the refuge. Photo credit: Molly Walsh

Certain policies have been put in place to ensure safety and security for wildlife and the refuge grounds. There are no bonfires, camping or pets allowed at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, although certified service dogs are allowed. Julia Pinnix, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge visitor services manager, says that potential visitors may want to stop by the Thurston County-based Tolmie State Park if they are looking for an outdoor recreation space that is more pet friendly.

“The refuge here is different from a park of that nature because here, the wildlife are the thing that we’re most interested in protecting,” explains Pinnix. “People can come in here to have the experience of seeing wildlife and in order to make that experience as good as possible and to protect the wildlife that’s here, we don’t allow pets.”

The refuge is a treat for lovers of nature, bird watchers, wildlife photographers and those looking to learn more about the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.

Notable Spots at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge contains several different landscapes, landmarks and trails that showcase the beauty of the natural area and history of the refuge’s land. Although no bikes or motorized vehicles are allowed on refuge trails, both strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

Open year-round, visitors to the Nisqually Refuge may be able to view different species or certain changes to the landscape depending on the time of year. Photo credit: Molly Walsh

“Most of our trails are really accessible,” says Pinnix. They’re intended to be level and flat and wide so that people can get around. So, it’s actually a really great place to come for folks who have wheelchairs or folks who have any kind of mobility impairment. A lot of our trail system is actually boardwalk with a big handrail on it, so people can get a little extra support as you’re going around.”

When heading down certain portions of the Twin Barnes Loop Trail, towering white barn buildings begin to appear in the distance. The Twin Barns are a remnant from the land’s agricultural past.

After visiting the Twin Barns, the Nisqually Estuary Trail connects the Twin Barns Loop to the refuge’s Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk. A trip on the Nisqually Estuary Trail may be ideal for bird watchers and photographers, as they can find clear views of both wetlands and the river estuary.

The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge may be especially exciting for lovers of nature, bird watchers and those who enjoy wildlife photography. Photo credit: Molly Walsh

The Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk is perhaps one of the most notable spots on the refuge. Depending on the time of year, the boardwalk features possible views of mountain ranges, the river estuary, wetlands, marshland and the Puget Sound. Observation decks located throughout the boardwalk may offer enhanced views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Norm Dicks Visitor Center can be a helpful starting point to search for wildlife from the center’s observation deck. The visitor center also contains a gift shop and a team of volunteers who can help visitors to learn more about the refuge and the wildlife that may be found on the grounds.

A visit to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge can make a great trip for those looking to learn more about the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Photo credit: Molly Walsh

“Our volunteers are such an important part of how we serve the public,” says Pinnix. “So, if folks are visiting here and they see someone wearing a blue outfit with a volunteer patch, they know that that’s somebody that they can go and talk to. That they can ask questions from. And those folks will be very happy to help them.”

Guided Walks at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

For those hoping to get a more solid education about the refuge, there are a range of guided walks available to visitors in the spring and summer months. These walks are led by a ranger or knowledgeable volunteer and may vary in subject matter from refuge habitats, to history of the refuge grounds. Bird watching enthusiasts also have the opportunity to take part in volunteer birding groups that help to observe the different species that reside in the refuge.

To learn more about the refuge, hours or activities allowed on the grounds, visit the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge website.

Area Teens Work Together to Educate About Composting as a Climate Solution

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Submitted by Youth for the Environment and People (YEP), written by Addison Felty, Arden Trachta-Magruder, Kirra Horton, and Megan Jewell

We are Youth for the Environment and People (YEP!) — a cohort of teens from throughout Skagit County working to complete a climate action project. Our project involves improving food composting at Sedro-Woolley High School and educating about the importance of composting. We are writing to share how food waste contributes to climate change and how composting can limit the negative impacts.

Food waste is a big contributor to climate change. When people waste food, those food scraps usually end up in landfills, where they start to release a gas called methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas, meaning it contributes to climate change by making the earth hotter in the same way that a greenhouse stays hot.

The student leaders are helping educate others about the importance of composting (left to right): *Kirra Horton* from Mount Vernon High School, *Arden Trachta-Magruder* from Sedro-Woolley High School, Addie Felty also from Sedro-Woolley High School, and *Megan Jewell from Burlington-Edison High School*. Photo courtesy Youth for the Environment and People

A large percentage of food waste occurs in the home, at around 37%. When food is wasted, not only are we wasting the food itself but we are also wasting what it took for the food to get there. This includes transportation, packaging, processing, fertilizer, and storage, along with the energy and water it takes to grow. All of these additional parts of the process create greenhouse gas emissions, as well.

One way to lower the impact of the food waste we create is to compost it. Composting is the process of turning organic matter (like food scraps and yard waste) into a fertilizer. Composting significantly lowers the amount of greenhouse gasses our food waste creates compared to the amount it would create if it ended up in a landfill. The resulting fertilizer created from composting has the added benefit of being usable in many different ways. While compost doesn’t solve the problem of food waste, it is surely a better way to dispose of our food waste than just tossing it out.

Photo courtesy Youth for the Environment and People

Getting started with composting is actually really simple! You’ll want to begin by storing food scraps in a closed but well-ventilated container. Next, choose a place outdoors for your compost (if you plan to use it) and empty your container there. Make sure the area you choose is protected from animals (such as bears) that you don’t want attracted to your yard. Lastly, simply let the mix and scraps decompose, aerating it by turning it with a shovel every once in a while.

So, what can go into your compost mix? Any number of food scraps can go into the compost, including fruits, vegetables, eggshells, teabags, coffee grounds, uncoated paper products, and yard waste. The only organic materials you should not put in the compost are diseased plants, pet wastes, yard trimmings with chemicals or pesticides, coal, or black walnut tree clippings. Non-organic materials such as plastic or foil should never be put in the compost.

What to do with the compost once it has decomposed into a fertilizer? There are many different ways to use your DIY compost: You can use it as mulch in gardens, add it to potting soil, distribute it on lawns, feed it to potted plants, and add it to soil around trees. These are just a few ways to return the nutrients back to the earth and reduce the impact your food waste has on climate change.

YEP! is a program designed by RE Sources in Bellingham and co-run by North Cascades Institute in Sedro-Woolley.

Whatcom County High School Football Playoff Round-Up

By

Matt Benoit

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Lynden celebrates championship win — Photo credit: Randy Small Photography

Another exciting season of Washington state high school football wrapped up the weekend of December 2 and 3, with state titlists crowned in all classes.

Whatcom County teams were well-represented during the state tournament that began November 11, with four — Lynden, Nooksack Valley, Ferndale and Mount Baker — undertaking championship runs that had vastly different outcomes.

Here’s a brief summary of how each fared:

Ferndale Golden Eagles

The Golden Eagles finished atop the WIAA’s 3A Wesco North League standings with an undefeated league record of 6-0, and an overall record of 6-2.

The team officially reached the State 3A Tournament on November 4, with a 35-14 dismantling of the Seattle Prep Panthers at Civic Stadium.

Photo credit: David Willoughby for VNNPhotos.com

Opening tournament play as the No. 7 seed, Ferndale scored 30 unanswered points against No. 10-ranked Kelso High School on November 11 at Civic, handily defeating the Hilanders 44-14.

Although the Golden Eagles reached quarterfinals for the first time since 2017, they found a much tougher opponent in the No. 2-seeded Eastside Catholic Crusaders. Playing at Seattle Memorial Stadium on November 19, Ferndale was outscored 21-6 in the game’s second half to lose by a final score of 35-18.

The Golden Eagles finished their season with a 9-3 overall record.

Lynden Lions

Showing their 2021 title was no fluke, the Lynden Lions captured their second-straight 2A state title on December 3, beating the North Kitsap Vikings 31-24 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.

The Lions finished the regular season undefeated at 9-0, and atop the WIAA Northwest League 2A standings at 7-0. Entering the state tournament with the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage at Civic, Lynden dominated its early opponents.

The team crushed the Black Hills Wolves 54-7 in the opening round, and eliminated the Highline Pirates 42-13 in the quarterfinals. The Lions beat the No.4-ranked Enumclaw Hornets in the semi-finals to meet North Kitsap for the state championship.

The two teams were tied at 24 until the game’s final minute, when quarterback Brant Heppner’s 1-yard touchdown run put the team ahead, giving Lynden its 10^th state title overall and completing a perfect 13-0 season.

The Lions have not lost a football game since September 10, 2021 — a streak of 24 straight wins.

Nooksack Valley Pioneers

The Pioneers made an impressive run through the State 1A playoffs, making it all the way to the semifinals.

The team began their season with five straight wins before ultimately finishing with a 7-2 overall record. Ranked third in the 1A Northwest League standings behind Mount Baker and Lynden Christian, respectively, the latter team was knocked from the playoffs in a Kansas City tiebreaker despite an 8-1 record.

Nooksack entered the state tournament as the No. 3 seed and beat the No. 14-seeded Riverside Rams, 37-13. In the quarterfinals, the team dispatched the No. 11 Cashmere Bulldogs by a final score of 34-24.

That set up an all-Whatcom County semifinal matchup against the Mount Baker Mountaineers on November 26 at Civic. A defensive battle led to a low-scoring affair, with Mount Baker emerging victorious by a final score of 14-13 after blocking the Pioneers’ attempt at a game-winning field goal in the final seconds.

Nooksack Valley finished their season 9-3 overall.

Mount Baker Mountaineers

In one of the more improbable title runs in recent memory, the Mount Baker Mountaineers emerged from the No. 10 seed in the State 1A playoffs to almost win it all.

The team began their season at 1-2, and found themselves 3-4 by mid-October. The Mountaineers reeled off three straight league wins to finish atop the 1A Northwest standings at 4-1, despite an overall record of 6-4.

The team knocked Lynden Christian from the state tournament with a 6-0 win over Nooksack Valley on November 3, and began their title hunt on the road against the Tenino Beavers the following weekend. Winning 37-26, Mount Baker moved on to the No. 2-seeded Lakeside Eagles — an undefeated team that had won all but one game by double-digit margins.

The Mountaineers defeated the Eagles, 35-20, just outside of Spokane, earning them a date at Civic Stadium with county rival Nooksack Valley. Emerging the winner there by a single point, the Mountaineers moved on to their first state title game since 2013.

The team would face the No. 1-seeded Royal Knights on December 3 at Lakewood’s Harry E. Lang Stadium, and despite a valiant effort that kept the score close into the fourth quarter, the Mountaineers ultimately lost 35-20.

While Royal clinched its third-consecutive state title and sixth in the last seven postseason tournaments, the Mountaineers ended their stellar comeback campaign at 9-5 overall.

Featured photo by Randy Small Photography;
all other photos by David Willoughby for VNNPhotos.com

Northwest Tune-Up Festival Returns to Bellingham July 14-16, 2023

By

LocalTalk Contributor

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Screen Shot 2020-02-27 at 1.03.05 PM — Photo courtesy: Northwest Tune-Up

Submitted by Northwest Tune-Up

The Northwest Tune-Up, the Pacific Northwest’s premier bikes, music and beer festival, will return to beautiful Bellingham on July 14-16. With all the ingredients to make 2023 even more epic than the festival’s inaugural year, this two-and-a-half-day, family friendly event will feature a greater variety of bike competitions, more spectator-friendly events, and another all-time lineup of world-class bands. This year, the music will play deeper into the night, long past the stunning sunsets that backdrop the festival grounds along the shores of Bellingham Bay.

Nestled in the northwest corner of Washington state, Bellingham has grown into a cultural hotspot of the West Coast. Known for its easy access to the Cascade Mountains, unparalleled trail networks and recreational opportunities, the town has flourished with a passionate community on the forefront of mountain biking, craft brewing, music and art. The Tune-Up is focused on bringing those cultures together in one epicenter to celebrate and promote a healthy future in and around the outdoors.

Bellingham’s Waterfront District will again serve as the main hub of the event, hosting bike competitions, mountain and urban bike demos, clinics, kids activities, art vendors, an exhibitor village, beer tasting, and, of course, the main stage featuring world-famous bands. Regular shuttles will transport riders and their bikes to the trails of nearby Galbraith & Chuckanut Mountains for demos, clinics and racing. The action-packed festival has something for everyone.

Hunter Motto, head of music for the Crocodile in Seattle, is once again at the helm of music curation. As last year’s mastermind, he brought Grammy award-winning artists to the stage. This year, he’s designing another exceptional roster of world-renowned musical acts.

“Last year the evenings came absolutely alive with an amazing array of musicians, thanks to Hunter’s dedication and experience with artists and bands. We had Chali 2na and Cut Chemist, the Allah Las, Devotchka, The Dip and PJ Morton. Just an incredible lineup of diversity that offered pure excitement. Hunter is already hard at work for 2023, and we’re excited to announce our artist lineup over the coming months,” said Eric Brown, Tune-Up event director.

Born of a community-building ethos with a dedication to protecting our environment, the Tune-Up is partnering with local nonprofit Sustainable Connections to create an environmentally responsible event, identifying alternatives for power, waste and water to reduce impact as much as possible. With attendees expected from both near and far in 2023, the festival is poised to become the Northwest’s legendary summertime event, a true community-first celebration.

Get our biggest ticket discounts starting January 7 with our presale 3-day festival passes, just $100 for a limited time! Find more details on nwtuneup.com, or stay up to date with our Facebook and Instagram: @nwtuneup.

The Northwest Tune-Up is part of Bellingham’s signature event program in partnership with the City of Bellingham and Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, aimed to encourage commerce, maximize national and regional exposure, enhance the existing quality of life for residents, and help build a legacy for recreation in the Whatcom County.

The Curated Home Offers Thoughtfully Chosen Materials And Design Help For Homeowners

By

Kelley White

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Bryan-Ogle-The-Curated-Home-Bellingham-Washington — The Curated Home's philosophy is the name: selection, organization, and presentation using professional or expert knowledge. Photo courtesy: The Curated Home

“It’s who we are and what we believe that sets us apart from other people,” says business owner Bryan Ogle. His customer service philosophy, layered in artistic expression, beats at the heart of The Curated Home, a fledgling flooring and design company in Bellingham. Though they are new, they are mighty — and gaining traction. Ogle sat down to share his story and highlight The Curated Home’s specialized services.

Products are carefully selected with Pacific Northwest clientele in mind. Photo courtesy: The Curated Home

“I was the general manager of another flooring store that I ran for three years, and then left in January,” Ogle says. Together with a group of people he’d hired throughout his tenure in the industry, Ogle created The Curated Home with a more unique approach to the business: his scope for exceptional design and service.

“Our customer service is the definition of curated — which is carefully chosen and thoughtfully organized, presented professionally — it’s our motto,” says Ogle.

When you walk into their showroom, you are graced with an artful assemblage of products they believe in, chosen with their clientele in mind. “Our products are all of better quality and they’re all modern in taste and design,” Ogle says. “We have a wall that’s done in different textures of paint, stripes of satin and flat, the carpet is laid out in a herringbone pattern. All done to inspire creative design. The idea is if you just want some quick carpet, great, but if you want someone to help you design your home that might include art or different techniques, we display that so you can see examples which also include window treatments.”

Owner Bryan Ogle has used every part of his showroom to display the sorts of choices his clients have when working on their homes. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle

Ogle displays the work of his husband, well-known PNW photographer Rakan Alduaij, on the walls of the showroom to demonstrate the complementary nature of their products with art. Many of The Curated Home’s clientele are established homeowners with collections and décor they’ve invested in, making the marriage of art and home design an important element of choice.

Starting with a client’s needs, designers suggest choices that make the most sense in each client’s space. “I have a wonderful designer, Denise Reimink who has over 20 years of experience in design, which includes kitchens and bathrooms,” says Ogle. “A lot of people have an understanding of what they want but there are many varying degrees in quality of which people may not be aware.” Lifestyles factor into your home with variables like kids, pets, and more. The Curated Home helps guide you through selections that fit both necessity and desire.

The Curated Home’s showroom is a collection of product examples presented with style to help the client better understand what looks good and what they like best. Photo courtesy: The Curated Home

When starting an improvement project, big box stores can be tempting, but there are plenty of drawbacks to consider. More often than not, customers are lost in a sea of choices. “Tile, for example, can be overwhelming,” Ogle says. “By narrowing this down into items that are appropriate for our area, that helps with choice. For example, major brands sell carpet nationwide and, as a retailer, [one] might buy a couple of racks from them that are full of carpet no one on the west coast is ever going to buy. We don’t have any of that; we weeded all of that out.”

Despite their status as new kid on the block, The Curated Home makes a big impact through their quality and breadth of expertise. On their website, you’ll find a comprehensive range of services, from carpet binding and home design to kitchen and bathroom remodeling. “We offer professional installation, and all of our subcontractors are vetted and well-qualified – they know what they’re doing,” says Ogle. “Most of our business has been, so far, a bathroom or kitchen remodel.”

Samples on hand represent the best of what’s available, but cost-effective and practical examples are in stock, as well. The Curated Home

If you live in one of the many aging but beautiful homes in the area and would rather focus on maintenance or restoration, there are plenty of services to choose from.

“From my point of view, restoration might be refinishing or sanding a floor, which we definitely do,” Ogle says. “If you’ve got beautiful fir floors you want resurfaced, we’re happy to provide that service. You don’t necessarily have to buy something new from us because there are a lot of old homes in this area with a lot of character.”

With a focus on niche design and selective products, The Curated Home generally caters to higher-end clientele, but a specific section of the market has been a great source of business as well.

The Curated Home’s philosophy is the name: selection, organization, and presentation using professional or expert knowledge. Photo courtesy: The Curated Home

“There are a lot of small property managers who have properties they need to quickly turnover, and I have the ability to do that for them,” says Ogle. “One of the things that’s starting to take off that I didn’t expect is window treatments. We carry a line called MHZ, which is a German brand. They’re designed for European windows but are becoming a trend in building here — they’re very customizable, modern, and beautiful.”

Despite their success, The Curated Home has faced singular challenges mostly due to big box competition and lack of foot traffic. Even so, there is a silver lining to these obstacles. “The largest challenge I’ve had to overcome is getting people to find us, as we are a destination store,” Ogle says. “But if you’ve managed to get to me, you’re serious about one of the services we provide, and we treat you as such.”

Amidst their first year of trials and triumphs, the future for The Curated Home is bright and one to watch. “There’s nothing exciting about flooring, but in these times where we currently find ourselves it’s a very expensive investment in your home,” says Ogle. “I want to create a place where people are comfortable to shop and where they feel they’re being provided a value for the services and materials we provide. As how we live at home changes, having a comfortable space is important.”

The Curated Home
3161 Mercer Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, Washington
360.543.4625
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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