We all know it’s important to be physically active. Exercise
helps us stay healthy, prepares us for our daily movements, and allows us to
perform our best in our next competition. But having to find the time,
motivation, and place to exercise can be discouraging; it’s easy to push it to
the side and say it will happen tomorrow. Bellingham Training and Tennis Club
has solutions for all your mental obstacles, so you’re excited to get that
workout in today rather than putting it off until tomorrow.
Bellingham Training and Tennis Club is not your typical gym. It’s
a club where a community of people gather to focus on health, fitness, and
playing tennis — while also having a blast. To add to the community’s options,
the team in Fairhaven has added classes that increase the ways people can get
in and get fit.
“Don’t sit at home alone on your Peloton; come into the gym — it’s a full body workout and a full social workout.” Photo courtesy Bellingham Training and Tennis Club
“People are excited to get back into the gym and having fun with
their friends in these types of class environments,” says Doug Robertson,
co-owner and general manager of the club. “We have this demand from our
members, and we think additional members will want to join and get into it. There’s
really some pent-up demand to get back into the gym and enjoy group classes.”
Robertson, who has been the general manager since the beginning
of the year — taking over from his wife and co-owner, Robin Robertson, so she could
focus on teaching classes and her healthy knees program — felt now was the time
to expand their offerings. While you’ll still see familiar faces around the gym
and have the opportunity to take your favorite classes, BTTC has added both new
trainers and classes. Like always, the trainers have an educational background
in fitness and certificates in personal training. The new classes are ride power,
ride energy, and HIIT 45.
BTTC is all about an environment where people want to be, where people can gather and get fit at the same time. Photo courtesy Bellingham Training and Tennis Club
“Robin’s built up our cycle training format over 20 years, which
we’re going to keep,” Robertson says. “We’re adding a Ride Power and a Ride Energy
class.” The Ride Power is a 60-minute class focused on both medium- and high-cadence
training to increase the cyclist’s power, which is done through heart rate
monitor and watt equivalent on the bicycle. The other cycle class is Ride Energy,
a 45-minute session. “And that’s come on in, turn up the music, have fun, and
get out as much energy as you can in 45 minutes.”
The HIIT class being added is a high-intensity interval training
class. This session creates a social environment where people exercise together
quickly, moving between different stations and working out in bursts. While the
point is to provide a great workout to help the community’s fitness level, it’s
also about getting in there and having a good time, which is in line with what
the club is all about. It’s all about having an environment where people want
to be, where people can gather and get fit at the same time.
BTTC is a club where a community of people gather to focus on health, fitness, and playing tennis — while also having a blast. Photo courtesy Bellingham Training and Tennis Club
“It’s not the ’80s with Jane Fonda leggings, but it is back to come back and have fun at the Club. It’s going to be a great place to get fit and have fun,” Robertson says. “Don’t sit at home alone on your Peloton; come into the gym — it’s a full body workout and a full social workout.”
These new classes, along BTTC’s existing classes like TRX, body conditioning,
cardio tennis, performance, and slow flow yoga, are designed to work with an
individual’s overall fitness goals. Classes and individual personal training
are there not just to help with that specific exercise but to build on a
person’s overall level of fitness and performance level. The variation of
classes allows for people of all ages and abilities to get in and improve where
they feel necessary, often using one type of exercise to improve another.
There are a variety of ways to get involved with the club and new classes. You can register for fitness classes online at www.bttc.fit, by using their app, or call 360.733.5050. The club is open daily for classes, tennis, and open gym time and is located at 800 McKenzie Avenue in Fairhaven.
Photo courtesy Bellingham Training and Tennis Club
Whatcom Council on Aging hosts events such as Senior Day in the Park — shown here at Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale — is an annual event that features a cookout and vendor fair attended by businesses and nonprofits that appeal to seniors. Photo courtesy Whatcom Council on Aging
In any community, senior citizens benefit from the support of community centers. Whatcom Council on Aging connects our county’s seniors with activities and resources near them.
Whatcom Council on Aging has a long history. “We’ve been around for close to 50 years,” says Executive Director Chris Orr. “The Council on Aging helped work with the county to build all the senior centers around the county early on in its history and helped develop some of the first affordable housing for seniors in the community. We’ve always been advocates on behalf of seniors.”
The
Senior Center provides a wide range of recreational and exercise programs.
“Some of our most popular programs are fitness programs,” Orr says. “We have a fitness center with a great circuit of weight equipment and cardio equipment, and there’s an orientation that members can go through to learn how to use that equipment.”
Bellingham Senior Activity Center’s fitness programs are among its most popular offerings. Photo courtesy Whatcom Council on Aging
The
Senior Center’s fitness classes include yoga, strength training, and Zumba
alongside walking, hiking, and cycling groups. Seniors may take dancing
classes, including English country dancing and traditional ballroom dancing.
The Senior Center also offers live music performances, computer classes, and
fine arts.
“There are a lot of recreational or crafting programs,” says Orr. “Woodcarvers, painting, drawing, quilting, rug hooking, you name it. People can just come and explore and try new things.”
Bellingham Senior Activity Center has multiple longstanding hiking groups that go on treks throughout the county. Photo courtesy Whatcom Council on Aging
Senior
Center members have historically contributed most of its programming.
“If anyone has an activity that we don’t have and they bring it to our attention, we’re really good at trying to rally people around coming together and forming small groups,” Orr says. “And most of the programming we have was started by members or volunteers that had a passion for it and wanted to share that passion with others.”
Meals
on Wheels and Bellingham at Home
Meals
on Wheels and More provides members with nutritious hot meals onsite and by
delivery. Homebound seniors often enjoy friendly conversations with their
delivery drivers.
“That social connection is really important,” says Orr. “And even in the drive-up meals that we do, like in Bellingham, we set our whole parking lot up like a waiting line for the ferry docks, and people will show up half an hour early. They don’t need to, because the lines go really quick, but a lot of them come because they want to socialize with people while they’re waiting for the drive-in meals.”
Whatcom Council on Aging relies on volunteer support for its Meals on Wheels kitchens and delivery driving. Their website provides more information to sign up for volunteer work. Photo courtesy Whatcom Council on Aging
Over
the years, the program has expanded to include both standard and vegetarian menu
options for various dietary needs.
Bellingham at Home also serves homebound seniors. “It’s a village concept, so that is almost 97 percent volunteer-run,” Orr says. Most volunteers are fellow seniors helping each other to stay well and active at home.
“They provide rides or transportation to the grocery store or to doctor’s appointments, things like that,” says Orr. “There can be some basic help with projects around the home — not major handyman stuff, but changing lightbulbs, simple things that a senior might not be able to do. The biggest goal is helping people stay in their homes as long as possible and just getting some extra help and support.”
Bellingham at Home has a volunteer office where members can request or provide support. “It’s really cool how seniors are supporting seniors to stay active and stay home,” Orr says.
Community
Outreach
Whatcom
Council on Aging partners with organizations such as Aging Well Whatcom and senior centers in Blaine, Lynden,
Ferndale, Point Roberts, Sumas, and Everson.
“It’s
just neat having communities come together to think about how we take care of
seniors in this community,” says Orr.
Whatcom Council on Aging hosts events such as Senior Day in the Park — shown here at Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale — is an annual event that features a cookout and vendor fair attended by businesses and nonprofits that appeal to seniors. Photo courtesy Whatcom Council on Aging
The Council’s
support has grown rapidly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many
community members recognize the need for social connection and wellness at every
age.
“I think it’s the opportunity to engage seniors in the community,” Orr says. “These are people that have a lot of life experience and work experience, and they have time and capacity because most of them are retired now. Some people think of seniors as a burden, but there’s this great community of people here in Whatcom County that can also be given great work and give back as well.”
Whatcom Council on Aging frequently invites partner organizations in the community to its social events. Through them, seniors may volunteer at organizations such as the Whatcom Humane Society. Photo courtesy Whatcom Council on Aging
The council plans to expand its public outreach to help seniors navigate living needs such as healthcare and housing. “We’re really trying to grow how we help connect resources for seniors all around Whatcom County,” says Orr.
With community support, Whatcom Council on Aging will continue to serve many generations to come.
The
Floating Lantern Pet Memorial at Bloedel Donovan Park is returning on Sunday,
Sept. 12. The event starts at 6 p.m. and features memorial lanterns set afloat
on Lake Whatcom at dusk and takes place on National Pet Memorial Day.
“This
event has struck a chord with pet owners in the community,” said Bobbie Ruth
Langley, organizer of the event and owner of Bellingham business Radiant Heart
After-Care for Pets. “It’s a tangible, meaningful way for grieving pet parents
to express their love for a deceased pet and be with other people who are
feeling the same way.”
2022 is a special year for the event.
Since its beginning in 2015, Radiant Heat has wanted to make this event one
that financially benefits a local pet charity. “Until this year, we have needed
lantern reservation fees to help off-set the cost of creating the reusable
lanterns,” Langley said. “2022 will be the first year that Radiant Heart will
donate 100% of lantern reservation fees to the Whatcom Humane Society.”
Participants
reserve a lantern, which they can then decorate prior to the event with their
pet’s name, image or other remembrance. The day of the event, the decorated
lantern top is affixed to the lantern base and participants walk along a
lighted path to the release point on the beach. The path will be lit by
luminarias and flanked by several hand-bell ringers – light and sound will
guide participants to the beach.
Those
wishing to participate can learn more and pre-order a lantern by visiting
www.radiant-heart.net/floating-lantern. People are also welcome to attend the
event without floating a lantern.
Radiant
Heart After-Care for Pets was founded in 2013. It is Whatcom County’s sole
pet-only funeral home and on-site cremation service, offering both traditional
fire cremation and eco-friendly water cremation. It is located at 801 W.
Orchard Drive, Suite 3, Bellingham.
WCLS’s fourth annual Read & Share features Bellingham author Clyde W. Ford’s award-winning memoir, Think Black. It is a vivid portrayal of the intersection between technology and race and the tension between a trailblazing father and rebellious son. Borrow the book or eAudiobook from the library. Then register for Oct. 8-Nov. 10 online author events, including book discussions and writing workshops at wcls.org/readandshare.
This year’s Read & Share program, Ford says, lends itself to tough discussions about race and the extent to which technology dominates our lives. Think Black won the 2021 Washington State Book Award for creative nonfiction.
Ford, who has lived in Bellingham for 33 years and has written 14 books of fiction and non-fiction, is looking forward to discussing Think Black with his neighbors. “Talking about hard topics, considering them together, helps us move forward as a society,” he says. “It is like a thread that connects people when you are reading and focusing on something similar.” Listen to an interview with Clyde Ford in our latest podcast episode at wcls.org/podcast.
Read & Share Events – Space is limited. Registration required at wcls.org/readandshare. A link will be emailed to registered guests prior to the event.
Author Events — ONLINE
Adult Writing Workshop with Clyde Ford Clyde Ford is the author of 14 works of fiction and nonfiction. In this workshop, the author shares tips to inspire your writing practice and to craft stories that will engage people. Saturday, Oct. 8 1:00 PM-2:00 PM?
Think Black Book Talk with Clyde Ford The Bellingham-based author vividly describes the journey of researching and writing his award-winning memoir. In her review of Think Black, librarian and noted book critic Nancy Pearl said: “Using the experiences of both his father and himself, (Ford) frames the story of race in America over the last 70 years. Audience questions are welcome. Thursday, October 20 ? 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Magical Mystery Tour with Clyde Ford The author shares how he became a writer. This inspiring session is ideal for anyone fascinated by the creative process. Thursday, October 27 ? 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Of Blood and Sweat Book Talk Ford’s latest book, Of Blood and Sweat: Black Lives and the Making of White Power and Wealth, was published to acclaim in April 2022. In her review of the book, WCLS Collection Librarian Mary Kinser writes: “Ford meshes his storytelling talents with his skills as a historian, tracing the ways in which Black labor built the very structures and systems on which our nation rests.” Saturday, Nov. 5 ? 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Clyde Ford Creative Writing Program with Teens (Grades 6-12) Teen writers, join us for a special hour with author Clyde Ford. He will share insights about writing and publishing and will answer your questions about becoming a published author.? “I am interested in helping people find their voice in the written word. Finding themselves in finding their voice,” Ford says. Thursday, Nov. 10 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Think Black Book Discussions – Open to all. Registration required, wcls.org/readandshare Discuss the Read & Share book with neighbors and library staff. Author will not attend.
Books and Bites Book Club Friday, Sept. 16 1:00 PM-2:30 PM Blaine Library and Online
Foothills Book Club Tuesday, Sept. 20 7:00 PM-8:15 PM Deming Library and Online
A handful of NFL players and coaches have emerged from Whatcom County over the years. Photo credit: Dave Adamson, courtesy of Unsplash
Over the years, a handful of NFL players have heralded from Whatcom County. Some won Super Bowls, while others endured journeyman careers in the football world. Here’s a look at some of the NFL talent to emerge from our area.
Taylor
Rapp
Rapp — a 2016 Sehome High School graduate — is a safety for
the Los Angeles Rams, with 41 NFL games and counting under his belt.
After playing for three seasons at the University of
Washington, Rapp was taken in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In 2021,
he started all 17 games and made four interceptions, along with 94 tackles, six
pass deflections and 1.5 sacks.
Tyler Rapp graduated from Sehome High School in 2016 and began playing for the Los Angeles Rams after three seasons at the University of Washington. Photo courtesy Los Angeles Rams
Rapp’s terrific season culminated in a Super Bowl ring in
February 2022, when the Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI. After
the game, Rapp proposed
to high school sweetheart Dani Johnson.
Doug
Pederson
The 1986 Ferndale High School grad has two Super Bowl rings —
one apiece as a player and coach.
Pederson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with
the Miami Dolphins in 1991. He endured multiple cuts and re-signings over five
years with Miami and appeared in just seven games — all in 1993. In 1992 and
1995, he spent time in the World League of American Football (WLAF) and was
drafted by the Carolina Panthers in a 1995 expansion draft before being cut.
Ferndale’s Doug Pederson led the Philadelphia Eagles to an NFL title in Super Bowl LII as a head coach. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Pederson became the Green Bay Packers’ third-string
quarterback in 1995, picking up a Super Bowl ring in 1997 when the Packers
defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.
Pederson was promoted to backup quarterback and primary placekick holder in
1998 before becoming starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999.
He made just nine starts, with eight more the following
season for the Cleveland Browns. He returned to Green Bay in 2001 for four more
seasons as placekick holder and backup to Brett Favre, replacing Matt
Hasselbeck.
As a player, Pederson participated in 100 NFL games, throwing
for 2,762 yards with 12 touchdowns, 19 interceptions, and a 54.8 completion
percentage. After retiring, he became a high school football coach before
returning to the Eagles as an offensive coach in 2009.
After serving as Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator
from 2013 to 2015, Pederson became the Eagles’ head coach in 2016. His five
seasons there resulted in a 42-37 record, highlighted by Philly’s Super Bowl LII win over
the Patriots. Who could forget the Philly Special?
Pederson is currently head coach of the Jacksonville
Jaguars.
Jake
Locker
The 2006 Ferndale High School grad mesmerized
as a Golden
Eagles and Washington Huskies quarterback before being drafted 8th
in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.
Signed by the Tennessee Titans, Locker served as Matt
Hasselbeck’s backup for a year before assuming starting duties in 2012. Despite
great promise, Locker’s time in Tennessee was marred by injuries. He started 11
games in 2012, just 7 in 2013, and 5 in 2014 — his final season.
Jake Locker, a state title-winning Ferndale High School quarterback, played in NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons
The Titans declined a fifth-year option on Locker, and he
retired in March 2015. In total he played 30 NFL games, throwing for 4,967
yards with 27 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 57.5.
Today, Locker resides in Ferndale with his wife and
children, and co-owns Locker Room
Fitness with fellow NFL alum Michael Koenen.
Michael
Koenen
A 2000 Ferndale High School grad, Koenen was an all-star
punter and placekicker for the now-defunct Western Washington University
football program. In 2005, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted
free agent and became the team’s starting punter.
Koenen appeared in all 16 games, and even kicked a 58-yard
field goal in a game against the New England Patriots. In a 2006 preseason
game, he punted, kicked-off and made four field goals — all from 40 yards or
more.
Michael Koenen, another Ferndale High grad, played 10 NFL seasons as a punter between 2005 and 2014. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Koenen spent six years with Atlanta and is probably best known
for having a punt blocked
by Saints safety Steve Gleason in the first post-Hurricane Katrina game at
the New Orleans Superdome. In 2011, Koenen signed with the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers, where he spent four seasons.
Appearing in 160 NFL games, Koenen recorded 748 punts for
31,964 yards. He made two regular season field goals, both from more than 50
yards, and had a punting average of 42.7 yards. He currently lives in Whatcom
County with his wife and children.
Tom
Ackerman
A 1991 Nooksack Valley High School graduate, Ackerman
played college football at Eastern
Washington University before being selected 145th overall in the
1996 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Ackerman spent six years with New Orleans as a special
teams player and offensive lineman in both starting and backup capacities. In
2002, he signed with the Tennessee Titans and played in 11 games before
becoming a full-time backup for the team in 2003.
In total, Ackerman played in 105 NFL games, starting 21.
After his playing career, he served as an offensive lineman coach at Eastern,
and also helped coach the now-defunct Spokane Shock, an arena football team.
Anthony
Newman
The Bellingham-born Newman was drafted by the Toronto Blue
Jays while still a high school senior in Beaverton, Oregon. Instead of entering
the majors, Newman chose football at the University of Oregon.
Trading cards of Bellingham-born Anthony Newman — who played in 178 NFL games — can be found for sale online.
Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round (35th
overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft, Newman played as a defensive back and safety
for the team from 1988 to 1994. He spent 1995 to 1997 with New Orleans and
played his final two seasons with the Oakland Raiders.
Newman played in 178 NFL games, recording 21 interceptions
for 256 yards and a touchdown. After retiring, Newman worked as a commentator
for Oregon Sports Network coverage of Ducks football, and also served as a
defensive coordinator for two high schools in Portland. He also operates Anthony Newman Sports Camps, a
series of seasonal youth athletic camps.
Steve
Alvord
The 1983 Bellingham High School grad was an all-star
athlete who was voted Washington State Lineman of the Year in 1982.
After playing at the University of Washington, Alvord was
taken by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 9th round of the 1987 NFL
draft. A defensive tackle, he played in 27 games between 1987 and 1988 — the
Cardinals’ last season in St. Louis and first in Phoenix.
After his NFL career, Alvord played two seasons (1991 to
1992) as a defensive end for Spain’s Barcelona Dragons in the WLAF. In 2018, he
returned to his high school alma mater for induction into the school’s athletic
hall of fame.
Don
Warren
The Bellingham-born Warren grew up in California and played
football at San Diego State. Drafted in the fourth round of the 1979 NFL Draft
by the Washington Redskins, Warren became a tight end known primarily for this
blocking.
Between 1979 and 1992, he played in 193 NFL games,
recording 244 receptions for 2,536 yards and 7 touchdowns. From 1981 to 89, he didn’t
miss a regular season start.
Trading cards of Don Warren, a Bellingham-born tight end who won three Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins, can also be found for sale online.
Warren was an original member of “The Hogs,” the nickname of
Washington’s stellar offensive line during its heyday under head coach Joe
Gibbs. He started on four Super Bowls teams (1983, 1984, 1988, 1992), collected
three rings, and played in two of them (Super Bowl XXII and Super Bowl XVII).
After retiring, Warren became a high school baseball and
football coach before returning to the Redskins as a scout from 2005 to 2009. He
spent another 10 years as a scout with the Carolina Panthers before three more
years as senior scout with the Washington Commanders.
Warren officially retired from the NFL in June 2022.
Bec Detrich took over leadership of the North Cascades Institute from Saul Weisberg, the beloved founder and original executive director. Photo courtesy of North Cascades Institute
Those who lead extraordinary lives make the biggest difference
if they are willing to share their experiences. Rebecca ‘Bec’ Detrich, executive
director at North Cascades Institute, sat down with WhatcomTalk to humbly
recount her story leading up to becoming the second individual in the history
of the institute to hold her job title.
Nestled in breathtaking North Cascades National Park, North
Cascades Institute is a haven for environmental education and outdoor
excursions. “We do programs up in the North Cascades National Park, but we also
partner with the forest service and do a lot of activities throughout Whatcom
County,” says Detrich, who has been with the organization for a year. “Our
learning center is beautiful.”
Founder and former Executive Director Saul Weisberg found
his successor in Bec Detrich as she sought her next great adventure. “Saul
Weisberg was the founder of the organization and had been there for over 35
years,” Detrich says. “He built something so incredible but was ready to retire,
so I’m now the second executive director to serve the organization.” She
stepped into the roll in May 2021, part time, and had a two-month overlap with
Saul before fully taking over in July of 2021.
Before North Cascades Institute, Detrich lived in beautiful
and diverse communities, leading to an active and meaningful career path. What
began as a desire to study in Africa became a life of stewardship and education
as Detrich traveled around the world, working in both foreign and domestic landscapes,
and connecting people to nature all over the globe.
Located in the gorgeous and wild North Cascades National Park, North Cascades Institute is right in the heart of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Photo courtesy of North Cascades Institute
“Probably way back in
university, I started with a dual biology and art degree from Willamette University
in Oregon, but I really wanted to study in Africa and I couldn’t with a biology
degree, so I switched to environmental science — mostly because I could go
study elephants in Tanzania,” says Detrich. “It was phenomenal; it incorporated
a mix of science and the human components of politics and economics with how
things interact. I did my senior thesis on the grey wolf reintroduction, which
was just starting to happen at that time.”
After university, Detrich
thought her career would begin in wildlife ecology, but a series of
circumstances changed her direction. “I had applied for a role helping to do group research up
in Alaska and was not given the job — the reason being there was no housing for
women,” says Detrich. “When I questioned that, the narrative changed and the
official response was that I had no large mammal experience, but of course I
studied African elephants in Tanzania. The timing didn’t line up and it
completely changed the trajectory of what I was doing.”
The North Cascades Institute has many programs throughout the year for youth, encouraging an immersion into the beautiful landscape of the national park and Whatcom County. Photo courtesy of North Cascades Institute
A friend of Detrich’s had
grown up in Central Valley, California, and convinced her to apply for an
internship at an outdoor educational facility called Scicon. “I ended up getting the job, going, and
absolutely loving it,” Detrich says. “I went from doing hard science to
environmental education. From there I ended up going to eight or nine different
environmental learning centers throughout the west coast and east coast — doing
some things in Maine as well as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and spending a
year in the Royal National Park in Australia doing outdoor adventure and
education pieces.”
When Detrich left
Australia, she came back to the United States to Catalina Island, where she
engaged in marine science education for kids. From Catalina Island, Detrich
worked for the Nature Bridge in Yosemite. Then, she moved on to run an
environmental education program and high ropes course in Sonoma County before
taking a brief break from environmental education.
“I became the executive director
of a bike-based program that did mountain bike activities with kids, but I
really missed environmental education and connecting all sorts of people to the
natural world,” she says. “I missed helping kids feel engaged and inspired
while fostering an understanding of nature. I turned to getting back into the
more traditional environmental educational field.”
North Cascades Institute inspires camaraderie among those willing to learn more, preserve the environment, and “unplug” from life for fulfilling adventures. Photo courtesy of North Cascades Institute
Wanting to spend more time
with family and friends here in Washington, Detrich applied to the North
Cascades Institute at the insistence of several people in her life. After a six-month
hiring process, Detrich was selected to continue Saul Weisberg’s work at the
Institute. “There is a throughline in all of my work for getting kids — and all
sorts of people — in the outdoors, in their bodies, moving, and learning in a
really hands-on experiential way about science, ecology, and the natural world.”
These days you can find her
working hard to help run a partnership with Seattle City Light and the Parks
Service on a hydropower relicensing program involving dams in Skagit. “Coming
in during this huge process has taken up a large component of my time,” says
Detrich. “I’m doing a lot with finance and the partnership along with other
administrative aspects tied to the relicensing.”
Bec Detrich took over leadership of the North Cascades Institute from Saul Weisberg, the beloved founder and original executive director. Photo courtesy of North Cascades Institute
Aside from the relicensing project, Detrich makes sure to trek out to the Learning Center as often as possible. “I get up to the learning center and the park usually about every week or so,” she says. “One of our programs, Youth Leadership Adventures, is a nine-day backpacking and canoeing program where kids who have never had backpacking experience, and are largely low income BIPOC students, focus on climate change and climate leadership. We recently had a chance to hear all their wonderful stories from their trip up in the national park and it’s moments like those that make my job rewarding and meaningful, actually seeing firsthand the impact of all of the administrative work that allows these programs to run.”
Detrich leaves us with one very important challenge. “A big word for everyone: unplug,” she says. “Go up to the National Park, go out to the forest, come out for basecamp, go canoeing on Diablo Lake with us. The moments of joy and connection happen when we are reminded of the beauty, the purpose, and the magnificence of everything around us.”
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) is experimenting with a new way for local agencies to work together to improve transportation access. Called the Transit Access Fund, it is intended to expand our transportation network by improving access to bus stops throughout Whatcom County.
Many WTA bus stops lack safe and accessible pathways to nearby residences, businesses, medical facilities, social services, recreational sites, and other destinations. The Transit Access Fund would provide financial assistance for infrastructure projects located within a quarter mile of a WTA bus stop. Eligible infrastructure projects include sidewalks, intersection improvements, mid-block crossings, curb cuts, sidewalk ramps, shared use paths, pedestrian crossing signals, bicycle parking, and pedestrian lighting.
The Transit Access Fund intends to improve access to bus stops throughout Whatcom County. Photo courtesy Whatcom Transportation Authority
Bellingham City Council Member and WTA Board Chair Michael Lilliquist said, “The Transit Access Fund is a great way to address some of the missing links in our transportation network. By working with community partners, we benefit from their ideas and efforts, and we increase the reach and value of existing public transportation throughout Whatcom County. Everyone wins.”
Applicants must be government organizations serving Whatcom County. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022. Potential applicants can learn more by contacting Michael Harpool at michaelh@ridwta.com or 360-788-9312.
WTA provides fixed route, paratransit, rural dial-a-ride, and vanpool service in Whatcom County, Washington. Our mission is to enhance our community by delivering safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service. For route and schedule information, call (360) 676-7433 or visit www.ridewta.com.
Legendary area coach and former Bells pitching coach Jim Clem has been named the Bellingham Bells manager for the 2023 season.
Clem spent 11 seasons with the Bells, serving as the team’s pitching coach and recruiting coordinator from 2011–2021 before stepping away to take the 2022 season off to spend more time with family.
“We are so happy that the stars aligned for Coach Clem to return to the Bells as our head coach,” Bells general manager Stephanie Morrell said. “Jim has been a huge part of the Bells’ success for many years and a beloved and valued member of our Bells family. He’s worked hard to build our program to where it is today, working hand in hand with the front office, ownership and coaching staff.”
Courtesy Bellingham Bells
During his tenure with the Bells, Clem’s pitching staffs were consistently among the league’s best. Two pitchers who were part of Clem’s staffs, Seth Martinez (2014) and Eric Chavarria (2021) were named West Coast League Pitcher of the Year. The Bells qualified for the post-season six of the 11 seasons Coach Clem was part of the Bells and won the WCL title in 2014.
“It’s an honor to be back in uniform with the Bells and I thank them for the opportunity,” Clem said. “Once you’ve been in the organization, you realize that it’s the people that make it such a special place. From the top on down, everyone works so hard to provide a great experience for the players and the fans. It’s fun to be part of that! I look forward to doing all that I can to help the front office, the coaches, and the players, reach the goals that they have in mind.”
Clem has been long known in the area as a legendary coach, having had success at various levels of the game and a long, successful tenure as the head coach at Burlington-Edison High School. He has been named to multiple hall-of-fames, including the WIAA Coaches Hall of Fame, the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Central Washington University Athletics Hall of Fame.
“For me, it’s about mentoring, teaching, and helping others to realize their true and limitless potential,” Clem said. “To help everyone see that together we all achieve more. That’s when it really becomes fun! l look at things from a perspective that I’m here to guide the process that will help us all to be the best versions of ourselves. Work hard, compete hard, have a great attitude, and always be a great teammate. A positive thinker believes anything is possible!”
As manager, Clem will oversee the team’s day to day operations and oversee the coaching staff. He will also continue to help recruit the Bells roster as he had done for the eleven seasons prior.
“I love the game and sharing it with others! I enjoy the challenges it provides and how it tests you on a daily basis,” Clem said. “I can’t wait to get started! Go Bells!”
With electrification on the horizon, many cities — including Bellingham — are buzzing with all the ways to “go green” as a homeowner. From new homes equipped with solar panels and energy-efficient heat pumps, to upgrading existing gas water heaters to electric on-demand units, there are many ways to contribute to this new movement.
Photo courtesy Barron Heating
One big leap we’re seeing is the switch from gas to electric cars. And with high prices at the gas pump, it’s no wonder. Gasoline can cost drivers double or more per year compared to a similar vehicle fueled by electricity — or an “eGallon” — a concept created by the Energy Department to help drivers understand the cost of driving an electric vehicle. According to (energy.gov), “if gasoline costs $3.60 a gallon and the eGallon price for your state is $1.20, that means that for $1.20 worth of electricity you can drive the same distance as you would for $3.60 worth of gasoline.” Want to look a little deeper? This EV Calculator takes your unique input, from miles driven to price per gallon, and compares it to the average cost per kilowatt hour in our state — instant results for savings you can see.
If
you’re considering an electric vehicle, or have already made the switch, a
vital part of owning one is having a proper means of charging it. While a basic
wall-charging package will come with your vehicle, an easily accessible
electric vehicle charging station (or EV charger) is a much more sophisticated
and effective option. With a 240-volt, 40-amp circuit, an EV charger is specifically
designed to charge your vehicle fast, without overheating your car’s
battery. The most powerful options can fully charge your vehicle in just 10 to
30 minutes and give you 250 or more miles per charge for ultimate flexibility.
Photo courtesy Barron Heating
As powerful
as they are convenient, it’s important to work with a professional you can
trust to install an EV charger at your home. And the experienced electricians
at Barron Heating AC
Electrical & Plumbing are
just that. The Barron Electrical team will assess the electrical panel in
your home to see if it can support the capacity of a charging station and help
you find an ideal location for the charger. You can be confident that both your
house and vehicle will be taken care of and kept to code with your safety in
mind.
The reliability of electricity can be an area of apprehension for some, especially as the seasons change. Having a dead car battery if the power goes out during a winter storm is a real concern, but one that can be easily avoided. A Barron WholeHome™ generator is a perfect pairing for an EV charger, as it provides emergency backup power to keep your home’s lights, heat, water, refrigerator, and yes—electric vehicle charger on, no matter what the weather brings. Can you imagine trying to choose between your refrigerator, car, or heater on a cold winter night? Unlike more inexpensive portable units, WholeHome™ generators can support your entire house, not just a couple of appliances. Automatically powering on and off as needed, all of your property’s systems will be safely and seamlessly powered and supported, regardless of the time of day or if you are away from your home.
Photo courtesy Barron Heating
So, turn off the weather report this fall and relax! With a self-sufficient home, your family will be prepared regardless of price surges at the gas pump or storms that take out the grid. If going electric is right for you, we’d love to help make it happen—call our certified electricians at Barron Electrical to have a powerful electric vehicle charger installed at your home. And ask how you can save up to $1,000 on a WholeHome™ generator! Our team of experts are ready to help. As your Pacific Northwest home and building performance experts since 1972, we stand by Our Mission: Improving Lives™.’
Ann Marie Cooper (pictured) has contributed several of Good Earth Pottery’s works, including animal-themed ceramic arts. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
On the corner of Fairhaven’s Harris Avenue and 10th Street,
the display window of Good Earth Pottery
features rotating clayware and lettering by Lively Signs. In the over 50 years this
gallery has occupied Morgan Block, a circa 1890 brick building sporting a faded
advertisement, it has shaped and molded Fairhaven’s artistic scene.
“It’s been here since 1969,” says Ann Marie Cooper, Good Earth
Pottery’s current owner and a contributor since 2009. “It started out as a
hippie cooperative studio space, and then became a privatized gallery over time,
and it’s had different owners throughout the years.”
At the height of Fairhaven’s hippie era, Good Earth Pottery shared one of the only buildings that developers could not buy, with the original Bellingham Food Co-Op and Northwest Passage. Over the decades, various owners have expanded the store to feature local artistry, national pottery events, and e-commerce.
Remaining on the same corner in historic Fairhaven for more than 50 years, Good Earth Pottery was one of the originators of Fairhaven’s modern artistic scene. Photo courtesy Ann Marie Cooper
“We specialize in local artists, so most of our artists
live within a 100-mile radius of Bellingham, mostly here in Whatcom County,” Cooper
says. “And it’s all ceramics, all handmade, and curated, so we seek people out
or sometimes they seek us out, and we decide whether they’re the right fit. But
I also have national shows a few times a year, just to spice it up a little
bit.”
Ceramics in the Brick-and-Mortar Store
Walking into Good Earth Pottery, visitors are greeted by
ornate pots and ceramic arts lining every shelf along the muraled walls.
Good Earth Pottery’s selection includes pots, dishes, vases, décor, tiles, and wearables. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
“We have over 40 artists in here,” says Cooper. “Locally
prominent ones: Chris Moench who makes
the prayer wheels, he’s extremely well-known… Larry Richmond… and I’ve been partnering
with Simon Levin, who’s a
world-renowned woodfire potter with his Clay
Cohorts program. We’ve been doing shows together, starting this year; we
did one and we’ll be doing that annually.”
Every month, Good Earth Pottery’s window displays feature
works from a single artist or from national juried shows with themes such as
animal art and woodfired ceramics. “I really enjoy giving all these artists
their opportunity to get their work out there and connect with the community,”
Cooper says.
Additionally, Cooper donates portions of the store’s
proceeds to various charitable organizations every month.
Whether made for functional or decorative use, Good Earth Pottery’s items feature intricate designs and careful craftsmanship. Photo courtesy Ann Marie Cooper
“We do have a second sale every year, which everyone looks
forward to as part of the Ski to Sea festival,” says Cooper. “January is a big
event — that’s where we do our fundraiser for Maple Alley Inn. [It’s] a National
Cup Show and Invitational Cup Show, but we sell a lot of cups and donate 5% of
all cup sales to Maple Alley Inn, so it’s a good community fundraiser.”
Ceramics in Cyberspace
Customers can now shop online for Good Earth Pottery items
through its online gallery.
The ecommerce page is divided between types of ceramic items and artists.
“During COVID, I really launched the online side of things,
and that’s kind of what saved us,” Cooper says. “On the website, we have just a
sampling of what’s available here in the brick-and-mortar space, but we try to
have a good representation of all of our artists.”
Owner Ann Marie Cooper (left) and featured artist Sarah Bak (right) stand outside the display window with a sign by local painter Ben Lively of Lively Signs. Photo courtesy Ann Marie Cooper
The website also features up-to-date information on artists,
features, juried shows, and events, to which potters and ceramic artists can
apply on the call for entries
page. The local
resources for clay folk page connects artists with classes, studios, tools,
and organizations in and outside the Whatcom County community — the network of
makers that has kept Good Earth Pottery thriving.
“People love it,” says Cooper. “We were very supported
during COVID — people really stepped up to make sure we kept going. People like
the fact that there is such a community connection, with so many of our artists
living here right here in town; they can run into them and get to know them.”
Firing Up the Clay Community
Like a pottery wheel, the store looks to keep turning.
“My plans are to keep going and see what I can do,” Cooper
says. “I’m bringing in new artists on a regular basis. I’m going to have more
juried shows, more guest artists, just for a little added spice here and there.
But just keep going, keep doing everything I can for our local clay people.”
Ann Marie Cooper has contributed several of Good Earth Pottery’s works, including animal-themed ceramic arts. Photo credit: Anna Diehl
Good Earth Pottery continues to accept entries from local ceramic
artists.
“I think that it’s had a really strong impact on the
community,” says Cooper. “I feel honored to be at the reins now — I mean, it’s
been here since 1969 and it created a lot of the ceramic artists we have in the
community today, and it inspires more and more people to become ceramic
artists.”
Learn more about Good Earth Pottery by visiting their Facebook and Instagram pages or by signing up for their newsletter. The gallery
on 1000 Harris Avenue is open daily at variable business hours, which are
posted on their website.
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...
