Our membership is
composed of volunteers who have found in Assistance League of Bellingham, an
organization that nurtures their talents, teaches new skills, and opens the
door for friendships. Above all, taking care of others is the most rewarding
gift of taking care of yourself.
With the election
of new or continuing officers, it was important to reflect on the past year and
how COVID, like many organizations, affected our organization.
We had to close our
Thrift &
Gift Shop for several months, and then limit the reopening to
just three days a week. This resulted in a substantial reduction of one of our
major sources of income.
On a positive note,
expectation met reality in that during our 40 years of service, the foundation
of our philanthropic programs is firmly entrenched in our organization and
community. During this past year, the creativity and hard work of our members
introduced a new program, Books and
Beyond.
In June of 2022, at
the beginning of our new fiscal year, we were revitalized and optimistic that
our services and our thrift store would be able to meet our goals of serving
the Whatcom County community.
Reality hobbled our
expectations — COVID was not through with us yet. In July 2022, due to several
of our members contracting COVID, the decision was made to temporarily close
our store. The well-being of our members and our customers was our major
concern. The reality is again not only the present threat of COVID but the loss
of revenue.
We are a creative,
tenacious organization. We adapted to reality:
The Fall Fashion Event has been moved to Spring 2023.
Our volunteer members are busy in
their homes making wonderful gifts for our November 5thYule Boutique.
Our Operation School Bell® program is on schedule and previously
funded.
Our many other community programs continue to operate
as allowed by the availability of our members.
Beyond the
successful offering of our programs through this period is the reality that
nothing remains static. The strength of our organization grounded in its
mission, the generous community donors and the commitment of our volunteers
will allow us to adjust when necessary.
We thank the
community for their support and look forward to the coming months ahead.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center’s newly expanded Cardiovascular Imaging Center opened on Monday, Aug. 22. The center is located in the Marble Building at 2980 Squalicum Parkway, Suite 219 on the ground floor.
The new 10,000 square foot Cardiovascular Imaging Center will include:
Five vascular ultrasound rooms, an increase from three previously
Six echo labs, an increase from four
A Cardiovascular Recovery and Procedure Unit where outpatient non-invasive cardiovascular procedures can be performed, including Transesophageal Echocardiograms (TEE), cardioversions, and loop recorders
Expanded nuclear medicine camera capabilities, including faster scan times to serve more patients per day, and the ability to move other non-cardiac outpatient studies from the hospital to this new imaging center
Yvonne Braun, left, was excited to be the first person to use the new facility and its technology for her lower leg exam. Photo credit: Jerry Marschke, executive director of cardiovascular services at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
Regionally, the new Cardiovascular Imaging Center is unique because it combines several cardiovascular technologies and outpatient procedures in one convenient location for patients. More than new equipment, this center will mean substantially more access to critical cardiovascular diagnostic services for our community, leading to improved overall heart care.
For some, allergies come around each year like clockwork.
Endless sniffles, itchiness and discomfort, scads of medicine bottles aligned
in the cabinet to alleviate symptoms — all tell-tale signs it’s allergy season.
PeaceHealth Allergy and Immunology Clinic at Cordata Main works hard to combat
these pesky pitfalls. Dr. William Anderson recently sat down with WhatcomTalk
to shine a light on immunology and allergy diagnosis and treatment, showcasing
the allergy clinic as a true powerhouse in the medical community.
Dr. William Anderson. Photo credit: Mark Turner
“We evaluate patients aged six months or even younger up to
any age for patients who have allergic concerns or symptoms,” says Dr. Anderson.
“Some people will self-refer who have pretty clear-cut allergies and would like
some information on how to best manage these allergies or confirm their suspicions
about having an allergy.” Most often, these patients present with symptoms like
sneezing, itchy eyes, a stuffed-up nose, or other chronic indicators telling
them it’s time to visit a specialist.
When patients come to the clinic for more information, the
specialists make it a priority to educate them on diagnosis and treatment of
their conditions. “We can do allergy testing; we can do scratch skin tests
where we prick the skin and wait 15 minutes for an allergic reaction like a
hive or welt that comes up on the skin,” Dr. Anderson says. “We test for things
like the aeroallergens, dust mites, cat/dog dander, tree pollen, grass and weed
pollens, as well as mold spores. Those are the most common aeroallergens.”
The testing process is quite thorough, and allergies are
sometimes investigated through more than one avenue. “In some cases, if someone
has a negative skin test result, we’ll do a more sensitive test where we inject
a tiny drop into the skin that we call an intradermal skin test,” says Dr.
Anderson. “This may elicit a positive skin test that we might not have picked
up on with the scratch test.”
Further examination of different allergic responses can be explored
through blood testing. “Blood testing is for detecting the presence of
immunoglobulin E or IgE for short,” Dr. Anderson says. “It’s one of the four
main antibodies your immune system produces, and the one associated with
allergies. About half the population has IgE to some aeroallergen, whether it’s
dust mites or pollen, but not everybody with IgE necessarily has an allergy.”
The process of identifying allergies for any individual can
be arduous, but the answers lie in an individual’s specific characteristics and
environment. It’s important to invest your time seeking answers from
specialists. “Let’s say a primary care doctor does a blood test and elevated IgE
levels come back, some to food and some to aeroallergens,” Dr. Anderson says.
“We are best able to help that patient understand what those tests mean because
you can have a positive test and not be allergic. We have the knowledge,
experience, and expertise to sort out those questions.”
When a patient presents with chronic infections, immunology
and allergy specialists step in. “Part of our specialty is immunology,” says
Dr. Anderson. “We see patients with immune dysregulation and disfunction
generally in the context of recurrent infection. They have some defect in their
ability to mount an immune response to bacteria, most commonly, but sometimes
viruses as well.”
Specialists at the clinic also work closely with ear, nose,
and throat doctors (ENTs) as well as pulmonologists to determine the best
course of action for their shared patients.
Some of the most common allergies patients suffer from
originate from grass and tree pollen in the area, an inescapable circumstance.
“The most common allergy will be seasonal allergy, the medical term is seasonal
allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, which often involves the eyes, better known as ‘hay
fever,’” Dr. Anderson says. Tree pollens peak in March and are low in early May,
but grass pollens will start to show on pollen counters in mid-May and then
peak in early June when the cotton fluffs appear from the cottonwood trees and
persist through June to mid-July.
Sometimes the best offense is a good defense, especially
when it comes to mitigating allergy symptoms.
“It’s really helpful to know what exactly is causing allergy
symptoms because it’s best to start medications about two weeks before pollen
start to show,” says Dr. Anderson. “Our grass pollen patients should start
their medication on May 1 of every year. That can help prevent or significantly
reduce the severity of your symptoms.” Still, not all therapies are created
equal. “Antihistamine therapy alone is fine if one has mild allergy; once you
pass that mild stage into moderate or more severe, to gain control we rely on
intranasal anti-inflammatory sprays.”
No matter what your concerns or questions are as a patient,
the allergy clinic has a specialist who can provide answers. It’s important to
treat allergies, as they can negatively affect everyday life on a significant
scale. “A lot of people don’t realize how simple it is to see an allergist,”
Dr. Anderson says. “It’s not uncommon to hear a patient say they wished they’d
come here years ago.”
Make an appointment with PeaceHealth Allergy and Immunology Clinic or ask your doctor about a referral and start your journey toward relief. Visit PeaceHealth Allergy Clinic for more information.
The Columbia Neighborhood Association Board manage the Share Shack on the corner of Connecticut and Henry, promoting donations to charitable organizations. From left to right: Sean Nieves (vice president), Deborah Valentine (president), Kit Topaz (secretary), Greg Hope (treasurer). Photo credit: Kit Topaz
In a decade where the line between “online” and “off” has
blurred in our personal and professional lives, many “offline” communities are
now “on” social media platforms, such as Facebook. In Bellingham, the Columbia, Puget, Sunnyland, Lettered Streets,
and Sudden Valley neighborhoods
are among many with active Facebook pages.
Neighborhood Facebook groups caught my interest when one of
them helped my family recover some stolen items. When my mother made a post
identifying them, one neighbor responded that she had set out a free box of
dumped items she had found matching the description. With her help, we found some
of what we lost, including a coat that belonged to my late grandmother. We
returned the favor with Mallard gift
cards, reflecting how neighborhood groups help members solve problems and
socialize.
The Columbia Neighborhood group promotes discussion of local features such as conditions at Elizabeth Park (pictured) and safety on Eldridge Avenue. Photo credit: Kit Topaz
“The Facebook group started quite a while ago as a way for
the neighborhood association to reach folks and it’s grown and changed,” says Kit
Topaz, Columbia Neighborhood Association
secretary. The Columbia group is among several directly run by their neighborhood
associations.
Neighborhood groups often promote local advocacy. The Puget
group is associated with HomesNOW! Not Later,
an all-volunteer organization that runs the Swift Haven and Unity Village tiny
home communities in Civic Field and Fairhaven.
“I started that group because I was trying to get more
neighborhood involvement in general,” says Doug Gustafson, HomesNOW! chair and Puget Neighborhood Association president.
“And that’s how we’ve gotten more community engagement with previous pages — you
set up a group page, you invite people to come in from the local neighborhood,
and then they find out more about events and meetings.”
Here Posts the Neighborhood
Neighborhood group members post about all topics that
strike local interest.
“There’s a pretty wide variety: a lot of folks just want to
use the group to let people know that they’re having a garage sale, or that
their kids have a lemonade stand, or share something else going on in the
community when there are concerns that come up,” says Topaz. “There are folks
who volunteer in the community to do outreach for the homeless, and they post
about ways the community can get involved to help. So that’s the vast majority
of conversations — that, and lost cats.”
Lydia Place’s Heart House is a frequent topic of discussion in the Puget Neighborhood group. The building provides Permanent Supportive Housing apartments for mothers with children experiencing homelessness. Photo credit: Doug Gustafson
Oftentimes, groups promote community-building through
volunteer initiatives, such as Columbia Neighborhood’s Share Shack.
“There’s just a lot of sharing that happens, people wanting
to share produce and gifting items to neighbors,” Topaz says. “We allow people
to do that on the site, so I think that it lends itself to just creating a
really kind of positive neighborhood feel.”
Members typically find pages through word-of-mouth and
Facebook searches.
“Join the page if you’re from another organization that has
something else going on in the Puget neighborhood — feel free to post your
stuff on the group page,” Gustafson says. “It’s part of the Puget neighborhood;
if you have something to post or information to share, put it in there and
people will be more likely to find out about it.”
Tending to Virtual Grassroots
Neighborhood Facebook groups provide answers to questions residents
typically ask at neighborhood association meetings.
“With our second village, we’ll share posts about that
within the neighborhood group — because with homelessness, you’re obviously
dealing with a lot of stereotypes,” Gustafson says. “So, we use it as a way to
show, ‘Hey, this is what it’s really like when it’s in your neighborhood.’”
Swift Haven Tiny Home Community from HomesNOW! follows a resident-managed approach where homeless residents of the transitional housing village run and manage the site. Photo credit: Doug Gustafson
As in my experience, neighborhood groups frequently lend
support to members’ concerns.
“A number of years back, there was a community member who
was injured in an accident on Eldridge, and the community really rallied around
that individual and was able to coordinate support and care for that person,” says
Topaz.
Most groups’ policies invite neighbors to resolve conflicts
productively and share ways to make positive differences in the community.
Community-Building Exercises
Neighborhood groups continue to connect members with events
and organizations that can help them build and strengthen friendships.
“The he-said, she-said mill is pretty intense,” Gustafson
says. “People say what they’re gonna say and think what they’re gonna think,
and maybe they don’t know about the municipal codes and all those details, so
providing an avenue for information sharing is the main purpose, the main
benefit,”
Neighborhood Facebook groups encourage residents to post about everything local that interests them. Photo credit: Kit Topaz
Residents can find more ways to get involved through their neighborhood
associations.
“When our new website is complete, we’d love to drive
traffic to the website, where people can get a little more history,” says Topaz.
“We’d love to see it drive membership in the association, and volunteering in
the community at large.”
Gustafson notes that with awareness through neighborhood
pages, residents more readily understand and support projects, such as future
villages. “We just hope to improve the neighborhood, increase communication with
the general public, and make progress,” he says.
Whether through Facebook or neighborhood associations’ email
lists, neighbors have many avenues for connecting in the cyberspace of their
own backyard.
With views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the
North Cascades, the Bellingham
Bay Marathon is an iconic Pacific Northwest road race.
On September 24 and 25, the annual event and its four
categories — 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon — will once again attract
hundreds of participants from near and far. Among these are a number of local
PeaceHealth caregiver-athletes, each of whom has their own preparation,
motivation, and goals for being part of the race.
WhatcomTalk recently caught up with a few of them.
Peter
Thies, a Bellingham-based field services analyst, will be
competing in his first full marathon after running a handful of half-marathons.
Despite these prior experiences, the 32-year-old only began
his running journey two years ago. He did so to honor his grandfather, an avid
runner who died from bone cancer in 2020 at age 81. At age 79, he was still
running half-marathons.
PeaceHealth field services analyst Peter Thies, seen here atop Mount Adams, is running the Bellingham Bay Marathon in memory of his late grandfather. Photo courtesy PeaceHealth
“His perseverance was inspiring,” Thies says. “He always
would say, ‘If you ever want to figure out who you are, try to run as far as
you can.’ My goal [in running] is to push the longer mile markers to grow both
physically and mentally as a healing process.”
In preparation for the marathon, Thies is following a
strict running schedule of multiple 5Ks and tempo runs per week, plus a longer
Saturday run that increases several miles each time. On Sundays, he focuses on
recovery. His goals are straightforward: keep pace, finish and, of course, have
fun!
And like the journey of a thousand miles beginning with a
single step, the journey to becoming more active, Thies says, begins with
simply tying your shoes and walking outside.
“For me it all changed when I spent a full week of
committing to putting on my workout shoes and leaving the house,” he says. “I
didn’t exercise outside of hiking for about 10 years, and after a few simple
changes I’m now lifting or running five days a week for the last few years.”
Nichelle
Tyler, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center’s retail and
catering food service manager, will be competing in the half-marathon.
The 37-year-old has run about a half-dozen half-marathons
and can frequently be seen running either at Lake Padden or in her own backyard
(her family has access to 10 acres with a trail). Prior to having children,
Tyler would sign up for races on a monthly basis. Six years after becoming a
mother of two, she’s now trying to keep in shape while showing her kids the
health benefits of outdoor activity.
Nichelle Tyler, a food services manager at Bellingham’s PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, is seen here with her son at last year’s Bellingham Bay Marathon’s 10k. This year, she’s running the half-marathon. Photo courtesy PeaceHealth
Two years ago, Tyler competed with her then 4-year-old son
in the Fun with the Fuzz 5K, pushing him in a stroller.
“He was just so excited when he was able to get his own
medal,” she said. “I was like, ‘We finished this together.’ It was cool to see
his eyes light up.”
Whether you’re a mom trying to stay or get back in shape,
or just anyone wanting to be active, she has simple advice.
“Start small, don’t overthink the distance, trust your
body,” Tyler says of becoming more active. “Tell your mind that you CAN do
this. Find something that you enjoy because that is what you will stick to
long-term.”
Another PeaceHealth participant running their first full
marathon is Raychel Harrington, an
instrument coordinator at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center’s Sterile
Processing Department.
Harrington mostly runs trail races, but often trains on
pavement because it’s easy to access. She’s also run in several half-marathons
and 25K events, the latter of which is slightly longer than a half-marathon.
PeaceHealth’s Raychel Harrington usually runs trail races and half-marathons, but this year will compete in her first full marathon. Photo courtesy PeaceHealth
Harrington averages over 40 miles a week, running country
roads near her house. She begins each morning earlier than most, at 4:15 a.m.
Her husband bikes alongside her, which helps dampen her fears of running into a
cougar — something that actually happened to her once.
Her goals for the Bellingham Bay race are to finish without
stopping or walking, but to do so with a good pace that avoids injury.
Harrington doesn’t plan to rest on her laurels after reaching her goals,
though: the following weekend, she’ll tackle the Baker Lake 50K.
Dr.
Tyson Hawkins, meanwhile, is running his first half-marathon
in 20 years. Hawkins, a doctor of internal medicine at the PeaceHealth Cordata
clinic, describes himself as a quintessential weekend warrior, still trying to
figure out how to consistently exercise before or after work. As a result, the
42-year-old’s typical once- or twice-weekly runs occur on days named Saturday
and Sunday.
He can typically be found running the trails of Whatcom
Falls and Northridge Parks and says that the best way to become more active is
to start with small goals.
Dr. Tyson Hawkins, seen here with wife and fellow doctor Jordana Hawkins, is running his first half-marathon in 20 years. Photo courtesy PeaceHealth
“Exercise lightly one to two times per week and work your
way up,” Hawkins says. “Setting goals too high and comparing yourself to others
are recipes for disappointment and failure.”
Hawkins is getting up earlier in the morning and exercising
after he finishes work to properly train for the race. His goals are to avoid
walking and finish feeling well (in other words, avoiding any post-finish line
vomiting or dry-heaving). In addition to more frequent training, Hawkins is
adamant about frequent stretching to reduce risk of injury come race day.
Signing up for the Bellingham Bay Marathon, he says, is a
motivating factor for him to continue being active and training for something
difficult.
“I know that if I don’t train, it’s going to be much painful than any of my training leading up to it,” Hawkins says. “Accomplishing a difficult task is always rewarding. And this way, I get healthier in the process!”
Founded in 1921 as Peoples State Bank, Whatcom County’s longest running financial institution has been headquartered in Bellingham since 2008. Photo credit: Steven Arbuckle
As part of Peoples Bank’s mission to actively engage in strengthening, energizing, and supporting the local community, the company is accepting applications for its annual Impact Grant through August 31, 2022.
The Peoples Bank Impact Grant provides a maximum of $25,000 to a single organization for a specific project, use, capital expense, or identified purpose that will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the community. New this year, an additional grant of up to $10,000 will be awarded to a second nonprofit based on a public vote in September. More information about the grant, including the online application, can be found at https://www.peoplesbank-wa.com/impact-grant/.
“Giving back is a core part of being a community bank. In addition to our culture of employee volunteerism, we’re proud to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to local and regional nonprofit organizations that serve our communities,” said Lisa Hefter, Chief Operating Officer at Peoples Bank. “The Peoples Bank Impact Grant can address a significant need in the community, and we are excited to invite nonprofits to apply for these funds.”
Operating since 1921, Peoples Bank is known for its dedication to service – supporting local customers, local businesses, and the economic growth of the regions surrounded by each branch. Each year, Peoples Bank donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to local and regional nonprofit organizations providing valuable services in the arts, child and family services, education, health and social services, and civics. For more information about Peoples Bank community giving, please visit peoplesbank-wa.com/about-us/community-giving.
About Peoples Bank
Peoples Bank is a locally owned and operated, independent full-service community bank with $2.8 billion in assets. Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, Peoples Bank has served the community for over 100 years and operates 25 locations throughout Washington. Reflecting its strong financial management practices, dedicated employees, and long-standing customer relationships, Peoples Bank was awarded a superior five-star rating from BauerFinancial, a leading independent bank rating firm. Learn more about Peoples Bank at www.peoplesbank-wa.com. Member FDIC.
Decluttering your life can allow more time and more freedom to do the things you love best, with the people who matter the most. Photo courtesy John L. Scott
Homes accumulate many memories over the years, and along
with them come trinkets, sports equipment, blankets, clothes, papers, projects,
and so much more. When your kids leave the house and enter adulthood or you’d
like to simplify your life, you can take the opportunity to downsize. Real
Estate Broker Nicole Tingvall with John L. Scott recently sat down with
WhatcomTalk to illuminate the benefits of downsizing and walk through the
process for seniors in the Whatcom County community.
Tingvall uses her
experience as an interior designer to help inform her decisions as a real
estate broker. “My background is in interior design, and I
have a degree in that subject,” says Tingvall. “I worked as an interior
designer for retail furniture stores, and then I sold commercial furniture and
textiles.”
Real Estate Broker Nicole Tingvall holds a Senior Real Estate Specialist designation, allowing her to expertly serve her senior clients. Photo courtesy John L. Scott
While she enjoyed space planning and helping clients
maximize efficiency, she didn’t enjoy covering five states and being on the
road all the time, so she transitioned into real estate where she could
represent clients on a hyper-local level.
After downsizing her own home, Tingvall realized she could
help her clients successfully lighten their load and make their lives easier.
“I downsized from 2,400 square feet to 600 square feet, and
it was quite challenging,” says Tingvall. “I feel like a lot of seniors getting
ready to take that next step in life need an extra helping hand — I want to make
sure I have the resources to help those who are downsizing.”
Downsizing can be cathartic and streamline your life, allowing you to enjoy spending more time with your loved ones. Photo courtesy John L. Scott
Tingvall has a slogan: size it down and live it up. “A lot
of people want to minimize the amount of stuff they have later in life so they
can free up their time to travel and enjoy entertainment and visit family and
friends,” she says.
After three years with a Senior Real Estate Specialist
designation, Tingvall has noticed seniors economizing their lives and moving
into areas like Cordata and Bellingham where they can be closer to healthcare
clinics and facilities. “On the flip side, there are people who want to leave
Whatcom County and move to Arizona or somewhere with a warmer climate,” says
Tingvall. “I help people with selling their homes in the Bellingham area, as
well.”
Assisting seniors with
downsizing their homes presents its own unique nuances and challenges. “Usually,
adult children or even grandchildren are helping out, so there are a lot more
people to communicate with in the process,” Tingvall says. Sometimes a senior client
has dementia, or they need someone else to advocate for them. “It’s about
keeping in touch with their family, as well, in the process.”
Tingvall uses a series of
easy tips to help clients find new homes while they move through the process of
trimming their possessions. She’s also currently helping her own parents
organize and whittle down possessions. “A lot of times, the kids don’t have
space for their belongings, so finding one or two mementos that you, as a
senior, can pass down is a good idea,” says Tingvall. “Even making a digital
scrapbook can help.”
The entire process can
seem daunting, but Tingvall has tools to help every step run smoothly. She
works with Suzanne Wright of Smooth
Transitions who comes to
the home and helps people pack, get organized, figure out which items to
donate, and what to sell.
Tingvall then connects
clients with an attorney, if they need to draft something giving their children
power of attorney to handle a real estate transaction. “I help them get their
ducks in a row,” she says. “If they’re going into senior housing, I introduce
them to someone who can help them find the right place. If they’re going to
downsize in a smaller house or condo, I can help preview houses, so they aren’t
running around to 10 different properties.”
Uniquely, Tingvall can
also use her design background to help maximize desirable conditions and avoid
potential issues like hazardous flooring and hardware with diminished
accessibility.
When reaching the amazing milestone of your golden years, it’s imperative to be situated and ready to thoroughly enjoy your life with the people you love. Turn to qualified real estate brokers like Nicole Tingvall and rest assured your next home will be exactly what you need and everything you’ve wanted.
After five years of hard work and dedication, 7 Elements Wellness Spa is opening in its entirety. Photo courtesy 7 Elements Wellness Spa
After months of tireless work and preparation, 7 Elements Spa is now presenting its business in its entirety throughout a two-week grand opening celebration. Operations Manager Emma Winningham sat down with WhatcomTalk to reveal the fun themes, goodies and features they’ll highlight during their exciting upcoming event.
“We’ve been waiting to have our grand opening until each of
the rooms were done and all services were fully operating,” says Winningham. “We’re
finally at that point and the rooms are all finished, we have all the supplies
we need, our estheticians are up and running, and we have two massage
therapists ready. Everything is coming together.”
During esthetician and facial week of the grand opening, 7 Elements Wellness Spa will offer goodie bags of skincare product samples. Photo courtesy 7 Elements Wellness Spa
Rather than a one-time event, 7 Elements is celebrating the
fruits of their labor with two weeks’ worth of discounts and free product
samples.
“The two weeks coming up toward the end of August will be
themed,” says Winningham. “The first week is our massage week, so we’re going
to have free chair massages when we’re open and if someone comes in during that
week and books an appointment, they get 20% off.” All of 7 Elements’ social
media posts during that week will be about massage and its different styles and
benefits.
The second theme will revolve around facials and skincare
products. “We’re doing a similar plan for facials by our estheticians,” says
Winningham. “We’ll have product samples and people can make goodie bags. If
they want to do a quick facial cleanse and face massage, we’re doing those, as
well. Again, customers can receive 20% off facial appointments if they book
that week or they make a booking during that week.”
7 Elements Wellness Spa is located across the street from beautiful Birch Bay and encourages walk-ins. Photo courtesy 7 Elements Wellness Spa
Patrons will be able to peruse a variety of products from
the renowned IMAGE skincare line and local vendors. “The professional skincare
line that we have for our facial services is called IMAGE,” says Winningham, “We
have samples of some of the IMAGE products. We also carry some products by
Handmade La Conner — super local, organic products. We have a couple of
different cleansers, a few different moisturizers, some of their body lotions,
and an eye cream.”
IMAGE is a clean, clinically tested line of products known
for its high standards. “In 2021, IMAGE was voted a number one spa and salon
skincare brand,” says Winningham. “The company started with an aesthetician and
her partner, a plastic surgeon. They try to be very clinical with proven
ingredients and they meet all the European standards for skincare products,
which are a lot stricter than ours. They try to keep everything based on very
clinical, high-performance technologies that are clean and safe.”
Perhaps one of the most anticipated services, the Watsu Tub provides patrons with gentle relaxation while utilizing the many benefits of water therapy. Photo courtesy 7 Elements Wellness Spa
After a full five years of working toward opening the spa,
the staff at 7 Elements is elated to see the success of their business blossom.
“Starting something new has been a process,” says Winningham. “Lately, it’s
been six or seven months of minor snags, so it feels good to have finally
worked through them. We have two massage therapists now and our new therapist,
Lauren, does Lomilomi massage. Soon we’ll be able to offer microdermabrasion
facials, and we are excited to finally present the Watsu tub.”
Several promotions and offers will be implemented in tandem
with the opening, including discounted memberships. “We’ve set up a text
promotion where people can enter to win a free session,” Winningham says. “We’re
also offering half off the first month of a spa membership if they sign up
during those two weeks.”
7 Elements Wellness spa is located across the street from beautiful Birch Bay and encourages walk-ins. Photo courtesy 7 Elements Wellness Spa
Monthly memberships offer a more affordable route for
services and products. “Right now, we have two different membership levels,”
says Winningham. “The first, which we’re calling the Refresh Membership, is
$112 per month and includes 10% off one 60-minute treatment, which is normally
$125. The second level, the Revitalize Membership, is $225 a month and includes
two 60-minute treatments with a percentage off of retail.”
7 Elements looks forward to its future with the help of
their beloved clientele. “Next is figuring out different packages or bundles people
might be interested in,” says Winningham. “Now that we have the
microdermabrasion machine, it’s really common for places to start coming up
with bundles involving the service, and we’re excited to see what we figure out
according to what kind of perks people want. In the end, we’re just trying to
get the word out to our community, and we’re fully ready to showcase the spa.”
Drop in to 7 Elements Spa on 7714 Birch Bay Drive and find your next oasis of relaxation and pampering in a gorgeous community by the bay.
Imagine if your commute to work or school
could provide not only an alternative to driving but did so in a vehicle that
produced less noise and zero emissions. This is the future of transportation
that Whatcom Transportation
Authority (WTA) hopes to make a reality for all of our riders.
Whatcom Transportation Authority is excited to
announce that we have received an $8.86 million Federal grant through the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No
Emission (Low-No) Vehicle Program to purchase eight new electric
buses and related charging facilities. WTA’s competitive grant application was
one of 150 to receive funding, out of 530 eligible project proposals from
throughout the country.
Graphic courtesy Whatcom Transportation Authority
Funded by the President’s Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law, this grant is part of $1.6 billion awarded to
transit agencies across the country to invest in low- and no-emission
transportation. This year’s funding alone will nearly double the number of
no-emission buses on America’s roadways.
“When a transit door opens, whether it is a
bus, train, or ferry, it is a great equalizer for everyone in our nation,” said
FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez in a press release. “With this tremendous
amount of funding, the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law gives more
Americans access to the opportunities that transit creates, more often, in more
places. These investments also help us meet our goals of cutting transportation
emissions, creating good-paying American manufacturing jobs, and helping
America’s transit workers prepare for new vehicle technology.”
Compared to a standard diesel bus, one
electric bus will reduce harmful emissions over its 12-year life on the road by
roughly:
100,000 gallons of diesel fuel
1,100 tons of Carbon Dioxide
(direct carbon emissions)
375 pounds of Nitrogen Oxides
30 pounds of Fine Particulate
Matter
3,174 pounds of Carbon Monoxide
In 2021, WTA received its first two electric
buses, our first step towards a zero-emission fleet. An order of two more
electric buses is currently being fulfilled and will enter service in Winter
2023. WTA will receive the eight new electric buses funded by the Low-No Grant
in 2024, bringing our electric bus fleet to 12, out of a total of 62 buses.
WTA aims to convert to 100% zero-emission
vehicles no later than 2040, as highlighted in WTA’s long-range plan, WTA
2040. The three priorities of WTA 2040 include equity,
efficiency, and environment, and act as pillars for intentional growth and
planning over the next 20 years. Additionally, the long-range plan aligns with
the broader City of Bellingham Climate Protection Action Plan,
which seeks to reduce emissions within Bellingham city limits by 40% in 2030.
“This is great news for Whatcom County,”
said U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, a senior member of the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee, in a press release. “These critical resources enable
WTA to continue to expand its electric bus fleet to reduce carbon emissions and
maintenance costs while ensuring a reliable and sustainable transportation
option for all.”
Within Whatcom County, the Lummi Indian
Business Council also secured $1.87 million in Federal grant funding to build a
new operations and maintenance facility to improve connections to jobs, schools,
healthcare and off-reservation services.
WTA was supported in our grant request by:
U.S. Representatives Larsen and DelBene, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, the City of
Bellingham, Whatcom County, Whatcom Council of Governments, Western, NW Clean
Air Agency, and the Chuckanut Health Foundation.
Instructor and Artistic Director Brooke Evans demonstrates technique for her students at Opus Performing Arts. Photo credit: Gaby Cavalcanti
Established in 2013, Bellingham’s Opus Performing Arts provides high-quality dance instruction in a positive atmosphere. Brooke Evans has been its artistic director since 2015, after starting as a ballet instructor there in 2014. Brooke is responsible for curriculum development as well as the recruitment and management of Opus’ talented team of instructors and choreographers.
Opus is a dance school, rather than a dance company,” she says. “The difference being that Opus is a school that teaches students how to dance, while dance companies are comprised of paid professional dancers.”
“What makes Opus special,” Brooke continues, “is that we foster a healthy approach to dance instruction in a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment where every person feels supported. We celebrate each other as individuals while also enjoying the feeling of success by working together as an ensemble.”
In September, Opus moves from its current Holly Street location to the second floor of the Sylvia Center for the Arts building at 207 Prospect Street. Classes begin September 6 and registration is open now.
Brooke Evans is artistic director of Opus Performing Arts in Bellingham. Courtesy photo Michelle Smith Lewis
“The space we’ve been in for eight years has served us very well, but we’re growing out of it,” Brooke says. “We’ll be going from three studios to five.”
The
new space has been more than three years in the making.
“It’s
exciting to see it come to fruition after all this time. What I love most about
the space is the high ceilings and large bay windows,” she says. “Being on the
second floor will be a welcome change to Opus’ past studio in a basement.”
In the new space, Opus will expand its class offerings, including more adult classes, such as adult beginning ballet, adult tap, and adult hip hop.
Opus
owners Allan Redstone and Marie Christenson have cultivated an environment for
everyone to feel welcome. With the move, they will be able to teach even more
students, with Brooke at the helm.
Brooke’s
leadership, Allan says, has provided the opportunity for professional dance
training to hundreds of students in Bellingham since Opus’ inception. He adds
that she’s brought together a talented team of instructors and choreographers
that’s unique in Bellingham.
Brooke was nominated by Opus co-owner Allan Redstone for a 2021 Mayor’s Arts Award, which she received this past June. Photo credit: Michelle Smith Lewis
Marie says that Brooke cares deeply and sincerely about the students, which is reflected in a curriculum that teaches mastery of skills that supports each other, avoids injury, and encourages positive body image.
Brooke took her first ballet class when she was three years old. “When I think of all of the things ballet has taught me, I think beyond the superficial,” she says. “To me, it’s not about the choreography, the pointe shoes, or the tutu; ballet has taught me who I am as a person. Every time I dance, I learn more about myself.”
She has also learned the value of perseverance. “No matter how defeating life can be sometimes, you still show up and give your best.”
Kristi
Knipp’s daughter, Clara, started dancing via Zoom with Brooke in the fall of
2020. Kristi was immediately impressed with Brooke’s ability to keep 8- and 9-year-olds
engaged and progressing during such a challenging time.
“Clara
felt challenged and safe with Brooke,” says Kristi. “She learned technique and
knowledge that first year thanks to Brooke’s commitment and passion. She also
felt connected — Brooke started her classes with different questions and games
to help girls get to know each other and her.”
Stephanie Nelson’s son, who started his ballet journey at the age of three, had conflicted feelings in his early years of dance at a different school.
“On
the one hand, he loved turning, learning new choreography, entertaining an
audience,” Stephanie recalls. “And on the other, he was mistreated by his
fellow students, often completely isolated as they ignored him. This caused him
deep pain.”
Jina Thompson dances in the new space of Opus Performing Arts at the Sylvia Center for the Arts building on Prospect Street. Photo credit: Lynn Tyler King
They
searched for a new dance home and found Opus.
With Brooke’s and others’ teaching, he improved year after year and this past year — his senior year in high school and final year at Opus — completed three years as the “Nutcracker” prince/doll and received a partial merit scholarship from the Summer Dance Lab.
Meg Alexander’s “very introverted daughter” was chosen last year to be Clara in the “Nutcracker,” which became a transformative experience. “She sees herself in a new light now,” Meg says. “We can’t underestimate the importance the arts can have in kids’ lives.”
Kim
Thompson’s daughter, Jina Thompson, started dancing
four years ago and blossomed at Opus. “Brooke has been not only a great teacher,
performance director, and beautiful dancer, but also a mentor who my daughter
trusts and admires,” Kim says.
“She cares about each dancer so much and it shows in everything she does, from providing great foundational technique but challenging them in a gentle way, to taking them to fitting for pointe shoes. She builds a very healthy class and community as a whole.”
Kristine Kager’s daughter, Bailey Kager, is currently finishing
a four-week summer intensive at Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago. Bailey
graduated from Bellingham High School/Whatcom Community College in June and is
taking a gap year to explore her love of dance. Upon returning from Chicago,
Bailey will continue her “dance journey” in Israel, where she will attend a
five-month intensive with the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company.
Kristine says Brooke is a major contributing factor to Bailey’s
success.
Bailey Kager dances in the new space of Opus Performing Arts at the Sylvia Center for the Arts building on Prospect Street. Photo credit: Lynn Tyler King
Bailey began dancing with Opus at the age of nine, she says, and over the years, as her dance peers graduated and moved onto college, Brooke’s creativity and mentorship helped Bailey continue to learn and grow — not only as a dancer but as an individual.”
“The familial community she has created at Opus is deliberate yet nurturing,” Kim says. “Brooke is a true leader, and I cannot be more grateful for having her be such an integral part of our lives.”
Opus
holds two performances at Mount Baker Theatre each year. The “Nutcracker” takes
place December 14–17, and Opus’ Spring Showcase, which highlights the variety
of dance that Opus offers — contemporary, jazz, pointe, tap, and more — will be
in June 2023.
Instructor and Artistic Director Brooke Evans demonstrates technique for her students at Opus Performing Arts. Photo credit: Gaby Cavalcanti
Ian
Bivins, who will co-direct the narrative scenes in “Nutcracker,” says he
admires Brooke’s fearless advocacy for her students’ development. “Each
individual is encouraged to embrace their journey in dance with respect to
where they are in their personal growth and identity, and not with an arbitrary
image of what a dancer should be.”
He
says this approach is evident in all levels of Brooke’s work, whether the
massive effort she puts into “Nutcracker,” or making time to work with
individual students outside of regular class.
“Her craft and skill as a teacher flows through her into the next generations of dancers,” Ian says. “It is truly rare and beautiful to see.”
To learn more about Opus Performing Arts, please visit www.opusbellingham.com or call
?360-734-5300.
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...
