You Better BeLEAF It
The Opening of Quantum Leaf
Ways to Get out on the Water
As lucky as we are to live surrounded by water, it can be all too easy to forget to stop looking at it from the land and get out on/in it! Whether you prefer to visit a lake, a river, or the Puget Sound herself, summer is the perfect time to enjoy the cold, clear water our region…
Magazine Filter
A Mystifying Escape
LockBreaker Escapes
Animal Art for Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day with Whatcom Museum!
Venue With a View
The Blue Room Grand Opening
By the Numbers: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Tulip Festival
Baker’s Birthday Bash
Historic Mount Baker Theatre Turns 95
Girls Make A Scene
Make a Scene
Culture, Creativity, and Community
Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival
A New Place for Pleasure
WinkWink Gets a New Storefront
The Importance of Western’s Alma Clark Glass Hall
Alma Clark Glass Hall
Cultivating Mindfulness in Our Communities
Mindfulness Northwest
A Decade of Festivities at Hotel Bellwether
As Christmas draws closer, Hotel Bellwether is busy preparing its 10th annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event.
Art for All at Creative Hope Studios
Creative Hope Studios
Savor the San Juans Returns for Its 14th Year
It could be argued that the best way to experience a region is through its food, and there’s no shortage of local bounty in the San Juan Islands. You’re invited to indulge your senses at the 14th annual Savor the San Juans event, back in full force after going virtual in 2020.
Pumped Bellingham Makes It Easy to Shop Sustainably
Leah Foster knows firsthand that cutting down on waste can be a daunting task. Working in the airline industry made her mindful of our society’s reliance on disposables, and after becoming a mother, she noticed that her own family was going through more of everything. Household necessities such as shampoo, dish soap, and baby products are traditionally sold in plastic. However, finding sustainable alternatives proved challenging.
Creative Rebellion on Commercial Street
Artist collective formed in 2020 provides space and community for all
Imbibing Italian-Style at Bar Cicotti
Visitors can now top off their visit to the Whatcom Museum with an Italian-style beverage at Bar Cicotti.
The Way Station
Care through Collaboration
Bellingham Farmers Market Unveils New Mural
New Farmers Market Mural
New Wednesday Bellingham Farmers Market at Historic Waterfront
The Bellingham Farmers Market (BFM) is kicking off the summer with a brand-new market located in the historic waterfront district.
Bellingham Resident Named WA’s New Poet Laureate
Bellingham resident Rena Priest was recently named the 6th Poet Laureate of Washington State.
Birch Bay Drive Construction Nears Completion
Residents of Birch Bay can soon look forward to a construction-free drive along Birch Bay Drive. The shoreline that runs parallel to the road has…
Mount Baker Theatre Plans Its Reopening
Despite the hiatus, MBT is gearing up for their eventual reopening.
Keeping It Casual
Bellingham Local Opens Rotisserie Food Truck at K2
Picture Perfect
A New Studio Offers Opportunities for Bellingham Creatives
Tiny Desks, Huge Impact
As 11,907 K-12 students in Bellingham grind away at their studies this school year, some have a harder time than others when it comes to finding a comfortable workplace at home. Shawn Serdahl of A1DesignBuild in Bellingham recognized this issue…
Tony’s Coffee wins 2021 Macro Roaster of the Year
Bellingham’s own Tony’s Coffee has been awarded Macro Roaster of the Year for 2021 by Roast coffee magazine in their November/December issue.
New Climbing Gym Set to Arrive in 2022
Chalkboard climbing gym plans to open doors in 2022, joining Vital as a space where climbers can train, socialize, and practice their sport.
Brews on the Beach
If you’re looking to enjoy a cold one on the beach, head to Blaine’s newest beachfront brewpub, Beach Cat Brewing.
Saving Your Smile During COVID-19
Suffering from a case of “mask mouth?” The stress of 2020 may have taken a toll on your oral hygiene, here’s a guide on how to save your smile during COVID-19.
Welcome BECU to the Neighborhood
On September 16, Whatcom County celebrated the opening of its first BECU Neighborhood Financial Center (NFC).
Twin Sisters Creamery Named Number One Cheese Shop in Washington
Ferndale’s own Twin Sisters Creamery has been named the best cheese shop in Washington by Taste of Home magazine.
Welcome to Cordata Park
Say hello to Bellingham’s newest park and playground.
Bellingham Alive Goes International
Whatcom Community College is bringing Bellingham Alive across the globe.
Lighthouse Mission Finds a New Temporary Home
The Lighthouse Mission Base Camp re-locates to the Bellingham Public Market.
Need a safe day trip? Check out the Farm Stand Loop.
Sustainable Connections is inviting the community to explore farm fresh flavors and experiences with the Local Farm Stand Loop.
A Quarantine to Remember
Peoples’ Perspectives: COVID 19 in Whatcom County
The Buzz Around Town
Asian giant hornets arrive in Whatcom County.
Say Aloha to a New Urban Village
The Bellingham Housing Authority continues to develop the former site of the Aloha Motel
Who Knew? 4/20 Edition
Weed lovers: It’s your special day! If you’re celebrating 4/20 today, have you ever wonder how this number got a “higher” meaning?
A Tulip Legacy Continues Under New Ownership
Tulip Town welcomes new owners, and new tulips.
Galloway’s Emerges Victorious at Bellingham Cocktail Week
Allison Sutherland from Galloway’s Cocktail Bar dominates during Bellingham’s Cocktail Week.
Bringing Access to Art
Whatcom Museum is introducing new accessibility initiatives for people with sensory processing disorders, dementia, and memory loss.
Worth Every Penny
The next time you find yourself at Leader Block Wine Co. & Eatery in Ferndale, prepare for a shiny surprise. In January, the restaurant installed a coin floor made from more than 41,000 pennies.
Desert Dreaming
The Seattle Mariners head to spring training to begin the 2020 season.
A Place to Play
Since 2008, the Bellingham Circus Guild has bolstered the circus arts and performers of Whatcom County—offering one-of-a-kind shows, classes, and events.
Bellingham’s Only Happy Meower
Having successfully opened its first location in Captiol Hill, NEKO—a cat cafe—will soon be opening a Bellingham location at 1130 Cornwall Avenue.
Big Move for Tiny Homes
Over the summer, HomesNow! Not Later—a nonprofit that provides safe, temporary housing—received a permit allowing them to operate in Fairhaven.
Shaping Clay & Community
Heather Hitts opened Burnish Clay Studio last February on North State Street, joining Bellingham’s vibrant clay community.
Leader Block Leads in Wine
On July 3, Leader Block Wine Co. & Eatery in Ferndale announced some big news: It has received an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.
Brewing Pink
Bellingham has launched it’s own chapter of The Pink Boots Society (PBS)—a nonprofit aimed at helping women brewers find a seat at the industry table.
New Beer in Town
Family-run brewery, Stemma Brewing Co., opened its doors in June—a long-time dream for owners Jason Harper and Kimberley Harper.
Tiny Hands at Work
Tiny Onion Cooking School, founded by Annalee Dunn, offers classes that aim to introduce food and nutrition to children in a fun, engaging way.
Not in Vain
Bellingham’s newest hair salon, Vanity Hair Studio opened on May 28 of 2019—the second location of the popular Seattle salon.
Kids Take the Stage at Mount Baker Theatre
Mount Baker Theatre welcomes 180 kids aged 7–18 to their stage this month for three separate week-long theater camps hosted by Missoula Children’s Theatre.
Oh, Deer!
Karen Chapman’s new book helps those looking to plant a beautiful fence-free garden, without attracting hungry, roaming deer.
Local Scholarship Foundation Sets Students Up for Success
The Mount Baker Scholarship Foundation endowment has reached $2.8 million, continuing to support graduating seniors of Mount Baker Senior High School.
After Store Fire, A New Home
Animals rescued from a fire at Hohl Feed and Seed by the Bellingham Fire Department, now find new homes through the Whatcom Humane Society.
Maybe, A Moose
Allegiant Air is now offering direct flights between Bellingham International Airpport and Anchorage, Alaska. Pack your bags and look for moose!
A History of Tulips in the Valley
A look at the history behind the beautiful Skagit Valley Tulip Festival shows a vibrant Dutch background. Visit Tulip Town and RoozenGaarde this April!
Chrysalis Inn & Spa Gets Fresh Update
The Chrysalis Inn & Spa is getting an update. Renovations will stay aligned with the original look created by architect Betty Blount of Zena Design Group.
WECU Gets Fresh Look
Whatcom Educational Credit Union is rebranding their organization to become simply WECU. Jennifer Kutcher is the CEO and Keith Mader is a program manager.
Latitude Kitchen and Bar
Jeff Holmes, owner of the Loft, has a second location on Sunset Drive, The Latitude Kitchen and Bar. Steven Engels is the executive chef.
Sweet Move
Owned by Kevin Buck, Chocolate Necessities changed locations last fall and now has two stores where you can enjoy artisan chocolate, gelato, wine and beer.
Simplify Your Space in 2019
Professional organizer Monika Kristofferson of Efficient Organization gives you some hints to help simplify your space and clear the clutter this new year.
What the Heck is a Drink Called Shrub?
Josh and Tomo Kramer are the founders of Cascade Shrub Farm, bringing you a healthy, refreshing, locally infused cocktail and soda mix.
Music, Clothing for a Cause
Suzanne Smith, owner of Betty Be Good, held a fundraiser and raised $10,000 for Engedi, an organization providing support to survivors of human trafficking.
Lummi Nation Purchases Loomis Trail Golf Course
The Lummi Nation purchased the Blaine Loomis Trail Golf Course, located on original tribal land. It will be an addition to the Silver Reef Hotel and Casino.
Tapping into Your Inner Bird Nerd
You can help out your local chapter of the National Audubon Siciety by becoming a citizen scientist and counting birds for the Christmas Bird Count.
Slow Down, Eat Food, Give Thanks
Slow Food USA practices slowing down, understanding where food comes from, and enjoying the local bounty in Island and Skagit Counties.
High-Flying Teas
Scout Urling, owner of Flying Bird Botanicals, makes locally sourced organic tea and drinking chocolate, sold in various locations around Bellingham.
Homeless Get Comfort from Donated Socks
Carolyn Colwell of Your City Sports has donated thousands of socks to the homeless, working with Rachel Tinnell of the Lighthouse Mission Ministeries.
Bringing the Outside in
Infuse your home with living plants from Babygreens, flowers from your local greenhouse or for a bit more fun, try temporary floral tattoos from Tattly.
Frightful Film Festival Rocks Bellingham
Bleedingham, a local horror short-film festival, gives filmmakers a chance to bring their own terrifying stories to the screen, being held Oct. 27-28.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery is Making a Big Move
Award winning Chuckanut Bay Distillery is opening a new restaurant and event space located in the center of downtown Bellingham.
(Electric) Pedal Power
Bellingham Alive writer Melissa McCarthy tries riding an e-bike for the first time. Electric bikes are safer and better for the environment.
Nonprofit Online College Sees Growth, Growing Pains
Western Governors University is a national nonprofit online college. WGU is designed for people with families and careers who need more flexibility.
Vibrant Mount Vernon: Not Just for Tulips Any More
Downtown Mount Vernon in Skagit County is best known for the tulip fields, but it is growing with new businesses, events, parks, and more!
Spreading Pure Bliss
Pure Bliss desserts is expanding! A new extended menu will include more savory options and an expanded alcohol selection.
Whopping Changes and Wagging Tails at the Whatcom Humane Society
Changes are coming to the Whatcom Humane Society and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, including the location of this year’s Dog Days of Summer festival.
Farm to Coffee Table
Derek and Debbie Peris share their passion for fresh-roasted coffee with the community at Barnyard Coffee Roasters in Blaine.
Hidden Gem: North Cascades National Park Turns 50
The North Cascades National Park, or the “American Alps,” contains nearly 400 miles of accessible trails with 94% of the acreage designated as wilderness.
Seeking Perfection on a Knife’s Edge
Blacksmith Andy Gladish creates beautiful, sharp, and durable knives as owner of Element Fe.
Whatcom CC’s New Look
Whatcom Community College is planning major renovations, including a new facility for student and staff collaboration and student dorms.
Mortality Meets Coffee Klatsch
When you hear about a group called Death Café meeting in a funeral home, you may not think it would be a lively group. But, according to the founder of the Death Café of Whatcom County, Sandy Stork, these meetings are anything but morbid. “You should…
Grabbing Life By the Horns
The first bite transports you to a warm, Mississippi morning. The array of spices paired with a hint of pineapple give a burst of flavor, but the carrots and walnuts provide a smooth finish. Top that…
Cascadia Womens Film Fest Returns
Last month was Women’s History Month, but we don’t have to stop celebrating just because it’s April. The second annual Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival is…
Good to Grow
Your shovel and spade have been collecting dust in the shed all winter. They’ve been itching to hit the soil for months now, and spring is finally here. Some novice (and not-so-novice) gardeners may be wondering what to plant in their often…
Hard-to-Kill Plants
So, you’ve never muddied your hands with garden soil. You can never remember what a perennial is. You’ve drowned or deprived all your past plants. Do not despair. Below is a list of some of the hardiest, low-maintenance plants you can put in the ground. These, according to the experts, are…
All-Ages Entertainment Downtown
The Ruckus Room Arcade and Fun Center Looking to provide an all-ages space downtown for Bellingham’s under-21 crowd, Collin Topolski and Emmalyn Smith opened the Ruckus Room Arcade and Fun Center in August of 2017. The co-owners designed the space with the…
Yes in a Dress- Nuu-Muu
Athletic leisure wear is all the rage, but what about a functional athletic garment that looks as pretty as your non-athletic garments? What about telling your daughter she can play basketball in a dress? What about getting dirty…
Banking on Two Wheels
Bellingham’s New Pump Track Is a Hit With just a push or two of a pedal, riders weave up, down and around, gathering speed and harnessing it to tackle the next turn or incline. On Bellingham’s very first pump track, inertia is the name of the game, one that can…
Alaskan Odysseys
Women in Fishing Find Their Passions, Help Others: Comprising a small group in a large and unforgiving industry that is Alaskan fishing, women persevere through extreme conditions, long hours, little sleep, and little to no contact with…
On the hunt for Totality
Photographer and Friends Find Magic and an Eerie Light During Solar Eclipse The tent flaps are pushed aside and a cold breeze greets my nose, I know that today is the day. With excitement in the air, I…
Award-Winning Infant Care In Anacortes
Island Hospital Center for Maternal & Infant Care An Anacortes care center is one of just 13 winners of an international award for…
Information Technology Degree Boosts Whatcom Community College
Whatcom Community College is already making a name for itself as a place to be trained in the rising field of cyber security. Now it has taken another step — offering…
White Snow Geese Enthrall, but Have a Dark Side
Drive through Skagit Valley’s fields from December through February and you’ll likely see hundreds of pristine white birds waddling about the muddy fields. Continue watching and you’ll see a magnificent sight when the flock suddenly takes flight and your field of vision looks like a fuzzy, snowy television screen. Martha Jordan, executive director of the Northwest Swan Conservation Association (NWSCA) explains the impressive display is thanks to a “flock…
Current, Classic Video Games Fill a Niche
Best Buds Gaming Lounge As Hugh and Alexis Newmark manage their shop, a little brown package arrives. It has been sent from Germany, which could only mean one thing. Giddy with excitement, they carefully open it on the bar. It’s the European version of the classic video game Super Nintendo,…
Farm-to-Table Cheese
Ferndale Farmstead From “seed-to-cheese,” Ferndale Farmstead is conquering every step of making artisan Italian cheese, and it all happens on the Ferndale farm. The 680 cows that produce the milk for the cheese are all fed by crops grown on the Ferndale land. Twice a…
Playing Games, Face to Face
Rook & Rogue Board Game Pub Something new has arrived in downtown Bellingham. It’s not a cafe, not a bar, nor is it a restaurant or gaming lounge. It’s all…
A Circus Story
I lived near Bellingham for 22 years before discovering there’s a circus in town. It’s aptly named Vaudevillingham and is put on by the Bellingham Circus Guild. Located just down the road from the hub of Fairhaven in a big warehouse, the circus puts on a show the 15th of every month. The event is a variety, kind of anything-goes, circusstyle experience. Each act is supposed to be new and original. It’s a place for jugglers,…
More than Meals, an Italian Lifestyle
Ciaò Thyme Ciaò Thyme will take your breath away before you’ve even had your first bite. This “lifestyle brand,” as co-owner Jessica Gillis called it, houses a catering business, lunch time café, event space, cooking classes, take-home prepared frozen meals, and a dinner…
More Local Art? Step Right Up
Fairhaven Fourth Friday Art Work Fairhaven is Washington’s best-kept secret, according to artist and shop owner Scott Ward, who moved north from Seattle a year ago….
Small Brewery, Large Taste
Atwood Ales With a yank, the doors of the old barn are pulled open, revealing a network of interconnected piping, flashing lights and chromed steel woven between ancient boards. With only two barrels of small-batch brew coming from the century-old barn turned brew-station, Atwood Ales’ beer is too compelling to overlook, even in the North Sound’s suds-saturated craft beer market. Trading quantity for…
Farms Tour: Cows. Alpacas. Sea Urchins?
Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms If you’ve ever wondered just how does that food get from farm to table, or if you simply want to channel your inner Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Oct. 7 and 8 Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms can help. It’s held during harvest season, but there’s more than gathering going on. Activities range from educational exhibits to markets to gardening demonstrations to the chance for kids to pet farm animals and…
Living Intentionally and Collaboratively
Bellingham Cohousing Coffee hour starts at 10 a.m. each morning. Residents sit quietly in the common house and drink their coffee while catching up with neighbors. Six acres of land was bought in 1997 and…
Quirky Play About The Pig War Comes to Life
Only some people are aware of the major dispute between Great Britain and the United States over who had rightful ownership of the San Juan…
Celebrating the Sea
Bellingham SeaFeast Festival After a successful maiden voyage in 2016, SeaFeast is returning to Bellingham September 22 and 23 for two days of games, live music, and of course, good eats. The festival celebrates the history and tastes of the Salish Sea, and admission is free. The feasting begins Friday with a “sea-feed” downtown, where attendees can purchase a ticket to eat their fill of Dungeness crab, salmon, and oysters,…
A Bigger Slice of the Pie
Pizza’zza Expands in Fairhaven After about six months of renovation Pizza’zza officially reopened in June as a full-service, sit-down restaurant and tap room. While the carryout counter has been a part of what was once Yorky’s Market for 13 years, the expansion has allowed owners Will Annett and Erica Lamson to…
Pickin’ Washington’s Bluest Jewels
Bow Hill Blueberries Summertime means warm breezes, crab boils, and berry picking. If you haven’t already visited Bow Hill Blueberries in Bow, then you’re missing out on some of Washington’s best…
Master Chef Opens Specialty Bakery
Opera Pastries and Coffee Those hungry for a taste of France have a new destination to try in downtown Bellingham. Opera, a French pastry and coffee shop, officially opened its doors…
Wonder Woman
Barb Demorest Barbara Demorest’s story is one that begins with a diagnosis and leads to a ripple of hope for thousands, extending from her Bellingham community all the way to…
Heliotrope Hotel
Retro Vibe Meets Pacific Northwest Mood Bellingham’s hotel accommodations have long lacked a middle ground; a space that neither has the price tag of The Chrysalis Inn nor the disconcerting nature of the motels on North and South Samish Way. In May, however, The Heliotrope Hotel filled…
Dog Paddle
Pups rehabilitate in the pool Carrie Lane, owner of K9 Lap of Luxury, was first inspired by the powers of canine hydrotherapy at a…
Making Tracks into History
Bellingham Railway Museum The sound of children at play filled the Bellingham Railway Museum, along with the recorded sound of a train engine at full speed. The model trains took up a large majority of the room, as they made a circuit through the miniature landscape, highly detailed…
New Possibilities, Same Vibe
The Hub Since 2002, the HUB Community Bike Shop has been catering to Bellingham’s cycle-friendly community. But now, after 15 years, the neighborhood looks very different. New apartment buildings surround the…
All Women, All In
Ski to Sea Team Advocates for Women―and a Mountain-Bike Leg Kirsten Jensen has been participating in the Ski to Sea relay race for four years as a part of an all-women’s team. But not just any women’s team. Many of its members are part of Queens of Dirt, a year-round mountain bike and cyclocross race team. For Ski to Sea, the…
Encompassing Health at Your Doorstep
Achillea Natural Medicine Dr. Julia Hipp opened the doors of Achillea Natural Medicine in January to bring healthcare to her patients. Literally. Hipp’s clinic is no ordinary natural medicine center. She offers house calls, believing that each patient, no matter…
Carving Beauty Out of The Ordinary
Tomas Vrba and the Tomas Vrba Studio Every day before he leaves his home in Everett, Tomas Vrba tells his two young children, “Daddy is going to play.” A professional large scale sculptor, Vrba makes his living carving tree stumps into things of beauty. He hopes his children follow their own dreams and realize that a conventional path in life isn’t a necessary rite of passage. Raised in Slovakia, Vrba grew…
Crazy For Kombucha
Flavored, fermented tea is as popular as a home brew, too Kombucha has been everywhere lately, from lining the shelves at your local Fred Meyer, to the Culture Café at…
Graham Kerr Wants to Leave “Galloping Gourmet” Behind
Graham Kerr isn’t downsizing, he’s actualizing. There’s a difference: Kerr already lives by the notion that we should stop purchasing new things. Instead, give away things we don’t need anymore. It’s an act he’s coined “out-doldrum,” taking an active role in revitalizing your sense of purpose and life by unencumbering it with…
Garden Prep 101
Tips for early spring One of the best things about warmer weather is vibrant, lush flowers and bountiful vegetable gardens. As with the case of many worthwhile things in life, a flourishing garden needs a little bit of TLC to reach its full potential. The gardening experts at Ace…
See Skagit Valley Painted Yellow
La Conner Daffodil Festival Did you know there are more daffodils than tulips in Skagit Valley? The Roozengaarde fields alone feature 450 acres of daffodils and 350 acres of tulips. These yellow beauties are a sight to see against a backdrop of deep green-blue rolling hills. In celebration of the…
Delivering the Goods to Your Home
Diet-to-Go, ACME Farms and Kitchen, Salt Pepper & Oil It is no secret that current Americans tend to overload their days with endless “to-do lists.” Whether…
Getting Primed for Primer
There’s a certain decor that is typical of coffee shops in the Pacific Northwest. Usually, the lights are dim, the walls are dark, and the floors are creaky or bare, lending the shop a warm but subdued ambiance. Because…
Two Terriers Dog Food Company Takes Its Work Seriously
The Bellingham company is run by two women, Kellie Szirom and Katya Slater-Szirom. Now, they have spread their passion to Whole Foods, one of the premiere outlets for organic foods. In addition, the dog food is also carried at Whatcom Farmers Co-ops, the Haggen in Fairhaven, and Hohl Feed and Seed, as well as through their website. “We are dog lovers, and they are considered part of our family. We also…
Wonder Women: Michele Kämmerer and Janis Walworth
Since March 2016, there has been a massive mobilization of both individuals and corporations speaking out against North Carolina’s now infamous House Bill 2. The outcry has been far-reaching and is evidence of a changing climate toward transgender individuals. When a transgender person walks out of the bathroom, their identity doesn’t go away. Transgender individuals still experience…
Tech-Savvy Surgery Comes to Bellingham
The Bellingham medical community has something new and exciting to talk about — the da Vinci Surgical System. The robotic…
Best Day Ever
Serial entrepreneur Anne-Marie Faiola is at it again. In addition to Bramble Berry, her soap-making supply company, Faiola has set to work on providing both mental and physical betterment through an extension of her Bramble Berry brand, called Best Day Ever. It all began with the people she worked with….
Sips to Your Health
If you haven’t stopped by Saku Tea at the Tide Lines Gallery yet, then make your way to the cozy tea bar. Husband and wife team, Kuros Zahedi and Sandra Loeffelmann, ensure patrons can choose from a wide selection of tea lattes, blends, pots, cups, and everything in-between. The duo has spent years traveling and sipping tea all over the world. They’ve perfected…
Bellingham’s Newest Mystery
Two mysteries are brewing in the City of Subdued Excitement: on the corner of Magnolia and Cornwall, an underground resistance scrambles to find the name of the double agent working against it. Meanwhile, after a rickety elevator ride in the Herald building, a group is left with just 60 minutes to understand the mysteries left behind by a deceased sea captain. Both stories, puzzle-based adventures created by Jesse Stanton, are part of The Eureka Room, the newest addition…
Tailor-Made Web-Based Training
In 2011, Western Washington University professors Eric Kean and Kirsten Drickey saw an opportunity to develop and sell training software for volunteer organizations and universities looking to expand their reach. Kean, who teaches math and viola at…
Finding A Place
There’s something for everyone at The Comics Place. My Little Pony comics are interspersed with Mad Max and Marvel. Six shelves are dedicated to both tabletop and board games, and an island in the center of the entryway provides the familiar and cacophonous scrape and clatter of the many-sided dice required to play tabletop games. And even…
Wonder Woman – Cathy Watson
When Ferndale Councilwoman Cathy Watson was younger, she dreamed of becoming a science writer. After receiving her undergraduate degree in journalism from Ohio State, Watson joined the U.S. Coast Guard working…
The Steering Column | My Traffic Man
The Election That Threatened To Steal Christmas: An Intervention Although about half the voting population felt like they collectively woke up to an empty Christmas Tree this year, Christmas is not lost. The town is still abuzz…
Wonder Woman – Erin Monroe
September is Workforce Development Month, a time to honor workforce development professionals who support job seekers, local employers, and economic development in their communities. Here in Snohomish County, it was a busy month for wonder woman Erin Monroe, the chief executive officer of Workforce Snohomish. In September, Workforce Snohomish was one of three organizations honored with the Change Maker Award at United Way’s…
Wonder Woman – Germaine Kornegay
There are people who work in community service, volunteer for great causes, advocate for positive change, run for public office, win, and continue their good work toward making our world a better place. But not many of them do so as the only person of color in the room. Not many of them come away from all that fighting and advocating as absolute beacons of uplift. But Germaine Kornegay is. She…
Screen Fever in the San Juans
This Fall, the San Juan Islands will be the Northwest hot spot for film festivals. Orcas Island will host both the Orcas Island Film Festival October 7–10 and the one day Wild and Scenic Film Festival on November 12. Additionally, the Friday Harbor Film Festival on San Juan Island will take place November 4–6. Each festival…
Inventive Startup: Slingshot NW
Today’s Thomas Edisons will find direction with the help of Northwest Innovation Resource Center’s new strategic partner, Slingshot NW, a marketing platform specifically designed for inventors. The company began in May 2016 with a goal to further…
Wonder Woman – Sarri Gilman
Author. Marriage and family therapist. Nonprofit champion. Speaker. Teacher. Sarri Gilman’s passion for helping others has led her down countless paths she never predicted she’d take. Although she’s been a licensed family and marriage therapist for 30 years, the work wasn’t something she thought she’d spend her life doing. “I just had a natural curiosity about human behavior and families. I swear to god that has not gone away. I am still…
Unity Care Expansion
Unity Care Northwest unveiled plans to open a new health care center in 2018 to meet the growing demand for health care services in our area. The facility will service residents in north Whatcom County who are currently without access to convenient health care. “We know that there are between 8,000 and 9,000 north Whatcom residents that don’t have…
Breathing New Life: 3 Oms Yoga Studio Expansion
It’s the mantra many people associate with yoga: a gentle, slightly vibrating “ommm.” Simply defined, om is the sound of the universe, but Yogic scholars remind us the meaning goes far deeper. In its simplest form, yoga is a series of movements in tune with one’s breath, but as any yoga practitioner can confirm, it is more…
Wild Whatcom Receives Grant
Wild Whatcom works to educate children about the natural world, to connect kids to the beauty of our surroundings, and to foster stewardship for future conservationists. What began as a few outings with a group of friends has grown into week-long camps and natural encounters on a regular basis, introducing hundreds of kids to the woods, ocean, and creeks of our beautiful…
Sculpture Northwest Opens Gallery
It could be a misnomer to call Sculpture Northwest a sculpture gallery. Yes, they certainly have one in downtown Bellingham on Prospect Avenue, but they are more than that. Under the leadership of George Drake and Deanna Lane — with significant energy and time from a dedicated board— Sculpture Northwest is a hub, a resource center, a community asset unique to our area. “We are the only gallery…
The Increasingly Popular, Himalayan Dog Chews
What started as a test-the-waters product at a small Bellingham, Washington dog show fair can now be bought at more than 5000 pet product retailers. Friends and Nepali natives Suman Shrestha and Nishes Shrestha founded…
The Bravo 369 Flight Foundation
If your children grow up studying the dramatic U.S.-led mission to deliver planes to Russia through Alaska, you’ll have Whatcom residents Craig Lang and Jeff Geer to thank. In her remarks giving the Bravo 369 Flight Foundation Congressional recognition, U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene read into the record, “I want to recognize the efforts of the project’s co-founders, Craig Lang and Jeff Geer. Mr. Geer, who serves as the…