Home and Remodel Edition March 2018

HOME & REMODEL

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Our annual issue has featured homes and expert tips on adding texture to your rooms. But there’s more — check out the master bedroom remodel that took a boring room and made it sing with style (p. 57), home tech tools to make your life easier (p. 34), and a well-known furniture store that has expanded to serve you better (p. 35).

© Lucas Henning

& REMODEL

MARCH 2018

CONTENTS LIFESTYLE

FEATURES

17

Seniors, Millennials Share Common Ground

44

Immigration

18

By the Numbers

51

Home and Remodel

19

Lasting Image

68

Featured Homes

21

Game Changer Colleen Haggerty

22

Spotlight Artist Ben Mann

23

In the Know Bellingham Cider Company

24

In the Know Nuu-Muu

25

Book Reviews

25

Who Knew?

26

In the Know Ruckus Room Arcade

27

Community Whatcom Land Trust

28

Five Faves Women’s History Movies

SHOP

DINE 89

Shambala Bakery and Bistro

91

Dining Guide

96

Mixing Tin Redlight’s Pina Mas Macho

97

Review Muto Ramen and Izakaya

98

Sip End of the (Traditional) Brewing Season

101

8 Great Tastes

AGENDA

31

Sempre Italiano

34

Necessities Home Tech Tools

35

Around the Sound Bothell Furniture

36

Savvy Shopper Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants

103 Featured Event Green City’s Green Day

WELLBEING

108

Top Picks

110

Out of Town

111

The Scene Art Auction Gala at the Lightcatcher

NOTES

39

Nutrition Go With Your Gut

41

Beauty Esthetician’s Mission: Help Women, Teens

8

Editor’s Letter

10

Contributors

13

Letters to the Editor

14

Meet a Staffer Kelly Travers

112

Final Word

For ideas, inspiration and resources, the Whatcom Home and Garden Show sponsored by the BIAWC is March 2–4 at the Northwest Fairgrounds in Lynden.

March 2018 5

NOTES On the Web

Be sure to check us out at:

BellinghamAlive.com Submit your events on our calendar!

Do you have an event that you would like our readers to know about?

BellinghamAlive.com offers an events calendar where viewers can search by day, venue, event type, or city.

Go to bellinghamalive.com/events and submit your event today. Once your event has been approved by our editorial staff, it is live.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE We begin a series of brief stories on the topic of wellness centers — therapies you can use to feel better outside of conventional medicine. Some of these therapies were considered unconventional — or even a little wacky — by the medical establishment not that long ago. But they have become more accepted as people search for ways to ease their pain or anxiety. The first, retreats, have taken on new meaning with our reliance on (or some say addiction to) electronic devices. Go to BellinghamAlive.com.

Join us on

Home Decor

6

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for:

DIY Upcycle

NSLife Home & Garden

Previous digital editions now available online.

pinterest.com/northsoundlife

Patio & Fireplace Ideas

Weekend VIBRATIONS

]

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NOTES Editor’s Letter

E

ach spring, around now, the ritual beating-back of nature’s growth begins. Here in the North Sound, the hacking, sawing, cutting, clearing, and hauling of brush commences like no place I’ve ever been. We sharpen knives and scythes, pruning shears and chain saws, fire up the weed-whacker, or, in more extreme households, the flame-thrower, and launch ourselves into the overgrowth.

For most other places, spring cleaning means your house.

Here, it’s the trees and shrubs and rosebushes too. If you don’t, by summer’s start you’d have to bushwhack the way to your own back shed.

Things grow like crazy in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a little unsettling. More than a decade after I moved here, a line from the first couple pages of Annie Dillard’s novel “The Living,” still sticks. As the story of Bellingham’s founding history opens, Dillard describes a main character’s first impression of the land upon being dropped off on a remote dock, the only sign of civilization on Bellingham Bay in 1855: It was the rough edge of the world, where the trees came smack down to the stones. The shore looked to Ada as if the corner of the continent has got torn off right here, sometime near yesterday, and the dark trees kept on growing like nothing happened.

Dillard, a scholar-in-residence at Western Washington University from 1975–79, knows about place. I wonder if she, like her hardy-but-ill-fated characters, spent time digging in the dirt here. I was never one for gardening, not understanding all the bother. Why go to the trouble when perfectly good lettuce can be had, easily, at the supermarket down the road?

Then I bit into a carrot just pulled from the ground in our back yard. Whoa. Similar supermarket snap, sure, but most else was different. I felt the deep, pungent flavor all the way into my nose. I had rinsed off the dirt, but could still sense the soil’s earthy presence in the carrot’s sharpness, something you didn’t get at the grocer’s. It was, naturally, delicious.

Then I doused it with Thousand Island. But hey, message delivered. Now every spring, we plot and plant and water and cull and weed our raised bed of carrots, among other vegetables. And we wait for nature’s irresistible flavor to return.

In this, our annual Home & Remodel issue, you’ll find stunning houses and expert advice on how to add texture to your home. But you’ll also get a jumpstart on spring planting, with best-kept secrets from local gardeners and some practical advice on beginning gardening.

For stories that will nourish the brain and the soul, see our comprehensive piece on the difficult, heartwrenching issue of immigration, and about the Bellingham woman who lost her leg at 17 but did not lose hope. For a different kind of nourishment, read our review of Mount Vernon’s Shambala Bakery and Bistro, where the owner-chef’s farm supplies the produce. Can’t be sure, but I bet they have killer carrots.

MERI-JO BORZILLERI Editor In Chief 8

BellinghamAlive.com

UPGRADE WHEN

YOU WANT TO NOT WHEN YOU HAVE TO

NOTES Contributors

IMAGINE YOUR AD HERE!

Lisa Crosier Lisa Crosier is a master esthetician and owner of Lisa Crosier Skincare and Beauty Boutique located in downtown Bellingham. Since launching her business in 1994, Lisa’s greatest joy has been helping her clients feel beautiful from the inside out. She and her team of estheticians are specialists in treating problem skin from acne to aging. Lisa is an energetic educator who instructs women and teens on proper care of their skin, so they can achieve maximum results. Lisa enjoys running, Crossfit, and looks for any excuse to head to Mount Baker to ski. lisaskincare.com  p. 41

Kathy Stauffer Featured Homes

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It’s In The Details Lake Samish Garden

st n Our Mid pians I s Olym e • Cinnamon Roll tor her S Butc

Best Breakfasts

Kathy Stauffer is a hard-working real estate agent/ managing broker with Windermere who treasures her life in Whatcom County. For the past 28 years, she has been passionate about building a thriving real estate business and considers herself most fortunate that this past year her son, CJ, opted to join her in her business. It was at this point she realized she was a success, not only as a realtor but as a mother.  p. 17

Cassie Elliott FEBRUARY 2018 DISPLAY UNTIL FEBRUARY 28 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

Cassie is a nutrition blogger and food photographer who believes that if you eat colorful food you are guaranteed it will be nutritious and definitely delicious. She is also the creator of Nutritious and Delicious Appetites by Design to help you feel your best so you can live your best. Her photos and writing can be found on Instagram @paleo_ perspective and her website paleoperspective.com.  p. 39

Comfy & Cozy WINTER FASHION

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Tanna Edler Tanna Edler, principal of Tanna By Design, is the only interior designer in Yakima and the state of Washington to have won an Interior Design Society’s Designer of the Year award five consecutive years. She is also the first in the Pacific Northwest to have received the coveted Impact Award for charitable interior design contributions in her community. Her notable skill in conceptual design development has earned her a well-respected reputation across the nation and her work has been recognized during numerous Tour of Home venues.  p. 57

to where you live. st n Our Mid pians I s Olym e • Cinnamon Roll tor her S Butc

HEALTH

Best Breakfasts

Opioid Addiction Medical Advances New Beer Resolution

FEBRUARY 2018

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PUBLICATIONS Bellingham Alive NSL Guestbook Couture Weddings

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Lisa Karlberg EDITOR IN CHIEF Meri-Jo Borzilleri ART DIRECTOR Dean Davidson STAFF WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Kate Galambos | Catherine Torres

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Babette Vickers | Kristy Gessner | Kelly Travers

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mariah Currey

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Patrick McMahon

CONTRIBUTORS Shannon Black | Lisa Crosier | Tanna Edler Cassie Elliott | Kathy Stauffer | Neal Tognazzini

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

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Stories Spur Restaurant Challenge, Renewed Olympic Spirit st n Our Mid pians I s Olym e • Cinnamon Roll tor her S Butc

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Bellingham Alive welcomes comments and feedback for our Letters to the Editor section. We’d love to hear what you have to say and are open to story ideas about the people, places, and happenings in the North Sound (Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan counties).

Let us know what you like, and what you’d like to see in the magazine! Contact editor Meri-Jo Borzilleri at editor@bellinghamalive.com.

Bellingham Alive has inspired me so much over the past year, I feel compelled to share my enthusiasm with you. In the past six months, I have tried new restaurants — we are seeing how many of the restaurants mentioned in the Best of the Northwest issue we can get to before next October’s BONW. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of topics (Opioid Addiction) and my renewed interest in the Olympics gave me an excuse to have a party for the Opening Ceremonies. Bellingham Alive always stretches my thinking and creativity. I rarely read a magazine cover to cover, but this month I have evidence — I especially appreciated “The Power of One” article on the magazine’s last page. Keep the inspiration coming!

Letters to the Editor

NOTES

Inspired by Best Breakfasts I am really enjoying the magazine... beautiful pictures and layout and an interesting blend of articles. My family and I got inspired to try some new breakfast places after seeing all the great options in the last issue.

Fran E., Bellingham Newcomers’ Bible?

For people who are new to this area — you know how many new people we have — this is like a bible to what we have access to here!

Carol E., Bellingham

Maureen S., Bellingham Correction: A story headlined “All-Day Breakfasts,” in February’s Best Breakfasts feature gave incorrect information about Keenan’s at the Pier. The restaurant offers brunch on Sundays only, from 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Chef Robert Holmes no longer works at Keenan’s.

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March 2018 13

NOTES Meet the Staffer Every issue we introduce you to a staff member at Bellingham Alive.

What is your role at the magazine and how long have you been with K&L Media?

I joined the K&L Media team on January 2 and am very excited to be working on building and launching our newest publication — Menu Seattle, our premiere luxury dining and entertainment magazine/website for the Seattle and Bellevue area. I’ll also be selling advertising for Couture Weddings, NSLife Guest Book as well as our flagship magazine, Bellingham Alive!

What is your background?

Kelly Travers

I’m a West Coast native — born in California, grew up in Anchorage, spent a few years in the Seattle area, and most recently was living in the Bay Area. I have spent the last 20 years as an Executive Administrator at Visa in San Francisco, where I was lucky enough to travel the world working on events and projects such as the Olympic Games.

What is your favorite part of working for a regional lifestyle magazine?

Working for the magazine has given me the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people, and it has provided ideas for fun places to visit, restaurants to enjoy, and adventures to go on. All of which has been really helpful as I’ve recently relocated to the area from San Francisco.

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I love learning and experiencing new adventures and this area is perfect for that! You can find me on weekends out and about taking a drive to see new locations, using my camera to take shots of the incredibly beautiful sights, or shopping at out of the way antique stores. And most importantly, enjoying time with my daughters, my two cats, family, and friends! 

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LIFESTYLE In The Know · Spotlight Artist · Community · 5 Faves

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I

f we only had a crystal ball. Then we could predict, or at least pretend to predict, the real estate economy and the housing forecast for the coming year. With no crystal ball in hand, we just need to focus on that which we know for sure. According to the Pew Research Center, 10,000 Americans have been turning 65 every day since Jan. 1, 2011 and will continue to do so until 2030, when the last of the Baby Boom generation celebrates that birthday.

Many changes await us as our population makes bold shifts in age. Our senior population is at 46 million. The desire today is for a home where one can “age in place.” We are living longer and our population is growing. Adaptable, accessible, smart design are key features that anyone who is approaching retirement and a change in lifestyle is looking for. … continued on page 20

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LIFESTYLE

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Lasting Image

“A Bellingham sunset is unlike any other to me. I often go to Marine Park during sunset to take in the beauty that Bellingham has to offer to its community with the ocean, mountains and nature-loving residents.”

KIRSTYN NYSWONGER

March 2018 19

… The next thing we know for sure is that our roughly 80 million millennials (those born in the early 1980s to early 2000s), according to the U.S. Census Bureau, will be first-time homebuying cadidates in the coming year.

And guess what? As much as they want to be considered “different,” they are just like every generation before them.

Millennials strive for a life well-lived.

They want good jobs. They want to be engaged, emotionally and behaviorally connected. They want a purposeful life and a quiet place to call home at the end of the day. The concept of moving away from home and working at a minimum wage job is highly overrated.

Millennials get that. They are not in a big rush to live the repetitive working lifestyle of their parents. They want to spend money on what they want, not just on what they need. Being a highly educated and technologically advanced group, they look for innovative design and ideal function of space in a home.

And while being a millennial doesn’t have to mean living in your parent’s basement — being a senior doesn’t 20

BellinghamAlive.com

mean you are going to move back in with your kids. Yet, your housing choice really does have to address all these needs. Everyone is looking for the great place to call home. Just look at the numbers: Pew Research says 19 percent of the U.S. population lives in a multi-generational household and 20 percent of U. S. households consist of adults living with roommates.

These numbers make sense with the high amount of student debt coupled with the uncertainty of employment consistency as people struggle to put a roof over their head. Today’s buyer is complex, diverse, and demanding.

Entitlement isn’t just for the kid in his 20s — think senior who only wants to live on a private gated golf course community. Home buyers today want what they want when they want it… there’s not a lot of patience out there in the marketplace.

Hence, the desire for new construction and a home built with an eco-friendly footprint. Sure, we all watch the shows on HGTV. But in reality, no one actually wants to buy

a “fixer-upper.” When looking at a home that needs updating, reality TV only goes so far. As everyone, including HGTV Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines knows, nothing is ever completed in a 30-minute segment. New construction, efficient creative design and state-of-the-art finishes — that’s the desire of most buyers in any age group today. The cost of goods and labor is rising every day and there is nothing to indicate that the cost to build is going to decline. A prediction: 2018 will be the year that we see millennials pinch their pennies and get their credit score on track to qualify for an FHA loan, while our senior marketplace — anyone over 50 — is strategizing how to maximize their retirement dollars to enjoy the quality of life they have worked so hard to attain.

Whatcom County will continue to be a most precious place to call home as we become an “urban suburb” — a safe and protected place, with walkable neighborhoods downtown, and recreational communities that offer affordability in the outlying areas. 

Game Changer

LIFESTYLE

The Art of Forgiveness Colleen Haggerty WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICK JENNER

C

olleen Haggerty lay on the precipice of sleep. The same scene that had visited her countless times before would visit again. She was in a car, sometimes driving, sometimes not. It was dark and raining. Out of the darkness comes a car, barreling straight for her, faster and faster, destined for catastrophic damage. At the last moment, just before impact, Haggerty wakes in terror.

For 15 years, Haggerty was haunted by that day. The rainy day a driver swerved and struck her on the highway shoulder.

The day she lost her leg.

In the years following the accident, Haggerty fought for pride in a world where strength was valued. Wearing a prosthetic, she skied, hiked, ran and biked, developing a strong love for nature, but ignoring an inner atrophy.

“I may have been Superwoman out on the slopes,” Haggerty said, “but in my apartment, I was feeling sorry for myself.”

In addition to her bottled grief, Haggerty harbored a deep anger at the man behind the wheel. He hadn’t bothered to check in on her and drove home shortly after the accident.

For 15 years she pictured him as the same, apathetic 22-year-old, frozen in time. That’s why when they finally agreed to meet in person, she was surprised to be the one listening.

At the crossroads between anger and forgiveness, Haggerty chose to let go of all that had burdened her.

It unlocked in her the art of awareness, a constant practice that eventually led her to pursue the best version of herself, for her family and the world around her.

Forty years have passed since her accident, the nightmares have stopped coming and Haggerty, who turns 58 in March, has spread positive influence in a variety of ways across the community. Starting as a camp director at Easter Seal Society, Haggerty, who lives in Bellingham, would also work for Rosehedge, a Seattle AIDS hospice house, as well as manage an affiliate of Big Brothers, Big Sisters locally.

Today she is the executive director at Bellingham’s Our Treehouse, coaching youth and their families through grief and loss, helping them accept, forgive, and move on to find their potential, like she did. She sees them stuck in a “brokenrecord” phase, skipping and ruminating on the same rotation over and over again. Haggerty tries to lift the needle and let them live the successful lives she knows they’re capable of.

Haggerty rests easier now. She’s still in contact with the man who hit her. She even considers him her friend. She actually dislikes the word “forgiveness.” It writes it off as a “done deal,” when in reality it’s a lifelong practice.

Haggerty’s words and wisdom can be read and heard in her various essays, TEDx Talk, and a book, “A Leg to Stand On.”  colleenhaggerty.com March 2018 21

LIFESTYLE In the Spotlight

Pacific Northwest Whimsy Artist Ben Mann WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATE GALAMBOS

A

s a Bellingham native, professional painter Ben Mann has spent much of his life capturing the whimsy of the Pacific Northwest. His paintings are bold with color, yet soft with their overall simplicity. It is hard to imagine the toughest art critic not breaking a smile after taking in one of Mann’s pieces.

“I just want to lift people up with my work,” Mann said. After growing up in Bellingham, Mann made his way to San Francisco to study illustration at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University.

He called San Francisco home throughout his 20s until he moved back to Bellingham in 1996 and has since made his name with a diversity of work.

It all began with a partnership with Mambo Italiano Cafe in 2000. Mann had originally planned to just design commercial art for the restaurant’s menus, until the owner asked him to fill the new restaurant walls with artwork. Mann’s work has hung in Mambo Italiano ever since. Guests of other local cafes and restaurants will come across Mann’s art in places like A Lot of Flowers, Avenue Bread, La 22

BellinghamAlive.com

Conner Country Inn in Skagit County, and more. Like other small business owners, Mann looks to support, inspire, and reflect the local community to his best ability.

While much of Mann’s work has a soothing familiarity, he also commissions work to create the vision of each client. “I enjoy taking other people’s narrative to create a painting.”

Mann often depicts special, sentimental moments, people, or objects for his clients. Whether it is a bride’s wedding bouquet, or a family home that is soon to be put up for sale, Mann captures the memory. Rather than pay by the size and scope of the artwork, Mann charges $50 per “Mann hour.”

“Just think of me as any other blue collar worker,” he said.

Beyond private clients, he has been commissioned by businesses like Fairhaven Runner, Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital, and Mallard Ice Cream.

Beyond his work as a painter, Mann has found new passion as an educator. As a part of the Allied Arts Education Project, Mann spends time in local elementary school classrooms teaching the basics

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I of painting. He works with elementary school kids in kindergarten through fifth grade to familiarize them with principles of design. The first part of each session starts with basics, talking about art and the elements like lines and shapes.

Then, Mann moves into describing the importance of sequence with painting before handing over the brushes. “I am a firm believer that we are never done learning,” he said. While he might be the hired teacher, Mann said every session since he began teaching 15 years ago has taught him something as well.

With his diverse portfolio and professional spheres, Mann is never bored. While he doesn’t want to spend all his time with first- and second-graders, education has become an important addition to his career. And while commissioned art provides a reliable income, it isn’t quite as exciting as second graders. Mann also published a picture book last year, “Friendly the Fox,” and has been chosen to design the poster for the 35th annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival for 2019.  ben-mann.com

n a region dominated by local beers of all kinds, Bellingham Cider Company boldly enters on the leading edge of a brewing renaissance.

The restaurant, set to open in February at 205 Prospect St., is nestled next door to Sylvia Center of the Arts and near the Whatcom Museum, where it will enjoy the bustle of Prospect Street and a pleasant patio view of Bellingham’s unfolding waterfront district.

The new spot in town will serve dinner in addition to house-made cider pressed from Washington (of course!) apples. The ciders are produced in small batches, and its website at bellinghamcider. com highlights ciders that are dry, semi-sweet, hopped, and with a Northwest blackberry ginger flavor. And expect to see other flavors, seasonal specials and a Reserve Series.

Ten ciders will always be on tap, with 10 beer taps to match. Its walls, tables, and bars are all repurposed wood, polished and illuminated by open bulbs hanging from the ceiling. Bellingham Cider Company will be joining businesses like Cidra Cider Room and Honey Moon Mead and Cider in the growing cider minority. 

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Paint Tester Luminant Software Inc. There is nothing quite as banal — and exhilarating — as watching paint dry when it’s your final coat on that interior wall.

The eternal, suspenseful question: Will it be the color I envisioned? This app will let you see how your walls would look before you pick up the paint brush. That is, if you want to know.

— KENJI GUTTORP

March 2018 23

LIFESTYLE In the Know

Yes In A Dress Nuu-Muu WRITTEN BY CATHERINE TORRES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF NUU-MUU

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thletic 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 without sacrificing style? Enter Nuu-Muu, the Bellingham-based company that designs athletic dresses. The company has garnered quite a following of hard-core fans they call Teamsters, and believes women can do anything in a dress. In January, Nuu-Muu celebrated its 10th anniversary, proving they know what they’re doing.

Founders Ashley Fullenwider and Christine Nienstedt used to wear colorful thrift store dresses while cycling. After completing a race, numerous people asked Nienstedt where she bought her dress. She became intrigued with the idea of creating athletic dresses that serve as feminine, yet functional pieces. Nienstedt found a manufacturer to produce a prototype, then brought Fullenwider on board. Said Fullenwider: “In the beginning I had no idea what kind of adventure this would become.”

It all began with the Nuu-Muu No-Pocket dress: a simple cut with a key-hole neckline. Today they also sell a version with a discreet back pocket (Ruu-Muu Pocket Dress), and a version with a scooped neckline (Scoop Neck Pocket Dress).

Nuu-Muu supports all sizes and uses descriptors like (M)arvelous for a size 6, (S)assy for sizes 2–4, and (L)ovely for 8–10.

The dresses are versatile, modest, and cute. You can wear compression shorts or jeans underneath, tie your Nuu-Muu for inverted yoga poses, add a long sleeve tee or cardigan for warmth. It’s designed to be worn while active or not.

The silky fabric is lightweight, yet thick, durable, and dries quickly. Combine the fast wicking fabric with Enid Wilson’s eye-catching patterns, and you never have to worry about sweat stains. The Nuu-Muu’s only enemy is Velcro, never put the two in a washing machine together.

The company also sells buttery soft, organic long sleeve tees, Huugs sleeves for keeping arms cozy on chilly days, and Mini-Muus for the next generation of athletes. By focusing on only a few products, Nuu-Muu has been able to tailor their designs for the active woman and offer incredible customer support. They love hearing from Nuu-Muu Teamsters.

Fullenwider said customer stories “are a big part of why we do what we do.” They even began a closed Facebook Group, Team Nuu-Muu, to let their best customers get insider news like special sales and print release dates.

Ready to say #yesinadress? The Bellingham headquarters opens up for a few hours on Thursday afternoon for shopping. You can also order online or check out the store locator on Nuu-Muu’s website to find a distributor.  1715 Ellis St., Ste. 102, Bellingham 360.392.8368 | nuu-muu.com 24

BellinghamAlive.com

Book Reviews The Power

by Naomi Alderman 341 pages Little, Brown and Company

Touted as the next generation of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” this book is mindblowing. The premise is unique: a set of email communications between two people explores the past history of the time period when women first experienced their “power” — as in, literally, electrical power. Then the story returns to that time period to track the inception and the fallout. The author follows a variety of women as the young girls first learn that they can put out electrical shocks to people they touch, and the more they explore this power, the better they get at it: a daughter of a British gangster looks to avenge a mother’s death and consolidate influence; a mayor of a major city walks the line of politics while she and her daughter wrestle with the implications of this power; a foster child has the ability to morph into someone else entirely; and a young boy tells their stories to the world.

WHO KNEW? Linen Linen is the earliest form of fabric created, and is one of the most popular textiles used.

It is produced by using flax fibers — first separating strands of the plant, then weaving them into fabric, which creates linen.

This process dates back to 5,000 B.C. Linen was so treasured in Egypt that, in some cases, it was used as currency.

WRITTEN BY LAURIE MULLARKY LAURIESLITPICKS.BLOGSPOT.COM

This is How It Always Is

by Laurie Frankel 336 pages Flatiron Books

Seattle author Laurie Frankel weaves a powerful story of a family built outside the expected social constructs of “family.” Led by Rosie, a doctor and main breadwinner, and Penn, a story-telling hands-on father, this family consists of four boys and baby Claude. Yet as Claude grows, the parents see their child as a shy, withdrawn little boy, not realizing that an extroverted, giggly little girl is dying to be seen outside the biological boundaries and rules. The pressure on all the family members to keep Poppy’s secret becomes unbearable, resulting in far more than what is expected. Fascinating supporting characters bring magic to this story.

In the Know

LIFESTYLE

March 8, 6:30 p.m.

Chuckanut Radio Hour: “The Radium Girls” WCC Heiner Theater 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham 360.671.2626 | villagebooks.com Chuckanut Radio Hour is celebrating the release of “The Radium Girls,” written by bestselling writer, Kate Moore. The book is about the women who worked in factories and got radiation poisoning during WWI, and their battle for justice. The book has been featured in The New York Times and on NPR.

March 18, 4 p.m.

What No One Ever Tells You Village Books 1200 11th St, Bellingham 360.671.2626 | villagebooks.com Literature-based creative writing program, Underground Writing, is holding a group reading of the book, “What No One Ever Tells You.” The book was released in January of 2018 and is the first anthology of the students who write for the Underground Writing program.

WRITTEN BY KIRSTYN NYSWONGER

Sofas The word “sofa” is traced back to 2,000 B.C. in Egypt. It originates from ‘”suffah,” an Arabic word that loosely translates to “bench,” or “what happens to you when your great aunt puts sticky protective plastic on her nice sofa.” Sofas in their current form started to take shape around 900 A.D. and evolved for more than 3,500 years before becoming the couches we know and love today.

Rugs The first rug ever created was the “Pazyryk Carpet.”

Produced around 2,500 years ago, it was found buried with a Scythian prince in the mountains of Siberia. It used bright colors such as blue, red, and yellow that have dimmed over time and features different animals with symbolic meaning.

The rug can be found on display at St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum in Russia.

Textile Waste More than 15 million tons of textile waste is produced every year in the U.S., and the amount has doubled over the past 20 years. Around 2.5 billion pounds of consumer textile waste is recycled every year.

The textile recycling industry creates more than 17,000 jobs for people in the U.S.

March 2018 25

Community the Know LIFESTYLE In

All-Ages Entertainment Downtown The Ruckus Room Arcade and Fun Center WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATE GALAMBOS

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ooking 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 basements and bonus rooms of middle-class American families of the 1970s in mind.

Orange and green walls house an eclectic assortment of artwork, dark disco-era pendant lighting hangs from the ceiling, and pinball and old-school arcade games wrap around the room.

Topolski grew up in the 80s and 90s, when it wasn’t hard to find an arcade in most parts of America. Since then, he graduated from Western Washington University and discovered a love for “pins” (pinball machines) after moving to Seattle post-graduation. In 2010, he bought his first machine and soon began operating pinball machines professionally. Like many Western graduates, he was called back to Bellingham after a brief stint away and began operating the pinball machines at The Racket Bar and Pinball Lounge in 2015. After spending nine years at Western earning his master’s degree, Topolski was determined to provide a space where friends and family of a wide range of ages could come together. Smith did maintenance on Topolski’s machines at The Racket, where they began to develop an idea for an all-ages space. “We are trying to bring in a variety of games and provide activities that you can’t get from your mobile device,” Topolski said.

The co-owners found machines on Craigslist, at auctions, and through word-of-mouth before opening in August.

Today, guests can find old-school arcade games, Skee-Ball, air hockey, and sit-down racing games. The Ruckus Room also serves beer and classic concession items like nachos, sodas, hot dogs and more. In the future, guests can expect to play redemption games where they can earn tickets to “purchase” prizes, much like the classic arcades of the past. Just a bus ride from campus, the Ruckus Room provides an alternative for younger students. Within walking distance of many restaurants downtown, the arcade is an easy spot to hit before or after dinner with the family.  1423 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.255.0453 | ruckusbham.com 26

BellinghamAlive.com

Community

LIFESTYLE

Protecting the Treasure of Whatcom County Whatcom Land Trust WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHATCOM LAND TRUST STAFF

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rom the North Cascade mountains to the Salish Sea, the committed members of the Whatcom Land Trust have made it their mission to protect the diverse land that draws people to Whatcom County. For many of Whatcom County’s residents, it is the unique landscape, endless green spaces, and integrated park system that combine to make it hard to imagine living anywhere else.

For Whatcom Land Trust executive director Rich Bowers, the mission of the organization stems from the community’s deep love of the land. “It is not really about how many acres we protect. It is about how many special places we want to protect,” he said. However, those “special places” don’t just include wild spaces, but include the farmlands that built Whatcom County for generations and continue to be key to the local economy.

In 1983, a group of concerned people gathered in the basement of the Dutch Mothers Family Restaurant in Lynden to discuss the future of the agricultural lands and heritage of Whatcom County. After the group’s first official meeting in November of 1984, the Whatcom Land Trust was born from the agricultural community. “Protecting agricultural land is hard to do. If you are not going to continue to farm, what happens to the land?” Bowers said. Today, the Whatcom Land Trust works in two major ways to protect agricultural land from over-development: 1. Maintaining conservation

easements to permanently protect properties for local food and farmers, and 2. Through protecting soil and water to maximize crop yield.

Beyond agricultural communities, the members of Whatcom Land Trust are dedicated to protecting key watershed environments and salmon habitats. Many of the land trust’s properties are within the Lake Whatcom Watershed and Nooksack River environments. The majority of the lands owned, or under easement, are open for public exploration and use. Some of the land trust’s most popular properties include the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, which was developed in partnership with Western Washington University, Whatcom County, the state Department of Natural Resources and the Stimpson family; Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, and Clark’s Point.

With the help of about 350 volunteers, the Whatcom Land Trust is able to maintain and protect their thousands of acres of properties. Community members can be involved as land stewards by participating in work parties, as event volunteers, or by giving a gift. Check out the annual Stories of the Great Outdoors fundraising event May 12th, 2018 to learn more about getting involved in the Whatcom Land Trust.  412 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.650.9470 | whatcomlandtrust.org March 2018 27

LIFESTYLE

1

Five Faves

HIDDEN FIGURES (2016) Discover the true story of three brilliant African-American female mathematicians — Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson — who played a crucial role in the U. S.’s space race against Russia.

WOMEN’S FIVE HISTORY FAVES MOVIES WRITTEN BY ISABELLE MORRISON

28

BellinghamAlive.com

Your Financial Future: Will You Be Ready?

IRON JAWED ANGELS (2004) Follow the brave women of the 1917 women’s suffrage movement, particularly feminist Alice Paul. Watch as they sacrifice everything to fight for future generations’ right to vote and run for office.

NY CS 7790428 BC006 01/14 GP10-01505P-N06/10

2

Susan Rice Financial Planning Specialist Financial Advisor 2200 Rimland Drive, Suite 105 Bellingham, WA 98226 360-788-7005 • 800-247-2884 susan.e.rice@morganstanley.com

© 2014 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

MECH

JOB INFORMATION 7790428/602858172

PROJ. NO.: JOB NAME:

TRIM SIZE:

Retail Byrnes Susan Rice Ad

FINISHED SIZE: BLEED:

SPECIFICATIONS 4.75" × 2.25"

NOTES

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FRIDA (2002) This dramatic biography depicts the bold professional and private life of legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, from her complex relationship with her husband and fellow artist Diego Rivera, to her romantic affairs with both men and women.

CONFIRMATION (2016) In 1991, Judge Clarence Thomas’ nomination onto the Supreme Court is called into question when his former colleague, Anita Hill, comes forward with claims that Thomas sexually harassed her.

ZERO DARK THIRTY (2012) A decade-long manhunt to take down terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden is ultimately brought to an end by a dedicated CIA operator, Maya — a fictional character based on the real female CIA officer who tracked down Bin Laden, resulting in his death in 2011.

CREATIVE STUDIO 1585 Broadway 23rd Floor New York, NY 10036

CMYK APPROVALS

PANTONE #: CREATIVE DIR.:

180 Varick Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10014

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FILENAME: 7790428 Susan Rice_b m1

Byrnes, Lesley Mitzner, Julie F013 16/02/2014

MODIFIED BY CH AN 01-15-2014, CH AN 01-15-2014

PROJECT MGR.: PROOFREADER: CLIENT:

LAST MODIFIED: January 15, 2014 1:13 PM

Visit the WECU booth at the Whatcom County Home & Garden Show to get a coupon for

$500 off closing costs*

Limited time offer for purchases and refinances.

800-525-8703 x7390 | wecu.com/RealEstate Visit biawc.com/events/home-show/ for event details. *$500 discount on closing costs applies only to the purchase or refinance of a primary residence of $100,000.00 or more. Coupon must be presented no later than June 30, 2018 in order for the offer to be granted.

March 2018 29

Looking for the perfect home?

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Ask about our limited time Jumbo Loan Rate Promotion Krista Jones

Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 946261 360.647.5690

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New Haggen exclusive wines

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Haggen Food & Pharmacy • OPEN 24 HOURS • www.haggen.com Barkley Village • Sehome Village • Meridian & Illinois • Fairhaven • Ferndale

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SHOP

Savvy Shopper · Necessities · Around the Sound

From Italy, With Love Sempre Italiano WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CATHERINE TORRES

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aura and Raffaele Chiusano like to describe events in their lives as “destino!” The two have a zest for life and passion for their work which is bringing hand-painted ceramics from Italian artisans to their store in La Conner. Sempre Italiano opened in 2006, but Laura had the idea a couple of years earlier.

Originally from Long Island, N.Y., Laura had worked in ceramics wholesaling in the Seattle area when she decided “It would be much more fun to have my own place and bring in pieces I really loved.”

Armed with a few Italian phrases, Laura visited Florence in 2004 in search of artisans. She met Raffaele a few months later during a sourcing trip to Capri and the two married a year later. Once back in Washington the couple visited La Conner on a whim and stumbled upon a retail space … continued on next page

… whose owner was planning to move out. They jumped on the opportunity, opened Sempre Italiano on May 1, 2006, and never looked back. They have a short commute to the store, and Raffaele enjoys the quiet waterfront town, explaining how it reminds him of home.

Sempre Italiano specializes in hand-painted ceramics.

The Chiusanos work with small family artisans, many of whom have been creating ceramics for generations. They worked hard to build relationships with artisans from various regions so Sempre Italiano's inventory highlights Italy's ceramic styles. Pieces are representative of regions, with the artisan's interpretation. For example, one Tuscan artist uses warm orange and yellow hues while another's platters pop with cherry red. Raffaele pulled out a platter made in Sicily with scalloped edging and intricate handles.

He pointed out the gold, blue, and green hues that are synonymous with Sicilian style ceramics, due to Islamic influence over the region in the 900s.

Other regions represented in the shop are Umbria, Vietri, and Murano glass plates. You'll find hand-painted ceramic platters, a tile-covered table, salt and pepper shakers, oil vessels, ceramic limoncello glasses, and Raffaele's own creations: Italian scenes hand-painted onto wood. He also paints “attenti al cane” (Beware of dog) signs that are too darling to be deterred by.

The shop also sells French linens in a range of sizes, which began by accident. Laura brought in a few samples of linens to display the ceramics, but there was such an overwhelming response that she decided to begin stocking a selection of linens. Today they sell Jacquard 100% cotton Teflon treated linens as well as acrylic coated tablecloths from Provence.

Not only are the linens beautiful, but they're practical: water 32

BellinghamAlive.com

resistant, machine washable, and the tablecloths hang nicely, not like stiff, cheap vinyl tablecloths. All standard table shapes and sizes are accounted for with matching napkins and runners, but if a customer can't find the right fit, Laura can order a desired size. In fact, customers can shop in store or online on their website, and Sempre Italiano will ship all over the world. Their goal is to help everyone bring a piece of Italy home.

Of course the best way to bring Italy home is through first hand travel. The couple takes annual trips to Italy for 2–3 weeks at a time. They meet with their artisans and visit new ones. In recent years they've collaborated tour groups with their Italian wine distributor, who also runs a boutique travel agency. Each year a group of 12–15 people embark on the trip. It's a hodgepodge of guests, usually comprised of people that shopped in Sempre Italiano while on vacation.

For example during the last trip there was a couple from Australia and a couple from Florida. The travelers appear to become fast friends in the snapshots hung behind the store's cash register.

When asked to choose a favorite Italian city or region Laura was stumped, “It's like asking to choose your favorite child! I love each area for different reasons.” She did manage to narrow down to Florence and the Almafi coast. Raffaele quickly named his home of Capri and brought out a book filled with Capri's beaches, narrow streets, and blue-green waters. He turned the pages while telling stories of the scenery, clearly passionate about his home and sharing everything he knows about Italian history, art, and its culture.  104 South First St., La Conner 360.466.1013 | sempreitaliano.com

CONCRETE FINISHING

BY FORREST HOUGEN www.concretefinishingbyforresthougen.com

360.671.5756

Cerise Noah Realtor® | Windermere-Whatcom cerisenoah@windermere.com 360.393.5826

Your Relocation Sp ecialist Realtor of the Year 2016 Whatcom County Association of Realtors – 2015 President

F R E E D O M AT N E W H E I G H T S

DAILY DEALS VISIT EVERYDAY 8AM-10PM

CANNABIS RETAILER The pot is greener on our side of the rainbow! Come in and check out our deals on St. Patty’s Day.

3 6 0 . 9 2 2 .0 7 0 9

AROUND THE CORNER FROM COSTCO

S M O K I N G C R O W. C O M

Munchy Monday Terp Tuesday Wax Wednesday Crow’s Choice Thursday Freedom Friday Smoke Local Saturday Lazy Sundaze

Sign up for our rewards program for extra savings as well as texts on the upcoming sales of the week!

MARIJUANA PRODUCTS MAY BE PURCHASED OR POSSESSED ONLY BY PERSONS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. THIS PRODUCT HAS INTOXICATING EFFECTS AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING. MARIJUANA CAN IMPAIR CONCENTRATION, COORDINATION, AND JUDGMENT. DO NOT OPERATE A VEHICLE OR MACHINERY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THIS DRUG. THERE MAY BE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMPTION OF THIS PRODUCT. FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS TWENTY-ONE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

SHOP Necessities

2

Philips Hue A19 60W Equivalent Wireless Starter Kit Best Buy, $69.99

1

iRobot Braava 380t Floor Mopping Robot irobot.com, $299.99

3

Logitech Harmony Elite Universal Remote Best Buy, $249.99

Home Tech Tools Exceptional design should be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Make your home more efficient with tech tools but without sacrificing style. Manufacturers are creating more and more designs that work with multiple decors, like motion-sensor faucets in an array of styles, so it’s easy to find something both beautiful and functional that blends into your home. — Catherine Torres

5 34

Lipper Bamboo Charging Station Home Depot, $13.83

BellinghamAlive.com

4

KitchenAid 24" Panel-Ready Beverage Center with Glass Door Judd & Black Appliance, $1,899.99

Around the Sound

SHOP

Bothell Furniture WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHANNON BLACK

S

ince 1985, Bothell Furniture has been a mainstay in downtown Bothell, and a recent move to a larger building just four blocks away has allowed it to spread its wings. The store’s salespeople have distinguished themselves by their knowledge and expertise. They buy carefully selected individual pieces of furniture rather than container loads of cheap imports, and they pride themselves not only on their relationships with customers, relationships that sometimes span generations, but also with furniture designers, builders, and manufacturers.

A down-to-earth showroom where either music hums in the background or a TV broadcasts local channels and sports games make the atmosphere low-stress. Many furniture stores feel like car dealerships with high pressure sales, but not Bothell Furniture. You will receive a friendly greeting upon arrival but left alone for browsing.

Scott Susott and Jared Holeman purchased Bothell Furniture in 2007 from the original owner. Susott joined the company in 1987, and Holeman started in 1993. This type of long-term employee retention can be seen across

the board, from the delivery team with 19 years of experience to the office manager, Kim Sundal, who has worked for Bothell Furniture for 18 years. The employees like their work, and that always speaks well of a company.

Bothell Furniture caters to how we live in the Northwest. According to Susott and Holeman, that means furniture which is functional, architecturally clean, and built to last. You’ll find American made pieces in the transitional, Mission, and Craftsman styles.

The store carries Western Heritage by master craftsman Tim Mclellan, whom you may know as a finalist from the first season of Ellen’s Design Challenge on HGTV. You’ll also find Simply Amish products. Susott and Holeman quickly point out the title “Amish” represents a way of making furniture and not a style. Yes, Amish people really do make this furniture. You can choose multiple types of wood and stain options, which means many of the pieces are customizable.

You’ll also find Flexsteel sofas and chairs, another well-established American company, with over 1,500

fabric options. New to the store: Biltwell, which provides an option with its mid-century modern style of fabric sofas. Sprinkled throughout the showroom are a few local designers and builders as well.

Hands down, Susott and Holeman both love Western Heritage for its impeccable designs and Simply Amish for the quality of wood. Another favorite is the special events they produce called “Meet the Builders,” which gives designers and builders an opportunity to come out and talk with customers and interested buyers.

Last summer, store representatives visited Amish craftsmen in Illinois to watch them at work. That was in exchange for an earlier visit here.

“The Amish don’t fly,” Scott said, about one of their past events with Simply Amish. “They took a train. So for them to come out here is a big deal. Plus they’re not building anything while they’re gone. That shows integrity. Try and find that story in another furniture store.”  18811 Bothell Way NE, Bothell 425.486.5833 bothellfurniture.com

March 2018 35

SHOP Savvy Shopper

Slowing Down Over a Glass Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATE GALAMBOS

19 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.393.3271 | sjwinemerchants.com 36

BellinghamAlive.com

THE SHOP

KEY PEOPLE

Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants is located in a charming downtown building that welcomes guests with tall ceilings, large windows, graphic art, and plenty of wine.

Ted Seifert and Diane Jones opened the store in 2013 with a mission to promote smaller brands from all over the world.

The co-owners love its downtown location, which makes it an easy stop on the way home from work. Guests can make a visit to the store for daily wine needs, over the weekend for wine tastings on Friday and Saturday, and can stay up-to-date on new arrivals and events by signing up for the weekly newsletter online.

Seifert and Jones have 50 years of wine experience between them and a passion for educating their customers. Seifert worked on the wholesale side of wine, while Jones worked retail. The two came together to build their own story in the world of wine.

“We aren’t fad-driven. We look for truthful, artisan producers that are hand-crafting wines,” Seifert said.

THE ATMOSPHERE Thanks to the store’s unique corner location, the space feels like no other downtown shop. Customers will feel like they have taken a step back in time, to when life moved slower and each drop was savored like a fine wine. Gallery lighting illuminates the key merchandise, bottles and bottles of wine, as well as retro art. While small, the space is well organized by region and variety of wine. “We like the shop to be a bit like a treasure hunt,” Jones said. The handpainted Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants sign above the entrance gives the final cherry on top of the store’s historic charm.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND Customers will find wine from not only all over the world, but representing a variety of regions in countless countries, from San Juan Island in our backyard to Lebanon, Macedonia, and Greece. Beyond the seemingly endless options, Seifert and Jones provide helpful guidance. “Many people come in and say what they are having for dinner,” Seifert said. From an everyday dinner, to a big celebration, Seifert and Jones’ prices fit every occasion.

FAVORITE ITEMS “It is always changing,” both owners agreed. For Seifert and Jones, a favorite wine depends on the meal, occasion, and season. Most importantly, however, is the power of a good bottle of wine for families.

“Wine lets families slow down at the table over a glass or two,” Seifert said. 

March 2018 37

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DISCLAIMER: *Offer good for first-time guests only. Intro massage or intro facial session is a 60-minute session consisting of 50 minutes of hands-on services and a total of 10 minutes for consultation and dressing, which occurs both pre and post service. Prices subject to change. Rates and services may vary by franchised location and session. Not all Massage Envy franchised locations offer facial and other services. For a specific list of services, check with specific franchised location or see MassageEnvy.com. Additional local taxes and fees may apply. Each location is independently ME-DNLD-1716-00-001-04X6 owned and operated. ©2017 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC.

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330 36th Street, Bellingham,WA 98225 DISCLAIMER: *Offer good for first-time guests only. Intro massage or intro facial session is a 60-minute session consisting of 50 minutes of hands-on services and a total of 10 minutes for consultation and dressing, which occurs both pre and post service. Prices subject to change. Rates and services may vary by franchised location and session. Not all Massage Envy franchised locations offer facial and other services. For a specific list of services, check with specific franchised location or see MassageEnvy.com. Additional local taxes and fees may apply. Each location is independently owned and operated. ©2018 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC ME-DNLD-1716-00-001-04X6

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CASCADIA EYE IS NOW IN BELLINGHAM

And we’d love to meet you!

OPEN HOUSE March 22, 2018

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM www.CascadiaEye.com | 360.424.2020 To celebrate, we’ll have CAKE! Plus: • Meet and greet your neighborhood eye care providers • Tour and learn what 32 years of experience brings to Bellingham • Try on our exclusive, independent frames: Cascadia Eyewear • Be delighted at our accessory selection — jewelry, bags, scarves+!

• Enjoy refreshments (did we mention cake?)

• Extremely special pricing for purchases during the open house

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3115 Old Fairhaven Pkwy Bellingham, WA 98225

WELLBEING Nutrition · Take a Hike · Spa Review · Beauty

Go with Your Gut — It’ll Help Your Brain WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CASSIE ELLIOTT

G

ut instinct. Listen to your gut. What does your gut tell you?

In the 1970s through to the 1980s, studies on the connection between diet and depression were being conducted. But they were discontinued due to underfunding, as is so often the case when it comes to nutrition research.

Recent studies have again been conducted to determine what the connection is between our brain and our gut, and how it affects our health … continued on next page

… overall. It is not surprising that the results show that the relationship is a symbiotic one, each relying on the other for wellness.

That’s why it is essential that we feed our gut a balanced and nutrientdense diet in order to nourish our brains so we can enjoy this thing we call life. So the next time you are deciding what you are going to eat, maybe go with your “gut feeling.”

Eat well. Live better.

This pea soup is a stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish that will warm you up on a cool spring day. It is made using the latest and greatest (it really is great) small kitchen appliance, the Instant Pot. If you don’t have one I suggest you run to your nearest store and pick one up.

You can thank me later.

PORK AND PEA SOUP SERVES: 8 PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME: 35 MINUTES 2 tablespoons avocado oil 1 large onion, chopped 40

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3 large carrots, chopped 3 ribs celery, chopped 2 cups split green peas 4 cups chicken broth 4 cups water 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper Leftover Kalua Pig or Ham

DIRECTIONS: • Turn your Instant Pot on and press the Saute button.

• Add the avocado oil and heat.

• Add the chopped onions to the oil and stir to cook until soft, about 2 minutes.

• While the onion is cooking, chop the celery and carrots.

• Add to the pot with onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Push “cancel” on the Instant Pot.

• Add peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaf and salt and pepper.

• Put the lid in place, making sure the vent is turned to “Pressure.”

• Push the manual button. Set the cooker on “High” and adjust time for 17 minutes.

• Grab a cup of tea, that book you’ve been wanting to read and relax for the next 30 minutes.

• Once the Instant Pot is finished cooking, push “manual/cancel” to shut it off.

• At this point, you can either wait for the IP to release pressure naturally or if you just can’t wait, give it five minutes and then manually release the pressure.

• Take the lid off, throw in your Kalua Pork or ham, stir, replace the lid and let stand for 5 minutes.

Bon Appetit! 

Beauty

WELLBEING

Skin Esthetician’s Mission: Empowering Women & Teens WRITTEN BY LISA CROSIER

A

round age 10, I started going with my mom to get her hair cut. Sitting in the corner and watching the staff, I knew then that I wanted to be a part of the salon industry. I didn’t really have an interest in doing hair, but more in the connection that I saw taking place.

I tried to sign up for part-time hairdressing in high school, but my parents wouldn’t allow it, saying “it would be a waste” of my brain. I went to college and then, to their dismay, quit my wellpaying job and went to beauty school to get my esthetic license (I love that they were wrong about this!)

I recently shared “Why I’m an esthetician” in a staff meeting: To connect with women and teens. This is achieved by making them feel beautiful when they are in my skin care studio. By performing facials, educating about proper skin care, and demonstrating how to

apply makeup, we’re continually using our license to combat the “pretty pressure” from society and the media.

The unrelenting pressure for teens and women to conform to the images they see around them can cause anxiety and seriously affect how they view themselves and life. My “why” as an esthetician is to empower women and teens. I love to be the person in a client’s day that is going to point out the good and come up with a positive plan to tackle problems. I must admit that many times this plan includes much more than just skin care!

I receive the greatest reward when I witness the transformation of a client’s bad day or a transformation in their skin, knowing I played a role in that positive change. My long-term vision is to reach as many women and teens as possible and help improve their attitude toward their skin.

This always starts with a professional skin treatment regime, but it also includes adjusting expectations. Today’s media portrays an atmosphere of flawless skin — no pimples, no wrinkles.

It’s not realistic to expect that we’ll all walk around with airbrushed skin and look like we’re in our 20s forever!

Skin does age and break out, especially when you’re a teenager or have hormonal changes in life. This is normal and natural.

Regular facials and skin care education are an essential for creating positive changes and improvements in your skin. Beauty, confidence, and feeling great are natural outcomes of healthy skin. I want to share my expertise with you. I’ll be writing in this space every few months, with the hopes of helping readers learn more about uncovering their best skin, and feeling beautiful from the inside out. 

March 2018 41

WELLBEING Special Advertising

Blueprints of Heart Attacks

H

eart attacks happen to both women and men — but they don’t always look the same. They’re not as obvious as you’d see on TV, and that’s true for more women than men.

Here’s a look at what makes recognizing a heart attack so important — and why noticing more subtle signs is especially important for women.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR What does a heart attack feel like? Chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom for both women and men. The pain may last a few minutes or come and go. Some people say it feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness. Or it may feel like an upset stomach or heartburn.

“Women are more likely than men to have other heart attack signs.,” says Paul Connor, MD, PeaceHealth Medical Group Cardiology, in Bellingham.

Those may include: ■■ Shortness of breath with or without chest pain ■■ Nausea, lightheadedness, or vomiting ■■ Unexplained fatigue that may last for days ■■ Back, shoulder, arm, or jaw pain Women are also at higher risk for silent heart attacks, according to some studies. This is when symptoms of a heart attack are so mild that they go unnoticed — or are dismissed as anxiety.

“Silent heart attacks are just as dangerous as more obvious heart attacks, though,” says Dr. Connor. “Left untreated, they can cause scarring and permanent damage, raising the risk of other heart problems.”

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So don’t be too quick to dismiss shortness of breath or lightheadedness as just anxiety. And make sure you tell medical professionals that you think you’re having a heart attack, not an anxiety attack.

A SUPPLY PROBLEM AT THE PUMP Despite women’s more subtle symptoms, the mechanics of a heart attack are fundamentally the same for both sexes. It happens when the heart’s blood supply is reduced or cut off, most often when an artery becomes blocked.

What usually sets the stage? Doctors call it atherosclerosis.

It happens when arteries that bring blood to the heart slowly become clogged with plaque. A blood clot can form around these plaques, causing complete obstruction of the blood flow to the heart muscle.

Without prompt treatment, areas of heart muscle may die and eventually be replaced by scars. This damage could leave a heart attack survivor with a weakened heart.

“And a weak heart may not be able to pump blood to the body’s organs like it should, which could result in other quality-of-life issues,” Dr. Connor says.

Quick treatment can restore blood flow to the heart and help prevent damage. So be aware of these warning signs for both yourself and others. If there’s even a slight chance you could be having a heart attack, don’t wait. Call 911 and get to a hospital to give your heart the best chance.  Paul Connor, MD Cardiology PeaceHealth Medical Group 2979 Squalicum Parkway, Ste. 101, Bellingham, WA 360.734.2700

Your heart is in the right place

Here’s one more reason to love Bellingham: Heart services when and where you need them. From prevention to diagnostic screenings to the latest treatment strategies and rehabilitation techniques, PeaceHealth has your health at heart, right where you are.

peacehealth.org/heart

MMIGRATION When Does Failure to Act Become a Moral Issue?

Âť

O

nly a handful of issues divide our

country like immigration. The debate pits our heritage as a country of immigrants, our compassion for others less fortunate, and fundamental fairness against legitimate concerns over border security, and the rule of law.

The merits of the debate, however, include far darker elephants in the room, specifically subtle and not-so-subtle racism and fear. If undocumented non-white immigrants are given a pathway to citizenship, and ultimately the right to vote, the power of one or the other of the political parties would likely erode. Undoubtedly, immigration has a public and private face. To deny the underbelly would be disingenuous.

Despite decades of gridlock, there is cause for hope. As distasteful as the politics may sound, each party’s leverage over the other may result in a budget stalemate that neither party can afford. In the coming weeks or months, the gridlock may break with the perfect storm of

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Written by Ken Karlberg

clashing Republican and Democrat priorities, such as the federal budget, military preparedness, border security, debt-ceiling constraints, and the government’s self-imposed DACA program expiration deadline. The pressure to reach a compromise on Dreamers, or even more broadly on a comprehensive solution, may finally lead to immigration reform.

Maybe, maybe not. Midterm elections are, after all, on the horizon.

Does anyone dispute, however, that decades of failure by Congress and prior presidents to act on immigration is inexcusable? This is not a tragic game of human Hokey Pokey — you put your Dreamers in, you put your Dreamers out, you put the Dreamers in and you shake them all about.

Uncertainty takes an undeniable emotional toll.

Regardless of one’s perspective on immigration, Dreamers deserve certainty, their parents and families deserve certainty, those who love them, or employ them, deserve certainty. It’s time.

All Politics Are Local

Historically, the vast majority of undocumented workers in the U.S. were from Mexico. Not so any more — according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Pew Research Center, only half of the estimated 11 to 12.5 million undocumented immigrants are from Mexico. (Mexican immigration has declined steadily since 2009 and only 7 percent have been in the U.S. for fewer than 5 years). The balance is from around the world, including large numbers of persons of color from countries in Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Philippines, India, South Korea, and China. Many are skilled and highly educated. Plainly, others are not.

Not surprisingly, illegal immigration declined during the Great Recession, and continued to decline ever-so-modestly through 2016. As a consequence, the average “time in the U.S.” numbers continue to increase. An estimated 66 percent of undocumented immigrants have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade — many for well over a March 2018 45

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decade. Some, like the estimated 700,000 Dreamers (young children brought unlawfully to the U.S. by their parents), only know the U.S. as their home.

Here in Washington, and locally in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, we all have a vested interest in the outcome. With our agricultural and high-tech industries and proximity to Canada, we are one of only six states (the only state on the West Coast) with a net increase of unauthorized immigration between 2009 and 2014. Half of the increase is attributed to illegal Asian and Indian immigration, many of whom over-stayed their tourist visas.

In terms of sheer numbers, however, the single largest group are Mexicans who form the economic backbone and profitability of many businesses in our local counties.

The resolution of the immigration debate, therefore, will have very real local consequences. We need to pay attention.

The Case for Heightened Border Security and Limited Legal Immigration

Whether skilled or unskilled, and regardless of country of origin, all undocumented immigrants look to America, and our local counties, for hope of a better life. Their hope, however, came, and continues to come, at a social cost that is unacceptable to many Republicans and Democrats, even those who are sympathetic to their plight.

The starting point for their objection to a relaxation or liberalization of immigration laws, e.g., a pathway to citizenship, is typically the rule of law. By that, 46

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Simply put, those who advocate for a fresh examination of how to keep America safe in today’s world are not being unreasonable. The fundamental question, however, is at what cost.

they mean, those who come to the U.S. illegally should be required to “get in line” behind those who apply for legal status here through legal channels.

Fundamentally, they argue, illegal immigrants should not be rewarded for violating the law, notwithstanding the circumstances that caused them to immigrate illegally. For them, permanent legal status is on the negotiation table perhaps, but not citizenship.

This argument has analytical traction. Communities are entitled to control their destiny, to have a say in their futures.

Immigration laws are designed, in part, so that the resources of communities where legal immigrants may move are not overwhelmed. For decades, California struggled with the massive influx of undocumented workers — schools, hospitals, and social services were not prepared for the increased demands. And California was not alone. Texas, Arizona, and other states were ill-prepared for the influx as well. The chaos, and the extreme strain on public resources, are some of the primary reasons why immigration laws exist, namely, to allow for orderly assimilation of immigrants.

Likewise, concern for border security and public safety is neither unreasonable, nor new. These historical concerns, however, have taken increased significance since 9/11, when the threat of terrorism on home soil became a shocking reality.

More recently, the question of how to treat refugees displaced from war-torn countries in the Middle East have further heightened fears here at home among many. Add to the mix concern over cross-border drug trafficking, gang activities, and crime by undocumented immigrants, and the composite justification for increased border security is clearly legitimate.

Simply put, those who advocate for a fresh examination of how to keep America safe in today’s world are not being unreasonable. The fundamental question, however, is at what cost. Over 250,000 refugees from Haiti and El Salvador, who are here temporarily in the aftermath of natural disasters in their countries, are now facing deportation deadlines, their temporary status withdrawn in the name of “America First.” And refugee hopefuls from 11 other countries, six of which are Muslimmajority countries, are tied up in legal limbo with President

IMMIGR ATION

Trump’s travel ban and concern over the potential for importing terrorism without appropriate vetting capabilities or procedures.

President Trump’s refugee policies are unsettling to many and for many reasons, but his proponents argue that the common thread is the security and safety of Americans and that the cost/ benefit analysis is sound and non-discriminatory. Ultimately, the legal system will decide.

One cost that immigration hardliners are willing to pay in the name of “Making America Great Again” is to restrict legal immigration by eliminating family reunification migration and diversity lottery migration in favor of a singular meritbased migration policy. Chain migration, as the Trump administration refers to the family reunification program, is essentially immigration based on close family ties (e.g., parents, siblings, children and spouses), where U.S. citizens or green card holders can petition for these family members to join them. The lottery program, which is unique to the U.S., recognizes the value of ethnic and racial diversity by allowing a limited number of vetted citizens from certain underrepresented countries to apply for

a visa under a lottery system.

(If you recall, President Trump’s recent purported reference to “shithole” countries was in response to a bipartisan proposal that certain African countries and Haiti continue to be part of the lottery migration program.)

is color blind, not racist.

President Trump’s approach to legal immigration simply treats America like a for-profit business by adopting nondiscriminatory policies that add only those who will make American stronger.

In lieu of these programs, President Trump’s merit-based immigration policy would cap the number of legal immigrants each year (ultimately to less than 50 percent of their current levels) and award legal status based on qualities and skills such as education, ability to speak, read, and write English, anticipated salary, investment potential, and achievements. In other words, immigration based on compassion for the suffering and plight of others would no longer be a basis for granting legal status.

The Case for Compassion and Fundamental Fairness

In the debate over immigration, border security may be the easiest to solve. Whether border security is enhanced by a combination of additional border patrols, new technologies like drones, ground penetrating radar, or even Trump’s wall in places where a border wall may actually enhance border security at a reasonable cost, security at our southern border is obtainable at some cost that most taxpayers are willing to support, whether or not Mexico pays.

The justification? According to President Trump, we cannot be great again if we carry all of the world’s burdens and take in the world’s downtrodden.

Times have changed since the Ellis Island days. It isn’t fair to the American people; Americans must come first. We must admit only those who are likely to make a net positive contribution to our society. Trump supporters argue that his exclusive meritbased immigration proposal

For the most part, however, illegal immigration today is not predominately a Mexico issue.

It was in days past, and perhaps it may again in the future. But many believe President Trump’s “great wall” is not a rational solution to the primary residual Mexico-related issue, namely cross-border drug trafficking.

Those who believe in walls, opponents say, should research France’s impenetrable Maginot Line that was built after WWI, the Great Wall of China, or the Berlin Wall. Walls don’t work.

They never have.

An estimated 66 percent of undocumented immigrants have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade — many for well over a decade.

This is not to say that strategically placed, technologically enhanced walls can’t be part of the answer to a multi-faceted, comprehensive approach to border security. Even President Trump’s opponents agree.

Conversely, however, all but the

March 2018 47

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Does anyone dispute, however, that decades of failure by Congress and prior presidents to act on immigration is inexcusable? »

most ardent Trump supporters now concede that an excessively expensive, face-saving “great wall” is simply not the answer by itself.

The more difficult, divisive issue is what to do with those undocumented immigrants who are already here — unaccompanied minors from Central and South America, Dreamers, the parents of Dreamers and their families — and those who hope to come as refugees or through the chain migration and lottery migration programs. This is the issue that tugs at our nation’s soul.

Few would dispute the importance of the rule of law or the need for enhanced border security. But polls show, time and again, that most Americans nonetheless favor compassion for those who are here, and then support heightened enforcement of existing laws (and establishment of new laws, as may be necessary) to ensure that illegal immigration never again hits crisis levels. Even the most hardline anti-immigration proponents acknowledge, in principle, our nation’s proud history of welcoming immigrants, skilled or not, with open arms.

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The Dreamers are the least controversial and perhaps the most deserving of compassion of all the categories of undocumented immigrants. Brought here involuntarily as young children by their parents, they are Americans in all but name.

Dreamers are teachers, firefighters, police officers, accountants, dentists and all occupations in between. Some didn’t even know they were illegal immigrants until they sought employment as young adults. They pay taxes, serve in the military, and raise their children to be law-abiding citizens. In short, Dreamers love this country because the U.S. is their country. Dreamers would be the first to defend the government’s aggressive deportation and/ or incarceration tactics against undocumented immigrants who are violent criminals, members of MS-13 and other gangs, or involved in drug trafficking.

Many “rule of law” proponents, while publicly sympathetic, are privately hesitant to provide a pathway to citizenship as part of the DACA solution. Their reasons are unclear. Some even argue that our social security and Medicare systems are already failing; we don’t need to add non-citizens to those programs, which would only accelerate their collapse. Their logic, however, inexplicably

disregards that Dreamers pay into social security and Medicare through payroll taxes. Would they then accept Dreamers’ contributions, but deny them the right to receive benefits and health care?

Fundamentally, we need, as a society, to ask ourselves “what is the difference between a 30-year-old female Dreamer who came to America with her parents at age 2 and is now a member of our armed forces, and a 30-year-old U.S. citizen” other than the “rule of law” issue. After 28 years of contributions to and sacrifice for our country, when has she earned the right for the scarlet letter from her parents’ so-called original immigration “sin” to be expunged from her record and to be called an American?

The equitable arguments in favor of permanent legal status for the parents of Dreamers are perhaps equally compelling, even if the moral imperative is not as clear. This broad category of undocumented worker, the rough immigration equivalent of Patient Zero, first came to the U.S. for a myriad of reasons decades ago, but primarily for a better way of life for themselves and their family. Many, if not most, have toiled with honor and pride in the shadows under the harshest of economic and

Some didn’t even know they were illegal immigrants until they sought employment as young adults. They pay taxes, serve in the military, and raise their children to be law-abiding citizens.

IMMIGR ATION

Here in Washington…we are one of only six states (the only state on the West Coast) with a net increase of unauthorized immigration between 2009 and 2014.

living conditions. Why? Because no matter the circumstances, the alternative in their home country was worse.

Most of us have a similar family history.

And while their immigration here may have severely burdened public resources, many advocates argue that the immediate impact has significantly subsided, or been significantly absorbed, with the passage of time. At a minimum, if the first generation of undocumented immigrants were awarded permanent legal status, whatever burdens may continue to exist will be unchanged should we recognize their contributions to our society in this manner.

More fundamentally perhaps, advocates further argue that we lost any moral “rule of law” high ground as a country, as we sat on our proverbial hands, year after year, without addressing this issue. Some would say purposely. Which begs the question: Can we truly honor our heritage as a country of immigrants if we take advantage of their plight, look “the other way” and use them to fuel our economy with jobs that relatively few Americans may be willing to perform, and then conveniently cast them aside when we feel threatened by their numbers and potential political power? Many ask: “Is this who we are?”

And finally, for those who continue to believe in the spirit of the Statue of Liberty, President Trump’s merit-based immigration proposal and refugee policies do not reflect who we were for more than two centuries of our nation’s history.

Most may concede that merits have a place in immigration analytics, but to the complete exclusion of compassion for human suffering? Many advocates fear that we risk being perceived by the free world as being so mercenary, so lacking in moral leadership, that we undermine that which made America great in the first place — our willingness to open our borders to others less fortunate even as we struggled to survive.

The Immorality of Our Failure to Act Lest we forget, the Romans paid similar tribute to the rule of law. The Romans were also admired and respected before they were despised. We need to get this right.

Immigration reform has languished in Congress for decades. While Dreamers and their parents have lived in perpetual fear in the shadows, Congress and prior presidents have dithered, safe with the knowledge that undocumented workers, and their children, had no practical choice but to continue performing many manual labor jobs in support

of our local businesses under difficult conditions. In effect, it can be said that we took advantage of them as much or more than they benefited from being unlawfully in our country.

At law and in equity, the statute of limitations and the doctrine of laches precludes an aggrieved party from asserting their claims if, broadly speaking, they sleep on their rights beyond a certain point in time. At some point, and advocates forcefully argue that the point is now, the U.S. has slept on its rights — some would say deliberately so — and lost the moral right to expel Dreamers and their parents, or to deny them legal status, a pathway citizenship, or the right to vote. They invested in the U.S. even further with each year of delay.

Congress, President Trump, and every president for the past 40-plus years, has had the moral obligation to fix the issue, and fix the issue fairly, respectfully and honorably, without creating second-class citizens. They failed; they should now own it. To quote one of President Trump’s favorite expressions, their collective failure to act is a “shameful disgrace,” regardless of which side of the issue you may fall. Immigration reform is not that difficult to solve if one has a moral backbone and an old-school sense of decency and gratefulness. Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?

March 2018 49

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Living at the edge of the Salish Sea means a new way of life. Gathering friends and family for a low-tide beach walk, launching your boat or kayak at Birch Bay State Park, which is just one-quarter mile away, for a sunrise or sunset paddle is so easy. Salish Breeze residents can easily pursue the active Northwest lifestyle. Homes built by Salish Contractors offer well thought out floor plans from the areas top architects and designers. High-end finishes are standard in each home including quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wrought iron stairways. Spacious green belt home sites offer plenty of privacy.

Directions: I5 exit 266 Grandview, head west 8 miles to Ocean Mist Dr, then Right on Ocean Cove Lane

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HOME

© Lucas Henning

& REMODEL

With March comes change — in the weather, at work and especially at home. It’s a time when we take stock of what we’ve got and what we want. Here in our Home & Remodel package, you will get a peek inside sparkling new homes across the North Sound, remodels and hot new ways you can refresh what you already have. Check out a new Lake Whatcom overlook and its sprawling daylight basement, a Fidalgo Island charmer and a Saratoga Hill window home on Camano Island. And how about adding some texture to your favorite rooms? Think about tile, color, lamps, wall coverings. We have experts and their ideas.

As for the yard, a cadre of local professional gardeners are giving up a few of their secrets.

You’ll want to know what they’re saying.

Gardeners’ Best-Kept Secrets Gardening 101 Master Bedroom Remodel Elevate Design with Texture

PLUS

Featured Homes March 2018 51

HOME & REMODEL \ GARDENS

MADELINE DELIA Wells Nursery, Mount Vernon

North Sound Gardeners’ Best-Kept Secrets WRITTEN BY NICK JENNER AND KIRSTYN NYSWONGER

I

t’s March, and your garden is soggy, unkempt, winterbeaten. Kind of like your sun-starved soul. Yet there’s hope!

Greener, lusher, warmer days are ahead. But the greenerthumbed among us need some help. We asked local gardeners to give up one of their closely held secrets. Not everyone did, but they kindly gave us some tips at least. Here they are:

JENNY GUNDERSON My Garden Nursery, Bellingham Good soil is the key to having a successful garden, so be sure not to overlook it. Owning a stainless-steel Hori-Hori (a type of garden knife) will make gardening easier, it can be used for digging, weeding, cutting roots, planting bulbs, and even as a saw.

MARGARET RUDY DeWilde’s Nursery, Bellingham Now is a very good time to do planting. The trees and plants are more dormant in this period, between November and March, making planting and transplanting less of a shock to the plant. Everything except grass is fair game.

RICH EVANS GlacierScapes Landscaping, Bellingham A dying portion of your plant, shrub, or tree might not mean the whole plant is doomed. Dig down and sever the root on the dying side. Replace the area with new soil. The fresh cut will flood the area with rhizomes, making the plant absorb more nutrients and grow anew.

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Planting a tree on the eve of a hot, dry summer can be risky business. The infantile roots need more water than an older tree and the dry summer soil is often a poor sponge. Use a tree bag, also known as a Treegator. Essentially a multiplegallon watering balloon wrapped around the tree’s trunk, you fill it once a day, and for the next eight to nine hours it delivers a constant stream directly to the roots.

MOLLY MAGUIRE Molly Maguire Landscape Architecture, Bellingham Be less tidy! Let the leaves that drop from your plants decompose in the planter instead of picking them up. The nutrients they leave behind it will do wonders for your plants. Less work for you, and soil loves nutrient recycling. Win-win.

MICHAEL GARCIA Northern Lights Gardening, Bellingham and Mount Vernon Gardening isn’t rocket science. Novice gardeners, keep it simple and mimic the environment, indoor or outdoor, that your plants thrive in. Go into it with an open mind and try not to overthink it.

DAVID VOS Vander Giessen Nursery, Lynden Love tomatoes? Planting tomato stems deeper than when they were purchased helps them create new roots from their stems when buried. Clip side leaves before planting, leaving the top two. Then dig a trench, laying the plant on its side, and bend the top section out of the soil. This will help the plant grow bigger and deeper.

Covering more area will help your tomato plant access more water.

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Proper research and planning is important, she has learned in 42 years of growing things. People get really excited and spend hundreds on seeds and equipment, but it all hinges on knowing the plant and properly preparing its soil.

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Worrying too much will get you nowhere. The secret is to be stress-free.

If you watch the plant and prohibit it from growing naturally, it will not only put stress on you, but the plant as well.

JASON SUHL Green Man Landscape and Design, Friday Harbor Stick to a limited number of species, preferably native ones. Local plants and trees know — and have grown with — the land, making them an easy start for beginning gardeners.

JOHN CHRISTIANSON Christianson’s Nursery, Mount Vernon Plants that are droughttolerant might seem like an easy plant to acquire, but not always. Drought-tolerant plants don’t become tolerant until after the plant is established. Make sure you actively water them until they’re rooted.

HEIDI HAIDLE Treemendous Plantworks, Bellingham There is no set amount of water to give a plant based on its species. The amount of watering depends on how much light you provide. The more sunlight your plant gets, the more you should water it, and vice versa. 

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March 2018 53

HOME & REMODEL \ GARDENS

Gardening 101 Gleaning Knowledge from Grandmother to Grandson WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICK JENNER

M

argaret Bush is the most passionate gardener I know. I would even go so far as to call her a master gardener, though she’ll never admit it. Starting with a shaded piece of soil under her bedroom window, she planted whatever seeds she could around her father’s garden and would even venture out to the nearby train tracks where neighbors would purge unwanted flora.

For her entire life, gardening would remain a peaceful, meditative constant, one she would pass down to her daughter, and eventually to me, her grandson, with tips to help me grow as a gardener. And just like with the shady patch under her childhood window, she recommends starting small, with the essentials:

STEP 1 Prepare your soil! Weed it, dig it up and get it ready for whatever you want to plant.

Organic fertilizer is readily available and has everything you need. Just make sure it’s the right kind for your plant.

When weeding your garden, do it before churning up the dirt; it will limit any spreading. Also, it’s said that once a weed seeds, you’ll have it for seven years. So, get them before they bloom.

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STEP 2 Next, you’ve got to know what you’re planting. Everything won’t grow everywhere.

Rhododendrons, for example, won’t grow in full sunlight. Choose a plant whose sunlight needs can be met in your garden. Consider when the light touches certain areas, for how long it touches those spaces, and how much space you have.

Small plants don’t stay small, and all plants like their space.

STEP 3 Third, and most important, is water. Even if it rained that day, your plant might need more. You can tell by looking at its leaves or posture or surrounding soil.

Watch the plants and they’ll tell you what they need. And always make sure to give new plants plenty of water so they don’t go thirsty early on.

STEP 4 Lastly, handy tools. Unless you’ve got a lot of garden to work on, keep them small, like hand rakes or shovels.

Navigating between the stems of your soon-to-be garden will be much easier for you and much safer for your leafy friends. 

Margaret Bush

GARDEN TOURS AND EVENTS The blooms are coming. Here’s a sampling of where to whet your appetite for plants, flowers, gardens: March 1–Oct 31 Glen Echo Garden glenechogarden.com, Bellingham March 2, 3, 4 Whatcom County annual Home and Garden Show biawc.com, Lynden June 23, 24 Orcas Island Garden Tour orcasislandgardenclub.org, Orcas Island June 24 Gardens of Note skagitsymphony.com, Mount Vernon July 7, 8 Whatcom Horticultural Society Garden Tours whatcomhortsociety.org, Whatcom County For daily tours, check before you go to: Bellevue Botanical Gardens bellevuebotanical.org, Bellevue Van Dusen Botanical Garden vandusengarden.org, Vancouver Aurora Farm Tours aurorafarms.org, Friday Harbor

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TEXTURES / HOME & REMODEL

Texture in Master Bedroom Remodel Adds Warmth and Depth WRITTEN BY TANNA EDLER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY NIC ASTON

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he goal of this master bedroom project was to soften the space and add personality. Prior to our design updates, the room had dark walls with white linens, an attempt to create a rich, contemporary design.

Instead, it shrank the room and screamed, “Boring!”

By adding a neutral wall covering, silk drapery and everyday linens, the bedroom gained layers and texture with a gentle color palette. The larger-size bed is ideal for comfort, the over-sized floor mirror provides light reflection and the added seating proved useful for daily living.

Aesthetically, the finishes gave the space the warm and welcoming feel that was desired. The added decor completed the design concept and it is now a romantic room with functional pieces.

Evidence of superior craftsmanship is shown by the perfectly hung drapery: tight to the ceiling and slightly kissing the floor. The upholstery on the wingback chairs is impeccable and the quality of the wool area rug is ideal for everyday use.

The result is a rich and clean look, as the couple requested.  March 2018 57

HOME & REMODEL \ TEXTURES

ELEVATE DESIGN WITH TEXTURE

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WRITTEN BY CATHERINE TORRES

f your home decor is looking flat, try honing in on its textural elements. Decorating with texture can be done through multiple mediums. It adds interest and dimension within a space, and can be as simple as switching out a few accessories. We spoke to Anacortes-based Loize Design owner Sarah Nibarger for advice on how to conquer texture. On the following pages, Nibarger explains ways to add it to your home using tile, paint, light, walls and flooring, and then offers some ideas for final touches.

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TILES

TEXTURES / HOME & REMODEL

GEOMETRIC

Tiles are textural elements in themselves. This year be on the lookout for zellige tiles. These Moroccan, glazed terra cotta tiles have an organic feel, a nice upgrade from the sleek tiles we’ve grown accustomed to.

On the floors, consider angular geometric prints that liven any space. In a dining room, a geometric layout can give the appearance of a carpet, but handles spills a lot better. Largecut terrazzo tiles can add interest without becoming a focal point. Nibarger said to check out glass tiles, particularly ones with an iridescent finish for added interest and depth. If you’re trying to think of where to add tile, she suggests the laundry room, where the functionality and look just make sense. You can also find tile-adorned drawer pulls that work great on furniture and kitchen cabinets.

LAUNDRY ROOM

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PAINT

HOME & REMODEL \ TEXTURES

This year’s trending paint colors, onyx and rich berry tones, create beautiful accent walls. Nibarger loves dark accent walls, they “give character without being too edgy.” She warns not to do too much and suggested choosing a smaller wall for a nice, but not commandeering, effect. To further add depth, leave the trim and floors a contrasting color. Nibarger points out dark walls really make white trim “pop.”

Another way to add texture with paint is playing with the finishes. We’re used to seeing soft eggshell on walls, but what about using a high-gloss finish or stripes of the same color, alternating matte and glossy?

Finally, when laying out your design, don’t forget the ceiling. It’s become a sort of fifth wall with designers adding bold colors, wallpaper, and wooden planks that demand our attention.

TEXTURE HACKS Need to add texture to your design in a pinch?

Here are five hacks to get started: 1 Take inspiration from nature by arranging sticks, stones, or feathers on a tabletop. Then pair the natural elements with contrasting decorative pieces.

Nibarger has unfinished tree rounds she loves to stack alongside pretty glass pieces.

2 Switch out your boring throw pillows for ones with details like metal ball fringe, soft sheepskin cover, or a beaded design. Add some chunky knit throw blankets or faux fur blankets for extra warmth.

3 Light an arrangement of candles in beautiful holders for soft lighting.

On the flip side, switch out heavy curtains for gauzy ones to let natural sunlight pour into a room.

4 Master the layered look.

Go ahead and lay down a patterned rug over your beige wall-to-wall carpeting, then top that with a smaller animal-print rug. Try contrasting table cloths or a pile of patterned pillows.

5 When in doubt, add flowers! It can be as easy as picking some from your garden. Nibarger’s go-to arrangement is white with green accents. “It goes well within just about any room.”

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Out of all the design components, lighting is often overlooked. But it’s a feature that works overtime aesthetically, and is key in any room. Use light to create texture by playing with shadows. Shiny metals and mirrors will reflect light, while dark, plush fabrics and woods will absorb soft light.

When working with recessed lighting, Nibarger always puts the bulbs on a dimmer switch; it’s the best way to avoid harshness from the ample light. Use lamps and light tracks in dark corners, under cabinets, or for showcasing artwork. In addition to placement, pay attention to bulb choice. A harsh light in a living room doesn’t convey warmth and relaxation, just as a soft light in a kitchen can make cooking difficult. Nibarger capitalizes on fixtures with two bulb inserts by putting in an LED bulb alongside a soft white bulb for “bright light without a harsh feeling.”

LIGHT

TEXTURES / HOME & REMODEL

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For floors, you can’t go wrong with hardwood. Even faux hardwood manufacturers have come a long way, allowing for more budget-friendly options that are customizable. Nibarger suggested using multiple sizes of hardwood flooring, “Lay bigger planks, then a row of smaller, then bigger.” Try multi-toned hardwood floors for more depth and even scraped hardwood that highlights the wear and tear we’ve spent so many years trying to avoid. “It really looks cool.”

There are numerous applications for walls and flooring that add texture. On the walls, wainscoting and shiplap can be painted and customized to match any decor scheme. Try hanging grass cloth or adhering leather tiles to walls for a statement look that encourages touching. Again, be careful with the tones of your walls and floors; elements work better when there’s a contrast between light and dark.

WALLS + FLOORING

TEXTURES / HOME & REMODEL

MULTI-TONED March 2018 63

FINAL TOUCHES

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Complete your design with carefully curated accessories and upholstery. The key when choosing finishing touches is balance. Work in a variety of materials that contrast, versus having an entire room of the same thing. For example, display a potted plant in a round terra cotta pot alongside a brushed stainless-steel frame. Try to incorporate a plush, jewel-toned velvet loveseat for statement seating, or use a dresser with intricately patterned inlay bone tile as a cocktail stand. Seek out carved wood or curlicue wrought-iron pieces with interesting details.

Lay sheepskin or shaggy rugs to warm up hardwood or tile floors. Natural fiber rugs like braided jute work wonderfully in both traditional farmhouse and industrial modern designs, and they feel great underfoot. Nibarger warns to spend money on a high-quality natural fiber rug since lowquality natural fiber rugs tend to shed easily.

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

BEST PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET This month: Sunny Southern Exposure!

We can all agree that the cardinal rule of real estate is the often repeated tag line “location, location, location”. And while that is a very catchy phrase, let’s think about what that really means. Location could reference our ideal proximity to Vancouver, BC and at the same time our quiet distance from Costco. Location could frequently mean less traffic, solid security, and peace and quiet. Often overlooked, is the location of the sun on your beautiful back patio. Or walking out the front door ready to bask in the warm sunny days that are headed our way. The homes below, boast that repeated tag line but also offer sun, sun, and more sun!

1.  SEMIAHMOO Perfect location at Semiahmoo!

Views of the 9th fairway offer plenty of sunshine. This single story home has 3 bed & 3 baths, large open great room, living, and kitchen. Hardwood floors throughout the main living space, with French doors that open up to the large deck in the back. Stainless steel appliances, granite counters, great attention to detail—this is a great home for those wanting that sunny exposure! $599,000, 5425 Quail Run, Semiahmoo 3 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,799 SqFt, MLS# 1238982 Vancouver Blaine | Semiahmoo

Bellingham

2.  SEMIAHMOO Enjoy life on one of the best lots in Semiahmoo! Enjoy panoramic views of the signature 11th hole. Lots of space in this 2,740 sqft. single story delight. Three large bedrooms can be used for either beds, office desks, or workout equipment.

High ceilings and large windows take advantage of the view in every aspect. Well cared for property, with quiet location on cul-de-sac at the end of the street. $729,000, 8793 Osprey Rd., Semiahmoo 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,740 SqFt, MLS# 1236695

3.  SEMIAHMOO Open and inviting home with great living space on the main floor. Brand new roof and freshly painted kitchen this well built home has a double wide fairway view that can’t be beat. Large spacious rooms with Pella windows and doors to capture the view! Master suite has sitting area to deck, seriously large walk-in shower and separate vanity. Lots of light with high ceilings and a cost per square foot price that we haven’t seen since 1990! $649,000,8745 Wood Duck Way, Semiahmoo 3 Beds, 3.75 Baths, 3,768 SqFt, MLS# 1153458

KATHY STAUFFER

Whatcom County...Even when it rains, I shine!

Managing Broker 360-815-4718 kathystauffer.com

LAKE WHATCOM OVERLOOK

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he East Coast couple wanted to retire in Pacific Northwest style: the standing seam-metal roof

doesn’t grow moss or mold, and siding with a rainscreen keeps moisture at bay. There’s geothermal heating via underground pipes and aluminum-clad wood windows for protection on the outside and a warm wood aesthetic inside. And when the weather’s nice, Lake Whatcom beckons on the other side of Northshore Drive. Zervas

Architects designed and Moceri Construction built the three-bedroom, 2½-bath home to merge with a sloping lawn, giving the appearance of a onestory house from the uphill side, but one that allows for a daylight basement on the opposite side. Inside, a one-level living area will help for the long-term, with office and studio space providing places to produce.

ARCHITECT ZERVAS ARCHITECTS BUILDER MOCERI CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPHER MN8 MEDIA March 2018 69

LAKE WHATCOM OVERLOOK

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LAKE WHATCOM OVERLOOK

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FIDALGO ISLAND CHARM

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cozy charm resonates throughout this Fidalgo Island home, looking out over the

turbulent waters near Deception Pass bridge. The first floor, and a weathered

chimney, are all that remain from the original structure. Greg Kreider of Kreider Construction in Anacortes teamed with architect Cari Barrett to build, on a sloping lot, a multi-level home consisting of three bedrooms and 2¾ baths. Along with an open floor plan that allows for easy access to kitchen, living and dining rooms, special features include a vaulted ceiling, rustic distressed oak flooring, and a loft with reading nook reachable via sliding ladder.

With its rounded window, it’s the perfect place for water-gazing, settling in with a book, or riding out a storm.

ARCHITECT CARI BARRETT BUILDER KREIDER CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPHER C9 PHOTOGRAPHY March 2018 75

FIDALGO ISLAND CHARM

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SARATOGA HILL HOUSE

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his home’s owner has strong generational — and emotional — ties to the property on Camano Island’s

Saratoga Channel, where his grandfather

once owned a cabin. Owners were looking to downsize after raising a family.

The single-family modern industrial places a premium on light and water views. Architect Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest and Waite Construction’s Mike Waite faced challenges: Limited road access meant heavy equipment arrived by boat, and the house was built on low-profile steel columns to allow for potential mudslides to run under, rather than damaging the home. Lots of tile, glass, metal siding, steel, and concrete keep maintenance low. A roof-top garden terrace, on the third level, makes up for limited landscaping below.

ARCHITECT DAN NELSON OF DESIGNS NORTHWEST ARCHITECTS BUILDER WAITE CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPHER LUCAS HENNING March 2018 79

SARATOGA HILL HOUSE

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SARATOGA HILL HOUSE

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WHATCOM COUNTY RANCH

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ellingham Bay Builders and architect Greg Robinson transformed a drafty, damp,

cold house to a high-performance home for a growing family that had moved from city to county. Adding a second story over the bedroom wing meant room for a master suite. A cathedral ceiling and loft opened up the main family space. Completed in early 2017, the modified ranch-style home was remodeled to include a high-efficiency heat recovery ventilator — meaning a big improvement in indoor air quality, and a

ductless heat pump to keep things warm and energy efficient. The family, which left the urban life behind to run a farm on its 27 acres, now has room to grow.

ARCHITECT GREG ROBINSON BUILDER BELLINGHAM BAY BUILDERS PHOTOGRAPHER C9 PHOTOGRAPHY March 2018 85

WHATCOM COUNTY RANCH

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Relaxing, Welcoming Environment with Exceptional Coffee • Sustainable & Locally Sourced Beer, Wine & Food • Outstanding Customer Service 228 N. Samish Way, Bellingham | 360.393.4953 TroveCoffee.com

DINE

8 Great Tastes · Dining Guide · Mixing Tin · Sip

Redefine Health Food Shambala Bakery and Bistro WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CATHERINE TORRES

I

f someone offered you a slice of non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan bread, what would you expect it to taste like? You might guess flavorless cardboard. If you’re eating bread from Shambala Bakery and Bistro in Mount Vernon, you’d be absolutely wrong. Customers new to Shambala will often exclaim “This is actually good!” They were expecting cardboard, but what Shambala puts out is soft, delicious bread.

Chef and owner Nancy Chase explained why “health bread” gets a bad reputation. It’s a tough product to make texture and flavor-wise, especially in comparison to traditional bread. “We’re making bread out of batter,” Chase says. Dough’s consistency is what translates to bread’s soft, chewy texture. Ancient grain batter, what Shambala uses, needs to be exact and manipulated with other ingredients to achieve that bread-like quality.

Many big corporations include ingredients like rice, nuts, legumes, and starch in their health … continued on next page

… bread. It’s not the most flavorful combination, so many add excess sugar and salt, making it unhealthy.

You won’t find excess sugar and salt in Shambala’s bread. In fact, you won’t find rice, nuts, legumes, or too much starch in their “hand-crafted gourmet bread product that happens to be gluten-free.” Chase sources only minimally processed non-wheat ancient grains that are fresh milled in eastern Washington. She uses five blends that include grains like millet, teff, quinoa, oats, and flax. Shambala breads taste better and are low-glycemic while being high in protein and fiber. She adds their non-wheat ancient grain bread is “just an efficient food.”

Chase didn’t grow up thinking she’d be in the bread business. As a little girl, she enjoyed cooking. All that experimenting in the kitchen came into play when she married Nick, who has food allergies that he passed down to their son and daughter.

Restaurant menus only recently became accommodating to guests with food allergies, so Chase had to take matters into her own hands. “I’ve been trying to figure it out for my family for 30 years.”

Figure it out she did. She opened the Shambala Bakery and Bistro in 2015 after completely renovating the downtown Mount Vernon retail space to add kitchens. When you enter the sunlit bistro, you instantly feel cozy.

Mismatched seating somehow works together and invites guests to take a minute and relax. There’s a glass counter displaying freshly baked goods: onyx-colored Deep Chocolate Muffins, bite-sized Sunflower Thumbprints, and rustically shaped bagels sit among the offerings. Of course, you’ll find freshbaked Shambala ancient grain bread stacked next to a small dish of samples for the yet-to-be-converts.

Crack open the menu to find allday breakfast, an array of sandwiches, salads, pizza, and lighter fare like quiche and soup. Shambala takes advantage of what’s in season with three daily specials, a soup, and quiche of the day. The bistro’s menu is primarily vegan with egg, cheese, and seafood choices. It’s a gluten-free, soyfree, and peanut-free facility, where 90

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everything is made from scratch and food allergies are taken very seriously.

Chase’s farm, an organic, perennial, no-till permaculture farm on Camano Island supplies produce to the bistro.

Word is that everything on the menu is good. That’s quite a statement, but “we won’t serve it unless it’s delicious,” Chase promises. They’ve succeeded on the challenge so far. Shambala’s pizzas are made with an incredible whole grain, thin crust. You can order a pizza off the menu, or take a prebaked crust home to top it yourself.

Shambala fans also rave about the Shamburger, a house-made veggie burger on a Sunshine bun with all the fixings. If you’re particularly hungry try the Holy Hashables (Batman)! It’s one pound of fresh, seasonal vegetables, like broccoli and red peppers, stir-fried with herbed potatoes and topped with a

vegan nacho sauce. The bites are tender, flavorful, with a slight kick of heat.

Drinks include locally brewed beer, wine, smoothies, fresh juice, and coffee made with their own Shambala Barista Roast, a fair-trade, fresh-milled, minimally processed small-batch roast

by Fofcee on Camano Island. Chase recently added a happy hour menu, which includes tapas, children’s dishes, and a few specialty cocktails.

In Tibetan Buddhism, Shambala means “a kingdom defined by purity and emblematic of both visionary and spiritual intent.” We don’t know how much Shambala Bakery and Bistro can be described as a kingdom, but they certainly put out a delicious plate of food!  614 S. 1st Ave., Mount Vernon 360.588.6600 | shambalabakery.com

DINING KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to $9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10–19 . . . . . . . . . . . . $20–29 . . . . . . . . $30 or greater . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brunch

ambience, and world-class views, be sure to visit the Prima on your next visit to Whidbey Island.

SKAGIT 13MOONS AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE Seafood/Steak

. . . . . . . . . Family-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . Takeout

Located within the casino, 13moons is sure to catch your attention. Situated on the waterfront, 13moons has a warm and inviting lodge atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety including first plates, entree salads, seafood, and steaks. We started our meal with generous pours of wine, then moved on to the filet mignon, which was cooked to perfection and mouth-watering. The same could be said for their Marsala Mushroom Pork Chop. The Kobe Burger, made with Wagyu beef, brioche, Cambozola cheese and double-smoked bacon, is impressive. This is a great choice for an evening out. You will walk away satisfied, and you’ll understand why it is the go-to place for locals and visitors alike.

SAN JUAN

FRIDAY HARBOR HOUSE Regional NW

CALLE Mexican

130 West St., Friday Harbor 360.378.8455, fridayharborhouse.com

517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566

It’s hard to beat the view of the ferry landing, marina and San Juan Channel from Friday Harbor House, the hotel and restaurant elevated over the water to provide a sweeping panorama of water and sky. The restaurant’s new “Brunch on the Bluff” allows you to linger over the view while experiencing island dining at a high level. If you like, you can also have a drink — San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor House is one of the few island restaurants to offer a full bar at brunch every day of the week. New menu offerings include eggs benedict and Belgian waffles, along with pork belly egg fried rice. Tried-and-true favorites include Smashed Avocado Toast and Benton’s Benedict.

Calle has generated quite the attention with a write up in Sunset magazine. Known for their take on Street Tacos — with six meat fillings to choose from and handmade corn tortillas — but that’s certainly not the only mouthwatering option. Try the Carne Asada, Posole, or Tortas to name just a few menu options.

The Spicy Mango Margarita, made with fresh mango and jalapeño, is fast becoming a customer favorite. With 60+ tequilas and mescals to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again.

PRIMA BISTRO French 201 1/2 First St., Langley 360.221.4060, primabistro.com A quintessential South Whidbey dining ­experience in the heart of Langley, Prima Bistro marries gourmet French cuisine and classic Northwest ingredients. Fried Spanish Marcona Almonds arrive steaming hot, glisteningly crisp and in a glory of flavor — and just in time a glass of Pinot Grigio. The selection of reds and whites offer options for connoisseurs of every stripe, along with a full bar. The Burgundy Snails in Herb Butter taste delightfully creamy, with an uncharacteristically soft, yet enjoyable texture. The Bistro Burger is a juicily grilled patty of Oregon beef, topped with a deliciously thick slice of melted white Cheddar; a burger made in heaven! For fabulous food, elegant

CONWAY PUB & EATERY American 18611 Main St., Conway 360.445.4733 Don’t let tiny Conway fool you — this pub packs big flavor. Though the town is unincorporated, business is never slow in this watering hole. Farmers often come here after a hard day’s work, as well as bikers making a pit stop on a scenic weekend ride. Their food matches their patrons’ big appetites, such as the blue cheese burger topped with crisply, fried shoestring onions or the mouthwatering oyster burger. Packed with flavor and Americana spirit, Conway Pub & Eatery is a Skagit Valley icon.

DINE

100 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 110, Mount Vernon 360.419.0674, granaio.com

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes 360.588.3800, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Menu items and prices are subject to change, so check before you go.

See all our restaurant reviews on our Eat and Drink tab at bellinghamalive.com

Dining Guide

IL GRANAIO Italian

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner

. . . . . . . . Outdoor Seating . . . . . . . . . . Reservations . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . New Review

Owner Alberto Candivi arrives at Il Granaio in downtown every morning to make the day’s pastas by hand, sculpting basic ingredients into the building blocks for lavish, rich Italian dishes served throughout the day. When the ingredients call for a lighter hand, his restaurant also turns out reserved, delicate dishes.

Il Granaio is a practice in the intricacies of cuisine, displaying the best flavors Italian food has to offer. With more than 30 items on the entrée menu, the list can be quite daunting. Il Granaio’s dessert menu is just as lush as the entrée menu. The wine menu is expansive, and the beer menu features several local craft brews. Their grappa selection does the Italian cordial the justice it deserves.

SEEDS BISTRO Regional NW 623 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3280, seedsbistro.com Seeds Bistro in La Conner is a celebration of the fresh bounty of food offered in Skagit County. It offers simple dishes that highlight the fresh, exciting ingredients found throughout the Pacific Northwest. The menu features local selections rotating with the seasons. The macaroni and cheese features Northwestfavorite Cougar Gold cheese with a buttercrumb crust. Burgers are juicy, cooked perfectly, and served on homemade potato buns with the smallest bit of crunch and a fluffy interior. The whole family can enjoy Seeds’ offerings — comfort foods satisfy children’s desires while more intricate food items appease fastidious palates.

SHAMBALA BAKERY AND BISTRO American 614 S. 1st Ave., Mount Vernon 360.588.6600, shambalabakery.com Crack open Shambala Bakery and Bistro’s menu to find all day breakfast, an array of sandwiches, salads, pizza, and lighter fare like quiche and soup. They take advantage of what’s in season with three daily specials, a soup and quiche of the day. If you’re particularly hungry try the Holy Hashables (Batman)!

It’s one pound of fresh seasonal vegetables like broccoli and red peppers stir-fried with herbed potatoes and topped with a vegan nacho sauce.

The bites are tender, flavorful, with a slight kick of heat.

SKAGIT RIVER BREWERY American 404 S. 3rd St., Mount Vernon 360.336.2884, skagitbrew.com Inspiration bred from English and German brews and made with Yakima Valley hops and Northwest barley and wheat, Skagit River Brewery produces the finest beers with

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CULINARY EVENTS South American Wine Dinner March 9, 6 p.m.

If you’re in the mood for taking a food and wine voyage through Chile and Argentina, head to Ciao Thyme Commons for a five-course dinner, paired with wine. Accompany Tom Saunderson, Pamela Jull, Jessica Gillis, Mataio Gillis, Kraig Halterman, and Rio de Janeiro native and expert sommelier, Patricia Zanatta, on a food journey abroad.

Ciao Thyme Commons 207 Unity St., Bellingham | ciaothyme.com

distinguishable tastes. If you prefer heavy beer, go for the Steelie Brown, a rich, malty brew that is light on bitterness and hops. Try Sculler’s IPA or Gospel IPA if you want a combination of crisp and refreshing flavors of citrus and grapefruit with varying degrees of hoppiness. Seasonal beers also appear on the menu for locals to try something new. For those under 21 or those preferring nonalcoholic options, check out Skagit River Brewery’s homemade root beer and even have the root beer float for dessert. To complement the beers and non-alcoholic drinks, the brewery also prides itself on its selection of foods from wood-fired pizza to Chelan cherry wood-smoked ribs to clams simmered in a lemon sauce. Beer brings people together.

At least it’s proven so in the Pacific Northwest. So, if you’re an avid beer drinker or know people who are, come to Skagit River Brewery to enjoy the ales and agers brewed in town.

Kitchen Boot Camp March 11, 3–6 p.m.

Kitchen Boot Camp, led by chef Tim Payne, serves up the basics of cooking with hands-on interactive sessions and how-tos for all learning levels. You will learn about kitchen equipment and knife skills, along with how to prepare soup and salad. A $10 dinner gift certificate is included.

Coho Restaurant 120 Nichols St., Friday Harbor | cohorestaurant.com

Gravel Bar Wine Maker Dinner March 16, 5:30–9 p.m.

Beginning with a glass of wine and appetizers, chef Bruno Feldeisen and chef Devin Kellogg lead you through a five-course dinner, including truffle white bean soup, red wine braised octopus and stuffed pork loin, along with wine pairings for each course.

THIRD STREET CAFE Mexican 309 S. 3rd St., Mt. Vernon 360.542.5022, csquare.coop The cafe stands out from the many other restaurants serving locally procured, organic dishes. It has familiar dishes in different jackets. The menu offers a range of dishes from simple to fancier options. Burgers and fried oysters are listed alongside pork belly lollipops and roasted beet salad. For lunch, try the ham and brie sandwich. Anyone who has ever eaten melted brie with a sweet jam knows the creamy, tangy bite can’t be beat. Salty ham complements the brie and blackberry-fig jam, while a thick layer of arugula tethers your taste buds back to reality. On the side, creamy bites of potato in dillmayonnaise dressing accompanies the sandwich without demanding attention.

Semiahmoo Resort 9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy., Blaine | semiahmoo.com

WHATCOM

Chocolate Bar Making and Molding

BAYOU ON BAY Cajun/Creole

March 23, 6–9 p.m.

Ready to take your sweet tooth to the next level? Go to Forte Chocolates in Mount Vernon to learn how to craft your own truffles and chocolate bars. At the end you will get to take home your chocolate masterpiece.

Forte Chocolates 1400 Riverside Dr., Unit D, Mount Vernon fortechocolates.com

1300 Bay St., Bellingham 360.752.2968, bayouonbay.com Bayou On Bay serves a wide variety of classic Cajun/Creole dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boy sandwiches, and hush puppies, to name a few. A house-made remoulade, which accompanies many of the dishes, is worth the trip alone. The bar offers an extensive list of drink options. Bayou on Bay is a must for foodies as well as people just looking for a satisfying meal.

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THE BIRCH DOOR CAFÉ American 4192 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.306.8598, birchdoorcafe.com The Birch Door Cafe does not fall short on charm, variety, or serving size.

Brunch enthusiasts will be delighted by the three pages of breakfast options.

Dishes include traditional pancake breakfast platters, French-style baked omelets, egg scrambles and Benedicts, and plenty more. When it comes to Eggs Benedict, the Northwestern delivers. The sauce is creamy and full of complex flavor, never approaching bland. The most famous item on the menu is the apple pancake. The 3-inchtall soufflé-style pancake is filled with fresh apples and piled high with a cinnamon sugar glaze. Listen for the ringing of the kitchen bell every time one of these massive breakfasts is served.

BLACK FOREST STEAKHOUSE German/Steak

638 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine 360.306.8342 blackforeststeakhouse.com Black Forest Steak house offers a versatile dining experience. It’s fancy enough for special occasions, anniversaries, and graduation celebrations, but it’s also a place you’ll want to go to any day.

Black Forest makes their steaks different than most other steakhouses: They broil them in a 1,600-degree oven, leaving the meat tender and flavorful.

BLUE FIN SUSHI Japanese 102 S. Samish Way, Bellingham 360.752.2583, bluefinbellingham.com At Blue Fin Sushi, fresh sushi is used to create a variety of tasty options like the Tekka roll, which is seaweed, rice, and tuna. The waitstaff is friendly and it’s always entertaining to watch the chefs at work. Blue Fin also offers a full menu of non-sushi food items. Its version of fish and chips, for example, is a must-try: tempura fried salmon pieces served with sweet potato fries with a creamy wasabi sauce for dipping. Blue Fin Sushi also serves a variety of teriyaki, orange chicken, and bento boxes.

CAFE VELO Coffeehouse, Deli 120 Prospect St, Bellingham 360.392.0930, cafe-velo.cc Cafe Velo is a European-inspired Cafe with a twist — in addition to serving fresh espresso, the cafe also houses a bike shop. This is not just a place to quickly grab a bite or a beverage, it is a place with a clear sense of community.

With plenty of outdoor seating — and

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bike racks — customers can enjoy their beverages in the summer sun. There is a straightforward menu of six sandwiches, all named after the owner’s favorite climbs from bicycle racing.

As for thirst-quenchers, there are four rotating taps, five house wines, and espresso-based coffee.

Famous Pulled Pork Wood Fired Pizza Fired Sandwiches Soups & Salads

Winner of Best BBQ in Bellingham three years running!

Dine In

Takeout

Full Bar

Catering Weddings Large Parties Office Gatherings & Meetings!

COSMOS BISTRO American Bistro, Comfort Food 1151 N. State St., Bellingham 360.255.0244, bellinghamcosmosbistro.com

BEST

NORTH

NORTH

of the

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CULTURE CAFÉ Eclectic 210 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham 360.746.6558, kombuchatown.com

SILVER

of the

Happy Hour 709 W Orchard Drive Bellingham WA

360.715.9100 jhdeli.com

2017

BEST

2016

Bellingham’s best local and seasonal comfort food is always made in-house from scratch at their historic Herald Building location. From pork adobo, Mama’s meatloaf, and awardwinning burgers, to the many vegetarian and gluten free options, Cosmos Bistro offers something for everyone.

Live Music

WEST

GOLD

VOTED BEST FISH & CHIPS

This inviting, comfortable place has been known for years for its kombucha. All the items are prepared in-house with the exception of bread, which is made by Bow-based Breadfarm. Culture Café’s menu reflects a great deal of care and integrity. Culture Café is a come-as-you-are restaurant serving fantastic food, with friendly and helpful employees.

D’ANNA’S CAFE ITALIANO Italian 1317 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188, dannascafeitaliano.com If you’re looking for good Italian food without having to resort to a national chain, D’Anna’s may be the place for you. The emphasis here is on the food, not the frills. The restaurant stands out in many ways, but D’Anna’s delicious, homemade pasta is what really makes it special.

EAT French 1200 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.306.3917, 4u2eat.com The combination of fresh, local produce, fish, meat, and spirits combine beautifully with classic French cooking at this chic and tasty restaurant. The atmosphere is urban charm, and the service is unparalleled.

FAIRHAVEN POKE Hawaiian 1102 Harris Ave., Fairhaven 360.922.7494 Take a personal trip to the islands when you bite into Fairhaven Poke’s concoction called

Nickis Bar and Grill on the waterfront in Bellingham serving award winning, hand dipped, tempura style fish & chips. Build your own burger featuring our handcrafted USDA chuck patties and fresh baked buns.

2615 South Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham 360.332.2505 | nickisbellamarina.com

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1801 Roeder Ave Bellingham WA 98225 360.306.5668 | latituderestaurants.com

• Happy Hour Every Day 4pm–6pm • Outdoor Dining Year Round • 1/2 Price Wine on Wednesday

Second Location Opening Soon!

Coming soon, get the same fresh ingredients at our newest location in Sunset Square.

Dining Guide

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a poke bowl. The iconic raw fish, doused in a unique blend of sauces, is piled onto a bed of homemade sushi rice. Despite the simplicity of the entrée, customers can garnish their bowls with additional condiments such as furikake, a Japanese nori seasoning. Stop by for a taste of aloha.

FILLING STATION American 1138 Finnegan Way, Bellingham 360.715.1839, fillingstationnw.com The 1950s vibe resonates within the walls of this all-American burger joint. From the antique gas pump to the car memorabilia lining the restaurant, The Filling Station is Fairhaven’s newest go-to spot to satisfy your hunger. With names like The Chevy Pickup, The Mustang, and the Thunderbird, the menu provides different burger selections along with appetizers like Dip Sticks (deep-fried zucchini strips), Hot Rod (footlong hot dog), or the Junkyard (classic, onion, and tire fries).

GOAT MOUNTAIN PIZZA Italian 211 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.510.6336 Red brick walls, local art, and unusual pizzas sold by the pound are all offered in Goat Mountain Pizza’s space in downtown Bellingham. Served on parchment paper on a wooden board, the restaurant’s original pizzas, like potato bacon, the spicy fennel sausage, and the gluten-free caramelized onion/walnut are among the customer favorites and are worth a taste. Even though the slices are reheated for serving, the pizza still maintains tenderness — especially in the crust, which contains many flavors and a mix of a soft inside with slightly crisp edges. Pizza isn’t the only entree available, as Goat Mountain also offers options such as a potato leek soup (which is mouth-watering and itself worth a trip to the restaurant!) and the Goat Mountain salad with quinoa, greens, carrots, candied walnuts, orange pieces, red onions, and a sweet maple basil vinaigrette. Topped off with some local beer and cider, the Goat Mountain pizza experience is complete. Also — Goat Mountain Pizza brings a food truck to events! Keep an eye on their social media to have more opportunities to enjoy a slice!

THE GRILL Greek 1155 E. Sunset Dr., Bellingham 360.306.8510, thegrillbellingham.com A peek into The Grill’s kitchen will reveal the lamb rotisserie, which awaits carving for your order of a Traditional Gyro. The tzatziki sauce is creamy and refreshing without being overpowering. The pita is crisp-grilled and holds up well to the moisture of the sauce. The chicken gyro sports very nicely grilled lean chicken. But perhaps the best dish is the crisp, fresh Greek

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March 2018 95

salad with olives, feta, and a Greek dressing that is neither too garlicky nor bland.

Redlight

JALAPEÑOS MEXICAN GRILL Mexican 1007 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.656.6600 501 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.671.3099 2945 Newmarket Pl., Bellingham, 360.778.2041 jalapenos-wa.com

Pina Mas Macho Ingredients: Guava/Basil infused rum, pineapple juice, coconut milk, $10

Jalapeños Mexican Grill lures you in with promises of a cheap lunch special. But after looking at the menu, you’ll want so much more. You’ll find a masterpiece starting with the complimentary chips and salsa. Ask to see if they are featuring any salsa flavors other than the normal red that day. The salsas exude freshness. A house favorite is the authentic “puffy tacos.” They’re messy — filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and topped with guacamole — but worth the added effort of using a knife and fork. Of course, there’s a variety of flavored mojitos and margaritas, and the “Big Momma” alone is proof that Jalapeños doesn’t play around with their drinks. The glasses are huge, and the drink is good to the last drop.

KEENAN’S AT THE PIER Northwest, American & Seafood

© Kirstyn Nyswonger

804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, thechrysalisinn.com

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f you’re looking for a tropical treat to steal you away from the cold Bellingham weather, look no further than the Pina Mas Macho drink from the Redlight bar. Rum, infused with guava to give it a sweet exotic, flavor and basil to freshen it. With an ounce of pineapple juice and a splash of coconut milk you might forget that you truly are in Bellingham. This drink is the essence of what a day in the tropics would feel like.

The Redlight bar itself is small and inviting. With brick walls on one side and red paint on the other, its copper accents and hanging plants make it the perfect date spot. The owners have created an

atmosphere that blends coffee shop with local tavern, perfect for drinking and relaxing. Redlight offers house-made infused liquors to make their drinks unlike most others.

The Pina Mas Macho is light and perfect for the sunny weather, but if you’re looking for this refreshing drink during the winter, you are not alone. Other customers enjoyed it so much they asked to have it moved from Redlight’s seasonal to regular menu, the better to bring the blissfulness of spring break to year round.  — Kirstyn Nyswonger 1017 N. State St., Bellingham redlightbellingham.com

Casual yet elegant. Keenan’s at the Pier, located inside the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven, features fresh, local cuisine and a full bar.

Keenan’s highlights the beauty and style of the Pacific Northwest with fresh ingredients that are seasonal and regionally sourced. Enjoy Bellingham Bay views from every table where breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner are served daily. Brunch on Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended.

LORENZO’S Mexican 190 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, 360.527.3181 2121 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, 360.848.7793 902 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley, 360.856.6810, lorenzosmexicanrestaurant.com Lorenzo and Laura Velasco’s restaurant was established in 2006 and brought an authentic Mexican restaurant to the communities of Bellingham, Mount Vernon, and SedroWoolley. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and even owner Lorenzo will stop by tables sometimes to check in with the customers. As chips and salsa are essential to Mexican restaurants, it’s a good thing that Lorenzo’s has some of the best chips and salsa in town. The chips are crisp and the salsa has the right amount of spiciness. If you are craving a margarita, try the spicy mango margarita with Tajin. It contains a perfect balance of spicy and sweet. Some of their best plates include the seasoned and perfectly cooked carne asada and the enchiladas with the creamy verde sauce. This is a familyowned restaurant that tastes and feels homey.

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Review

Ramen, Revisited Muto Ramen and Izakaya WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATE GALAMBOS

W

ith the closing of the Japanese restaurant, Wasabee Sushi, last spring, it felt as though downtown Bellingham had been hit with a huge loss. Thankfully, Muto Ramen and Izakaya moved into Wasabee’s previous location on East Chestnut Street not long after it closed. The authentic Japanese restaurant caters to many of the same tastes as Wasabee, but with a stronger emphasis on ramen.

Previous customers of Wasabee will notice that Muto has created a slightly more casual environment. The space has been opened up and much of the decor has been removed, giving it a more hip and young atmosphere. Even with the minor changes, the restaurant remains a good spot for a classy first date, without a high price tag and with plenty of options.

As for the menu, guests will find pages of variety that go beyond ramen and sushi. There are crowd pleasers like chicken teriyaki and katsu, udon noodles and yakitori (Japanese skewers), along with long lists of different ramen, sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. For those looking to dip their

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toes into the land of raw fish, Muto has plenty of “beginner friendly” sushi rolls. Try the crunchy salmon roll to start. The large roll is full of shrimp tempura, crab salad and cream cheese and is topped with salmon. From a taste and cost standpoint, you’ll barely know the raw fish is there — cost is just $14.50. Guests can also choose from four different deep-fried rolls ranging from $8.95 to $15.50 each, with five to eight pieces. For those more adventurous, the menu offers numerous options for nigiri and sashimi pieces like tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and eel.

After a refreshing piece of fatty tuna, save room for a heaping serving of ramen. Each dish is served in a deep bowl with enough noodles for two. Choose from classic ramen with chicken, pork, beef or vegetables or tonkotsu ramen, which is made with pork bone broth. Most bowls run from about $9 to $15. The beef curry ramen has a flavorful broth and is topped with a boiled egg and green onions. The beef is unfortunately sparse with only a handful of pieces in the entire bowl. With plenty of noodles, the dish fills you up regardless. Like with most ramen, it is a good idea to have a full beverage nearby to counter the salty broth. Overall, Muto Ramen and Izakaya does not disappoint for those looking for both atmosphere and flavor at a reasonable price. Guests can look forward to many visits to explore the wide selection of Japanese dishes.  105 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham 360.647.3530 | mutoramen.com March 2018 97

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Marking the End of the (Traditional) Brewing Season From Spring, Lager Awaits Its Day WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY NEAL TOGNAZZINI

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he older I get, the more I appreciate the seasons. Our lives are always emerging from somewhere, always headed somewhere. We always have something to remember and something to anticipate. And it all goes in a circle, so that we can say farewell to one season in the confidence that it will always come back around in about nine months.

Modern technology can make the seasons somewhat invisible to us, though. That’s not all bad: I’m grateful for both central heating and REI, for example. But I’m more ambivalent about the fact that I can get ripe avocados any time of the year, because it sort of feels like cheating. On the other hand, avocado toast all year long? Yes please. Maybe the solution to my ambivalence is to take a moment to remember the seasonal traditions that our hard-won modern conveniences have made us forget. This month, that means talking about a beer style aptly called Märzen.

Perhaps no appliance in our homes is more taken-for-granted than the refrigerator. (It’s been around so long it sounds like a joke to call it “modern” technology.) But perhaps no other appliance has done so

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much to make the seasons invisible.

Before refrigeration technology, our relationship with food was as seasonal as our relationship with the weather, and this was especially true for brewers.

To make good beer, a brewer has to play offense and defense — the unfermented wort has to be inoculated with microbes that the brewer wants, and also protected from microbes that would spoil it. This is difficult to do without temperature control, especially before the days of sanitized stainlesssteel fermenting vessels, and that meant that the warm weather of spring and summer was a threat. Brewers in Bavaria confronted this threat simply by giving into it: their brewing season began in September and ended in April.

Their last brew of the season, brewed at the end of March, would be stored (“lager” in German) in caves over the summer and then cracked open to celebrate the harvest, and the beginning of another brewing season, at the end of September.

So that March beer had something of a double life. Brewed in spring but drunk in September, it marked two turning points in the Earth’s annual

trek from winter to summer and back again. The modern-day descendent of that beer style has a double name, too, because until relatively recently it was the beer served at the Oktoberfest festival, which starts at the end of September. Whether you call it a Märzen or an Oktoberfest, these beers typically taste strongly of bread crusts but are exceptionally crisp and smooth due to the long lagering process. Chuckanut Brewery has an outstanding example, but you probably won’t find it on tap right now, since, well, it’s not September!

So why tantalize you by talking about a beer you can’t drink? Mostly so that you can have something to look forward to. That is, after all, one of the contributions that the seasons make to our lives. So, this month, as we approach the spring equinox — that halfway point between maximum dark and maximum light, where the nox is equal to the day — take a moment to mark the end of the traditional brewing season. While you continue to enjoy fresh beer throughout spring and summer, remember that it wasn’t always so. 

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8

MUTO RAMEN AND IZAKAYA Japanese

GREAT

105 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham 360.647.3530 19505 44th Ave. W. Ste. K, Lynnwood 425.322.7599, mutoramen.com

TASTES

Muto Ramen and Izakaya does not disappoint for those looking for both atmosphere and flavor at a reasonable price. From crowd pleasers like chicken teriyaki and katsu to udon noodles and yakitori (Japanese skewers) to long lists of different ramen, sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. Guests can look forward to many visits to explore the wide selection of Japanese dishes.

The following selections have made it past our tastebud test and into our top eight this issue. Step out and give them a try.

You won’t be disappointed.

NORTH FORK BREWERY Brewpub 6186 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.599.2337, northforkbrewery.com Mount Baker Highway is home to a plethora of dining options, but at the North Fork Brewery you can get beer, pizza, tie the knot, and visit the beer shrine all under the same roof. The brewery produces relatively small batches of beer, 109 gallons, keeping the beer fresh and the options changing. Their staple is the India Pale Ale. The opening taste is a strong citrus flavor, but is quickly dissolved by the aggressive bitterness, making it a quite enjoyable beer to accompany a slice of their homemade pizza. The pizza crust is made fresh daily with a hint of beer. The sauce is well-balanced with tomatoes and spices. Made with fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses, there is nothing not to like about this brewpub.

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ON RICE Thai 209 N. Samish Way, 360.714.9995, Bellingham 2200 Rimland Dr., 360.738.9995, Bellingham 1224 Harris Ave., 360.676.9995, Bellingham onricethai.com Ask any college student: On Rice is the place to go in Bellingham. With its affordable lunch specials and three locations around town, it’s easy to enjoy one of On Rice’s many flavorful Thai dishes. A classic Thai favorite, Pad Thai, is interpreted well here. It’s sweet, without being overpowering, and has just enough spice to balance the dish out. All dishes are available with chicken, pork, beef, seafood, or tofu and can be made as spicy as you want them to be, between one and four stars.

ÖVN WOOD-FIRED PIZZA Pizza 1148 10th St., Fairhaven 360.393.4327, ovnwoodfiredpizza.com The clean lines and urban upscale atmosphere of this pizza restaurant promises some very good food — and they deliver on that promise.

They also serve crispy salads and excellent cocktails. Dining here is a perfect way to spend an elegant lunch or intimate dinner.

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If you’re looking to spice up your life a bit, look no further than On Rice Thai Cuisine.

Their green curry is a creamy concoction of coconut, green curry paste, and basil.

Who doesn’t wish they were on a tropical beach eating some fresh pork tacos? Aslan Brewing Co. offers vibrant and delectable Hawaiian pork tacos that will make you feel like you’re digging your toes into the warm sand.

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If you are in search of a sweet treat, beignets at Bayou on Bay will do the trick. It’s a fried puff pastry with a delicate crunch and a dusting of powdered sugar, both of which are sweet and chewy.

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Fairhaven Fish and Chips offers butterflied coconut prawns. If you are a lover of all things coconut, these are a must-try with a balanced mix of shrimp and coconut.

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The Rickshaw offers vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free Asian Fusion style food. Its Lemongrass Pork Bowl is a must-try. Pieces of pork covered in lemongrass, lime and ginger served over rice and vegetables will have your taste buds asking for more.

Mi Rancho Meat Market might look intimidating at first, but once you get past the many displays of fresh meats, there is a dining area in the back offering $1 tacos with the freshest meat around. Need I say more?

With its wide assortment of Indian cuisine, Naan and Brew offers a great variation of a classic dish. The chicken tikka masala is a perfect go-to, and don’t forget the garlic naan.

If you’re looking for a flavorful chicken katsu, Super Duper Teriyaki is your answer. Their crispy breaded chicken smothered in a hearty serving of homemade katsu sauce is sure to satisfy any hunger craving.

— Kirstyn Nyswonger

March 2018 101

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AGENDA Featured Events · Listings · The Scene · Final Word

Green City’s Green Day St. Patrick’s Day Parade MARCH 17, 11 A.M.

© Courtesy of Boundary Bay Brewery

S

aint Patrick is heralded as the main patron saint of Ireland. Cloaked in legend, he’s credited for banishing all the snakes from Ireland, capturing the idea of the Holy Trinity in the form of a clover, and sprouting a tree from his walking stick. Although he was actually born in Britain and was never officially canonized by the Pope, the Catholic church recognizes him as a saint for his pivotal role in converting Ireland to Christianity. So, on the day of his death, in celebration of the life, deeds, and legends of Saint Patrick, a jolly river of green flows vibrantly through countless cities and communities around the world. Here in Bellingham, music, clovers, leprechauns, bagpipes, and kilts will appear in the spirit of Saint Pat. Local public safety members will receive a tip of the hat in addition to Saint Patrick in a parade that runs from Cornwall Avenue and Ohio to Cornwall and E. Maple.  Downtown Bellingham stpatsbham.com

AGENDA Events

Lonesome Traveler

CASINOS

CLASSICAL

SURVIVOR

CHRISTOPHER TITUS

WIND SYMPHONY

MARCH 9 AND 10, 8 P.M.

MARCH 10, 8 P.M.

MARCH 1, 7:30 P.M.

Shortly after releasing their first album in 1980, Survivor made it into the Top 40. Two years later, they made it all the way to the top with their hit song “Eye of the Tiger,” winning them awards and international fame. Now they’re back on tour and will play all their hits live.

In rants, personal reflections and comedic audacity, Christopher Titus continues his prolific career with truths so hard-hitting, you laugh. His eighth comedy tour addresses his hardest topic yet, kids. “If you are a parent, this show is therapy.”

Titus says, “If you don’t have kids, it’s 90 minutes of birth control.”

Western’s Wind Symphony is composed of the school’s most adept musicians.

This band of specially selected artists revitalizes symphonies of past composers and mixes them with contemporary works, taking the listener on a journey through time and sound.

The Skagit Resort and Casino 5984 North Darrk Ln., Bow 877.275.2448, theskagit.com

Silver Reef Casino Haxton Way at Slater Rd., Ferndale 866.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com

RICHARD MARX MARCH 9, 8 P.M.

Richard Marx made history by becoming the only male artist to have his first seven singles reach the Top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100. With more than 30 million records sold and hit songs like “Right Here Waiting” and “Endless Summer Nights,” Marx’s performance is a mustsee for any 80s/90s pop-lover.

Tulalip Casino 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip 360.716.6000, tulalipresortcasino.com 104 BellinghamAlive.com

WWU Performing Arts Center 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.6146, wwu.edu

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS CHANCE MCKINNEY MARCH 17, 9 P.M.

After winning Country Music Television’s “Music City Madness” title, Chance McKinney struck his guitar strings alongside Blake Shelton, Creedence Clearwater, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and other big voices in country. Hear his music live and for free at Tulalip’s Qzone venue.

Tulalip Casino 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip 360.716.6000, tulalipresortcasino.com

MARCH 10, 7:30 P.M.

In a modern approach to chamber music, the contrasting worlds of jazz and classical will merge. Jazz compositions will spring forth from woodwinds and classical pieces will in turn be viewed through the lens of jazz. Never has the crashing of two worlds sounded so good.

Sylvia Center for the Arts 205 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.303.4014 bellinghamchambermusic.org

MASTERPIECE CONCERT MARCH 17, 7:30 P.M.

The talented Gustavo Camacho arrives at McIntyre Hall to deliver Francesco Antonio Rosetti’s powerful “Horn Concerto.” Classical period pieces by J.C. Bach and Joseph Haydn will introduce and conclude Rosetti’s work, rounding out an evening of music masterfully written and impeccably performed.

VILLAGE THEATRE

2017–2018 SEASON

McIntyre Hall 2501 East College Way, Mount Vernon 360.416.7727, mcintyrehall.org

S SEATTLE THEATRE LEGENDIZE PR R ZE IN THE PULIT WINNING CLASSIC

MAR 2 – 25, 2018 TICKETS NO

W ON SALE

how to use their “Beattie and Owen know an audience.” acting talents to captivate orter

SCHEHERAZADE & SHOSTAKOVICH MARCH 25, 3 P.M.

In the acoustic walls of Mount Baker Theatre, Pianist Philip Fisher will echo the music of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, tracing the notes carefully arranged by Shostakovich for his son Maxim’s birthday. The piece “Scheherazade,” inspired by “The Arabian Nights” will be played in the second half of the performance, complementing the first.

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Issaquah Sammamish Rep

AL A WORLD PREMIERE MUSIC IST TW L ICA OG OL WITH A MYTH APR 27 – MAY 20, 2018

Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

CONCERTS LONESOME TRAVELER: THE CONCERT WITH PETER YARROW MARCH 3, 2 P.M.

This highly regarded, off-Broadway musical reveals American folk music in a powerful and insightful new light.

Dipping its brush in the music of Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Leonard Cohen, and other folk greats such as The Byrds, “Lonesome Traveler” paints a picture stretching across decades, coastlines and lifetimes.

Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT MARCH 3 AND 4, 8 AND 7:30 P.M.

OF THE AN ALL-NEW PRODUCTION SICAL TONY AWARD-WINNING MU JULY 6 – 29, 2018 SPONSORED IN PART BY:

EVERETT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER I (425) 257-8600 I VILLAGETHEATRE.ORG

WANT YOUR EVENT POSTED? Events are posted on a first-come first-serve basis. Submissions must be received four weeks prior to the event with all the necessary information.

Please submit event name, dates, times, short 40-word description, cover charge or ticket price, event venue including street address, a phone number, and a website. Any event from Seattle to Vancouver will be considered with priority placed on listings from Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties.

Bellingham Alive is not responsible for errors in submissions. Please email all submissions to events@bellinghamalive.com

In 1995, guitarist Brian Gore formed International Guitar Night. It has since March 2018 105

Courtesy of TheaterWorks USA

AGENDA Events

enjoyed almost two decades of success as a nomadic music festival, each year selecting four of the fastest-moving hands from around the world to celebrate guitars and the beautiful possibilities they create.

Lincoln Theatre 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org

RAZOR CLAM, THE LANDMARKS, PORCH CAT, WIGS MARCH 10, 2 P.M.

All walks of life are welcome at Make.

Shift’s show featuring the four-piece, allwomen Razor Clam, the indie, psych-pop group named The Landmarks, the dreampunk group Porch Cat, and the powerpop performers known as Wigs. That’s a lot of music, and a lot of fun.

Make.Shift Project 306 Flora St., Bellingham 360.389.3569, makeshiftproject.com

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Pete the Cat

HEALTH AND WELLNESS MOM AND BABY MARCH 5, 9 A.M.

Amy Robinson is a mother, a certified yoga teacher, and the owner of 3 Oms Yoga. Sixteen years of yoga teaching has strengthened her focus on healing and renewal. Mothers with little ones ranging from three weeks to pre-crawlers are invited for a session of core-strengthening yoga between the baby and their mother.

3 Oms Yoga 1319 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.671.3510, 3omsyoga.com

YOGA FOR DAILY LIVING MARCH 21, 6:30 P.M.

No prior yogi-knowledge is necessary for this session. Breath control, focus,and physical exercises help bring the class closer to a synchronic flow of mind, breath and body. Make sure to bring

breathable, non-constricting clothing to allow flexibility and comfort.

Jansen Art Center 321 Front St., Lynden 360.354.3600, jansenartcenter.org

CUPCAKE FUN RUN WEEKEND MARCH 24–25, VARIOUS TIMES

Whether you’re interested in running five kilometers, 50, or variants in between, the Cupcake Fun Run offers a chance to run for others. Money gathered from day-one racers will go toward purchasing a wheelchair-friendly van for Abby Evans, who was born with cerebral palsy. Funds from the other races will go toward helping families in the winter months.

Allen Elementary School 17145 Cook Rd., Bow 360.428.1054, cupcakeruns.com

ADULT SWING CLASSES TUESDAYS, 7:30 P.M.

Tired of dancing like one of those inflatable things they put outside of car dealerships? Sign up for a swing class and crank your moves back half a century, to the time of quick steps, turns and twirls.

No partners are needed. Just confidence.

ABCDance 1844 N. State St., Bellingham 360.389.5481, abcdancebellingham.com

THEATRE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST MARCH 1–4 AND 8–10, VARIOUS TIMES

A tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast follows the beautiful and truehearted Belle as she arrives at an old, enchanted castle in search of her father.

She soon learns a hideous beast has imprisoned him and forfeits her freedom for his. As time passes, she learns there’s more to the beast than his rough facade.

McIntyre Hall 2501 East College Way, Mount Vernon 360.416.7727, mcintyrehall.org

PETE THE CAT MARCH 12, 10 A.M. AND 12:15 P.M.

Jimmy Biddle is more organized than your average second grader, but he struggles in finding his creative side.

That’s where Pete comes in. Together, Jimmy Biddle and Pete the Cat overcome second-grade art, strengthening their friendship and understanding of inspiration.

Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

BILLY ELLIOT — THE MUSICAL MARCH 15-25, 7:30 AND 9:30 P.M.

Based on the 2000 film, Billy Elliot — The Musical tells the story of a boy growing up in England without a mother. In a rough context of family trouble and the ‘84 UK miners’ strike, Billy chooses

Enjoy an Exceptional Outing!

dancing over fighting and floats the balance between success and failure.

Orcas Center 917 Mt. Baker Rd., Eastsound 360.376.2281, orcascenter.org

9 TO 5 — THE MUSICAL MARCH 30, 7:30 P.M.

The music of Dolly Parton matches the words of Patricia Resnick to tell a comically spiced tale of three female coworkers fed up with their boss and out for revenge. In an unexpected turn, they get rid of him, opening up the opportunity for the workplace they’d always wanted.

SPONSORS

Thur, Mar 29

Anacortes Community Theatre 918 M Ave., Anacortes 360.293.6829, acttheatre.com SPONSOR

LIZA GOSSETT

VISUAL ARTS MABOROSI MARCH 13, 6:30 P.M.

Haunted by recurring nightmares of her grandmother’s death and a recent tragedy involving her husband, Yumiko retreats into solitude. She remains living as a hermit until a kind widow reaches out with a friendly hand.

Sun, Apr 8

Classic Chaplin With Live Score!

Sat, Apr 14 SPONSOR

Pickford Film Center 1318 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.0735, pickfordfilmcenter.org

DOLORES MARCH 20, 6 P.M.

At 87, Dolores Huerta continues to fight for social change in the United States.

Relatively unknown for her efforts, Huerta’s fight alongside Cesar Chavez for racial and labor justice made her one of the more important American activists in history. This film provides a unique and personal look into that life.

Pickford Film Center 1318 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.0735, pickfordfilmcenter.org

with China Forbes Sun, Apr 22 PINK MARTINI SPONSORS

ANTHONY & ELIZABETH FINFROCK, ARIEL LENNON, BOB & JEANETTE MORSE, DAVID & TISCH LYNCH, HUGH LEWIS & LYNN PETERSON, VERMONT & DONNA MCALLISTER

Book Now for Best Seats!

SEASON SPONSOR

360.734.6080 MountBakerTheatre.com

Mount Baker Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the performing arts.

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AGENDA Top Picks

MARCH MARCH

1 – 31

MARCH

La Conner Daffodil Festival Skagit Valley lovelaconner.com

Dervish McIntyre Hall, Mount Vernon mcintyrehall.org

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La Conner Daffodil Festival 2015 Official Photo — Daffodils At Sunrise © Andy Porter

MARCH

MARCH

4

Mudfest Lake Padden, Bellingham gbrc.net

Celtic Legend Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham mountbakertheatre.com

MARCH

6

17 MARCH

Early Enrichment Museum of Northwest Art, La Conner monamuseum.org

Runnin’ O’ the Green Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham bbaybrewery.com

17

MARCH

11

Salish Sea Music Festival Brickworks, Friday Harbor salishseafestival.org

MARCH

Frindle Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham mountbakertheatre.com

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Events

Dolores

AGENDA

abstract ideas and bottles them down to the local level.

WWU Performing Arts Center 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.6146, wwu.edu

FAIRHAVEN FOOD FEST MARCH 5–11, VARIOUS TIMES

The Historic Fairhaven Association teams with participating restaurants to offer a weekly special, in addition to its regular menu. Make sure to pick up a food fest “passport” at your first eatery and get it stamped. Three stamps get you entry into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to a participating restaurant of your choice. facebook.com/HistoricFairhaven/events United Farm Workers leader Dolores Huerta organizing marchers on the 2nd day of March Coachella in Coachella, CA 1969. © 1976 George Ballis

A FANTASTIC WOMAN

SPECIAL EVENTS

MARCH 16–22

In this 2017 Chilean drama, a transgender woman named Marina loses her lover to a sudden illness. It isn’t long before she falls under suspicion from his family, ex-wife, and law enforcement.

Barred from their lives and looked down upon for her sexual identity, Marina struggles to be herself.

Pickford Film Center 1318 Bay St., Bellingham 360.738.0735, pickfordfilmcenter.org

MASTRCANI BY YASMINE K. KASEM

WHATCOM COUNTY HOME AND GARDEN SHOW MARCH 2–4

Music, comedy, beer, and wine are set to accompany breathtaking displays of local home design and the gardens that surround them. Bring a date on Friday or catch Ciscoe Morris talk gardening on Sunday. A fun weekend awaits admiring gardens and homes away from home.

San Juan Islands Museum of Art 540 Spring St., Friday Harbor 360.370.5050, sjima.org

MARCH 8, 6 P.M.

On a brightly-lit runway, models will walk and reveal a special line of fashion designed specifically for the show. The materials are repurposed, hemmed, walked, and then sold to the highest bidder, the proceeds going to a good cause.

Swinomish Casino and Lodge 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes 360.873.8022, skagitfriendshiphouse.org

STORY BRIDGE MARCH 10 AND 11, 9 A.M.

NW Washington Fairgrounds 1775 Front St., Lynden 360.354.4111, biawc.com

WEEKDAYS, 11–5 P.M.

In artwork crafted through a transcultural lens, Yasmine Kasem addresses the social stigmas and issues that mar female identities in the Middle East and the West. The site-specific exhibition is part of the larger theme, “Female Gaze,” currently running at SJIMA.

EN VOGUE RUNWAY FASHION SHOW & BENEFIT AUCTION

TEDX WWU MARCH 3, 10–4 P.M.

Western Washington University showcases “ideas worth spreading” gathered from throughout the Bellingham area. Speakers range from queer, women of color considered illegal by their country, to unsung public service heroes, each with a story that captures large,

Voices and true stories come together in honest verbal expression, bridging strong understanding between others and within the individual. Stories will eventually be told in the form of a community performance demonstrating the bonds and identities strengthened.

Lopez Center 204 Village Rd., Lopez Island 360.468.2203, lopezcenter.org

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AGENDA Events

Out of Town VANCOUVER, B.C. ECA SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT

BAHAMAS

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT Wednesday, May 16, 2018 7:30 pm | Tickets $49–$84

Rufus Wainwright, one of the great male vocal composers and songwriters of his generation, has collaborated with artists ranging from Elton John, David Byrne, Robbie Williams Mark Ronson, Joni Mitchell to Burt Bacharach.

ec4arts.org 425.275.9595 410FOURTHAVE.N. EDMONDSWA98020 Marketing & promotion of Edmonds Center for the Arts is made possible, in part, by assistance from the Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Tax Fund.

MARCH 1, 8 P.M.

Afie Jurvanen, also known by his stage name, “Bahamas,” just released his fourth album in January. His previous album, “Afie is Bahamas,” won him 2015 Juno Awards for Adult Alternative Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. His mellow tunes aren’t ones to miss.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC 1.604.665.3050, vancouvercivictheatres.com

TEDX STANLEY PARK MARCH 3, 10 A.M.

TED, the famed speaker series, will bring 12 new ideas worth spreading to the stage at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Aimed to educate and inspire, the talks will run the spectrum of humanities issues, not merely spreading awareness of current problems, but providing solutions to them.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC 1.604.665.3050, vancouvercivictheatres.com

SEATTLE FIGURING HISTORY

WEEKEND Vibrations Need help planning your weekend?

Sign up to receive weekly entertainment blast for events, reviews, and fun at BellinghamAlive.com.

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ENDS MAY 13, VARIOUS HOURS

Countering the dominant, European narrative in historical art, three artists use alternative styles and content to oppose historical black representation, commenting as well on the turbulent social and political spheres.

Seattle Art Museum 1300 1st Ave., Seattle 206.654.3100, seattleartmuseum.org

TREVOR NOAH MARCH 23, 7:30 AND 10 P.M.

South African comedian Trevor Noah has lived quite a life. With early memories like eating caterpillars to cope with poverty and getting thrown from a moving car by gangsters, it would seem unlikely that he would go on to be the biggest name in African comedy and eventually host “The Daily Show.” His story’s incredible. But it’s best when he tells it.

Paramount Theatre 911 Pine St., Seattle 1.800.982.2787, stgpresents.org

The Scene

AGENDA

ART AUCTION GALA AT THE LIGHTCATCHER More than 125 people attended Whatcom Museum’s annual Art Auction Gala, presented by Peoples Bank, at the museum’s Lightcatcher building Jan. 19. Attendees heard live jazz during cocktail hour, enjoyed a sit-down dinner, and helped raise money for the Whatcom Museum Foundation through a silent auction and live auction. The gala is the museum’s biggest fundraising event, helping support exhibitions, programming and the Family Interactive Gallery. Funds were also raised to develop a Northwest Coast language project associated with the museum’s “People of the Sea and Cedar” exhibition. Work by local artists such as Thomas Wood, Susan Bennerstrom, Ed Bereal, Barbara Sternberger, Ben Mann, and others was auctioned. © Greenwoods Photographic Arts

March 2018 111

NOTES Final Word

Garbage Shaming Loretta gets serious about recycling to avoid the public stockade WRITTEN BY LORETTA CLEESE (AKA KEN KARLBERG)

I

don’t shame easily. As a native New Yorker, my adherence to social norms was often optional, kind of like taking abstinence advice from my mom when I was a teenager. I would listen politely, and then do what I wanted. Mom, I should have listened. You were right, abstinence does make the heart grow fonder. Then, however, the effectiveness of trying to shame me was, well — let’s just say that two kids, one a daughter, and a hearing test later, I understand better.

But I live in Lynden now, and I am older, wiser, and slightly more receptive to following social norms. Or as I used to call them, well-intended “suggestions.” Many “rules of conduct” here, I have learned, are not mere suggestions. They are not even expectations. Take recycling, for example — recycling is a competitive sport here, with near-religious overtones. If I didn’t know better, Waste Management is a front for the Dalai Lama of recycling. Worship or be shunned.

Well, it took me a few years to adjust, but I am now one of the converted, a true believer in recycling. Or so I thought.

Apparently, my beloved neighbor peeks in my trash can and begs to differ. About a month ago, as I was headed out of town, she kindly, and without being solicited, offered to put my trash out on garbage day while I was gone. I initially thought, how neighborly, there’s a spot in heaven awaiting her. But then came the totally transparent shaming, as she revealed her true motive. “I noticed that you don’t always recycle,” she said, “I would be glad to do it the right way.”

No neighborly sugar-coating at all, simply straight up Sgt. Joe Friday from Dragnet: “Just the facts, ma’am.” With that bedside manner, it is a good thing she isn’t a nurse. I confess, her words were nerving. I panicked and immediately went to my laptop and underwear drawer. Quick, erase my “cookies” and hide my toys! My neighbor is a female Peeping Tom. 112

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OMFG, I never felt lower in my life. Fortunately for her, my hands were full at the time. I was defenseless. Hand gestures would have to wait. I thought to myself, “now I know why she’s on her fourth husband.” Eventually, however, I calmed down and began to think. (I don’t always get paid to think, but I do it anyway). The truth is, she was right — I can do better. Two Xanax and a properly recycled bottle of wine later, I am a new woman. It’s like I had my own recycling bat mitzvah. If the truth shall set you free, I am now free. That was over a month ago.

Today, as you stroll down the aisles of Costco, look for my latest invention, inspired by “she whose name shall not be spoken while sober.” After my shortish pout, I moved quickly on from my last invention, the “fifty shades of purple” post-brainfart warning system, to my next project, the most advanced garbage receptacle known to mankind, the Cleese Scan Can. Even Tesla is jealous. The technology isn’t new, but the application is. The concept is similar to the detection devices at mall clothing stores. You know, the alarm system that scans your shopping bags as you leave for the whatchamacallits sewn or clipped into each garment. If you leave without being “unclipped” by the sales staff, all hell breaks loose, lights flash, sirens wail. Even if you haven’t done anything wrong, you feel naked. Who hasn’t suffered the embarrassment?

Well, my recycling scan can works the same way. When you put garbage in the can and haven’t properly recycled, the scanner senses your laziness and the lid will not close. Alarms go off, lights flash, and you are revealed to your neighbors as the worst of the worst, a recycling hypocrite. Ingenious, yes? I know, I am so excited to be the shamer, not the shamee. I feel empowered, almost worthy of praise from the recycling Dalai Lama himself.

And if you try to beat the system by leaving the lid open at all times, don’t bother. The smell is a dead giveaway; your neighbors will know. My advice: Capitulate. My design is foolproof. Dig through your trash, find the offending bottle, can, plastic, or fiber, and push the close button on the lid again, and again, until you either find the oversight, or you put your house up for sale, whichever comes first.

Who said public shaming doesn’t work anymore? Not me. I have kids to put through college. The Cleese Scan Can, $149.50, aisle 6, at Costco. I’ll be there Saturday from 1–3 p.m. to demonstrate. If you ask nicely, I will show you how to recycle a neighbor. 

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The Lightcatcher Building at the Whatcom Museum, located in Bellingham, WA, is the first museum in Washington State to meet LEED Silver-Level specifications.

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Distributor: Saturna Brokerage Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation, investment adviser to the Saturna Sustainable Funds. Saturna Capital proudly sponsors occasional events and programs at the Whatcom Museum, but is otherwise unaffiliated with the Museum and the City of Bellingham.