Bellingham Alive June/July 2021

Insider’s Guide to the Outdoors Real Estate Agent Q&A · Planning a Veggie Garden Snowy River Cocktail Co.

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Contents

52

Insider’s Guide to the Outdoors Summer is here, which means it’s time to play outside. Whether you’re looking to hit the trails, hop on a mountain bike, catch a fish, sleep under the stars, or paddle away into the sunset, this feature has everything you need to get going outdoors. Check out tips from local experts, learn about must-visit spots, and find local organizations where you can connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Happy trails!

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JUNE/JULY 2021 LIFE

STYLE

18

Community Fun, Food, and Fitness

20

Heard Around the Sound Bellingham Resident Named Poet Laureate

Southwest Airlines Flying

into BLI Whatcom Intergenerational

High School New Wednesday

Farmers Market

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

44

Local Find Pack Northwest

45

Savvy Shopper FERN

46

Five Faves Airbrush Tanning

48

Necessities Stripes & Rainbows

50

Beauty Steps to Skin Success

85

TASTE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Monthly Giveaway

Real Estate Agent Q&A

98

Review Brave New Burgers

99

Recipe Brussels Sprout Salad

100 Sip Mellisoni Vineyards 101 Dining Guide

Summer Pet Safety

Book Notes Reviews & Events

26

Wellness FLUX Yoga Retreats

28

Spotlight Belly Dancing in Bellingham

Shop Local

HOME 70

29

Outdoor Events Top Picks

29

Apps We Love

31

Local Find Flatstick Pub

32

Five Faves Summer Camps

34

Spotlight Gabe Rogel

37

102

Featured Home Whales, Water, and Quiet

Sip Cocktails that Glitter

74

Remodel A Room of One’s Own... to Share

Health Q&A Sonia Jhas

78

Garden Planning a Veggie Garden

38

Wellness Women’s Clinic Aims to Change Lives

80

Local Find Perry and Carlson

39

Out and About Skyline Divide Trail

82

Necessities Macramé All Day

Photo by Emily Porter

23

51

Photo by Katheryn Moran Photography

Game Changer The Power of Stories

Photo courtesy of Rachel Carter

22

104 Local Find

Mr. Frank’s Kitchen 107 8 Great Tastes 108 Five Faves Cheesemakers 110 Mixing Tin

When Doves Cry

NOTES 6

Online Exclusive More Health Tips from Sonia Jhas

8

Publisher’s Letter

10

Contributors

13

Letters to the Editor

14

Meet the Team Claudia Cooper

112

Lasting Image

June/July 2021 5

Notes What’s Online

Online Exclusive

INSTAGRAM

The past year has been stressful (to say the least), and many of us have developed eating and drinking habits we’d rather shed. On p. 37, one of Canada’s leading health and wellness experts, Sonia Jhas, offers some tips on how to achieve — and maintain — our fitness and diet goals. To read the uncut interview, with extra tips on shedding pandemic pounds and taking control of your health, visit bellinghamalive.com.

Bellingham Alive is a small, womanowned business with fewer than 10 employees. For more than a decade, we’ve worked hard to create meaningful content that speaks to where you live.

We appreciate the love and support the community has shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To show our gratitude, each week we will highlight a different local business whose continued support has helped us stay open during this difficult time. Thank you! ...

Photo Andrea Joyce Heimer

Photo courtesy of Sonia Jhas

MORE TIPS FROM HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPERT SONIA JHAS

EVENTS CALENDAR Be sure to check out our events calendar. If 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.

BE IN THE KNOW Sign up for our free entertainment e-newsletter to get the latest on upcoming events and more! bellinghamalive.com

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“Most of my work is autobiographical, and a lot of it is dealing with feelings and things surrounding my adolescence and growing up. And that all took place in Montana.” ...

Ferndale artist Andrea Joyce Heimer has a unique style that often looks like it’s made of precision-cut construction paper but is in fact painstakingly painted. Read more about Heimer’s work in the full article by Noah Harper, photos courtesy of Andrea Joyce Heimer. Link in bio! @noah_harp @andreaheimer

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We would be honored to get your vote again in 2021!

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Notes Editor’s Letter

Lessons from the Pandemic

A

S I WRITE THIS LETTER,

in early May, the end of the pandemic tunnel seems to be growing larger and brighter. More than five million doses of the COVID19 vaccine have been administered in Washington; around the world, the number is more than one billion. Spring has sprung in earnest, and the general mood feels lighter, more hopeful.

Just this week, while walking my dog, I’ve stopped to talk with more neighbors than I have in the last year.

The other night, I watched a movie with a friend. At one point, sharing a bowl of popcorn, our dogs snoring beside us, my friend looked at me and said, “How many times, over the last year, did we dream about doing this exact thing?”

“It’s so true,” I said. “Here we are — it’s happening!”

Rewind to February 2020, and it would have been difficult to imagine celebrating something as ordinary as hanging out inside with a friend. But if the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we should never take even the small pleasures of community for granted.

Going to a movie. Eating at a restaurant.

Enjoying live music. All of these simple pleasures now seem like major miracles.

Personally, I’ve begun to constantly take measure of all the things I do have, because I’ve learned that anything, at any moment, might disappear.

As the light grows larger, I find myself wondering what pandemic lessons I might carry forward, not only into the post-pandemic days, but for years to come. Here are a few I’ve come up with:

Family and friends (and animals) are everything. Special shout out to all the pets who’ve emotionally supported us humans through the last year.

Honorable mention goes to cookies.

Be gentle on yourself. Think of yourself as you would a close friend.

Go easy on her. Be kind. She’s probably got a lot on her plate (even if it’s mostly cookies).

Expect the unexpected…and then expect to adapt. Though it feels the light is growing larger, it’s possible it may shrink, or another tunnel may appear to take its place. We never know what’s around the corner, so it’s best not to get too attached to any one way of living or thinking.

Learn to enjoy your own company.

You can place yourself in a different house, a different state, or even a different country, but as the old saying goes… wherever you go, there you are.

Whether times are booming or there’s a national crisis, it’s best to learn to like yourself.

When in doubt, go outside. Nature has been a sanctuary throughout the last year. If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that a brisk walk can usually drive away even the largest of doom clouds.

To celebrate the healing wonderfulness of our giant PNW backyard, this month’s feature is all about getting out, getting active, and enjoying this beautiful place we call home.

Warmly,

BECKY MANDELBAUM Editor In Chief

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Summer is upon us and better days are ahead, so now’s the time to see how a Weber can enhance your yard space. With a large selection of Weber grills, the outdoor cooking experts at Judd & Black Appliance can help you choose the right BBQ grill for you and your backyard. That way, when you’re ready to host family and friends again, you can get the most out of your time together.

Notes Contributors MOUNT BAKER THEATRE

Kristen Conner Kristen Conner is a Registered Dietitian working with Sensibly Sprouted, a nutrition counseling company serving clients throughout Washington state. Kristen enjoys working with clients to restore optimal health and reach their wellness goals by addressing diet and lifestyle changes.

Kristen specializes in reversal of chronic disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and weight loss. Kristen lives in Arlington with her husband and three-yearold German Shepherd. In her free time, Kristen likes to travel, garden, hike, and snowboard.  p. 99

Melinda Myers Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books, including “Small Space Gardening.” She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. melindamyers.com.  p. 78

Jennifer Ryan Jennifer is a multi-talented authority on all things beautiful, fashionable, and functional. This whirlwind of a woman has a passion for bringing style and personality to life’s most important spaces.

Jennifer Ryan Design offers it all — design, planning, production, and contractor services. From start to finish, Jennifer can help you create the surroundings you’ll enjoy for a lifetime. She was twice voted Best of the Northwest winner, taking gold in 2016 and 2017. jenniferryandesign.com.  p. 74

Explore the ways MBT is working to make your outing safe at MountBakerTheatre.com

Dr. Tianna Tsitsis Dr. Tianna Tsitsis is a triple board-certified physician with a special interest in skin aesthetics. She opened RejuvenationMD in 2014 and has won Bellingham Alive’s Best of the Northwest three straight years. A practicing physician in the area for nearly 20 years, when she is not working, Dr. Tsitsis enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. An avid exercise enthusiast, her hobbies include skiing, running, swimming and biking.  p. 50

Mount Baker Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the performing arts.

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12 Annual

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Nominate your favorite businesses in over 120 categories.

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Presented by:

PUBLICATIONS Bellingham Alive NSL Guestbook Couture Weddings Welcome Newcomers Guide

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Lisa Karlberg

EDITOR IN CHIEF Becky Mandelbaum

ART DIRECTOR Dean Davidson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Devan Ballard | Kristy Gessner Mia Sperandeo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mariah Currey

EDITORIAL/MARKETING COORDINATOR Anelyse Morris

CONTRIBUTORS Jeff Barclay | Kristen Conner Patrick Dingle | Sonia Jhas | Tina L. Kies Mary Kinser | David Luten Melinda Myers | Brandon Nelson Emily Porter | Dan Radil Christopher Rebula | Tianna Tsitsis

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Claudia Cooper | Elizabeth Hall Noah Harper | Thomas Hughes Ben Leschensky

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Letters to the Editor Notes

Let’s

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Bout It APRIL/MAY 2021 DISPLAY UNTIL MAY 31 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

Recipes, Local Finds, and More.

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 our editor at editor@bellinghamalive.com.

My wife and I love reading your magazine. She subscribes through her company BrandQuery. Keep up the great work.

We love your magazine, I pick it up every month and enjoy reading it. I love it when I find something new I didn’t know was here.

— Julie B., Seattle

— Helisa O., Bellingham

Such a joy to celebrate our mutual ongoing success as Bellingham and the region grows. Thanks also for a lovely (April/May issue) letter of the year in review, expressing so well how it touches on the vulnerability and strength of us all... I love how your magazine celebrates my hometown AND our expanded definition of the word ‘local’.

I wanted to reach out and say that the [Four Hours to Fun] article turned out so great. Lakedale and all of the Kirkland businesses that were included are just thrilled with the coverage and it’s beautifully put together.

— Althea A., Public Relations at GreenRubino

— Ben Mann, Bellingham artist

June/July 2021 13

Notes Meet the Team

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What communicating is all about

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

I have been at K & L Media since January 2021 as an editorial intern. Along with other interns, I write mostly in our style and life sections of the magazine, take photos for my stories and for others when needed, and fact-check stories so they are accurate and ready to publish. I have written several stories in the few months I have been here, one of my favorites being about a Bellingham-based jewelry artist named Liane Redpath, as I got to learn about her journey from working as a performer to finding her passion for jewelry making.

What is your background?

I am originally from a small town in Wisconsin, and knew from a young age I wanted to live somewhere that wasn’t as cold and didn’t have so many farmlands. I moved to Bellingham to study visual journalism at Western Washington University. I have worked as a reporter and social media/online editor for The Western Front, Western Washington University’s weekly newspaper. I have also had previous magazine experience for Klipsun magazine, Western’s art and literary magazine.

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

After living in the North Puget Sound area for four years, I am still discovering new local businesses right in my town! Since I have always loved the focus of local businesses in Bellingham, my favorite part of working for a regional lifestyle magazine is the opportunity to speak with local business owners.

What are some of your hobbies?

Trea�ng a range of disabili�es including speech/language impairment, developmental disabili�es, au�sm, gene�c syndromes, hearing loss, sensory integra�on and feeding problems.

1971 Midway Ln, Suite N, Bellingham, WA

360.756.1495 | CONNECTIONSSLP.com

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Outside of journalism, I spend my time running an online secondhand clothing store. I love keeping an eye out for new trends and recycling clothes across the country. When I am not selling clothes, I enjoy doing some thrifting myself at local consignment stores. I also continue my passion for photography outside of the magazine by photographing any chance I get, whether that be traveling or hiking around the Pacific Northwest. 

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Belly Dancing in Bellingham 28 Health Q&A: Sonia Jhas 37

Photo by Monica Koller

Flatstick Pub 31

Life

The Power of Stories

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June/July 2021 17

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Life Community

Fun, Food, and Fitness Have it all at Barkley Village’s new business complex WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM

B

ARKLEY VILLAGE IS HOME TO A NEW COMPLEX

featuring Scotty Browns restaurant and two fitness studios: barre3 and Ride Culture. While Scotty Browns and barre3 were already operating in different locations, Ride Culture brings indoor cycling to Bellingham for the first time. The new complex creates a hub for fitness, dining, and social connection — three things we’ve (hopefully) learned not to take for granted.

The new complex is a family affair. Brothers Robert and Scott Walker own Scotty Browns, while Robert’s wife, Caitlin Walker, owns Ride Culture and barre3.

The complex is located on Premier Way, near the corner of Illinois and Woburn Streets. Visitors can park in a new garage capable of holding up to 44 vehicles. The idea is to create an easy, one-stop destination where you can do your workout and then meet up with friends and family for a meal.

The central Barkley location makes it easy to support surrounding businesses, too. Maybe you have dinner at Scotty Browns and then head to the Regal theater for a movie. Or maybe you do a workout at Ride Culture and then stop by Haggen, just across the street, to pick up groceries. Vitalizing the entire neighborhood is at the core of the Walker family’s vision.

Scotty Browns For a restaurant that has accrued a robust fan base since opening in 2008, Scotty Browns’ location is certain to appease steadfast customers while drawing in new ones.

Though the new space is technically smaller, the design is more conscientious and includes an expanded, all-ages outdoor dining area complete with heaters, TVs, and enclosures that come down to protect from the elements while still providing ventilation.

“You can dine outdoors every single day of the year, in any sort of inclement weather,” says Allyson Farrar, business manager for Walker Group Ventures.

Regulars will be relieved to know the menu is unaltered, featuring the same cocktails, burgers, and appetizers that 18

BellinghamAlive.com

Scotty Browns is known for. The staff has also carried over.

The manager, Rockell Bosman, has been with Scotty Browns for a decade, bringing years of experience, care, and loyalty to daily operations.

“Our team is valuable to us, and we work hard to make sure that opportunities for growth in our company are presented to them,” says Farrar.

Co-owner Robert Walker notes that people love the restaurant for its high-quality ingredients and top-notch staff, but the atmosphere is what truly sets the restaurant apart.

“There is nothing in Bellingham that offers the vibe that we do,” he says.

Barre3 & Ride Culture Those who missed group fitness classes during COVID-19 lockdowns should feel extra excited for the complex’s new fitness studios, barre3 and Ride Culture.

Caitlin Walker, who has taught group fitness for more than 25 years, has a pattern of bringing new workout spaces to Bellingham. Barre3 was one of the first boutique-style fitness studios in Bellingham when Caitlin opened it eight years ago, and Ride Culture is the first indoor cycling studio of its kind in town. There’s nothing like it north of Seattle.

“Both barre3 and Ride Culture were born out of my own curiosity. Once I fell in love with the efficiency and fun of these workouts, I wanted to bring them to my community,” says Caitlin.

For those unfamiliar, barre3 is a branded, full-body fitness program that focuses on cardio, strength conditioning, balance, and mindfulness. You’ll be guided through sustained holds, muscle-burning micro-movements, and heart-pumping cardio bursts.

Ride Culture is an indoor cycling studio where stationary cyclists ride together under the guidance of an instructor.

Lights and sounds add to the motivation, for a 360-degree experience meant to “evoke emotion and elevate your workout.” The studio is complete with lockers, changing rooms, and fully stocked showers. There’s even a blow-dry

bar so you can leave the gym ready for work or, say, dinner with friends at Scotty Browns.

For Caitlin, barre3 and Ride Culture workouts appeal to her on a level deeper than just fitness.

They’re about connecting with the community through a shared experience and promoting bodypositivity and inclusivity.

“It’s everything combined — you get the best instructors, incredible spaces, and a true sense of community and family. I’ve made some of my best friends through the studios,” she says.

Those new to barre3 and indoor cycling can try out both studios with little risk. Barre3 offers a special where new clients get three classes for just $30. Another option is two weeks of unlimited classes for $49. Ride Culture offers a new rider special — buy one class get one free — as well as 30 days of unlimited classes for $100, and $175/month after. There’s also a complimentary introductory tour and tutorial for first-time riders.

Silver Linings While opening a business complex during a pandemic is no easy feat, the Walkers managed to find a permanent silver lining.

“Covid hit us in a really hard time,” says Farrar. “That said, we were able to add better ventilation into our buildings because of it…we were able to make changes to the buildings to make it a more comfortable place for people to be.”

The fans in the spin studio, for instance, have a UV light filter that kills germs. There’s also a hospital-grade air filter and scrubber. While these changes were intended for COVID19, they’ll continue to protect visitors long after the pandemic, preventing the spread of ordinary colds and flus and providing a safer experience for years to come. Scotty Browns: 2130 Premier Way, Ste. 101, Bellingham, 360.306.8823, scottybrownsrestaurant.com; Ride Culture: 2130 Premier Way, Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.746.8941, rideculture. com; Barre3: 2130 Premier Way, Ste. 103, Bellingham, 360.922.7398, barre3.com/ studio-locations/bellingham 

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June/July 2021 19

Life Heard Around the Sound

Whatcom Intergenerational High School Opening This Fall Photo by Lela Childs

Bellingham Resident Named WA’s New Poet Laureate

I might be you. You might be me. We might be the living sea with 20 million pounds of gold shimmering, suspended between us…

Rena Priest

B

ELLINGHAM RESIDENT Rena

Priest was recently named the 6th Poet Laureate of Washington State.

Priest — a member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation — is the first Indigenous poet to be named to the position, and will serve in the position until March 31, 2023. She was appointed to the position by Governor Jay Inslee.

Priest brings a lengthy list of accomplishments and experiences to the position. She has degrees from Western Washington University and Sarah Lawrence College, has held various poetry fellowships, and recieved an American Book Award for her 2017 poetry collection “Patriarchy Blues.”

Sponsored by Humanities Washington and the Washington State Arts Commission, The Washington

S

State Poet Laureate Program gives poets the opportunity “to build awareness and appreciation of poetry — including the state’s legacy of poetry — through public readings, workshops, lectures, and presentations throughout the state.”

During her term, Priest will focus on celebrating Washington’s tribal poets and increasing awareness of the natural world.

“To be named Poet Laureate means that I am connected to a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when heroes and poets were crowned with laurel leaves. I am profoundly honored to be able to carry this distinction and to undertake the work of stewarding poetry in our state for the next two years,” Priest says. BEN LESCHENSKY

Southwest Airlines is Flying into Bellingham

OUTHWEST AIRLINES IS EXPANDING their range of destinations, and Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is one of their newest additions.

The Dallas-based airline, ranked as the Best Airline in the U.S. by Trip Advisor in 2020, will begin offering flights to and from Bellingham in the second half of 2021. Why Bellingham? According to Southwest CEO Gary Kelly, Bellingham’s ideal location south of the Metro Vancouver area makes Bellingham a great place to expand to, and he expects “value-minded travelers” to take advantage of the new location. BLI currently offers Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, and San Juan Airlines flights. BEN LESCHENSKY

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BellinghamAlive.com

COMMUNITIES “ W EAVING TOGETHER across learning.”

That’s the promise of Whatcom County’s newest high school: Whatcom Intergenerational High School (WIHS).

The unique new high school, which gives students the opportunity to learn alongside and from elders in the community, is a tuition-free public charter school.

The educational experience at WIHS will be unlike that at any other school.

As the website describes, “Elders will be an ongoing presence at WIHS providing mentorship and support in and outside of the classroom setting. They will bring work and life experience and cultural knowledge to collaborative learning experiences with students.”

The interactions between community members and students will be mutually beneficial, as intergenerational learning promises to create a more compassionate and supportive community.

Students at WIHS will help co-create their experiences, allowing them to creatively pursue passions and interests.

This “phenomenon-based learning” allows students to develop complex problem-solving skills that will help them succeed in our ever-evolving world.

An example of this learning style could be students conducting field research on pollution in local ecosystems and developing improved waste-management practices that help clean up rivers.

Students will also focus on critical literacy — learning to read, write, and speak critically about texts. “By looking at whose perspectives are being uplifted, whose agenda is valued, and whose voices are left out, students [will] develop an understanding of how issues of power affect their own lives, the land, and the broader community,” the website states.

WIHS is currently enrolling 9th and 10th grade students from the greater Bellingham and Ferndale area for the 2021–2022 school year. BEN LESCHENSKY

ENTER-TO-WIN Monthly Giveaway

E

ACH MONTH, we give you the opportunity to win a prize from local merchants. You can enter once per day on bellinghamalive.com. A winner will be chosen by random draw, and notified via email and/or phone. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support and for continuing to help encourage shopping and dining local.

Below are the Enter-To-Win prizes for June and July.

New Wednesday Bellingham Farmers Market at Historic Waterfront

Bellingham Cider Co.

$50 July

Photos by FotoMataio

June

$50

Lighthouse Bar & Grill

T

HE BELLINGHAM FARMERS MARKET (BFM) is kicking off the summer with a brand-new market located in the historic waterfront district, near the Granary Building and Waypoint Park. The market will run from 4–7 p.m. every Wednesday evening from June through September, making it a great midweek counterpart to the popular Saturday market at Depot Market Square.

The evening time frame means people can grab fresh groceries after work, while the waterfront location — with nearby walking trails, beach access, and picnic spots — makes it easy to purchase prepared food from the market and enjoy dinner with a view.

The new market will be smaller than the Saturday one, meaning shoppers will enjoy a more intimate atmosphere perfect for getting to know local farmers and makers.

Shoppers will find both new vendors and familiar faces from the Saturday market.

“The Wednesday market offers an opportunity for new businesses to showcase their goods without the same competition of the Saturday market,” explains Ellie Duncan, BFM board member and co-owner of City Sprouts Farm.

“This is a great opportunity for new farmers breaking into the market scene.”

BFM board members, farmers, and local shoppers are all excited about the new market.

“Especially after the last year of the pandemic, festivity has been thin on the ground, and this market will certainly cultivate the community vibrancy that only local agriculture and food can bring,” says Duncan. BECKY MANDELBAUM

How can I keep my pet safe and comfortable this summer?

• If your dog has a longer coat, take them to your

local groomer for a shave!

• Warm weather means outdoor cats will be out and

active. To keep unwanted pet populations in check, make sure your cats are spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering also helps prevent certain cancers and health issues in both cats and dogs. Visit wesnip. org to learn about affordable spaying and neutering options in Whatcom.

• If possible, avoid muzzling your dog, as panting is

how dogs keep cool.

• Pets can get sunburned, too! If your pet will be out in

the sun for a long time, apply pet-friendly sunscreen to hairless areas, such as the nose and ears.

• If your dog will be outside in the sun, fill a hollow

toy (like a Kong) with ice. Simply plug one of the holes with peanut butter, fill with water, and put in the freezer. BECKY MANDELBAUM

June/July 2021 21

Life Game Changer

Connecting Community Through the Power of Stories Monica Koller WRITTEN BY BEN LESCHENSKY PHOTOS BY MONICA KOLLER

F

OR MONICA KOLLER, STORIES ARE EVERYTHING.

A child of immigrant parents, Koller grew up in San Leandro, California, a place whose culture shaped her life.

“I think living in that culture informed my curiosity for connecting with different cultures and races and ethnicities and backgrounds and foods,” she says.

Koller has a background in counseling, but she spends most of her time with her two children, whom she loves dearly. When she isn’t home nurturing her young ones, she is making an impact on the greater Bellingham area through Connecting Community, a nonprofit that aims to bring people together.

“I saw the need in the community to have conversations about diversity and race with families,” she says. “I started informal meeting groups for multicultural families to connect.”

The connections she built turned into a sort of side project for Koller, and she’s expanded to work with local community organizations, including the R.E.A.C.H. (Respecting Ethnic And Cultural Heritage) workshop and Generations Forward.

“I just really enjoyed going out and gathering stories from families about what their needs are. And that was kind of a game changer for me, because I realized the power of story,” she says.

With the help of a scholarship, Koller attended a digital storytelling workshop at StoryCenter in Berkeley, California. Digital storytelling combines video, photo, and audio components, allowing for a layered storytelling experience. The workshop was invaluable to her, and opened up a new realm of possibilities.

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“I really knew after [StoryCenter] that [digital storytelling] was something that I wanted to offer more within the community,” she says.

Most recently, Connecting Community and the Bellingham Public Library came together to create “The Unrooted Experience,” a collection of digital stories from local Black community members.

“I think that there’s such power in gathering in a specific group of people who look like you and who share lived experiences,” she says. “I truly was taken back by the vulnerability and bravery of people wanting to share a piece of themselves.”

Looking ahead, Koller has a laundry list of groups in the community she’d like to connect with, including the BIPOC, LGBTQ, and health care communities.

“I would love to see some conversation and collaboration with artists and organizations...just folks who are invested in building community in creative and imaginative ways,” she says.

Other new projects include a collaboration with Generations Forward on dealing with family grief and resilience during COVID-19.

“There’s just so much healing that comes from telling your story and the healing that comes from people listening to it,” she says. PO Box 782, Bellingham, 510.828.6553, connectingcommunitybellingham.com 

Book Notes Life

Book Reviews

Literary Events

WRITTEN BY MARY KINSER

June 16, 7:00 P.M.

DOES THE WORLD NEED ANOTHER WWII NOVEL?

The Rose Code

by Kate Quinn

Maria Dahvana Headley, “The Mere Wife”

If it’s written by Kate Quinn, the answer is definitely yes. Sticking to her pattern of immersive historical fiction brimming with suspense, Quinn’s sparkling novel goes inside Bletchley Park, England’s center for codebreaking activity, where much of the top-secret work was done by women. The novel follows three such women: wealthy socialite, Osla, timid homebody, Beth, and rough-and-ready Mab, unlikely companions with a shared commitment to Allied victory. The story shifts between wartime, when the friends revel in untangling German communiques, and post-war, with the trio now estranged and one confined to a mental institution, possibly under false charges. As the intricate storylines converge, past secrets are revealed, and someone is definitely not who they pretend to be. Whether you’re a mystery lover, a history buff, or a little of both, you won’t regret adding this fast-paced stunner to your summer reading list.

Hosted by Village Books (Lynden Front Streeters) 360.526.2133, villagebooks.com

A reimagining of the classic tale Beowulf, “The Mere Wife” follows two mothers living different lifestyles — one in suburban paradise and the other in a cave — set on a collision course. Register online.

June 22, 6:30 P.M.

Bellingham Reads Book Group: “History of the Rain”

by Niall Williams

Hosted by Bellingham Public Library 360.778.7323, bellinghampubliclibrary.org

An ode to Irish storytelling, “History of the Rain” follows Ruthie Swain and her journey to reconnect with her family through the books left behind by her ancestors. To register contact Suzanne Carlson-Prandini at 360.778.7236 or scarlson-prandini@cob.org.

AS AN EDITORIAL ASSISTANT for a major publisher,

The Other Black Girl

by Zakiya Dalila Harris

Nella has grown accustomed to being the only Black girl in the office, an expert at navigating the daily barrage of microaggressions. When Hazel is hired, she seems like the Black work-friend Nella has been waiting for. But much to Nella’s surprise, the easy friendship she hoped for with Hazel doesn’t materialize. Soon it becomes clear that Hazel intends to use every advantage to undermine Nella’s credibility at Wagner Books. Then come the threatening notes on Nella’s desk, reading “Leave Wagner Now.” Is Hazel behind this, too? Or are there other, darker forces at play trying to drive Nella out for good? Debut novelist Harris turned her own experience in the publishing industry into a razor-sharp blend of wry social commentary and thrilling page-turner. With a plot that pulls no punches, this inventive, can’t-miss novel more than lives up to the hype.

July 27, 6:30 P.M.

Bellingham Reads Book Group: “Behind the Beautiful Forevers”

by Katherine Boo

Hosted by Bellingham Public Library 360.778.7323, bellinghampubliclibrary.org

“Behind the Beautiful Forevers” is a bestselling biography that gives readers an unfiltered and intimate glimpse into life in contemporary India. To register contact Suzanne Carlson-Prandini at 360.778.7236 or scarlson-prandini@cob.org.

Who Knew? Dog Facts Why your pup sleeps in a ball

Your dog’s nose is unique

Dogs can catch your yawns

Petting your dog is beneficial for you both

When your dog sleeps, they often curl up into a ball, but this is not just for comfort.

Dogs are actually protecting their internal organs as they sleep, an adaptation from before domestication.

Similar to human fingerprints, dog nose prints are unique to one another. A dog’s nose also has about 60 times more smell receptors than a human’s nose.

Just like how yawns are contagious between people, studies show that human yawn sounds can trigger a dog to yawn, especially if the person is familiar to the dog.

Studies show that petting your dog can lower your blood pressure. But did you know that petting your dog can also lower your dog’s blood pressure?

NOAH HARPER

June/July 2021 23

Life Special Advertising

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A: We strive to normalize the cannabis shopping experience and reduce the stigma. We do this through the way that we display our product, so you can browse independently. And by ensuring that our team provides genuine customer service and connection, rather than being solely knowledgeable on “stoner” culture. We seek out quality vendors and offer a balance of high-end brands alongside value-conscious products. Every time you shop at Trove, you can expect to find prices that are competitive and honest.

Q: What can I expect when shopping at Trove?

A: A friendly, knowledgeable staff assisting you in a clean, browsable environment. Our products are organized and displayed prominently so you can find what you need, even if you are shy. We always have cold infused beverages, fresh products in all categories and a top-rated tincture and capsule selection. Above all, we do our best to offer honest pricing!

We are here to make sure that cannabis is an approachable and available recreational and medicinal option for adults of all experience levels.

Q: What products do you recommend for people new to marijuana?

A: Our goal is to guide people who are new to cannabis and help them discover a cannabis experience that fits their needs. For new cannabis consumers, we always recommend that you start with a low THC percentage and go slow, especially when dabbling with edibles. For example, tinctures are an easy way to measure out serving sizes. Often you feel the effects of tinctures faster than traditional edibles. This is a great way to try a little bit, feel the effects and then add a little more if you decide you need it. If you are looking to smoke or vaporize cannabis, we frequently recommend strains that contain THC and CBD. Brands like Eagle Trees and Raven Grass offer great THC and CBD combos and have the added benefit of being pesticide free!

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Q: What makes the CBD products at Trove different from CBD products you can buy from grocery stores or online?

A: There are two sources of obtaining CBD. The cannabis plant and the hemp plant. These plants are related but CBD derived from each source is treated very differently on the retail market. CBD sold at Trove is derived from the cannabis plant and is only available at legal cannabis retailers. Hempderived CBD is federally legal and can be purchased from grocery stores and online.

There are several important reasons to consider retail cannabis CBD over grocery store hemp CBD. Hemp-derived CBD products do not contain THC. Cannabis-derived CBD products contain THC in varying amounts. The presence of THC does not necessarily mean that you will get “high”.

When CBD and THC are consumed at the same time, the two components work together to be more effective in the body. This is known as the entourage effect. Additionally, all products in the retail cannabis market are required to be tested for foreign matter, mycotoxins, residual solvents and more. Grocery store hemp CBD is not required to meet these vigorous testing standards. If this sounds complicated, you are not alone. Stop by or call Trove anytime and one of our knowledgeable team members would be happy to talk about CBD with you!

Q: Can I order online?

A: Yes! We highly encourage you to order online!

Our menu is easy to navigate and filter so you can find what you need. The online menu includes detailed and thoughtful product descriptions to help take the mystery out of making your selections. Ordering online is as simple as finding your goodies, adding them to your cart and submitting your order! A team member will have your order ready for in-store pickup and purchase when you arrive at Trove. Online ordering is so convenient and there is no added cost!

OPEN EVERYDAY 8 AM–11:45 PM 218 N. SAMISH WAY, BELLINGHAM, 360.393.3459 TROVECANNABIS.COM 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. Keep out of the reach of pets.

June/July 2021 25

Life Wellness

Serenity, Surfing, and Serious Connection FLUX Yoga Retreats WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF SANSARA RESORT

F

OR MELISSA LONGFELLOW, owner of FLUX yoga in

downtown Fairhaven, yoga retreats offer a chance for renewal, grounding, and deeper contemplation — perfect for restarting after a stressful event, like a global pandemic, for instance.

FLUX’s retreats are typically a week long, and take place in tropical destinations like Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Panama.

“The focus is not like a vacation, where you’re going to do cocktails and pool all day,” she says. “There’s some of that, but the focus is on restoring your connection with yourself, your community.”

Those Who Flow Together Grow Together Longfellow, who has been practicing yoga for 27 years, began organizing retreats in 2018. The idea is to offer both new and seasoned yogis an opportunity to deepen their practice while gaining tools to take back into everyday life.

“You know you’ll come home feeling renewed… like you’re ready to take on whatever your life has waiting for you,” Longfellow says.

One of the most important aspects of the retreats is the bond that develops between participants. While some people attend with friends, family, or partners, many opt to travel alone, an experience that allows for new connections that can continue after yogis return to Washington.

“You walk away from one of these retreats like you have a whole new extended family,” Longfellow says.

Location, Location, Location For Longfellow, the location creates the retreat.

“I’m mindful about the difference we make where we go…I’m always looking for places that pay a good wage, and are good to their communities,” she explains.

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A retreat this November will take place on the coast of Nicaragua, at a boutique eco-lodge called Costa Dulce. The lodge incorporates the local community, employing locals for everything from construction to massage therapy and cooking.

The lodge is also committed to sustainability; there’s no wasted plastic or paper, and all toiletries come in reusable clay jars.

The food is also key. “It’s amazing, in a healthy way,” Longfellow says. “Everything is locally, carefully prepared, with exquisite vegetarian options.”

Sun, Sleep, and Surfing In addition to daily yoga practice — held in an open-air studio overlooking the water — the retreat in Nicaragua involves good sleep and nourishing activities. For instance, all attendees take part in a baby turtle release organized by a local turtle sanctuary. There’s also walks on the beach, birdwatching, salsa dancing, horseback-riding, and stand-up paddle boarding.

A longtime surfing enthusiast, Longfellow seeks out places where surfing can be part of the experience. She admits the sport can look inaccessible, which is why she always includes a lesson in the retreat package, knowing people may or may not want it. On her last retreat, every student ended up surfing… and many fell in love.

“It’s one of those things that, you do it, and it opens up your mind and your heart in a new way. It makes you feel alive in the way you did when you were a child… it’s addictive.”

Other retreats are on the horizon, too. One planned for February 2022 will take place at Sansara Resort in Cambutal, Panama. In spring of 2022, Longfellow plans to host a retreat in Guatemala with her mom, who’s a Mayan shaman.

The retreats fill up fast, so be sure to start looking ahead of time. FLUX Power Yoga, 1140 10th St., Ste. 101, Bellingham, fluxpoweryoga.com 

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Life Spotlight

Belly Dancing in Bellingham WRITTEN BY CLAUDIA COOPER | PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHEL CARTER

R

ACHEL CARTER TOOK HER FIRST BELLY DANCING

class while attending Washington State University in Pullman. She loved it so much she continued taking classes when she moved to Bellingham, and hasn’t stopped dancing since.

“I attended all the free dance classes that I could possibly go to,” Carter says. “And I just never stopped going.”

Carter has been dancing and performing for a decade now. Through her business, Rachel Belly Dances, she performs for parties, events, and small gatherings. She’ll occasionally throw belly dancing parties in people’s living rooms, as part of a girls-night-in or bachelorette party.

The History & Culture Behind the Dance Three years ago, Carter began teaching the art of belly dancing. Today, she instructs belly dance courses at Whatcom Community College. The courses run eight to 10 weeks, giving her time to share about the dance’s culture and history.

“What this dance does is it’s a great connector, and it can be a connector between people or cultures,” Carter says. “I try to bring [culture and history] to my classes and performances. I love sharing this dance.”

Carter specializes in a kind of belly dancing called raqs sharqi, which translates to, “dance of the east.” Raqs sharqi originates in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and Greece. Although Carter is not from these cultures, she 28

BellinghamAlive.com

sees herself as an ambassador for the artform, and uses it to share the joy of dance with others.

“My mission is to learn and spread the joy and skill of raqs sharqi through performance and dance instruction,” Carter says. “I strive to educate myself, my students, my audience with the joy and respect that I have for this historical, cultural art form.”

Virtual Belly Dancing During Covid, Carter continues to teach classes online through Whatcom Community College and has performed at virtual events. Carter says she has taken advantage of learning from dancers all over the world who have switched to virtual classes and performances.

“I’m learning from an Egyptian in Toronto right now, and one of my favorite dancers out of Brazil,” Carter says. “It’s amazing how much the community has connected online.”

For those interested, Carter offers a free belly dancing class through Whatcom Community College before the start of each academic quarter. The class gives people a taste of belly dancing, to see if they like it enough to take the full course.

Offering free classes feels right to Carter, since the class that sparked her own journey in the artform was also free.

If you’d prefer to experience Carter’s dancing live, she’ll be performing at Firehouse Cafe in Fairhaven on June 11 at 6:30 p.m., accompanied by Portland musician Sean Daly. rachelbellydances.com 

APPS WE L VE

Outdoor Events Life

AllTrails

Photo by C9 Photography

AllTrails, LLC

ANGLR

Top Outdoor Events

Angler Labs Inc.

JUNE 4

a delicious crab dinner and fully stocked bar. Space is limited so grab tickets now!

Celebrate the return of live sporting events with Bellingham’s local baseball team! Gather the family and root for the Bells starting at 6:35 p.m. Tickets are $8–15. Joe Martin Field, 1220 Civic Field

Departs from Bellingham Cruise Terminal, whales.com

Way, Bellingham, bellinghambells.com

Missing live concerts? So are we! Mount Vernon is hosting their first ever drive-in weekend concert series at the Skagit Valley Fairgrounds. Tickets range from $60–120. 479 W. Taylor St., Mount Vernon,

BELLINGHAM BELLS OPENING DAY

JUNE 5

LYNDEN FARMERS DAY PARADE Don’t miss one of the longest running parades in the Pacific Northwest! A line of cars, tractors, bands, and horses will move along Front Street in Lynden to celebrate Whatcom County’s agricultural industry. Front St., Lynden, lynden.org

JULY 2–4

EXPEDITION SKILLS COURSE For those looking to hone their outdoor skills, this three-day course will take you kayaking through the San Juans, all while camping in your kayak and learning navigation and tidal-planning skills. 2009 Skyline Way, Anacortes, bodyboatblade.com

JULY 4

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS CRUISE This upscale event, hosted through San Juan Cruises, will take you around Chuckanut and Bellingham Bay for an unparalleled view of fireworks, all with

From roads less traveled to mustsee trails, AllTrails has it all. Explore over 100,000 trails to find your perfect hiking, biking, or running route. Use the app to read reviews, access maps, get directions, and more.

Looking to school people with your fishing prowess?

ANGLR is a free app with three platforms that will leave you hooked. Start by planning your trip, recording with the online journal, and then relive the experience with insights and video reports.

JULY 5–19

DRIVE-IN CONCERT SERIES

eventbrite.com

JULY 10

LAKE WHATCOM TRIATHLON Cross over the tranquil lake, country roads, and forested trails in the Lake Whatcom Triathlon. Registration fees differ for the different categories, including Olympic, Sprint, Aquabike, and a youth Splash and Dash. 2219

Navionics Navionics Srl Whether you’re sailing the open seas or heading out on a fishing trip, Navionics provides detailed marine and lake charts, with active community and government updates.

With the power of sonar data and imagery, you’ll never need to wonder what’s beneath the waters.

Recreation.gov

Rimland Dr., Ste. 301, Bellingham, lakewhatcomtriathlon.com

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

JULY 16–18

JARDIN DU SOLEIL LAVENDER FESTIVAL Go for a drive out to Sequim and get a fresh scent of summer with the Jardin du Soleil Lavender Festival. Tickets are available for $10 and come with a souvenir and $5 gift store coupon.

Think hotels.com but for thousands of campgrounds nationwide. Once you’ve booked your site, use the app to find tours and must-see spots, view interactive maps, and enter a lottery for high-demand areas and experiences.

Sequim, jardindusoleil.com June/July 2021 29

Physical and Occupational Therapy

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Local Find Life

Golf and Brews Galore Flatstick Pub WRITTEN BY BEN LESCHENSKY | PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA COOPER

T

HERE’S A NEW PUB IN TOWN.

Flatstick Pub, located in downtown Bellingham, officially opened its doors on March 3.

According to Sam Largent, CEO of the family-owned Flatstick Pub franchise, the decision to open a Bellingham location was a long time coming.

“We had been wanting to open a Flatstick in Bellingham for a couple years. We love the strong sense of community, the energy of a college town, and the amazing local beer scene,” Largent says.

The new pub has a large outdoor patio, indoor booths, and plenty of open space to congregate with friends and family alike. However, Flatstick’s games are what set it apart from other pubs. Rather than familiar options like

cards and dart boards, Flatstick offers various golf-inspired games — some of which are truly original.

“Flatstick Pubs all feature a mini golf course plus other games we’ve invented that usually use golf balls.

In Bellingham, we have a game called Pockets, which is a hybrid of billiards that you play with a putter and golf ball, “ Largent says. Other games include Duffleboard — a mini-golf shuffleboard mashup — and a new patio game called 3-Ball.

While games may be a big draw for guests, the food and alcohol offerings are also enticing.

“We partner with Ethan Stowell Restaurants from Seattle to create our kitchen program. Our delicious pizza dough is made fresh in-house and

our salads are loaded with fresh and healthy ingredients,” Largent says.

The food menu is accompanied by an extensive beverage list, including over 30 drinks on tap. Local breweries such as Kulshan, Farmstrong, and Aslan all have offerings on Flatstick’s taps. The pub also offers ciders, seltzers, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Lifetime memberships are available to dedicated customers, and can be used at the pub’s other locations in Pioneer Square, South Lake Union, Kirkland, Spokane, and Tacoma. “[Lifetime membership] gets you free mini golf and other games, drink discounts, member events, tournaments, and lots more,” Largent says. 902 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.594.1315, flatstickpub.com/bellingham 

June/July 2021 31

Life 5 Faves

1

Majestic Adventures Fans of Harry Potter will love this camp, which centers campers in an epic quest involving puzzles, monsters, team challenges, and role-playing. Kids build skills like ethical reasoning, teamwork, and critical thinking, all while having the adventure of a lifetime. Weeklong camps run through August at Cornwall Park. Bellingham, 360.836.0386, questnorthwest.com

FIVE FAVES

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Summer Camps WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM PHOTO COURTESY OF MAJESTIC ADVENTURES

2

Wild Whatcom Go wild with Wild Whatcom’s numerous outdoor camp offerings.

Younger campers learn about plants, birds, and marine life, while middle and high schoolers build wilderness skills like carving, navigation, and harvesting.

Bellingham, 360.389.3414, wildwhatcom.org

3

Salish Sea School Budding marine biologists should check out the Salish Sea School, where adventures take place on land and by boat.

Summer programs include Puffin Protectors, for elementary grades, and Guardians of the Sea, for middle and high schoolers.

Anacortes, 703.477.7432, thesalishseaschool.org

4

Bellingham Boating Center Adventure Camp In this weeklong camp, kids age 9–14 try out sailing, kayaking, and stand-uppaddleboarding. Campers build skills and gain confidence while having a blast on the water. Camps run through the third week of August. 555 Harris Ave.,

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Bellingham, 360.714.8891, boatingcenter.org

5

Camp Kirby Keep it classic with this camp for grades 1–12.

Located along Padilla Bay, campers stay busy with water activities, crafts, archery, hiking, games, and more. Offerings run through early August.

1321 King St., Ste. 3, Bellingham, 360.733.5710, campfiresamish.org

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June/July 2021 33

Life Spotlight

Living Life Through a Lens Gabe Rogel WRITTEN BY BEN LESCHENSKY | PHOTOS BY GABE ROGEL

I

F YOU’RE EVER CLIMBING MT. SHISHAPANGMA

in Tibet and happen to stumble upon an SD card, let Gabe Rogel know. He’d like his pictures back.

The year was 2005, and Rogel was on assignment with Skiing Magazine and the outdoor gear company, Marmot.

The task? To photograph skiers Mark Newcomb and Kent McBride as they completed the first ski descent of the Untch Couloir on the 26,335-foot tall mountain. The trek to the top was arduous, Rogel recounts.

“We did it without oxygen, and due to the altitude sickness, I threw up close to the summit,” he says. “It was pretty hard to just even move — basically you take one step and then you take three breaths or more before the next step.”

After summiting, Rogel and two other climbers began their descent. About halfway down the couloir — the narrow snow passage on which they were skiing — Rogel needed to switch SD cards. The one he’d been shooting with for the past two days — with pictures of their ascent and summit — was full.

Exhausted and unsteady from lack of oxygen, disaster struck.

Rogel dropped the card.

“I watched the card tumble down the couloir like ten feet or so, and it quickly started to get covered with spindrift,” Rogel recalls.

At the same moment, Rogel was called to help one of his fellow teammates who was struggling. He made the splitsecond decision to go and help his buddy, leaving the “money shots” — as Rogel describes them — to be enveloped by the mountain, frozen in place…

Twenty Years of Capturing Adventures Gabe Rogel is originally from Spokane and has always had interest in art and the outdoors. From a young age, he was involved in art classes in school and went on outdoorsy trips with his family. After getting into climbing in high school, Rogel took a solo trip to the Himalayas when he was 19. To document the trip, he bought his first camera.

“It’s pretty easy to come back from that part of the world and have decent photos,” Rogel says.

After receiving positive feedback from his friends and family, he decided to pursue photography. Rogel studied photography at Colorado Mountain College, bringing his camera on skiing and climbing excursions. Over the summers, he started guiding trips with the American Alpine Institute in Bellingham — taking pictures on trips, of course.

Rogel started selling his pictures to outdoor mail-order catalogues, but his big break came when he sold a picture to Patagonia.

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“It was the moment where everything clicked. I was like ‘Oh my god, I might be able to make a living doing this,’” he says.

Thousands of hours of networking, building relationships, and taking pictures later, Rogel has built an impressive resume of clients and shoot locations. He’s worked for Marmot, REI, Eddie Bauer, and The North Face — among dozens of other clients — and has traveled all over the world. Tibet, Ethiopia, Antarctica, and Norway are just a few of the places he’s photographed during his 20-year career.

In his travels, the sights aren’t always the biggest draw.

“Places with a stronger cultural aspect really stand out more than a lot of locations,” Rogel says. “There’s so much more depth to a trip or a place when you connect with the people. The mountains are almost secondary.”

From Photographer to Entrepreneur Rogel is currently in the process of creating a new rock climbing gym in Bellingham called Chalkboard Climbing. Though the gym is still a couple years away from opening, the behind-the-scenes work Rogel is doing — designing, marketing, financing, et cetera — feels like a full time job.

“I’m looking at Chalkboard as this full transition to a new career,” he says.

“I’m very ready for this transition and very excited about it and couldn’t be more passionate about this switching of gears. I couldn’t be more excited about this gym and providing this incredible facility for our community.”

While Rogel is transitioning into a new chapter of his life, he doesn’t expect he’ll lose the adventure photographer part of his identity.

It’s simply evolving.

“Adventure sport photography has been my identity for my whole adult life. It’s formed my whole lifestyle and passions and what I like doing with my son,” he shares. “I feel like I’ll always be an adventure photographer. I’m not going to sell my camera.”

To see more of Rogel’s photography, visit rogelmedia.com 

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Health Q&A Life

Q&A with Health & Wellness Expert Sonia Jhas

A

LEADING VOICE in Canada’s health and wellness scene, Sonia Jhas offers practical, positive, and downto-earth advice meant to help people live their best life. I asked her a few questions about how to reset health goals after an unusually stressful year. BECKY MANDELBAUM

Many of us have picked up bad habits during the pandemic. What do you recommend for undoing them?

When trying to undo bad habits, we typically take the “all or nothing” approach. We decide we want to stop snacking in the evenings, or watching so much TV, or drinking wine at the end of each workday, and we decide that the change will happen overnight — that we’ll wake up tomorrow and never engage with the “bad” habit again. But what happens when we take this approach? We typically fail. Why? Because it’s hard to do things in such a black-and-white fashion. Sure, it works for a little while. But soon, our motivation dwindles, we start to care a little less, and we find ourselves justifying why it’s okay to indulge again.

Instead of taking this approach, my recommendation is to have a realistic plan. Instead of mandating that you’re never going to snack again, maybe say: “I’m going to allow myself to snack on whole foods as much as I want this week.” Once you’re in the rhythm and have a week under your belt, then you can up the ante and say: “I’m not going to snack on anything after dinner this week.” And so on, and so forth.

Making small but tangible changes week over week is how you gradually shift your mindset and create sustainable change. You won’t undo the habit overnight, but over the course of a few weeks, you will find that you’ve made real changes that are leading to a greater sense of control.

Working from home means food is always available.

What do you suggest for people who end up migrating to the kitchen throughout the day?

Create a structure around your food intake. Plan what time you want to eat your meals and structure your snacks throughout the day as well. When we fail to have structure, we often wait until we’re ravenous to eat, and by that point all logic has usually gone out the window. The more you can plan in advance, the more likely you’ll be to stay away from mindless snacking. If the need to snack does arise out of nowhere, try drinking a large glass of water and waiting

15 minutes first. If you find that you’re still hungry after that, then give yourself a wholesome, nutritious snack that’s rich in protein, healthy fat, and fiber. Some ideas: 15 almonds and an apple; 3/4 cup Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup blueberries; or sliced peppers and cucumber with hummus.

What do you recommend for people wanting to make lasting lifestyle changes?

Making lasting changes involves taking a balanced approach to wellness. You can’t be on a “diet” and expect it to last forever. You can’t decide you’re going to work out two times a day, seven days a week, and expect it to last forever. The key to making lasting changes is to build balance into your new lifestyle. How many days a week feels like a “balanced approach” to fitness? For some people it’s three days a week, for some people it’s four. How can you clean up your diet and prioritize your nutrition without feeling like you have to give up on all fun and flexibility? The more prioritizing your health and wellness can feel like “flow” instead of “pushing,” the more likely you’ll be to experience lasting change. 

June/July 2021 37

Life Wellness

Mount Vernon Women’s Clinic Aims to Change Lives Chinn GYN, LLC WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY TINA L. KIES

U

NDER THE GUISE OF A TRADITIONAL gynecology

clinic is Chinn GYN, LLC, a women’s wellness center located in Mount Vernon. With a smiling pink “cuterus” as its logo, Chinn GYN has intentionally shifted the benchmark for what standard women’s healthcare should look like.

Founded in 2019 by Dr. Melissa Chinn, DO, Chinn GYN was established to fill a void in women’s healthcare, introducing a model of care whereby the whole of a woman, not just a few of her intimate parts, is the focus.

“We love to help women realize their potential, fall back in love with themselves, learn to truly care for their bodies, and powerfully solve their problems,” asserts Chinn.

Accomplishing this is no small feat, but the all-female staff at Chinn GYN have managed to create a holistic, wholebody wellness center that caters to a woman’s reproductive organs with the same personalized attention as it does her skincare routine, weight management, and mental health.

“You are an entire person,” adds Morghan Milagrosa, ARNP, Chinn GYN provider. “When you come in for your appointment, you’re going to get exactly what you need, but it may not be what you came in for. Maybe we spend the entire time just talking about you and your stresses. Maybe you leave with a prescription for Pilates instead of Xanax.”

At Chinn GYN, your primary care needs will always be met, even those that oftentimes go unnoticed or underserved.

“The recipe of your care matters,” adds Milagrosa. “There is so much more to whole body care than what you can see on the surface. Your lack of sleep or sense of worth may be triggering bigger ailments. We spend the time needed with you to heal you from the inside out.”

All new patient consultations run 60–90 minutes to gain a better understanding of the person, not the clipboard, before beginning any treatment plan.

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Bring us your hot flashes and dying libidos Chinn GYN offers an array of specialty services that recognize how a woman’s body ebbs and flows through the natural aging process, with changes that impact both physical and emotional wellbeing.

In addition to regular gynecologic procedures, the clinic also offers medical cosmetic services ranging from laser hair removal and skin tightening to non-ablative laser skin resurfacing and wrinkle reduction.

While you may sip a flute of champagne during your wait, Chinn GYN is not a med spa. It’s the only clinic in Washington where licensed medical providers perform all cosmetic treatments. Dr. Chinn is also the only female, non-plastic surgeon provider in the PNW performing reconstructive procedures on women.

“Core-to-floor” strengthening without surgery Chinn GYN is the only women’s clinic in the state to offer both Emsculpt Body Sculpting and Emsella Pelvic Rejuvenation services. Emsculpt is a revolutionary, highintensity focused electromagnetic technology that pulses an equivalent of 20,000 repetitions of targeted exercise in a 20-minute period. EmSella is an innovative incontinence treatment that strengthens your pelvic floor muscles as you sit comfortably (and fully-clothed) in an electromagnetic chair.

Combining abdominal Emsculpt with pelvic floor Emsella treatments enhances overall function throughout the abdomen and pelvis, strengthening muscles and reducing the risk of falls, injury, and incontinence symptoms.

“Women’s care is more than PAP smears,” concludes Chinn. “It’s time we start to understand this and support the shift toward truly individualized and wholly comprehensive care.” 111 S. 12th St., Suite A, Mount Vernon, 360.824.5278, chinngyn.com 

Out and About Life

The Mighty Kulshan Crossroads Mt. Baker Skyline Divide Trail WRITTEN BY THOMAS HUGHES

LENGTH Nine miles roundtrip; optional side trails can make it longer.

W

ELEVATION ITH SUMMER AT OUR DOORSTEP, it’s time to

dust off your hiking boots and hit the trails! For experienced hikers, the Mt. Baker Skyline Divide Trail offers a seemingly endless amount of crossroads at the top, meaning there’s no limit to your adventure.

While snow is typically melted out by late July, you might encounter some even in August.

The Trail The first leg of the hike is a drastic uphill climb, gaining almost 1,500 feet of elevation in two miles. Surrounded

by Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock, and Silver Fir, you will ascend moderately until you reach the treeline at around 5,900 feet.

But you haven’t seen anything yet!

After you pass the Mt. Baker Wilderness sign, you will swiftly emerge from the forest onto a knoll. There you will first witness the mountains beyond the forest. From there, the path travels

through a series of grassy hills. Follow the main trail to the rocky hillside and ascend to the top to see Kulshan just 3.5 miles away from the trail’s pinnacle.

You won’t regret making it to the top!

If you are an experienced hiker and want to continue onto further footpaths, there are many side trails to pick and choose from along the way. The first knoll and the Deadhorse Creek Campground (which you can find following signs on the trail) is an excellent place to camp and view an impressive night sky.

What to Bring Because this is a longer trail, eat well beforehand and pack a good meal. Eating lunch at the top with clouds surrounding you is a magical experience. Also remember to bring plenty of water, as there is no good place to refill on the trail. Aside from the essentials, hiking boots are recommended, and sunscreen is also a must due to the higher elevation.

2,500 ft. gain, with the highest point at 6,563 ft.

Directions Plan for a full day of driving and hiking. If driving from Bellingham, travel east on Mt. Baker Highway for about 34 miles until you reach the Glacier Public Service Center. Watch carefully for the junction of Glacier Creek Road with the main road, which will be about 0.8 miles past the Service Center and to the right. Immediately after this intersection, there are signs that direct you to the left and towards the Skyline Divide Trailhead. The road is a long and bumpy 13 miles, so make sure your tires and your car can take the strain of the bumpy dirt road.

When you arrive at the trailhead, you will need a Northwest Forest Pass to park in the parking area. You can find day passes ($5) and annual passes ($30) at the Washington Forest Service website. 

June/July 2021 39

Life Special Advertising

PeaceHealth Orthopedics Offers Solutions for Foot, Ankle Injuries

F

OOT AND ANKLE ISSUES

caused by injuries, arthritis or bunions can cause plenty of pain and frustration, limiting mobility and enjoyment of life.

When these kinds of problems arise, a trip to PeaceHealth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Bellingham can yield solutions. Their multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, nurses and assistants work together to treat all manner of foot and ankle issues in a single location and features an array of surgical and non-surgical interventions.

Operation Determination Dr. Carter Kiesau is an orthopedic surgeon with 16 years of experience specializing in foot and ankle 40

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procedures with a special interest in arthritis prevention and sports injuries. He is part of the team treating orthopedic and sports injuries at Bellingham’s PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

According to Dr. Kiesau, the most common foot or ankle injuries span across all age groups and include sprains and fractures of bones, and tears and ruptures of various ligaments and tendons. Many injuries do not require surgery, though severe injuries may. Dr. Kiesau says it’s always important to see a patient and determine a very exact extent of injuries to identify treatment options.

Arthritis In the case of arthritis-based issues of the foot or ankle, there are multiple non-surgical treatment options.

Non-surgical treatments include steroid shots, braces, and physical therapy. Dr. Kiesau says doctors suggest what activities a person should do to prolong their remaining good cartilage, helping delay surgery. If surgery becomes necessary, improvements in techniques and technologies have resulted in patients lacing up their shoes a lot sooner than before.

“The technology is always getting better,” Dr. Kiesau says of surgeries.

“Total knee and total hip replacements

have been around for a long time. Total ankles are a newer, and constantly improving, technology. It’s an exciting time for people with ankle problems.”

Bunions Another orthopedic issue commonly treated by the PeaceHealth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team is bunions, which are bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe.

These deformities can affect all age groups, and impact a person’s running, exercising, and shoe-wearing abilities.

Bunions are another area where new technologies have refined surgical techniques making recovery much faster. Dr. Kiesau says post-surgery patients can often put weight on their foot in a walking boot the same day they have surgery.

Whether it’s non-surgical or surgical, the goal of any orthopedic treatment is to get patients back on their feet as soon as possible, doing the activities they love.

If you’re searching for additional trustworthy information on foot and ankle injuries and how surgery might affect you, Dr. Kiesau recommends visiting footcaremd.org, a patientfriendly website from the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.

Authored by and republished with permission from WhatcomTalk 

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Pack Northwest 44 Stripes & Rainbows 48 Steps to Skin Success 50

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Savvy Shopper

FERN

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45 June/July 2021 43

Style Local Find

Pack It Up, Bellingham Pack Northwest WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLAUDIA COOPER

I

N HILARY NEEVEL’S HOME STUDIO in Bellingham,

she stitches her company’s popular “hip pack,” more commonly known as a fanny pack. The pack is just one of the items available at Pack Northwest, an e-store specializing in packs, bags, and accessories.

Neevel started Pack Northwest five years ago, as a way to apply her industrial sewing skills. She learned industrial sewing while making and repairing sails at a company in Bellingham. When the company closed, Neevel decided to start her own sail-repair business.

As part of her business, Neevel found herself in possession of old sails. Wanting to give them new life, she began making them into bags. The idea for a bike bag business clicked into place during Neevel’s daily ride to work.

“I just got tired of wearing a backpack for my commutes and that led to making more bike bags,” Neevel says.

Pack Northwest’s bike bags are designed to take the load off your back and attach whatever you need for your ride right to your bike. Some bags attach to your handlebars, but Neevel can also create a custom bag that fits securely to your bike frame.

“You can get framed bags that are stock items, but they don’t tend to fit the bike perfectly. But with custom frame bags, you measure the bike, make them fit perfectly,” Neevel explains.

After almost 11 years of running her sail-making business, Neevel officially closed up shop to focus on Pack Northwest full time. Neevel makes every product by hand, creating bags 44

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that are built to last, right in her Bellingham workshop. She takes pride in her craftsmanship.

“With coming from the sail repair world, I think I have a good sense of what goes into a well-made product,” Neevel says. “I used to repair all sorts of outdoor gear and just have a good sense for what lasts and what doesn’t.”

Pack Northwest carries a variety of packs, catering to beginning explorers and expert outdoorsmen alike. Along with packs you’ll also find wallets, koozies, accessory bags, and a Convertible Tote/Backpack ($95) that’s perfect for both urban outings and outdoor adventures.

Because so many of her products are suited for recreation, Neevel feels Bellingham is an ideal location for her business.

“It’s a community where people really value supporting local businesses and having human connection. And it’s also such a strong outdoor community and so many, so many people are drawn here for the biking,” Neevel says. “Specifically, it’s a great place, good area to test [our] products.”

To learn more about Pack Northwest and shop products, visit packnw.com. 

Savvy Shopper Style

A Little Bit of Everything FERN WRITTEN BY BEN LESCHENSKY | PHOTOS BY ALISHA MERRICK

The Shop

What You’ll Find

Downtown Friday Harbor has a new art-focused gift shop.

Local artist Alisha Merrick opened FERN in June 2020, and while the physical store may be small, there’s plenty of heart — and art — packed into the space.

After primarily showing her work at local farmers markets, Merrick saw great value in opening a brick and mortar store.

“Having the opportunity to sell year-round instead of just on weekends randomly is much more stable,” she says.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 — during Phase 2, only two people were allowed in the 100-square-foot store at a time — the store is a mere block from the ferry, so it’s in an ideal location for tourists visiting San Juan Island.

About three quarters of the art in FERN is Merrick’s own work, like her Outline Hoop Earrings (from $88) and Rainbow Keychain ($16), but she also sells items from other artists to round out the store’s offerings. You’ll find fun gift items like Rainbow Thigh High Socks ($14) and Stitch Kits (from $26).

Merrick draws inspiration from nature when creating her artwork, so many of the colors, patterns, and lines seen on San Juan Island play into her jewelry and paintings.

She admits the store draws in a more female crowd, but some products appeal to men and children, too.

Key People

Merrick’s enamel hoop earrings are among her bestsellers, but she personally doesn’t have a favorite creative medium.

Rather, she enjoys experimentation.

“I really like switching back and forth between different mediums because it keeps it fresh,” she says.

Ultimately, it’s the creative process that drives Merrick and brings life into the shop. “I just like the actual making of something and then having someone love it, and then knowing they’re going home and they’re excited about it.”

Art has been running through Merrick’s veins her entire life.

After learning early on in high school that she preferred art to math, she quickly became involved in a wide range of artforms.

“I kind of went as art heavy as I could because it was fun for me,” she says.

She attended the Cleveland Institute of Art in Ohio and majored in enameling. While enamel art may be her specialty, Merrick does a little bit of everything.

“I do a lot of jewelry and enameling, but I have managed to weave in painting and drawing,” she says.

Favorites

110 First St. S, Friday Harbor, 574.596.3412, fernsanjuan.com 

June/July 2021 45

Style 5 Faves

1

Kara’s Beauty Barn This secluded spa offers traditional airbrush tans, either in single sessions ($35) or unlimited monthly packages ($120). Their Body Glow + Spray Tan package ($99) pairs a body scrub with an airbrush tan for a relaxing experience resulting in a natural, longerlasting glow. 1711 Pence Ave.,

Bellingham, 360.778.2433, karasbeautybarn.com

FIVE FAVES

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Airbrush Tanning WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM

2

Bella Body and Sol Bella uses a lightweight organic mist that’s custommixed for your unique skin tone each session. The result is a natural, longlasting, and streak-free bronze. Single sessions are $45, with packages also available. Enjoy a month of unlimited tanning for $165.

910 Harris Ave., Ste. 103, Bellingham, 360.383.7070, bellabodyandsol.com

3

Sparrows Salon and Spa Lynden’s newest salon and spa offers high-quality airbrush tans in a brand-new space. Make it your one-stop destination for hair styling, facials, body waxing, lash services, and permanent makeup. 513 Front St., Lynden,

360.656.6150, facebook.com/ sparrowssalonandspa

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Spero Skin Spa Salon For a natural tan without the harmful rays, drop by Spero for a single session body tan ($35), or purchase a three, four, or five-tan package. Pair your tan with various other services like eyelash extensions, sugaring, waxings, and more. 1400

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Screamin’ Eve and Adam Too Though they specialize in Brazilian waxing, Screamin’ Eve is also a great destination for an airbrush tan. Single sessions are $35. While they have locations in Bellingham and Burlington, only the Bellingham studio offers tanning. 207 ½ E. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.733.1833, screamineve.com

Voted Best Pet Store June/July 2021 47

Style Necessities

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Vintage Stripes & Retro Rainbows

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Forever Young Rainbow Earrings Moody & Co, $68 moodyand.co

RVCA Mambo Pullover Sweater Cheeks Jeans, $58 420 Front St., Lynden 360.778.1849, cheeksjeans.com

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RVCA Selma Dress Cheeks Jeans, $59 420 Front St., Lynden 360.778.1849, cheeksjeans.com

June/July 2021 49

Style Beauty

Easy Steps to Skin Success WRITTEN BY DR. TIANNA TSITSIS

O

UR LARGEST ORGAN OFTEN GETS OVERLOOKED

and taken for granted, but you can start making small changes to your daily routine to see and feel big differences in the health and appearance of your skin.

Fuel Your Skin Increasing healthy fats and antioxidants, drinking more water throughout the day, and limiting processed carbohydrates and sugar will give your skin the nutrients it needs to shine.

Add healthy fats from fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds to your diet. These are packed with omega-3s, zinc, and vitamins E & C to help fight inflammation and support elasticity, while also keeping skin thick, supple, and moisturized.

Increase your intake of antioxidant-rich foods such as dark, leafy greens, tomatoes, red and yellow peppers, root vegetables, dark chocolate, and green tea. Antioxidants are critical in neutralizing free radicals that promote aging. They also support collagen development and help fight oxidative stress caused by the sun and the environment.

Establish a Consistent Skincare Routine Ideally, you want to set up a morning and evening skincare routine. Your morning routine will consist of using a light cleanser, toner, or serum followed by a moisturizer that contains a physical sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher. Easy peasy. Don’t forget to treat your neck, chest, and hands.

We hear all the time from patients who forget to wash their makeup off before bed. Eeek! Removing your makeup before bed is critical for achieving healthy skin. Thoroughly cleanse your face of all the environmental pollutants, dirt, and grime that have collected over the day. Put on a hydrating or calming serum and your favorite night cream and then add 50

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retinol. Our providers recommend adding retinol as the last step because it will help your skin absorb all the nourishing products you apply beforehand.

Establishing a consistent skincare routine helps slough off dead skin, keep acne at bay, and improve the texture, tone, and integrity of your skin. We also recommend scheduling a professional facial at least once a month to treat pores and assist in cellular turnover, while infusing vitamins and antioxidants deep into the skin with treatments like a HydraFacial or Oxygen Facial. Our clinic, RejuvenationMD, offers a wide range of services including chemical peels, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and much more.

Slow the Appearance of Age When it comes to the appearance of age, treating sun damage, and preventing wrinkles, a healthy diet and skincare routine are not enough. For this kind of skin recovery, you need to employ treatments like Halo™ Pro and Forever Young™ BBL (broadband light).

Our clinic recommends getting one Halo Pro laser treatment a year. Halo resurfaces the skin, removing hyperpigmentation as it stimulates new collagen development, tackling wrinkles head-on. BBL, which has been proven to reverse aging at the molecular level, is a phenomenal treatment that keeps your skin bright and youthful. We recommend one treatment a month for five months for the initial correction phase and then one treatment per quarter to maintain results. The broadband light treats layers of the skin, eliminating red spots, small vessels, freckles, and unwanted sun damage deep within the skin while promoting new collagen development. RejuvenationMD, Bellingham: 360.685.8408; Burlington: 360.982.2620. 

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6 Face a Face “Pixel 2” color 3006, Handmade in France | $440 Binyon Vision

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June/July 2021 51

Insider’s Guide to the Outdoors Written by Becky Mandelbaum and Anelyse Morris

N

orthwest Washington is all about outdoor recreation.

With water to the west, mountains to the east, and plenty of trails, lakes, and forests in between, it’s easy to fill every weekend with a different adventure. In these pages we look at a few ways to get out and play in the North Sound, exploring where to go, what to bring, and how to gear up. From hiking and cycling to fishing, boating, and glamping, options abound for everyone, regardless of experience or skill level.

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June/July 2021 53

Camping & Glamping Glamping

Want the experience of roughing it without the roughness? Glamping is a great way to feel close to the outdoors without sacrificing creature comforts.

Here a few places to check out: Take the “easy way out” with Leanto on Orcas Island. Leanto offers five stunning glamp sites that let you slumber in style in the heart of Moran State Park. The canvas tents have beds and various tap-lights, lanterns, and flashlights to help you see at night.

Each guest has access to the park’s showers, flush toilets, and water spigots. Most importantly, you’re in the heart of the park, with dozens of miles of hiking, five freshwater lakes, and 5,000 acres of pure Washington wilderness. 3572 Olga Rd., Campsites located in the South End Loop, Olga, 360.298.1684, stayleanto.com

Sedro-Woolley, 360.218.4585 54

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© LEANTO

Get your glamp on at Willowbrook Manor English Tea House and Chamomile Farm in Skagit Valley.

Their High Camp is described as robust and regal, with a feeling of a British safari tent tucked away in the trees. Guests at High Camp enjoy their own patio with a gas fire pit, for cozy nights under the stars. New this summer is Cottage Camp, with sweeping views of Skagit Valley with Sauk Mountain in the distance. Both sites are fully furnished with wall-to-wall carpet, a fireplace, kitchenette, and running water. The best part? Tea and scones are served every morning, either under a tea tent or delivered straight to your camp. All guests also enjoy a 30% discount on Willowbrook’s bike tours, and have access to the manor’s beautiful gardens and grounds. 27420 Minkler Rd.,

Camping Can’t-Miss Campgrounds

Cranberry Lake Campground: Deception Pass Colonial Creek Campground: North Cascades National Park Moran State Park Campground: Orcas Island San Juan County Park: Friday Harbor Spencer Spit State Park: Lopez Island

West Beach Resort is situated on the west side of Orcas Island, known for sunny skies and epic sunsets over the ocean. Take your pick of canvas tent cabins — some with an ocean view. Tents sleep up to four and come with a queen bed, futon, private deck, grill, and firepit. All utensils, toiletries, linens, and even firewood are included, so you can pack light. The tents are only a quick walk to a shower house with toilets and sinks. While you’re there, take advantage of the resort’s boat, canoe, and kayak rentals.

Couresty of Lakedale Resort

190 Waterfront Way, Eastsound, 877.937.8224, westbeachresort.com

Breathtaking Backcountry Sites

Hidden Lake Lookout: North Cascades National Park Lake Ann: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Sahale Glacier: North Cascades National Park Skyline Divide: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Gothic Basin: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Get a glamorous taste of San Juan Island at Lakedale Resort. Choose from a Canvas Cabin or Canvas Cottage, both capable of sleeping up to four people. In the cabin you’ll find a queen bed and futon, while the cottage has a king bed and daybed sleeper. While the cabins lack water and electricity, a bathhouse with showers and toilets is only a short walk away. The cottages are a little fancier, with power, running, water, and — wait for it — a chandelier. Most importantly, all guests have access to the resort’s beautiful lakes, boat rentals, games, and activities. 4313 Roche Harbor Rd., Friday Harbor, 800.617.2267, lakedale.com

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Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, & SUPing Boat Launches & Paddle Locations Boating in Whatcom

In Bellingham, you’ll have no issue finding a place to hit the water, with dozens of public and private boat launches.

Squalicum Harbor is open to the public year-round, with multiple paved ramps that allow for launching all sizes of trailer boats. Blaine Harbor offers a two-lane launch right near the border, giving access to the Straits of Georgia and the Canadian Gulf Islands. While only open April through October, the launch in Fairhaven is a perfect place to handlaunch smaller boats and vessels.

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San Juan Sailing

There’s no better way to see the San Juans than by boat.

On the north side, pay a small fee to launch at Roche Harbor. For a free launch, plus kayaking, BBQ, and recreational opportunities, stop by Jackson Beach at the Port of Friday Harbor, located only two miles from the ferry landing. The boat launch at San Juan County Park is accompanied by campsites, rocky bluffs, and gravel beaches with views of San Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.

Courtesy of Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center

Equipment Rental & Community Resources Courtesy of Bellingham Yacht Club

Boating & Sailing Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center Located in Fairhaven, the Community Boating Center is a nonprofit dedicated to boating safety, education, and marine stewardship. Want to try your hand at sailing?

This summer, the center is offering two-hour sunset sails along Bellingham Bay for $55 per person. 555 Harris Ave., Bellingham, boatingcenter.org

Gato Verde Adventure Sailing Gato Verde offers customized boat tours, sailing lessons, and overnight trips. Enjoy a short sunset cruise or go all in with an overnight voyage to see whales...and hear them.

Gato Verdre has an amplified hydrophone to let you listen in on underwater whale noises. 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham,

Bellingham Yacht Club

gatoverde.com

2625 S. Harbor Loop, Bellingham, byc.org

Griffin Bay Adventures

San Juan Sailing

New to the boating and yachting scene? Explore the waters with ease, with the help of Griffin Bay Adventures.

Lessons are hands-on and interactive, with skippered charters throughout the San Juans and Gulf Islands. 50 Malcolm St.,

San Juan Sailing has more than 30 years of experience cruising the Salish Sea. Rated best in customer service and charter value by Cruising World, this sailing organization offers instruction, charters, and brokerage. 2615 S. Harbor

#605 B, Friday Harbor, griffinbayadventures.com

Loop, Ste. 1, Bellingham, sanjuansailing.com

This volunteer club is Bellingham’s oldest yacht club, boasting nearly 400 members. For aficionados and novices alike, this club offers opportunities for all things boating, from education to cruising, racing, and programs for kids.

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7 Rules for Beginners...

From a World Record Paddler

Brandon Nelson of Bellingham’s Brandon Nelson Partners doesn’t just broker homes, he breaks records. In 2013, Nelson broke the Guinness World Record for the longest distance paddled in 24 hours, journeying around Lake Padden for a total of 151.87 miles. Here are his rules for beginner paddlers.

P

addling is what drew my wife Heather and me to Bellingham almost 20 years ago. The quality and quantity of fresh- and saltwater opportunities to launch a paddle-craft are practically endless. That said, if you’re new to paddling, there are some critically important safety rules that are unique to the Pacific Northwest.

Follow these as you build your skills, and you can enjoy a lifetime of safe, memorable paddling.

Rule 1 If you’ve never paddled before, you absolutely must start by trying it with an experienced person on calm water and stay very close to shore. If you have a stable enough craft, learn how to hold and use your paddle correctly, and understand the basics of launching, you will likely go on to love the sport. To “just wing it” is to put yourself at risk and likely miss out on a rewarding first time paddling.

Rule 2 Buddy up! Paddling as a beginner is not a solo endeavor. Always be with another (ideally experienced) person.

Rule 3 Choose a paddle-craft that won’t sink.

Seriously. Canoes and kayaks with open cockpits come with a very high risk factor: if flipped over, they fill with water and become immovable. In contrast, sit-on-top kayaks and SUPs don’t take on water and can be easily righted and re-mounted.

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That said... they come with a different risk factor.

Hence, rule #4…

Rule 4 Use a leash! If you’re paddling a sit-

on-top or a SUP, it won’t take on water or sink if you capsize, but it can and will blow away from you if it’s windy. A paddlecraft in the wind can escape your reach before you even look up. To prevent this, always attach yourself to the craft with a leash. If I could share only one rule, it is to always use a leash.

Rule 5 Prepare for weather. Our weather changes, often by the minute. Wind and waves form quickly and anyone, at any skill level, can end up in the water. Never forget this or take it for granted.

Rule 6 Our waters here are cold year-round.

Even lake water. If you end up in the water for any reason, a countdown timer starts before hypothermia sets in. To mitigate risk, dress properly, meaning dress for immersion.

Rule 7 The shore is your friend. As a beginner, the closer to shore you stay, the more margin of safety you have. If things deteriorate, be it the weather or your gear, you’re seconds from the safety of land. Only as your skills and experience grow should you consider crossings or venture offshore. — Brandon Nelson

Photo courtesy of Heather Nelson

Written by Brandon Nelson

Gear Up Whatcom

Photo by Dean Davidson

For all your hiking needs, head to Backcountry Essentials in downtown Bellingham. From boots and packs to water filters and trekking poles, they have everything you need to set out on your next adventure. They even have a rental shop, perfect for trying out gear before buying. The staff is always there for tips, advice, or to help plan your next adventure.

214 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.543.5678, backcountryessentials.net

Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding Bloedel Boat Rentals

Sea Quest Kayak Expeditions

Located right next to Bloedel Donovan Park and Boat Launch, Bloedel Boat Rentals offers all the equipment you need for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Whatcom.

Don’t forget to grab a snack from the concession stand while you’re there. 2200 Electric Ave., Bellingham,

If you’re looking to kayak with Killer Whales, we’ve got a quest for you. Sea Quest offers kayak expeditions through the San Juans, with natural history experts and knowledgeable guides. Want to venture alone? They also offer kayak rentals. San Juan Islands,

bloedelboatrentals.com

Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures This kayaking company offers unique evening, half-day, fullday, and multi-day guided trips through Bellingham, Anacortes, and Orcas Island waters. Trips run from May through September. 909 Squalicum Way, Ste. 122, Bellingham, moondancekayak.com

sea-quest-kayak.com

Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts This nonprofit, often referred to as WAKE, brings together lovers of sea and whitewater kayaking for events, group paddles, and training. During the off-season, the club meets every third Tuesday. Check the website for meeting and event scheduling from June-August. wakekayak.org

Policies/Licensing Boater Education Card/ Safe Boating Card Boaters in Washington, with the exception of those born before 1955, are required to obtain a Washington State Boater Education Card when operating a boat with 15 or more horsepower. Classes can be taken online or through organizations like the U.S. Power Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guard. boat.wa.gov

Boating Laws & Safety Safety is an important part of any watercraft activity. The Adventures in Boating Washington Handbook details everything you need to

know before you set sail, including Washington boating laws and instruction on how to fuel up, secure a boat to a trailer, launch, and handle emergencies. You can purchase the book online at boat-ed.com/washington/handbook.

Boater Registration Boats more than 16 feet in length with motors more than 10 horsepower have to be registered with the Washington State Department of Licensing.

The registration cards and decals are required to be displayed on your vessel whenever it’s in use. boat.wa.gov

Whether you're into hiking, fishing, shellfishing, skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, hunting, or just need some sturdy workwear or rain gear, Yeager’s is your go-to sporting goods store. Their downstairs is filled with toys, gifts, and home goods, meaning you'll likely find something great for the indoors, too. 3101 Northwest Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.1080, yeagerssportinggoods.com

Skagit Heading into the North Cascades? Stop

by Northwest Mountain Shop & Guides in Sedro-Woolley for all your adventure needs. The rental shop also offers everything from climbing harnesses and bear canisters to tents, sleeping bags, and stoves. 829 Metcalf St., Sedro-Woolley, 360.854.8761, nwmountainshop.com

In Burlington, Holiday Sports has everything you need for camping, hiking, shellfishing, crabbing, and more. What originated as a bait and tackle shop has grown into a favorite destination among anglers, hunters, and campers alike.

895 Nevitt Rd., Burlington, 360.757.4361, holidaysportsburlington.com

San Juan Islands Whether you're looking for crab traps or a fishing license, Kings Marine has you covered.

Located in downtown Friday Harbor, Kings Marine can outfit your aquatic adventure and supply all the gear you need for fishing.

They also offer outdoor clothing for both men and women. 110 Spring St., Friday Harbor, 360.378.4593, kingsmarinefh.com

In Eastsound you'll find Orcas Outfitters, a locally owned sporting goods shop that can help outfit your next adventure on the island. Shop clothes, shoes, camping gear, fishing equipment, and more. 68 N. Beach Rd., Eastsound, 360.376.9327 June/July 2021 59

W

HETHER YOU’RE INTO SPINNER FISHING

or fly fishing, Washington has enough water to keep you occupied for years on end. Make sure to check regulations online before each fishing trip! Some areas may be catch-and-release only. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/ fishing/regulations. To learn more about fly fishing, check out The Flyfish Journal, a Bellingham-based magazine.

Salt-Water Areas

Marine Area 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay): Various Salmon, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Bottomfish.

Public piers: Cornet Bay Docks, Coupeville Pier, La Conner Marina Docks, Oak Harbor Marina, Oak Harbor Pier Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands & Bellingham Bay): Various Salmon, Bottomfish, Blackmouth. Public piers: Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Boulevard Park Pier, Drayton Harbor Park Pier, Friday Harbor Marina Docks, Gooseberry Point Ferry Dock

Guides

Favorite Rivers

Skagit: Salmon, Steelhead, Bull Trout, Sea Run Trout, Whitefish, Sturgeon Sauk: Bull Trout, Steelhead, Salmon Nooksack: Salmon, Steelhead, Cutthroat Trout

Favorite Lakes

Pass Lake (fly fishing only): Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout Baker Lake: Bull Trout, Kokanee, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Sockeye Salmon Silver Lake: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Warmouth, White Crappie, Yellow Perch, Common, Carp, Rainbow Trout Lake Padden: Rainbow Trout, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, Largemouth Bass Cascade Lake: Trout, Kokanee, Largemouth Bass

Skagit River Guide Service

Jolly Mon Charters

Catchmore Charters

Though based on the Skagit River, this guide service also offers sportfishing trips on the Bogachiel, Hoh, Sol-Duc, Columbia, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Quillayute rivers. The focus is on salmon, trout, and steelhead.

Jolly Mon offers sport-fishing charters out of Anacortes, into the San Juan Islands. Their focus is on salmon, lingcod, halibut, crab, shrimp, rockfish, and cabazon.

Catchmore offers small group sport fishing charters out of Anacortes into the San Juan Islands. They’ll help you catch salmon, halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and crab. Departs from Skyline

52921 Rockport Park Rd., Rockport, 1888.675.2448, skagitriverfishingguide.com 60

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Departs from Cap Sante Marina, 1019 Q Ave., Slip G4, Anacortes, 360.202.2664, jollymoncharters.com

Marina, 2011 Skyline Way, Anacortes, 360.293.7093, catchmorecharters.com

© Copi Vojta

Fishing

7 Tips for Beginner Fishermen Written by Patrick Dingle

1. In rivers, look for

pockets of slow-moving water where fish like to rest and feed. Fish also like to hide out in obstructed areas such as log jams, docks, overhanging banks, rocks, and weeds.

© Copi Vojta

Carp-e Diem at the 2021 Trout Derby

2. When catch-and-release

fishing, make sure to either wear gloves or always wet your hands in the water before handling the fish. Fish have a protective coating, so touching them with dry hands can expose them to disease.

From now through October 31, catch a tagged trout in a designated lake and receive a prize. Just catch a tagged fish, fill out a form (found online), and redeem your prize from a participating local business. Local lakes taking part in the 2021 derby include Lake Padden, Silver Lake, Lake Erie, Lake McMurray, and Sixteen Lake.

Basics to Buy

Rod & Reel: There are two main types of rods: spinner rods and fly-fishing rods. Spinner reels (as opposed to fly fishing reels) are best for beginners.

Most reels will come loaded with fishing line. Tip: You should be able to buy a beginner rod and reel for under $100. If you’re starting out, it’s good to keep costs low in case fishing doesn’t end up capturing your heart.

Bobbers & Split-Shot Weights: Bobbers control how deep your bait sits in the water and keep you from getting snagged on the bottom. If a fish bites the hook, the bobber will drop, letting you know something is on the line. Split shot weights, along with a bobber, help your hook remain at a desired depth.

Bait & Tackle: Your bait and tackle will depend on where you fish! Bait is typically worms, nightcrawlers, or any live insect. Most tackle has some kind of metal, to flash in the water

3. Learn your knots. The

and capture the fish’s attention. With fly fishing, the best tackle mimics the insects found in an area. Ask an expert at your local fly/gear shop for tips.

Waders (depending where you go): True to their name, waders help you wade through water to access different fishing areas and avoid brush along the shore. They’re best when river fishing.

Pliers: These are important for pulling the hook out of a fish’s mouth when catch-and-release fishing.

Fishing Licenses & Catch Cards: Anyone over the age of 15 in Washington must have a license to fish. You can buy a license online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov or by calling 360.902.2464. You can also buy them at retailers like Yeager’s, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ace Hardware, Walmart, and Fred Meyer.

most important ones are the clinch knot (for connecting hook to line) and the double-surgeon’s knot (for connecting two pieces of line while fly fishing).

4. Leave no trace. Make sure

to clean up your garbage, including fishing line.

5. For many, fishing is

a time for quiet and contemplation. Noise from nearby people can also scare fish away. As a courtesy, try not to fish too close to other people.

6. Be patient, and remember to enjoy yourself! Fishing takes time, practice, and gumption.

7. Remember to always

tell people your fish was bigger than it was. It’s standard practice to add about three inches to your fish’s length!

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Cycling & Mountain Biking Bike Shops Earl’s Bike Shop At Earl’s, you’ll find a large selection of both new and consignment bikes, parts, tires, accessories, and helmets.

Open for over a decade, this shop offers repair service, bike expertise, and “Trade in Trade Up” for kid’s bikes.

2827 Meridian St., Bellingham, earlsbicycle.com

Fanatik Bike Co. Find a brand-new bike or make your own with Fanatik’s custom build services. Simply pick a brand, size, and style.

If you’re not looking to invest, Fanatik also offers rentals and various repair and tune-up services. 1812 N. State St., Bellingham, fanatikbike.com

Cafe Velo This coffee shop/bike store is for those who want to get up and go. Find a brand-new commuting, touring, or adventure bike, or come in for a shift or brake adjustment and enjoy a beverage while you wait. 120 Prospect St., Bellingham,

Photo by Claudia Cooperr

cafe-velo.cc

Where to Go Kick Up Some Dust at Galbraith

Mellow: 2 ½, 2,983 ft., -95 ft. descent, 48 ft. gain Moderate: Happy Hour, 1 mi., -656 ft. descent, 46 ft. gain For the Pros: Cougar Ridge, 2 mi., -1,010 ft. descent, 206 ft. gain

Bellingham Area Bike Trails

Short and Sweet: Cornwall Park Trails, 1.5 mi.

Moderate Length: Whatcom Falls Park Trails, 3.5 mi.

Longer Treks: Interurban Trail, 7 mi.

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The Hub Community Bike Shop

Skagit Cycle Center

The hub is for bicycle novices and pros alike. Much more than a bike shop and repair service, the hub offers a community space for people to work on their own bike and connect with fellow cycling enthusiasts. 110

This local chain offers decades of biking expertise, plus the largest selection of bicycles, clothing, and parts in Skagit Valley. Whether you’re in need of a new bike, part, or a stylish helmet, this store has got you covered. 1620 Commercial Ave.,

Ohio St., Bellingham, thebikehub.org

Anacortes, skagitcyclecenter.com

5 Tips for Mountain Bike Beginners Written by Christopher Rebula, Rebula Mountain Bikes

1. Remember your safety gear. A

well-fitting and adjusted helmet, glasses, and biking gloves are essential. Knee pads are a great extra layer of protection.

2. Wear the right type of clothing.

If you plan to bike at dawn or dusk, be sure to wear reflective clothing. Dress for the weather, too. The last thing you want is to wear too many layers and have to constantly stop to dress down. For summer riding, a pair of shorts, a dry-fit tee, and comfortable socks should do the trick! Wear sturdy shoes (no sandals) with a solid, grippy sole.

3. Make sure your bike is ready

The Kona Bike Shop

Photo by Dean Davidson

Photo by Kelly Pearce

Kona combines 30 years of sales and service expertise, offering bikes specifically designed for the Pacific Northwest’s rugged terrain.

Stop by their flagship store in Bellingham or visit online to shop for mountain bikes, road/gravel bikes, and kid’s bikes. 1622 N. State St., Bellingham, konabikes.com

Favorite Mountain Bike Trail Names Unemployment Line

Space Wolf

Radical Dragon

Whoopsie Woodle

Lost Sole

Gate and Switch

Dad Bod

Cheech & Chong’s Wild Ride

El Pollo Elastico

to go. Whether it is a borrowed bike, used bike, or brand-new bike, make sure it’s tuned by a trusted professional. Have a front and tail light if you plan on riding when it’s dark, and be sure to check your tire pressure before each ride.

4. Study the trail. It’s important

to learn the rules of the trail and understand the environment.

Walking the terrain beforehand is a great way to assess what parts of the trail you might want to walk, and you’ll have a better sense of what to expect when you ride.

5. Take it easy, have fun, and ask

for help if you need it. Mountain biking gets better and better as your skills and confidence grow. However, it’s important that your confidence doesn’t get too far ahead of your skill level.

If you’re looking for some extra help, coaching is readily available, ranging from in-person clinics to online curriculums about body positioning, terrain assessment, and basic braking.

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© Whatcom Events

Annual Bike Rides Tour de Whatcom

Chuckanut Classic

Bellingham Traverse

Mark your calendar because this annual summer ride takes place on Saturday, July 17! Choose from multiple routes spanning from 22 to 100 miles. All routes begin in downtown Bellingham and take the rider through the county for stunning views of the water and surrounding farmland. The post-ride party is at Boundary Bay, with all proceeds benefiting local charities.

While this ride is temporarily on hold due to COVID-19, The Chuckanut Classic is a scenic ride through Bellingham — with routes from 25 to 100 miles. For more rides, check out the Mount Baker Bicycle Club, a nonprofit group for bike enthusiasts. The club plans to resume activities once restrictions lift.

This multi-activity race on Saturday, September 11 is a celebration of the region’s wild salmon, featuring nearly 10 miles of running, 24 miles of biking (both mountain and road), and 3.6 miles of paddling. Join alone or as a team, pick a “Spawner” identity, and get ready to race.

The finish line is at Boundary Bay Brewery. bellinghamtraverse.com

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chuckanutclassic.org

Hiking & Backpacking Photo by Claudia Cooper

Make It a Date Oyster to Oysters Journey up the ever-popular Oyster Dome trail and then head to town for oysters at Rock and Rye Oyster House.

Chuckanuts to Chuckanut Romp around the Chuckanuts and then head to Chuckanut Brewery for a pint of award-winning beer.

Backcountry Essentials

Mount Baker

Baker to Bakery Get an early start hiking at Mount Baker and then head to Deming for an afternoon pick-me-up at Wake ’N Bakery. Recharge with iced coffee and a scratch-made scone. Reverse the flow and fuel up at the bakery before hitting the trails.

Climbing & Mountaineering Guide Services Baker Mountain Guides For those wanting to take the next step (up a mountain), Baker Mountain Guides offers adventures and courses for beginners and pros alike. While most courses take place on Mount Baker or Mount Erie, there are some trips to Utah, B.C., and beyond. Learn how to navigate glaciers, rock climb, and more. 214 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.319.1160, bakermountainguides.com

American Alpine Institute AAI offers both group and private guidance in local areas as well as across the country and even the globe. Summit nearby mountains like Baker and Shuksan or go on expeditions in Europe, Africa, or as far as Antarctica. Offerings include treks, tours, and courses in alpine climbing, rock climbing, ice climbing, and backpacking. 1515 12th St., Bellingham, 360.671.1505, alpineinstitute.com

Favorite Destinations

Permits & Passes Washington State Parks Deception Pass State Park, Rockport State Park, Larrabee State Park, Moran State Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, etc.

What you need: Discover Pass: $35/year, $11.50/day. Order online at store.discoverpass.wa.gov or by phone at 844.271.7041.

National Parks Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park (no entry pass is needed for North Cascades National Park) What you need: America the Beautiful Pass: $80/year; $80/life or $20/year for seniors; free lifetime pass for permanently handicapped people; free annual pass for military and 4th graders. Order online at store.usgs.gov/pass, call 888-ASKUSGS, or buy in-person at any national park visitor’s center.

U.S. Forest Service Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Olympic National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, etc.

What you need: Pacific Northwest Forest Pass: $30/year, $5/day. Order online at store.usgs.gov/forest-pass, call 888-ASK-USGS, or buy inperson at any forest service visitor information center.

Mellow: Bagley Lakes Loop, 2 mi., 150 ft. gain Moderate: Chain Lakes Loop, 6.5 mi., 1,800 ft. gain Thigh-buster: Yellow Aster Butte, 8.5 mi., 2,550 ft. gain Overnight Favorite: Lake Ann, 8.2 mi. round-trip, 1,900 ft. Gain ADA Accessible: Fire & Ice Interpretive Loop, .5 mi.

Artist Ridge Loop, 1 mi.

North Cascades National Park Area Mellow: Thunder Knob, 3.6 mi., 635 ft. gain Moderate: Heather - Maple Pass Loop, 7.2 mi., 2,000 ft. gain Thigh-buster: Hidden Lake Lookout, 8 mi., 3,300 ft. gain Overnight Favorite: East Bank Trail, multiple campsites so distance and elevation vary. You can also boat-in to some sites.

ADA Accessible: Sterling Munro Boardwalk Overlook, 330 ft.

Rainy Lake Trail, 2 mi.

The Chuckanuts Mellow: Chuckanut Falls, 2.6 mi., 640 ft. gain Moderate: Pine & Cedar Lakes, 5 mi., 1,400 ft. gain Moderate: Raptor Ridge, 8 mi., 1,500 ft. gain Overnight Favorite: Lily & Lizard Lakes, 7.15 mi. loop, 1,400 ft. gain June/July 2021 65

5 Tips for Beginner Backpackers Written by David Luten, Backcountry Essentials

1. Remember your 10 essentials! Every backpacker should have the following items with them:

Aid Kit (gauze, bandages, antibacterial ointment, ibuprofen, antihistamine, etc.)

• Sun Protection (sunglasses and sunscreen) • Navigation (map or GPS) • Fire (matches, lighter, tinder, or stove) • Repair kit (knife, duct tape, etc.)

• Insulation (prepare for changing weather) • Snacks/Food (with high nutritional value) • Emergency Shelter (tarp, bivy, or emergency blanket) • Hydration (water, plus a water treatment system) • Headlamp or Flashlight (and extra batteries)

you will be trekking through. Will there be water crossings? Snow? Exposed stretches in the sun?

Lots of bugs? This will not only help with your packing list, but also your expectations for the trip!

3. Let a couple people know where you’re going, for how long, and when to expect your return.

4. Gear up at a local outfitter (like Backcountry

Essentials) who knows their gear intimately and can provide some expert advice on where you’re headed.

5. Stop and smell the flowers! Enjoy your time in nature and take it all in.

© Gerry Chike

• First

2. Plan ahead. Know your route, including the terrain

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Home

A Room of One’s Own…to Share 74 Planning a Veggie Garden 78 Perry and Carlson 80

Photo by Sheila Say

Featured Home

Whales, Water, and Quiet

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Home Featured Home

Whales, Water, and Quiet in Semiahmoo WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM PHOTOGRAPHED BY SHEILA SAY

L

INDA AND BARRY HARTWIG

moved to Blaine in late 2016, after working careers in the midAtlantic. Newly retired, the couple wanted to live closer to their family in Canada, where they’re both from. They decided to build a home in Semiahmoo, starting from scratch and relying on Linda’s decorating degree from The New York School of Interior Design.

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The final product, completed in 2019, checks all the boxes: proximity to the Canadian border, access to a quiet beach perfect for walks during low tide, and expansive views of the Gulf Islands and North Shore Mountains beyond Vancouver.

The main floor features 2,210 square feet of jaw-dropping ocean views, contemporary furnishings, and playful pops of color. Upstairs is a 610-square-foot suite that boasts a separate entrance, kitchenette, and private deck, designed to host live-in assistance if necessary, as the couple June/July 2021 71

Home Featured Home ages. In the meantime, the apartment is perfect for guests.

“We enjoy the quiet of living in Semiahmoo and have especially enjoyed spotting whales and watching eagles frequently soaring by,” Linda says.  Interior Design: Linda Hartwig (owner) Architect: David LiaBraaten of DesignHaus in Bend, Oregon.

General Contractor: Mark Hicks of Design Builders, LLC in Blaine Photographer: Sheila Say

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WINDOW COVERINGS | INTERIOR DESIGN | HOME DECOR

YOUR STYLE CAN

Stand Out or Blend In

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

www.FreshSpaceRedesign.com

June/July 2021 73

Home Remodel

A Room of One’s Own… to Share With Guests WRITTEN BY JENNIFER RYAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATHERYN MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY

W

ORKING FROM HOME has been one

of the many challenges of COVID-19.

This family’s guest room was the best option for a writer’s home office, however they still needed a space for guests. The challenge was combining both needs into one small space. The writer needed a desk, bookcases, and file storage, as well as somewhere for art. Meanwhile, guests would need a bed, closet, drawers, and, ideally, somewhere to sit.

The solution was to design a custom built-in wall unit to house a Murphy bed, office storage, and a place for art. To save space, we mounted the bed horizontally, with arm lights above for reading or soft lighting. Artwork is tastefully displayed in the open area above the bed, and most of the cabinets have glass fronts for a more open, less bulky look.

The desk takes up much of the room’s front wall and window, which made it difficult to open the closet door. Our solution was to install a barn door with an interesting diagonal pattern instead.

With just a bit of leftover room, we created a cushioned settee with throw pillows where guests can lounge. Below the bench is additional storage for bedding, clothing, and work items.

With a little creativity and some really good space planning, we were able to make this guest room/office into an inviting, multi-functional space where anyone would enjoy spending time. 

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June/July 2021 75

Debbie Biery and Glenn Sanford

eXp Realty eXp Realty was founded in Bellingham in 2009 with just a handful of agents

T

ODAY, WE HAVE OVER 50,000 AGENTS and have opened in 14 countries.

We are the fastest growing real estate company in North America and we do this without bricks and mortar.

“I have been a licensed real estate agent for 21 years and sold real estate throughout Whatcom County. When I joined eXp,” recalls Debbie Biery, “there were under 300 agents and I held several positions — I was the Community Ambassador (and I still am) and Industry Outreach Coordinator for events that Glenn and I held around the country, I was the Social Media Manager, the National Education Director for the eXp Power Girls for 2 years, plus various volunteer positions at various times.” Together Glenn and Debbie and their team have carried eXp to tremendous success.

From Humble Bellingham beginnings to Worldwide Success While eXp founder Glenn Sanford was growing his business he found himself flying around the country to meet with

the 1,000 eXp Realty agents across 31 states. In 2014 alone he took more than 50 domestic flights. Glenn and Debbie’s next journey was a natural solution. In 2015, when their lease expired on a home overlooking Chuckanut Bay in Bellingham, Glenn and Debbie’s belongings went into storage and the couple hit the road. Together they lived and travelled in an RV for almost a full year to grow the company around the US and Canada. This turned out to be an ideal way to visit agents while traveling more comfortably, and it became known as the eXpansion Tour.

The eXpansion Tour became a unique way for Glenn and Debbie to connect with eXp agents and other industry professionals while giving back to the real estate community. Meeting new people and hearing their stories, and encouraging them to implement proven strategies into their businesses has been the most rewarding aspects of the journey.

While eXp continues to grow around the world, Glenn and Debbie are still deeply connected to their Whatcom County roots and the Bellingham community.

“Bellingham and Whatcom County is something we love to share with our new friends we have met while traveling.

After flying, driving and RVing all the places we have been there is nowhere in our minds that can truly replace where we live. From the friends we have met, to so much access to nature and outdoor activities. Bellingham and Whatcom County is truly hard to beat.” GLENN SANFORD

BACK ROW

SECOND ROW

BOTTON ROW

Andy Fox: 360.763.4121

Jim Pope: 360.319.5487

Dale Kreiser: 360.319.6365

Diana Burgon: 360.927.8588

Sally Farrell: 360.393.7339

Alicia Kreiser: 360.319.6365

Johan Stenkamp: 360.306.7969

Jess Hiatt: 360.927.8711

Katharine Carey: 360.220.5915

Mindy Price: 360.224.1065

Hanna McLendon: 360.220.6205

Tam Grundhurd: 360.305.8678

Aeden Hunter: 360.319.9620

Allen Stockbridge: 360.228.6260

Debbie Biery: 360.223.2341

Rainy Fackler-Adams: 360.483.7657

Glenn Sanford

Casey Locker: 360.927.5490

Mimi Osterdahl: 360.220.6787

Dave Hiller: 360.820.4636

Sarah Cornwell: 425.623.2339

Nicole Thompson: 360.224.1352

Emma Klootwyk: 360.674.4534

Eric Kammer: 360.389.3092

Stephanie Twiford: 360.961.0720

Lynn Cornwell: 360.223.2042

Carina Kozacuk: 360.961.0061

DeVante Blow: 360.929.1173

Sandy Hicks: 360.224.2331

Bellingham and Whatcom County is something we love to share with our new friends we have met while traveling.

Glenn Sanford

Tim Cornwell: 360.223.0190

Allen Stockbridge, JD, CCIM 360.223.8346

Home Garden

Planning and Designing a Productive Vegetable Garden WRITTEN BY MELINDA MYERS PHOTO COURTESY OF GARDENERS SUPPLY COMPANY

W

HETHER PLANNING YOUR FIRST, SECOND, OR TENTH VEGETABLE GARDEN, it can be

overwhelming. There are so many tasty vegetables and never enough space and time to grow them all.

First, take some time to plan a garden that will provide you and your family with fresh produce you can enjoy all season long. Plus, involving everyone in the planning process just might get them to show up and help weed.

Next, locate your garden in a sunny location with moist, well-drained soil. Save those partially sunny areas for greens like lettuce, chard, and kale as well as root crops like radishes and beets. These prefer full sun but will tolerate more shade than tomatoes, peppers, squash, broccoli, and other plants whose flowers and fruits we eat.

Review your favorite recipes and make a list of family favorites; look to see which vegetables appear most often.

Then check the list to see which vegetables are suited to your climate and growing conditions and make the most economic sense to include in your garden.

Tomatoes and peppers produce lots of fruit from one plant and are common ingredients in many recipes. Sweet corn is fun to grow but needs lots of space for a relatively small harvest. If space is limited, consider buying your sweet corn at the farmers market and use that space to grow other edibles.

Every gardener struggles with determining how many of each type of vegetable to grow. This depends upon the productivity of the variety selected, your family’s eating habits, and of course the impact of weather on the harvest.

It is always better to start small, build on your successes, and expand the garden in the future. Track your planting and harvesting results to help when planning future gardens.

You will need to plant more if you plan to preserve or donate a portion of your harvest. Purchasing vegetables from your local farmers market is a way to ensure you have sufficient fresh produce when you are ready to can, freeze, and ferment.

If you need to maximize space, try growing vertically.

Train pole beans, peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and even squash and melons up trellises. Growing vertically not only saves space, but also increases disease resistance by increasing light and airflow through the plants. And picking beans at waist height is much easier than harvesting from low-growing, bushy plants.

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Review your favorite recipes and make a list of family favorites; look to see which vegetables appear most often.

You can also increase space with containers. Consider growing frequently used herbs and vegetables in pots on the patio, balcony, or deck for convenience. You can quickly grab what you need when creating your favorite meal.

Grow multiple plantings in each row. Start the season with cool season veggies like lettuce, peas, and radishes.

Once the temperatures climb and these plants are harvested and enjoyed, replace them with warm weather vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, squash, and melons. Finish off the season by filling any vacant rows with fall crops like greens, beets, and radishes.

If all of this sounds overwhelming, enlist help from Gardener’s Supply by using one of their vegetable garden plans (gardeners.com). You’ll find customized plans for those who like to cook, want to grow ingredients for a garden-fresh salad, salsa, or cocktails, or are following a Mediterranean diet. Many come with seed packets for all the featured plants. 

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Home Local Find

Home Goods, Art, and More at Perry and Carlson WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH HALL PHOTOGRAPHED BY EMILY PORTER

S

EVERAL YEARS AGO, Trina Carlson fell in love with a near century-old building in historic downtown Mount Vernon. She and her husband, Christian, set to work converting the empty shell into a space that could house their shared love for art. In 2016, the space officially opened as Perry and Carlson, a retail store with a connected art gallery.

Trina and Christian have built their life around the business — they even live inside the same building. The store has also become a “mother-daughter” endeavor for Trina and her daughter, Evan, who has helped expand the store, creating partnerships with more than 50 independent makers.

Trina is a textile artist who has always loved collecting beautiful objects. This love is apparent in the store’s eclectic

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and aesthetically curated inventory. Inside the shop, you’ll find everything you need to bring beauty into your home and life. Browse various home items, accessories, apparel, and jewelry, as well as bath and apothecary goods, a baby section, an outdoor collection, and more. With so many categories, Trina considers the store an all-around lifestyle shop.

“We try to work with small makers to really support and represent people that are doing the work,” Trina says.

“We’re really concerned about how things are manufactured or made, and if they’re sustainable.”

The shop also carries a collection of vintage items, such as wool rugs from Turkey. Though most items in the store are available online, vintage goods can only be purchased in-store.

“We also have a love of things that have had a former life and have a history,” Trina says. “And so there’s always a smattering of vintage things in the shop.”

While Trina oversees store inventory, Christian curates the gallery side, displaying his own art alongside contemporary works from local and international artists. Each month, the gallery features new artists.

“It’s been a very positive part of what the experience is to come into the space,” Trina says. “Some people come in

We also have a love of things that have had a former life and have a history.

Trina Carlson to look at the art, but then they’ll wander through the shop and vice versa.”

Despite COVID-19 restrictions putting a cap on occupancy, Trina says the 16-foot-tall ceilings, air filters, and small-town location have helped the shop and gallery thrive while adhering to safety guidelines.

Perry and Carlson is a great place to build community connections, but it also attracts visitors travelling through Mount Vernon. One thing to keep in mind when visiting is that the store’s collections, inventory, and art are everevolving, so no two visits are ever the same.

Whether you’re looking for a new throw blanket, to browse local art, or just enjoy a friendly conversation, Perry and Carlson has something for everyone. 504 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon, 360.899.5032, perryandcarlson.com  June/July 2021 81

Home Necessities

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Macramé All Day WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM

M

NORTHWEST ACRAMÉ is a centuries-old

technique that’s having a renaissance. From unique wall hangings to plant holders, this appealing knot-based art has endless applications. It’s no surprise that all kinds of artists are using macramé to create attractive, one-of-a-kind jewelry, home décor items, and accessories. Add some color and texture into your life with these macramé essentials from local makers in Whatcom and Skagit. 

1

All the Frills Macramé Plant Hanger

2 3 4 5

fine furnishings

919 Riverside Dr. ▪ Mount Vernon 360-424-8455 ▪ www.nwff.com

Northwest Fine Furnishings would like to help you turn your house into a home.

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Service to Discerning Clients in the Great NW Since 2004.

Call Marshall at (360) 966-3929 to Discuss Your Needs And Schedule a Complimentary Initial Consultation.

$39, treehousemacrame.com

Knotty Kort Bottle Bag/Carrier $16, Knotty Kort, valleymademarket.com

Anchor Earrings by AMiRA $78, elSage Designs, elsagedesigns.com

Knotty Kort Coasters (set of 2) $20, Knotty Kort, valleymademarket.com

A Freyed Knot Macramé Wall Hanging in Rainbow Fringe $45, Brazen Shop + Studio, brazenshopandstudio.com

June/July 2021 83

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Real Estate Agent

Q

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June/July 2021 85

Welcome Home to Heather Ridge

N

estled in close to the Diamond Lane Natural Reserve Area, you’ll find your own private oasis in the new Heather Ridge community in Ferndale.

Modern homes with three, four or five bedrooms that can be custom designed and built to suit welcome you home to Heather Ridge conveniently located just a couple of miles down the road from downtown Ferndale, local schools and the freeway.

Step into luxury in a home built by Northwest Superior Homes that features beautiful quartz countertops, decks overlooking tranquility, indulgent bedrooms and relaxing bathrooms.

Chose the lot and floorplan you love from among the many different options. Working with the builder, we’ll help you make it the home of your dreams.

Elegant. Modern. Style.

For an appointment, please call Christine Cicchitti at 360.296.3814.

Builder: Northwest Superior Homes Christine Cicchitti Windermere Real Estate 360.296.3814 cicchitti@windermere.com

Heather Ridge Featured Lender Carla Lee, Sr. Mortgage Advisor, NMLS 176752 AdvisoryLending Group, a Division of American Pacific Mortgage NMLS 1850 clee@advisorylendinggroup.com, 360.631.7999 Branch NMLS ID #1804147 www.CarlaALee.com Equal Housing Opportunity A division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation/1850

REAL ESTATE AGENT Q&A

JULIAN FRIEDMAN-JULIAN & COMPANY Q. What do you think your clients are looking for in a real estate agent and what makes you the right fit?

A. Born and raised in Bellingham, I have a deep connection to both the area and members of the community. With so many agents to choose from, my clients are drawn to our simple, yet effective approach. Our motto is “Lead with Value” We ask important questions in order to identify our clients unique needs.

We never put our needs above the client and work tirelessly to build authentic relationships with the other agents to ensure both negotiations and transactions run smoothly. With 5 star reviews across the entire internet, I promise to deliver exceptional results, every time!

Q. What are your clients saying about you?

A. “Julian walked us through the entire process of selling our home. Selling can be stressful in itself, but selling when you aren’t 100% prepared for it due to life changes just adds to that. Julian helped us prioritize what was most important to get done before selling to yield the best investment for us. Listening to him paid off. We ended up closing over our asking price and actually for the most in our area for price per square foot. It was incredible and life changing for us. He was very understanding and patient with me during this stressful time and always made me feel like I could pick up the phone and call him with questions or concerns.

He always made time. I will continue to work with Julian on our next adventure of finding a new home. I would recommend him to anyone if you’re looking for a supportive agent.”

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.

It will not lead you astray.”

-Rumi

AWARDS AND HONORS 2020 Top Producer of Muljat Group Best of Zillow

Julian & Company Powered by Muljat Group 952 N. State St., Bellingham 360.820.3698, julianandcompany.com

June/July 2021 87

REAL ESTATE AGENT Q&A “Brad was AMAZING! He truly went above and beyond to help us with our property purchase!”

“With over 30 years of experience, I work to ensure my clients success.”

– Thomas & Danielle Willey

BRAD BURDICK

KAREN TIMMER

Q. What are your clients saying about you?

A. “Brad professionally guided us through every step of the process of selling our Lake Whatcom waterfront property and purchasing a great new luxury condominium that we just love! He was on top of every detail and always kept us informed.” – Randy and Linda Longerich

Q. What makes you different than any other real estate agent?

A. Experience & knowledge in all types of real estate markets, whether it is a seller or a buyer’s market I have worked successfully through them all. My experience and knowledge put my clients in a winning position. If you have questions or need a custom market analysis, give me a call! I look forward to working with you.

3610 Meridian St., Bellingham Office: 360.734.3420 Mobile: 360.303.3485 Email: bradburdick@cbbain.com BradBurdick.ColdwellBankerBain.com

8071 Guide Meridian Rd #101, Lynden 360.410.0848, karentimmer.com karen@karentimmer.com

SOUL SISTERS Q. What’s the one thing your clients should know about working with you?

A. That’s simple. If you’re in the market for a fierce, fantabulous duo that delivers spectacular results with a side of sass – we should talk. We know the market. We hustle. We care. Bottom line? Whether you’re looking or listing, we don’t just push papers to get deals done, we build long-term relationships.

Q. What would your clients say about you?

A. “Trish and Diva are bright, responsive, knowledgeable, honest, insightful, and – equally important – FUN!” “They always return calls, answer questions, and make the connections needed...”

“These two are the only agents I would use…”

“They are highly skilled, tenacious, very knowledgeable about the area and most of all, incredibly fun to work with.”

“Relationship focused Real Estate.”

11 Bellwether Way #201, Bellingham

Trish (left), Diva (right)

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BellinghamSoulSisters.com Trish@BellinghamSoulSisters.com 360.296.2667 Diva@BellinghamSoulSisters.com 360.920.6456

REAL ESTATE AGENT Q&A

“We believe you can get everything you want in life, as long as we help enough other people get what they want.”—Zig Ziglar

KATHY STAUFFER Q. How do I run my business?

A. I have been selling real estate for almost 30 years in Whatcom County which means a couple things. One, I’m a top producer and know my craft and two, I have a great amount of experience. I learned long ago that this chosen career profession can be all consuming. How can you help buyer’s and seller’s get where they need to be if you yourself cannot plan where you want to go? As a single mother working as a selfemployed real estate broker, I knew early on that establishing core values to guide me through my business decisions and action plans would be critical to my success. My well thought out strategy was to remind myself daily that I was in the service business — that relationship was just important as real estate and as it turns out real estate has proven to be my mission field.

Q. What makes “us” different?

A. What makes Team Stauffer different is realizing it is not about us. Our clients are the most important people on our team. We do not work in a vacuum. Although, my name might be on the sign — there are many people behind the scenes making me look good. My Windermere family — Dan and Rob Washburn and Wynden Holman steer the ship. My son and business partner, CJ is my licensed assistant. Brandi Coplen serves as my buyer’s agent, Katherine Stauffer, my daughter-in-law handles all of our marketing and social media (@kathystauffer.realestate). Monique Wilhelms and Kim O’Grady are on my concierge crew, and they truly are the dream makers. Everyone knows that my husband Stan is a saint and I have found, it is always good to have a saint on your team! By acknowledging the amazing group of people that I work with my Buyers’ and Seller’s know I am going to be able to give them my absolute best because I will always have time for them to get the job done right.

Q. What’s so special about the Northwest Corner of Whatcom County-Blaine-Birch Bay Semiahmoo?

A. Waterfront and the easy access to enjoy it coupled with a small-town ambiance makes Blaine-Birch BaySemiahmoo a sought-after place to live. A peaceful, quiet, coastal community with great neighbors and even better neighborhoods with beautiful homes. Most of the community has city services and high-speed internet which makes working for from home a breeze. With miles of walking trails and abundant wildlife just out your back door our area creates an environment like no other. Suffice it to say, this last year, I think Blaine achieved “cool” status. Friday and Saturday nights you will find the streets lined with families eating Edaleen ice cream. It is no surprise with the vision of many local community leaders and business owners, Blaine’s small town is thriving again — restaurants are open and anxious to please. Blaine is a town where everyone really knows your name — where one on one you can feel welcomed and invited. It is a place where you can belong. When you think about it — Why wouldn’t you want to live here?

Kathy Stauffer Managing Broker 360-815-4718 kstauffer@windermere.com Whatcom County….even when it rains, I shine.

June/July 2021 89

REAL ESTATE AGENT Q&A “My number one priority is making sure that all your needs are met and that your next Real Estate transaction be a smooth and pleasant experience! ”

“Exceeding my clients’ expectations and being the calm in the storm is why I love my job.”

NATE KENOYER

RICK MOORE

Born and raised in Bellingham I understand the numerous intangible benefits of life in beautiful Whatcom County and with over 25 years real estate experience I can bring a level of dedication and professionalism unmatched in this industry.

My commitment to you is to ensure that you will receive the highest level of service, consisting of knowledge, expertise, integrity and honesty that you should expect from a realtor.

I look forward to working with you!

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. I was born and raised in the area, so I know the ins and outs, the best spots. I know Real Estate. I have built, designed, financed, and sold over 1,000 homes all over Whatcom County, which gives me a unique skill set and gives you a strong advantage in today’s market. I love what I do and I’m good at it.

515 W Bakerview Rd., Bellingham nkenoyer@windermere.com 360.319.3280

360.201.8341 rick@rickmooregroup.com rickmooregroup.com

GABRIELLE BALOLIA Q. What sets you apart from other Realtors?

A. Real estate is not the business of houses. It’s the business of people’s lives. Real estate takes kindness, empathy, and compassion. Helping people and finding solutions are the two things that drive me. I have 23-years of sales success including 15-years in media sales, and I leverage that experience to provide the best marketing and outcome for my clients. Multiple offers have become the norm, and I’m a Certified Multiple Offer Expert, so I know how to write an offer that will win!

Q. Is there a specific local market you specialize in?

A. I am happy to help home buyers and sellers anywhere in Whatcom or Skagit counties. Whether you are a firsttime home buyer, or an investor looking for a property that will generate a great return, I can help. Luxury real estate is a passion of mine, and I am a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. When selling a home, I work to ensure the best return on your biggest investment!

Call/ Text 360.421.3616 360propertysales.com Whatcom County Association of Realtors, Rookie of the Year, 2020 90

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REAL ESTATE AGENT Q&A “Unlock the fullness of life by waking up every morning choosing not only to be grateful but to be gracious as well!”

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”

JULIE BROWN

CHRIS BOYD

Q. What are my clients saying about me?

A. I provide excellent service while focusing on the secondhome market, buyers and sellers, and helping our Canadian sellers accomplish their goals, even though the boarder is closed! My knowledge and network in the Glacier, WA is invaluable. My personal and professional demeanor make for a smooth and confident transition!

Q. What is your game changing strategy for selling homes?

A. As the old saying goes... A good magician never reveals his secrets. What I can tell you is that COVID has changed the way that buyers today are shopping for homes. Buyers want more than a new home, they want to feel like they are buying into a lifestyle. My secret weapon lies in my ability to craft a unique story for each home that I sell.

1318 12th St., Bellingham 360.319.6433 chris.boyd@compass.com

360.255.3727 juliebrown@windermere.com

LYNDA HINTON Q. What should your clients know about working with you?

A. I started in 2002 and have worked through two Seller’s markets as well as the recession. I know what it takes to survive, and get offers accepted in just about any situation.

My clients are almost 100% referrals from past clients, friends and family… so I have to work hard in order not to disappoint anyone! I am hands-on and make myself available as much as possible, even in this fast-paced market!

Q. What sparked your interst in real estate?

A. I’ve “worn many hats” which you can read about on my website, and I worked 4 jobs for a couple of years to save up money to get into real estate. Prior to this career, I was the office manager for Zervas Group Architects, and a Zoning Technician for Whatcom County Planning Dept. I have always loved architecture and houses, and I am truly passionate about real estate…and I am very fortunate to have found my passion and be able to enjoy it as my career!

“I have lived in Bellingham most of my life as a 3rd generation Whatcom County resident.”

Lynda Hinton, CRS, GRI Managing Broker Windermere Real Estate lyndahinton.com June/July 2021 91

REAL ESTATE AGENT Q&A

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.”

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.

– Ralph Marston

– Albert Einstein

STACY OSTERKAMP

KRISTAL GRIMSTEAD

Q. What can clients expect when working with you?

A. I provide information to you to make educated decisions, listen to your needs and strive to exceed your expectations in this competitive market. Representing your interests while guiding you through the selling and buying process is my top priority!

Q. What is the biggest challenge in your job?

A. Currently, my biggest challenge is working with low inventory. Our market is competitive and requires skill, creativity and experience to help buyers win. I am working strategically, communicating effectively, and tapping into a broad network to stay ahead of the curve. It has been extremely gratifying helping my clients overcome the challenges and making their dream home a reality!

360.927.3084 StacyOsterkamp.withwre.com StacyOsterkamp@windermere.com Facebook: Stacy Osterkamp at Windermere Real Estate

1318 12th St., Bellingham 360.441.2202 kristalgrimstead.com

MEGAN A. BARNES Q. How do you represent your seller clients and how do you describe working with you?

A. When working with sellers, I have them share with me what they love about their home, based on my experience and knowledge of the real estate market, I also give them ideas and tips on how to help their home shine! I share market conditions, a custom marketing plan and along with the seller, we come up with a sales price. While representing the seller’s home to other agents and buyers in our community, I strive to be ethical, kind and work my very hardest to get the highest and best sales price for their home!

Q. How would you describe working with you?

A. I am high energy, knowledgeable, and assertive with a smile!

“I do my best for the clients I work with and our community.”

515 W Bakerview Rd, Bellingham Cell: 206.383.4407 meganbarnes@windermere.com 92

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REAL ESTATE AGENT Q&A “The Kenoyers are extremely knowledgeable, kind, helpful and an absolute joy to work with.”

“In Real Estate, as in Life, opening new doors leads us down new paths. I love helping my clients find those paths.”

– Adam & Tiffany

GENNIE CLAWSON

CHET, GINA AND JESS KENOYER

Q. What should clients know about working with you?

A. Integrity ~ Diligence ~ Creativity. These qualities are the hallmark of my work with buyers and sellers. As a 25 year resident of Bellingham, I know our community and why many wish to stay here or join us. It is a pleasure to help clients navigate the market, locate the perfect next home and bring these major transactions to smooth closes. The current real estate market challenges only make my work more rewarding.

Q. What are the top three things you should know about the Kenoyers?

A. • They have been selling real estate in Whatcom County for 3 generations!

• In 2020, the Kenoyers sold more homes in Bellingham over $995,000 than their 6 closest competitors combined!

• A great exchange of keys is what they strive for!

515 W Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.676.9229 kenoyers.com

3610 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.303.0749 gennieclawson@cbbain.com

BECKY BRUNK Q. What should potential clients know about you?

A. I have been told that I “research unto inevitability” and I think that is the perfect way to describe how I like to work with my clients. Lots of questions, fine tuning along the ways and numerous resources = Success!

Q. Tell us your biggest success story from 2020.

A. I helped my out-of-town clients find their perfect home despite the pandemic and multiple offers by using lots of FaceTime video calls and some creative negotiation.

Now they walk to Fairhaven regularly and enjoy their bay view daily!

AWARDS AND HONORS 2020 International President’s Circle 2019 International Diamond Society Master Certified Negotiation Expert Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Accredited Buyer’s Representative Senior Real Estate Specialist

Coldwell Banker Bain beckybrunk.coldwellbankerbain.com 360.739.7776

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REAL ESTATE AGENT Q&A

“I provide a custom and solution based real estate experience. Your goals are my goals.”

HEATHER T. TAYLOR

KATE FADDEN

Q. What brings you most satisfaction in your work?

A. I was born and raised in Seattle. I became a Realtor 22 years ago. Starting with a #10 Team nationwide in Phoenix.

Eventually, I returned home to continue Real Estate. I fell in love with this area so I relocated my business and absolutely love selling properties in Whatcom county!

Q. What brings you most satisfaction in your work?

A. The relationships I get to cultivate with my clients. I care deeply about the success of each of my clients and believe the only way to create a successful outcome is to customize their experience by adopting their goals as my own.

2930 Newmarket St. Ste. 111, Bellingham 360-483-6483 kate-fadden.com katefadden@johnlscott.com

Bay Properties - Semiahmoo Homes Inc. 8045 Birch Bay Dr., Blaine 425.785.5771, birchbayliving.com tayloredhomes@gmail.com

LISA KENT Q. Why did you get into real estate?

A. My family moved to Whatcom County in the early 90’s and were awestruck by the natural beauty and friendliness of the PNW locals. Inspired by the area, my father dove into real estate in hopes that his career may serve as a conduit for sharing the area with others. His passion for sharing this hidden gem with others inspired me to continue the family legacy. Five years ago, I joined the family business on the Semiahmoo Shore development and have never looked back!

Q. What do you offer your clients that other Realtors may not?

A. As a Realtor I strive to help my clients realize and achieve their real estate goals. I provide clients with professional insight, education, and guidance through their transaction.

With years of experience, along with excellent mentorship, I have adapted and excelled in this evolving industry. Whether it is a sudden change in a transaction or industry restrictions due to Covid, my greatest tools are adaptability, foresight, and communication. Regardless of the circumstances, my clients can count on my expertise to guide them through their transaction effectively.

LISA KENT

P R O F E S S I O N A L R E A L E S TAT E S E R V I C E S W I N D E R M E R E R E A L E S TAT E W H ATC O M 8105 Birch Bay Square Blaine, WA 98230 # L I S A K E N T R E A L E S TAT E 360.594.8034

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360.594.8034 lisakentrealestate.com

REAL ESTATE AGENT Q&A

NICK BERARD Q. What makes you different from other real estate agents?

A. I help clients manage their wealth through real estate.

My background of 8 years in commercial finance, earning my MBA, and having over 7 years of experience as a topranked Realtor gives me the perspective and insight that clients trust.

Every day I am humbled and honored by clients who continue turning to me for input and advice on their biggest life decisions. This business comes down to trust and relationships. From an early age, I learned that reputation takes a lifetime to earn and needs to be earned every day. I continue to build my business on maintaining a stellar reputation for putting clients goals first.

Q. What is it like to work with you?

A. As early as I can remember, I have been very curious about the world & liked talking to everyone around me.

Growing up my mom worked in education and my dad was a business executive. Mom always told me “Nick, a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet!”

I believe it is more important than ever to stay curious about my clients and the real estate market. Clients appreciate the time I invest to understand their goals, dreams and concerns in order to provide the right education to make those dreams happen.

My clients feel confident and comfortable about making the best decisions for their family. I focus on delivering an experience that provides calm, clear, and concise education and communication throughout the process.

Q. What are your clients saying about you?

A. “If you want a Real Estate Agent who will advocate for you, work relentlessly for you, make sure you are treated fairly, and gets to know you... then Nick Berard is the best choice!”

“Incredibly happy with our decision to use Nick for both searching for a new home and selling our current home...

Nick went above and beyond to make this process smooth.”

“You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.”

- Zig Zigler

AWARDS AND HONORS Managing Broker MBA 2020 & 2017 #1 Individual Agent KW Bellingham 2016 Rookie of the Year KW Bellingham

“Nick was excellent...attentive, professional, and helpful in a million ways. High integrity and will help you...”

“Nick and his team were awesome to work with. They thought of every detail in the process, it was seamless!”

Check out more reviews from past clients on my Zillow, Facebook and Google business pages.

2211 Rimland Dr., Ste. 124, Bellingham, 360.770.3245 NickBerardHomes.com

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Burgers • Wings

Fat Sandwiches

®

take-out • delivery Order Online

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360.366.8752 • Fatshack.com 414 W. Bakerview Rd. ste. 112, Bellingham Sun-Thurs 11am to 1am

NEW LOCATION! let’s get social!

Fri-Sat 11am to 3am

2130 Premier Way, Suite 101 Bellingham, WA 98226 360.306.8823

VOTE FOR US !

BEST OF THE NORTH WEST 2

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scottybrownsrestaurant.com

Brave New Burgers 98 Mellisoni Vineyards 100 Mr. Frank’s Kitchen 104

Taste

Photo by Emily Porter

Sip

Snowy River Cocktail Co.

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Underground Burger

Photo by Madi Bouma

Taste Review

Brave New Burgers Two Local Restaurants Launch Burger Offshoots WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM

Comrade Burger If you’ve been to Carnal in downtown Bellingham, you know meat is their forte. Now you can enjoy the restaurant’s new burger offshoot, Comrade, located right next door. Created as a destination for casual takeout during the pandemic, Comrade’s menu is short and sweet, featuring elevated burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and fries with house-made dipping sauces.

While the recipes are driven by Carnal chefs and prepared in Carnal’s kitchen, the sandwiches cater to a customer base looking for something quick, casual, and affordable enough to become a regular lunch destination. Comrade also offers 98

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an opportunity for young talent to cut their culinary teeth in the kitchen.

“It’s a chance to train some younger chefs…they get a chance to [cook] during the day, when it gets really busy, on the burger side,” explains owner Skip Williamson.

Not your ordinary fast-food burger, Comrade’s Short Rib Burger ($9) features a hefty patty of grassfed beef and melty American cheese.

All condiments are made in-house, including sweet-and-spicy pickles and a bone-marrow based mayonnaise.

Other options include a Grilled Pork Chop Sandwich ($10) and a Fried Chicken Sandwich ($10). The fried

chicken is done two ways: sweet, with chicken bone marrow honey, or spicy, with chili oil. Make it a meal with an order of Fries ($3), and add bone marrow mayo or chicken fat sauce for dipping. Vegan and fish sandwich options are also in the works.

On the drink side, you’ll find an in-house version of an Arnold Palmer, made with peach iced tea, along with beer, wine, and other fun drinks.

Though Comrade began as a strictlylunch affair, it will be open for dinner starting in June. The restaurant has both indoor and sidewalk seating. 1232 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.306.3587, eatcomrade.com

Recipe Taste

Easy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Comrade Burger

Photo by James Zamory

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTEN CONNER

Underground Burger If you’re craving a classic burger experience, check out Lynden’s newest burger operation, Underground Burger. The new restaurant offers delicious, affordable burgers made fast.

The restaurant began as a virtual kitchen based out of Jake’s BBQ, but has since expanded into a permanent spot within Jake’s, where you can now dine-in or order to-go.

“The wild popularity led us to create a more traditional format,” says owner Brian Poag.

There’s a reason these burgers are causing a buzz. They’re made from locally-raised, certified Angus beef that will bust your hunger, not your wallet. They’re also just really good.

Keep it classic with an Underground Burger ($6.99) or make it a Double ($9.99). The thirdpound patties are served on brioche buns with house-made burger sauce and fresh lettuce, onion, and tomato. Gluten-free buns are also available.

Round out your meal with a side of seasoned Waffle Fries ($2.99). For a sweet drink, grab a Homemade Shake ($4.99) in chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla, all topped with a swirl of whipped cream. 8114 Guide Meridian Rd., Lynden, undergroundburgers.com 

T

HIS SHAVED BRUSSELS SPROUT SALAD is a refreshing

side dish to any meal! Brussels sprouts are packed full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and can even lower risk of chronic disease. The hemp hearts not only add a delicious rich and nutty flavor, but are also a great source of protein. They contain essential fatty acids that can improve skin health and boost your immune system.

Maple Mustard Dressing / cup olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard Salt and black pepper to taste 1 3

Salad 1 pound Brussels sprouts (ends trimmed) ½ cup raisins ½ cup sunflower seeds ¼ cup hemp hearts

Instructions • First, make the maple mustard dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

• Next, shave the Brussels sprouts. Use a food processor with the slicing attachment and pulse until the brussels sprouts are thinly sliced. You can also use a mandoline or sharp knife if you don’t have a food processor.

• Place the shredded Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add the raisins, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds. Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss well. Season with salt and pepper and serve.  June/July 2021 99

Taste Sip

Outstanding Wines Earn Mellisoni Vineyards Winery of the Year Honors WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAN RADIL

T

HE TRANSFORMATION of Chelan’s Mellisoni

Vineyards from small-town winery to one of Washington’s finest has been nothing short of amazing.

When the winery opened its doors in 2010, husbandand-wife owners Rob and Donna Mellison were operating their tasting room from their 40-foot fifth wheel.

From those humble beginnings, they have grown into one of Chelan’s most iconic winery destinations, with four acres of estate vineyards, breathtaking lake views from a contemporary tasting room, and extraordinary, awardwinning wines.

This year, they’ve added yet another honor to their growing list of achievements: Wine Press Northwest has named Mellisoni Vineyards its 2021 Washington Winery of the Year.

“We were completely humbled by the award,” Rob says.

“We work hard to try to make the best, high-end quality wine, and the fact that we received recognition for it was beyond anything we expected.”

From the onset, the Mellisons have focused on the “experience” of visiting the winery, providing impeccable customer service alongside stellar wines. They were one of the first wineries in the state to move away from the traditional tasting bar and offer guests tastings and glass pours on the winery’s outdoor patio and landscaped terrace areas.

The Mellisons currently make all their wines with a minimum of outside consulting. While Donna feels that Rob’s forte is crafting full-bodied reds, he in turn notes that “Donna’s chemistry background has completely transformed our wines, especially our whites.”

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“It starts in the vineyard,” Donna adds, “and we want the vineyard to speak for itself. From there, you’re going to make a phenomenal, gorgeous, aromatic wine. It’s the most rewarding experience for a winemaker. That’s what we’re trying to attain… to make the best wines for our wine club members and our guests.”

Together, the two have earned plenty of impressive accolades, including a Double Gold and four Gold medals at the 2020 Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival, and three Best in Class, five Double Golds, and four Golds at the 2020 Seattle Wine Awards.

Those medals qualified them for the Wine Press Northwest Platinum Judging, where they received six Platinum and two Double Platinum awards. Wine Press contributor Eric Degerman noted that this year’s results put Mellisoni on the Platinum Judging all-time leaderboard of Pacific Northwest winery elite, with a cumulative total of 11 Platinum and Double Platinums.

In addition to the 10 different red and white varieties grown at their estate, the Mellisons source grapes from nearby Larc Hill Vineyards, also located within the Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area (AVA), and Stillwater Creek Vineyard in central Washington’s Royal Slope AVA. For those considering a visit to the winery, a Bellinghamto-Chelan drive over State Route 2 and Stevens Pass makes for a scenic four-hour journey. Reservations are encouraged and can be made at mellisonivineyards.com. 

Dining Guide Taste

DINING KEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to $9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 – 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 – 29 . . . . . . . $30 or greater . . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner . . . . . . . . . .Family-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Takeout . . . . . . . . Outdoor Seating . . . . . . . . . . Reservations . . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . . . New Review 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 * Local restaurants need you now more than ever! However, due to COVID-19, some restaurants may be temporarily closed. Remember to call ahead or check online for delivery and pick-up options.

BIG LOVE JUICE American 1149 N. State St. & 1144 10th St., Bellingham 360.383.5336, biglovejuice.com Cold press juices make up the bulk of the menu at Big Love Juice. However, these aren’t your average juices. Big Love Juice uses a hydraulic press, rather than the traditional high-heat methods that eliminate much of the vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Customers looking for something a little heartier can also pick from a multitude of smoothies, soups, salads, bowls, and loaded toasts.

7 SPICE CAFE Mediterranean 122 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham 360.393.3554, sevenspicecafe.com 7 Spice Cafe owner Helen Neville dreamed up the idea for 7 Spice after falling in love with late-night shawarma shops in Europe.

The cafe’s menu is straight-forward, simple, and affordable enough to become your new weekday lunch destination. Choose from street-food style items like Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Shawarma, or Falafel, all served on fresh pita baked-to-order behind the counter.

BAYOU ON BAY Cajun, Creole 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.

NICKI’S BAR AND GRILL/ NICKI’S BELLA MARINA American, Seafood 2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham 360.332.2505, nickisbellamarina.com

FAT SHACK American 414 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.366.8752, fatshack.com Fat Shack offers a variety of burgers, wings, and their specialty: densely packed sandwiches. The typical “fat” sandwich is some combination of grilled steak and fried chicken, along with cheese and a host of sides, all pressed inside a fresh hoagie roll. It is not for the meek, or for someone looking for a salad bar. Along with its unapologetic embrace of deep-fried food, Fat Shack serves up some surprises. Its hamburgers are hand-pressed, hand-seasoned, and never frozen.

KEENAN’S AT THE PIER

Northwest, American & Seafood

WHATCOM

upbeat atmosphere. From there, Mi Mexico separates itself from the competition with a choice of traditional and non-traditional Mexican dishes, all made with the freshest of ingredients available. From your first bite of Mi Mexico’s homemade salsa to the last bite of your main entree or dessert, you will already be planning your next visit.

804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, keenansatthepier.com Located inside the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven, Keenan’s at the Pier 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. Reservations are highly recommended.

LEADER BLOCK WINE CO. & EATERY Italian

2026 Main St., Ferndale 360.306.8998, leaderblock.com Leader Block pairs their extensive wine list with an Italian, from-scratch menu that emphasizes flavors of the region. This upscale menu makes it a perfect spot for a date or special occasion, while the friendly Ferndale atmosphere and kids’ menu keep it appropriate for family dinners as well.

MI MEXICO Mexican 241 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham 360.647.0073, mimexicobellingham.com Mi Mexico’s reputation as one of the local favorites among Mexican food lovers is well deserved. The experience starts with a warm, friendly, professional waitstaff in an enjoyable,

Harborside visitors can grab a bite at Nicki’s Bar and Grill or rent out the floor above, Nicki’s Bella Marina, for private events with spectacular views of Bellingham Bay. Once you’ve had a chance to check out the water, take your first glance at the large menu. The burgers are big, juicy (there are even Wet-Naps on the table), and flavorful.

NORTHWATER Regional NW 4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham 360.398.6191, northh2o.com From breakfast to late night dinner, northwater’s 185-seat restaurant features a diverse menu of Pacific Northwest dishes made from locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant’s waitstaff is personable and enthusiastic — eager to answer our questions about ingredient sources and what desserts they’d recommend.

PEL’MENI RESTAURANT Russian 1211 N. State St., Bellingham 360.715.8324, restaurantwebx.com/PelMeni Step off busy State Street after your late night festivities for an inexpensive and satisfying fill of plump dumplings. Stuffed with either meat or potatoes, these dumplings are piping hot and sprinkled with cumin, paprika, and cilantro. Because they pair so well with tasty libations, Pel’meni manages to consistently have a line out the door as soon as the sun goes down. Smother them with vinegar, sour cream, and hot sauce for the full effect.

SAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE Food truck See satm360.com for schedule and location, 360.988.1800 If you haven’t yet heard of Sage Against the Machine, you will soon enough. Believed to be Bellingham’s first from-scratch, dairy-free, meat-free, and mostly gluten- and soy-free food truck, Sage Against the Machine has the power to convince the meatiest of meat-eaters that eating plant-based food can actually be enjoyable.

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Cocktails That Glitter and Shine Snowy River Cocktail Co. WRITTEN BY CLAUDIA COOPER | PHOTOS BY EMILY PORTER

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N A TOWN DEFINED BY CRAFT BEER and breweries, Snowy River Cocktail Co. is mixing things up with Instagram-worthy, luxury cocktails.

Snowy River Cocktail Co. started as an online cocktail decorating brand, selling cocktail glitters, flavoring, and sugar/salt rimmers. Wanting customers to experience their products first-hand, the company opened a bar in Seattle in April of 2020. A second location opened last September in downtown Bellingham, right next to Mount Baker Theatre.

“We make these products in Bellingham, and we are selling this product around the country,” says Stuart Cutler, CEO of Snowy River Cocktail Co. “We decided it would be fun to have our own bars where customers can come in and try the latest in cocktail decor.”

Top-selling products include multicolored salt and sugar mixes that are perfect for special occasions, like birthdays.

There’s even a red, white, and blue mix for the Fourth of July.

Other favorites include cocktail glitter and an unflavored drink coloring that turns your drink iridescent.

“We’re probably one of the only bars in the country where we’ll ask you what color you’d like your martini,” Cutler says.

Unlike some artificial cocktail decor products, Snowy River uses only natural ingredients, extracting natural coloring from fruit and vegetables.

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“You’re making a beautiful cocktail, you want to decorate it beautifully,” Cutler says. “But then you don’t want to dump a whole lot of chemicals into it either.”

To sample Snowy River’s photoworthy cocktails, drop by the bar, open Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 4 p.m. Cocktails are $11–12 and range from fruity martinis to decadent mudslides. If you’re hungry, snack on traditional pub fare like sliders ($3.95), spicy chicken wings ($12), and poutine ($6.50).

While you’re there, make sure to purchase your favorite Snowy River products so you can whip up your own cocktails at home. Visit the company’s website for dozens of drink recipes.

Here are a few you can taste at the bar or make at home:

loveShawarma in every pita Falafel Corner of Railroad and Magnolia 360.393.3554 sevenspicecafe.com @sevenspicecafe

Pretty in Peach This refreshing, fruity cocktail uses Snowy River coloring to create a fushia color throughout. With tequila and peach liqueur giving it a not-too-sweet taste, the drink is garnished with their rock salt and a slice of lime.

Molten Gold Martini Drinks for dessert? Yes please! This martini has a rich, butterscotch taste that shines in your glass with gold cocktail glitter. With a salt garnish to break up the sweetness, it will feel like you’re drinking liquid gold. A must try!

Corpse Reviver This cocktail comes with a little bit of a kick. Gin and dry vermouth create a strong drink with fruity undertones.

Snowy River cocktail glitter creates a dark sapphire color. The drink is garnished with Blue Dream Cocktail Rimmer sugar and a lemon.

Raspberry Drop Inspired by the traditional lemon drop, this drink brings even more color and sour flavor. Bright red glitter swirls through the drink and is garnished with red cocktail sugar. 100 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.526.2821, snowyrivercocktailbars.com 

200+ Hard Ciders PLUS Craa Beer | Wine | Slushees Snacks | Live Music & Events 109 Grand Ave, Suite 101 Bellingham

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Taste Local Find

Spice Things up With Mr. Frank’s Kitchen WRITTEN BY BEN LESCHENSKY | PHOTOS COURTESY MR. FRANK’S KITCHEN

L

OVE, LEGACY, AND INTEGRITY.

These three ingredients may not show up on the nutrition label on Mr. Frank’s Kitchen spices, but they are at the heart of each and every product.

For Lisa Campbell, opening Mr. Frank’s Kitchen in 2016 was all about carrying on her father’s legacy. Mr. Frank Postl — Campbell’s father — immigrated to Ontario in the 1950s and opened Frank’s Steakhouse and Tavern in 1964. It quickly became one of the top restaurants in Canada, thanks in a large part to his famous homemade steak spice.

After he passed away in 2008, Campbell decided to share her father’s spice — dubbed “The Original” — with the rest of the world. Her spice supplier at the time encouraged her to create new spice combinations to complement the original recipe, so she did just that. After more than eight months of research and development, she produced five additional seasonings: Seasoning Salt, Garden Sriracha, Tropical Sriracha, Spicy Original, and Mediterranean.

“All of the spices are really awesome on meats, seafood, pastas, vegetables, and rice. Lots of people have been putting it on popcorn,” Campbell says.

After rounding out her spice selection, Campbell had the opportunity to open a food truck that incorporated her spices into all the recipes. She’s since sold the bus — Brother’s Bus Bistro now uses the bus as well as her spices — but continues to share her spices through various retailers.

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“It was really great to be able to have a hands-on approach with seeing customers trying the spices and enjoying them and getting feedback from them,” she says.

Despite the company’s expanding customer base, Mr. Frank’s Kitchen is still a locally owned company that relies on local connections. Campbell partners with S.A. Milligan — a spice supplier based in Sumner — to blend and distribute her spices. Skagit’s Own Fish Market, Valley Market, and Haggen grocery stores are just a few of the local retailers that carry Mr. Frank’s spices.

Word has begun to spread about Mr. Frank’s Kitchen, however, and the business is beginning to expand its reach to customers far and wide.

For one, the spices will soon be seen on shelves in Whole Foods and other retailers across the country. Campbell’s spices have even made it across the pond to Europe, where a Michelinstarred chef has crafted his menu around Mr. Frank’s spices.

“It’s been humbling — I am very grateful,” Campbell says. 2748 Peace Portal Dr., Ste. 101, Blaine, 360.949.3236, mrfrankskitchen.com 

Dining Guide Taste

SCOTTY BROWNS American Cuisine 2130 Premier Way, Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.306.8823 scottybrownsrestaurant.com Scotty Browns offers an edgy, energetic ambiance, a varied menu of mainstream and upscale creations, and excellent drink options for all ages. Outdoor dining is a popular option during warmer weather.

Some items on the menu, like appetizers, change seasonally, so you know you’ll never get bored. Casual to upscale dining options range from hamburgers, rice bowls, and pastas to higher-end seafood and steaks.

Just flying through? Grab a bite at their second location inside Bellingham International Airport.

s

Full Service Fish Market and Lunch Available

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VOT FOR UES

TEMPLE BAR Bistro, Bar

BEST OF THE NORTH WEST 20

306 W. Champion St.,Bellingham 360.676.8660, templebarbellingham.com

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d by

Shop Our Selection of Locally Made Goods and Gifts • Jams • Jellies • Salsas • Honey • Sauces

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Presente

VOT FOR UES BEST OF THE NORTH WEST 2

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18042 WA-20, Burlington, WA 360-707-2722, skagitfish.com

SKAGIT

From-scratch seasonal Italian cuisine. Awardwinning wine list. Craft cocktails. Come join us for an experience to remember!

Mon–Sat 10:30–5:30pm with lunch until 4:30pm Sun 11–4pm with lunch until 3pm

Continually recognized for their craft cocktails and small plates, Temple Bar aims to please. In between delicious bites made from locally sourced ingredients, sip on a unique cocktail with house-made infusions and bitters.

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2026 Main Street Ferndale, WA 98248 360.306.9889 leaderblock.com

13MOONS AT SWINOMISH CASINO & LODGE Seafood, Steak 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 360.588.3525, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com Located on the waterfront within the casino, 13moons is sure to catch your attention. The menu offers a wide variety including first plates, entree salads, seafood, and steaks.

Give this go-to place for locals a try and you will be walking away satisfied.

BOB’S CHOWDER BAR & BBQ SALMON Seafood, American

3320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.299.8000, bobschowderbarandbbqsalmon.com Treasured for its fresh and local seafood, Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon has long been a favorite dining destination in Anacortes. The restaurant specializes in allthings seafood, from fried calamari to oyster burgers and grilled wild prawns. Pair your meal with a huckleberry or sarsaparilla soda, wine by the glass, hard cider, bottled beer, or a featured beer on tap.

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Taste Dining Guide

CALICO CUPBOARD American 901 Commercial Ave., Anacortes,, 360.293.7315, 720 S. 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4451, 121-B Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, 360.336.3107, calicocupboardcafe.com Since 1981, Calico Cupboard has been serving the purest, most heart-healthy, and high-quality ingredients. Using freshly milled, organically-grown, whole grain and unbleached flour, the cafe aims to promote its local farmers and gratify your body in the process. Sit down for breakfast or lunch, or just order from the bakery and grab an espresso to go. Calico Cupboard will leave you full, but feeling homey, healthy, and happy.

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 entree menu, the list can be quite daunting — and the dessert menu is also impressive. The wine menu is also expansive, and the beer menu features several local craft brews. Their grappa selection does the Italian cordial the justice it deserves.

GREEK ISLANDS RESTAURANT Greek 2001 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.293.6911, greekislandsrestaurant.shop

CATRINA TACOS & TEQUILA Mexican 517 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.5566, catrinastacostequila.com Catrina Tacos & Tequila is known for their take on Street Tacos — with a multitude of meat fillings to choose from, double tortillas, cilantro, and onions — but that’s certainly not the only mouthwatering option. With plenty of drinks to sample, there’s always another reason to visit again.

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. Brimming with beer and Americana spirit, Conway Pub & Eatery is a Skagit Valley icon.

Some of the very best Greek food in our area comes from this versatile and excellent menu, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and glutenfree options. They serve both authentic food, such as classic gyro plates and spanakopita, while also mixing in American and seafood options, such as pork ribs and fish and chips.

THE OYSTER BAR Seafood 2578 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6185, theoysterbar.net The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive is perched among towering conifers above the oyster beds. Housed in a structure dating from the 1920s that has survived many incarnations, the restaurant owes its reputation to its remote, quintessentially Pacific Northwest setting. But people don’t dine at The Oyster Bar for its location alone. While oysters are the signature offering, The Oyster Bar offers a variety of other fine-dining choices and is known for its extensive wine cellar.

RAILROAD PUB & PIZZA Pizza, American DAD’S DINER A-GO-GO American 906 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.899.5269 Dad’s Diner A-Go-Go in Anacortes is the epitome of creative flavors and fun presentation. Add in the superior customer service in a comfortable, casual atmosphere, and it’s no wonder so many locals eat here weekly. The space is decorated with framed photos of dads, most of whom are local — an appreciation of their loyal fan base. Every edible item is a labor of love, just how Dad would make it at home.

IL GRANAIO Italian 100 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 110 Mount Vernon 360.419.0674, granaio.com Owner Alberto Candivi gets up every morning to make some of the day’s pastas by hand, sculpting basic ingredients into 106 BellinghamAlive.com

122 S. Spruce St., Burlington 360.982.2133, railroadpizza.com Railroad Pub & Pizza in downtown Burlington has all the charm of a rustic pub with quality food and drinks. The menu boasts several artisan pizza options on a 24-hour aged malted dough crust, as well as soups, salads, and sandwiches. The bar offers a multitude of taps for craft beer and ciders. The wide garage-style windows open in the summer, and the central fireplace heats the space in the winter. It’s a great place to watch a game, drink a beer, and eat some pizza.

THE RHODY CAFE American 5521 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6667, rhodycafe.com The Rhody Cafe is a spot with a cozy, homestyle feel that places emphasis on fresh, local Washington ingredients. Even the pew-like benches that line the walls were built by a local

carpenter. Small glass vases hold freshpicked flowers and plants that sit next to small paper dessert menus on pressed wood tables, giving the air of a family dining room.

The Rhododendron changes its menu three times a year to follow what is fresh, in season, and available.

RISTRETTO COFFEE LOUNGE & WINE BAR American

416 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.0951, ristrettocoffeelounge.com Ristretto doesn’t have a kitchen, but the baristas know their way around a panini press. You can also order breakfast all day, fresh salads, hearty bagels, or one of the baked goods brought in three times a week from nearby bakeries.

SALT & VINE French 913 6th St., Anacortes 360.293.2222 An international cheese, wine, and charcuterie shop, Salt & Vine offers the best of both worlds. It’s a boutique artisan grocery where you can sit down and enjoy the offerings, and then, if something tickles your fancy, you can take it home to enjoy later.

While some choose to grab-n-go, others decide to stay a while. The cozy, intimate environment works great for a date night or happy hour with friends.

SKAGIT VALLEY’S FARMHOUSE American 13724 Laconner Whitney Rd., Mount Vernon 360.466.4411, thefarmhouserestaurant.net Craving home-cooked food but don’t want to make it yourself? Skagit Valley’s Farmhouse may be what you’re looking for.

When first entering the building, you walk past a mouthwatering pie showcase and through a gift shop that has the perfect items for Ma and Pa. The decor is reminiscent of country living.

Even though their breakfasts are famous, try their lunch and dinner menus as well — when you eat here, you’re home.

SWINOMISH SPORTS BAR & GRILL American

12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 888.288.8883, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com Located along the waterfront of Anacortes, this is not your run-of-the-mill sports bar.

While you can go the more classic bar-food route, this restaurant offers Italian, barbeque, seafood, Southern, among many other cuisine styles. Find the latest lines, watch the race, or grab a beer and grub as you watch every play, pass, and score.

TAQUERIA LA BAMBA Mexican

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2222 Riverside Dr., Ste. 850, Mount Vernon 360.424.0824 Off the road and inside a small plaza sits a little gem — a family-run, low-key Mexican restaurant. Taqueria La Bamba offers authentic taco truck food in a sit-down restaurant.

The salsas are spicy, full of flavor, and made in-house. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food at a low price, eat here and you won’t be disappointed.

GREAT

TRUMPETER PUBLIC HOUSE Gastropub 416 Myrtle St., Mount Vernon 360.588.4515, trumpeterpublichouse.com Trumpeter is an ideal combination of high-end, fine dining, and English pub fare.

Try traditional pub selections or more unique seafood choices. Additionally, Trumpeter looks to accommodate all tastes with gluten-free dishes and the option to make any dish glutenfree. Of course, a pub isn’t complete without beer and Trumpeter completes the dining experience with 18 taps of local and European brews.

Carve Casual’s Cubano, Photo by Shelly Larsen

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ISLAND COUNTIES CAPTAIN WHIDBEY INN American 2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd., Coupeville 360.678.4097, captainwhidbey.com

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The entire menu features down-to-earth items that are reasonably priced, locally sourced, and well-balanced. While the inn does serve as a special-occasion spot, folks dressed in shorts and a T-shirt are also welcomed. Built in 1907, Captain Whidbey Inn is a historical gem.

CATKIN CAFÉ American 11 Point Lawrence Rd., Olga, 360.376.3242, catkincafe.com

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The menu of this Orcas Island eatery may be small, but it is mighty. Breakfast and lunch are served late and their menu features meat and produce grown on the island. Don’t forget about their bakery before heading out — all sweets and baked goods are made in-house.

DOE BAY CAFÉ American 107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga 360.376.8059, doebay.com Whether you’re heading toward the San Juan Islands or don’t mind taking a trip for an unbelievable meal, be sure to make reservations at the ever-popular Doe Bay Café. Owners Joe and Maureen Brotherton have stuck to their mission of providing world-class seafood and vegetarian dishes.

TASTES

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For a hot sandwich made with fresh ingredients sure to satisfy, try the Cubano from Carve Casual. This flavor-packed meal features rotisseriecooked Mojo pork, ham, slices of swiss, pickles, and mustard.

Haggen may not be the first place to come to mind when you think of great sushi, but their Wasabi Crunch Roll will change your mind. Drop in on Sushi Wednesdays and get a roll for just $5.99.

Happy hour at B-Town runs from 3–6 every day.

Grab a friend, order a martini, and snack on some addictive Parmesan Truffle Salt Fries, served with lemon garlic aioli.

If you’re craving European comfort food, try an order of the Curry Pierogies from Otherlands Beer. A soft filling of farmers cheese and potatoes comes coated in a creamy berber curry sauce. They come 10 to an order, perfect for sharing.

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For an authentic taste of southern cuisine, visit Bayou on Bay and order their Hush Puppies appetizer. These comforting, deep-fried cornmeal bites are served with a side of remoulade sauce.

For a hearty noodle bowl, try the Saimin at Culture Cafe in downtown Bellingham. Various veggies, a soft-boiled egg, and egg noodles are cooked in a delicious dashi broth, all topped with char siu pork.

For something hot, fried, and cheesy with a hint of spice, head to Jalapeños and start your meal with an order of delicious Fried Jalapeños Poppers. Order by the dozen or half dozen and share with the table.

Add some easy bliss to your day with a Cocoa Nutty Wedge from Pure Bliss Desserts. This delectable dessert is vegan, gluten-free, and has no added sugar. But don’t let that fool you.

Chocolate, coconut, and pureed raisins provide plenty of flavor.

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Taste 5 Faves

1

Twin Sisters Creamery Jeff and Lindsay Slevin started Twin Sisters Creamery thanks to some gentle nudging from their twin daughters. The award-winning cheese shop creates three artisan cheeses: Whatcom Blue, Farmhouse, and Farmhouse with Peppercorns. 6202 Portal Way, Ferndale,

360.656.5240, twinsisterscreamery.com

FIVE FAVES

108 BellinghamAlive.com

Cheesemakers WRITTEN BY BEN LESCHENSKY | PHOTO BY KRISTI COULTER

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2

Harmony Fields Harmony Fields is your onestop shop for high quality organic cheese. Situated in Skagit Valley, the farm produces three tasty varieties of cheese — all made from Grade A sheep milk! Try their Fleecemaker cheese for a yummy alternative to feta.

The Bow-based farm also sells high quality sheep wool. 7465

@BellinghamAlive

Thomas Rd., Bow, 360.941.8196, harmonyfields.com

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Appel Farms With nine types of cheese and more than a dozen flavors, Appel Farms has a little bit of everything for cheese enthusiasts. Check out their website for an array of cheese-inspired recipes!

6605 Northwest Dr., Ferndale, 360.312.1431, appelcheese.com

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Pleasant Valley Dairy According to one Yelp reviewer, Pleasant Valley Dairy has the “best artisan cheese in Whatcom county, and perhaps the state!” Try their Brown Swiss, or stop by for the “best ‘curd-nerd’ experience!” 6804 Kickerville Rd., Ferndale, 360.366.5398

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Samish Bay Cheese If you’re looking for 17 types of certified organic cheese, Suzanne and Roger Wechsler’s Samish Bay Cheese is for you. Be sure to try the Fresh Ladysmith, one of Samish’s American Cheese Society award winners.

BEST of the

2017

15115 Bow Hill Rd., Bow, 360.766.6707, samishbay.com

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.

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

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

VOTED BEST FISH & CHIPS

June/July 2021 109

Taste Dining Guide FRIDAY HARBOR HOUSE Regional NW 130 West St., Friday Harbor 360.378.8455, fridayharborhouse.com

The Temple Bar

It’s hard to beat the view of the ferry landing, marina, and San Juan Channel from Friday Harbor House — the hotel and restaurant provide a sweeping panorama of water and sky. In addition to the delicious food menu, Friday Harbor House is one of the few island restaurants to offer a full bar at brunch every day of the week.

When Doves Cry Ingredients: Silver tequila, Combier pamplemousse liqueur, grapefruit juice, Fee Brothers grapefruit bitters, lime juice, prosecco, salt rim $11

ISLAND SKILLET Homestyle 325 Prune Alley, Eastsound, 360.376.3984 Beloved by loyal patrons for its large portions and casual, customizable meals, Island Skillet is a must-stop for anyone visiting Orcas Island.

A rustic metal rooster outside the entrance sets the tone. Start the day with a skillet breakfast complete with a bottomless cup of coffee.

Sandwiches rule the lunch menu, and you can choose from a lengthy list of sides and customizations for most items, so you can totally have it your way.

I

N SPANISH, PALOMA MEANS DOVE. This particular twist on the poloma is named in honor of the late great Prince and his beloved 1984 hit song “When Doves Cry.” Featuring grapefruit done three different ways, this bright, citrus-forward cocktail is a perfect refresher on a warm afternoon. Grapefruit liqueur, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit bitters come together in this extra-juicy drink, topped with a splash of prosecco for a hint of fizz. The partially salted rim means you have the choice whether to add the edge of salt, which pairs nicely alongside the bittersweet grapefruit notes. This cocktail is mouthwatering, light, and extremely tasty. You might even say it’s fit for a prince. 306 W. Champion St., Bellingham, 360.676.8660,

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. The selection of red and white wines offers options for connoisseurs of every stripe, along with a full bar. For fabulous food, elegant ambience, and world-class views, be sure to visit Prima on your next visit to Whidbey Island.

templebarbellingham.com BECKY MANDELBAUM

SALTY FOX COFFEE American 85 Front St., Friday Harbor 360.622.2486, saltyfoxcoffee.com When owner Andrea Hampton put together her coffee shop’s food menu, she worked hard to create items that were easy to make, but still healthy and satisfying. She wanted to be able to serve ferry riders on a time schedule, along with locals who come in for breakfast or lunch.

Guests can take anything to go, including sealed wine and beer, much of which is locally made on the island.

TOBY’S TAVERN Seafood

Photo by Dean Davidson

8 NW Front St., Coupeville, 360.678.4222, tobysuds.com Overlooking the scenic Penn Cove in the center of old Coupeville, Toby’s Tavern offers diners a dive bar ambience with a delicious menu of seafood favorites. Steamed and soaked in a scrumptious mix of simple seasonings, wine, and juices, Toby’s robust offering of mussels makes for a memorable visit.

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U-Pick Berry Season is Open this Summer!

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HERB’S CIDERHOUSE OPEN JUNE 4th!

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© Jeff Barclay

Notes Lasting Image

“Essential pollinators are hard at work as summer kicks into full swing.”

JEFF BARCLAY

North Sound photographers, we want to see what you’ve got. We’re looking for locally generated photographs for our Lasting Image feature. We’re seeking local nature photographs — ones that freeze a moment, tell a story, evoke an emotion.

We’ll run your photo, along with your name, where you’re from, where the photo was shot, and a short 40-word write-up about the photo (inspiration for it, how you got it, meaning behind it, etc.). The photo must be high resolution (300 dpi) with no watermarks. Send to dean@bellinghamalive.com. Then sit back and enjoy the view.

112 BellinghamAlive.com

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