Community

Baker’s Birthday Bash

Historic Mount Baker Theatre Turns 95

WRITTEN BY JILLY GRECO | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOUNT BAKER THEATRE

THIS YEAR MARKS the 95th birthday of the beloved Mount Baker Theatre. The stunning theater, located on Commercial Street in downtown Bellingham, was built in 1927 by architect R.C. Reamer during the height of the movie palace boom.

The construction of the ornate theater only took a year to complete and featured top-of-the-line industry equipment, as well as a pipe organ that still resides in the main auditorium today. The theater was originally designed to show both films and live vaudeville.

“The theater was built as an opportunity to escape your everyday normal life. It was designed to look exotic, it’s designed to transport you someplace else, for a period of time,” says John Purdie, executive director of Mount Baker Theatre.

Nearly a century since first opening its doors, the theater has seen thousands of incredible performers pass through its halls. One stand-out guest was Judy Garland, who performed at the theater in 1934 when she was just 12 years old.

Mount Baker Theatre was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978, and has undergone several transformations and renovations since it first opened. The first major transition for the theater was in 1983; the firm that owned the theater intended to divide it into multiple smaller screens.

The Bellingham community was staunchly against this plan and their adamancy ended up saving the theater. In November 1983, the Bellingham community developed a partnership between the city, county, state, and community members to ensure the theater could still operate as originally intended. This gave the theater a new lease on life, and it has been run by the non-profit Mount Baker Theatre Corporation ever since.

With such a rich history, Purdie understands the importance of providing the community with a place to come experience joy and excitement together.

“What I think has been evolving over time, is focusing on the importance of doing stuff that’s relevant and meaningful for people,” says Purdie. “It’s not just sheer escapism, it’s not just entertainment.”

After having to close its doors for exactly one year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Purdie says they are constantly trying to find ways to safely provide high quality entertainment and connection for the Bellingham community.

“We’ve lost a lot in the last two years and people feel a little fractured in their lives; people’s sense of connection with each other has been weakened, and the theater can be a component of helping to reknit those relationships with people.”

To celebrate their milestone birthday, Mount Baker Theatre is welcoming Emmy and Tony Award-winning Kristin Chenoweth to their stage on April 23. Chenoweth will be honoring iconic female performers such as Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and more.

If the past is any indication of the direction Mount Baker Theatre is headed, the future holds endless possibilities for growth, creativity, and connection.

“Continuing to stay relevant to the community and providing value to them, that’s our goal,” says Purdie. 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com 

Supporting Women in Business from Start to Finish

Whatcom Women in Business

WRITTEN BY ANELYSE MORRIS | PHOTOS BY SATTVA PHOTO

Gabriel Miles, Anya Milton, and Mary Elliott 2021 Scholarship Recipient, Karissa Benson 2021 Scholarship Recipient, Jorden Rosa

WHILE WOMEN’S HISTORY Month may have passed, everyday is a new opportunity to support and uplift the women in your community. One significant way to do that is to support women-owned businesses and women entrepreneurs. In Whatcom, there’s plenty to go around.

From local firms to contractors and small business owners, there’s a variety of professionals looking for support. This is where Whatcom Women in Business is here to help.

Founded in 1978, Whatcom Women in Business (WWIB) is a local organization that aims to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth for women in business leadership roles in the community. Since its beginnings, WWIB has grown exponentially from a networking group to a collaboration of individuals focused on leadership, education, and philanthropic efforts.

“The organization continues its work to meet the changing needs of women in business, reflect the diversity of our community through our membership, and prioritize conversations to support equity and inclusion,” says Babette Vickers, public relations chair. “ We strive to honor our four pillars of community, mentorship, professionalism, and leadership throughout the work we do, knowing that together we are stronger.”

Today the organization has about 35 active members, ranging in occupations from business owners to attorneys and instructors. While there are regulations on who can become a member, WWIB is welcoming of many professions and job titles.

Being a member is not just about surrounding yourself with support from other women in business, it’s about paying it forward. WWIB offers annual scholarships to women looking to further their education. In 2022, the organization will be awarding three $2,000 scholarships to women entering higher education, including but not limited to technical or trade school, beauty school, community college, or university.

Whatcom Women in Business also offers charitable donations to local nonprofits, donating $7,500 annually in their “Charity of the Year” program. In 2021, WWIB raised $5,000 for Blue Skies for Children.

“As a group, Whatcom Women in Business gives back to the community and inspires others to do the same,” Vickers says. “The kindness, knowledge, and bravery of WWIB’s membership fills me with optimism for the future of growing strong female leaders and nurturing a community who takes care of each other.”

Being a member can have recognition perks as well, with two award opportunities. The Professional Women of the Year Award is given annually to honor the contributions of local women in business. The public is encouraged to submit nominations for those playing important roles in business success. Last year’s winners include Executive Director of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce Anya Milton, Founder of Gabriel’s Art Kids Gabriel Miles, and Founder of Bellingham Makerspace Mary Elliott.

Longtime business owners can also win the Community Legacy Award, a recognition given periodically to members of the community who have made a “lifetime of exceptional contributions and a lasting impact on our community through decades of dedication.” The 2021 winner was Julia Bozzo, owner and founder of Northwest Therapeutic Riding Center.

Whatcom Women in Business is constantly looking for support in the form of award sponsors, raffle prizes, and monetary donations. For businesses or professionals looking to get involved with the organization, you can reach out via website, email, or Facebook message.

“Fresh thinking is needed now more than ever. If you are looking to grow professionally and want to help people, we need you,” Vickers says. “Together we will build a solid foundation to help create positive change for the lives of many.” Whatcom Women in Business, membership@wwib.org, wwib.org 