Living In Skagit Magazine Issue-2

Skagit Artists Together

Skagit Artists Together is a local art nonprofit that has promoted the visual arts in Skagit County for over a decade. With about 50 artists, they bring many different art forms to our community including oil paintings, glass, jewelry, & sculptures.

InSkagit.com/LocalArtNonprofitSAT © Cynthia Richardson

© Cynthia Richardson

© Dedrian Clark

© Jo Jones

© Cynthia Richardson PAGE 1 | LIVING IN Skagit

Welcome

Living In Skagit... For Locals, By Locals Welcome to the . . .

Living In Skagit Lifestyle Magazine

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his lifestyle magazine has been designed to provide the good news about the amazing arts, charities and local businesses that sustain our beautiful community.

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SPONSOREDADVERTORIALS Articles denoted with the icon have been paid for by a business to be published in this magazine.

We Give Back!

We donate 50% of our profit to the charity featured in the Living In Skagit magazine, on our website and social networks.

CREDITS Publisher - Synergy Creatives, SPC

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Editor - Janet DeField

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Managing Editor - Amelia Nichole

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Welcome

Art Director - Rebecca DeField Special thanks to all our interns and freelancers. We could not have created this publication without all of you!

InSkagit.com/Newsletter

Š 2017 SYNERGY CREATIVES, SPC LIVING IN Skagit | PAGE 2

LIMITLESS CREATIVITY Can you frame an Eskimo jacket? Can you use a puzzle as a frame? If you ask Guy Wilson and his daughters Jennifer and Julie at Wilson Picture Framing, the answer is yes! This local, multigenerational company has proven time and again that anything can be preserved in a frame. There is no limit to their creativity!

With over two decades of experience, the team at Wilson Picture Framing can find the perfect frame for anything including note cards, calendar pages, children's art, signed lithographs and original works of art from all over the world.

Skagit Artists Together

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kagit Artists Together has contributed to the culture and economy of our community by promoting the visual arts in Skagit County for over a decade. With about 50 artists, their participation in Art's Alive! and Art Bash brings many different art forms to the local community from oil paintings to glass, jewelry, and sculptures.

This year, Skagit Artists Together is delighted to expand their offering by adding mentorship programs and partnerships with other local charities, such as Voices Of The Children. They have many new ideas to bring the group to the next level and can't wait to share these new opportunities with the local community.

Looking for a local art class? Many of their members, including Kathy Peterson and Andy Porter, offer classes on topics ranging from painting to fiber arts to photography to name a few.

Their signature annual event, NW Art Beat Open Studios Tour, helps expose artists to art collectors and galleries. It's your chance to see the art where it is created and to meet the artists in their natural environments!

Insider Tip: You don't need a coupon to save at Wilson's Picture Framing. Their prices are always 20% off the national list prices!

Wilson Picture Framing (360) 336-2139

Need more art in your life? Their monthly artist meetings facilitate social, art-minded friendship and networking opportunities.

Artwork by Maggi Mason, Ron King, Cynthia Richardson, Denise Jackson, KF Ritz and Linde Husk.

Skagit Artists Together

822 N 4th Street in Mount Vernon

Skagit County

InSkagit.com/WilsonPictureFraming

InSkagit.com/SkagitArtistsTogether

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Music Spotlight Ebb, Slack & Flood Funk, Soul and Reggae With A Heavy Blues Accent

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bb, Slack, and Flood is a local Anacortes band playing funk, soul and reggae with a heavy blues accent. Their unique sound is a collaborative fusion, each member bringing different skills and styles to the table. The result is infectious blend of funk, reggae and R&B is easy to listen to and hard not to dance to.

“We are trusting musicians,” Chris Nickerson said jokingly, “I might have an idea of how I want the bass line to go, but I know Gio is going to come up with a better bass line than I could think of. I’ve just learned to say, ‘do your thing’ and focus on playing my part as best I can.”

Meet the Band

Tom Savage, lead guitarist and vocals, was born in the Pacific NW and grew up in Anacortes. He was raised on blues & jazz.

He also plays gypsy jazz and delta blues as a solo performer.

Giovanni De La Rosa, bassist and vocals, was born in Puerto Rico. Gio has a background in Latin music, with tones of reggae, hip-hop, and funk.

Much like their name, Ebb, Slack, and Flood have always been changing like the tides. Gio’s father, Oscar De La Rosa, an accomplished Latin percussionist, played music with Tom’s father, John Savage. One day, Gio was invited to jam with Tom and Chris. They started playing covers, but very soon inspiration struck, and they began creating their own jams.

Three years and a few bands later, Gio, Tom, and Chris realized they had something special and officially started Ebb, Slack, and Flood. The name fits their ever-evolving collaborative style and has special meaning to them because each of the band members grew up on islands.

Ebb, Slack & Flood

Anacortes, WA

Chris Nickerson, drummer and backup vocals, was born in the Pacific NW. His musical background ranges from blues to metal to funky jazz. Chris has developed a "groovy" blend of rhythms.

Bob Paltrow, keyboards and organ, is a recent addition to the band. Raised in Long Island, NY and Tucson, AZ, he is a singersongwriter, plays guitar, and enjoys playing and learning new genres.

www.ebbslackandflood.com

Music Spotlight

LIVING IN Skagit | PAGE 4

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT Community Action Learn How They're Helping The Homeless Get Back On Their Feet

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ommunity Action has been diligently serving our community for over 37 years. They provide over sixteen different services including legal aid, housing, adult education, energy, food & nutrition, and employment. Each of their programs could be their own organization, but with one administrative staff, Community Action maximizes the amount of donations going towards providing these vital services.

Community Action is creative about how they raise their funds.

Many millions of state and federal dollars are sought by Community Action to address the needs in Skagit County.

However, when the recession hit in 2008, they saw funding sources shrink, and the local demand rise. Bill Hinkel became the executive director of Community Action in 2008 and made local fundraising became a priority versus the alternative of cutting programs or reducing the services. The team at Community Action seeks to raise “flexible funds” from the local community to meet the needs of Skagit County.

Community Action

(360) 416-7585 330 Pacific Place in Mount Vernon

Flexible Funds

Most grants and federal funding can only be used on certain services in specific ways. Community Action can apply local donations towards any program that needs additional funding.

In 2015, they raised $376,667 from local donors and $324,522 from foundations & corporations!

“Our philosophy, our goal is not to give handouts. Our goal is to stabilize families and equip them to exit poverty.” ~ Bill Henkel, President of Community Action

When you donate, you are investing in the long-term economic stability of our community. Community Action helps people so they don’t need to rely on the services anymore.

InSkagit.com/CommunityAction PAGE 5 | LIVING IN Skagit

Non-Profit Spotlight

The Critical Needs Fund

Housing Resource Center

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SKAGIT COUNTY'S HOMELESS COALITION

f someone comes into the Community Action office and says, "I am all out of gas, and I don't get paid until Friday, but if I don't show up for work I'll get fired," Community Action puts their Critical Needs Fund to work.

Community Action does not give handouts; they help people to exit poverty. Community Action has volunteers looking through their intake forms and "flagging" any cases where people are coming in multiple times. Each flagged case is assigned a case manager so they can help them out of the situation they are in with personal development and education.

Did you know 25% of the people asking for help from Community Action are senior citizens or disabled? Community Action helps them to find a way to live comfortably whether that means finding a new place to live, signing up for a mobile food program from a food bank, or signing up for programs such as Veterans Affairs.

The Critical Needs Fund runs out fast, and rarely do funds come from outside sources. It comes from people like you.

Donate today at CommunityActionSkagit.org

Non-Profit Spotlight

Skagit County's Homeless Coalition was formed in 2005 by leaders in local nonprofits, government organizations, and other social service agencies.

No longer does someone have to go to each of the shelters looking for a place to stay, filling out form after form. Now, they have one place to go, and that place is Community Action.

Community Action works with all housing providers from shelters to permanent housing.

They also manage a family shelter and oversee several permanent housing options through their Rapid Rehousing & Prevention programs.

The best choice for a family in need is not a temporary shelter, but an affordable, permanent place they can call “home.�

When you donate to Community Action, you are getting people off the streets and into permanent housing.

LIVING IN Skagit | PAGE 6

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME There are over 160+ nonprofits and charities looking for people like you to volunteer your time to help our community. So how do you find the right place for your talents?

The Skagit Volunteer Center is a free service sponsored by Community Action to help everyone from youth to businesses put their passion for the community into action.

Local Business Gives Back

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PI Plumbing & Heating is always ready to help with 24/7 service and satisfaction guaranteed. Whether you are dealing with a burst pipe, a bad hot water heater or a broken furnace, CPI Plumbing & Heating has got you covered.

In 2016 CPI Plumbing And Heating donated a total of $31,682.98.

They supported local schools in Skagit County, and Island County, and nonprofits like Community Action, Friendship House, Whidbey Island Animal Improvement Foundation, and Meals On Wheels and organizations like Skagit Women In Business, Big Lake Fire Fighters Association, and local Rotary Clubs.

Community Action can find something fit for you, from individual to group activities, onetime or ongoing opportunities, donation drives and more. Contact them at 360-588-5731, or check out Community Action’s current priority needs at SkagitVolunteerCenter.org.

Here are just a few volunteering positions available on a regular basis: Secret Harbor is looking for mentors for local youth in foster care.

The Mount Vernon Farmers Market needs volunteers on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Children of the Valley is looking for people to help children with homework, read, play games and do crafts.

Meals On Wheels is looking for drivers to help deliver meals to seniors who are unable to prepare food for themselves.

Visit SkagitVolunteerCenter.org and volunteer today!

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A percentage of all their monthly service earnings are donated to local charities and nonprofits in the local communities they serve through their Charity Club.

"Every month one of our outstanding employees has the opportunity to select the recipient of the CPI Charity Club donation." ~ Kelly Schols, President CPI Plumbing stands behind their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call CPI for all of your plumbing and heating needs!

CPI Plumbing & Heating

(360) 234-2720 InSkagit.com/CPIPlumbingAndHeating

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We

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Your Skagit Pics!

t Living In Skagit, we celebrate the beautiful county we all live in, so it’s no surprise that we love #LivingInSkagit pics. You can find us snapping pictures of everything from beautiful sunsets over farmland to the tulips to fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market. Nothing makes our day more than when locals share their pictures and stories behind their favorite photos!

THE TATTERED PAGE Enjoy a delightful day of reading at The Tattered Page! They offer a selection of new and used books, book gifts such as custom book earrings, metal bookmarks and more!

514 S 1st St in Mount Vernon InSkagit.com/TheTatteredPage

Quick Tips For Awesome Photos Flowers photograph best in overcast weather. If you are planning a day in the tulips with clear skies, keep in mind where the sun is shining, so you don’t get too much glare in the lens.

Create a point of interest. If you are trying to capture a flowing river, you don’t want a tree trunk in the way! Move around until you get the right composition.

Use natural light to your advantage. Before you use flash mode to brighten the image, consider opening a window or door. Natural lighting can be easier on the eyes and create a very organic effect.

LOCAL AUTHOR

Share your pictures with us by using the #InSkagit hashtag. We’re pretty sure that our active community of 5,000+ Skagit locals will be more than happy to see your picture!

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BittyBug & LadyBug is a children's book about a mother and her child by local author Rebecca DeField. BittyBug can't seem to sleep, so they must discover the one thing he was missing all along!

Rebecca DeField, Author Buy it online at lcl.bz/Bittybug

LIVING IN Skagit | PAGE 8

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Photography Spotlight

PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT Peeking through the clouds, a stream of light floods the mountain tops illuminating the view as seen from Cascade Pass. Chris Neibauer snapped this picture on a family hike.

Chris takes his family of four hiking throughout the local area to experience the beauty of nature and the exhilaration of a real adventure.

Cascade Pass lies just up Cascade River Road and is a beautiful place to hike. Stealing a few peaceful moments surrounded by nature, and his family encountered deer, mountain goats, and this image of the light peeking through the clouds onto the mountains below.

Whether he is hiking with his family or snowmobiling through the mountains, Chris Neibauer loves to share the beautiful scenes he finds in the North Pacific.

Whitehorse Photography (347) 559-8223 ChrisNeibauer.com

Photography Spotlight

LIVING IN Skagit | PAGE 10

SKAGIT EATS IN DOWNTOWN LA CONNER Enjoy a delicious Foodie downtown La Conner!

Adventure

ANELIA'S KITCHEN & STAGE 513 S 1st Street in La Conner Polish Fusion Cuisine

CALICO CUPBOARD OLD TOWN CAFE 720 S 1st Street in La Conner Breakfast & Lunch

LA CONNER BREWING COMPANY 117 N 1st Street in La Conner Brew House

LA CONNER PUB & EATERY 702 S 1st Street in La Conner Tavern

LA CONNER SEAFOOD & PRIME RIB HOUSE 614 S 1st Street in La Conner Seafood & Steak House

LA CONNER WATERFRONT CAFE 128 1st Street in La Conner Seafood Restaurant

LA TERRAZA RISTORANTE 505 1st Street in La Conner Italian Restaurant

NELL THORN RESTAURANT & PUB 116 1st Street in La Conner Farm to Table Restaurant

PAGE 11 | LIVING IN Skagit

Visit The MoNA Museum in

Celebrating Northwest Art for Over 35 Years

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ince its inception in 1981, the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) has striven to connect people through art with the diverse cultures and environments of the Northwest.

In addition to its vast perpetual assortment of painting, glass, print and installation art, MoNA features three rotating exhibits a quarter. These exhibits showcase the talented artists who have been inspired by the Pacific Northwest, like beloved landscape and cityscape painter, Paul Havas; the ‘Mystics’, a group of painters inspired by the indigenous culture around them; the work of Chicano and Latino regional artists and much more.

“We are the only museum that focuses exclusively on Northwest art,” ~ Christopher Shainin, MoNA’s Executive Director Open seven days a week; MoNA makes it easy to enjoy its everevolving displays again and again. Admission and parking are completely free. Guests are welcome to wander at their leisure or take advantage of a guided tour.

“It makes a lovely day trip to experience the museum and explore La Conner, which has great restaurants, shops, and scenic walks. With our variety of exhibits and art mediums, you’ll see something different every time you visit.”

Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) (360) 466-4446 121 S 1st St in La Conner InSkagit.com/MuseumofNorthwestArtMoNA

La Conner Spotlight

Downtown Spotlight La Conner, Washington

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estled amongst the beautiful fields of daffodils and tulips is the quaint town of La Conner. It is worth a day trip to experience all that this town has to offer. You can enjoy a waterside stroll on the boardwalk on the banks of the Swinomish Channel that runs along the whole downtown. Get a bite to eat at one of the eighteen amazing restaurants and eateries.

RUBY SUE'S TEA SHOP Walking into Ruby Sue's Tea Shop is soothing to your senses. From the tantalizing aroma to the peaceful, quaint décor, you'll quickly see why their slogan is “Your Life Deserves a Cup of Calm.”

Thirsty? Get a refreshing iced tea at Ruby Sue’s Tea Shop, a glass of wine at one of the many tasting rooms, or a mixed drink in the 1890’s Lounge at La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House. Looking for a gift or a new addition to your closet? They have over a dozen boutiques and gift shops for you to choose from.

Did you know that the center of the town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? The architecture is worth the trip alone!

The area we know as La Conner was first settled in May 1867 by Alonzo Low and was known as Swinomish. In 1869, J.S. Conner bought the settlement's trading post and in 1870 had the name changed to honor his wife, Louisa Ann Conner.

La Conner has a rich history of supporting the arts. The scenic landscapes have been the muse for many artists from the daffodil fields to the Rainbow Bridge. Stop in at the Museum of Northwest Art (admission is free!), the Skagit Historical Museum, the Quilt Museum or any number of the art galleries specializing in everything from woodworking to glass art.

Book a night at one of the historic bed and breakfasts such as the Wild Iris Inn or Kathy’s Inn and enjoy a day in La Conner.

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Whether you're a connoisseur or new to tea, there are 100 varieties of tea including black, white, green, herbals and rooibos, so you are sure to find the perfect cup.

You'll also find locally made gifts and scrumptious treats, like creamy fudge and all of the tea supplies you need to have a quality tea experience in your very own home.

So, whether you want to enjoy a warm, calming cup of tea or delicious fudge, you've got to stop by Ruby Sue's Tea Shop.

Ruby Sue's Tea and Treasures 710 1st St in La Conner InSkagit.com/RubySuesTeaShop

LIVING IN Skagit | PAGE 12

CHIC YOGA BOUTIQUE At Quantum Health & Yoga Lounge their mission is to help you to feel good on the inside. With their selection of beautiful yoga and lifestyle apparel, you'll also feel good on the outside! Their yoga boutique carries the quality, stylish brands you love like prAna, Alo, Onzie, Soybu, and Lucy.

Cinderella's Secret Discover The Dress Of Your Dreams

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hen you just have to be the best dressed, shop at Cinderella’s Secret. This local shop’s fair pricing means that you can always have something new to wear. You’ll feel like the star of your very own fairytale!

We all wish we could live in our yoga pants - with the hip and attractive apparel at Quantum, now we can!

Stay dry and cozy with Prana's water-repellent down jacket. You'll look great even in a downpour! You'll find the perfect fit with Lucy's variety of silhouettes and luxe fabrics.

Alo's transitional apparel is designed for performance, style, and fit. The fresh colors and on-trend styles at Quantum will take you from the studio to everywhere your busy life takes you.

Quantum offers all of the accessories you need to complete your zen look. Check out their locally-made "Feel Good" Quantum Gear collection of T-shirts and sweatshirts.

When you want something new, but full of character, it’s time to go vintage! Consider the seamstresses at this downtown dress shop your personal fairy godmothers. They will wave their magic wand, and *poof* - a fresh new look for your next event. They are so talented and can really make something magical. You can see their couture dresses on the racks, or you can ask for something made just for you.

From hats and bags to mats and blocks, Quantum has thought of everything to help your day flow from cobra pose to carpool.

Visit Cinderella’s Secret in downtown Mount Vernon Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm to discover the dress of your dreams.

Quantum Health & Yoga Lounge

Cinderella's Secret

(360) 230-1349

(360) 775-3485

121 S Spruce St in Burlington

221 S 1st St in Mount Vernon

InSkagit.com/QuantumHealthAndYoga

InSkagit.com/CinderellasSecret

PAGE 13 | LIVING IN Skagit

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Skagit Boutique Guide

EMBELLISH

Go on your very own #ShoppingAdventure in Skagit!

Inside this charming boutique, you'll find leather purses by Brighton and Hobo, sterling silver jewelry by Boma, and quality clothing from NYDJ, Jag, and PrAna.

ANACORTES

MOUNT VERNON

Island Styles

Bare Boutique

1006 6th Street in Anacortes

Kathy's Upscale Resale Boutique 716 Commercial Ave. in Anacortes

Pearl Buttons - Vintage Style 904 Commercial Ave. in Anacortes

Tides Of Anacortes 804 Commercial Ave. in Anacortes

602 S. 1st St. in Mount Vernon

House of Style Boutique & Salon

Ryann Michele & Co. 307 S. 1st St. in Mount Vernon

The Loft Salon & Boutique 110 N. 1st St. in Mount Vernon

BURLINGTON

Amaryllis

Adora Consignment

Cottons 714 S. First St. in La Conner

Skagit River Boutique 622 S. 1st St. in La Conner

The Country Lady 501 S. First St. in La Conner

The Stall 712 S. First St. in La Conner

Walking Mod 707 S. First St. in La Conner

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InSkagit.com/Embellish

510 S. 1st St. in Mount Vernon

LA CONNER 715 S. First St. in La Conner

223 S 1st St in Mount Vernon

472 Fashion Way in Burlington

Pretty Simple 855 S. Alder St. in Burlington

Three Little Birds Salon & Boutique 501 E Fairhaven Ave. in Burlington

CONWAY Pink Petals Boutique 18600 Main St. in Conway

SEDRO-WOOLLEY Radiant Revival Salon & Boutique 805A Metcalf St. in Sedro-Woolley

THE ENCORE SHOPPE For 25 years, Sandy Youngren has made finding attractive, on-trend clothing at great prices super easy with everything organized by size, color, and style.

1501 Parker Way #102 in Mount Vernon InSkagit.com/TheEncoreShoppe

LIVING IN Skagit | PAGE 14

PREPARE FOR YOUR WEEKEND ESCAPE

Skagit Valley Family YMCA

Picture a night under the stars. You’ve just

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caught a delicious seafood dinner of crab and shrimp, and it’s cooking up over the open fire.

Go on a Outdoor Adventure! It's the perfect escape from the 9-5.

Helping Our Community To Thrive very day, the YMCA is working with our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, can learn, grow and thrive with fitness, child care, sports, swimming, summer camps, and more.

Don’t worry; you don’t need to be an avid outdoor pro to feel like one this weekend.

Holiday Sports will set you up with everything you need from the license so you can legally catch your dinner, to the frying pan to cook it up in. They stock the coziest sleeping gear, the lightest backpacking supplies, and the most specialized tools you need for your rugged escape.

The staff is knowledgeable, and has been on plenty of adventures themselves - so they always have the best recommendations (even for first timers).

Beginner? Advanced? Just want to have some fun outdoors this season? Cast your line at Holiday Sports. We guarantee you’ll catch everything you need for your weekend away.

Holiday Sports

Your donations allow the YMCA to continue to offer financial aid to families in need, providing them a safe place to grow in mind, body, and spirit by promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

You are directly ensuring people in need are provided with membership to the YMCA.

You are supporting the YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter, Daylight Center Youth, the Early Learning and School Age programs. You will make a significant difference in the lives of families in our community. So what are you waiting for? Donate today!

Skagit Valley Family YMCA

(360) 757-4361

(360) 336-9622

895 Nevitt Rd in Burlington

215 E Fulton St in Mount Vernon

InSkagit.com/HolidaySports

InSkagit.com/SkagitValleyFamilyYMCA

PAGE 15 | LIVING IN Skagit

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THE COUNTRY CLINIC: Squared Up? An Article From The Country Clinic By A. Nicholas Martin, D.C., C.C.E.P.

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uring the process of building a large home, a problem was overlooked: one of the corners was off by just under an inch. They built, and built, until the house showed signs of misalignment. They had to halt progress and look over the whole building for the small problem that had led to the larger issue. Eventually, they found the corner in the room that didn't “square up.” They had to tear down framed walls and constructed areas until they could get to the root cause of the problem. Once they were able to make the fix, the roof was able to go on, and everything started to move in a healthy direction again.

Less than one inch of error in a several thousand square-foot floor plan was large enough to halt production. Now think about the human structure and frame.

When your spine is out of alignment by even millimeters, it can cause stress on nerves that lead to bigger problems. It isn't until the pressure starts to build, and build that most people start to seek a solution, not realizing their big problem started as a very small one. With regular care, there are these golden moments where your chiropractor can correct those small misalignments that can lead to bigger problems, so your spine has its best chance at living “squared up!”

The Country Clinic

(360) 856-5562 22790 Buchanan Street in Mount Vernon

Dr. Nick Martin

Dr. Nick has been with Country Chiropractic Clinic since February 2000. A graduate of Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas, he is the oldest son of Dr. Avery Martin.

Dr. Nick enjoys helping families develop healthy habits through a chiropractic lifestyle that embraces good nutrition, good exercise, and good spinal care.

Dr. Nick is also an active member of the community, periodically working on the stage with live theater projects in the community.

InSkagit.com/CountryClinic

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LIVING IN Skagit | PAGE 16

Artist Spotlight Ben Mann Vibrant and Whimsical Paintings

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en Mann remembers one of his first artistic projects – his mother asked him to make place cards for the Thanksgiving table. It was then he realized art could have a practical application. The youngest of seven children, Mann’s father recognized his son’s creative spark at an early age. He told him if he could figure out a way to make a living in art – go for it. Mann has done just that. For over 30 years he’s combined his love of painting with a business sensibility.

After studying commercial art and illustration in college, he remained in San Francisco for 12 years before feeling the pull back to Washington. Ben Mann moved to Skagit County and opened an art studio in Fairhaven 15 years ago.

Ben became an elementary school art specialist and he finds inspiration in his student’s unbridled enthusiasm and pure creativity. So it’s no surprise that Mann has self-published two children’s books that showcase his whimsical illustrations.

“I probably identify more with Dr. Seuss than any other artists.”

Two of his longtime clients are La Conner Brewery and Skagit Valley Hospital. Mann loves the diversity in his craft – one week you may find him designing a wine label and the next he’s painting fine art for exhibit in a local cafe.

Ben Mann

MascotBooks.com

Books by Ben

Local artist Ben Mann has added author and illustrator to his creative repertoire.

He was thrilled when author Barbara Jean Hicks asked him to collaborate on Once Upon a Parsnip, an exciting tale featuring Little Red and Mr. Wolf.

Mann had “such a blast” on this project that he recently penned and illustrated his own children’s book, Friendly the Fox! This sweet story shows how we can be kind to everyone, despite our differences. Both of these books are available for purchase online at www.MascotBooks.com, at Village Books and the Ben Mann Art Studio.

InSkagit.com/BenjaminMannArtist PAGE 17 | LIVING IN Skagit

Artist Spotlight

Artist Spotlight

LIVING IN Skagit | PAGE 18

Photography Spotlight: Chris Neibauer Local Photographer, Dad, and Hiker Chris Neibauer is an avid hiking photographer. He explores the Pacific Northwest with his young family which includes his wife and two children. This local artist lives just east of Arlington and is known for his scenic local photos. He also does commercial photography, weddings, and portraits. His passion for photography started at a young age while playing with his father’s Pentax K1000 camera.

Although Chris captures many different subjects in his breathtaking photos, his favorite subject is landscapes and mountains. He especially likes Whitehorse Mountain. Chris finds his inspiration from the intricate and beautiful designs found in nature.

His appreciation shines through in this cover photo, captured from the top of Finney Creek. With hopes to watch the sun go down, Chris Neibauer hiked to the top of Finney Creek with his daughter and wife to get an incredible vantage point. With his adventurous family in tow, he was able to capture the beautiful sunset and view of the valley down below in this skillful photograph. To learn more about Whitehorse Photography, visit ChrisNeibauer.com

FRONT & BACK COVER PHOTOS Š WHITEHORSE PHOTOGRAPHY