Bellingham Alive | January | 2019 by K & L Media

HEALTH HEALING: MIND, BODY, AND SOUL FIT PLAN FOR LIFE EXERCISE MUST-HAVES KEEPING YOUR HOME HEALTHY

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CONTENTS

Healing: Mind, Body and Soul As we start 2019, it’s time to check in on our vitals — those measurements that tell us how well prepared we are for the New Year in mind, body and soul. In this issue — in every part of the magazine, we explore some of the ways we can move forward. You’ll find stories about ways to keep your brain sharp, your home healthy, your garden bountiful, and your body shipshape. Why, there’s even a page for adult coloring. So sit back, relax, and assess.

JANUARY 2019 LIFESTYLE 17

Intriguing Insects

By The Numbers

Lasting Image

In the Spotlight Kimberly and Ryan Reeves

Community Bellingham Food Bank

In the Know Simplify Your Space

Game Changer Brian Shasserre

Book Reviews

Who Knew? Juice Cleanses

In the Know Shrub

In the Know Chocolate Necessities’ New Digs

Apps We Love

Five Faves Bellingham Podcasts

SHOP 31

Fitness Gear and Training

Necessities Exercise Must-Haves

Fashion Attacking Closet Clutter

Savvy Shopper Alchemika Salon

WELLBEING 39

Butternut Squash Soup

41 Health Knee Replacement Anniversary 47

Special Advertising Section Cannabis

56 FEATURES 50

Healing: Mind, Body, and Soul

Fit Plan for Life: One Woman’s Story

Special Advertising Section Health and Medical Profiles

Fit Plan for Life Join Bellingham Alive’s office manager for a personal account of rebounding from pregnancy and getting in shape for the years ahead. As if welcoming a newborn into the family weren’t challenging enough every day, staffer Jenn Bachtel tells of her fight to regain strength, retain vitality, and stay upbeat. She takes us to the gym, to her kitchen, and gives us a glimpse of the balancing act she maintains daily. We are proud to tell her story.

HABITAT 71

Keeping Your Home Healthy

Remodel Sudden Valley Makeover

DINE 77

Big Love Juice

Dining Guide

Culinary Events

Mixing Tin The G at Miller’s Back Door

Sip Dark Beers for Dark Days

Restaurant Review Salty Fox Coffee

8 Great Tastes

AGENDA 87

Featured Event Female Adventure Film Festival

Top Picks

Out of Town

The Scene Walk with a Doc

Editor’s Letter

Contributors

Letters to the Editor

Meet The Team Hopes for 2019

Final Word

NOTES

January 2019 5

NOTES On the Web

Be sure to check us out at:

BellinghamAlive.com Submit your events on our calendar! Do you have an event that you would like our readers to know about? BellinghamAlive.com offers an events calendar where viewers can search by day, venue, event type, or city. Go to bellinghamalive.com/events and submit your event today. Once your event has been approved by our editorial staff, it is live.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE Chucking clutter from your home can do more than clear a pathway from bedroom to kitchen and free up counter space. It could help shape a habit by giving you the discipline to jettison energy- and soul-sapping items, obligations, and people from your life. Professional organizer and productivity consultant Monika Kristofferson of Lake Stevens-based Efficient Organization has something to say about this, and a couple of journals that will help inspire you. See BellinghamAlive.com for the story.

Join us on

for:

Previous digital editions now available online.

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]

Weekend

AGENDA Fashion

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Nutrition

Fitness

Winter Destinations

NOTES Editor’s Letter

In Search of Common Sense in 2019

hen it comes to our health, we are at a perplexing juncture. We know more than at any time in our history about what keeps us fit, yet we are more obese than ever. We have made scientific advances that past generations have only dreamed of, yet the rate of maternal death in pregnancy, says a recent study, is higher in the U.S. than any other developed nation. Then, this year, came news that life expectancy — the ultimate standard of societal progress in science and medicine — is going backward. We’re dying younger than we did last year. The evidence is clear, and has been for years, that for the most part, diets to lose weight don’t work for the long-term. Everyone knows someone who has dropped pounds with the latest trendy diet, then eventually — maybe weeks, months or years later — gained it all back, and then some. Yet we continue to dump money into a predatory $64 billion weight-loss industry that rarely delivers on promises. For 2019, let’s resolve to use common sense in our mission to get healthy. Sound too good to be true? Then don’t fall for it. Let’s embrace the return to basic ways to get healthy. Cutting out a food group or eliminating carbs or going on a liquid diet? Forget that stuff.

Go back to basics. That means don’t eat too much. Go easy on the sugar and junk food. Have some vegetables every day. Exercise. Sleep enough. In this, our annual health and wellness issue, we present some ideas we hope will help. Read about medicinal herbs you can grow at home and the soothing powers of community gardens. See the ways you can keep your home environment safe and healthy for your family. Find out how juggling, and other activities, are good for keeping your brain sharp. Read about an environmentally conscious beauty salon, and a Skagit man and his family who are battling the single-use mentality. We’ve got suggestions for gear to help make your workouts more pleasant too. Also, check out how staff writer Sarah Sibley overcame her nervousness about buying medical cannabis (the kind that won’t make you high) to help with sleep issues, and follow our office manager, Jenn Bachtel, in her quest to lose pounds and regain her health after the birth of her son. Hint: healthy diet and exercise. Simple, right? It’s not making the news, but it works. January is the month to salute common sense. After all, love (and Cupid’s arrow) awaits us in February. t

MERI-JO BORZILLERI Editor In Chief

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NOTES Contributors

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Autumn Sorelle Sorelle is a long-time Seattleite and creator of the fashion and lifestyle blog, Autumn Sorelle. She is passionate about living mindfully, adventurously, and creatively. When she isn’t busy blogging or working at her full-time job, she enjoys traveling whenever she can, reading, shopping, exercising, and exploring the greater Seattle area. Above all, she strives to maintain balance in everything she does and encourages others to do the same. You can explore Sorelle’s blog at autumnsorelle.com and find her on social media @autumnsorelle.  p. 35

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

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

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Comfy & Cozy WINTER FASHION

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WINE & CHEESE PARTY SHOPPING GUIDE HOLIDAY PARADES

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Neal splits his life between thinking and drinking: He has a Ph.D in philosophy and is a professor at Western Washington University, but he is also a beer sommelier and a nationally-ranked beer judge. Neal grew up in the Pacific Northwest but spent a decade away after college. By the time he moved back to Bellingham in 2014, he had finally learned to appreciate the beauty of grey skies and the taste of craft beer. When he proposes a toast, it’s usually to his amazing wife of 14 years and his courageous and curious 6-year-old.  p. 83

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

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kristy Gessner | Kelly Travers | Babette Vickers

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mariah Currey

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Patrick McMahon

WRITER Kaity Teer

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Pairing Causes Concern

FEATHERS & FUR Jane Goodall Christmas Home New Year’s Eve

Your latest issue has Jane Goodall as a featured subject. On the cover, you also feature feathers and fur. I think the editing team might have dropped the ball on this one. You have one of the world’s premier animal rights activists paired with a multiple featured fashion spread about clothing made from animal products. Just wanted to point it out so that you might think a little more deeply in the future about subject matter.*— Matt M., Bellingham *Publisher’s note: Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. We share your concern. It should have been made clear all the fur items used are faux. We deeply appreciate your feedback and thank you for writing in.

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Bellingham Alive welcomes comments and feedback for our Letters to the Editor section. We’d love to hear what you have to say and are open to story ideas about the people, places, and happenings in the North Sound (Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan counties). Let us know what you like, and what you’d like to see in the magazine! Contact editor Meri-Jo Borzilleri at editor@bellinghamalive.com.

Fashion Feature Hits Wrong Note During this season of love and compassion, could we love our animal friends too? The abuse that fur-bearing animals suffer to give up their skins for vanity is horrific and well-documented. The same holds true for the birds

Letters to the Editor

NOTES

whose feathers you tout for fashion (“Feathers & Fur”), and the leather shoes, boots and necklaces you suggest; those cows and calves don’t painlessly or peacefully donate their skins for our vanity. There are so many vegan shoes and leather substitutes that could be highlighted instead. Your magazine does so much to celebrate our beautiful area, and the animal shelters and wildlife here; please consider that your fashion choices can celebrate these things too. — Jennifer P., Blaine Apollo 8’s Earthrise Photo Still Astounds Nice work on the latest issue. I much enjoyed the Editor’s Letter (“Anders’ Earthrise Turns 50”). Beautifully written, about a topic I haven’t thought about in decades. It was a pleasure to have your words — and that stillastonishing photo — take me back. Thank you. — Cheryl M., Bellingham

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January 2019 13

NOTES Meet the Team

From the Bellingham Alive team: What are your hopes for 2019?

KELLY TRAVERS 2019 will be my “Year of Living My Bliss” (I like to theme each year). I’m looking forward to fun, adventure, exploration, family, friends and love. And my wish for the year would be for all to find their bliss and live their best life possible. Happy New Year! LOGAN PORTTEUS My hopes/dreams for 2019 are to find a job in the field of journalism and be able to afford to move to a new city. I’d also like to afford to travel and experience things while I’m young! LYDIA MCCLARAN My wish for 2019 is for everyone in the world to do one good thing a day, to make a difference in someone’s life, to help out a complete stranger, and to spread kindness wherever you go. DEAN DAVIDSON I’m looking forward to exploring Galbraith Mountain. How can you not be curious about trails named Ewok Village, Mullet, Prison Love, Naughty Nelly, Cleavage, Cheech & Chong’s Wild Ride, and Whoopsie Woodle? HAILEY PALMER I’m hoping 2019 brings a smooth transition into post-grad life. Hopefully, I won’t have to sit around for too long before I do something with my degree.

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MERI-JO BORZILLERI A lot of snow (when seasonally appropriate), and at least one grand adventure. If not, then a few smaller ones. MARIAH CURREY My hope for 2019 is that it’s a nice, quiet year. No big financial emergencies, no health problems (for me or my cats); just an easy year of growth. KRISTY GESSNER For 2019 I wish for better luck with my car. I have been hit three times during the last year-and-a-half, when I was at a complete stop. Maybe the solution for 2019 is to buy an old junker car in hopes that everyone will think that I don’t have insurance and they will stay away from me! HAILEY HOFFMAN This next year will be one of great change and new adventures as I graduate college. I hope to take full advantage of all the new opportunities coming my way and to continue working in the field of journalism that I am so passionate about. JENN BACHTEL I am simply hoping for some peace and calmness from the political social media scene for America in 2019; to achieve my fitness goals for the year; and I wouldn’t mind finally getting to have a Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter either — for my cheat meal, of course!

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

Intriguing Insects Western Professor Collects, Writes the Book on Bugs WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY HAILEY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MERRILL A. PETERSON

he biology building at Bellingham’s Western Washington University is overrun by insects, but not to worry. They aren’t out and crawling around. In the depths of the building, you’ll find a room filled with small, wooden pallets holding more than 50,000 different insect specimens from around the world. You can check out brightlycolored butterflies, large horned beetles, and even fleas so small the narrow pins used to display larger specimen cannot be stabbed through them. These insects have been caught by Western students, donated by local naturalists, and maintained by Merrill A. Peterson, who has been the curator of Western’s insect collection since 1997. The insects make up the second-largest publicly held collection in Washington state, says Peterson. … continued on page 20

LIFESTYLE By the Numbers

50,000 Different insect specimens from around the world maintained by Merrill A. Peterson at Western Washington University, p. 17

98 Percent of waste that is put into compostable packaging by Alchemika Salon, p. 37

Knee surgeries, including a total knee replacement, Robin Robertson has had in her lifetime, p. 41

2 walls taken down to open up the main living space of a Sudden Valley home, p. 74

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LIFESTYLE

Lasting Image

“When I had heard Lake Padden was frozen over, I knew I wanted to get there around sunrise in hopes of capturing people walking across it. I was lucky to meet this stranger practicing his skating and hockey skills, a wild sight for those familiar with the lake.” ALEX POWELL

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 writeup 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 design@northsoundlife.com. Then sit back and enjoy the view.

January 2019 19

… Last August, Peterson came out with the new field guide “Pacific Northwest Insects,” published by the Seattle Audubon Society and available online or at local bookstores. It contains more than 1,200 detailed accounts of species that allow anyone to identify the more than 3,000 different insect species in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California and British Columbia. After 14 years of writing, photographing, editing, and designing, and a lifetime of loving insects, Peterson says he hoped to provide a larger window into the world of insect diversity here in the Northwest. “The purpose of the book is to help people connect better with nature,” Peterson says. “If they start to notice what the insects are that are around them, they’ll be able to know what kinds of insects those are and what they do in living their lives. They’re going to care a lot more.” Peterson, 53, has had a fascination with insects since he was young. He says he would go to the zoo and stare at the bumblebees buzzing in the bushes, because as a near-sighted child, they were easier to see than the lions and tigers in the distance. For his 11th birthday, his great aunt gave him the book, “Watching Washington Butterflies,” and it sparked his passion for Pacific Northwest insects and their scientific nature. “By the time I was 12, I knew the Latin names of all the butterflies in the state, and I was hellbent on trying to find them all,” Peterson says. Peterson went on to get a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Washington and his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University. In 2004, Peterson decided to make a comprehensive field guide of insects in the Northwest. He thought it would take a year to write. However, it took considerably longer, says his wife Carol Kaesuk Yoon, a science journalist and educator. “At some point, a book goes from being a good idea to an enormous albatross around your neck.” 20

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Over the next decade, it became typical for Peterson, Yoon, and their two kids to hop in their 2003 white Volkswagen camper van in search of other bugs for Peterson’s neverending list. When he wasn’t on the road, he was researching, talking with experts, editing the content, and teaching biology courses at Western. All his free time went to the book. “There aren’t too many people with the insane tenacity to do a project like this,” Yoon says. “He was the perfect place between a sane and an insane person.” At Western where Peterson is the head of the biology department, he uses his extensive knowledge and passion for insects to teach an entomology class each spring. He says he teaches the course for similar reasons as publishing the book: to share his passion and to change peoples’ view of insects. During the class, students examine insects from around Bellingham, and Peterson teaches them how to properly identify the insects and curate the collections, which is not always an easy feat. “We would have to look at it under the microscope and count the tarsal segments and see the relative width of other anatomical features,” says Daniel Gallegos, a Western biology student and former entomology student, about identifying insect species in lab. “Merrill would point it out in a second.” In a world with a changing environment, Peterson is trying to find ways to inform the community about the importance of insects in the Northwest biome and how species’ diversity is diminishing due to large-scale habitat destruction. “The public consciousness is there when it comes to things like birds, mammals, and the big charismatic creatures like orcas, but not so much for insects,” Peterson says. “They don’t know what these insects are, and if you don’t know what they are, you don’t know what makes them unique and interesting.”  pacificnorthwestinsects.com

Spotlight

LIFESTYLE

them know that they aren’t alone and give them resources. Second, to special-education teachers to help them understand what home life is like and how that can make parents seem completely stressed. And third, to the general public to build more understanding about autism. Every book we sell or that gets borrowed means the world has that much more of an understanding of autism.

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF WRITING? Going back in my memory to a point in time that was so hard for us. Ryan lost his dad when he was four and elementary [school] was really hard on him.

Mother-son team author ‘Raising Ryan: Living with Autism’

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WRITING? Being able to document 18 years of my child’s life was really incredible. Looking back on how far he has come gave me so much hope.

Kimberly and Ryan Reeves

HOW HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH RYAN CHANGED?

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATE GALAMBOS

imberly Reeves is no author, she says, she just sat down one day and started writing her and her son Ryan’s story. Skip forward a year and a half, and Reeves is exactly what she says she’s not; a published author. In June 2018, Kimberly and Ryan released their co-authored book, “Raising Ryan: Living with Autism,” the story of their first 18 years together. The book tells the sometimes humorous, sometimes heart-wrenching, and overall hopeful story of Reeves raising her autistic son. Outside her role as mom, Reeves has lived in Bellingham for 28 years after transplanting from Atlanta and teaches anatomy and physiology and nutrition at Whatcom Community College.

peers were taking their kids on college visits and taking prom pictures. I had tried so hard to get Ryan to that place, but he just wasn’t there yet. I don’t know why I chose to write. I just sat down and started writing the story of my child, but it had never occurred to me to publish a book. It wasn’t until two or three people seriously told me that I should make the story into a book that I considered publishing.

Do you remember when you realized your parents were people too? I think this experience gave Ryan that realization. He could see what my experiences were like parenting him rather than just how he had felt. He actually said to me at some point, “I realize that it must have been hard to parent me.” I think that selfreflection gave us the ability to have some deep conversations.

WHAT WAS YOUR WRITING PROCESS?

WHAT IS RYAN UP TO NOW?

I don’t really have a process the way authors do. First of all, I had to ask Ryan if it was OK with him. He read everything I wrote and was glad to be a part of the writing process. Every bit of the book was formatted by my kid.

He is in his second year of Bellingham School District Community Transitions program [special education program that serves students up to age 21 in developing skills for adulthood]. He is 19, he wants his space and independence. When he can tolerate me, we like to travel, hike and bike together. t

HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO WRITE A BOOK?

WHAT WAS YOUR GOAL FOR THE BOOK?

I started writing in December 2016 during Ryan’s senior year of high school, around the time a lot of my

I wanted to write the book with three audiences in mind. First, parents with newly diagnosed children to let

“Raising Ryan: Living with Autism” is available at Village Books in Bellingham and on amazon.com

January 2019 21

LIFESTYLE Community

Volunteers are a huge component of the food bank, which serves an estimated 20 percent of Bellingham's population.

Feeding Families and the Famished Bellingham Food Bank WRITTEN BY KATIE MEIER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAMIAN VINES

or most families in Bellingham, their next meal is something that is taken for granted. Unfortunately, for some families their next meal is more of a question — especially after all of life’s other expenses like rent, insurance, medicine, and childcare costs. One Bellingham non-profit is trying to answer that question. The Bellingham Food Bank has been serving the community since 1972. Since opening their doors at 1824 Ellis St., it has been supplying families in need with healthy food on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays. In addition to canned and packaged foods, it offers fruits and vegetables grown locally, refrigerated and frozen foods, food donated by charitable individuals, and products gathered from grocery stores and local businesses. It also gets help from Seattle-based regional hunger-relief partners Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline. With the holidays over, donations to charities often drop off. But people are hungry no matter the season. “We believe one thing to its core, and it’s that hunger is unacceptable,” says executive director Mike Cohen, who has been working there for 14 years. The operation has a staff of 10 and more than 150 monthly volunteers. “We do a lot of work to try to fight hunger,” he says. “In doing that work, we try to make it as dignified an experience as possible for our customers. Hopefully that shows up in how they’re treated when they’re at the food bank and in the quality, quantity, and variety of the foods that they have access to when they visit us.” In August, for instance, the food bank provided help for 19,889 residents in 8,242 households. In all, the organization 22

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estimates that it serves about 20 percent of the population of Bellingham. The number of household visits has doubled in the last decade. It receives $2 million in state funding and an additional $5 million to $6 million in monetary and food donations. “Getting enough nutritious foods is a top priority for lower-income families,” says Greg Winter, executive director of the Opportunity Council, a major social services agency in the region. “Bellingham Food Bank does more than just provide food — they do so in a way that provides high-value food products in a manner that is really responsive to their customers preferences.” The only thing required to get help from the food bank is a recent piece of mail with a Bellingham address. Clients are allowed to visit twice a week. The food bank has several satellite operations around Bellingham and works with almost a dozen other food banks in Whatcom County including ones in Ferndale, Blaine, and Point Roberts. “It’s criminal that food banks play such an important role in so many communities because there’s enough wealth to go around,” Cohen says. “It’s just not shared or distributed appropriately. Because of this, our food bank and other food banks out there have tried to be there to help address food insecurity, which is a symptom of poverty.” t 1824 Ellis St., Bellingham 360.676.0392 | bellinghamfoodbank.org

In the Know

LIFESTYLE

Simplify Your Space in 2019 Less Searching, More Living WRITTEN BY KAITY TEER

f you want to make changes to your home and to your life in the new year, it helps to make space and take stock. Simplifying things can help you see more clearly. It’s an important first step for getting organized and setting goals, and it even saves you time. Professional organizer Monika Kristofferson of Lake Stevens-based Efficient Organization shared this terrifying statistic from Mary Anne Lessley’s book “File Anything in Your Home.”: “When someone must search 15 minutes per day for an important document or possession, they lose 11 eight-hour days per year.” Kristofferson recommends targeting these common trouble spots for clutter.

COFFEE CUPS “It sounds silly,” Kristofferson says, “But people tend to have an unmanageable amount of coffee cups that are just spilling out of the cupboard, even though they have favorites that they prefer to use on a daily basis.” Select only the mugs you need and donate the rest. If you have a large family or regularly host large tea parties or don’t wash dishes frequently and really need extras, consider purchasing a cabinet shelf organizer.

TOILETRIES Likewise, a calm and tidy vanity for getting ready in the morning can help set a positive outlook for your day. Many people store make-up in a single drawer or basket, which makes it a great project to tackle in just an hour or two.

The clutter of unused products can quickly add up. Start by throwing away duplicates and expired products. No need to keep clumpy mascara or old, thick nail polish. Next, part ways with lipsticks, eye shadows, and liners that just didn’t work out. You shouldn’t feel obligated to keep something you won’t use just because you spent money on it.

PAPER Most people pause to collect the contents of their mailbox before entering their home at the end of the day. Once inside, you may feel too tired to sort through bills, catalogs, and credit card offers. Stop this energy drain by going after its source. “Mail is its own beast,” Kristofferson says. “That’s probably the number one thing I hear from people. They’re overwhelmed by all the paper.” Several popular websites make it easy to unsubscribe from junk mail. Visit dmachoice.org for junk mail and catalogchoice.org to manage communications from retailers. There are also resources online for controlling unwanted mail if you have an aging parent or loved one living in your home. For example, there are do-not-contact lists for caregivers and persons who are deceased. “Often people receive mail for a deceased relative for many years,” Kristofferson says, which can be both overwhelming and distressing.  efficientorganizationnw.com

January 2019 23

Interested in making a change?

LIFESTYLE Game Changer

LIFEHACK.ORG Website dedicated to helping create new habits that will enable positive life changes. Check out the habit-tracking app.

SEACHANGE.ZENHABITS.NET How to get past your habit obstacle and change using simple steps.

BETTERHUMANS.COACH.ME Understanding human potential and self-improvement.

SUGGESTED READING:

Shasserre uses steel bins for food storage. Plastic containers exact a higher toll on the environment.

“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg

“Drive” by Daniel Pink

“Mindset” by Carol Dweck

Refusing Single Uses: A Journey to Lessen Waste Brian Shasserre WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SARAH SIBLEY

f Brian Shasserre (pronounced sash-er-ray) is out running errands without his reusable water bottle and gets thirsty, he just goes thirsty. That’s because Shasserre is a reuser. Rather than purchase a plastic, single-use bottle of water, he’ll will go without, because he believes the environmental cost of plastic is too high. Shasserre is part of the Zero Waste Movement and is proof you can change the game one person at a time. The Zero Waste Movement is exactly what it sounds like: reducing household and personal waste. The opposite of this movement, and what people like Shasserre try to avoid, is single use — using a product once before throwing it away. He and his family (partner Emily and four-year-old daughter, Amaya), like many people who work to reduce waste, hope to save money and the planet by choosing to reuse. His advocacy for multi-use products over single-use products is a journey that involves asking questions and adopting a different mindset. It’s a shift in perception, understanding and interpretation, he says. “I’m an environmentalist, so I’m concerned with, and advocate for, the protection of the environment. Refusing single-use products is simply aligning my actions with my values.” There are many advantages to following the Zero Waste Movement and eliminating single-use from your lifestyle. 24

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Single-use households create more trash and recycling, and usually have cluttered shelves and drawers due to the number of single-use products. Multi-use households produce dramatically less, if any, trash and very little recycling, and have less stuff cluttering their lives as a result. So how does the average person make the shift? Brian says it’s as easy as adopting the five R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Rot. (Reusing is using something again; recycling is sending it off to get made into something else.) Start with refuse. “We can refuse single-use by adopting reuse,” he says. Shasserre and many other Zero Waste Movement advocates point out that reusing saves money, because most people already have the tools they need. “People are already buying single-use products that are re-usable — peanut butter jars, salad dressing jars, bread bags. You don’t have to recycle it. You can re-use it. You’ve just bought your reusable water bottle, a container for storing soup, your bag for bulk foods. It may not look as pretty, but it works, and costs you no extra money to create a good habit.” Shasserre even makes his family’s laundry detergent and dish soap and his shaving cream in an effort to reduce plastic in his life. “We’re not zero-use by any means. We’re on a journey. We’re novices, but we’re making every effort we can, and that’s what matters.” 

Book Reviews

WRITTEN BY LAURIE MULLARKY LAURIESLITPICKS.BLOGSPOT.COM

Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom by Ariel Burger 288 pages Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Ariel Burger was Wiesel’s student for more than two decades and had a frontrow view of his teacher: his philosophies, his faith, and his extraordinary ability to open a classroom wide for his students. What I would have given to be a member of one of Professor Wiesel’s classes. Burger did outstanding research, showing us a very personal look at this heroic man, giving him some feet of clay and reminding us that Wiesel — the Holocaust survivor, humanitarian and Nobel Prize winner — was human. This book is a must-read, must-have for any teacher who uses Wiesel’s renowned memoir, “Night,” in their classroom. So, too, is the book valuable for anyone who wants to see the power of learning, the power of love through forgiveness, and the power of the search for meaning through the questioning of life.

The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker 304 pages Doubleday Books

Do you have to know the ancient Greek stories of Helen, of Agamemnon, of Achilles, to enjoy this book? Absolutely not. In fact, it is a spectacular introduction to the foundation on which much of Western literature is based. The traditional version tells of Achilles’ anger when his slave girl Briseis is taken from him by Agamemnon, thus leading to Achilles’ temper tantrum and his refusal to fight for the Greeks on the plains of Troy. It was all over beautiful Helen. However, author Pat Barker has her own version of how the story actually played out, and in this one, the truth of rape, war, deception, and loyalty is revealed in the most beautiful prose. I was gripped by Briseis’ voice as she told of her enslavement, life with the Greek heroes, and the choices she made to survive. The consequences of war on the women and children of an occupied country is on full display.

In the Know

LIFESTYLE

January 12, 7 P.M. Poetry Open Mic Anacortes Public Library 1220 10th St., Anacortes 360.293.1910, anacorteswa.gov One poet, two poet, red poet, blue poet. It doesn’t matter what kind of poet you are. Head over to the Anacortes Public Library to share your work with the community and listen to the sonnets, haikus, and songs performed by other local poets. Signups begin at 6:30 p.m., and recitations start at 7 p.m.

January 19, 7 P.M. Sarah Cannon, The Shame of Losing Village Books 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com Meet Seattle-area author Sarah Cannon as she talks about her first book, a memoir. It recounts how her family’s life changes after a falling tree branch severely injures her husband. Cannon’s work has been featured by The New York Times, Salon.com, and other publications in the U.S.

Who Knew? Juice Cleanses Not for Long-Term Weight Loss Juice cleanses are proven to help you lose weight fast, but not necessarily keep the weight off. The Center for Human Nutrition conducted a study that found that people lose an average of four pounds on a three-day juice cleanse, but two weeks later, they’d already gained back half the weight they lost in the diet.

Origin Story The modern-day juice cleanse evolved from the “Master Cleanse,” developed by naturopath Stanley Burroughs in the 1940s as a stomach ulcer “cure” recipe. It consisted of lemons, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper, to be consumed for 10 days. Juice cleanses started to really gain popularity in the 1990s, but they now tend toward more nut milks to increase fat and protein levels for more nutrients.

Detoxing? While eating copious amounts of fruits and veggies and reducing consumption of toxic foods like French fries and beer is better for the body, drinking just juice for extended periods of time cannot effectively reduce all toxins, according to nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky. The liver and kidneys are the body’s built-in, ready-to-go detoxifiers, and they do a great job.

The Industry In 2017, juice cleanses became a $3.4 billion industry. Spurred by the focus on health and wellness, they’re popular in vegetarian and vegan communities because cleansing is considered to be a form of purer eating. Companies like BluePrint Cleanse and Juice from the RAW have capitalized on the industry’s popularity. — Hailey Hoffman

January 2019 25

Community the Know LIFESTYLE In

What the Heck is a Drink Called Shrub? WRITTEN BY SARAH SIBLEY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY TOMO KRAMER

f you’ve ever seen “shrub” listed in the recipe for a drink or cocktail and thought, “Isn’t a shrub a plant?” you’re not alone. A shrub is also a delicious, healthy concoction made from vinegar, fruit juice and sugar that is currently enjoying popularity everywhere from bar menus to grocery stores. According to the website behindthebar.com, “shrub” comes from the Arabic word “sharab” meaning “to drink,” and originated in colonial America. It was created from fruit or juice, sugar and vinegar, then mixed with water and served over ice as a refreshing drink. Locally, Cascade Shrub Farm produces an array of shrubs from Washington apples, Skagit Valley and Whatcom County fruits and herbs and Hawaiian sugar and honey. Not only are these creations remarkably refreshing, they are beneficial to your health. Raw apple cider vinegar, one of the main ingredients, has many benefits including aiding digestive health, providing energy, strengthening the immune system, and alleviating muscle cramps, to name a few. Josh and Tomo Kramer, the creators of Bellingham-based Cascade Shrub Farm and Maui Shrub Farm, founded their company in 2016 when they were living in Maui, practicing

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massage. They were visiting Tomo’s mother, who is Japanese, when Josh drank a vinegar and blueberry preserve she created, he thought it was just about the most refreshing thing he had ever tasted. “It was super flavorful with the berries, plus the zing of vinegar,” Josh recalls. The Kramers base their recipe off this original homemade drink. In the beginning it was just Maui Shrub Farm. After having a son and wanting to return to his roots, the two relocated to Bellingham and added Cascade Shrub Farm. Shrubs are versatile, making it easy to get a daily dose of apple cider vinegar. It’s a concentrated liquid, so mixing a few tablespoons with sparkling water produces a lovely, bubbly beverage. The Kramers routinely serve alcohol-free shrub drinks to their son, because it’s a great alternative to sugary sodas. Eric Bemis, general manager and bartender at Chuckanut Manor Seafood & Grill on Chuckanut Drive in Bow makes his own shrubs and loves using them in his cocktails. “The possibilities are endless, and they add that tang for sour/sweet balance that you usually have to get through citrus,” he says.

In The Know

The next time you’re having a drink with friends and someone asks you, “What the heck is a shrub?” you’ll have all the knowledge to provide the answer. Cascade Shrub Farm products can be found in Skagit Valley food co-ops in Mount Vernon and Anacortes, and at Community Food Co-op stores in Bellingham, along with other markets and local restaurants.

LIFESTYLE

Sweet Move

EWG’s Healthy Living

Chocolate Necessities’ New Digs

mauishrubfarm.com

CASCADE SHRUB FARM RECIPES SUNSEED SPLASH In a pint glass with ice, add: 2 oz. vodka 1 oz. Cascade Shrub Farm Raspberry Citrus Shrub • Top with sparkling water and garnish with lime.

SHRUBBY TEMPLE Start with a pint glass of ice. Add: ½ oz. Maui Shrub Farm Ginger and Hawaiian Chili Shrub ½ oz. Maui Shrub Farm Hibiscus and Orange Shrub • Top with sparkling water and stir gently

SHRUB SALAD DRESSING 2 tsp. shrub of choice (try hibiscus and orange) 1 tbsp. Maui Olive Co. Extra Virgin Olive oil 1/4 tsp. soy sauce to taste • Mix it up, pour in on, eat yummy salad.

CHUCKANUT MANOR RECIPE EL JARDIN Glass: Collins, rimmed with kosher salt 2 oz. Reposado tequila 11/2 oz. strawberry cucumber shrub Finn River Habanero cider • Fill glass with ice. Slide in 2 slices of cucumber. Add tequila & shrub, then fill with cider. • Garnish with mint tip and split strawberry. 

WRITTEN BY HAILEY PALMER

hocolate Necessities held a grand opening at its new location last fall, but that’s not all that’s new. The shop, which relocated to 1408 Commercial St., now features new equipment, gelato flavors, and an expansion on its beer and wine choices. There is also a new authentic Italian ice cream specialist on hand. Chocolate Necessities was first opened in 1986 by founders Kevin Buck and Mark Pantly. The idea started with a trip to Canada, where Buck had his first encounter with Callebaut, a century-old maker of high-quality Belgian chocolate. The men’s passion for artisan chocolates continues to grow, along with its other offerings. Besides its new Commercial Street location, where it moved after neighbor Pure Bliss Desserts expanded its bakery on Cornwall Avenue, Chocolate Necessities also has a store at 4600 Meridian St. Its downtown operation opened in August across from Mount Baker Theatre. Even with all the new items on the menu, chocolate is still the shop’s main attraction.  1408 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.733.6666 chocolatenecessities.com

APPS WE L VE

Environmental Working Group We are exposed to many chemicals every day from our cosmetics and foods. With EWG’s Healthy Living app, simply scan the barcode or type in a product name to see if there is an ingredient, nutrition, or processing concern. Search more than 200,000 products to pick the healthiest option.

Headspace: Meditation Headspace Inc. Our mental and emotional health is just as important as our physical health. With the Headspace Meditation app, you can listen to short audio clips to help you fall asleep, deal with anxiety, manage conflict, find happiness, and so much more. There are activities specifically for kids to help them calm down, fall asleep, and pay attention.

Winter Survival Kit Myriad Devices, LLC Headed up into the snowy Mount Baker wilderness? Download this app before you go. It can find your current location and notify friends and family if you are stranded somewhere. There’s also a survival packing list, information on preparing your vehicle for winter roads, and advice on what to do if you are stuck in a storm.

Waterlogged Day Logger, Inc. Drinking enough water is an important, but easy step we can all take to stay healthy and hydrated. With the Waterlogged app, you can keep track of how much water and other liquids you take in per day, make goals, and set reminders.

— Lydia McClaran

January 2019 27

LIFESTYLE

Five Faves

THE BELLINGHAM PODCAST AJ Barse and Chris Powell host The Bellingham Podcast, where they talk about the community they live in. Topics of discussion include technology, travel, watches, the outdoors, and anything else that interests the hosts. Barse and Powell are both Bellingham residents, where the podcast is recorded. It is occasionally recorded on location. The show is also available to listen to on-air on Bellingham's KMRE 102.3-FM. bellinghampodcast.com

FIVE FAVES

BELLINGHAM PODCASTS WRITTEN BY HAILEY PALMER

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TAPPED IN: BELLINGHAM’S CRAFT BEER PODCAST Tap Trail, local news source for craft beer, produces this podcast that focuses on the craft beer world. Dave Morales and Aaron Johnson sit down with brewers from the area and dive deeper into the local craft beer business. taptrail.com

CHEF TALK BELLINGHAM Laura McWilliams travels around Bellingham and Whatcom County to talk to people who work in kitchens about their stories and their food. It’s a podcast show that opens up a conversation and lets people see what goes on in the back of the restaurants they eat at.

Historic A UniqueHospitality Boutique

itunes.com

SPARK SCIENCE Regina Barber DeGraaff and Jordan Baker host this weekly radio show and podcast by the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention in downtown Bellingham. The two explore topics ranging from science, pop culture, comedy, and any other stories of human curiosity. sparkscience.podbean.com

PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE PODCAST A weekly podcast by Bellingham’s largest comic shop, The Comics Place, where staff members talk about the things they like and dislike about new comic releases. A perfect podcast for those with a secret or not-sosecret nerdy side. thecomicsplace.com

The Pacific Northwest’s Premier Historic Event Venue 360-647-1444 / I N F O @ L A I R M O N T M A N O R . C OM lairmontmanor.com - facebook - instagram

January 2019 29

SHOP

Savvy Shopper · Necessities · Local Find

An All-in-One Fitness Package for 2019 Fitness Gear and Training WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATE GALAMBOS

itness Gear and Training is unlike any gym or fitness gear store you’ll find in Bellingham, Whatcom County or even Washington, vice president and personal trainer Zac Palmer says. The facility is truly a three-in-one fitness business aimed at supporting customers in reaching their health and wellness goals. Located on North State Street in downtown Bellingham, it sells both in-home or “residential” fitness equipment, along with commercial equipment, and also operates a boutique-style gym. Palmer, along with his knowledgeable staff, will make sure those New Year’s resolution goals … continued on next page

… become a reality either in your own home with efficient equipment or as a member of the gym, or “family,” as Zac referred to his members. Zac’s parents, Patricia and Bob, started the business in 1989 as Fairhaven Health and Nutrition. “My mom really had the passion for fitness,” Zac says. When Zac was just 20 years old, he took over primary management of the business and quickly made it his own. In 2007, the business moved to its North State Street location and began incorporating personal training under the same roof. Today, the retail side of the business still plays an important role, but stands out with the addition of personal training and an original fitness program, “30-Minute Fit,” designed by Zac and his staff. On the retail end, Fitness Gear and Training assists customers through the purchase and installation of all equipment, along with performing any necessary repair. Customers will find in-home treadmills, spin bikes and ellipticals, as well as upper-body-strength stations from a variety of brands like Precor, Hoist, and Life Fitness. The store also works with commercial partners to design, install and maintain large gyms. In addition to large machines, the showroom has a variety of exercise equipment accessories and small fitness tools like kettlebells, dumbbells, and resistance bands. As for the gym, members will find an environment unlike most fitness facilities. The space is designed to avoid the classic intimidation that comes with large-scale gyms and instead create an inviting, intimate environment, Zac says. A few small rooms have just a handful of pieces of equipment, giving the facility an “at-home” feel with the benefit of professional equipment and staff. Zac and his staff offer personal training sessions for individuals or couples that vary in price depending on session length and number of clients. Special to Fitness Gear and Training is the 30-Minute Fit program Zac designed after finding fault with current group-fitness classes. Zac says that unlike other group fitness routines at places like CrossFit or Curves, 30-Minute Fit isn’t designed as a “quick-fix.” The program starts with an individual consultation to determine clients’ specific goals. From there, members can drop in for any of the three daily 30-Minute Fit windows, each of which operates for several hours and has personal trainers on the floor to allow members maximum flexibility and support. “All you need is 30 minutes. Anyone can make half an hour doable,” he said. Each 30-minute session incorporates 24 exercises in a circuit-style program designed to be progressive for all fitness levels. With just a 30-minute commitment, who can’t leave the excuses behind and in 2019 get to the gym?  1605 N. State St., Bellingham 360.671.5059 | fitnessgearandtraining.com

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New Year! New You! Featuring 1/2 price atoxelene with oxygen facial!

add either eye or lip treatment to your facial and get a take-home Intraceuticals eye mask. Offers valid from January 1st - 31st 2019. Restrictions may Apply. 804 10th St Bellingham WA

thechrysalisinn.com

360.392.5515

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1959.

Jack & Michelle Johnson

When it comes to servicing and repairing your garage doors and openers, no one does it better than Overhead Door. No matter what brand or model... from simple tune-ups and repairs to full replacement and upgrades...trust the experts at Overhead Door to get the job done right – right away.

202 Ohio St., Bellingham, WA | (360) 734-5960 | ohdbellingham.com

Organic Health and Bodycare

Certified Organic Essential Oils, Teas, Herbs, Salves and Balms Local, Pacific Northwest grown and sourced herbs EmsHerbals.com | 360.778.2295

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

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

SHOP Necessities

TruSportPak SmartVU Plus bracketron.com, $5

Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Leggings girlfriend.com, $68

Bombas Women’s Performance Running Ankle Sock bombas.com, $16

New Year, New Resolve: Exercise Must-Haves This. Is. It. The year you make a health and wellness goal and stick to it. The trick to following through is to have an arsenal of items that make it easy to want to improve your well-being. Set an intention with mala beads, and wear them to remind you why you exercise. Wear clothes you like and earbuds that won’t fall out! Have an after-workout food reward that’s also good for you. You’ve got this. Go, You!. — Sarah Sibley

Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel Chocolate primalkitchen.com, $35.99

6 34

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Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones amazon.com, $78

I Am Blessed Mala Bracelet iamblessedmalabeads.com, from $28 CAD

Attack That Closet

Fashion

SHOP

Clear the Clutter for New Year WRITTEN BY AUTUMN SORELLE, AUTUMNSORELLE.COM PHOTOGRAPHED BY LAURINE DECKER

very time a new year rolls around, it’s inevitable that I’ll get the itch to re-organize my life. Whether it’s cleaning every inch of my space, re-arranging furniture, going through my closet, or all of the above, the new year gives me both the inspiration and the motivation to make changes. And, the thing is… I get the feeling that I’m not alone in this. Right? For most of us, the new year is accompanied by the perception of a need for a clean slate. As a fashion blogger, I find organizing my closet and clearing the clutter one of the most satisfying elements of a new year. Here some tips.

THE ONE-YEAR RULE Go through your closet strategically — item by item — and think about whether or not you’ve worn each thing within the last year. If you haven’t, even if you think you might wear it “one day” (I am so guilty of this), it needs to go. Unless it’s something with meaning like a wedding dress, it’s just taking up space. Hanger Hack: Start the new year with all of your hangers facing backward. When you wear something, leave the hanger forward from that point on. When next year arrives, it makes it clear what you wore and what you didn’t, therefore easier to say goodbye to certain items.

SELL OR DONATE Once you’ve decided what you’re getting rid of, the following choice arises: to sell or to donate? I like to use an app on my phone called Poshmark to sell clothes, shoes, bags, etc. that are still in good condition. Another option is to try selling to a consignment store like Buffalo Exchange. Whatever is left over I recommend donating to places such as Goodwill, Value Village, etc. All of this takes maybe one or two Saturdays — it’s just a matter of setting aside the time.

TIME TO REFRESH At this point, you should be left with an orderly closet, full of pieces you know and love. If you’re lucky, you have a little bit of money in your pocket from the clothes you sold! It’s now time to refresh your wardrobe so you’re ready for the new year. ■■ Invest in good basics. Things like leather jackets, nice denim, black booties, neutral-colored tees — all the items you’ll wear consistently! ■■ Spice it up with a couple statement pieces. A fuzzy coat, a patterned dress, a colorful pair of shoes — you decide! You’ll be surprised not only how fun you feel but also how many compliments you’ll receive when you dress a little out of your comfort zone. Happy New Year and cheers to a clean closet!  January 2019 35

SHOP Savvy Shopper

Responsible Hair Care Alchemika Salon WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CATHERINE TORRES

823 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon 360.428.6272 | alchemikasalon.com 36

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THE SHOP Behind Alchemika Salon’s cheery periwinkle door is a bright, clean, full-service hair salon in Mount Vernon that puts equal focus on its customers and the environment. Eco-conscious, or green, salons like Alchemika sell eco-friendly products and offer services with an eye toward environmental health. For instance, Alchemika takes responsibility for early steps in recycling their salon waste. It’s part of the Green Circle Salon organization. Owner Terry Somers-Barnes and stylist Debi Mast received training to gain the salon’s green certification, which includes using things like hair clippings and the salon’s waste products to make the world a healthier place. One example: ocean booms made of recycled hair clippings that contain and soak up oil and chemical spills. Once the booms absorb all the hazardous material, they are brought ashore where the chemicals are extracted and disposed of properly.

THE ATMOSPHERE At salons like Alchemika, Green Circle sends compostable packaging for 98 percent of the salon’s waste and picks up the full containers every few weeks. Used foil and empty coloring tubes are melted down (the residual color and bleach are incinerated in a closed environment so the vapors don’t enter the atmosphere), old styling tools are recycled, and hair clippings get recycled into those ocean booms or sent to researchers who turn them into renewable energy. Salon staffers simply place waste in the proper receptacle and send Green Circle a monthly report. They charge a $1 eco fee per

client, a small price to pay for keeping the earth healthy.

KEY PEOPLE Salon owner and stylist Somer-Barnes, who also has training in permanent cosmetics, has more than 15 years in the hair and beauty industry, including work in management, sales, and business consulting. She also worked in the fashion industry for 12 years. Salon stylist Mast has more than three decades of experience as a stylist, salon owner and in customer service. Somers-Barnes stands behind Alchemika and other Green Circle Salons in the North Sound and elsewhere. “It’s so important for us to be a part of the solution as opposed to contributing to the problem.”

WHAT YOU’LL FIND Alchemika proudly uses and sells Italian-based Davines styling products. Davines is eco-friendly and uses sustainable measures everywhere, from the product ingredients to the food-grade plastic packaging which breaks down faster than other plastics or can be reused for things like succulent planters. Davines’ Liquid Spell ($45) is a modifying and reinforcing hair treatment; and its Dry Texturizer spray ($27) is a popular finishing product. Alchemika recently started offering online shopping via its website and Facebook page. Besides products, Alchemika offers salon services including haircuts, coloring, styling and treatments, facial waxing and long-lasting cosmetics like brow microblading, eyeliner, lipliner and full-lip color. 

January 2019 37

MORE CARE

LESS WORRY MICHELLE’S STORY OF CANCER & CARE

Barkley Cordata Lynden Ferndale Blaine • • • • • • •

Orthopaedics Women’s Health Work Injuries Sports Injuries Auto Injuries Post Surgical Hand Therapy

www.capstonept.com RN/Personal Trainer Certified Personal Trainer, NFPT 410 W Bakerview Rd Ste 106, Bellingham | morganhfitness.com

I’m definitely thankful for the doctors and the nurses. I felt like more than just a number, more than just a patient. Read Michelle’s Story at

MoreCareLessWorry.com

SkagitRegionalHealth.org

Arlington and Mount Vernon

WELLBEING Nutrition · Take a Hike · Beauty

Winter Comfort Butternut Squash Soup is Nutrient-Rich and Filling WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CASSIE ELLIOTT

his butternut squash checks all the boxes when it comes to comfort food that will warm you up from the inside out on even the coldest winter’s day. Although this is a low carb dish it still packs a punch when it comes to nutrients. Using coconut milk adds plenty of good fats and will help keep you feeling full for hours to come after you’ve slurped your last spoonful. A generous helping of toasted raw pumpkin seeds will make sure you are getting some much-needed magnesium which most of us don’t get enough of every day. … continued on next page

… To make this an even more satisfying meal add a great, big salad full of bright, colorful vegetables with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, feeling bloated or gassy, want to lose weight or just want more energy go to paleoperspective.com to join the 20-Day Sugar (and more) Detox to find out how easy it is feel great in only 20 days.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH Serves: 6 Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS 1 butternut squash, approximately 8 cups chopped 1 large yellow onion 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 6 oz. coconut milk 4 cups organic chicken broth

• Put squash and onions onto parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. • Roast for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. • Remove from oven and add to large stock pot. • Add chicken broth and coconut milk. • Add remaining ingredients and heat just until it starts to boil. • Remove from heat and let cool for approximately 5 minutes. • Using high-speed blender, blend soup in small batches until smooth. • Add broth to achieve your desired consistency. • Return to pot and keep warm until ready to serve.

TOASTED RAW PUMPKIN SEEDS 1 teaspoon avocado oil 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds 1/2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt • Heat the avocado oil in a medium size skillet over medium heat. • Add pumpkin seeds.

DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 425 F. • Peel squash, remove seeds and chop into 1-inch pieces. • Slice onion into ½-inch wedges. • Put both in a bowl, add oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.

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• Season with salt. • Stir often until most of the seeds have turned slightly golden brown. • Remove from pan and place on paper towel lined plate to cool. • Use to garnish soup. 

Nutrition

WELLBEING

First ‘Knee-versary’

I attribute this success to three very important “HAB” elements:

One Year Later, Custom Knee Replacement is Life-Changing

Yes, you are hurting – but there are still many exercises you can do to get in the best possible shape for your surgery. Count back six weeks from your surgery date, and prepare your body like your surgery is an athletic event. Work on strength, joint mobility, flexibility, and balance.

Editor’s Note: We detailed Bellingham resident Robin Robertson’s custom knee replacement surgery last January as an example of how medical advancements are changing lives of locals. Now, we’re checking in with Robertson, owner of the Bellingham Training and Tennis Club, to see how she’s doing. Here is her story: WRITTEN BY ROBIN ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER JAMES PHOTO STUDIO

nee replacement surgery is no joke. I’m a firm believer that surgery should be a last resort – after doing everything else possible first. I was afraid to my core to have my knee replaced – the fear is that I could be worse off than I already was. Thankfully, I am now better than I could have imagined. I was born with a rare condition in both my knees. I had my first surgery to remove all of the meniscus in half of my left knee when I was just 13 years old (by the way, they don’t use that technique any more). Then I had another six surgeries to fix the problems caused by that first surgery, and to correct for the massive damage from early onset arthritis. My leg was messed up from these surgeries and so a custom knee (designed by Massachusetts-based Conformis) was my only solution. That made my eighth knee surgery, total knee replacement, the right choice at the right time. I did not dare to believe that I could live a life with zero knee pain. But here I am, one year after total knee replacement surgery and feeling better than I have ever felt in my left knee. I love that I can walk and hike without knee pain. A whole new world is open!

1. PRE-HAB. DO THE PREP WORK BEFORE YOUR SURGERY.

2. RE-HAB. DO THE RECOVERY WORK AFTER YOUR SURGERY. A knee replacement is a traumatic event. Pushing too hard too soon will set you back. Not working hard enough won’t bring you progress. It is a delicate balance and important to work with a physical therapist you trust. Recovery takes time. For me, it was about 12 or 13 weeks before I felt like “me” again with full energy, ready to go.

3. MAKE IT A HABIT. KEEP DOING THE LIFE WORK. Don’t quit. Taking care of your new joint and your body is a lifelong responsibility. You have to keep doing the work to keep getting the results. You can get stronger. You can do more. If you aren’t sure how to go about this, get advice and guidance from a personal trainer so that you can feel like you are doing the right thing, with the right form, and feeling stronger every day.

10 THINGS I CAN DO NOW THAT I COULDN’T DO BEFORE, AND WITHOUT PAIN ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Go up and down stairs Walk without a limp Bend my knee further Hike carrying a backpack Stand in place for long periods Mountain bike Carry two big bags of groceries Wear high heels Deadlift 125 pounds Dance!  January 2019 41

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10 Ways To Add More Joy To Your Life

enry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote, “Into each life some rain must fall.” If you sometimes feel like your life is one downpour after another, it’s time to find some joy. And it’s easier than you might think. Being joyful has the power to help you bounce back from stressful events, solve problems, think flexibly and even fend off diseases.

SO WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, HERE ARE 10 SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DAYS BRIGHTER: 1. Do something you loved as a kid. Sing silly songs, splash in puddles or see how high you can swing. 2. Laugh at life’s hassles. No day is perfect. But there’s often something at least a bit amusing in challenging situations if you look for it.

5. Go for it. Stop putting experiences you want to try on hold. Bake a pie from scratch, learn to crochet or sign up for an indoor climbing class — explore what intrigues you. 6. Take a nature break. Look up at the sky, and see how blue it really is. Go on an early-morning walk, and delight in the dew on the grass. Let nature’s beauty soothe you. 7. Take a mental break. Close your eyes and imagine a place you love. Use all your senses. Are you drawn to the beach? Smell the salt water, feel the sun on your back and hear the crashing waves. 8. Spread happiness. When you get good news, don’t keep it to yourself — tell a friend. You’ll relive the moment and have the extra pleasure of your friend’s reaction. 9. Seek out happy people. Good moods are contagious.

3. Collect sayings or photos that make you smile Then stick them where they’re visible — on your refrigerator or at your desk, for instance — to look at when you need a pick-me-up. 4. Play a song you love. Imaging tests of brains show that music can release feel-good hormones.

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10. Develop your playful side. Joke with strangers in line, arrange nights out with friends or have a regular game night with your family.  For more healthy living tips, visit peacehealth.org/healthy-you.

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HEALING Mind, Body and Soul

he holidays are over and so is 2018, and we understand if you’re feeling a little bruised, weary, ready for a reset. January is a good time for that, and for some self-repair. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to find soothing balm. For some, gazing at a snow-topped Mount Baker, bathed in winter’s alpine glow, can do the trick. For others, it’s art or music, a day at the spa or in a bubbly tub. Healing — the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again — sounds perfect for this time of year. Over the next few pages, we give you some ideas to start repairing mind, body, soul. So find a comfortable nook, pour a mug of hot tea, and settle in. (You might want to gather some coloring pencils, too.) Enjoy.

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Let the Healing Begin

My First Trip to a Pot Shop Started with Nervousness, Ended with Hope

WRITTEN BY SARAH SIBLEY

’m standing in front of Anacortes Cannabis, a marijuana dispensary, ready to make my maiden voyage into legally purchasing marijuana. I have a mild case of anxiety and sleeplessness and I’m ready to try marijuana as relief. I’m a bit nervous, because I don’t “speak weed.” So, here goes nothing. Once inside, my ID is verified, and I’m greeted by the very friendly Raina Dobson, a budtender and supervisor, and Eugene Leonard, the owner. I tell them my ailments, and Leonard immediately asks me, “Have I ever used cannabis before?” My answer, “Not really,” leads him to recommend a tincture with a low dosage of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) with CBD (Cannabidiol) and CBN (cannabinol). Leonard explains to me that every person’s reaction to cannabis is different, so they like to start with a lower dose of THC. “The thing about cannabis is that you have to find what works for you.” He takes the time to explain THC and CBD, Indica strains, Sativa strains, and Hybrid strains. “Indica strains are more calming. We like to call them “indacouch.” Sativa are more of a stimulating, uplifting, mind-focusing type of cannabis.” I’m feeling better already. The store itself is nice, and quite busy the day I’m there. It’s divided in to a CBD room and a THC room. Dobson, the budtender, explains they keep them

separate so it’s easier for customers to find what they are looking for. In each room, the walls are filled with clear packages showcasing little green nuggets of marijuana with tags indicating the THC and CBD content and plastic vials of concentrates — oil extracted from cannabis plants. Glass display cases hold edibles, individual joints, topicals, and glass pipes and vaporizers for using marijuana flowers and oils. What makes Anacortes Cannabis stand out is the adjacent business, Anacortes Natural Medicine. The naturopath on staff can help you understand the benefits of medical marijuana, how to get a medical authorization, and provide a recommendation before you go next door to purchase. All in all, this was an incredibly positive experience. I don’t know what I was nervous about. The professionals at Anacortes Cannabis helped a novice like me understand the differences in their products, which could work for me, and how the products provide relief. I left with a sleep tincture, a topical lotion and a dark chocolate bar. Let the healing begin! 

Anacortes Cannabis 7656 State Rte. 20, Anacortes 360.588.6222 | anacortescannabis.com January 2019 51

Reconnecting with Our Food Community Garden Feeds Soul

WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY DEAN DAVIDSON

n our era of mega grocery stores and Blue Apron-like businesses delivering prepped meals straight to our doors, it is easy to be disconnected from the food we eat. These convenience-first methods to feed ourselves and loved ones further separate us from the soil, seed and work it takes to grow fruits and vegetables. Until I had the opportunity to grow my own vegetables in our 200-square-foot plot in the Fairhaven Community Garden, I had rarely considered where my food came from. Working in the garden over the summer settled my mind, worked my body and, eventually, gave me fresh vegetables. The City of Bellingham rents 195 community garden plots for just $40 annually. In addition to the rental fee, my partner and I spent around $80 on compost and seed for our first season. Along with a good amount of time and sweat, our investment certainly paid off financially as we bought very few vegetables from the grocery store July through September. The most beneficial aspects of the garden were not monetary, however. I recall picking our first zucchini and looking at this beautiful plant in disbelief, “I grew that,” I thought, “Wow!” From the first eight-hour day spent tilling the soil and planting seed, to hot days weeding, I enjoyed it all. One benefit to the garden I never expected was the opportunity to build community with people I would have never met otherwise. As newcomers, our plot neighbors offered gardening tips and advice — as well as extra produce from their gardens. It didn’t take long to see that Kenny and I alone would not be able to eat all that our garden could produce. We shared tomatoes, zucchini and yellow squash with friends and family and found new ways to cook and store what we couldn’t eat fresh. I look forward to another summer season that will challenge both my body and mind. 

To help you get started on finding your own community garden, see: Whatcom County: cob.org Skagit County: extension.wsu.edu San Juan County: communitygarden.org 52

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Plants Offer Options For Backyard Medicine Cabinet

WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS

arden-grown fruits and vegetables aren’t your only healthy options. Consider these medicinal plants that can be grown at home. 

Many reference books are available on the subject. A popular one is Rosemary Gladstar’s “Medicinal Herbs, A Beginner’s Guide.”

SPILANTHES

Good for: Numbing properties offer relief to toothache pain.

CHAMOMILE

Good for: Soothing digestive issues and reducing skin irritation.

NETTLE

Good for: Strong antiinflammatory properties promote healthy skin and relieve allergic reactions.

MEADOWSWEET Good for: Decreases inflammation and reduces pain. Commonly used for heartburn, fevers and ulcers.

ECHINACEA

Good for: Boosting immune system and helping to fight infection.

MOTHERWORT

LAVENDER

Good for: Stress relief and settling anxiety.

Good for: Anxiety, menstrual cramps, symptoms of menopause and inducing labor contractions.

PEPPERMINT

Good for: Alleviating nausea and irritable bowel syndrome.

January 2019 53

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

Ways to Exercise your Brain: Puzzles, Juggling, Even Adult Coloring

WRITTEN BY MERI-JO BORZILLERI | ILLUSTRATED BY MARIAH CURREY

e’ve all done it — walked into a room only to forget why; forgotten someone’s name mere seconds after an introduction; kicked yourself for failing to recall the name of a famous singer or actor or movie title; or completely missed an appointment, even though you wrote it down. Frustrating, yes. But also unsettling. Should you be worried? In many cases, no. Studies have shown that you can help prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia with habits like getting enough sleep, staying physically active, socializing, not smoking or drinking to excess, and eating a balanced diet, says research from Harvard Medical School. It also shows that exercising your brain — just like your body — helps maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them. Companies like Lumosity use science to develop various games to sharpen your brain. But here are some other ways to do that.

PLAY CARDS

Bridge’s intricacies, strategy and social component make it good for your brain. But many card games will give you a mental workout.

JUGGLE

Scientists have found practicing this skill tweaks your brain cells. The brain’s “white matter,” the areas that hold outgrowths of nerve cells that connect different cells, grows when we juggle. Best of all, you don’t have to be good at juggling to grow your brain. “More white matter on its own might mean you can move more quickly, but you’d need the gray matter to make sure your hands were in the right place,” said Arne May, a German scientist, in NewScience magazine. Don’t worry — you don’t have to juggle forever. Even when you stop, the brain matter’s growth remains.

PLAY WORD GAMES

Number puzzles like Sudoku helps with problem solving, memory and strategy. The idea is it activates parts of your brain that you don’t normally use in everyday activity, says a story in a Humana newsletter. But to maintain the benefits, you have to keep making the games more challenging by increasing the puzzle’s difficulty. Crossword puzzles can be fine, but change your routine to do different games on a regular basis.

USE YOUR SENSES

A study showed that pairing images with, say, a smell, made it easier to remember them, said the Harvard Medical School story. Engage as many of your senses

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as you can: Try to identify, through smell, different spices in a dish. Close your eyes and try to name different textures, by feel, in artwork. Listen to music and pick out various instruments.

SOCIALIZE

New people, new conversations, new settings. Getting out of the house helps. Go ahead and party. It will help your brain!

CONTINUE TO LEARN

A high education level is connected to better brain function as you get older. But you can also exercise that academic brain now. Take a college class. Bellingham’s Western Washington University provides tuition waivers for people 60 and over to “audit” — or sit in on — courses. (See wwu.edu for more information.) Learn something new or refresh your memory from college or high school classes. The key is “the new.” A Harvard Medical School study found that while a job can keep you mentally active, a hobby, a new skill or volunteering for a project that involves a new skill can also help improve memory.

SAY IT OUT LOUD

Repeat what you want to remember. For instance, if you’ve just been introduced to someone, say, “Hello, Caroline. When did you meet James?”

USE A PLANNER

This frees up brain space to learn and remember more important stuff. Don’t let your brain get too cluttered with things like maps, directions, shopping lists and appointments that can easily be trusted to your phone calendar or old-school desk calendar. Keep a designated space for those annoyingly easy-to-misplace items like car keys, wallet or purse, glasses, etc.

FINALLY, COLOR (OPPOSITE PAGE)

Adult coloring is said to activate the parts of your brain used for motor skills, logic and organization. Keeping your mind sharp sometimes requires giving your brain a time-out. Now socially acceptable — it IS, right? — adult coloring has come to hobby shops and dentist waiting rooms. The concept is nothing new to people who tune out with other relaxing, meditative activities like weeding or knitting, which require your attention to be focused on something other than self-awareness, according to the Cleveland Clinic newsletter, “Health Essentials.” After all, can’t we all use a break from outside events? The simple act of coloring relaxes the brain, and it’s low-stakes. Go ahead. Color outside the lines. We don’t care. We’ve provided a canvas for you on the opposite page. Grab some colored pencils and disappear for a while. 

January 2019 55

Fit Plan For Life

recently had a baby. It’s a wonderful thing, having children. He’s this tiny perfect person, who just happens to have stretched out my skin, made me operate on the brink of exhaustion for almost a year now, and helped cause a 45-pound weight gain that, let’s just say for a woman over 35, is not easy to get rid of. Not to mention I had about 20 to lose before getting pregnant to begin with!

So, it’s time to act. What do you do? There are so many fad diets and different types of eating that it’s hard to know what to choose. I was blessed to find a personal trainer, Morgan Herkert of Morgan H Fitness, who covers fitness, lifestyle, and dietary changes. The idea behind her philosophy is simple: clean eating and strength training. Unlike many fad diets, this approach focuses

Written by Jenn Bachtel

BellinghamAlive.com

on dropping the pounds in the most natural, healthy way possible while getting strong, fit and creating healthy eating habits that will last. Sounds great! The reality is trying to find the time and energy while working fulltime as the office manager right here at Bellingham Alive magazine, raising a daughter and now an infant son, taking care of my home and fiancé. I wasn’t sure I

could pull it off, but I read a sign in Morgan H Fitness during orientation that inspired me to keep trying and get a routine down. It said, simply: “Goodbye comfort zone.” It couldn’t have been clearer for me. If I want to change, I have to throw away my old routine and make a new one. So, that is exactly what I did and here is how I’m doing it.

Fitness

Twice weekly One-hour strength training in gym with personal trainer, Morgan H Fitness, located in the same center as my workplace.

When: Lunch break.

Once a week Hot yoga class for one hour at the gym, included with the package. When: 5:30 p.m., after work.

Twice weekly One-hour at-home cardio exercise of my choice.

Nutrition Four rules dictate my daily eating schedule:* 1. A meal one to 1.5 hours before workout; 2. A postworkout snack; 3. A meal no later than one hour post-workout, and 4. Eating every 2.5 to 3.5 hours during the day. Then I received my personalized meal menu. A sample day looks like this:

7 a.m. ½ serving fruit (half an apple or banana) 10 a.m. ¼ cup complex carb (Choices: brown rice, quinoa, sweet potato, yam, ½ whole wheat English muffin, or 1 slice whole wheat bread); ½ serving fruit; one whole egg plus 4 oz. egg whites scrambled with veggies of my choice

1:00 p.m. Unlimited fresh veggies of my

choice; 3 oz. of protein (lean chicken, poultry, flank steak, or tofu), ¼ cup complex carb. Tip: Make a salad or lettuce wrap here using homemade dressing recipe (see next page)

4:00 p.m. 1 oz. nuts; ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt.

The Concept

You need fuel and so do your muscles. 1.5 hours is average digestion time. This will keep you from becoming hypoglycemic and ensure all blood volume is out of the digestive system before your 5:30 p.m. hot yoga session.

6:30 p.m. Following hot yoga session: 5 oz. fruit; 20 grams of protein

7:30 p.m. 3 oz. protein, 6 oz. veggies 10:00 p.m. ½ cup cottage cheese; 1 avocado The Concept *Each dietary plan and portion requirements are tailored to a person’s size, age, fitness goals, etc. No two plans are the same.

Your body doesn’t turn off at night just because you do. As you sleep, fat and protein from this late-night snack won’t be stored as fat — it will help repair micro-tears in your muscles from strength training.

January 2019 57

Favorite Recipes Salad dressing 1⁄3 cup apple cider vinegar; lemon squeeze; 1.5 tbsp. Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp. minced garlic, salt and pepper, capers. Mix, chill, and serve. Make-ahead snack Quarter 1/2 apple, slice one large carrot into thin spears, slice three celery stalks into thin spears, quarter 1/2 cucumber. Place all into a Ziploc bag, add a dash of salt and double that of pepper. Shake bag thoroughly. Put in fridge overnight for tomorrow’s snack.

Protein Bread 1 1/2 cups almond flour 6 eggs, separated 3 tbsp. olive oil 3 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 1 pinch of salt Separate egg whites, add cream of tartar, beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In food processor combine egg yolks, oil, flour, baking powder and salt. Mix until combined. Scrape sides. Add egg whites and mix in. Pour into a buttered 8x4 loaf pan. Bake 30 mins.

Cold Asian Salad 1 tsp. avocado oil 3 tbsp. soy sauce 2 tsp. rice vinegar Squeeze of lime Pepper 3 tbsp. sugar-free Szechuan sauce or red pepper flakes 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 1 red bell pepper, sliced in strips 2 cups sliced mushrooms 1 bunch celery, chopped small 2 cups shredded carrots 1 whole large cabbage, sliced in strips 2 tbsp. fresh minced garlic 1 onion, chopped 10.5 oz. protein (minced chicken; flank steak, chipped; or ground turkey) 10 oz. unsalted cashews or peanuts

In large frying pan, sauté your protein, garlic, and pepper. Set aside in bowl. Add avocado oil, rice vinegar, and Szechuan sauce to the frying pan, then toss in all veggies except cabbage. Fry until soft and then add cabbage, cook very al dente, add nuts, stir. Remove from heat. Add meat mixture. Transfer into seven airtight containers and chill. Grab one each day for lunch. Switch up your protein and veggies for a new flavor next week. Try quartered Brussels sprouts if you like them!

Substitutions This kind of clean eating leaves us with limited choices and can get boring fast. My motto: Can Substitute, Do!

White Rice

Cauliflower Rice

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White Rice > Cauliflower Rice Spaghetti Noodles > Zoodles (zucchini noodles) Toast > Protein Bread (see recipe) French Fries > Baked yam fries

Noodles

Zoodles

Week 1: Anxious but excited

First day of fitness was scary. I really didn’t know what to wear, what to bring, or what to expect. My personal trainer, Morgan, had told me to get a protein shake mix and a muscle-recovery drink with BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) for workout days. Then came the dreaded measurements. Morgan measured my chest, hips, waist, and asked me to tell her my current weight and let her know if that was with or without shoes. Inside my head I’m yelling, “Girl, that is dry, naked, and standing on one leg, reaching upward!” But I just said a simple “Without shoes.”

Week 2: Sore but proud

The biggest challenge I’m facing is time management. With all the food prep, I need to be more organized. But having to cook meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and arranging to pack enough snacks is adding about 40 minutes to my routine. Nutrition is going OK. It’s hard to eat that often. I’m trying to get all the meals in on time. The training sessions are hard! We are tearing and building up muscles and it’s not easy work, for sure. The muscle-recovery drink that I got helps noticeably with soreness.

Week 3: Hangry and over it

I’ve lost five pounds on the scale. Morgan reminds me I am also gaining muscle mass, so don’t spend too much time checking your weight just yet. I’m getting sick of the same food over and over, except the Asian salad and the nighttime avocado and cottage cheese — love those daily. Feeling tired and over it. It’s hard to keep going, but I’m committed. I’m learning a lot about gym equipment and terms. Starting to have some tasks I can’t complete, I keep trying to tell myself the goal is to master it over my 10-week session, not on Week 3! © Ihailey Hoffman

Week 4: Determined

Morgan Herkert of Morgan H Fitness

Education: Registered nursing degree. Morgan is also certified with the National Federation of Personal Trainers (NFPT) and in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) She is currently pursuing a 200-hour yoga instructor certification through Power Yoga Academy. Completion date: February 2019 Accomplishments: Nationally qualifying figure competitor (a class of bodybuilding) at the 2016 Emerald Cup. Also appeared in the Macklemore video, “Dance Off.” Background from Morgan: I have had the pleasure of working as a nurse for 19 years. My passion for helping others has never ceased but has evolved from healthcare into fitness and beyond. My personalized approach to good health blends nutrition, resistance training, Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga and lifestyle modification. By combining my medical background and my passion for fitness, I have designed a safe program for all, including those with injuries or physical limitations. Morgan H Fitness 410 Bakerview Rd., Bellingham Morganhfitness.com

Re-visited nutrition, found some things I was doing wrong and made some adjustments. Struggling to work out the two days on my own. In fact, I haven’t really done it more than twice. Making a better effort to keep that in check. Still trying to master hot yoga class, or come remotely close to doing most of the positions. It’s about 85 degrees in the gym and very fast-paced. I fall over a lot. Morgan’s class is small and go-at-your-own-pace if you need to modify or stop. I keep trying to get better and I do notice a flexibility difference already.

Farewell 2018: Resolute! Cheers to 2019 Counting my recent nearly two-week vacation, it’s been seven weeks since I started. I’ve been working my butt off at home and with Morgan H Fitness, along with eating clean. I have lost eight pounds, two inches around my hips, one inch around my waist, 1.5 inches around my chest, and almost all of my bad eating habits. I have gained so much stamina and strength already and I am just getting started. I have gained a new attitude of achievement through hard work and patience. Mostly I have gained a new outlook on my overall health and fitness. I have definitely lost my way a few times, especially on vacation, but I am committed to getting to my goal before my upcoming wedding next year. I am so glad that I chose to give this program a try. It’s unlike fad diets where I would drop a lot of weight initially and then eventually quit at my plateau, only to regain the weight later. I have developed skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle and work hard for lasting results. I never feel sick or bloated after eating but rather feel as if I fueled my body for the work I need it to do for me. I intend to continue on my path and reach all my fitness goals in the months to come.

January 2019 59

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Carlson and Dr. Amber Severin, includes an experienced endodontic staff. We provide the highest standards of professional care in a friendly environment.

Dr. Carlson

Bellingham Office 2219 Rimland Dr. Suite #403 Bellingham, WA 98226 360.966.8354 Mount Vernon Office 130 15th St. Suite 3101 Mount Vernon, WA 98274 360.428.4393

Dr. Simcock

northsoundendodontics.com

Dr. Severin

Cascade Hypnosis Center At Cascade Hypnosis Center we help people every day do amazing things that have lasting results. Hypnosis works even when everything else has failed. Schedule your complimentary consultation now to learn how hypnosis can help you. We help people: ■■ Lose Weight ■■ Stop Smoking ■■ Reduce Stress and Anxiety ■■ Improve Motivation, Self-Confidence, and Self-Esteem ■■ Improve Relationships ■■ Remove Unwanted Fears and Behaviors ■■ Overcome money blocks and increase vision, confidence and clarity to provide massive business growth for business owners and entrepreneurs. ■■ With other issues as well, including working with Kids and Teens

Erika Flint, CEO, Cascade Hypnosis Center, Board Certified Hypnotist and Accredited Certified Professional Hypnotherapy Instructor

Our mission is to provide compassionate and professional hypnotherapy services that are customized for each individual client. We love helping you be your best. Complimentary consultations offered daily. Call us now — you’ll be glad you did. Shannon Wallace, Certified Hypnotherapist “My experience with Erika changed my view on hypnosis and I felt a significant difference after just one session with her. The experience was powerful. You will love working with her.” — Client Testimonial

BellinghamAlive.com

Cascade Hypnosis Center 103 East Holly Street Suite 403,Bellingham 360.392.8723, CascadeHypnosisCenter.com

the Health & Medical Profiles

Ferndale Family Dental It is our mission to deliver total health dentistry: care based on prevention and whole-body health and wellness. We believe that optimal oral health is best achieved by partnering with our patients to determine the best preventive, therapeutic, and esthetic treatment options available. Our approach to dentistry is not a “one size fits all.” A smile is as unique as the person who wears it. It’s not just about a smile; it’s about your smile…for life!

TOTAL HEALTH DENTISTRY In the past, we all thought of cavities and gum disease as something separate from a person’s overall health. However, as studies continue to emerge, the growing concerns about the evident connection between a person’s oral and overall health can no longer be lightly regarded.

Cavities and Acute Health Issues Tooth decay or cavities is one of world’s most common health problems. Nine out of ten adults over age 20 have some form of tooth and root decay.1 Ignoring the risk factors or forgoing needed treatment could lead to pain that interferes with daily activities, and, in rare cases, life threatening infections.

Periodontal Disease and Chronic Health Issues

disease and Alzheimer’s disease has been established. 2 Cardiovascular health and diabetes has a two-way relationship with periodontal disease. 3,4 The presence of periodontal pathogens can be detected in joint replacement treatments and osteoarthritis. 5

Our Approach to Dental Health The mouth and body are connected. I believe the mouth is the gateway to the body, and we are the gatekeepers. While we offer the “pound of cure” type treatment for cavities, periodontal disease, and cosmetic needs, at Ferndale Family Dental, we place emphasis on the “ounce of prevention” as key to truly experiencing the benefits of good dental health. Identifying and tackling these risk factors is our first priority, while having your desired end goals addressed and met.

A significant associate between gum and bone (periodontal)

1. Dye BA, Tan S, Smith V, Lewis BG, Barker LK, Thornton-Evans G, Eke PI, Beltrán-Aguilar ED, Horowitz AM, Li CH. Trends in oral health status, United States, 1988-1994 and 1999-2004. 2. Miklossy, J. (2011). Emerging roles of pathogens in Alzheimer disease. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, 13, E30. doi:10.1017/S1462399411002006 3. Dr. V.I. Haraszthy. J.J. Zambon. M. Zeid. R.J. Genco. (2000). Identification of Periodontal Pathogens in Atheromatous Plaques. Journal of Periodontology. Vol. 71, Issue 10. doi.org/10.1902/jop.2000.71.10.1554 4. M. Altamash , B. Klinge (2016). Periodontal treatment and HbA1c levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. Vol. 43, Issue 1. doi.org/10.1111/joor.12339 5. Garth D. Ehrlich, Fen Z. Hu, Nicholas Sotereanos, Jeffrey Sewicke, Javad Parvizi, Peter L. Nara, Carla Renata Arciola. (2014). What role do periodontal pathogens play in osteoarthritis and periprosthetic joint infections of the knee?J Appl Biomater Funct Mater. 12(1): 13–20. doi: 10.5301/jabfm.5000203

Michael Sacro, D.D.S. was born and raised in sunny Southern California. When he was in high school, his family sold everything they had, moved to the Philippines, and served as missionaries in the beautiful island of Palawan. It was because of his missionary encounters there that his life was changed forever. He decided that service was his calling, so he decided to pursue a career that would enable him to do just that. After high school, Dr. Sacro graduated with honors from Southern Adventist University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in biology with a biomedical emphasis. He attended Loma Linda University to train for a career in dentistry. Throughout his dental education, Dr. Sacro participated in various dental missions in San Bernardino County in California. He also went overseas to care for the underserved communities in Bangladesh and Belize. Dr. Sacro is a recipient of the American Dental Association’s Certificate for International Volunteer Service. Dr. Sacro practiced in South Texas for two years before moving to Whatcom County with his wife and two dogs. He enjoys all areas of comprehensive dental care, from preventive treatment to simple restorations, to crown and bridge work and cosmetic dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Mt. Baker District Dental Society, Washington State Dental Association, and American Dental Association.

Ferndale Family Dental Michael Sacro, D.D.S., Ferndale Family Dental 6004-A Portal Way, Ferndale 360.384.3440 | ferndalefamilydental.com

January 2019

the Health & Medical Profiles Whatcom Eye Surgeons Whatcom Eye Surgeons works with your family eye care provider to deliver personalized patient care. We encourage you to consult first with your eye doctor, who can provide information, discuss options and recommend a medical or surgical consultation with us, if appropriate. Our experienced, local team practices comprehensive ophthalmology, and includes:

Kristi Bailey, MD

Leigh Gongaware, OD, MS

A graduate of Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Bailey engages patients with her bright energy and expertise in cataract surgery and medical retinal disease. She completed her ophthalmology training at Casey Eye Institute.

Dr. Gongaware’s excellent communication and great compassion demonstrate her dedication to keep patients’ vision healthy and strong. Her medical optometry expertise compliments our surgeons as she provides comprehensive pre- and postoperative services to patients. Dr. Gongaware is a graduate of the Pacific University College of Optometry.

Brett Bence, OD Dr. Bence reveals his extensive knowledge and dedication to medical eye care in his compassion for patients. He is a partner in helping them understand their vision problems. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Ingrid Carlson, MD Dr. Carlson specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and surgery, including strabismus treatment for adults and kids. She delights in helping people see and her enthusiasm energizes staff and patients alike. She is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine.

BellinghamAlive.com

Medical and Surgical Eye Care: ■■

Cataracts

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Glaucoma

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Medical Retina

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Pediatrics

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Strabismus

Aaron Kuzin, MD Dr. Kuzin practices cataract, glaucoma and anterior segment surgery. With warmth and caring, he encourages patients’ understanding and participation in their treatment. Dr. Kuzin completed his medical training at Harvard Medical School and the University of Southern California/Doheny Eye Institute.

Justin Wright, OD Dr. Wright provides medical eye care with specific interests in ocular disease and strabismus. Patients find comfort in his thoroughness and easy-going style. He graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry, with additional training at The Eye Institute of Utah and Moran Eye Center.

Whatcom Eye Surgeons 2075 Barkley Blvd., #205, Bellingham 360.676.6233 whatcomeyes.com Hours: 8–5, Monday–Friday

Local Doctors Serving Whatcom County since 2007

COMING SOON! North Whatcom Health Center

Unity Care NW is expanding to meet the growing need for affordable and accessible health care services. Our new health center, located off of I-5 on Portal Way in Ferndale, will provide integrated primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to 9,500 north Whatcom County residents. Learn more about the capital campaign and how you can help at unitycarenw.org/north-whatcom-health-center or (360) 788-2628

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Stephanie Cramer to our practice in January. Schedule an Appointment: 360-733-4800 northwesteyeclinic.com Dr. Cramer is accepting New Patients 3015 Squalicum Parkway, Ste. 260 Bellingham, WA 98225

OF THE

SILVER

of the

2015

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

of the

2017

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

Thank you to all our loyal clients for their continued support over the years, we are thrilled to be recognized year after year and could not do it without you!

ARE YOU IN PAIN? we can help, the Natural Way

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Karlberg & Associates, PLLC LITIGATION • BUSINESS • MARITIME • MEDIATION 432 W. Bakerview Rd., Suite 101, Bellingham

360.325.7774 • karlberglaw.com

the Health & Medical Profiles Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery We strive to provide all of our patients with quality surgical services, with the compassion and sensitivity you deserve, as our patient.

Background Information Oral and maxillofacial surgery requires additional years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia training after graduation from dental school. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Subedar manages a wide variety of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and facial regions. Dr. Subedar practices a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from dental implant surgery and wisdom tooth removal to corrective jaw surgery. This also includes techniques designed to rebuild bone structure with minimal surgical intervention and optimal patient comfort. We can also diagnose and treat facial pain, facial injuries, and fractures. Our staff is trained in assisting with Intravenous (IV) sedation or outpatient general anesthesia in our state-of-the-art office setting. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery.

Surgical Staff The surgical staff at Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery are experienced, certified oral and maxillofacial surgical assistants, who assist in administration of IV sedation and surgery. We also have a trained registered nurse (RN) to assist in surgery. All staff are informed administrative personnel, wellversed in health and insurance policies, and are CPR certified. “From the front desk to the nurses, Dr. Subedar and his staff are great. They are honest and even if you're a first time patient they make you feel like you've been with them for years. I'm very glad I was referred to this office. I was put under and even my ride said it was a great office and he enjoyed the coffee that was offered. Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

Ashoka Subedar DMD is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. He was trained at the University of Miami, a major trauma center, allowing him extensive experience in trauma and reconstructive surgery. This program also emphasized maxillofacial pathology. Dr. Subedar performs wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, orthognathic and TMJ surgery. He has a special interest in facial rehabilitation using major bone grafts. Originally from northern Manitoba (Canada), he grew up with an appreciation for the outdoors and a love for hunting and fishing. A veteran of the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League, he was drafted by the Flin Flon Bombers. Today, he remains an avid hockey fan.

Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Hours (both locations): Mondays: 9am–4pm, Tues–Fri: 8am–4:30pm Bellingham Location 200 Westerly Rd. Suite 102 Bellingham, WA 98226 P: 360-647-4262 | F: 360-527-0110 nwoms@nwoms.org | nwoms.org

“Dr. Subedar and his team are both professional and personable, a rare combination. In as much as a person can enjoy a procedure like those which his office addresses, I think I had an enjoyable experience. I would recommend him for skill level alone, but the fact that he has a wonderful personality makes him all the better. Like most medical offices, staff tend to be a reflection of those they work for, it is clear Dr. Subedar's staff are a reflection of his kindness and professionalism.”

Mount Vernon Location 230 South 15th Street, Suite A Mount Vernon, WA 98273 P: 360-424-9860 F: 360-424-9861

January 2019

the Health & Medical Profiles Cascadia Eye Primary Eye Care? Yes, but so much more. The doctors and staff at Cascadia Eye know the importance of primary eye care — from preparing your child for their first day of school to dealing with the effects of aging on your vision. Even more, we know the value of establishing a relationship with your eye doctor to serve you for years to come, no matter the need — we take great pleasure in providing long-term family care for over thirty years. But we also bring more than regular vision care! Since its foundation in 1985, Cascadia Eye's team has focused on bringing in experts and specialists to cover every vision need they possibly can — and as a result, now proudly offer specialization in cornea, glaucoma, and even contact lens custom fittings (for medical purposes and more). We are also the exclusive provider of Cascadia Eyewear, locally designed and sourced by us for you, to meet a real need for independent eyewear with top-quality, eye-catching designs at non-inflated prices.

Meet the experts: Nannette Crowell, MD

Carlindo Pereira, MD

Dr. Crowell, founding doctor and Board Certified Ophthalmologist, received her degree from Loma Linda School of Medicine. She specializes in clinical work to include diabetic, glaucoma, dry eye, and highrisk medication exams. And, as one of the few ophthalmologists who contracts with local vision plans such as VSP and NBN, she provides special expertise to wellness exams for teachers, UPS drivers, and many other employee groups.

Dr. Pereira, Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Cornea Specialist, first graduated from medical school in South Africa, coming later to the US for ophthalmology residency at Loma Linda University. He then received subspecialty training in refractive and cornea surgery with Dr. Francis Price. Dr. Pereira performs state-of-the-art cataract surgery and cornea surgery, but he also enjoys seeing patients for all aspects of eye care.

Steven Turpin, OD, MS Dr. Turpin received his degree from Pacific University College of Optometry, and completed an additional residency at Pacific University, specializing in Cornea and Contact Lenses. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Vision Science. His areas of interest include specialty contact lens design and medical applications for scarring, irregular corneas, and more. He also sees patients for primary and medical eye care.

BellinghamAlive.com

cascadiaeye CROWELL|SIAPCO|PEREIRA

Wellness Vision Exams to include glasses and contact lens prescriptions ■■

Medical visits for diabetes, glaucoma management, dry eye treatment & more ■■

Cataract consultation & dropless surgery ■■

Corneal specialty consultations & surgery ■■

LASER surgery (YAG, Argon, SLT, MicroPulse) ■■

Contact lens fittings and specialty lens fittings, including keratoconus ■■

Full-service optical department with in-house lab and locally-designed frames ■■

Cascadia Eye 3115 Old Fairhaven Pkwy Bellingham, WA 98225 360.424.2020, CascadiaEye.com

Cascadia Eyewear

Available at five other locations: Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Anacortes, Whidbey Island

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Dr. Emily Sharpe, ND The Natural Health Clinic 1707 F Street, Bellingham

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Facials + Natural Cruelty-Free Products + Anti Aging + Anti Redness + Anti Acne + Peels Sensitive to all skin types, Sensitive to the planet, Sensitive to animals, Sensitive to our communityâ&#x20AC;Ś donating part of our revenue every month!

Sensitive Skin Clinic

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HABITAT Home Remodel Tips and Tricks · Home Health

Keeping Your Home ‘Healthy’ A Guide to Making Your Indoors Safe WRITTEN BY MERI-JO BORZILLERI

tand still too long here in the midst of a soggy Pacific Northwest winter, and you might see moss sprout on your shoulders. Oh, we exaggerate. But have you checked your roof lately? Or your gutters? You should, because all kinds of things grow and collect there. Here in the North Sound, we have to pay particular attention to what water and rainfall does to our homes, both outside and in. And that’s not all — smoke from increasing wildfires is altering our summers and our lives. With rooftop moss, mold, carbon monoxide and other hazards in mind, we turn to our sanctuaries: Our homes. They are our safety zones. But an increased awareness in environmental — and environmentally caused — hazards means we must work even harder these days to keep them safe for us and our families. In this, our annual Health and Wellness issue, we offer some advice, from state, national and local organizations, on how we can make our homes safer and healthier.  … continued on next page

HABITAT Home Health

1) Sign up with the U.S. Department of Health and American Lung Association for a Free Healthy Home Checkup and get a Home Environmental Assessment List (HEAL) from them to find out about home health hazards like mold, lead, asbestos and chemicals (lung.org). 2) Test your home for radon, an invisible, odorless gas released when uranium naturally breaks down in soil, rocks and water. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. You can get an inexpensive test kit from most home-improvement stores. Read more about it on epa.gov, the U.S. government’s Environmental Protection Agency website.

3) Same goes for carbon monoxide monitors. Get them for outside your bedrooms. 4) Make sure your bathrooms and kitchen have exhaust fans, and a dehumidifier in the basement to prevent allergy — and illnesstriggering mold.

5) Inspect your chimney and flues every year, or at the beginning and end of fireburning season, to look for creosote buildup, clogs, and cracks. This goes for cleanburning gas fireplaces too — a bird’s nest or other materials can wreak havoc with your chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (csia.org) can help.

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6) Get your roof inspected and gutters cleaned at least once a year. Bellingham’s A1Builders (A1builders.ws) has a handy checklist of things to consider.

7) Test smoke detectors monthly and have them placed on every floor and outside bedrooms. Change batteries at least once a year to avoid the ear-piercing 3 a.m. wakeup call that will rattle you and your pets. 8) With wildfires becoming a fact of life in our Northwest summers, think about upgrading the furnace’s air filter, or those in your central heating ventilation and airconditioning system. Washington state’s Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov) is a good resource.

9) How often should you change air filters? We found a variety answers ranging from one to three months. Angie’s List says if it looks dirty, change it. Simple, right? If you have pets or people with allergies, change it more often. 10) Portable air cleaners that can be placed in various rooms are a good investment to help a range of trouble from allergens to smoky air from those wildfires. Get the Environmental Protection Agency’s (epa.gov) Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home, just released in August, for tips on selecting a portable air cleaner, furnace filter or HVAC filter.

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HABITAT Remodel

Home with a Better View Sudden Valley Makeover WRITTEN BY JENNIFER RYAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY KATHERYN MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY

hy should a home have a view from just the kitchen, but not the rest of the house? That was the challenge posed to me by my clients on this remodel in Sudden Valley, on the outskirts of Bellingham. And I do love a challenge! After the client sent me Pinterest, Houzz, and other online inspiration, I had gleaned a pretty good idea of their tastes. I knew I wanted their new home to feel like a place where the family could be comfortable and that is user-friendly for both kids and adults, with open spaces that still felt warm and cozy. To open up the main floor living space, we took down two walls that originally enclosed the kitchen, dining, and family room. By doing this, all these areas gained new light and a view. The oversized island became the focal point of the space. Warm gray cabinets and a brick backsplash added texture and color. We chose not to have upper cabinets in the kitchen, and instead built open shelving that matched the new exposed beam in the family room. The fixtures are a combination of matte gold and black. Throughout the home, oversized bright white trim was added to all the floors, windows and doors. The floors were replaced with dark distressed wood, complementing the white walls and trim. The fireplace in the living room was refaced with encaustic cement tile — where the pattern comes from different colors of clay rather than the glaze — and a faux-beam mantle. Although the living room is the smallest room on the main floor, it is perfect for the family to sit by the fire with a good book, or to play games. Sharing a meal is now a treat from both the island and large dining table, with the lake view being front and center. My clients made a good decision and stayed in their rental home until the remodel was mostly finished. This made the remodeling process much easier on everyone involved, and at the end of the project I was told “You made all my Pinterest dreams come true!” There is no better feeling than happy clients.  74

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

BEST PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET This month: Homes for the New Year! A new year means a fresh start — and there’s more than one way to go about it. Whether you’re looking for a home that’s a bit of a fixer upper, new construction, or maybe build your home on the lot of your dreams. We have it all in Whatcom County! Take a look below and see what a new year can bring.

1.  Waterfront beyond compare. An amazing level one acre building site is perfect to design the home of your dreams. Take advantage of this panoramic, unobstructed view to the San Juan Islands. Evening views will capture sunsets and the distant city lights of Vancouver. Site has electric and water to property At one time there was a home with a working septic system. As eagles soar overhead, relish in the natural beauty of this private, peaceful, and quiet retreat. 8471 Semiahmoo Dr., 1.1 acres $500,000 MLS: 1324198 Vancouver Blaine | Semiahmoo

Bellingham

2.  One of a kind — beachfront home with southern exposure that offers incredible views to the San Juan Islands. Eagle’s favorite tree sits at the edge of the waterfront. Birch Bay Village amenities include sandy beaches with great access! Classic single story — built solid to last a lifetime. This home has a timeless floor plan making the most of each room. Not a single step — ideal for aging in place with windows that capture the view. Charming porte cochere entry with courtyard patio — a must see! 5709 Nakat Way, 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 2,484 sqft $729,000 MLS: 1347956

3.  New construction at Semiahmoo! 3 bed 1.75 bath mid-century modern style single level home with sharp modern facades & clean lines. Open & expansive floor plan, 10 ceilings, 8 glass doors, no steps, wide hallways make this a perfect ‘forever home’. Gourmet Euro-style kitchen with grand island. Signature outdoor rooms. Enjoy in floor radiant heat & AC along with the latest in high efficiency appliances, products, & materials. 3 car garage (710 sqft.) is perfect for extra storage or hobby space. 5463 Wood Duck Lp., 3 Bed, 1.75 Bath, 2,245 sqft $699,900 MLS: 1366552

KATHY STAUFFER

Whatcom County...Even when it rains, I shine! Managing Broker 360-815-4718 kathystauffer.com January 2019 75

AT GALLOWAY’S COCKTAIL BAR

JOIN US!

Menu Classic Gin Gimlet

Galloway’s Tossed Green Salad

Rose’s Greyhound

Brie, apple, ﬁg jam, & baguette

Toasted Hazelnut Old Fashioned

Petite meat & cheese plate

Galloway’s Nog

Nanaimo Bar from Pure Bliss

Visit Bellingham Alive’s Facebook page or SipsOfTheSeasonWinter2019. eventbrite.com for info and tickets

COCKTAILS , FOOD, AND FUN!

Sunday JANUARY 20TH 1 P.M. to 3 P.M.

Join us at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar as master mixolgists share their bar secrets and how to make 4 wonderful winter cocktails, perfectly paired with small plates from their brand new menu.

Tickets $45

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door the day of the event.

Ticket Price Also Includes: • Swag Bag • Raﬄe Ticket • Keepsake Glass

DINE

8 Great Tastes · Dining Guide · Mixing Tin · Sip

Get Fueled with Fresh Flavor Big Love Juice WRITTEN BY KATE GALAMBOS PHOTOGRAPHED BY BEAU GAUGHRAN

veryone wants to start the new year fresh. Fresh goals, maybe a fresh new haircut or a few fresh additions to the wardrobe. But how about fresh food? This year, stop into one of two locations of Big Love Juice. Located in downtown Bellingham in the Herald building and in historic Fairhaven, Big Love Juice offers customers a menu full of fresh options unlike anywhere else in town. Customers will find cold press juice, smoothies, acai bowls, salads, espresso, tea, and homemade toast stacked high with toppings. The wide variety and reasonable prices make the health food cafe stand out from others like it. “We want to make healthy food as … continued on next page

… accessible as we can for as many people possible,” says Elisa Brackenhofer, Big Love Juice public relations person. The company name is meant to convey the business’ mission to provide all kinds of customers an inclusive space with a healthy, fresh menu, she said. The downtown Bellingham location opened in March of 2018 and was quickly followed by the second location opening in Fairhaven in June. In addition to the two cafes, Big Love Juice also operates a cheery event space also open to customers, the Big Love Juice Boardroom, connected by a hallway to the Fairhaven shop. The foundation of Big Love Juice’s menu lays with cold press juice, which is unlike traditional fruit and vegetable juices due to the juicing process. Cold press juice — raw, organic and unpasturized — is made through a hydraulic press, rather than high heat methods that eliminate much of the 78

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vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. The menu features seven cold press juice blends ($6.49 for 12 oz. and $6.99 for 16 oz.) as well the option for a pure juice or a create-your-own blend. Customers looking for something a little heartier can also pick from 10 smoothie options for the same price as cold press juice. Soups, salads, bowls and loaded toasts make Big Love Juice a spot for a full meal as well. For breakfast try the More Love Morning Bowl, which features granola, your choice of vegan coconut yogurt, goat or cow yogurt from Gothberg Farms in Bow or Samish Bay, blueberries, strawberries, apples, and toasted almonds for $8.29. For something greener at lunch, the Simple Green Bowl ($9.99) offers a delicious combination of spinach, microgreens, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, beets, blueberries, all topped with a lemon vinaigrette.

While all this talk of sprouts, cold press juice and vegan yogurt can be intimidating, Brackenhofer recommends a simple solution for newbies — choose menu items that just sound “yummy,” she says. “You don’t have to make a huge life change.” For people looking to get a taste, Big Love Juice features a three-day bundle program where customers can take home enough juice, smoothies, and/or Mighty Mini superfood wellness shots for three days. The Refresh bundle comes with three cold press juices, six Mighty Minis, and three tulsi-lavendar infusions for $45 (tulsi, also known as “holy basil,” has Hindu roots and is known for its therapeutic properties). Each juice, smoothie or infusion is prepared in advance, bottled and ready to be enjoyed.  1149 N. State St. & 1144 10th St., Bellingham 360.383.5336 | biglovejuice.com

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 * Review provided by restaurant.

WHATCOM BIG LOVE JUICE American 1149 N. State St. & 1144 10th St., Bellingham 360.383.5336, biglovejuice.com The foundation of Big Love Juice’s menu lays with cold press juice, which is unlike traditional fruit and vegetable juices due to the juicing process. Cold press juice is made through a hydraulic press, rather than highheat methods that eliminate much of the vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. The menu features seven cold press juice blends ($6.49 for 12 oz.; $6.99 for 16 oz.) as well the option for a pure juice or a create-your-own blend. Customers looking for something a little heartier can also pick from 10 smoothie options for the same price as cold press juice. Soups, salads, bowls and loaded toasts make Big Love Juice a spot for a full meal as well. For breakfast try the More Love Morning Bowl, which features granola, your choice of vegan coconut yogurt, goat or cow yogurt from Gothberg Farms in Bow or Samish Bay, blueberries, strawberries, apples, and toasted almonds for $8.29. For something greener at lunch, the Simple Green Bowl ($9.99) offers a delicious combination of spinach, microgreens, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, beets, blueberries, all topped with a lemon vinaigrette.

THE BIRCH DOOR CAFÉ American

Dining Guide

DINE

4192 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.306.8598, birchdoorcafe.com The Birch Door Cafe does not fall short on charm, variety, or serving size. Brunch enthusiasts will be delighted by the three pages of breakfast options. Dishes include traditional pancake breakfast platters, French-style baked omelets, egg scrambles and Benedicts, and plenty more. When it comes to Eggs Benedict, the Northwestern delivers. The sauce is creamy and full of complex flavor, never approaching bland. The most famous item on the menu is the apple pancake. The 3-inch-tall soufflé-style pancake is filled with fresh apples and piled with high with a cinnamon sugar glaze. Listen for the ringing of the kitchen bell every time one of these massive breakfasts is served.

THE GRILL Greek 1155 E. Sunset Dr., Bellingham 360.306.8510, thegrillbellingham.com A peek into The Grill’s kitchen will reveal the lamb rotisserie, which awaits carving for your order of a Traditional Gyro. The tzatziki sauce is creamy and refreshing without being overpowering. The pita is crisp-grilled and holds up well to the moisture of the sauce. The chicken gyro sports very nicely grilled lean chicken. But perhaps the best dish is the crisp, fresh Greek salad with olives, feta, and a Greek dressing that is neither too garlicky nor bland.

B-TOWN KITCHEN AND RAW BAR

HOMESKILLET American

Seafood, American

521 Kentucky St., Bellingham 360.676.6218, homeskilletinsunnyland.com

714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham 360.671.1011, fourpointsbellingham.com If fresh shellfish is your gastronomic highlight, you’re in the right place at B-Town Kitchen, in the former Poppe’s 360 space. The Seafood Tower for Two offers plenty to sample; items from the Small Plates menu, like thick handsliced strips of Calamari Steak, make terrific appetizers or adult beverage-worthy snacks. For an entrée, the Double R Ranch Ribeye Steak, is sauced with Oyster Mushroom demiglace, and served with sides of fresh seasonal vegetables and togarashi red potato mash.

CHIHUAHUA MEXICAN RESTAURANT Mexican

KEENAN’S AT THE PIER

5694 Third Ave., Ferndale 360.384.5820 chihuahuamexicanrestaurant.com

Northwest, American & Seafood

Dine in at one of the largest Mexican restaurants in Washington and experience the authentic cuisine that has come from more than 15 years of dedication to excellent food. Using family recipes passed down for generations, Chihuahua Mexican Restaurant will not only leave you full, but deeply satisfied.

804 10th St., Bellingham 360.392.5510, thechrysalisinn.com Casual yet elegant. Keenan’s at the Pier, located inside the Chrysalis Inn & Spa in Fairhaven, features fresh, local cuisine and a full bar. Keenan’s highlights the beauty and style of the Pacific Northwest with fresh ingredients that are seasonal and regionally sourced. Enjoy Bellingham Bay views from every table where breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner are served daily. Brunch on Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended.

FORTUNE MANDARIN Chinese/Mandarin 1617 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon 360.428.1819, fortunemandarin.com

KURU KURU SUSHI Japanese/Sushi

Tea warmed over a candle, delicious drinks with a slight exotic twist, tender and flavorful almond chicken, and warm and mildly spicy Mandarin shrimp with broccoli are expected at this peaceful bar and restaurant with Chinese decor. Try the to-die-for meals such as the Szechwan chicken with varying vegetables cooked to perfection, the orange chicken with real orange pieces accentuating the dish, and the egg rolls with the right amount of crunch. The owner and staff remember regular patrons, creating a sense of community with their hospitality and mouthwatering food.

Owners Tina and Kirby named their restaurant after one of their favorite lines in the movie Juno, when the main character calls a store clerk “homeskillet.” The skillets on their menu came afterward, but are now one of the eatery’s most popular items. A small skillet is filled with perfectly-fried potatoes, eggs, and toppings you choose. Try Tina and Kirby’s personal favorite: the poutine, home fries smothered in traditional gravy, topped with fried eggs, and cheese. Homeskillet can’t be beat with its friendly service, colorful atmosphere and ultimate comfort food.

11 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.392.8224, kurukurubellingham.com KuruKuru Sushi, which translates to “go around Sushi,” offers not only a good meal, but a good experience. Some of the offerings, like the Dynamite roll, are lightly tempura fried before being put on the conveyor belt to travel around the restaurant to hungry patrons. More traditional, classic sushi, like the raw salmon (which is buttery and delicious) also travels on the belt. A variety of non-fish related faire, like gyoza, egg rolls, and desserts are also offered. If you don’t see something you like,

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the chefs behind the counter will gladly make something for you. LYNDEN DUTCH BAKERY American 421 Front St., Lynden 360.354.3911, lyndendutchbakery.com

Open 7 days a week with daily drink specials all day

Happy hour 3–6pm

The biggest restaurant in Whatcom County

5694 Third Ave., Ferndale 360-384-5820

SEATTLE | BELLEVUE | SURROUNDING AREAS

Guests of Lynden Dutch Bakery will have a hard time picking just one sweet treat. Options include pies, donuts, fritters, cakes, and seemingly countless more. The wide variety of scones are some of the shop’s most popular items. It also has options for visitors missing their sweet tooth. Breakfast items like eggs, bacon, and breakfast sandwiches incorporate in-house made bread and bagels. The shop pours a Fidalgo Coffee Roasters specialty breakfast blend. Incorporating, as well as supporting, other local businesses is important to the owners. Fruit pies use berries grown just a few miles from the shop, and the owners sell many of their pastries to local businesses for wholesale.

MENUS • RESERVATIONS CURRENT NEWS • INTERVIEWS CULINARY EVENTS

MAGDALENAS Crêperie, European 1200 10th St., Ste. 103, Bellingham 360.483.8569, magdalenascreperie.com

MENUSEATTLE.COM

WE PUT superhero IN OUR GENETICS!

Paris, London, New York, Vancouver, and Bellingham have them. Little shops where the aromas of sweet and savory crêpes, custom sandwiches, and hot soup du jour fill the air. With a formidable selection of crêpes, it’ll take more than one trip to decide which is better, sweet or savory. But at this eatery, it is criminal to pass up the sweet little numbers filled with velvety smooth vanilla-flavored cream cheese, white chocolate, and your choice of fresh fruit. A crêpe option for every crêpe crave.

Prime Grade Beef, Prime Cut Burger ANGUS

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RANCH

ÖVN WOOD-FIRED PIZZA Pizza 1148 10th St., Fairhaven 360.393.4327, ovnwoodfiredpizza.com The clean lines and urban upscale atmosphere of this pizza restaurant promises some very good food — and they deliver on that promise. They also serve crispy salads and excellent cocktails. Dining here is a perfect way to spend an elegant lunch or intimate dinner.

no antibiotics no added hormones

addiesangus.com 360-399-9213

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SALTINE New American 114 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.392.8051, saltinebellingham.com The short and sweet menu is described by owners as “new American comfort.” Dishes range from $8 to $24. Comfort classics are woven with nods to international flavors and technique. The Italian arancini comes with three fried risotto balls stuffed with plenty of mozzarella cheese and drenched in red sauce. The crunchy exterior is reminiscent of the Deep South’s hush puppies, but the risotto and mozzarella filling provides a more complex flavor and texture. For an entree, the grilled pork tenderloin is a delicious and filling meal for a steal of a price at just $16. The moist

Dining Guide

DINE

pork cuts like butter and is accompanied by crispy polenta, broccoli rabe and an au jus sauce. Be sure to scoop up every last bit of au jus with the crispy polenta. Saltine also offers a long list of European and American wines along with eight craft cocktails, all under $10, and local beer on tap. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to close.

Paella Night!

SKAGIT ENCORE Epicurean Dining 5984 North Darrk Ln, Bow 360.724.0124, theskagit.com/encore Located within The Skagit Casino Resort, the newly remodeled and re-energized Encore restaurant strives itself in creating everything in house from scratch by utilizing fresh and natural ingredients from locally sourced products. Inside the room, featured photographs of personalities from the music industry, recognizing The Skagit Casino Resort’s long history with entertainment; a platform that differentiates them from local competition. Take an epicurean dining adventure and discover one of the best restaurants in the region. RHODODENDRON CAFÉ American 5521 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6667, rhodycafe.com Owners Lisa Cooney and Jim Kowalski knew they wanted their restaurant to have a focus on fresh, local Washington ingredients when they took over the Rhododendron in 2013. That goal is realized through the place’s cozy, home-style feel. Even the pew-like benches that line the walls were built by a local carpenter. Small glass vases hold fresh-picked zinnias that sit next to small paper dessert menus on pressed wood tables, giving the air of a family dining room. Kowalski, also the head chef, specializes in Northwest seasonal cuisine. The Rhododendron changes its menu three times a year to follow what is fresh, in season, and available. One of their more popular dishes, a tender bone-in pork chop with apple-brandy crème, ($28) brings spinach from nearby Edison, apples from the garden, pork from Bellingham, and spätzle into a warm conglomeration of home-style cooking. It doesn’t skimp on serving size, either. It’s enough food to fill any weary traveler, especially when paired with a wedge salad ($10, also deliciously fresh). Order the chicken saltimbocca with risotto ($21) for a flavorful and hearty entrée, and save room for the coconut cake with pineapple cream frosting ($8.25), good for sharing. 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 anything tickles your fancy, you can take some home with you to enjoy later. Salt & Vine is a prime location for a midday snack, or a stop after an evening stroll on the docks. While some choose to grab-n-go, others choose to stay a while. Salt & Vine offers a cozy, intimate environment for enjoying a date night or a happy hour with friends.

CULINARY EVENTS January 10, 5:30 p.m. Old World Deli in downtown Bellingham will be serving the popular Spanish rice and seafood dish. Colored with saffron and decorated with sliced lemons and fresh shrimp, the colorful dish provides a wealth of flavor in every bite. Remember to make a reservation so you don’t miss out on this traditional savory stew. Old World Deli 1228 N. State St., Bellingham | oldworlddeli1.com

Gluten Free Expo in Vancouver January 12–13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Are processed grains and gluten a no-go? Well, rediscover your love and satisfy your cravings for pizza, pasta, and beer at the Gluten Free Expo in downtown Vancouver. Take educational classes on the gluten-free lifestyle, or simply sample foods and collect coupons from more than 100 brands that have become part of the rapidly growing gluten-free market. Day passes are $12 in advance online and $15 at the door. Vancouver Convention Center, East 999 Canada Place, Vancouver | glutenfreeexpo.ca

Wine Tasting January 17, 5:30 p.m. Hotel Bellwether’s monthly event provides tastings of wines from Washington wineries like Forgeron Cellars, Mark Ryan, and more. Each winery will bring a minimum of six varietals for guests to try while listening to relaxing live music and indulging in light appetizers provided by the hotel. Hotel Bellwether 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham | hotelbellwether.com

27th Annual Robert Burns Supper January 19, 5:30 p.m. Spend an evening sipping whisky and snacking on haggis in honor of the 260th birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Start with a social hour and continue on to dinner while listening to poetry readings from Burns and enjoying Scottish folk songs that tell the history of Scotland. Littlefield Celtic Center 1124 Cleveland Ave., Mount Vernon | celticarts.org January 2019 81

SEEDS BISTRO AND BAR American

Miller’s Back Door G Ingredients: House barrel-aged genever, lavender bitters, house-made sour, egg white, butterfly pea blossom extract. $13

623 Morris St., La Conner 360.466.3280, seedsbistro.com From soups to sandwiches, salads or “weeds” as they call them, and bigger entree options, Seeds Bistro and Bar has something for everyone. There’s a carefully curated meat and cheese plate ($21) highlighting cheeses from places like Mt. Townsend Creamery and Acme Farms Cheese. The regularly rotated selections are garnished with candied nuts, crackers, and pickled blueberries from Bow Hill Blueberries. Try one of the seasonal pasta dishes made with fresh pasta, or an order of shucked oysters ($18) topped with a clean, cold horseradish “ice cream.”

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elatively new to Bellingham’s downtown bar scene is Miller’s Back Door, attached to Rumors Cabaret. The cocktail lounge opened about a year ago and its bartenders have been serving masterfully crafted drinks since. Pictures of shirtless men and artistic nudity line the walls of the intimate space. Consider Miller’s Back Door the more laid-back version of Rumors. Managing mixologist Dakota Etley created and named the G after a college professor who is a regular at the lounge. The mix of the ingredients creates a powerful, but not overbearing, fruit-like taste, highlighted by a burst of rose flavor. After the initial pour, the drink could easily be mistaken for a simple lemonade, but the butterfly pea blossom extract causes the cocktail to change color as it moves down in the glass. The drink is then garnished with rosewater-infused sugar spheres that fizz on the tongue like Pop Rocks. The flavors in the drink come together to create a multitier effect on the palate and something reminiscent of a fresh, botanical garden.  — Hailey Palmer 1119 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.671.1849 | backdoorbham.com

SKAGIT RIVER BREWERY American 404 3rd St., Mount Vernon 360.336.2884, skagitbrew.com Inspiration bred from English and German brews and made with Yakima Valley hops and Northwest barley and wheat, Skagit River Brewery produces the finest beers with distinguishable tastes. If you prefer heavy beer, go for the Steelie Brown, a rich, malty brew that is light on bitterness and hops. Try Sculler’s IPA or Gospel IPA if you want a combination of crisp and refreshing flavors of citrus and grapefruit with varying degrees of hoppiness. Seasonal beers also appear on the menu for locals to try something new. For those under 21 or those preferring non-alcoholic options, check out Skagit River Brewery’s homemade root beer and even have the root beer float for dessert. To complement the beers and non-alcoholic drinks, the brewery also prides itself on its selection of foods from wood-fired pizza to Chelan cherry wood-smoked ribs to clams simmered in a lemon sauce. Beer brings people together. At least it’s proven so in the Pacific Northwest. So, if you’re an avid beer drinker or know people who are, come to Skagit River Brewery to enjoy the ales and agers brewed in town.

SAN JUAN CATKIN CAFÉ American 11 Point Lawrence Rd., Olga 360.376.3242, catkincafe.com The menu of this Orcas Island eatery may be small, but it is mighty. Breakfast and lunch are served until 3 p.m. Their menu features meat and produce grown on the island, incorporated into dishes such as Baked Eggs in Eggplant, Zucchini in Tomato Stew. 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., Orcas Island 360.376.8059, doebay.com Whether you’re heading toward the San Juan Islands or don’t mind taking a trip

Sip

DINE

Dark Beers for Dark Days WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY NEAL TOGNAZZINI

t probably doesn’t feel like it right now, but the days really are starting to lengthen. The solstice is behind us (only just), and that summer trip you’re planning to the Oregon Coast is inching nearer. But don’t let your daydreams distract you from appreciating the beauty of winter while it is upon us. And the best way I know of honoring the season is to stock the fridge with grown-up hot cocoa: that’s right, dark beer. Among casual beer drinkers, dark beer sometimes get an undeservedly bad rap. I think a lot of people assume that a darker color automatically means a heavier and more alcoholic beer, but in fact the color of a beer has nothing to do with its weight or alcoholic strength. Beer is just fermented spiced barley tea, but before the brewing can begin, the malted barley must be dried or roasted, and this is what drives the color of the final product (from straw to gold, red, brown, even inky black). The alcoholic strength and weight of a beer, on the other hand, come from the quantity of barley used in the brewing process, as well as how many unfermented sugars are left behind in the final product. Since these are independent variables, they can be controlled separately. Take Guinness, for instance. If you haven’t tried a Guinness in awhile and have in your mind that it’s one of those chewy, I-could-drink-this-for-dinner type of beers, think again. Despite its nickname as “the black stuff,” Guinness isn’t even black (more like dark brown with some red flecks thrown in), and it’s exceptionally light in both alcohol (just over 4 percent alcohol by volume) and body. Now, not every stout is like Guinness, but the case of Guinness shows that even dark beer can be light and playful. Closer to home,

consider the Dunkel lager from Chuckanut Brewing Co. The barley has been kilned at high temperatures, which is what gives this beer its dark hue, as well as its flavors of nuts and brown bread crusts, but the Dunkel still manages to be a crisp and refreshing lager. Of course, there is a time and place for broodier and contemplative dark beers that require a hearth, an armchair, and a whole evening. In my view, that time is now and that place is your living room (or wherever you keep the armchair). Even here, though, there is an enormous range of flavors to consider. Milk stouts, for example, are dosed with lactose during the process, which is a sugar that typical yeasts can’t digest, meaning it’ll still be in your glass at the end of the process. The lactose makes your beer taste like melted milk chocolate. (If you popped a marshmallow in the microwave as an accompaniment, I wouldn’t blame you.) On the other hand, if you reach for a Russian Imperial Stout, you’ll be opting to taste prunes and unsweetened chocolate, maybe with some coffee and caramel thrown in. And if you want something even more intense, look for something that’s been aged in a whiskey barrel. Just make sure you have a friend on hand for good hearthside conversation (and to help you finish the 22-oz. bottle). So what local dark beers will help you endure these next few months? If I were you, I’d spend some time getting to know Wander Brewing Co. Two of their staples are the Global Mutt Baltic Porter and the Correspondent Foreign Extra Stout, and both are outstanding. And you might still be able to score a waxed bottle of their Vanilla Emissary Bourbon-Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with vanilla beans added. Take it home, cozy up, and let it snow.  January 2019 83

DINE Restaurant Review

Coffee, Healthy Food, and A Comfy Place to Wait for the Ferry Salty Fox Coffee WRITTEN BY SARAH SIBLEY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARK GARDNER

round these parts, we’re all tourists on someone’s island, but there’s something familiar, welcoming, and very local about Salty Fox that makes this a go-to every time I’m on San Juan Island. Located steps from the state ferry dock, the coffee shop, housed in a historical hotel building, has a little bit of everything — drinks, baked goods, art, greeting cards, scrumptious rice bowls, and most importantly, comfy places to sit. Owner Andrea Hampton purchased the space in July 2016 after working in the shop’s previous café. For years she had worked on the island in the insurance industry and joked to friends that she “just wanted to serve coffee to people.” When the opportunity presented itself, she decided to change her life and follow her dream. As a result, the café reflects her spirit. She sources inspiration, and a lot of the art for sale in her shop is from the Portland independent coffee scene. Her coffee comes from Blue Star, an independent, artisanal roaster in Twisp that she can personally connect with. She immersed herself in coffee, understanding sourcing and brewing methods. “I started taking responsibility for the process to really show people I care,” she says. When putting together her 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. For breakfast, choose from a Yogurt Parfait ($4.84) or a Breakfast Burrito ($8.77) or a few other savory options. Her rice bowls are my favorite option at $7.15 each. Try the Savory Pesto Bowl — jasmine rice, organic scrambled eggs, basil pesto, avocado, sprouts, carrots, chia and hemp seed. In the afternoon, you can grab a small plate like cheese and crackers ($5.50) or a selection from the salads — Sweet Potato Quinoa Avocado Salad ($11), as well as daily specials, and new items are added all the time. It’s a healthy menu, both in size and ingredients, for a small café. Guests can take anything to go, including wine and beer, much of which is locally made on the island. Salty Fox is closed January but will re-open for normal service in February, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.  85 Front St., Friday Harbor 360.622.2486 | saltyfoxcoffee.com

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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 philosophy of taking good care of their visitors by providing world-class seafood and vegetarian dishes. Choose from breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections such as Huevos Rancheros with free range, organic over-easy eggs with black beans on griddled corn tortillas, Goat Cheese French Toast, or the Pan Roasted Troller Point King Salmon.

GREAT TASTES

INN AT LANGLEY American 401 1st St., Langley 360.221.3033, innatlangley.com There’s really no place for dinner like the Inn at Langley in our area. As a guest, you’re taken on a mouth-watering culinary journey through a 12-course tasting menu. Not only is it a delight for the taste buds, but there are surprises almost in each course, whether it’s the presentation or the accoutrement. On the night we were there, the menu included some exquisite dishes: whipped eggs, caviar and chips, and salmon rillette, served on a plexiglass surface with an iPad underneath that rotated through pictures of local scenery. The whipped eggs, caviar and chips were a curious combination of satin and crunchy, with flavors of light cream, oil and salt. When the beef rib, mustard and citrus pickle were served, each server blew out what we assumed was just a candle, but was actually warmed cumin oil, and poured the oil over the dish. Buttery, rich meat melted on my tongue, just as the cumin oil had melted over the ribs. At $160 per person (prix fixe, additional charge for wine pairing) you’ll enjoy more than just a dinner. It’s an experience.

The following selections have made it past our taste bud test and into our top eight this issue. Step out and give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.

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$ $ $ $ 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. For breakfast, choose from a Yogurt Parfait ($4.84) or a Breakfast Burrito ($8.77) or a few other savory options. Her rice bowls are my favorite option at $7.15 each. Try the Savory Pesto Bowl – jasmine rice, organic scrambled eggs, basil pesto, avocado, sprouts, carrots, chia and hemp seed. In the afternoon, you can grab a small plate like cheese and crackers ($5.50) or a selection from the salads–Sweet Potato Quinoa Avocado Salad ($11), as well as daily specials, and new items are added all the time. It’s a healthy menu, both in size and ingredients, for a small café. Her coffee comes from Blue Star, an independent, artisanal roaster in Twisp that she can personally connect with. Guests can take anything to go, including wine and beer, much of which is locally made on the island.

3 4

Fairly new to downtown Bellingham is Saltine. Its focus is American comfort food, and that shows in the steak frites. The 10-ounce, flat iron steak with herbed horseradish butter is perfect to cure a craving for an American classic. The Sriracha mac ‘n’ cheese from Flyers Restaurant and Brewhouse at Skagit airport in Burlington is a must-have for anyone in the area. It’s loaded with bacon, chicken, Sriracha and cheddar jack cheese, then topped with toasted bread crumbs and a splash of maple syrup. Served with sour cream and house-made salsa, the porterhouse quesadilla from The Porterhouse Pub in Mount Vernon flawlessly blends mozzarella, black beans, tomatoes, and green onions into a crisp flour tortilla. Pulled pork, carne asada, grilled veggies, and grilled chicken breast are available as add-ins. For those in Friday Harbor looking to get a seafood fix, the clam chowder at Downriggers is the place to go. Bacon, potatoes, clams, onions, celery, carrots, and the classic creamy broth make this chowder hard to beat.

5 6 7 8

Rocky Bay Cafe in Friday Harbor usually has a wait for a table, but it is more than worth it. The biscuits and gravy, served with a side of hash browns, makes for a perfect first meal of the day. The red wine au jus that comes with the French dip at downtown Bellingham’s Brandywine Kitchen perfectly completes what is already an outstanding sandwich. The combination of all-natural roast beef, roasted onions, bread, and jack cheese is something that can’t be passed up. You can’t beat the hand-carved, in-house corned beef hash from The Birch Door Cafe on Meridian in Bellingham. Mixed with grilled peppers, onions, home-style potatoes, and served with two eggs, it gives a new look to an old and beloved classic. The option to buy pizza by the slice is a huge perk anywhere. At Goat Mountain Pizza Co., in downtown Bellingham, the potato bacon pizza features Yukon Gold potatoes, applewood smoked bacon, and a shiitake-thyme cream sauce. Available in half or full slices, you’re definitely going to want a full one. — Hailey Palmer

January 2019 85

C A S IN O• R E S O R T theskagit.com • On I-5 at Exit 236

AGENDA

Featured Events · Listings · The Scene · Final Word

No Man’s Land Female-focused Adventure Film Festival at Western JANUARY 31, 6:30 P.M.

Courtesy Kathy Karlo, No Man’s Land

he Western Washington University Outdoor Center will be hosting a stop of the all-female adventure film festival that seeks to “un-define feminine” in the outdoor world and inspire more women to pursue their passion for adventure. The films feature women across the globe and how they embrace challenges the natural world has to offer. The festival, originally based in Colorado, is making stops throughout North America. Prior to the screening, there will be a mocktail hour to meet and network with other adventurous outdoor women and allies. General admission is $10.  Fraser Hall — Western Washington University 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.3112 | nomanslandfilmfestival.org

AGENDA Events

CASINOS CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE WINEMAKER’S DINNER JANUARY 7, 5:30 P.M.

Spend a luxurious, private evening at 13moons restaurant with fellow wine connoisseurs, learning more about Chateau Ste. Michelle’s best wines. Enjoy a course of roasted butternut squash with duck confit and another of braised short rib as part of the five-course meal that pairs perfectly with each round of wine. Swinomish Casino and Lodge 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes 888.288.8883 swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

performing internationally influenced music. With their community-focused performances, the chorus and artistic director Dustin Willetts hope to appeal to people of all backgrounds. Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com JOHN MCEUEN & THE STRING WIZARDS

Are you in need of a good laugh? Bill Engvall has got you covered. Make a stop at the Tulalip for an evening of standup by the nationally known comedian who has been part of the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour,” hosted the game show “Lingo,” and has even appeared on “Dancing with the Stars.” Tulalip Resort Casino 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip 888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

CLASSICAL 9TH WELCOME HOME CONCERT WITH COMPOSER ADAM BILLINGS JANUARY 5, 7:30 P.M.

Every year, the Bellingham Festival of Music welcomes back a young, local musician who studies music at a nationally recognized university. This year, the work of composer Adam Billings, an undergraduate at The Juilliard School who started playing clarinet at age 10 at Nooksack Elementary School, will be performed by Juilliard pianist Henry Smolen and Western Washington University faculty and students. First Congregational Church of Bellingham, UCC 2401 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham 360.201.6621, bellinghamfestival.org KULSHAN CHORUS PRESENTS: GATHERING JANUARY 12, 7:30 P.M.

Immerse yourself in the harmonious voices of the Kulshan Chorus as they celebrate their 30th anniversary by

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Wild Buffalo House of Music 208 West Holly St., Bellingham 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

JANUARY 24, 7:30 P.M.

Formerly of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and an American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame inductee, John McEuen hits the stage with a whole new group of strings for an evening with a Southern twang. With more than 50 years of stage experience, McEuen’s show will be no letdown. Lincoln Theatre 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org

BILL ENGVALL JANUARY 12, 6 P.M., 9 P.M.

albums “Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz,” “The Humdinger,” and “The Pursuit of Nappyness.” After entering the musical scene in 1998, they found success and became one of the best-selling hip-hop artists in 2002 with more than 3 million albums sold. Tickets are $15 in advance.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMADEUS! JANUARY 27, 3:00 P.M.

Celebrate Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 263rd birthday with the Whatcom Symphony as they perform “Symphony No. 2” by Chevalier de Saint-Georges and close with “Jupiter Symphony,” the last composition by Mozart. Renownedbassoonist Martin Kuuskmann will perform as the leading solo instrumentalist. Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com ORGAN CONCERT AND ROSARIO HISTORY NARRATIVE SATURDAYS, 4 PM

Famous author, musician, and historian Christopher Peacock offers a unique, weekly blend of live music and photography that explores the Moran family history and their connection to Orcas Island. Listen to music from the Phantom of the Opera played on a 1913 organ, made up of 1,972 pipes and accompanied by a silent film. Also, listen to stories of Orcas Island residents of the past. Rosario Resort 1400 Rosario Dr., Orcas Island 360.376.2152 x300, visitsanjuans.com

CONCERTS NAPPY ROOTS JANUARY 6, 9 P.M.

This Southern rap quartet is making its way up to the Northwest from Western Kentucky to play songs from of their hit

FRUIT BATS JANUARY 17, 8:30 P.M.

With a new album on the horizon in 2019, Fruits Bats is hitting the road. The success of their previous album, “Absolute Loser,” led them to two-anda-half years on tour and they’re going to be back at it again in 2019. They recently signed a record deal with Merge Records and released a new single “Getting in a Van Again.” Wild Buffalo House of Music 208 West Holly St., Bellingham 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III JANUARY 23, 7:30 P.M.

Come see actor and singer Loudon Wainwright III, best known for playing Captain Calvin Spalding on the television show M*A*S*H, perform at the Lincoln Theatre. He has more than 20 albums and acting credits to his name. He released an autobiography in 2017 and just released a new album with more than 45 tracks of live performances, demos, outtakes, and unreleased songs. Lincoln Theatre 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH LYLE LOVETT & JOHN HIATT JANUARY 31, 7:30 P.M.

Singer-songwriter legends Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt will be joining forces to perform music that incorporates country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues from the last four decades of their musical careers as part of their newest tour. Spend the evening listening to the musical stories that document the many twists and turns of their lives. Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS REFOCUS 2019: MAKE THIS THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE!

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JANUARY 5, 9 A.M.

Build your vision for 2019 to find what you want out of your life in this half-day workshop. Excellence Northwest will guide you through the steps to develop a plan of action, stay on track, and overcome the roadblocks. It’s time to refocus with a new year. Encore Room at Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

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5K SALMON RUN AND NATURE WALK JANUARY 6, 10 A.M.

Run along the roaring Skagit River and through Double O Ranch to the finish line of this fun run, or enjoy a nice nature walk through the beautiful hills while keeping an eye out for deer, elk, eagles, or maybe even a beaver. The entry fee includes a free knit hat, snacks, a bonfire, and hot cocoa. Double O Ranch 46276 Concrete Sauk Valley Rd., Concrete 360.853.8494, concrete-wa.com YOGA RETREAT WITH JOSEPHINE SILVERWOLF JANUARY 11–13, TIMES VARY

Enjoy a weekend retreat of yoga practices like Asana, Pranayama, meditation, Mantra, Nidra, and sound baths, among others. Throughout the retreat, hosted at the Doe Bay Resort and Retreat, singer Cha Wilde will perform her own renditions of well-known chants as well as original music. In addition to structured yoga events, this retreat offers the opportunity to soak in the hot springs, warm yourself in the sauna, receive a massage, or explore the trails nearby and fully embrace what Orcas Island has to offer. Doe Bay Resort and Retreat 107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga wholeyogalife.com WHISTLE LAKE FITNESS HIKE JANUARY 19, 10 A.M.

Come explore the Whistle Lake forest on this fitness journey hosted by the Friends of Anacortes Community Forest Lands. The hike covers eight miles and hikers will enjoy the views of Whistle Lake

WANT YOUR EVENT POSTED? Events are posted on a first-come first-serve basis. Submissions must be received four weeks prior to the event with all the necessary information. Please submit event name, dates, times, short 40-word description, cover charge or ticket price, event venue including street address, a phone number, and a website. Any event from Seattle to Vancouver will be considered with priority placed on listings from Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan counties. Bellingham Alive is not responsible for errors in submissions. Please email all submissions to events@bellinghamalive.com.

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AGENDA Events

Ocean Night: Diving With Steller Sea Lions

from the south, pass by Toot Swamp, and summit Sugar Cube.

ORCAS ISLAND 25K RACE

Whistle Lake, Anacortes 360.293.3725, friendsoftheacfl.org

Come experience a unique trail running event, which will include a route featuring old-growth forest, steep inclines, and beautiful views of the San Juan Islands. As the oldest race in the Rainshadow running races series, this event has strong community support and turnout. Whether you want to compete against fellow running enthusiasts or simply enjoy the celebration, this is not a race to miss!

SIP & FLOW JANUARY 20, 12:30 P.M.

Release your inhibitions and let your inner yogi out. Feel the flow with an afternoon of stretching with instructor Paris Johanson and sip on a local brew from Farmstrong Brewing Co. For $15 you’ll get one beer and be able to join in on an hour-long all-levels yoga course. Be sure to bring your own yoga mat and your ID for a relaxing afternoon. Farmstrong Brewing Co. 110 Stewart Rd., Mount Vernon 360.873.8852, farmstrongbrewing.com

JANUARY 26, 9 A.M.

Camp Moran State Park 3572 Olga Rd., Orcas Island 888.468.3701, visitsanjuans.com

SPECIAL EVENTS 2019 RESURRECTION DERBY

PLANT-BASED REMEDIES, SELF-CARE SOLUTIONS FOR PAIN JANUARY 26, 9:30 A.M.

Join Erin Vanhee to learn about plantbased remedies and types of physical movement that help reduce chronic and sudden pain in the body. The workshop will also cover self-care techniques to prevent pain and strengthen the body. Vanhee, an herbalist and massage therapist, has led classes since 1996. Apothecary Wellness Center 320 E. Fairhaven, Burlington 360.391.2706, erinvanhee.net

JANUARY 4–6, TIMES VARY

Join a 100-boat shootout and try to catch the biggest salmon or winter blackmouth with the potential to win up to $10,000 for the first-place winner. It’ll be a weekend of fun, friends, and good sportsmanship with time to enjoy nature’s bounty. Cap Sante Marine 2915 W. Ave., Anacortes 360.293.3145, resurrectionderby.com 2019 PEACE ARCH SIEGER INTERNATIONAL DOG SHOWS JANUARY 5–6, TIMES VARY

The International All Breed Canine Association is hosting another four dog 90

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shows over two days for full-grown dogs and puppies, too. Come watch your favorite breeds prance around and strut their stuff as they try to win the international title. Northwest Washington Fairgrounds and Event Center 1775 Front St., Lynden 360.354.4111, iabca.com DAVID MAURO, THE ALTITUDE JOURNALS JANUARY 10, 7 P.M.

After hitting his personal rock bottom, David Mauro left behind his life and set out on a personal adventure. Late to climbing, he decided to do what only a few have done, summit Mount Everest. Mauro will be at Village Books in Fairhaven to talk about his book detailing the journey. Village Books 1200 11th St., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com LEWIS BLACK: THE JOKE’S ON US TOUR JANUARY 11, 8 P.M.

Comedian, actor, and author Lewis Black is bringing his staple angry rants and political commentary to Bellingham on his “The Joke’s on Us” tour at the Mount Baker Theatre. He’s sold out renowned theaters such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooks Atkinson Theater, and the Main Stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas. Tickets for the event start at $65. Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY, STORYTELLING, AND MORE JANUARY 13, 10 A.M.

Head up Route 20 for a day of storytelling and music that outlines the history of the Native American people in the Northwest region and North America in general. Storyteller Rosy Cayou of the Samish Indian nation, drummer Tsul-Ton of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, and flutist Peter Ali of Berber and Yaqui Indian heritage, will lead the presentations, performances, and discussions. Marblemount Community Hall 60155 State Route 20, Marblemount 360.873.2323, concrete-wa.com DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE JANUARY 19, 9 A.M.

The Whatcom Human Rights Task Force will be holding the 21st annual MLK Human Rights Conference to remind the community of the ideals and values of Dr. King. This year’s theme is Remaining Awake Together: Nurturing a Revolution of Values, which is drawn from King’s famous speech “Beyond Vietnam, A Time to Break Silence.” Whatcom Community College, Syre Student Center 235 W. Kellogg Rd., Bellingham mlkconference.org THE MARBLED MURRELET AND THE LANGUAGE OF RECOVERY

submitted works will be selected and win a $500 award. Skagit Riverwalk Plaza 506 Mt Vernon Terminal Railroad, Mount Vernon 360.419.9326, skagitwatershed.org

Upcoming Events at MBT

LA CONNER BIRDING SHOWCASE JANUARY 26, 9:30 A.M.

The La Conner Birding Showcase is returning for a second year to teach the community about local bird species and how their habitats interact with ours. Local naturalists, photographers and organizations will present and have displays. Maple Hall 104 Commercial, La Conner lovelaconner.com

THU JAN 24 AT 7: 30PM FRI JAN 25 AT 7: 30PM

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VISUAL ARTS OCEAN NIGHT: DIVING WITH STELLER SEA LIONS JANUARY 9, 7 P.M.

Head over to the SeaDoc Society for a documentary about a recent trip to Hornby Island, where SeaDoc folks hung out with the Steller sea lion. At this “Ocean Night,” you’ll also hear from Joe Gaydos, the science director, about the uniqueness of the species and how they’re important to our biome. SeaDoc Society 942 Deer Harbor Rd., Eastsound 360.376.3910, seadocsociety.org

Fri Feb 8 7:30PM A DRAMATIC FUSION OF TRADITIONAL DANCE, MARTIAL ARTS AND ACROBATICS!

JANUARY 22, 7 P.M.

Join author Maria Mudd Ruth for a talk on the endangered marbled murrelet, a seabird native to the Northwest. She will discuss what needs to be done to save the ailing species. This will be the last installment of the Whatcom Museum exhibit, “Endangered Species: Artists on the Frontline of Biodiversity.” Whatcom Museum 250 Flora St., Bellingham 360.778.8930 5TH ANNUAL ILLUMINIGHT WINTER WALK JANUARY 25, 3:30 P.M.

Take a stroll along the riverwalk and enjoy the beautiful glow from luminaries, three-dimensional paper sculptures lined with LED lights, designed and constructed by local artists. The paper sculptures will be designed to represent aspects of the Skagit Valley, like tulips and salmon. Four winners from the

EXPLORING ENAMELS AND CLOISONNÉ JANUARY 19, 10 A.M.

Learn and practice the fine art of adding transparent enamels to copper and finesilver disks through painting and wet packing. After firing in the kiln, it will achieve a glossy finish. The Bellingham Metal Arts Guild will demonstrate different uses of foils, layering, and cloisonné wire to create complex and beautiful designs. Bellingham Metal Arts Guild 2620 N. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham 360.788.5858, bmag-wa.org

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WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY’S WINTER DANCES 2019 JANUARY 24–27, VARIOUS TIMES

Watch Western’s finest dancers perform on stage. Every aspect of the show, from the choreography to dancing to the lighting and stage managing is run by dance students in the bachelor’s of fine

*Plus applicable fees.

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AGENDA Top Picks

JANUARY JANUARY

JANUARY

2019 Polar Bear Plunge Birch Bay Beach Park birchbaychamber.com

Roberto Plano Sanford-Hill Piano Series Western Washington University PAC Concert Hall lincolntheatre.org

JANUARY

Lake Samish Runs Lake Samish Lodge gbrc.net

JANUARY

Portland Cello Project Plays Radiohead, Coltrane, and Bach Mount Baker Theatre mountbakertheatre.com

JANUARY

Way North Comedy Showcase Farmstrong Brewing farmstrongbrewing.com

20 JANUARY

STOMP Mount Baker Theatre mountbakertheatre.com

JANUARY

Friday Harbor Film Fest Presents Best of the Fest Friday Harbor Grange fhff.org

JANUARY

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Rodney Carrington The Skagit Casino and Resort theskagit.com

Events

AGENDA

arts program. See what talent the next generation can bring.

Serving Whatcom County Since 1986.

Phone: 360-755-9910 Fax: 360-755-9919

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Performing Arts Center (PAC) at WWU 516 High St., Bellingham 360.650.6146, tickets.wwu.edu

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BELLINGHAMSTER ONE-ACT THEATRE (BOAT) FESTIVAL JANUARY 14–26, VARIOUS TIMES

For the seventh time, the Bellingham Theatre Guild is hosting the BOAT Festival to support local artists and actors by providing a space for a series of one-act shows by different performers over the course of two weeks. Find a show time that works for you to enjoy an evening of local talent that will make you laugh and cry. Bellingham Theatre Guild 1600 H St., Bellingham 360.733.1811 bellinghamtheatreguild.com VOICEPLAY

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AGENDA

JANUARY 18, 7:30 P.M.

Come out and see the engaging and original theatrical experience of VoicePlay. The touring sensation is making its way to Bellingham where the orchestral sound of an entire musical production is recreated with only five voices. The show brings together humor and harmony to create a unique musical experience. Tickets for the show start at $22.50. Mount Baker Theatre 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com THE TRAGEDY OF KING RICHARD THE SECOND JANUARY 27, 1 P.M.

Immerse yourself in the 13th century and watch the story of King Richard the Second unfold on stage as King Henry IV takes control in England. The first installment of the famous Shakespeare history tetralogy will engage you, as you watch Richard’s unfortunate reign come to an end in this classic tragedy. Lincoln Theatre 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.8955, lincolntheatre.org

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AGENDA Events

Dear Evan Hansen

OUT OF TOWN SEATTLE

VANCOUVER

RESOLUTION RUN 5K & POLAR BEAR DIVE 2019

THE ILLUSIONISTS — LIVE FROM BROADWAY

JANUARY 1, 10:30 A.M.

JANUARY 15–20, VARIOUS TIMES

Start your new year off right and with the Resolution Run 5K. It’s a fit for all ages and will feature a post-race celebration with free chili, coffee, hot chocolate, and other food and drink options. Close to the finish line, participants have the chance to partake in the Polar Bear Dive, a frigid dip in the water.

From Broadway to Vancouver comes the world’s best-selling magic show. The show, presented by Broadway Across Canada, is filled with the twists and turns of high-level magic and illusions seen on stage from five of the world’s best illusionists. The show has broken box office records across the globe and continues to amaze audiences.

Magnuson Park 7400 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle clubnorthwest.org

Queen Elizabeth Theatre 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver B.C. 604.665.3050, vancouvercivictheatres.com

DEAR EVAN HANSEN JANUARY 23–FEBRUARY 2, VARIOUS TIMES

Come see the 2017 Tony award winner for Best Musical as the “Dear Evan Hansen” national tour stops in Seattle. The show has received critical acclaim for its storytelling and discussion of anxiety in teenagers. “Dear Evan Hansen” opened on Broadway in December 2016 and is still running today. Paramount Theatre 911 Pine St., Seattle 206.682.1414, seattle.broadway.com

BellinghamAlive.com

KISS: END OF THE ROAD WORLD TOUR JANUARY 31, 7:30 P.M.

Kiss is embarking on its final tour ever as a group and it is kicking off in Vancouver. Come out and sing along to the classics such as “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City” for one last time. The band has been active in the music industry since 1973. Rogers Arena 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver B.C. 604.899.7400, rogersarena.com

The Scene

AGENDA

WALK WITH A DOC Family Care Network and Humana, along with Recreation Northwest, partnered up and encouraged people to get outside to better their mental and physical health with the “Walk with a Doc” event in October at Bellingham’s Zuanich Point Park. The event featured two walks with doctors, information on health resources, fitness demonstrations, refreshments and giveaways. Parkscriptions, a program by Recreation Northwest, partners with doctors and other health care providers to prescribe time outdoors. For more information on the program and when the next “Walk with a Doc” event will happen, see recreationnorthwest.org, familycarenetwork.com, or humana.com/medicare. — Hailey Palmer Photos © Brandon Sawaya / Recreation Northwest

January 2019 95

NOTES Final Word

But for the Grace of PeaceHealth The Opioid Epidemic Is Not Someone Else’s Problem WRITTEN BY KEN KARLBERG

f not for Bellingham’s PeaceHealth, my stepdaughter would be one of the faceless mortality statistics of the opioid crisis. Unemployed, financially unstable, and with only public medical insurance through Medicaid, she sought treatment recently at an emergency walk-in health clinic in Yakima for a large, unexplained lump on her collarbone. The lump was hard, and painful, and seemingly manifested itself without explanation. The clinic knew that she was a struggling opioid addict. It was not her first time at the clinic. She had sought addictionrelated withdrawal treatment there before, where treatment is expensive and, like my stepdaughter, few have private medical insurance that may pay the full cost of quality care. This time, however, instead of compassion, instead of bringing honor to the Hippocratic Oath, the clinic passed judgment about her and responded with the medical equivalent of a stiffarm — do the minimum, take an X-ray, and send her off like human trash with a cover-your-ass diagnosis (“You must have fallen or something and can’t remember”) that simply defied medical logic. The clinic knew better. However, her care, and the cost of that care, was someone else’s problem. Instinctively, my stepdaughter knew that she had been medically shunned because of her addiction. But now desperate, and sensing her health was in danger, she swallowed what remained of her pride, picked up the phone and called my wife. “Mom, I need to come home,” she said, crying. “I have a lump and the lump is getting worse.” When she got off the bus two days later from Yakima, her face told many stories without the need for words, but the only story that mattered was the physical pain on her face. Any reservations that we had about the risks to her, and us, of bringing her home, quickly became irrelevant. We would return to deal with the elephant in the room later. The emergency clinic at PeaceHealth quickly diagnosed her with a potentially deadly bone infection, likely from IV drug use. If the condition had been left untreated, in another two or three weeks she would have died from septic shock. Unlike the Yakima clinic, her insurance status didn’t matter to PeaceHealth — they treated her with dignity, and demanded that she check herself into the hospital immediately. No one knew that she was Lisa’s daughter or my stepdaughter. To the hospital staff, she was simply a human being in a health crisis, not a statistic or a financial drain.

BellinghamAlive.com

Within two days, PeaceHealth’s top cardiac surgeon and his team performed a two-hour surgery that not only saved her life, but saved her potential as a person who, we hope, will break the crushing grip of opioids eventually. There is always room for hope. As her parents, we have no choice but to hope. The parental bond of love is an unbreakable, primal instinct no matter the circumstances, no matter the exhausting emotional toll. We always suffer with her. While she recovers in the hospital for the next six weeks, my stepdaughter will receive in-hospital addiction treatment called MAT (medically assisted therapy) care as a precursor to a 90-day in-patient program upon her discharge. Perhaps this time she will turn the corner. If not for PeaceHealth, however, she wouldn’t even have had the chance. The disease of opioid addiction is complicated, perhaps more so than most other addictions (see Bellingham Alive’s January 2018 issue, “Opioid Addiction: Why is just saying ‘no’ so hard?”). The drivers — or triggers, as they are called — of opioid addiction are even more complicated. Multiple relapses are common even with treatment. But try we must. For the first time in decades, the life expectancy of U.S. citizens has decreased, according to the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention, in large part due to the increase of opioid overdoses and opioid-related suicides. This statistic alone should make the opioid epidemic a national emergency. Unfortunately, it hasn’t yet. The response at the federal, state and local governmental levels has been painfully slow (much the same as the AIDS epidemic). And as if the death toll was not impetus enough, the amount of creative, productive talent that is sidelined from fully contributing to society due to opioid addiction is perhaps an equal travesty. And so unnecessary. Why does it take years to make opioid addiction a societal priority, and even longer to fund the necessary research and treatment programs? Opioid addiction doesn’t discriminate. People from all walks of life — young, old, professionals, tradesmen, rich, and poor — are impacted, and the world is lesser for it. If calm, rational pleading for help hasn’t worked, it is time to raise our collective voices several decibel levels and demand action. Yell, if we must. Time is critical. Even in the time it took to write this piece, someone has died of an opioid overdose. That one life is one life too many, isn’t it? For me, I worry each day that the one life will be my stepdaughter. 

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