Bellingham Alive | April | 2024

Expert care in your hometown

Caring for friends and neighbors is an honor.

Carter Kiesau, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center

peacehealth.org/expert-care

Contents

48 Living Your Golden Years in the North Sound

Between the vibrant community, the natural and accessible beauty all around, and the many services and support systems we have here, the North Sound is a wonderful home for older adults of all walks of life. We’ve spoken with some key players in the community and gathered some great ideas for making the most of your golden years here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

Photo by Dani Winters

When strolling down Main Street, you might spot the powder blue bakery sign promising scrumptious treats like doughnuts, but Barb’s Pies and Pastries now offers savory comfort food as well! The family-run restaurant has been a staple of Ferndale for the last 25 years, and now fiances Kaleo Day and Melissa O’Brine (Barb’s daughter) are taking charge of the new lunch and dinner menu options. Read the full article by Ava Boorn at bellinghamalive.com.

Giveaway

4OCEAN SIGNATURE BRACELET & GHOST NET BRACELET ($50.00 VALUE)

"Every 4Ocean bracelet pulls five pounds of trash from the world's oceans, rivers, and coastlines, and is handcrafted with recycled ocean plastic by artisans in Bali. The Ghost Net Bracelet is made with recovered "ghost nets," abandoned or lost fishing gear that often poses a significant threat to marine life. Both bracelets support our international cleanup, helping to end the ocean plastic crisis." Read more about 4Ocean on pg. 22. Happy Earth Day!

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It’s Never Too Late

RAISE YOUR HAND if you’re sick of reading age-based lists of successful people. It’s me: I’m raising my hand.

As a woman on the cusp of 40, I’m privy to my share of anxiety about getting older. Not only because of looks—I’m not particularly vain but I do live in society, so I’m also not immune— but rather because I haven’t done ‘enough’ yet. I haven’t found a publisher for my second memoir, or even sent my novel out to agents. I haven’t settled into an established career (obviously I’m hoping that’s working itself out right now). I haven’t even decided whether I’m going to have a second kid. It’s all too up-in-the-air—how can I possibly be 40 and still so…unformed?

But here’s the truth, the thing I try to remind myself of when I feel anxious about not achieving enough, about running out of time or falling behind my peers: It’s never too late.

As long as I’m alive, I have a chance to do the thing: publish a novel, shift careers, grow my family—whatever it is that feels out of reach isn’t. It just requires determination and effort, which are sometimes in short supply. As for falling behind my peers: each of us has our own path to travel and there’s no award for reaching any one destination at any specific time.

(Okay, so there are those awards, as mentioned in the first line. But can we all agree that those are a construct and achievement at any age happens at the right time?)

It helps to talk to people older than I am, too; their experiences concretize and validate the theoretical concept of it never being too late. My motherin-law, for example, decided to go to medical school in her 40s and was a well-regarded psychiatrist by 50. Dr. Elaine Cress, whom I spoke with for our feature on p. 63, helped found Bellingham at Home in her 60s. Patti Jordan, local style maven in her 90s, is in a fashion photoshoot in this very magazine (p. 38)!

Listen, I’m not saying things don’t become harder to do as we age, especially when it comes to achieving physical goals, but I truly believe that you’re never too old to try and that our age has no bearing on the value of our achievements. And hey, physical challenges can often be accommodated, as this month’s featured home (p. 68) and remodel (p. 71)—both of which were built to enable aging in place—illustrate.

So next time you feel like the opportunity for personal achievement or social change-making or any other important goal has passed you by, try talking to someone older than you about their life. I’d bet dollars to donuts their stories will remind you that it’s never too late to do the thing you care about and find your own path to success.

ANNE GODENHAM Editor in Chief

Julie Trimingham

360-319-3280

nkenoyer@windermere.com

natekenoyer.com

Thanks for voting us Best Golf Course

360-319-3280

nkenoyer@windermere.com

natekenoyer.com

Maya Heinselman

Maya has called Washington home since 2019, after moving here from Colorado to attend Western Washington University. Over the years, she has been nationally recognized for her writing across multiple platforms and is always keeping busy by writing about the world around her. In her free time, Maya enjoys cooking, hiking around Bellingham, and spending time with her cat.  p. 21 & 80

Julie Trimingham is a mother, writer, and nontribal member of the Sacred Lands Conservancy (SacredSea.org), a Lhaq’temish-led non-profit dedicated to protecting Native sovereignty, treaty rights, sacred sites, and the life and waters of Xw’ullemy (the Salish Sea bioregion). Her heart is filled by the work to protect and promote ancestral place-based knowledge so that we can all learn to live here, with one another, and with Mother Earth, in a good way.  p. 20

Kolby LaBree

Emma Radosevich

As a child, Emma developed a love of literature by reading chapter books with her dad; she made sure he got every character’s voice just right. She still appreciates a great narrator. Emma is a Collection Development Librarian for Whatcom County Library System, where she gets to work with fellow book lovers. When she’s not working, she likes walking on Bellingham trails while listening to an audiobook or NPR podcast.  p. 19

Kolby LaBree is owner/operator of Bellinghistory Tours with the Good Time Girls, purveyors of guided walking tours and other historical edutainment in Bellingham since 2011. The Good Time Girls are available year-round for private tours and virtual events. See Bellinghistory.com for current offerings!  p. 23

seaside is for

Yes, you can.

There’s too much you’re not allowed to do in this world. So we say YES! Yes, you can feed the seals at the aquarium. Yes, you can drop a crab pot off the 12th Avenue Bridge. Yes, you can eat elephant ears before dinner and lie on the sand by a fire ‘til midnight. Especially if you went hiking, biking, kayaking or surfing all day. And of course you can rent a paddle boat shaped like a swan... it’s Seaside!

seasideOR.com @visitseasideOR

These WallsBEHIND

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

I just saw that you are celebrating 15 years! Wow, Congratulations. I believe I've had a subscription to this publication for at least 10 of those! Thanks for years of connecting me to my community and beyond with your positive voice! Keep going!

— Margie W., Lynden

Margie, thank you so much for being such a loyal subscriber! The time has flown by and it's readers like you and our advertising partners that make the hard work my media family puts in worth it. It's been an incredible ride and I am so proud of what we have accomplished over the past 15 years. I truly believe our positive voice makes a difference. —Lisa

K., Publisher

I see your magazine in the doctors’ offices and it’s just so wonderful, I had to order a subscription. It’s just beautiful and you folks do a great job. Thank you!

— Christine G., Bellingham

Thank you for subscribing, Christine. We look forward to bringing you and all our readers fun and engaging editorial that connects you to the communities we serve every issue. Welcome to our readership base; I hope you learn something new about where we live in every issue! —Lisa

K., Publisher

The Italian food feature was so tempting! I went to Bellingham just to try that Tiramisu from D'Anna's (tiramisu is a favorite of mine) and you were spot on! I can't wait to try them all! YUM!

—Lisa K., Publisher

— James C., Anacortes James, wow, so gald you made the trip from Anacortes! We have so many amazing restaurants throughout the North Sound and it's always a delight to showcase them in a unique and fun way that tempts readers like yourself to journey in and try them. The Italian food feature was definitely a fun one to put together...who doesn't like pasta:) Thank you for your support.

What fashion trends are you bringing back in 2024?

"I'm loving the wide leg trend that's coming back, in both a jean and casual athletic pant; it's a win for me and a bonus if it comes in petite."

Editorial Coordinator

"I’m leaning into maxi dresses. They’re easy, comfy, and work great in layers, meaning I can be stylishly cozy all year."

"I’m growing my hair out and bringing back oversized suit coats and high-collar blouses, belted, long-sleeve tees, jean jackets, high-waisted semiwide linen pants, and cotton mixes for business or evening."

Miranda Office Manager

Anne Godenham

"I have really always loved the ‘20s fringe on things, like shirts just along the bustline, or purses, even hemlines of pants. I think it could use a trendy comeback!"

"I don’t know if it counts as bringing it back when I never stopped, but I’m team cropped cardigan forever and always."

Editor in Chief Brandee Simons

Senior Graphic Designer Senior Graphic Designer

"I mean, I never stopped wearing Tripp pants, but I've also begun wearing petticoats under my dresses to give them FLUFF!"

Account Executive

"My daughter inspires me as she is bringing back the 1940s! Fashion from that era takes a lot of time and effort, but at least I have the heels!"

Sales & Digital Content Specialist

"I'm bringing bootcut and wide leg pants into 2024, along with monochromatic looks and bold patterns."

"I've always been a sucker for the old-school ‘70s and ‘80s punk rock look with leather coats and pants."

Michael Roe

Account Executive

"I’m bringing back baggy jeans and oversized hoodies, bucket hats, and widetoe shoes."

Administrative Assistant

"I may not be bringing any sort of style back in 2024, but I will absolutely make sure that sweats and yoga pants are here to stay!!"

Rebecca Lehman

Megan Gonzales

Lisa Karlberg

Publisher

Kristen Boehm

Kelley Denman

Account Executive

Amberleigh Brownson

Jenn

Estella Young

Photo by Danita Delimont

Tulips and Daffodils and Dahlias—Oh, My!

The Flowers of Skagit Valley

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM

IF YOU’VE EVER driven through Skagit Valley (particularly West Mount Vernon) in the spring then you already understand why it’s renowned for its tulips—but did you know that Skagit County also produces more iris and daffodil bulbs than anywhere else in the U.S.? Add in the hundreds of roadside stands selling everything from sunflowers to dahlias on the honor system and you’ll see just how colorful the valley can be!

Clouds Above; Sun Below

Before the tulips come the daffodils—heralds of spring during the often-still-gloomy month of March. They pop their sunny little heads up in yards and along highways, but I’ve found the best place to see a huge, blazing swath of them is along Best Road in West Mount Vernon. Check out the La Conner Daffodil Festival, which runs all through March every year, for a bloom map and guided tours!

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

April in Mount Vernon is like any other month in Seattle: heavy traffic, trouble finding parking, and lots of unfamiliar faces on the sidewalk. People flock to the valley from all over the U.S., and even as far afield as Europe and Asia, for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Riotous color splashes across the valley, visible from the car as you drive down McLean Road and up close at one of the four farms in the valley that are open to visitors.

The heavy hitters are RoozenGaarde and Tulip Town, both around 40 years old and full of stunning colors and meticulously landscaped gardens, but two newer farms have popped onto the scene in recent years. Tulip Valley Farms,

Photo Courtesy of Blackburn Gardens

Photo by Briana Tuvey

started by a former Tulip Town employee, boasts the addition of u-pick tulips, as well as a ‘night bloom’ event.

Meanwhile, the newest addition to the tulip route is Garden Rosalyn, which features a series of tulip ‘rooms’—small, specially-designed sections of awardwinning planting layouts that give each area of the farm a different feel. They also host a flock of lovely, perhaps a bit spoiled waterfowl in the small lake at the center of the field. Photo-ops abound, between the tulips themselves, the pretty blue windmill, and the vintage mirrors and step stools thoughtfully placed around the property to give visitors access to better views.

Get to Know Your Local Growers

Spring is a gorgeous time to drive around Skagit, not only for the giant fields of commercial flowers but also for the little-big plots of flowers grown by homeowners and sold at roadside stands on the honor system. I’ve even taken to keeping a five-dollar bill in my car’s center console just so I never have to pass up the opportunity to pull over for a mason jar stuffed with dahlias.

One of the most locally-famous home flower growers in the area is Laura Ward, of Blackburn Gardens. Ward has squeezed around 3,000 square feet of growing space right into the yard on her three-quarter-acre property, and she’s able to grow enough to supply the Skagit Valley Co-op and several local florists, as well as selling buckets of blooms for events and keeping her roadside stand stocked daily. She even still has blooms left over for u-pick flower sessions starting in late June.

Photo by Anne Godenham

Photo Courtesy of Blackburn Gardens

Garden Rosalyn

“The thing that has surprised me is the interest in local flowers,” Ward says. “I didn't expect it to be so strong, especially [because] our area is pretty saturated in flowers. But I always sell out—I mean, I never have enough.”

I’ve followed Ward on social media for months now because of her stunning dahlias, but when I ask her what her favorite flower is she surprises me with her answer:

“Strawflower is probably my favorite…[they] are so unique because they are like paper when they're fresh, and they are versatile. If you can't enjoy them fresh you can enjoy them dry.”

Ward would know: she’s been drying flowers for years and making wreaths and bouquets during the less traditionally flower-heavy fall and winter months. Last year, she opened her drying shed to the public for the first time, selling dried flowers and wreaths. She also offers wreath-making classes on a limited basis (she’s hoping to increase those this year) as well as a micro-urban flower farming workshop in early-mid summer.

Quite possibly the ultimate home grower inspiration is Erin Benzakein, of Floret Flowers. She started out small, growing in her backyard and teaching classes about smallscale, high-production flower farming. Her career took off swiftly from there.

“I started teaching in-person workshops about growing cut flowers, wrote three books, started a seed company, and then had the opportunity to film a television show about our farm,” Benzakein says. “Along the way, I worked to breed varieties that I felt were missing from the marketplace. My journey with flowers has definitely been a long and winding one, and has evolved so much over the years.”

That flower breeding is a fascinating process, a large part of Floret’s business—alongside cut flower sales and virtual growing and arranging workshops—and a massive time investment.

“It takes anywhere from five to seven years to breed a new variety and stabilize it, meaning it will come back true to its original form. In its simplest form, plant breeding is a very long process of editing.”

Despite all her hard work breeding new floral varieties, Benzakein’s favorite flower is an old-school classic: the fragrant, pastel-colored sweet pea. Her reasoning exemplifies the emotional hold that flowers have on so many of us:

“I planted sweet peas in honor of my great-grandmother, who had passed away, and the first flowers that I harvested from them [made up] my first little bouquets… then my business was born.”

From giant swaths of bright tulips to the sweetest smelling sweet peas, there’s no better place than the Skagit Valley to stop and smell the flowers. So this spring, if you come for the daffodils or the tulips, make sure to also look out for roadside flower stands—and remember to keep a little cash in your car! t

Photo by Anne Godenham

Photo by Briana Tuvey

Garden Rosalyn

Bringing the Odd Fellows to the Orion

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRIANA TUVEY

THE ORION IS known for their eccentric artworks and creative house cocktails. When you first walk in, the dark atmosphere hits you and takes you up to space. It‘s hard to imagine anything could compare to the game tables and free birthday shot, but as you walk farther back in the building, you enter a time warp.

The Odd Fellows Temple Room opened on December 15, 2023, adding a calm atmosphere to the bustling Orion. Owner Jonny McIntyre spent the last two years hand-crafting the large room, which was previously used by the Odd Fellows, an international fraternal order, from the 1940s to 1970s. McIntyre even found the original Odd Fellows sign, now placed on the stage.

"I wanted to make it more simplistic and more just like: enjoy your space, enjoy your time, come and get a good quality cocktail," McIntyre says.

Whether it's a busy Saturday night or a chill Wednesday evening, the Temple Room has what you need. There’s live jazz on Saturdays and acoustic sounds on Monday nights, both from 8–10 p.m.

Whether you want to try something new or stick to a classic, the menu has six house cocktails and even more fun riffs on classics. Don't want to drink or you plan to drive? There are creative mocktails and non-alcoholic beers to try.

"I just wanted it to be like, a comfortable community-based cocktail bar, that's just chill," McIntyre says. "I built it for Bellingham."

The room is open Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to midnight and Friday to Saturday from 7 p.m.–2 a.m. 311 E. Holly St., Bellingham 360.306.8485, facebook.com/theorionbar t

International Food Stores

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM

India Mart

This new addition to the Bellingham food scene has visitors raving about the wide selection and “pretty produce”— they stock all manner of South Asian ingredients, prepared foods, and even cookware! 193 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham, 360.208.0800

Bens Market and Ongoing Expansion in Blaine

ANEW BENS MARKET is now open in Blaine. This market is more than your typical convenience store and gas station. It has four wellknown restaurants—Carl’s Jr., Cinnabon, Pizza Hut, and Jamba (the “Juice” is silent)—to satisfy your hunger. Along with a gas station, this stop has Tesla charging stations along with scales for trucks and spots big enough to fuel your rig before hitting the border.

Bens Market is a combination truck stop, gas station, and convenience store chain with 17 stations all over Washington State. There are five in Whatcom County.

The new “travel center” brings customers an aviation feel, with the unique building representing an old airport hanger. The market sits where the Blaine Municipal Airfield used to be, an inspiration for the feel and design of the new building.

Bens Market is the most recent sign of Blaine’s expansion, including more businesses and places for people to shop, eat, and relax. Along with the four new restaurants in the market, McDonald’s and Taco Bell also recently opened to satisfy your hunger. Bella Boutique and Consignment has also expanded its business up north for your shopping needs.

Whether you need to fill up your tank or your stomach, Bens Market is a great place to stop. Want something more? Blaine is growing to meet your needs.

1300

Boblett St., Blaine, 360.312.7779 bensmarketus.com

BRIANA TUVEY

Europe Foods Store

For those of us who crave Ukranian dumplings and Russian cookies, this is the spot! They have a wide selection of mostly Eastern European foods, from pelmeni to halva, borscht to salami. 1725 Continental Pl., Ste. A, Mount Vernon, 360.848.9486

Kwame Alexander Takes On Bellingham

WRITTEN BY MAYA HEINSELMAN PHOTO COURTESY OF KWAME ALEXANDER

FROM PUBLISHING OVER 20 books to serving as Artistic Director of Literary Arts at the Chautauqua Institution, Kwame Alexander has done it all. He is on his way to Bellingham for National Poetry Month, a year after the debut of the Emmy-award winning television series based on his Newbery Medal-winning verse novel of the same name, “The Crossover.” Alexander is the executive producer, showrunner, and writer for the series, as well as the driving force behind the “Why Fathers Cry” podcast, a consistent contributor to NPR’s Morning Edition, and founder of the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana—on top of countless other achievements.

Alexander’s latest work, “This is the Honey,” is a collection of poems by inspiring Black authors. Poets like Elizabeth Acevedo turn their focus on the comfort and joy behind specific foods, while others, like Mahogany L. Browne, rejoice in the pure joy that comes from poems and the emotions they incite. These poets examine what love, happiness, race, culture, and defiance mean to them in their own imaginative and unapologetic ways. In this anthology, as in his other works, Alexander encourages readers to understand the importance of language and the different ways a person is able to express themselves. Help Alexander fulfill his mission to “change the world, one word at a time,” and be sure to join in on April 10 to pick his brain at Sehome High School as he talks about his works, his journey, and the people who have influenced him along the way. t

Asia Oriental Market

For a great selection of Asian snacks, hot sauces, ramen packs, and hardto-find ingredients, this is your spot. They even have sushi supplies and a ton of different flavors of mochi! 2408 Meridian St., Bellingham, 360.671.0446

1-Up Lounge Opens Second Location

FANS OF FAIRHAVEN gaming hub 1-Up Lounge will be thrilled to learn that the team is opening up a second location in downtown Bellingham in May! Founders Alexis and Hugh Newmark have announced the opening of “Pin-Up”—the 21+ spot will focus on pinball and arcade games. While the Fairhaven location will remain a “cool uncle spot” that welcomes all ages until 7 p.m., Pin-Up promises to deliver fresh energy to the downtown scene, with personal pizzas for around $10 joining a full bar. Follow @pinup.bham on Instagram to watch Pin-Up come to life! 118 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 1-uplounge.com/Pin-Up ANNE

GODENHAM

Casipi Filipino Store

A great spot for all your Filipino favorites, including calamansi-flavored products, glutinous rice flour, otap, and even canned bubble tea! Don’t sleep on their small-but-mighty produce section, either. 2323 E. Section St., Ste. 130, Mount Vernon, 360.399.7612

Carniceria Los Compadres

Also known as Carniceria Los Amigos, this is my favorite place to grab a burrito in Mount Vernon, but they have so much more than that. Meats, snacks, drinks, baked goods— they’ve got it all! 1627 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, 360.336.5020

Photo by Ava Boorn

The Clean Ocean Movement: Global Crisis, Global Solution

4Ocean

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF 4OCEAN

IN UNDER A decade of operation, ocean cleanup company 4Ocean has already pulled over 34 million pounds of trash from the world’s oceans and waterways. In honor of Earth Day, we spoke with Alex Schultz, co-founder and CEO of 4Ocean, to learn more.

“Our business model is simple,” Schultz explains. “We remove plastic from the ocean, we recycle it into products, and then we sell those products to fund additional cleanups.”

4Ocean’s most renowned products are their bracelets, usually made of recycled plastic cords and glass beads. Buying one 4Ocean Signature Bracelet for $23 directly equates to cleaning up five pounds of trash. Signing up for a monthly subscription gets you limited-edition bracelets and pulls 10 pounds per month.

The popularity of these bracelets, combined with their other products and their savvy corporate partnerships, has rocketed 4Ocean’s operations since their founding in 2017.

“It's been an incredible journey, especially the growth of our cleanups,” Schultz says. “We went from doing a million pounds in the first 18 months to now doing about 8 million pounds per year. We've expanded cleanup operations, and today we employ over 200 full-time captains and crewmates around the world.”

4Ocean’s cleanup crews are focused in three regions: Florida, Indonesia, and Guatemala. Schultz laid out the location-choosing formula for us: a lacking waste management infrastructure, some form of elevation, and a rainy season. In locations like this, single-use plastics end up in informal landfills, or on the sides of roads and rivers. Then, during the rainy season, they’re washed downstream and end up flowing into the ocean.

Just because 4Ocean’s 12 locations are concentrated in those regions, that doesn’t mean their impact is.

“Locations all around the world are connected by the ocean,” says Schultz. “[Waste is] being transported around the world by ocean currents, winds, and tides, and it really is affecting everyone.”

Trash in the ocean degrades and clogs up natural processes, killing ocean life. Plastics get eaten and moved up the food chain until it ends up on our plates, or in the guts of Salish Sea orcas.

As 4Ocean has grown, they’ve been able to work on special cleanups and collaborative projects, and they hope to continue expanding in years to come.

“Our main focus this year is really expanding our impact,” Schultz says. “So we're scaling up our clean-up operations and

trying to expand the locations, as well as the various different methods of cleaning.”

One program of focus this year is the Osborne Reef Tire Cleanup. Well-meaning Floridians in the 1970s banded over 2 million waste tires together with steel clips and nylon straps, then sank them into the ocean over the artificial Osborne Reef. Over time, those tires have come loose, causing “irreparable damage” to marine

ecosystems. 4Ocean has joined the recovery efforts and been designated a 34-acre cleanup area, where divers go down and physically wrestle tires out of the ocean floor.

If you’d like to contribute to the cause, 4Ocean makes it easy. Start by engaging with them on social media—the first step in the mission is spreading awareness and talking about the ocean’s plastic issue. Shop 4Ocean’s

products or consider a partnership to reduce your business’s footprint. Perhaps most importantly, reduce your own single-use plastic waste.

“Cleaning the ocean alone will not solve the ocean plastic crisis,” says Shultz. “Our captains and crews will just be sitting on a treadmill nonstop if we don't have a chance to stop it at the source.” @4ocean on all social media sites, 4ocean.com t

Kona Cares

Kona Bikes

WRITTEN BY NICOLE KIMBERLING | PHOTO BY ERIC MICKELSON

FOR THE FOLKS at Kona, cycling is not just a sport, it’s a whole global community of riders—or that’s how Shae James, of Kona Bikes, explains it. As she speaks, you can tell that she believes it.

The bike manufacturer has many locations but its global headquarters is right here in Ferndale, where James works as a global branding creative.

James moved to Whatcom County with her parents when she was fifteen years old.

“I met my husband in ceramics class at Bellingham High School,” she says with a smile. “We didn’t date till later, but that’s when we met, in high school.”

It wasn’t till she was in her 20s that she first started mountain biking, but after that there was no looking back.

“I got hooked because it was hard.” James says. “Every moment I felt like it was something I could get

better at. Each second is rewarding and [gives] me confidence. There is a peace of mind in the moment, like dancing. I never just ride straight down a hill and that’s what’s so inspiring about the sport. You express yourself by interpreting the trail in any way you want.”

After starting at the company as an ambassador (what Kona calls the athletes they sponsor), James gradually worked her way through different departments.

“The longer I was around, the more Kona’s founders and the staff supported me as an individual.”

Now in a Global Branding position, James is the person in the office helping other cyclists grow.

“When I look for an athlete, we don’t just want a person who rides well and wins races but someone who is an asset to the whole community. I love that I’m

able to create concepts for a campaign or film that’s more impactful, weaving in athletes’ stories,” she says. “We want to support people who lead by example in inspiring the community, with no elitism.”

Founded over 35 years ago, Kona Bikes has always been about making a difference in multiple layers. Branching from the company itself, out into the local community and beyond—taking actions like partnering with legal trail builders in the area or mentoring youth and giving them access to bikes and outdoor programs. Because Kona is an international corporation, those layers of community ripple out even farther—to the state, national, and global cycling community.

“Kona’s founders always understood having these layers and they encouraged people to get outside as it is so important for our mental health,” James continues. “Kona, for me, evolved into a really meaningful relationship. Each person was brought by the love of the sport and stay[ed] because of the environment that Kona created for us. Each of us [has] a story where the people have supported us. Everyone has their highs and lows, and in our lows, the people of Kona have kept us afloat.”

In addition to mountain bikes, Kona also makes a line of stylish commuter bikes, awardwinning gravel bikes, and even a line of electric bikes. You can find out more about where you can take a test ride at their website below. 2455 Salashan Loop, Ferndale, 360.366.0951, konaworld.com t

“When I look for an athlete, we don’t just want a person who rides well and wins races but someone who is an asset to the whole community.”

—Shae James of Kona Bikes

Book Reviews

WRITTEN BY EMMA RADOSEVICH

“Brutalities: A Love Story”

by Margo Steines

Since she was a teenager, Margo Steines has been drawn to risk and self-inflicted suffering. Substance use, an abusive relationship, and careers as a dominatrix and a welder in high-rise buildings are all stops on her lifetime tour of pain—both physical and emotional. Even after she settles into a life of relative comfort and safety, her addiction to overexercising takes a toll on her body.

From the vantage point of her most dangerous situation yet—a high-risk pregnancy in 2020—Steines reflects on her unique relationship to violence. Why is self-harm easier than self-care? Why is pain preferable to feeling nothing at all? Her partner is a gentle man who coaches MMA, and she marvels at his ability to limit violence to the sparring mats.

Even while describing shocking and brutal experiences (this book comes with a high dose of trigger warnings), Steines’ prose is always thoughtful, never sensational. This memoir is about how to choose softness in a world that has been hard on you.

“The Night Parade: A Speculative Memoir”

by Jami Nakamura

“Maybe this isn’t a story about ghosts, but a story about telling a story about ghosts.”

This genre-defying memoir uses multiple storytelling traditions to make sense of mental illness, motherhood, and grief. Jami Nakamura Lin, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at seventeen, has always struggled with the more mysterious and chaotic parts of herself. While researching Japanese folktales for her novel, she finds herself reflected in stories about the yokai: supernatural beings that can be described as ghosts, spirits, or demons.

Inspired by the myth called the Night Parade of the Hundred Demons, Lin dedicates each chapter to a different yokai, all illustrated in expressive watercolor by her sister. During an emotionally intense time when her father is dying of cancer and she is trying to have a baby, Lin feels comforted by the yokai’s otherworldly grief and rage.

Like the folktales she studies, “The Night Parade” contains multitudes. At turns scholarly, contemplative, and emotionally gutting, Jami Nakamura Lin teaches us to never stop telling ghost stories.

Literary Events

April 6, 3–5 p.m.

Writing Poetry with Punch: An All-Ages Workshop with Matthew Brouwer

Deming Library

5044 Mt. Baker Hwy., Deming 360.592.2422, wcls.org

Celebrate National Poetry Month with the Whatcom County Library. Join poet Matthew Brouwer for an all-ages workshop. Bring your favorite poem that speaks to you. There is ample time to write, edit, and perform your work at the workshop, but space is limited so make sure you register quickly.

April 10, 7–8 p.m.

Kwame Alexander in Bellingham!

Sehome High School 2700 Bill McDonald Pkwy., Bellingham 360.671.2626, villagebooks.com

Joining Bellingham for National Poetry Month is Emmy-award-winning producer and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander. Alexander is a poet, educator, and publisher who has made it his mission to change the world one word at a time. This inspiring author event is open to all ages, and free for kids!

This Month in Bellinghistory

WRITTEN BY KOLBY LABREE OF BELLINGHISTORY TOURS WITH THE GOOD TIME GIRLS

April 6, 1920:

The paper announced the landmark Baker Hotel in Bellingham would be torn down. Built in 1890 as the Grand Central hotel, it was largely a “grand failure” and used for a time as St. Luke’s hospital. Today the site is home of the Community Food Co-op.

April 7, 1884:

Mrs. H. Hofercamp, in the presence of workmen and engineers, turned the first sod on the Bellingham Bay and British Columbia railway grade at New Whatcom.

April 19, 1893: “Prof. Forsherg is organizing a bicycle club. He proposes to get up races and contests in all kinds of athletic sports this summer.”

Since Time Immemorial

Sharayah Lane

WRITTEN BY JULIE TRIMINGHAM | PHOTO BY DANI WINTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL is a recurring series featuring community members whose families have been here since time immemorial. The ancestral knowledge carried by Lhaq’temish, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples is knowledge about how to live in our shared home in a good, life-sustaining way. We live in a time when we need to restore our relationship with Mother Earth and with one another. We are grateful for these stories, told in the words of each featured individual.

Sharayah Lane is a mother, author, entrepreneur, and community organizer. She also works as Senior Policy Advisor for the Internet Society, which partners with Indigenous communities to make the internet accessible. She identifies as a Black and Indigenous woman, and is a citizen of Lummi Nation.

I first met you when you were running the best food stand I’d ever been to. I went there every day of Paddle to Lummi back in 2019. What’s the story behind your amazing elotes?

We weren’t pulling a canoe, but we wanted to be part of the journey, and to help others be part of it too. I ran the stand with two friends of mine—I swear, throughout my life, I’ve done nothing alone. We came up with elotes (Mexican street corn) because we wanted something crazy good, portable, and affordable. Our stand was a place where friends and family could come sit, visit, or volunteer. Sometimes it can be challenging, especially for youth, to fit into Native culture communities. And so, one of our teachings is: “Just get in there and see how you can help.” It was cool to have people come help out and feel that sense of belonging.

When you look back on yourself as a girl, is there a moment where you can see that entrepreneurial flash, the kind of impulse that would lead you to create a food stand when you’d never done anything like that before?

I mean, honestly, that impulse was born out of necessity. Like, when I was a teenager experiencing homelessness, we would just figure out how we were going to make money to feed ourselves for that day. Though when I think even further back—I was just talking to my partner about this—I remember being a little kid out in lower Elwha, where I was staying with my aunt for a while. The kids, we used to ride bikes all the time, all day long. And I was like, “Okay, guys, we need to get organized, come up with a name for our club. We need to start fundraising; we need to figure out what we want to do with our money.” So I can see how this connects to today, how I’m building coalitions and starting organizations.

How did the “ABCs of Grateful”, your kids’ book that’s been doing so well, come about?

I really wanted to be able to talk with kids about gratitude and gratefulness. And I had the idea to do ABCs because they’re so foundational. The challenge was in bringing the idea to life, having the confidence and the courage to figure the whole process out. It took a few years. Since the book’s been out, I’ve gotten to visit schools and talk with kids who have made their own ABCs of grateful. I’ve loved learning that there’s also been a benefit for the adults who are working with the kids on this. There’s so much happening in the world right now—people are going through crazy difficult things. Having a gratitude practice isn’t always easy, but it can be a way to help us feel a little lighter.

Were you a writer when you were a kid?

There's so much of my childhood that I don’t remember, but one of the memories I do have is of a nationwide poetry contest I won in elementary school. I really struggled in school. I was in trouble, suspended, all the time. So when I was informed that I had won this contest, it felt so good. It made me think, “Maybe I can write.” So I kept writing—I’m still writing.

You’ve weathered some storms.

I think probably the greatest impact of historical and systemic racism is the taking away of a person's ability to love themselves. Whether it's being in the foster care system and being abandoned, or experiencing abuse of any kind, whatever, it results in a deep disconnect from yourself, an inability to really value yourself. So much trouble comes from not loving yourself. And so much good can happen when you start to love yourself, but it's hard and it takes time.

I’m working with a group of people at Lummi on the House of Healing. We’re trying to create a permanent space that will welcome anyone on a journey of recovery, anyone who's been impacted by addiction. We need a safe place to work towards healing ourselves and our community in our traditional, cultural ways. There are horrible things happening right now to our people and way of life. I went through that struggle for a while, and it’s an honor and a privilege to be able to turn around and try to help.

You’re amazing! How do you do all this, how did you get to be where you are?

I got to where I am today because of all the love that has been poured into me throughout my life. I’ve never had to do life alone. I just try to remember to stay considerate, to be open to new experiences, to come from that place of love.

Hy’shqe, Sharayah! t

IN OCTOBER OF last year, the Whatcom Housing Alliance announced the winners of their ADU Design Competition, and while we agree that those two designs—and the five honorable mentions—definitely deserved their accolades, we also think these fabulous concepts merited acknowledgment. You can see more info about and photos of these beauties on whatcomhousingalliance.org! t

1

Cottage in the City

This charming house was designed to “blend in seamlessly with the vernacular of the early core neighborhoods” of Bellingham while incorporating contemporary touches like hidden storage and open-plan living to maximize the space. Haven Design Workshop, 5828 2nd Ave, Ste. 101, Ferndale, 360.527.2840, haven-dw.com

FIVE FAVES

Whatcom

Housing Alliance ADU Competition

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM PHOTO COURTESY OF WHATCOM HOUSING ALLIANCE

2

Badass C-Box Dwelling

Our love for this project goes beyond its very Bellingham name: this design maximizes affordability by using reclaimed cargo containers, welding offsite, and prioritizing insulation to decrease HVAC costs. It’s innovative, functional, and pretty damn cute. Sage K. Saskill, S.A.G.E. Designs NW, Seattle, 206.963.1420, sagedesignsnw.biz

3 The Petite Suite

Making the most of an alreadypresent shed or workshop, this design is intended to capitalize on alley access to create a living space that’s entirely separate from the main home, while bringing the outside in to create cohesion. Pelletier + Schaar, 26911 98th Dr. NW, Ste. B, Stanwood, 360.629.5375, pelletierschaar.com

4 Tiny Purple House

Beyond its adorable color, this little house packs a punch both aesthetically and functionally. Prioritizing affordability and ecofriendliness, the designer achieved an ADA-accessible space with luxurious touches like reclaimed Campground Blue Pine countertops. Michael Feeney, A1 DesignBuild, 3310 Northwest Ave. Bellingham, 360.734.5249, a1designbuild.coop

5 Innovative Reality

Between its unusual Gambrel design, the way nearly every detail is modular, and the fact that the “entire home can be built from foundation to watertight in less than a month,” this ADU lives up to its name! Arin Smith, 360 Design and Build, Bellingham, 360.296.8755, 360designandbuild.com

SPOTLIGHT

APRIL TOP PICKS

RARE: RECYCLED ART & RESOURCE EXPO

April 5–27

In honor of eco-friendly artists, Allied Arts of Whatcom County is putting on their 12th annual RARE showcase of art created with recycled materials. Along with the exhibit, this showcase promotes art organizations to educate the community with sustainable art. Want to get in on the action? Visit the Allied Arts Recycled Thrift Store to get supplies for your recycled piece. Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.676.8548, alliedarts.org

2024 WHATCOM HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW

April 12–14

The “Largest Home Show North of Seattle” brings you over 150 exhibitors with design and home improvement. Celebrating its 43rd year in Whatcom County, this show includes a BBQ competition, a LEGO masters building class, a reptile show, and a Food Truck Round-Up event. 10–6 p.m., Northwest Washington Fair & Event Center, 1775 Front St., Lynden 360.354.4111, biawc.com

SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL

April 1–30

Enjoy fields of color at the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Gardens such as RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, Tulip Valley Farms, and Garden Rosalyn will burst with flowers and fun. It’s the largest tulip festival in the United States, and people come from all over the world to see the blooms. Follow the interactive map and bloom updates to see when the flowers are in their prime. Skagit Valley, tulipfestival.org

CASCADIA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S FILM FESTIVAL

April 25–28

Want to support independent films directed by women?

CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is a multi-day annual film festival celebrating films directed by women from around the world. It is one of the only festivals in the U.S. dedicated to featuring women directors. Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay St., Bellingham, 360.543.0149 cascadiafilmfest.org

APRIL BREWS DAY

April 27

This year, April Brews Day is bringing over 65 craft breweries, food trucks, live music, and more to the Downtown Bellingham Waterfront! On top of being Bellingham’s “biggest and best beer festival,” this event is an annual fundraiser for the Max Higbee Center’s community recreation programs. You must be over 21 years old to attend the event. 5:30–9 p.m., Downtown Waterfront, 1145 Granary Ave., Bellingham, 360.399.6175, aprilbrewsday.org

Photo by Briana Tuvey

PSYKO CIRCUS - THE WEDDING TOUR

April 3

The Wedding Tour is coming to Bellingham for everyone to enjoy. Meant for all ages and only $10 at the door, this hip-hop clown duo is a circus carnival experience with a twist. The circus is hip-hop-inspired and brings other performing artists to the show, combining music and art together for a night full of fun. 7 p.m., 800 Ten Mile Rd., Lynden, thepsykocircus.com

PAMYUA

April 3

Alaska’s famous Inuit band, Pamyua (bum-yo-ah) is coming to the Pacific Northwest. A mix of soul, R&B, and traditional Inuit culture created the genre “Inuit soul music,” a performance of dance and music. Pamyua brings Inuit music to the world to showcase their culture and traditions to audiences. 7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

WHATCOM COUNTY DAHLIA TUBER SALE

April 6

The Whatcom County Dahlia Society holds this sale once a year, giving the public the opportunity to purchase dahlia tubers of all types and colors at Bloedel Donovan Park. Tubers are $7 each. Proceeds will support local growers and the Whatcom County Dahlia Society. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., The Gymnasium at Bloedel Donovan Park, 2114 Electric Ave., Bellingham whatcomcountydahliasociety.com

POETRY SYMPOSIUM

April 6

April is Poetry Month, and what better way to honor that than with the Museum of Northwest Art’s Poetry Symposium! The event celebrates two exhibitions: “Silva Cascadia: Under the Spell of the Forest,” and “My Roots: Honoring the cultural identity of Skagit Valley’s under-resourced children.” Many poets will perform original poems with the theme of “roots.” Do you want to share your poetry? There will be time to share at the open mic after at 2 p.m. 1–2:30 p.m., Museum of Northwest Art 121 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4446 monamuseum.org

ART VANCOUVER

April 11–14

It's the 8th edition of Art Vancouver, an International Art Fair attracting thousands of visitors looking to view stunning pieces worldwide. Art classes are available during the weekend for those who want to expand their talents and learn from the best. Opening night starts at 7 p.m. on April 11, with early access at 6 p.m. for VIP tickets. Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Pl., Vancouver, artvancouver.net

30TH ANNUAL SKAGIT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS SPRING GARAGE SALE

April 12–13

Antiques, crafts, and more with great food and over 190 vendors will be at the Spring Garage Sale. You won’t want to miss this weekend of spring set to live music. With a $5 admission fee and kids under 12 getting in for free, it’ll feel like a steal. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor St., Mount Vernon, 360.416.1350, skagitcounty.net

ART IN A PICKLE BARN

April 14

In conjunction with the Skagit Tulip Festival, the Skagit Valley Art Association presents this art show and market inside of, you guessed it, a pickle barn! Enjoy and purchase various fine arts and gifts from local artists, with pieces ranging from jewelry, glass works, fiber arts, soaps, and much more. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Schuh Farms Pickle Barn, 15565 Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, skagitart.net

ANASTACIA-RENÉE, HERE IN THE (MIDDLE) OF NOWHEREPOETRY FEST!

April 14

Poetry Fest at Village Books welcomes award-winning cross-genre queer writer, educator, and former Seattle Civic Poet Anastacia-Renée. Their new release, “Here in the (Middle) of Nowhere,” is a hybrid of poetry, flash fiction, and Afrofuturism sci-fi. Pick up a copy at the event and enjoy it for National Poetry Month! 6–7 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham, 360.671.2626 villagebooks.com

SENIOR STROLL

April 16

Take a stroll at Little Cranberry Lake with Friends of the Forest. Bring field guides, binoculars, or anything else to guide your walk. This free event is great for those who want to enjoy the outdoors and get a breath of fresh air with the community. 9–11 a.m., Little Cranberry Lake, A Ave. Trailhead, A Ave., Anacortes, 360.293.3725, friendsoftheacfl.org

FOOD TRUCK WARS

April 19–21

Bring an empty stomach to Food Truck Wars in Langley. With over 40 trucks and dozens of cuisines, there is something for everyone to try. Tickets are by donation so you decide what to pay. Along with food, this event has entertainment, crafts, and a market for you to enjoy. 3–9 p.m., KPU Langley Campus, 20901 Langley Bypass, Langley, greatervanfoodtruckfest. com

THE CAKE

April 19–27

This dramatic comedy follows Della, a bakery owner with conservative values, who must decide whether or not to make a wedding cake for her close family friend’s lesbian wedding. This Western Washington University Department of Theatre and Dance production was written by Bekah Brunstetter and directed by Eva Gil. WWU Performing Arts Center DUG Theater, 516 High St., Bellingham wwu.edu

WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY’S 32ND ANNUAL DRAG SHOW

April 20

Experience the magic of drag with Western Washington University’s 32nd Annual Drag Show! This annual show is open to the public and features local and student drag performers, with special guest Issa Man from Seattle. Ticket proceeds will support LGBTQ+ Western’s scholarship and support efforts. 7:30 p.m., WWU Performing Arts Center Concert Hall, 516 High St., Bellingham, wwu.edu

“What we pride ourselves most on our literary events is the chance to discover today’s best books. It’s such an honor to read so many independent and traditionally published authors of such quality and to be able to be a pillar of support for them in their own success.”

—David Beaumier, communications and marketing manager of Chanticleer Reviews

Writers Unite

The 2024 Chanticleer Authors Conference and 2023 Chanticleer International Book Awards Ceremony

WORDSMITHS, DON’T MISS your chance to gain experience and connections at the 2024 Chanticleer Authors Conference, held April 18–21. With registration closing on April 9 and limited space available, reserving your ticket should be at the top of your to-do list.

Over four days, the conference will host sessions and panels on writing techniques, marketing, publishing, cover design, and more. A business-focused approach will help attendees successfully apply the teachings to reach their goals.

“What we pride ourselves most on our literary events is the chance to discover today’s best books. It’s such an honor to read so many independent and traditionally published authors of such quality and to be able to be a pillar of support for them in their own success,” says David Beaumier, communications and marketing manager of Chanticleer Reviews.

Keynote speakers include crime fiction author D.D. Black, who will also be teaching a masterclass on writing craft, editing, and how to create a writing process. He is the author of the “Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers,” set in the Pacific Northwest, and has taught at NYU and Northwest Indian College. Under the name A.C. Fuller, he has also published “The Alex Vane Media Thrillers,” “The Ameritocracy Series,” and “The Crime Beat.”

Other speakers include authors, editors, and podcasters such as Christine Fairchild, Kim Hornsby, Mark Berridge, and Reenita Malhotra Hora.

The awards cover 25 categories and help authors garner a loyal readership. As part of the ceremony, $30,000 worth of prizes and cash will be awarded to the recipients of winning titles.

For those interested in the books but not necessarily in attending the conference, you can check out the Books by the Bay book fair, held in collaboration with Village Books on April 21. Meet authors, enter to win prizes, and take home new books. Four Points by Sheraton, 714 Lakeway Dr., chantireviews.com AVA BOORN

Photo Courtesy of Chanticleer Book Reviews

WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY’S 8TH ANNUAL GREAT PUZZLE HUNT

April 20

Western Washington University’s 8th Annual Great Puzzle Hunt is a full-day, team puzzle-solving event open to everyone. You and your team of up to six can work in-person or virtually to complete four main puzzles involving a variety of skill sets. Phase I registration is free and closes on April 18. 9:30 a.m., WWU Red Square, 516 High St., Bellingham, greatpuzzlehunt.com

THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS

April 23

Soul music with a retro twist is what The California Honeydrops are all about. This energetic group never plays the same setlist, bringing skilled chaos to every show. Their music has garnered more than 200 million streams and has been used in television programs and films. 8:30 p.m., The Wild Buffalo, 208 West Holly St., Bellingham, 360.746.8733, wildbuffalo.net

ALADDIN

April 24–28

The allure of Disney’s Aladdin is flying in on the magic carpet to Paramount Theatre. The musical based on the Academy Award-winning animated film has broken records on Broadway. Worldwide this musical adaptation has garnered nearly 20 million audience members. With new original songs for the musical and songs from the animation, there is new magic for everyone to experience. Seattle Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle, 206.682.1414, stgpresents.org

THE B’HAM SWING JAM

April 26–28

Swing into spring at the B'ham Swing Jam. Join the community for a weekend of dancing and fun. Hosted by B'ham Hop, a local swing dance community bringing learning, playing, and celebration together with dance. bhamhop.com

11 am - 6 pm WhatcomArtMarket.org

Rachel Potter

PNPHC SPLASH OF COLORS

April 26–28

Pacific Northwest Paint Horse Club holds the Splash of Colors three-day horse and ranch show. Judges will preside over three shows; APHA, Ranch, and All-breed. With grand champion halter award prize money, rookie all-breed buckles, and performance points don't miss out. This horse show is approved by APHA, NWCC, and PNWPHA. Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center, 1775 Front St., Lynden, 360.354.4111, pnphc.com

SMOKING MEATS FOR BEGINNERS

April 27

Want to learn to smoke meat? If you are intimated, don’t worry! The process is easy and inexpensive. Come learn about equipment, different wood uses, and other tips and tricks. while trying samples of delicious smoked sausage. Recipes will also be covered. An operational smoker will be on display. 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd St., Blaine, 360.305.3637, wcls.libcal.com

MOVING MEMORIES & EL SUEÑO DANCE FILM SCREENING

April 27

Do you want to dance? Do you want to view a short film? Well, then you should join Alicia Mullik for a family-friendly dance workshop and film screening. If you have a willingness to explore movement and an appreciation for movement-based art, this event has something for you. 1–3:15 p.m., Museum of Northwest Art, 121 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4446, monamuseum.org

ORCAS ISLAND RACES

April 27–28

Come to beautiful Orcas Island for a weekend full of running. Starting the races are the 50-mile and marathon runs on Saturday and a halfmarathon on Sunday. These aren't your traditional runs as the course is primarily on trails. Even kids can join in for a free race on Sunday morning. For more races further south, Oak Harbor is having a full day of running for all skill levels on April 21. This includes a marathon, half, 10/5k, and kids run. Moran State Park, 4620 Olga Rd., Olga, destinationtrailrun.com/ orcas-island

Hearts for Housing Masquerade

Lydia Place

PHOTOS BY DEJAH LYNN GRIFFIN

Over 300 guests attended Lydia Place’s Hearts for Housing 2024: Masquerade Gala & Auction on Feb. 10 at Four Points

by Sheraton. The annual Valentine’s event raised money for Lydia Place to continue its mission of ending homelessness and promoting sustained independence in Whatcom County. This year’s Valentine’s event was masquerade-themed, with attendees adorning their faces with alluring masks. The silent auction included items such as two tickets to a home Seahawks game, a one-night stay for two people at The Chrysalis Inn & Spa, and an inhome wine tasting and teaching with Bellingham Alive’s own sommelier, Amberleigh Brownson.

SOL VANDEMAN

A Fashion Icon at 97 38

Photo by Dani Winters Photography

A Beautiful Mind Aging with Dignity and Grace

WRITTEN BY KEN KARLBERG

PHOTOS BY DANI WINTERS PHOTOGRAPHY

AT AGE 97, Patti Jordan is an inspirational icon in the Semiahmoo community. Born in St. Louis, MO, raised in Kansas City by her aunties, her life has been anything but ordinary.

Shoes: Victoria, Quinn and Foster, $115

White sweater: Kinross, Quinn and Foster, $250

Multi pants : Up!, Quinn and Foster, $135

Sporty jacket: Adroit, Atelier, Quinn and Foster, $350

Sun hat: Wallaroo Hat Co., Statement Apparel, $63

Scarf: Dupatta, Three French Hens, $64

Reader eyeglasses: Peepers, Three French Hens, price varies

Pants: Eileen Fisher, Three French Hens, $188

Cream blouse: Eileen Fisher, Three French Hens, $228

Cream coat: Eileen Fisher, Three French Hens, $348

Tan poncho coat: PLA NET, Three French Hens, $296

Pearl necklace: Three French Hens, $110

Shoes: Donald Pliner, Quinn and Foster, $228

Style Fashion

All items from Statement Apparel

Shoes: Ilse Jacobsen, Ilse Tulip, $83

Purse: Dupatta, $61

Hat: Wallaroo Hat Company, $51

Sweater: Tribal Jeans, $97

Cream tank top: Blue Sky Clothing Co., $51

Cream jeans: Tribal Jeans, $87

With special thanks to Salon Bellissima for hair styling.

Q: Patti, to what do you attribute your longevity?

A: Well, genetics, of course. But I have outlived my family members by 10 years, which I attribute to living a healthy lifestyle, starting with exercise. I have always been active. I played hard as a kid. I rode a bike, swam, ran, played ball and tennis... I loved ice skating. As an adult, I skied and sailed, joined a gym, worked out with weights, and attended aerobic classes. I even ran in a few 10K races. Even today, I ride a recumbent bike for 3 miles about three times a week.

Diet and sleep have been important, too. I eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep. I try to take care of my health. If you are of good health anything is possible.

Q: Has your attitude toward life helped?

A: Oh, yes, or at least I believe so. I am an optimistic person. I don’t stress out easily. I handle problems with patience and thought. I try to work out what it is and ask for help if needed. Whatever falls into my bowl, I deal with it. I am emotional and empathetic. So, if things get tough, I can cry. I cry easily. Crying is a relief valve. Done right, handling stress is temporary. Let it go, baby!

Q: What role do love and laughter play in your life?

A: They are critical. I have always been loved—by family, friends, and men—which makes for contentment, happiness, and strength to endure. My life partner of over 50 years, Paul, was the love of my life. He passed five years ago at age 97. What an amazing life we had together, full of laughter and constant exploration of ideas, religion, philosophy, and world affairs. We traveled and played together. Always together. I miss him every day. He was a great man, and we were great together.

Q: Tell us about your career.

A: I was fortunate to have the career of a lifetime. I never planned out a career. It just happened by chance because my female bosses saw something in me and said, “you can do better than this.” My first job was

working at Sanger’s department store in Kansas City, dressing mannequins in window displays. My passion for fashion and interior decorating started with my fashionable Aunt Sue who was an icon of her time. I was also always creative. But the direction of my life changed forever after I moved to Los Angeles, CA, where I was hired as a clerk at the UCLA Powell Library in Los Angeles. I was in the right place at the right time with the right skill set. I was good at organizing things. After a couple of years there, I was hired by Hughes Aircraft in their Technical Information Center. Soon after, my boss was hired to form a newly organized Technical Information Center for the Ramo Wooldridge Company. She took me with her.

In the early 1950s, Dr. Simon Ramo and Dr. Dean Wooldridge were picked by the U.S. Government to secretly build the first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. I was one of three people who established their Technical Information Center. I was with this company for 30 years, until I retired in 1986. These were exciting times. We were in a cold war with Russia and later satellite competition. R-W became TRW and entered into the aerospace industry with their STL (Space Technology Labs) division. I had the highest security clearance authorization, including Q (for atomic Top Secret Restricted Data). I loved my work. I got to work with the world’s leading scientists, engineers, and astronauts. And of course, this is where I met my love, Paul, who was a physicist with TRW and later with the RAND Corporation.

Q: How have you managed to keep up with technology in today’s world?

A: When I worked for TRW, TRW was always ahead of the technology curve, which I was required to master as part of my job. Technology is advancing at light speed today, but technology doesn’t scare me. I am curious by nature, so I research, I learn, I apply the same skills to mastering today’s technology that I did as a professional. I keep current

on the latest and greatest with advances in laptops, cell phones, and most electronics. I like the challenge. It keeps me intellectually engaged.

Q: What are your challenges of living independently at this stage of your life?

A: Nothing that I can’t handle. I designed and decorated our house, knowing that Paul and I were determined to age in place. Plus, I am still mostly mobile without the assistance of a cane or walker. I insist on doing most of the household chores myself because I like things organized my way. Cleaners come in from time to time, primarily to do the floors and more difficult tasks. John, my friend and handyman, has helped with maintaining the outdoors for years. I don’t drive anymore, but I have wonderful friends and neighbors to take me to medical appointments and pick up groceries. They are my village. And of course I order a great deal online.

Q: You dress each day as if you are a fashion influencer for seniors! Why?

A: It makes me feel good. It brings me energy. I have a closet full of clothes, shoes, hats, and other accessories—all organized, of course—and a full-length mirror on the back of my closet door. When I see outfits that I like in a fashion magazine, I love to cut them out and tape them around the mirror. Sometimes, I recreate the outfit, but even when I don’t, the images inspire me to be creative in what I wear each day. I love getting ready for the day. No matter the age, taking time to look your best is important.

Q: What brings you joy these days?

A: I am not lonely. I like my solitude. I live with my awesome memories, along with books, movies, and visits from my friends and neighbors. Most of all, I am grateful for a rich, rewarding life. Somebody pinch me! My goal is to make it until I am 100 years old. That would be pretty cool, huh? t

Timeless Fashion From This Family Business

Faraways Boutique

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF FARAWAYS BOUTIQUE

The Shop

Clean, bright, and at the intersection of minimalist aesthetics and maximalist comfort, Faraways Boutique on Orcas Island is a family-owned and -operated business serving locals and visitors alike. Faraways provides fashionable clothing, accessories, body care, and home goods year-round, seven days a week. It was founded by Owner Elizabeth ColmanSchermerhorn and her mother, Carol McKinstry, over 22 years ago.

The Atmosphere

“I treat everybody like family. My mom taught me that,” says Elizabeth. “When we opened the store, we had this concept that it was an extension of our home, that everybody that came in would be coming into our house.”

The store’s mosaic of white, black, and neutral colors creates a relaxed atmosphere. Beautiful displays line the walls and counters, and everywhere you look is something new to find. Elizabeth now runs the store with her adult child, Isabella Schemerhorn. Together, they provide warm hospitality and work to create an environment where everyone can feel seen and appreciated.

“We want to live in a world and community where people are free to be their truest selves. As a partially queer-owned business, it’s important to us that we create a safe and welcoming environment to all of our customers! We also strive to cultivate a body positive beauty culture, and we strive to amplify and uplift BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ equity and liberation,” they both say.

Key People

Although Faraways unfortunately lost its founding matriarch three years ago, her presence can still be felt in the store.

“For 16 years, I made almost all the jewelry in the store… And then about a year and a half ago, we started designing and manufacturing,” says Elizabeth. “[Our jewelry line] is called GOLD RAE, and I

actually named that after my mom. Her middle name is Rae. I like to think of her as a golden ray shining down on us.”

Isabella, Elizabeth, and her husband George Schemerhorn keep the family business going strong. Elizabeth dedicates herself to keeping the quality high and prices low, and always being there for her customers. Isabella has grown into a focus on creative merchandising, social media marketing, and photography for the shop.

What You’ll Find

“My mom and I had this vision of having neutral colors, timeless basics, things like the perfect black dress or the perfect t-shirt,” says Elizabeth. She aims to carry ethically sourced and produced goods from small, womanowned businesses, and is especially fond of natural fibers like cashmere, wool, and cotton.

On top of a capsule wardrobeworthy assortment of clothes, you can find jewelry, hair clips, purses and bags, perfumes, lotions, body scrubbers and massagers, candles, home decor, chocolates, stationery, and much more.

Elizabeth also makes sure to keep things exciting! Sales racks outside the shop boast items for only $29 or $39, and there are large and small mystery bags with categories like clothes, home goods, or self-care. Inside of two small mystery bags, I found a soft kitchen towel, a package of daily affirmations, a jade roller, and a bundle of sage.

Favorites

“There’s so many things I love, and you know, it’s probably because I put them all out,” laughs Elizabeth. She was able to narrow it down to two shout-outs—Isla by Makana, which she carries as both a perfume and candles, and a black linen dress from LEA & LUC, a French company that provides Italian linen and cashmere garments.

For their favorites, Isabella names “anything from our cashmere line and SopranoLabs RED ROSE Vegan Perfume Oil!” 123 N. Beach Rd., Ste. C, Eastsound, shopfarawaysboutique.com t

Floral Finds

WRITTEN BY SOL VANDEMAN

SPRING IS HERE and so are the flowers! The weather is getting warmer and nature is in bloom. So why not make your wardrobe reflect the season? Featuring a range of colors and plant species, these floral finds will ensure you’re enjoying the season in style. t

1 Thistle Roll-Top Knee Socks

Cute But Crazy Socks, $14 1323 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.746.6255 crazysocks.com

2 Old Skool Tapestry Floral Shoe Vans, $75

1 Bellis Fair Pkwy., Ste. 418, Bellingham 360.527.1970 vans.com

3 Bahama Coast Coastal Collage IslandZone Short-Sleeve Shirt Tommy Bahama, $128 tommybahama.com

4 Kiera Floral Midi Dress Adored Boutique, $88 913 Harris Ave., Bellingham shopadoredboutique.com

5 Perry Top eleventh st GOODS, $249 1143 11th St., Bellingham 360.366.8040 eleventhstgoods.com

4 2 3 1 5

On Top of the Trends

Q&A with Rhiannon Troutman from Fringe Boutique

WRITTEN BY BRIANA TUVEY PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRINGE BOUTIQUE

TALK TO ME about the most popular trends you see during spring and summer. How do you implement that into your boutique?

Summer is all about dresses at Fringe. Since we have such a short time frame of nice weather in the PNW, events are always packed into May through September. We sell a lot of dresses to wear to weddings, but we keep it in line with the casual aesthetic of Bellingham. You'll find one dress here that you can wear to multiple events, and be able to switch up the look with different jewelry and shoes.

Have you noticed any older trends coming back into style? What are they and how do you feel about them?

The ‘90s and Y2K fashion are back in a big way. We saw this with scrunchies, and now claw clips. High-waisted mom jeans, crop tops, and oversized jackets are all taking cues from the 1990s and 2000s.

How do you manage the constant change in trends?

Trends are changing more and more rapidly in our digital world, but at the same time, they still tend to stick with 30-year cycles. Teenage girls will always be digging through the backs of their mom's closets to find what their mothers were wearing in their youth, and recirculating that trend back into the mainstream. In that regard, it does have some predictability to it. What I'm seeing more of now is instead of a past decade having an overall revival, we're getting more focused on one aspect for a shorter time frame, and then trading it in for something else. It can actually be quite wasteful for the consumer to be following trends so closely. What's kind of nice about being located in Bellingham is that trends trickle up the West Coast more slowly, and some

never really grab hold here at all. We get to watch from afar for a little longer and then decide if that's really a trend we feel fits.

Do you have any tips and tricks for spring and summer fashion? Are there any fashion secrets you have for yourself?

Since our warm weather is so fleeting here, I recommend versatile pieces that can be layered in the colder seasons. For example, we carry a lot of corduroy shackets that make the perfect lightweight jacket over dresses or with shorts in the spring and summer but can then be layered over a flannel, hoodie, or sweater in the fall. We also carry a lot of jumpsuits, which you can layer tees or long sleeves under in the fall.

What materials would you recommend for spring and summer?

Corduroy is back in a big way, and it's definitely being worn into spring and summer as pants, shorts, skirts, jackets, bags, and even sneakers. Another fabric we love in the summer is modal, which is a super soft and stretchy fabric that stays cool against your body when it's warm out. We always carry a wide selection of basic tees and tanks, as well as jumpsuits in this material.

What is your favorite thing about fashion and trends in general?

I love that fashion offers endless possibilities. It's a form of personal expression, and it's a tool of transformation. It's ever-changing, it's playful, and it should never be taken too seriously! Fringe Boutique, 201 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.312.4067, wearfringe.com t

1. Swing 2 by Face à Face | $601

Binyon Vision Center

411 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham 360.647.2020, binyonvision.com

2. Hook, Line, & Tinker Embroidery Kits | $30

Northwest Yarns & Mercantile

206 W Magnolia St., Bellingham 360.738.0167, nwyarns.com

3. Medical Weight Loss (Semaglutide & Tirzepatide)

Price Varies

Peak Hydration

IV Therapy & Wellness Lounge

1216 Bay St., Bellingham 360.526.2125, peakhydrationlounge.com

4. Mountain/Water laser cut earrings | $23

Statement Apparel

2945 Newmarket St., Ste. 107, Bellingham 360.734.9595, statement-apparel.com

5. Wooden Dish Brush and Solid Soap Bar by Zero Waste Movement | $15.99

Wild Valley Apothecary

320 E. Fairhaven Ave. Ste. 100, Burlington 360.299.2112, wildvalleyapothecary.com

6. Sustainable Co-op Canvas Tote | $16.99

Skagit Valley Food Co-op Mercantile 202 S 1st St., Mount Vernon 360.336.9777

7. Bunnies By The Bay, Plush $12.95 and up

Shelley’s Shack

225 E State St., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 360.391.9000, facebook.com/shelleysshack

8. 60 min Watsu Session with Certified Watsu Practitioner for Deep Relaxation | $225

7 Elements Wellness Spa

7714 Birch Bay Dr. Ste. 1 Birch Bay, WA 360.922.0091, 7elements.life/watsu

LIVING YOUR GOLDEN YEARS IN THE NORTH SOUND

Advice and Resources for Older Adults

Written by Anne Godenham and Kristen Boehm

OLDER ADULTHOOD IS a phase of life that modern culture sometimes ignores, or even looks down upon. American life is all “hustle and bustle” and “nose to the grindstone,” and once you start entering those later years, people sometimes think life stops moving, or at least stops being fun and interesting.

Of course, that’s so far from the truth that we’ve been able to fill pages and pages with information about the vibrant older community here in the North Sound. There’s no better place to spend your golden years!

Whether you’re entering this phase of life yourself or you’re interested in helping your parents adjust, we’re here to help with a ton of great resources and information—plus some fascinating conversations with people who are making the most of their retirement!

COMMUNITY: RESOURCES, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY

WHEN IT COMES to community for older folks, there are a few really important tenets at the forefront: socialization with peers and people from other generations, available civic and personal resources, and opportunities to engage in pastimes that matter to you.

When you’re first getting started looking for elder communities, senior centers are a great place to start! All over Whatcom, Skagit, and the San Juans, there are dedicated centers where folks can congregate, chat with friends or meet a new beau, have some tasty meals, engage in classes and activities, and access resources. Read on to learn about the Bellingham Senior Activity Center, to get a taste of what our senior centers are all about.

Bellingham Senior Activity Center

If you’re not a resident of Lettered Streets or a frequent visitor to the Bellingham Habitat for Humanity, you might have no idea there’s a building tucked away on Halleck Street, just off Cornwall Avenue, that’s full of people over 50 doing everything from dancing Zumba to playing ukulele.

The Bellingham Senior Activity Center (BSAC) is, at its heart, a gathering space, but it’s so much more than that: Collaborating with Bellingham at Home and Meals on Wheels and More (both of which join BSAC under the umbrella of the Whatcom Council on Aging), the Center provides seniors with a music

Photography

Photo by Dani Winters Photography

studio, a coffeehouse, a gym, a library, a restaurant, and a health center.

Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, for members), more than 300 older adults per day fill the Center with color and laughter.

BSAC Director Molly Simon notes that attendance has soared since they reopened after the pandemic.

“I think we saw during the pandemic how much social isolation hurts people,” she says. “And we came back after the pandemic and just continued to grow—our attendance has gone up, our membership numbers have gone up, the number of programs that we offer are increasing… So people really flocked back to the center.”

Every corner of the Center is dedicated to enriching the lives of our community’s seniors. In addition to the large multipurpose space off the coffee shop, there’s a sizable auditorium where morning dance classes lead into delicious hot lunches. Across the hall from that is a small but well-equipped gym— there’s a strength training instructor on staff—and a healthcare room where members can get help with their Medicare benefits or see a foot care nurse once a week. And then there are the many smaller rooms where BSAC attendees gather to learn languages, share and critique each other’s writing, hook rugs, share stories of queer life, swap recipes, discuss books, shoot pool (Wednesday afternoon is ladies only), do yoga, and just jam, musically and otherwise.

“The Senior Center provides one place where people can come for many, many resources,” says Simon, “including companionship [and] friendship, in addition to all of the things you think about like exercise or food or things like that… We want to provide people with the resources they need as they age, where they're already coming, which is here.”

Even within the services the Center provides, there’s more than meets the eye. The meal service, for example, goes beyond serving hot,

Photo by Dani Winters Photography

PhotobyDani

PhotobyDani

PhotobyDani W i nt

house-cooked lunch by donation to people over 60 in the Center itself—the kitchen is responsible for cooking meals for the Bellingham location as well as Ferndale, Blaine, Everson, and Sumas. It’s part of Meals on Wheels and More, which serves around 500 home-delivery clients a week.

Like the Center itself, the meal program relies heavily on volunteers.

“We've got probably, throughout the organization, 100 volunteer shifts a week,” Simon says, “so more than 250 active volunteers in the organization. And so we absolutely couldn't do what we're doing without our volunteers.”

And that generosity of time and spirit is often paid forward by the Center’s attendees. Simon notes that many of the seniors she knows volunteer at various nonprofits throughout the county.

“I know quite a few women who are volunteering either with the Assistance League or other thrift stores… it's a great social place for people to make friends and have purpose.” She adds: “[I] really encourage people to think about volunteering for whatever kind of cause they're passionate about, whether that's the Humane Society or the food bank or the Chore Program. There's so many great local nonprofits [where] it could be a mutually beneficial relationship, because staying active and having a purpose is so important.”

Volunteering is only one of the many ways to get the most out of post-retirement life. When asked what advice she has for older adults who may be anxious about entering a new phase of life, Simon suggests:

“Don't be shy about trying new things and putting yourself out there. Because the people I see that get the most out of their retirement have really made the effort to put themselves out there and take a risk to try something new or to meet someone new. And it's really beautiful when you see it happen.” 315 Halleck St., Bellingham, 360.733.4030, whatcomcoa.org

Senior Centers

Bellingham Senior Activity Center 315 Halleck St., Bellingham 360.733.4030

Blaine Community & Senior Center 763 G St., Blaine 360.332.8040

Everson Senior Activity Center at Nooksack Christian Fellowship 201 Jackson St, Nooksack 360.393.4138

Ferndale Senior Activity Center 1999 Cherry St., Ferndale 360.384.6244

Lynden Community/ Senior Center 401 Grover St., Lynden 360.354.2921

Point Roberts Senior Activity Center 1487 Gulf Rd., Point Roberts 360.945.5424

Sumas Community Senior Center 461 Second St., Sumas 360.988.2714

Woodmen Hall | Lopez Island Senior Center and Community Activities 4102 Fisherman Bay Rd. Lopez Island, 360.468.2421

Orcas Senior Center 62 Henry Rd., Ste. 1653 Eastsound, 360.376.2677

Mullis Community Senior Center

589 Nash St., Friday Harbor 360.370.4015

Creating a community that supports elders doesn’t end with helpful gathering spaces! Local organizations are on the job, too. Some, like Aging Well Whatcom, focus on getting the interests of older adults in front of city, county, and state governments. Others deliver support and services.

Aging Well Whatcom

Launched by Chuckanut Health Foundation in 2017, Aging Well Whatcom is a community initiative that aims to ensure Whatcom County is set up to support its population of older adults, now and in the future.

“Aging Well Whatcom is a collaborative effort with the goal of making Whatcom County a better place to grow old,” says Lara Welker, the project coordinator at Aging Well Whatcom. “We have identified six key areas that we think can and should really be focused on in our community, and those are outlined in the Aging Well Whatcom Blueprint.”

The Blueprint, first released in 2019 and updated in 2022 to reflect life after the pandemic, is available in short and in full on Aging Well Whatcom’s website. Rather than being a list of services or a guide for individuals to follow, “the blueprint is intended to provide a framework that any community or organization can look to [and say,] ‘This is what we’re striving for, this is what we’re trying to create.’”

The six focus areas identified by Aging Well Whatcom are:

• Cultural Shift

Aging Well Whatcom believes the first step to a supportive community is ensuring a culture that respects and values older adults.

• Information & Navigation of Services

While our community has resources and services available to older adults, it can be difficult to navigate and make use of them. Whatcom needs a “robust and easily accessed system… to help all residents get the support and assistance they need.”

• Housing

Affordable housing is a challenge in Whatcom for everyone, and has a strong effect on older adults with fixed incomes. Housing should also include a range of accommodations for aging and care.

• Intergenerational Community Organic exchange and relationships between generations “offer support, mutual learning, and shared meaning” to everyone involved. We need to build up opportunities for and normalize these connections!

• Transportation

Older adults need more options than personal vehicles, pedestrian infrastructure, and fixed public transit in order to have full access to social services and activities, healthcare, and housing options.

• Wellness & Healthcare

This focus envelopes the availability of healthy food, safe physical activity, and a full continuum of mental and physical healthcare (including an adequate caregiving workforce).

The Aging Well Whatcom Steering Committee, which “provides direction and oversight” for the initiative, is made up of representatives from places like the Whatcom Council on Aging, the Opportunity Council, the Whatcom Transportation Authority, and other community and health centers, all working together to build a Whatcom County that better supports older adults.

As an example of recent projects influenced by the Blueprint and the Steering Committee, Welker pointed to the Opportunity Council’s brand new 55+ apartment community, Laurel Forest, which supports multigenerational relationships with “an attached but separate child care facility.”

“Some of the inspiration for both focusing on senior housing and co-locating the childcare center came from the Blueprint,” says Welker.

She also mentioned Aging Well Whatcom’s push to ensure older adults’ interests and voices are considered in the 2025 update to Bellingham’s Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year community building plan that is updated every 8 to 10 years.

At the forefront of Aging Well Whatcom’s efforts is the understanding of the older adult population as a diverse group with varying demographics of age, socioeconomics, location, and more, all of which can affect access to resources.

“There’s just a huge range of experiences of what living [and] aging is like as an older adult, and that depends on so many different variables,” says Welker. As an example, she says, “Living in Bellingham is very different from living in Sumas.” 1500 Cornwall Ave., Ste. 201, Bellingham, 360.671.3349, agingwellwhatcom.org

Other Organizations

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC)

Active since 1971, NWRC focuses on “delivering coordinated support” to seniors, disabled people, and people with complex medical conditions. Spanning Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties, they help with issues of caregiving, behavioral health, memory care, non-emergency transport, and so much more!

Bellingham at Home

This membership- and volunteerbased non-profit organization empowers seniors to be mutually supportive, engaged, active, and thriving in the homes they love. On top of practical assistance, their support buddies and gathering groups are invaluable opportunities to connect—check out their discussion and book groups, lunches, and even “slo-mo pub crawls!”

Opportunity Council

Although not senior-specific, the Opportunity Council is dedicated to assisting all folks in Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties with basic needs, including food, housing, bills, and health. They run four Resource Centers, provide veteran services, and have a Whatcom resource guide at whatcomresources.org.

Community Action of Skagit County

This organization has offices all over Skagit County, and provides services for older adults and disabled folks alongside many other areas of need! Food, bills, care, veteran services, and education and skill-building opportunities can all be found with them.

RECREATION

WE’VE TALKED A lot about serious community building and support, but everyone needs to have fun! There’s a ton of local social groups, hobby classes, and entertainment in our area that’s often intergenerational and welcoming to older adults.

Stage & Screen

For opportunities to take in a show in comfort and style, or to act in one yourself.

• Pickford Film Center ($10 off a basic membership for seniors), Bellingham

• The Lincoln Theatre (senior discounts for film screenings), Mount Vernon

• McIntyre Hall, Mount Vernon

• Mount Baker Theatre

• Bellingham Theatre Guild

• Bellingham TheatreWorks

• The Claire Theatre, Lynden

• New Prospect Theatre, Bellingham

Art

Museums and galleries where you can immerse yourself in the talents of others:

• Museum of Northwest Art, La Conner

• Trinky Busiu Gallery, Sedro-Woolley

• Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Bellingham

• Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum, La Conner

• Whatcom Museum, Bellingham

Release your inner artist:

• Tri Dee Arts, Mount Vernon

• MUD Ceramics Studio, Bellingham

• Bellingham Arts, Bellingham

• Jansen Art Center, Lynden

• Mad Hatter Metal Works, Concrete

• Red Barn Art Studio, Bow

Social

Meet new people and make lasting friendships with a little organized fun:

• VB Reads, Village Books, Bellingham

• Open Mic, Trivia, and Karaoke at Lower Tavern, Eastsound

• Newcomers and Neighbors of Whatcom County, Bellingham

• Bellingham Senior Activity Center, Bellingham

• Trivia Night at Kulshan Brewery, Bellingham

• Anacortes Senior Activity Center, Anacortes

• Bellingham Knights Chess Club, Bellingham

• Trivia Night at Skagit Landing, Burlington

• The Rotary Club of San Juan Island, Friday Harbor

Mt.BakerTheatre PhotoCourtesyofMt.BakerTheatre

VillageBooksWrites:MorningPoetryWritingGroup

Events

The North Sound is teeming with events, especially during the long summer days. Here are just a handful of our favorite welcoming and accessible happenings coming up:

• Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, April, Skagit Valley

• Chuckanut Writers Conference, June 28–29, Bellingham

• Bellingham Festival of Music, June 30 opening night, Bellingham

• San Juan County Fair, August 15–18, Eastsound

• Whatcom Senior Day in the Park: Every summer, the Whatcom Council on Aging puts on a huge event for seniors at Hovander Park, in Ferndale. With more than 100 resources from all over Whatcom, plus a cookout and music, “it's just a really special event that's focused on the older adult,” says Simon. If you’re in Skagit, check out the Skagit Senior Day in the Park!

Whatcom Museum

Photo by Tim Bies

Bellingham Festival of Music

Photo by Doug Plummer

PhotobyKellyCarbert

EDUCATION

ESPECIALLY FOR RETIREES, ongoing education is the best way to stay mentally engaged and be open to new developments in how we understand the world. For elders who’ve already had careers (sometimes three or four of them), you can stay polished in your fields of interest or pivot to new ones. For people to whom education was never much of a priority before, maybe now’s your chance!

Academy for Lifelong Learning

“Enroll in academic and cultural programming; Explore local and regional sites; Enjoy new connections.”

It’s all in the name! If you’re looking to stay curious and keep learning outside of traditional higher education, the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) is a great place to start. Originally started in 1997, ALL is an intergenerational community of learning. It’s hosted and administered by Western Washington University, but is completely driven by volunteers, members, donations, and program fees.

ALL’s diverse courses are short, college-level, and lowpressure, with no tests or homework to stress over. They’re taught by WWU faculty, experts, and professionals and can take place at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Ferndale Library, Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, and Western Washington University. They also have a lecture series, interest groups, social events, and plan educational excursions to places like Lake Chelan or the National Nordic Museum in Seattle.

Even if you’re not sold on any courses in particular, a year’s membership with ALL is only $50, and grants you 25% off of course fees, access to WWU’s library, alumni privileges at the Lakewood Boathouse and the Wade King Recreation Center, 10% discount at Village Books and Paper Dreams, and more.

Other educational opportunities

Whatcom Community College’s Community & Continuing Education Program

WCC’s continuing education program is vast and mighty. They offer classes on cooking, wellness and fitness, house and home, gardening, nature and recreation, art and crafts, writing, languages, business and professional development, computers and technology, and even special sections like international travel and healthcare planning.

Your Local Libraries

Don’t forget that libraries are community cornerstones that offer safe spaces, access to information, and classes (usually for free)! Head online or to your local library and look for classes, we bet you’ll see something that interests you.

Cooking Classes

Hands-on, educational, and tasty! Look for cooking classes from Bellingham’s Community Food Co-op, King Arthur Flour’s Baking School at the Bread Lab in Burlington, or The Skagit Table in Mount Vernon.

Arts & Hobbies

Our local businesses love hosting classes and fostering community. You never know what you’ll find if you look around, but we recommend looking for courses with Northwest Yarns & Mercantile, Cloud Mountain Farm Center, and The Great Northern Bottle Shop & Lounge.

Wellness and Culture

You’re never too old to learn more about yourself and others! Workshops at places like WinkWink Boutique and the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center will teach you communication skills and give you insight to the human condition.

HEALTH & FITNESS

AGE CAN'T BE held off by anything, but proper nutrition and consistent exercise can go a long way toward helping you be more active and comfortable in your later years.

Food

According to the National Institute on Aging, getting the right balance of nutrition is an important element in maintaining your health as you age. While people of all ages need to eat a varied diet that includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, enough protein and fat to sustain healthy muscles, and grains to fuel your energy, there are some dietary needs that shift as we age.

We should all avoid eating too much salt, saturated fat, and sugar, but as our bodies age this becomes even more important. Too much sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease—risks that are already increased with the natural process of aging. As for sugar and saturated fats, while everything is okay in moderation (as long as you’re not allergic or otherwise unable to eat something), foods that are particularly sweet or high in fat can cause weight gain, which can be hard on our joints and have a negative impact on mobility.

That’s not to say that you should spend your golden years dieting—please

don’t—but rather that it’s a good idea to ensure you’re getting enough of the nutrients you need and making sure that indulgences aren’t taking over too much of your intake.

If grocery shopping or meal planning is a struggle for you, don’t panic: There are so many services that can help you meet your changing nutritional needs! Meal kit delivery services like the locally-focused boxes from Acme Farms + Kitchen include everything you need, including preportioned ingredients and instructions, to cook a set number of meals that conform to your dietary needs and taste preferences. If cooking isn’t available to you, try a delicious lunch or dinner delivery from Guud Bowls, or sign up for Plantage’s nutritious, ready-toeat meal subscription for convenient weekly pickup. And if the cost of these services is prohibitive, Meals on Wheels volunteers will deliver fresh, nutritious meals to homebound people over the age of 60 on a donation-only basis.

For those who prefer eating out, there are plenty of restaurants in the region that serve up healthy, balanced meals. While restaurant food does often have more salt and fat than what we cook at home, veggie-forward dishes and fresh preparations are a great place to start—and a quick word with your server at any restaurant can work wonders for helping you find the right dish for your nutritional needs.

Exercise

Fitness is a crucial tool in aging healthily—and comfortably. The more thoughtfully and consistently you move your body, in line with your unique abilities and needs, the better you’ll feel as you age.

The National Institute on Aging recommends trying to incorporate four specific types of movement into your routine: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Combining these four types of exercise has been shown to improve

overall health while reducing the risk of injury from repetitive movement.

Endurance exercise is also commonly referred to as aerobic or cardio—it’s intended to increase your heart rate and get you breathing a bit harder for an extended period of time. This improves your heart and lung health as well as keeping your circulatory system (blood flow) in good condition. Anything from a brisk walk to a bike ride will tick this box!

Strength training is focused on building and maintaining muscle, which not only makes everyday tasks like carrying your groceries easier but also helps protect your bones as they age (this is especially important for women, who are prone to osteoporosis). You can do free weights with light dumbbells, work out with resistance bands or on the machines at your favorite gym, or use your own body weight—as long as you’re safely feeling the burn, you’re improving your muscle strength.

Balance exercises are exactly what they sound like: exercises to help improve balance! This is especially important for older adults, because as we age, falls have more serious consequences. One popular type of balance exercise is Tai Chi, a slowmoving meditation that originated in China as a martial arts practice; you can also do something as simple as regularly standing on one leg for a brief time, then switching legs (make sure you’re near a wall to catch yourself if you wobble).

Flexibility exercises are intended to increase range of motion and make everyday life both easier and more comfortable—it’s all too easy to take flexibility for granted, until you lose it because you’re not maintaining it! Gentle stretching at home before bed, in the morning, or before and after exercise is an easy way to work on your flexibility.

Want to hit all the marks with one exercise class or activity? You might be surprised at how many options you have!

Swimming is a great full-body exercise, and if laps don’t appeal to you you can get the same low-impact benefits from aquacise (also known as water aerobics). The Skagit YMCA in

Mount Vernon has a fantastic pool and great water aerobics classes!

Dancing is a super fun way to get your heart rate up and increase balance and strength—just make sure you stretch before and after! Dance is for everyone, including those of us who might not think we ‘qualify’; Bellingham dance company Kuntz and Company even offers a class for dancers with Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders.

Yoga combines breath work, stretching, balance, and strength training for a whole-body workout that’s also great for your mind. Classes range from faster-faced vinyasa routines to restorative supported poses, and most teachers will happily help students adjust their practice to fit their unique needs. Some studios, like Crescent Moon Yoga in La Conner, also offer chair yoga for students with mobility issues.

Most gyms and fitness centers offer a variety of classes for all ages, often

including older adults. These range from low-impact dance or aerobics classes to guided strength training programs. If your gym doesn’t have classes that will work for you, check out Ageless Fitness—they host regular senior group classes at different locations in Skagit and Whatcom counties–or visit silversneakers.com to find online or in-person exercise for seniors.

Nature

While the outdoors is a resource available to all ages in the North Sound, it’s a particularly rewarding way to maintain your mental and physical health in older age. Sometimes there’s a concern about accessibility or being able to get help when in the great outdoors, but with research and planning, these can be accounted for. There’s also tons of ways to engage with nature that are low-impact and won’t restrict your access to emergency services.

Hikes for All Abilities

There are hundreds of trails in our area; we’re only naming a few. Up in Blaine, the Semiahmoo Spit has a .8-mile paved trail with gorgeous water views, while the Point Whitehorn Trail at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve is a 1.6-mile loop that’s mostly flat and fully accessible.

Off the beaten path, you can find several accessible trails near Newhalem, a small town on the banks of the Skagit River. The Sterling Munro Boardwalk is 330 feet of easy-going views and begins near the North Cascades Visitor Center. The 1000-foot Rock Shelter Trail is wheelchair accessible and leads to a 1,400-year-old hunting camp under a large boulder. Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk is a .3-mile gravel loop that skirts the Skagit River and leads you through sections of old growth forest.

Rockport State Park in Skagit County is notable for its 670-acres of old-growth trees that are up to 250

feet tall. It has a Discovery Center, accessible parking, buildings, and restrooms, drinking water, and plentiful benches. Right off the parking area is the west-bound ADA section of the Evergreen Trail which leads to an ADA West Loop Interpretive Trail.

Prefer to explore with company? The Whatcom Council on Aging runs two groups: the Senior Trailblazers, which do moderate to difficult hikes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and The Button Walkabouts, which take relaxed social walks that usually last about 1.5 hours. You may also want to check out Wild Whatcom’s Wonder Walks, which are beloved for their slow and intentional pace and opportunities to connect with others.

Connect with Wildlife

Older adults can take in the wildlife with fairly low-impact activities! Join in on some birding excursions with the North Cascades Audubon Society, or take part in the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival come

March. Whale watching tours are available from companies like San Juan Cruises. To look up fishing spots with available accommodations like ADA accessibility and restrooms, check out the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s “Places to Go” page at wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go.

Walk-Through Wonders

Take a day to visit the Skagit County WSU Extension Master Gardener Discovery Garden in Mount Vernon. The 2.5-acre grounds had over 4000 feet of wide gravel paths added between 2019-2021, so navigating the 30 distinctly-themed garden areas is more accessible than ever. Alternatively, combine your love of art and the outdoors with a stroll through the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park or the Western Gallery Outdoor Sculpture Collection at Western Washington University.

Scenic Drives

There’s nothing like cruising around and enjoying nature’s beauty from the inside of a comfy vehicle. We highly recommend driving up Orcas Island’s Mount Constitution! You can drive straight there from the ferry, if you like, and never even have to leave the car. You’ll go through gorgeous Moran State Park before starting up the sometimes steep but entirely paved road. On your drive up the mountain, you’ll pass several pull-offs and even a spacious shoulder where you can stretch your legs and take in the view of the water and rolling hills around you. Once you make it to the summit, there’s a parking area, a beautiful visitor’s center open in the summer months, and an awesome lookout (including a neat stone tower and lots of infographics about the area).

If Orcas Island is a bit far from you, there’s always Chuckanut Drive, Washington State’s original scenic byway. The route stretches almost 20 miles between Bellingham and Burlington and serves up beautiful views the entire way, passing Larrabee State Park, the Oyster Dome hiking trail, and The Oyster Bar restaurant.

MENTAL HEALTH Q&A WITH DR. DYLAN KEENBERG

AGING CAN BRING up complicated feelings: anxiety about physical changes, excitement about retirement, fear of the new stage stretching before us, gratitude for the privilege of facing all these things… It's different for everyone, and all responses to the process are valid. We spoke with Dr. Dylan Keenberg, a clinical psychologist specializing in existential analysis, to get the scoop on mental health in older adults.

Can you tell us a little bit about your focus on existential analysis and how it relates to the process of aging?

Existential analysis includes an array of approaches to psychotherapy that seek to help clients more fully describe their worldview and explore how they can more authentically approach the struggles they are facing. This is accomplished through clarifying the consequences of their interpretations of themselves, others, and their world, inviting clients to approach their living in more genuine, free, responsible, and socioethically sound ways that tend to promote life satisfaction. … I invite clients into intentionally reflective dialogues about their identity and how they are living, attending to the areas of dissatisfaction that challenge my clients’ sense of having a meaningful life.

What are some of the most common mental health challenges you see in older adults in your practice?

The older adults I work with are often facing emotional struggles in relation to shifts in their worldview, brought on by life challenges that extend beyond their usual means of navigating their sense of self, of others, and of the world. They tend to reach out seeking help in overcoming symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, relationship discord, and/ or loneliness, to name a few. I have supported clients through exiting their careers, having difficulties relating with their adult children, adjusting to shifts in their physical and/or mental capabilities, struggling with adapting to changes in society and their place in it, grieving the deaths of meaningful others, facing their own mortality, and more.

Does aging present any specific challenges that differ from the usual existential concerns?

I would say that the changes and adjustments involved in aging can have an amplifying or elaborative effect on navigating the existential concerns that a person can struggle with at any point in life. We can be tasked with revising aspects of who we are and our sense of place in the world in responding to age-related changes in our bodies, minds, social roles, and lifestyles. Some people find ways to approach these tasks adequately and meaningfully, while

others may have difficulty integrating these changes in authentic, fulfilling ways.

What practical steps can older adults take to help them adjust to this new stage of life?

When researchers ask people who are in their final stages of life about what has been the most important contributor to their life fulfillment, they tend to identify spending time with meaningful others. My clinical experiences suggest similarly that maintaining connections with the people in our lives who matter to us can promote life fulfillment and offer support when working through the difficulties involved in aging. I encourage clients toward seeking out new opportunities for social connections as well, such as participating in community activities, group hobbies, volunteering, and anything else where like-minded others could be looking for connection as well. For those who are having difficulty in these areas, it may be worthwhile to consult a therapist in effort to process these struggles.

Another suggestion I offer my clients is to recognize that there is no agreedupon way that a person must be an “older adult”. Taking moments to ask oneself who we have been, what matters most about it now, and how to most genuinely spend our days ahead can bring clarity about how to promote our well-being and inspiration toward facing the reality of our finitude in meaningful directions.

PhotoCourtesy of Dr Dylan Keenberg

SPOTLIGHT: DANIEL LARNER

DANIEL LARNER, WHO’S turning 85 this month, has been retired from his fulltime work at Fairhaven College since 2014, but that doesn’t mean his life has slowed down.

“I was told by all my colleagues who had retired in the years before me that once I'd been retired for a year something very unexpected would appear to be true to me,” Larner says. “And that would be that I would wonder how I ever found any time to work.”

Still, it should come as no surprise that a man whose career has involved a consistent juggling of dedications to higher education, community activism, public speaking, and his own writing pursuits should find it challenging to lean into the slowness of the post-retirement period. During his long career, Larner taught English and Theater at Western Washington University, where he also chaired the Theater department for a year, and then served as Dean of Fairhaven College for seven years before stepping away from administration to teach core sciences, in addition to screenand playwriting.

“I grew up a junior scientist,” Larner says, “and one of my professors said to me: ‘You know what’s your problem, Larner: you've never lost an interest.’”

This assessment is born out by the breadth of Larner’s experience. In addition to his work in academia, he served on the board of the Washington State American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for 49 years, speaking frequently on the subject of civil liberties all around the northwest corner for much of that time.

“After 9/11, I sort of put out a notice: ‘have speech, will travel.’ I promised myself that I would not refuse an invitation to speak about civil liberties—particularly civil liberties and national security—anywhere, anytime,” he says. “And my principal thesis was really simple: that you don't increase security by reducing civil liberties… historically, almost every time there was any opportunity to reduce civil liberties in the name of security, it was taken by whatever government was in place in whatever country… including our own. And one of the truisms about civil liberties is that once you lose them, they're very hard to get back.”

Larner was also an early member of the Mount Baker Theatre Committee, a non-profit founded in 1983 with the express intention of purchasing the Theatre building to save it from being split into a multi-screen movie

theater. They succeeded, and still run the Theatre to this day, thanks to the volunteers that make up most of the corporation’s staff. Larner is still on the Facilities Committee there, as well as having more recently joined the Board of the Public Facilities District for the City of Bellingham.

These days, Larner is putting more of his focus on the writing subset of his many interests—“That’s, I hope, probably in my 90s going to be a renewed part of my life.” He serves on the short film jury and script selection committee for the CASCADIA Women’s Film Festival, as well as sitting on the Board of Directors, and he also writes scripts and plays as well as academic journal articles.

When asked about Bellingham’s visibly engaged senior community, Larner says:

“It's emblematic of a vibrant community that doesn't give up. That doesn't leave its problems just lying. There's a lot of seniors I know who are working on homelessness, a lot of seniors who are working with peace and justice organizations. There are a lot of seniors who are working in the arts.”

He adds, when asked what he would say to those who want to join in but are feeling timid: “One of the beauties of being a senior is that it's not harder to learn when you're older—it's easier, because you have so much less to lose.”

Photo Courtesy of Western Washington University

Photo by CherylCrooksPhotograph y

HOME & LIVING

AS WE AGE, the spaces we inhabit aren’t always as easy to navigate, and living alone or without assistance can become difficult and isolating. It’s of utmost importance to have a place to come home to that makes us feel safe and comfortable, and to have access to personable, caring help. Here is a short list of strategies that older adults may take when it comes to home and living!

Aging in Place

Aging in place is a relatively recent term for making changes to your home that enable you to stay there as your mobility becomes more limited. This can be as simple as moving a bedroom to a spare room on the ground floor or swapping a tub for a walk-in shower in the bathroom, or it can be as all-encompassing as a major renovation to increase accessibility throughout the home. (Check out our featured home on p.70 and the remodel on p.73 to see more ideas!) And staying in your home doesn’t have to mean going it alone—there are home help aides available, and

organizations like Bellingham at Home offer members support with things like transportation and household chores.

Senior/Retirement Community

If you’d like to be in a space specifically designed for older adults, surrounded by your peers but still living independently, a retirement community is a great option. Many senior communities— including La Conner Retirement Inn in La Conner, Cordata Court in Bellingham, and Creekside

Continuing Care Community in Burlington—also offer tiered services, so that if your needs increase you can access a higher level of care without having to move to a new home.

Assisted Living

This is the next step up in accommodating changing needs! Assistance can come in the form of a caregiver coming to your home, services included in senior communities, and assisted living facilities. These facilities are licensed to help their residents with the activities of daily life in a range of ways, including cooking, cleaning, and even getting dressed or using the bathroom. It’s not round-the-clock assistance or care, but there’s always someone there to help if you need it,

and there will be physicians and/or nurses on staff as well.

Right at Home is a service that offers personalized in-home care and assistance, and operates throughout Whatcom, Skagit, and the San Juans. The caregivers come right to you! Alternatively, Village Concepts has facilities throughout Washington, including in Sedro-Woolley, that offer various lifestyles and levels of assistance!

Long-Term Care Facility

Also known as a care home, nursing home, or skilled nursing facility, this is where you’ll find 24/7 skilled care for anything from physical disabilities to mental healthcare and memory care. This is the best option for people who have serious medical conditions and need consistent monitoring and care—including people who are recovering from surgery or a serious illness, who may come to stay for a temporary period. Many nursing homes offer services like speech or physical therapy, mobility assistance, and palliative care. The Shuksan Healthcare Center by Hyatt Family Facilities is a care home that offers helpful therapies, gentle pets, and aims to support elders with an overall feeling of normalcy.

Hospice Care

The focus of a hospice is to guide and care for residents through the end of their life with pain treatment, emotional support, and medical supervision. Hospice care is all about helping people with terminal illnesses achieve the highest possible quality of life. PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice provides skilled hospice care in someone’s own home, community, or facility, or can take patients in at Whatcom Hospice, an affiliated, home-like facility.

SPOTLIGHT: DR. ELAINE CRESS

DR. ELAINE CRESS, 75, is passionate about exercise, especially for older adults. Cress has her PhD in Kinesiology and specialized in Gerontology during her career; her research, funded by the National Institutes of Health and academic institutions, assessed the impact of exercise on maintaining physical function, reversing loss in function, and how to accurately measure physical function in older adults and people with disabilities. After 30 years as a researcher, she applied her experience in the community—as Bellingham Senior Center’s Health & Wellness Coordinator from 2015-2021, she helped improve their gym, updated their strength training class, and led their Fall Prevention Program.

“Exercise was my avocation that I turned into my vocation,” she jokes, adding: “gerontology was my vocation that I've now turned into my avocation.”

Jokes aside, though, Cress is serious about the benefits of exercise. When asked what her core value is, she says it’s “the duality of exercise in aging with the understanding of physical function,” explaining that exercise is essential to health at any age, but as our bodies age the physical reserves we drew on in youth begin to dwindle, and unless we exercise several times a week we risk losing our physical independence.

“You end up bowing to the process,” she says of aging. “Even Martina Navratolova had to retire—someone who is at the top of their game and doing all the exercise in the world to stay at the top of their game, they meet that edge as well. So it's that ego realization that bows to the process and I think, from my own perspective, that it's better to bow to that process than to resist it.

Cress’s experience as a gerontologist has affected her perspective when it comes to that bow, as well. She’s seen enough older adults go through the physical process of aging to know that it’s always better to have a plan in place for when you reach your physical limitations, even briefly. She and her husband have been proactive about ensuring their current home is set up for them to age in place, and about

“We wanted to know what was out there,” she says, adding that their home’s proximity to the senior center is a big plus, in particular because of BSAC’s dedication to supporting physical activity in the later years.

“I have visited senior centers from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest, from the Southwest to the Midwest…each community creates a senior center that reflects that community’s values. Some focus on frailty issues and have adult daycare centers. Others may emphasize arts, and in this comparison, BSAC stands out as one that has both evidence-based exercise programs and the variety of programs to engage seniors in staying active [in ways] that are enjoyable, while still incorporating arts, music, discussion groups of various sorts. … This is the most well-rounded senior center for being physically active that I have seen.”

When asked what advice she had for other older adults, Cress stressed the importance of doing regular strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance exercises to maintain independence as long as possible. Researching your options for getting assistance before it becomes necessary reduces the stress of making consequential choices when under pressure of a medical event. It has been said: "It's always too early, until it's too late!"

“My advice is for people to not think that they'll never have to maybe even dip their toe in the water about getting some help,” she says. “If folks are looking for a good place to start, Northwest Regional Council is a fantastic resource. Do your homework and let them know specifically what you're looking for and they can provide a list of what is available in the community.”

Bellingham At Home, which Cress helped to found and get off the ground, helps people age in their homes by offering help with things like transportation, household chores, and regular check-ins. Cress leads a group there called Planning Forward that explores contingency planning for aging-in-place.

“It's very important for our family and quality of life to make sure that we've got things taken care of, because there is an end of life for all of us.” Cress notes frankly.

PhotoCourtesyofDr.ElaineCress

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SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

The thought of downsizing or moving can be overwhelming for many of us. This feeling can intensify for seniors, who often have decades of treasured memories and possessions. As a move manager, the most common reaction I hear from potential clients is, ‘I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.’ What I do is minimize the stress and chaos often involved with downsizing or moving, by creating and supporting a plan, from start to finish. My role is to juggle all those pieces, which may include a large or small scale move, donating, selling and hopefully, a smile and hug when we’re finished. I understand that transitions can be hard emotionally and I’m here to make sure each box, step, and memory is treated with respect.

Recently, the daughter of a potential client reached out for help. After we finished, she sent me a mug with the words ‘chaos coordinator,’ who is someone who solves problems you never knew existed in ways that will ease your mind. She felt this was perfect!

If you or someone you know feels lost on where to start - I’m here to create a plan, ease the mind, and help navigate a smooth transition.

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Photo

Photo by Billy Wurzauf, Blind Hat Productions

Photo by Billy Wurzauf, Blind Hat Productions

A Perfect Balance Between Form and Function Concept Design, LLC

WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM

RISING BESIDE SKAGIT

County’s Big Lake and harmonizing beautifully with its surroundings, this 4,300-square-foot home was designed from the ground up to blend aesthetics with practicality. The peaceful water views and luxurious finishes belie the deep critical thought that went into creating an ADA-compliant age-inplace living space.

The homeowners approached Concept Design, LLC with a clear idea of what they wanted: to replace the current structure on their lakeside property with a beautiful home that would also be functional and comfortable as they aged. Energy efficiency was a priority, as was maximizing the home’s connection with nature—balancing these two priorities would require a careful designer.

“The owners approached us, drawn by our portfolio and our reputation for design excellence,” says Chief Design Officer Joel Clark. “After initial discussions that revealed a strong alignment between their vision and our design philosophy, a fruitful collaboration ensued.”

The design for the house incorporated a wide-open floor plan and ground floor second master suite, for ADA-compliant living that would still leave room for social gatherings and lots of natural light. An extra-wide covered carport at the front entrance would protect residents and visitors, including wheelchair users, from the elements and a separate space was built into the design for a potential future live-in caretaker.

“Our objective was to create a home that reflects the owners'

lifestyle and aspirations,” says Clark, “pushing the boundaries of residential design.”

The house took 3.5 years to come into being, with the initial design phase starting in January 2020 and the build finishing in October 2023. While unpredictable weather and zoning restrictions could have created setbacks, the team leaned into the challenges before them, “embracing the constraints as opportunities for creativity.” The timeline of the project was appropriate to its complexity and the team’s commitment to quality.

The resulting three-story home is a stunning structure that perfectly balances contemporary luxury and approachable functionality. Expansive, energy-efficient windows, Anderson sliding pocket doors, and extensive decks bring the sweeping lake views right to the home, and comforting touches like heated sit-down tile showers and an indoor hot tub give the house a luxurious holiday-at-home feel. The entire property is accessible, as well—there’s an ADA-compliant elevator for access to the third-floor fitness room and office (complete with a micro balcony for that perfect post-workout cooldown).

The owners are thrilled by their new home’s comfort, functionality, and luxury—and by the lowmaintenance materials used in the build, which help the home stay clean and beautiful with minimal effort. As for the designer’s favorite part of the house?

“The home's engagement with its natural lakeside setting stands out for me,” says Clark. He adds: “Building a custom home, especially one focused on

Photo by Joel Clark, Concept Design LLC

efficiency, luxury, and aging in place, is a deeply personal journey. It involves navigating complexities with open communication and trust between the design team, construction team, municipalities, and homeowners. At Concept Design LLC, we're dedicated to ensuring this process is as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible, aiming for outcomes that not only meet but exceed our clients' dreams.” t

Skagit Lake House | Project Details

Building Designer: Joel Clark of Concept Design, LLC

General Contractor: Bill Inman and John Piazza Jr., of John Piazza

Jr. Construction

Structural and Civil Engineering: Davido Consulting Group, Inc.

Interior Design: Deanna Gartner and Carla Moore of The Defined Home

Photo by Billy Wurzauf, Blind Hat Productions

Photo by Billy Wurzauf, Blind Hat Productions

Anacortes Coastal Aging in Place

Patty Koskovich of Koskovich Design Group

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM | PHOTOS BY BILL EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCAL INTERIOR DESIGNER Patty Koskovich and her husband began building their Anacortes home with a view of the Guemes Channel in 2017. After two years of careful construction, their Coastal Aging in Place home was completed, perfectly planned for comfortable living— now and for years to come.

“I call it… my seaside sanctuary,” says Koskovich, who researched and designed the initial plans for the build herself. She knows the importance of a safe, comfortable, and beautiful home, thanks to her previous nursing career and being a Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2008.

“It’s important to be able to move around on one floor and have everything accessible,” says Koskovich. She and her husband, a retired firefighter, are both turning 73 this year. They both acted as contractors for the build, contributed to millwork, cabinets, various flooring, tiling, and finishing the basement.

The home is two stories on a sloped lot with a daylight basement. In order to keep things accessible, Koskovich focused on “main floor living,” with the kitchen, living room, dining room, master bed and bath, laundry room, second

room (office or bedroom), powder room, and pantry all available upstairs.

“The floorplan allows for an open concept with clear sightlines. All doors are 36” wide, hallways are wide, there is easy maneuverability, and floors are non-slip in most areas. All door handles are lever hardware,” says Koskovich. “At the entrance, minimal steps or no steps are preferred. We have one step and our sidewalk is four feet wide. Exterior doors do have a threshold, but no steps to enter or exit.”

“In the kitchen we used drawers instead of cabinet doors, and all the hardware is a [D] pull, [which is easy to grasp and pull]. The main kitchen faucet is hands free. [From] the kitchen counter to the island is 48’’ inches, a two-cook kitchen. Appliances [include a] French door refrigerator for easy access [and] induction cooktop for safety.”

Lighting is also a consideration for Aging in Place (AIP). Koskovich mentioned that on top of having plentiful windows, there’s overhead, task, and ambient lighting, some on dimmers.

“All three bathrooms have blocking in the walls for future grab bars, comfort height toilets, and lever faucets. The

master bath has a KOHLER assist toilet paper holder and towel bar, rated for ADA. The shower is a no-threshold entry with a wide opening, with backing in the walls for future grab bars. There is plenty of floor space for turning,” says Koskovich. She also adds, “The tub is not for aging [in place,] but it’s pretty!”

In the master bedroom, plenty of light and maneuvering room, a door to the exterior, and a closet with barn doors and storage keep the AIP functionality going strong.

On the basement level, there’s a sitting area with a bar, two bedrooms, and a bath. Currently, the space is used for entertaining and guests, and is accessible through the basement-level garage at the back of the home or via stairs from the main floor. Not only can the space easily become a caregiver’s unit, it can also be made accessible by an elevator that Koskovich planned ahead for.

“We used the pantry area to plan for a future elevator,” she says. “It is structurally built for removing the flooring at the entrance to allow for an open shaft to the lower floor. The electrical is done, it has a dedicated circuit and a panel in an adjacent storage room for ease of conversion. Meanwhile, I have a pretty great pantry!” t

Coastal Aging in Place | Project Details

Draftsperson: Bruce Runstad

Interior Designer/Owner: Patty Koskovich of Koskovich Design Group

Project Location: Anacortes

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Photo by Kristen Boehm

A Playful Revolution

Rooted in Time, Place, and Memory

Matia Kitchen

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KRISTEN BOEHM

MATIA KITCHEN, REOPENED in March 2023 after the sudden closure of its previous location that January, is the latest evolution of a culinary project that Co-Owners Chef Avery Adams and Operating Manager Drew Downing have been working on together since 2016. Now in a new location with an adopted sister restaurant, Monti, under the same roof, Matia is “more Matia than it ever has been.”

I traveled to Eastsound on Orcas Island to sit at one of six seats at the chef’s counter and experience their nine-course tasting menu. I was there in late autumn, and the dishes change constantly—sometimes even multiple times in one day—so keep in mind that each experience will be unique.

First Course

Grilled Judd Cove oyster on the half shell, Matia hot sauce, house compound butter. Paired with Chapuis & Chapuis Petillant Naturel 2022.

“There is no better way in my mind to open a meal on Orcas Island than with an oyster from just down the road,” says Downing. “The oyster is intended to sort of ground the rest of the meal in a sense of time and place.”

The oyster was served on the half shell on hot stones, swimming in house butter and fermented fresno chili hot sauce. It was harvested the day before at Crescent Beach, just minutes away from Matia. The heat and salt of the oyster, complimented by the bright tang and light fizz of the accompanying Pet-Nat, woke me up for the eight dishes ahead.

Second Course

Parsnip latke, smoked egg yolk, West Beach radishes, pickled jalapeno, spiced pear butter. Paired with Chapuis & Chapuis Petillant Naturel 2022.

One of the hallmarks of Adams’s culinary style is that each dish combines ingredients (often rarified through seasonality, locality, or preparation) in a way that evokes memories around food in new and delightful ways.

“[The food at Matia is] playful and engaging, but it’s familiar,” says Adams. “It’s presented in this way that's unique and unorthodox.”

“[With the tasting menu] we sort of intentionally set you on your heels and then wrap you in a hug with comfort food, sort of back and forth, in order to break norms of fine dining a little bit,” Downing says.

My second dish was fried and piled high with veg, flavored by smoked mayonnaise and egg yolk. Eaten altogether, I experienced my own comfort food association– a spicy barbeque chip.

Third Course

Spring Time Farm beets, pain perdu, beet hummus, pickled peaches, green strawberry, kvass glaze. Paired with Marcel Lapierre Morgan 2021.

Spencer was my server at the chef’s counter that evening, although he was more like my guide through the menu. He shared how they make their house sourdough kvass, and how it was boiled down to a syrup and used to glaze the braised beets. The sourdough pain perdu (a.k.a. French toast) was the perfect hinge to both the earthy beets and the bright flavors of the strawberries, fermented green tomatoes, pickled peaches, and summer hot sauce.

Fourth Course

Baked celeriac, rhubarb vinegar, mustard cream, fermented kohlrabi, winter greens. Paired with Mas de Gourgonnier “Les Baux de Provence” 2021.

The tasting menu opens with “a succession of snacks followed by, generally speaking, some composed vegetable dishes.” This veggie dish had greens featuring a medley of

preparations as well as whole-grain and creamed mustard, resulting in a smoky and spiced plate that I ate every last bite of. It was full-bodied and savory without needing any meat.

Fifth Course

Oil-poached pumpkin, fall fruit mole, black apple conserva, salsa macha, puffed rye. Paired with Enkircher Ellergrub Riesling Spatlese 2020.

I understand why Spencer describes this plate as “one of our very favorite Matia dishes.” The butternut squash was poached in olive oil, then deep-fried, leaving the exterior extremely crunchy and the inside melt-in-your-mouth. Amongst slightly sweet, fruity toppings, the puffed rye and salsa macha added more sizzly-crunch to every bite.

My favorite garnish across Matia and Monti was also present here: deep fried sage leaves that are so infused with air and oil that they crunch and then dissolve when they hit your tongue, leaving a salty and herbaceous flavor behind.

Bread

Matia sourdough (made with Cairnspring Mills wheat), house cultured butter, seasonal marmalade.

Sixth Course

Penn Cove mussels escabeche, ikura, grilled oyster mushrooms, orange kosho, burro fuso, pumpkin seed dukkah. Paired with Domaine de la Pepiere Clisson 2019.

These mussels were prepared using a special pickling method, soaking up the flavors of oil, vinegar, chili flakes, and fennel seed. The ikura is a plump cured salmon roe that popped with every bite, draping everything in their rich, salty flavor. The orange kosho and grilled mushrooms were excellent accompaniments, as was the bread, which soaked up the white-wine-sweet broth.

Seventh Course

Aurora Farm brisket, sunchoke puree, coffee-glazed delicata squash, pickled sunchoke, pickled golden raisins, chiquita roja beans. Paired with Entienne Delarche “Le Combottes” 2020.

The last savory course played on my nostalgia once again, reminding me of baked beans and barbecue, but layered with the unexpected flavors of sweet pickled raisins, coffee, black garlic, and a touch of miso.

The wine paired with this course was a white burgundy, an unorthodox choice for red meat, but one that refreshed the flavors after each bite and sip. Between Matia and Monti, the curated wine and cocktail programs could easily draw folks on their own merit.

Eighth Course

Corn mouse, blue corn steam cake, candied squash, pepita brittle. Paired with Pierre Ferrand Pineau des Charentes NV.

The chef’s counter experience is sized and paced so that you have room for everything, and you’ll be grateful for that when you reach the last two courses. My first dessert was a bowl of sweet corn mousse, aerated to the consistency of whipped cream, chunks of steam cake, delightful bites of thick candied squash and caramelized sugar bombs from the pepita brittle. It’s a bowl of everything you could want in a dessert!

Ninth Course

Quince and sunflower seed pavlova.

The final offering is something of a parting gift from Matia. The seed and fruit flavors of the pavlova result in something like a “PB&J.” The meringue is crisp outside but has a chewy interior that helps you savor these last few bites and think back on the experience you just had.

There’s much more to be said about Matia’s story and dedication to people, community, and food systems. When you go, take advantage of their welcoming, casual take on premier dining and have a conversation with them about it. There’s no need to wait for summer to visit, either.

“People will tell you, like, ‘Oh, Matia, you know, it's impossible to get a reservation.’ That is true for nine weeks [in the summer],” says Downing. “But come November, the sun is shining, discounts on hotel rooms. You can walk right into this restaurant, no problem. We'll welcome you with open arms. You'll have our full attention. I think there's a lot of value in that.”

382 Prune Alley, Eastsound, 360.375.4350, matiakitchen.com t

Goat Mountain

Bright Young Things

Ingredients: gin, Benedictine, lemon, honey, peach bitters

Price: $11

THE NEXT TIME you find yourself strolling through Old Town Bellingham, be sure to check out Goat Mountain (formerly Goat Mountain Pizza). This industrial-style restaurant and bar will satisfy your hunger with a delicious pizza and quench your thirst with a heavenly drink.

Bright Young Things is the perfect cocktail to go with any and all of your favorite slices. The drink, served in a coupe glass, is topped with a lemon garnish that gives off a fragrance flawlessly complimenting the sweet herbal flavors of the Benedictine. The Benedictine’s honey notes are further brought out by the actual honey incorporated into Bright Young Things. Gin and peach bitters come in for a nice kick at the tail end of each sip, binding all of these flavors together and resulting in a powerful, bright punch that ensures this cocktail lives up to its name.

215 W. Holly St., Ste. 103, Bellingham, 360.306.8491

MAYA HEINSELMAN

Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Kids in the Kitchen

WRITTEN BY SOL VANDEMAN

Hawaiian-Style Poke

BY KAWIKA MIRANDA

Ingredients:

½ pound local yellowfin tuna, cut into ½-inch cubes

1 green scallion, thinly sliced

½ sweet onion, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons Aloha Brand soy sauce

1 tablespoon granulated white sugar

1 teaspoon Nanami togarashi

1 tablespoon inamona (roasted crushed kukui nut)

Furikake rice seasoning, to taste

Toasted sesame seeds, to taste

Directions:

• In a medium sized bowl, mix soy sauce, onion, scallions, sugar, togarashi, and inamona.

• Dice tuna into bite-sized cubes, add to bowl, and stir well.

Top with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and furikake to taste.

• Chill in a covered dish for at least one hour. Toss before serving.

Decorate Aprons Together

Decorating aprons beforehand can be a great way for you and your kids to get excited about cooking or baking. Using blank aprons from your local craft store, some fabric paint, and other embellishments, you and your kids can personalize your kitchen garments. Not only is this a fun art project, it’s also a way for kids to feel more involved in the cooking or baking process.

Photo by Maya Heinselman

Photo by Dean Davidson

IHot Ones is Getting Funky(‘s)!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FUNKY’S HOT SAUCE FACTORY

F YOU’RE A fan of the sauces coming out of Bellingham business Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory, you might want to stock up now, because their sales are about to heat up! Extremely popular YouTube show “Hot Ones” is including Funky’s “Stellar Fuzz” hot sauce as number three (medium-hot) in their lineup of sauces for the 23rd season. The show debuted the first episode of this year on Jan. 25 with actor Sydney Sweeney, who took the heat in stride.

The Funky’s team may be growing accustomed to receiving accolades for their sauces by now—they won “Screaming MiMi Grand World Champion” at the New York City Hot Sauce Expo in 2022, and have since racked up multiple other awards for their bestselling “Stellar Fuzz” and other flavors. But Owner Matthew Mini remains dedicated to making sure his sauces are 100% nonGMO and use local and organic ingredients wherever possible—in addition, of course, to being delicious as well as hot.

You can grab a bottle of “Stellar Fuzz” or any other flavor at all Haggen Grocery locations in Skagit and Whatcom Counties, or you can order via their website. Just make sure you can handle the heat!

Bellingham, funkyshotsaucefactory.com

ANNE GODENHAM

Start Simple

Don’t be afraid to start simple! Recipes with few ingredients (or recipes they can even make on their own) can help encourage them to be in the kitchen more. Simple recipes might even inspire them to create more intricate recipes with you.

Use a Step Stool or Low Table

A toddler kitchen tower or step stool is a handy tool to use when your kids need to access the sink, counter, or cabinet. Both allow kids to be involved with you while you’re preparing ingredients. Don’t have a tower or step stool? Set up a low table as a workspace to do tasks.

Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks

Not sure what to have your kids do?

Connecticut Children’s has some tips for age-appropriate tasks! Ages 3 to 5 can wash fruits and vegetables and mix room temperature ingredients. Ages 6 to 7 can measure ingredients and set the table. Ages 8 to 9 can crack eggs and peel raw fruits and vegetables. Ages 10 and up can chop ingredients and simmer foods on the stove.

DINING KEY

up to $9

$10–19

$20–29

. . . . . . . $30 or greater Breakfast Brunch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner

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

Outdoor Seating

. . . . . . . . . Reservations

. . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vegan

New Review

Menu items and prices are subject to change, so check before you go. See all our restaurant reviews on our Taste tab at bellinghamalive.com * Review provided by restaurant.

WHATCOM

THE BLACK CAT American

1200 Harris Ave., Ste. 310, Bellingham 360.733.6136, blackcatbellingham.com

Tucked away in the heart of Fairhaven, this iconic Bellingham eatery serves up craft cocktails and American fusion eats on the third floor of the Sycamore Square building. Come for happy hour and stay for the delicious food and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

BLACK SHEEP Mexican

215 W. Holly St., Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.526.2109, blacksheepbellingham.com

The good folks at Black Sheep are all about serving up food with a focus on scratchmade, fresh ingredients. With homemade tortillas, fresh garnishes, and slow-braised meats, each taco tastes and looks like a small masterpiece just waiting to be demolished.

BLUE FIN SUSHI Japanese

102 S. Samish Way, Ste. 105, Bellingham 360.752.2583, bluefinbellingham.com

Delicious fresh sushi is a given, but Blue Fin also offers a full menu of non-sushi food items, from classic bento boxes to fish and chips. Peruse their vast menu with help from their friendly waitstaff, then enjoy a mouthwatering close-up as chefs prepare your food behind the bar.

BRANDYWINE KITCHEN Regional NW

1317 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.1071, brandywinekitchen.com

Named for the farm where they began growing their decadent heirloom tomatoes, Brandywine Kitchen sources many of its ingredients locally, upholding their “from seed to plate” philosophy. The menu offers vegetarian and gluten-free options and a rotating selection of beer from local breweries.

CAFE VELO Coffeehouse, Deli

120 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.392.0930, cafe-velo.cc

Cafe Velo is a European-inspired cafe with a twist in addition to serving fresh espresso, the cafe also doubles as a bike shop. With plenty of outdoor seating and bike racks customers can bask in the fresh air while enjoying a beverage or sandwich named after one of the owner’s favorite climbs from bicycle racing. This is more than just a place to quickly grab a bite; it’s a place to build community.

CAMBER COFFEE Coffeehouse, American

221 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.656.5343, cambercoffee.com

Camber is more than just a coffee shop. Customers can order at the counter for a quicker bite, or enjoy table service for the restaurant experience. Throughout the day, customers will find a full menu for breakfast (or brunch, depending on your wake-up time), lunch, and dinner. The food is best described as “new American comfort.”

CARNAL American, Barbecue

1234 North State St., Bellingham 360.306.3587, eatcarnal.com

Carnal offers hyper-local ingredients that highlight the bounty of the season, with an emphasis on slow-cooked meat entrees. The menu will always feature a chicken, fish, and veggie option, as well as their signature short rib. The covered eating area is perfect for a romantic dinner.

COA MEXICAN EATERY Mexican

1065 E Sunset Dr, Bellingham, 360.526.2108 coaeatery.com

One bite of a taco or one sip of a margarita and you’re hooked. This eatery offers frequent customer appreciation days, offering 50 percent off food if you pay in cash. Deals and good food what more could you want? Even on a different night, with the choice of fajitas, burritos, chimichangas, or flan, you won’t be disappointed.

FAT SHACK American

414 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.366.8752, fatshack.com

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

FIAMMA BURGER American

1309 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.733.7374, fiammaburger.com

One word speaks volumes about Fiamma Burger: variety. With a multitude of patty types and more than 20 menu options, there are endless possibilities for a burger masterpiece. All burgers are served on a fresh-baked bun, with crisp lettuce and all the usual fixings. You can even get a “burger in a bowl,” served without the bread. Spice it up with chipotle ketchup, spicy mustard, or curry mayo, then cool it down with a beer or milkshake.

LIGHTHOUSE PUB American

1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.392.3200, hotelbellwether.com

Overlooking Bellingham Bay inside Hotel Bellwether, Lighthouse Pub delivers an elevated pub experience in an approachable environment. With its casual vibe and friendly staff, the pub provides a cozy space to enjoy happy hour with an excellent view. Lighthouse Pub recently unveiled its new pub fare and happy hour menu. With this menu, they wanted to create an experience for people who want a more informal bar dining experience.

LITTLE CHEERFUL American

133 E. Holly St., Bellingham 360.738.8824

Little Cheerful is a bustling breakfast spot, ideal for customers looking to enjoy a mouthwatering meal over conversation or a newspaper. The cafe has maintained its popularity through the growth of breakfast cafes in the area. Their menu includes something for everyone, whether you are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or an omnivore and if you are craving eggs benedict, Little Cheerful is definitely for you.

MAPLE.BAR Coffee Shop

4252 Cordata Parkway, Bellingham 360.441.5440 | www.maple.bar

Head to Maple.Bar for a cozy-yet-cool atmosphere, great coffee, and perfectly-sized

donuts. Try the Maple.Bar Signature latte, a maple latte with a deep, authentic flavor and no hint of sickly sweetness. If you really want to go all out, add one of their eponymous Maple Bars, or choose another flavor of donut– they’re all small, almost beignet-sized, squares of fluffy deliciousness.

NICKI’S BAR AND GRILL/ NICKI’S BELLA

MARINA American, Seafood

2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham 360.332.2505, nickisbellamarina.com

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

THE NORTH FORK BREWERY Eclectic, Bar

6186 Mount Baker Hwy., Deming 360.599.2337

Pizza and beer is a pairing that truly stands the test of time. At Deming’s long-running North Fork Brewery, which opened in December of 1997, the two remain as strong as ever. The North Fork’s brews are made in small batches by their longtime brewer and his custom draft system. The old-style pub feels homey and familiar, with quirky decorations like a glass wall encasing rows and rows of beer bottles. It’s a warm, inviting place to escape the biting temperatures outside.

NORTHWATER Regional NW

4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham 360.398.6191, northh2o.com

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

THE PURPLE FLAMINGO CAFE American

929 E. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, mygardennursery.com

Longtime customers of My Garden Nursery are in for some exciting and delicious news: Your next visit to the nursery can include flowers, fruit trees, flamingos, and food. The menu features a selection of soups, sandwiches made from Avenue Bread bread, salads, and “flaminis,” a.k.a. paninis. You can also find coffee from Bellingham Coffee Roasters and select desserts.

Thanks for voting us Best Golf Course

9 Restaurant at North Bellingham Golf Course features from-scratch, house-made cuisine with frequent wine and whiskey dinners. Come experience the talents of Chef Nick Moss while enjoying the stunning view of our award-winning golf course and Mount Baker!

205 W. Smith Rd., Bellingham 360.398.8300 northbellinghamgolf.com

r s r a g

Chef’s Corner with Chef Kelly Stanley

The Great Blue Heron Bar & Grill

RECIPE AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLY STANLEY AND THE GREAT BLUE HERON BAR & GRILL

KELLY STANLEY, CHEF de Cuisine at The Great Blue Heron Bar & Grill at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, blends her culinary artistry with a commitment to community and sustainability. After receiving training at Bellingham Technical College, she served several years as Sous Chef at Semiahmoo Resort, Golf & Spa. Stanley's expertise encompasses a diverse range of cuisines, from the delicate intricacies of pastry and desserts to the precise techniques of meat and fish butchery.

Meet the Chef

Originally from Oakland, California, Stanley now finds inspiration in the picturesque town of Blaine, Washington, where she resides with her husband and three sons.

Embracing the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, Stanley champions local farmers, fisheries, and seasonal ingredients, nurturing a deep connection to the land and the community.

In her kitchen, Stanley's passion extends beyond her culinary creations to the nurturing of aspiring chefs. As a mentor, she shares her knowledge and experiences, instilling in others the importance of precision, creativity, and a reverence for ingredients. Her dedication to teaching reflects her belief in the transformative power of food and its ability to foster connection and growth.

Stanley's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft and her values. Grounded in humility and driven by a genuine love for food and community, she continues to push the boundaries of culinary artistry while inspiring those around her to embrace the joys of exploration and shared experiences. t

Halibut Ceviche

Serves two to three

Tip from Chef Kelly: Use local, previously-frozen halibut. Outside of the halibut season, frozen “refreshed” halibut is the only kind you will find at the fish counter or grocery store—I like Lummi Seafood Market in Ferndale. Fresh raw halibut can have parasites, but freezing it first will kill them.

Ingredients

1 piece of halibut, 6-8 ounces

½ cup fresh lime juice, plus zest (about 2 large limes)

3

2 tablespoon fish sauce

1 serrano or jalapeno chili

½ an English cucumber

1 medium avocado (a little firmer is best)

1 small shallot or ¼ of a red onion

1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro (with stems)

¾ cup canned coconut milk

Instructions

Using a sharp knife, cut the halibut into a very small dice, about ¼ inch cubes (cut in thin strips first, then across).

• Mix fish with lime juice, zest, and fish sauce. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

• Finely dice the chili (remove the seeds and core if you are sensitive to spice, leave it in if you like heat), cucumber, avocado, and shallot.

• Chop the cilantro (including stems) and mix with the vegetables.

• After the halibut has chilled for 30 minutes, combine with the chopped vegetables and coconut milk. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

• Enjoy with fresh tortilla chips, tostadas, or butter lettuce leaves for wraps. Crab, cooked shrimp, or fresh grapefruit segments are excellent additions for building an entrée salad with this recipe.

STORIA CUCIA AND BAR CICOTTI

Italian

109 Grand Ave., Ste. 102, Bellingham 202 Grand Ave., Bellingham 360.734.1929 | 360.656.6802

storiacucina.com | barcicotti.com

Storia Cucina & Bar Cicotti are local Italian restaurants keeping the classics alive! Every dish, cocktail, and wine has a rich connection to Italy’s food and beverage history while adding Pacific Northwest flair. We have rotating daily specials and a daily happy hour.

SUPER MARIO’S Salvadorian

3008 Northwest Ave., Bellingham 360.393.4637, super-marios.com

Serving fresh, healthy meals with the customer in mind is what Super Mario’s is all about, and it’s the consistent flavor and quality of the food that keeps bringing people back. The veggies are chopped fresh daily, nothing is frozen, nothing is cooked until it’s ordered, and nothing is deep-fried.

TASTE

OF INDIA Indian

3930 Meridian St., Ste. 107, Bellingham 360.647.1589, tasteofindiabellingham.com

At Taste of India, all the dishes are rich, delicious, and authentic. Dishes come with your choice of pulao rice or the classic Indian bread naan. Taste of India offers a variety of vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes, all with exquisite and well-developed flavors. For those unsure of what to order, or those who want to try multiple dishes at once, try the lunch buffet.

TEMPLE BAR Bistro, Bar

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

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

UNDERGROUND BURGER American

8114 Guide Meridian Rd., Lynden undergroundburgers.com

If you’re craving a classic burger experience, Underground Burger offers delicious, affordable burgers made from locally raised, certified Angus beef. The restaurant began as a virtual kitchen based out of Jake’s BBQ, but quickly expanded into a permanent spot where you can order dine-in or to-go. Round out your meal with waffle fries and a chocolate shake.

WINE PICK OF THE MONTH

April

GLM Wine Co

Amberleigh Shiraz 2021

Washington State

WRITTEN BY AMBERLEIGH BROWNSON

THIS MONTH’S WINE selection is probably familiar-sounding, having the name Amberleigh! Let me tell you the story… I had recently moved here from Southern California and was exploring the local area one lazy Sunday afternoon and stumbled upon GLM Winery: Little did I know I was walking into a life-long friendship.

After completing the tasting, Tom excitedly offered a barrel sample from his thief and told me he was going to name this wine Jackalope. I cringed and thought, “What an ineloquent name!” At that moment

Photo by Sharon Beth

I had a rapid-fire flashback of many people telling me over the years what a nice name I had, and blurted out, “Why don’t you call it Amberleigh.” And the rest is history!

This fifth iteration is a Shiraz (clone of Syrah, originating in Australia) grown in the Rattlesnake Hills here in Washington State. You can visit Tom and Tracey’s garage winery in Blaine on Saturdays and Sundays and read more about them at their website: glmwine.com

Tasting Notes : The wine has a gorgeous deep extraction and brooding nose of bramble, vanilla bean, mild Old Spice, and pineapple rind. The palate follows with dried cherries, eucalyptus, Italian parsley, blueberry preserves, and a decidedly dry finish of lingering spices.

Pairing Suggestion : Minestrone, spinach salad, jalapeno poppers, corned beef, classic spaghetti, peach cobbler. t

MEET OUR SOMMELIER

Amberleigh Brownson

Amberleigh Brownson has been a local sommelier and international wine judge in Whatcom county for eight years. She is a four-time award winner from Wine Spectator for her wine program and wine pairing dinners, and has become an opinion leader in the Washington wine world, particularly in Whatcom County.

SKAGIT

BOB’S CHOWDER BAR & BBQ SALMON

Seafood, American 3320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.299.8000, bobschowderbarandbbqsalmon.com

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

CALICO CUPBOARD American

901 Commercial Ave., Anacortes,, 360.293.7315, 720 S. 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4451, 121-B Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, 360.336.3107, calicocupboardcafe.com

Since 1981, Calico Cupboard has been serving the purest, most heart-healthy, and high-quality ingredients. Using freshly milled, organicallygrown, whole grain and unbleached flour, the cafe aims to promote its local farmers and gratify your body in the process. Sit down for breakfast or lunch, or just order from the bakery and grab an espresso to go. Calico Cupboard will leave you full, but feeling homey, healthy, and happy.

DAD’S DINER A-GO-GO American

906 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.899.5269

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

THE FAIRHAVEN Deli

100 N. Burlington Blvd., Burlington, 360.746.3183, fairhaventogo.com

Offerings at The Fairhaven are diverse enough to please every palate, and the flavors of each ingredient are carefully considered. Rotating specials and seasonal dishes make each visit unique and exciting.

FORTUNE MANDARIN Chinese, Mandarin

1617 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon 360.428.1819, fortunemandarin.com

Tea warmed over a candle, delicious drinks with a slight exotic twist, tender and flavorful meat, and vegetables cooked to perfection are expected at this peaceful bar and restaurant with Chinese decor. The owner and staff remember regular patrons, creating a sense of community alongside mouth-watering food.

ISLAND COUNTIES

CAPTAIN WHIDBEY INN American

2072 Captain Whidbey Inn Rd., Coupeville 360.678.4097, captainwhidbey.com

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

CYNTHIA’S BISTRO American

65 Nichols St., Friday Harbor, 360.298.8130, cynthiasofcourse.com

Located in a renovated 1920s home, this local San Juan Island staple is known for their innovative menu selections. You can enjoy lunch, or even an extended breakfast, daily in spring and summer. They are famous for their brunch, but you might try stopping by later in the evening for their dinner menu a special treat.

DOE BAY CAFÉ American

107 Doe Bay Rd., Olga 360.376.8059, doebay.com

Whether you’re heading toward the San Juan Islands or don’t mind taking a trip for an unbelievable meal, be sure to make reservations at the ever-popular Doe Bay Café. This iconic cafe has stuck to its mission of providing world-class seafood and vegetarian dishes.

FRIDAY HARBOR HOUSE Regional NW

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

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

INN AT LANGLEY American

400 First St., Langley, 360.221.3033, innatlangley.com

If beauty were a taste, this would be it. As a guest, you’re taken on a mouth-watering culinary journey through a multi-course tasting menu. Not only is the meal a delight for the taste buds, but there are also surprises at each turn, whether it’s the presentation or the accoutrements. Each guest is served as if they are the only one in the dining room. The menu is prix fixe, with an additional charge for wine pairing. Dinner here is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. $ $ $ $

Penny Farthing’s Grilled Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps are like a reverse chicken Caesar salad: the lettuce is on the outside, transporting tender bites of dressing-coated grilled chicken topped with strips of watermelon radish and tiny croutons. It makes for a delicious and filling lunch!

8 TASTES GREAT

2

Super Duper Teriyaki is so much more than the usual teriyaki place. The Chicken Stir-Fry is filled with flavor and comes with complimentary soup and salad. Self-serve miso soup is offered for every entree purchased.

It’s always Taco Tuesday at Ay Chihuahua Cantina Their Street Tacos come with your choice of protein, onions, cilantro, and lime. This simple but tasty taco is perfect to satisfy your hungry stomach.

5 1 7 3 8 4

Love pizza but want to try something new? Coconut Kenny’s has a unique menu, including its Mac Attack Pizza, a macaroni and cheese pizza topped with bacon and finished with tangy BBQ sauce.

6

Want a sweet treat? Make your way to Saltadena for one of the signature Lil’ Scrappies. With a wide variety of repurposed cake scraps, there is a perfect selection for every person’s taste buds.

The salsa bar at Taco Lobo is hard to beat, but the Carnitas Tortas do just that. The perfectly cooked carnitas on a bolillo roll with jalapenos will zest up your day.

From the pink-glazed doughnuts to the Bigfoot, Lafeen’s Family Pride Donuts and Ice Cream is great for your latenight pastry cravings. The Bigfoot is a large, long doughnut with either chocolate or maple glaze. Enjoy the Turkey Pesto Panini at Leaf & Ladle, a downtown Bellingham soup, salad, and sandwich shop. The panini has turkey, provolone, pesto mayo, tomatoes, and greens grilled on Avenue Bread focaccia, served with a side of potato chips or mixed greens.

Photo by Anne Godenham

“As a photographer, I crave exciting moments and the ability to create images that make people feel something. When April rolls around, people from all over the world come to view the beautiful flowers in Skagit County. I feel proud that I can capture even an ounce of that beauty through my work.”

BRIANA TUVEY

Photo by Briana Tuvey

IRA CDs up to

5.05 for 12 months

% APY

First day of retirement

An IRA CD is a certificate of deposit (CD) which earns interest within an individual retirement account (IRA), a savings account with tax benefits. With a Traditional IRA, your contributions are tax-deductible for the current tax year and you pay taxes on the contribution and interest when you withdraw in retirement, possibly at a lower tax rate than when you worked full-time. With a Roth IRA, you pay taxes on the contribution now, but the earned interest can grow tax-free.

Our IRA CD 12-month term is now 5.05% APY (annual percentage yield), available in both Traditional and Roth IRAs with a $500 minimum deposit. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. The penalty is waived at age 59 ½, you are disabled, or in the event of your death. Fees could reduce earnings.

Scan the code to view rates or visit www.ourfirstfed.com/personal/savings/ira

Interest Rates Effective: 02/09/2024

Our team can help you navigate your CD options

Jami Peterson

Branch Manager

Bellingham Barkley Branch

NMLS# 1688652

jpeterson@ourfirstfed.com

Julie Ranson

Branch Manager

Bellingham Fairhaven Branch

NMLS# 422234

jranson@ourfirstfed.com

Sara Barker

Assistant Branch Manager

Ferndale Branch

sbarker@ourfirstfed.com

BELLINGHAM ALIVE

FLOWERS OF SKAGIT VALLEY | LIVING YOUR GOLDEN YEARS IN THE NORTH SOUND | SENIOR FASHION ICON