Encore May 2022

ncore E What’s Inside....

C3 — Lifelong learner Cal Bratt describes his experiences at WWU C4 — The Howells fill their free time volunteering at the Ferndale Food Bank C6 — No slowing down for runners Twila and Doug Wiebe

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 A supplement of the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | Ferndale Record

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022| Ferndale Record

Cal Bratt goes back to school Retired Tribune editor says you're 'never too old to learn something new and interesting,' attends attending Western Washington University 'practically for free'

By Cal Bratt For the Tribune

Editor's note: Shortly after turning in this piece to the Lynden Tribune, retired editor now-regular contributing writer Cal Bratt took off for Arizona to hike to the bottom, then back to the top, of the Grand Canyon.

WHATCOM - About two days per week, my routine in the morning is to head up to Western Washington University to enjoy feeling like a student again.

I say “enjoy” because in my case I am auditing courses, meaning I can absorb what I am interested in and skip the rest if I choose, such as uninteresting reading, any papers and final exams. It’s great.

Especially since the cost is $5.

I could be taking courses for credit, and then the cost would be a whopping $25 per quarter.

How is such a happy deal possible? It’s called the Waiver of Tuition and Fees for Persons 60 Years of Age and Older. Already a few years before retirement, I became aware of this arrangement made by the Washington State Legislature way back in 1975 and I was determined to try it out. The experience has more than met my hopes.

There are some hoops to jump through.

Masks were required at Western the winter quarter, but learning could still happen. (Cal Bratt for the Tribune) You have to enroll as a special student (find the form at (https://registrar.wwu. edu/files/2020-02/WAIVER60.pdf ) and choose a class that you want on WWU ClassFinder (https://admin.wwu.edu/ pls/wwis/wwsktime.SelClass). You can track how full a class is and technically you are only allowed to enroll once a class has begun and there is still room. I have found it helpful to make a connection with the professor beforehand, and every one of them so far has been supportive in making it work out. You will have a student See School on C7

Shortly after turning this piece in to the Lynden Tribune, retired editor and nowregular contributing writer Cal Bratt took off for Arizona to hike to the bottom, then back to the top, of the Grand Canyon.

(Cal Bratt for the Tribune)

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | Ferndale Record

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Giving and receiving in Ferndale

For Chris and Kathi Howell, a typical day at the Ferndale Food Bank starts at 8 a.m. when they stock the shelves with food. At 9 a.m., they take orders. New found free time after retirement is what prompted the Howells to volunteer at the Ferndale Food Bank. (Leora Watson/Lynden Tribune)

Ferndale couple helps their community through food bank

By Leora Watson leora@lyndentribune.com

FERNDALE — New found free time

after retirement is what prompted Kathi and Chris Howell to begin volunteering at the Ferndale Food Bank.

“I taught school in Ferndale for 35 years,” said Kathi Howell. “And after you’ve been a teacher for 35 years surrounded by gazillions of children and adults, and then you stop, you need something to fill the void.”

After being recommended to volunteer at the food bank by a friend, the Howells

decided to try something new.

“I fell in love with the director and the way everything was organized,” said Kathi Howell. “And we just started at one day a week and then we worked our way up to two days a week. And now we substitute if there’s people missing and they need extra help.”

For the Howells, a typical day at the Ferndale Food Bank starts at 8 a.m. when they stock the shelves with food. At 9 a.m.,

they take orders.

“People when they come in have a shopping list,” said Kathi Howell. “So we take a shopping cart and we go through and get all the things that we can find that are on their list, bag it all up, and then hand it out to them.”

Stocking shelves and taking orders is not all that Kathi and Chris do for the See Food Bank on C8

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022| Ferndale Record

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | Ferndale Record

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Twila and Doug Wiebe running, living the good life

By Elisa Claassen For the Tribune

WHATCOM — Saturdays or Sundays are for going out and about. Out of their home, out of their cars, and often outside of comfort zones to lands with the bluest of skies, the freshest air, and memories unsurpassed with groups of special friends.

Whatcom County residents Twila and Doug Wiebe are now in their 60s. They met back at Blaine High School – classes of 1978 and 1979 – married and had their two now-grown children in the early days of their marriage.

Now the two of them still enjoy both the work life: he farms grass hay, she as a property appraiser at the Whatcom County Assessor the past 30 years. They also made time to explore, travel, and have adventures together.

While the Wiebes both enjoyed being active early on, they saw those types of activities as being best for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. So they switched gears together and headed further out and further up.

Actually, Twila Wiebe laced up her tennis shoes and hit the road first of the two of them at age 48. One of her friends was doing marathons “and I thought I could do it,” she said.

Twila begun by jogging and running, listening to podcasts of runners, reading material of people in the know.

Other runners went to local shops such as Fairhaven Runners and BBay Running for shoes and camaraderie. The two stores “aren’t competing with each other,” she said. “In Whatcom County runners are very supportive of each other.”

Twila made a goal: she would start with small races, but do a marathon by age 50. The first race was the Bellingham Bay Marathon which features views of Bellingham Bay, San Juan Islands, and North Cascade Mountains.

The USATF-certified run, which is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon (which she hasn’t done yet) has options for a 5K, 10K, a half and a full marathon.

The Group Support Running alone was a bit lonely. While at an early race, Twila met two friends who ran together. She knew it was time to quit or continue. The friendship spurred Twila to not give up. The Wiebes talked of mutual running goals and formed a group which

Whatcom County residents Twila and Doug Wiebe on some of their many adventures. (Courtesy photo)

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022| Ferndale Record

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“We were middle-to-end of the pack running group,” Twila said. “People have come and gone from the group.”

Doug Wiebe joined several years later.

The pair moved from roads to going up and down trails to spare Doug’s sore knees.

The Wiebes’ running friends have become extra family.

They also see over the holidays, go on picnics with or out to dinner.

The dozen or so runners, ages 40s to 60s, are willing to take turns planning the different details to go beyond the nearby mountains: arranging flights, renting vehicles for the group, and finding places to stay.

In the Wiebe Facebook group they find new trails, and returned recently from the 2022 Spring Rim-to-Rim (south to south) run.

At the Grand Canyon, the North Kaibab and Bright Angel trails go beyond their station wagon stops at viewpoints.

Instead the Wiebes see up close and personal with ancient ruins and rocks, and fossils while descending 14.3 miles and 6,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon, then climbing 4,500 feet in 9.6 miles back to the top.

After that, Twila and Doug continued to explore by a six-day rafting journey in the canyon known for seeing water falls, and cool water that varies between rapids and smooth water.

They also finished two 50K races in Utah – and explored Antelope Canyon – and close to Quincy, Washington at Ancient Lakes.

Since Twila and Doug own a vacation home in Mexico, it’s easy enough to visit it and explore in nearby states in an RV. Soon the Wiebes will scale back life on the farmlands in west Whatcom County.

Into enchanting areas Any favorite trails? “Everywhere has its beauty,” Twila said. She also mentioned a number of local spots, such as trails around Deception Pass, closer to Mount Baker, and in the Chuckanut Mountains One that came to mind though was The Enchantments. Twila has been there three times. “It’s amazing,” she said.

The Wiebes determine, along with friends, which weekend day to go based on the better weather since they want the better views.

Within Washington is The Enchantments, in the Central Cascades Mountains near touristy Bavarian-inspired Leavenworth.

The 18-mile trail each way has a gain of 4,500 feet to reach 7,800 feet, and being within view of a region with more than 700 alpine lakes.

Regarded as one of the most magnificent places on this earth, according to the Washington Trail Association, is an alpine paradise of granite worn smooth by glaciers, larches manicure by wind and

cold, and crystal blue lakes strung together by a creek that tumbles and thunders between them.

Seemingly everywhere, herds of mountain goats calmly wander by.

Superlatives simply don’t suffice, and you quickly find yourself resorting to otherworldly comparisons, just like the early visitors who bestowed place names like Aasgard, Sprite and Leprechaun on the fairytale surroundings.

Because this is considered an environmentally fragile area, permits are released via a lottery system, to limit the people coming within the magical space.

The most fit of hikers start early in the day and finish it in that day, but it is a very long day from before sun up and after sundown.

Tips for runner wannabes “I was interested in getting outside,” Twila said. She has found being part of a group can highly motivate you. “Being part of a group is helpful. They count on you to show up … Even when you are older you can still do stuff, but slower. It takes more recuperation and rest time.”

Four years ago, Twila had surgeries on both of her feet, known as metatarsal osteotomy or bunionectomies. Twila said she may need more surgery.

“There’s life on the other side (of surgery),” she said. “Pay attention to what’s sore … what’s really hurting. Runners are notorious for ignoring pain. It’s common but you don’t want damage.”

Twila invests in good running shoes.

She usually has six pairs that she rotates as she runs four times throughout the week.

Each pair, Twila said, is good for around 500 to 600 miles – or six months of wear.

Rather than sitting on the couch or in a chair at work, she mixes up her training throughout the week: running on the track

for speed, running in the countryside and building stamina, and also working out in the gym for strength.

While Twila thought in error that pursuing running was simpler than other sports, regarding needing little to no equipment.

She encourages people to prepare for the journey such as learning to utilize available digital tools that not only can ease the planning, but possibly save a life if injuries or illnesses occur far from roads and medical helps.

“Be safe and not get lost,” Twila said.

While some may be used to reading paper maps well, not everyone has that skill and what if something happens to that person?

While being part of a group provides social opportunities, it also does more than that: “No one is left behind.”

Twila said that last year at The Enchantments, one of their group members had a medical problem. “It took four of us to get him down,” she said.

All they knew was he was exhibiting confusion and fatigue and had great difficulty getting along the trail on his own.

They tried typical things such as hydration and nutrition, but he was having a bigger problem they wouldn’t understand until he was finally in medical care – kidney failure.

Since usually two people in their group carry the more expensive satellite phones, which give coverage when typical cellular phones lose theirs, they were able to call his wife and make arrangements with emergency personnel.

Twila says allow and encourage everyone in the group to have a role.

“We’ve learned everyone has responsibility and is more invested and more interested to have it happen,” she said. “It also lightens the load and everyone has a good time.”

School: Never too old to learn, Cal Bratt says Continued from C3

number, be given a student email and even be tied into the student Canvas system for coursework communication. You have some simple dealings with the WWU registrar’s and business offices.

Not too many seniors take advantage of this marvelous program. That’s unfortunate. I can be a lifelong learner almost for free. I get my exercise climbing about six blocks up High Street

to the campus. I can mingle with the real students of today and see how they approach learning and life, and I am mostly encouraged by what I see.

Forty-three years ago, I was up at Western as a journalism student. The journalism department has entirely changed location and personnel since then, and I have paid only one visit back to those digs now.

Instead, I can explore things thoroughly different. How about

the Ancient Mediterranean course in the Humanities department delving into the Hebrew, Greek and Roman cultures by reading classics such as “The Odyssey” by Homer.

Then I saw an opportunity in Introduction to Linguistics to really learn about the science of language formation -- and catch up to a daughter who earned her major in linguistics. A few takeaways: how inadequate the English alphabet is in

communicating the sounds of English once you comprehend the phoneme structure of a language; and that our Modern English is more closely related to Frisian than any other language -it’s more Germanic than Latinate!

The course I’m taking now is Canadian Politics and Government, with professor “Butch” Kamena, who has Lynden ties. I have always felt I was woefully ignorant of the political system that prevails just

five miles north of us. Better late than never, I’m getting filled in on how it works differently there, a parliamentary monarchy with way more political parties than just two.

Bridging the age and culture gaps that sometimes divide us, I wouldn’t mind seeing a few more graying heads up at Western. No one gives me weird looks. We can all have have something more to learn, and enjoy.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | Ferndale Record

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Food Bank: Chris and Kathi Howell volunteer in retirement Continued from C4

food bank. Chris does food rescue with his own vehicle from local grocery stores and also sorts through produce in the back of the facility. Local grocery stores the food bank receives products from

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Hearing people’s appreciation of the Ferndale Food Bank helping them is the most rewarding part of the volunteer experience, said Kathi Howell, shown stocking shelves. (Leora Watson/Lynden Tribune) include Whole Foods and Haggen.

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do an awesome job,” said Chris Howell.

“Whole Foods is really awesome with their desserts and stuff that come here, none of it goes to waste, [Ferndale Food Bank] even has a pig farmer that takes the spoiled vegetables to the pigs, so it’s all reused.”

Evan Anderson is the executive director for the Ferndale Food Bank and describes Kathi and Chris as “absolute rock stars.”

Anderson says that the Howell’s journey with the food bank is a general track they have with volunteers, with people starting at once a week to try it out and the work then drives them to get more involved with the nonprofit.

“And all of a sudden, they’re [volunteering] two times a week and coming up with their own solutions or suggestions and just getting really excited about continuing to support people in Ferndale and beyond,” said Anderson. “It’s just really beautiful to see

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the work and the outcomes.”

Andrew Babson will soon take over Anderson’s role of executive director.

Babson said the best part of working with Kathi and Chris is the constant support they give which has helped him transition into his new role.

“When I showed up, I didn’t know anybody here,” said Babson. “Kathi and Chris specifically were just such a welcoming and inviting part of our volunteer base and I really have felt so warmly welcomed and supported in this transition.”

Hearing people’s appreciation of the food bank helping them is the most rewarding part of the volunteer experience, according to Kathi Howell.

“We definitely do it for the people, we want to help,” she said.

“The giving and receiving,” said Chris Howell. “People come here and give donations. People come here and receive donations and it’s just all good.”

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022| Ferndale Record

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Former Lynden resident releases book 'Home in an Island Garden: In pursuit of an artful life' is the story of Nancy Spaulding’s life, art, romance and adventures of living in the Pacific Northwest.

By Fox Sparrow Press

Fox Sparrow Press is happy to announce the release of Nancy Spaulding’s eagerly awaited book, Home in an Island Garden: In pursuit of an artful life.

This is the story of Spaulding’s life, art, romance and adventures of living in the Pacific Northwest.

Her tale begins in 1978, when Spaulding moved to an island off the coast of Washington state with her young family. She and her husband Lewis naively planned to support themselves as artists. This is the story of their adventures together striving for an unlikely success.

“I was in my early 30s. It was my birthday, and what a gift,” Spaulding wrote of arriving on

San Juan Island. “We were here at last on the island, and I was beginning to recover from moving day.”

The couple worked hard for years to reclaim an old pea farm overrun with rabbits. Between hammering nails, weeding gardens, perfecting their art, and feeding their family they watched their land transform, and their creativity flourish.

Their wild land became a splendid garden habitat; a refuge for themselves and for native wildlife ever flowing through.

“Our refuge is not always well tended, but it is always a place where we feel happy while creating a haven for birds

Whatcom County Cemetery District 10 Historic plots are available in both cemeteries.

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DID YOU KNOW? Our Memorial Day ceremony is coming up soon, stay tuned for details!

where living is easy.

See Book on C10

,

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | Ferndale Record

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Book: Former Lynden resident Nancy Spaulding writes Continued from C9

creatures and people,” Spaulding wrote.

Home in an Island Garden is 158 pages and peppered with some of her well-known pastels and serigraphs like Bicycle Picnic and Moonlight Lilies. It also contains newer work, such as A Quail with His Chicks. Spaulding also shares previously unseen images from her private sketchbooks.

“I hope readers take away the sense of inspiration that has moved me throughout my life,” Spaulding said. “No matter where you are in your life, I think the greatest happiness comes from striving to pursue the work of your choice and that every day along the way offers something worthy of your wonderment.”

Home in an Island Garden: In pursuit of an artful life can be found at Griffin Bay Books and Island Studios, both in Friday Harbor, and bookstores regionally. Reviews:

“ … Nancy Spaulding’s wonderful artwork brings this book to life, working with the prose to create a very distinctive voice.”

— Thor Hanson, award-winning author of Feathers and Buzz “A beautiful testimony to a wonderful and fulfilling life.”

— Susan Vernon, author of Rainshadow World “A unique and unforgettable love story of art, nature, family. Uplifting, awe-inspiring, personally touching. Gorgeous imagery grace these pages with both words and Nancy Spaulding’s original serigraphs, watercolors and pastels.* A book for now and forever, not to be missed.”

— Tara Mesalik MacMahon, Author of Barefoot Up the Mountain “What an extraordinary book! Fantastic imagery married to heart-warming stories of the artist’s way ... island style.”

— Northwest Literary Review

Home in an Island Garden is 158 pages and peppered with some of Nancy Spaulding's wellknown pastels and serigraphs like Bicycle Picnic and Moonlight Lilies.

It also contains newer work, such as A Quail with His Chicks. Spaulding also shares previously unseen images from her private sketchbooks.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022| Ferndale Record

Academy of Lifelong Learning is for everyone now

By Elisa Claassen For the Tribune

WHATCOM – The Academy of Lifelong Learning began in 1997 as the Institute for Learning in Retirement, an offshoot of Elderhostel (now called Exploritas) and the Elderhostel Institute Network.

A name change occurred shortly after to the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL).

Unlike other college classes, the program has no homework, tests nor credits. What it offers is the opportunity to learn and to form new friendships.

While initially it appealed to retired professors and other professionals, Academy for Lifelong Learning is widened to appeal to anyone who wants to learn.

Programs are open to all interested adults, regardless of age or educational background.

Due to COVID-19, opportunities opened to include instructors and students from outside of Whatcom County.

Although hosted and administered

by Western Washington University (WWU), ALL is 100% member-driven and supported by membership dues and program fees.

While costs are incurred for renting class space and other expenses, it is volunteers who come together to create classes, look for instructors within their networks of friends and associates, and plan events.

Versus sitting in a typical college lecture and listening, these classes encourage discussion and exchange of knowledge.

Zoom sessions are also available.

For anyone interested in teaching for ALL, contact Adam Moles at spindriftresearch@gmail.com. Michou Yenokida, whose name sounds close to miss you, serves on the curriculum planning committee. She has taught both classes in the regular college and ALL settings.

Before coming to ALL at Western Washington, Yenokida was affiliated with the University of Washington and in southern California and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which is similar to ALL. The Bernard Osher Foundation supports 125 lifelong learning programs on university and college campuses across the country.

Since Yenokia’s husband had family in Seattle, the family chose the Northwest for retirement which also led her to WWU’s ALL program.

While initially it appealed to retired professors and other professionals, Academy for Lifelong Learning is now is for anyone who wants to learn. Programs are open to all interested adults, regardless of age or educational background. (Courtesy photo) For anyone eager to do day trips in addition to or instead of classes, in the past ALL’s Excursion Committee has planned many trips to cultural events such as concerts, plays and operas. It has also offered trips to museums, nature preserves, gardens and many of other destinations across Northwest Washington and British Columbia.

Course descriptions are available online at the website. Spring 2022 classes are available both online and at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal’s Dome Room which has more space to spread apart and good ventilation. Yenokida said ALL couldn’t always utilize class space on campus and is looking at additional venues at the Ferndale and Lynden library branches, but the spaces would require smaller registration around 12 people due to social distancing.

“The Pandemic taught (significance) of finances in a tough time so we established an endowment fund,” Yenokida said. While ALL continues to accept donations, this fund will create a steady stream of income to go forward.

As of the end of April, proof of vaccination is required for all instructors, facilitators, and students participating in all courses, field trips, and excursions.

Visit oce.wwu.edu/academy-lifelonglearning for more information.

A wide range of topics have ventured into hard scientific topics, religion, geography, history, literature, art and architecture, and political science. Rarely are courses repeated but instructors may teach additional topics.

Examples of recent classes include “Robert Frost: Other Roads Not Taken,” “The Immune System: An Overview,”

“Tales with Tails: How to Make Your Stories Wag!,” “Wintering Diurnal Raptors: Falcons, Hawks, Eagles and Harriers,” “The Turbulent 1960s and Their Aftermath,” “The Biology of Molluscs,” “Judaism in Three Nutshells: Sabbath, Kosher Dietary Laws, and Death Rituals,” “Historical Perspectives on Pandemics,” “Vaccines and Viruses,” “American Art Museums an Collectors,” “Contemporary Short Films,” “Songbirds of the Backyard and Beyond,” "Energy Production: Now and in the Future at BP." Anyone in and around Bellingham has experienced unique occupations and enjoy sharing.

One had been on the staff of the Library of Congress and talked of how to research that collection.

Visit oce.wwu.edu/academy-lifelonglearning for more information.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, May 11, 2022 | Ferndale Record

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