2018 Ferndale Almanac

2018

Ferndale Almanac

Fun features, facts and figures about Ferndale

Published June 2018

A supplement of the

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Table of Contents Page 2: A letter from the mayor Page 3: In a Jam: Ferndale's beginnings Page 6: Places to play: Ferndale's many parks Page 8: Hovander Homestead Park Page 10: Ferndale Chamber of Commerce Page 13: Events happening annually in Ferndale Page 14: Locker Room Fitness Page 16: Mazatlan Seafood & Grill Page 18: Ferndale's schools Page 20: Baker Septic Page 22: Ferndale's largest businesses

June 2018

What is an almanac?

Traditionally, an almanac is an annual publication containing dates, statistical information and tables relating to the coming year. For our purposes, the Ferndale Community Almanac is a little different.

This publication is a snapshot of Ferndale as it exists in the year of publication. In this case, of course, that year is 2018.

Looking back at the city of Ferndale any number of years in the past reveals a very different city. Businesses move in and out of town, longtime mainstays switch up their locations, and different city officials and volunteers make Ferndale what it is.

Time changes much of what makes Ferndale tick, but a great many of those factors stay the same each and every year. Ferndale's history is constant, and the Ferndale Community Almanac is intended to show readers, both in the present and in the future, not only what makes Ferndale what it is, but what makes Ferndale special as well. — Ferndale Record staff

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

From the desk of the mayor Ever since a small group of dedicated pioneers set down their bags at the bend in the Nooksack River over 150 years ago and build a few cabins, our city has been on a path for greatness. That spirit of pioneers can be found in our proud history of metal workers, farmers, entrepreneurs and explorers.

Ferndale was forged by good people coming together and building something bigger than themselves and today, you hold in your hands proof of those efforts.

The Ferndale Community Almanac is your guidebook to the great organizations, events and opportunities that lurk within our city limits.

Discover a new restaurant, an exciting fresh place to

shop or dive into one of our community celebrations like the Old Settlers Weekend or the Ferndale Street Festival.

We’re a community that takes pride in the path that led us to this spot, the bold pioneers, the mighty tribes that have been here since time immemorial and our newer neighbors, the families that have swelled our city and brought fresh energy to our community.

We want you to be a part of that story, we want you to be part of what makes Ferndale great. Time to set down you bags at this beautiful spot on the river and discover the wonders of Ferndale.

— Ferndale Mayor Jon Mutchler

By the numbers: Ferndale figures City Census Figures

Population (2017): 14,026 Population (2010 census): 11,415 Female: 54.4 percent Male: 45.6 percent Military veterans: (2016-17): 687 Foreign-born people (2012-16): 13.1 percent High school graduates or higher: (201216): 88.4 percent Bachelor’s degree or higher (2012-16): 25.3 percent Median value of owner-occupied houses (2012-16: $252,600 Monthly gross rent (2012-16): $881 Median household income (2012-16): $56,859

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Ferndale School District Figures

October 2016 student count: 4,810 May 2017 student count: 4,817 Male students (2016): 2,483 (51.6 percent) Female students (2016): 2,327 (48.4 percent) Adjusted four-year cohort graduation rate (Class of 2016): 74.8 percent Adjusted four-year cohort graduation rate (Class of 2015): 77.4 percent Unexcused absence rate (2016-17): 0.8 percent Free or reduced-price meals (2017): 2,178, or 45.2 percent.

Classroom teachers (2016-17): 275 Teachers with at least a Master's Degree: 65.5 percent

June 2018

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

In a Jam: Ferndale's beginnings

Ferndale wasn't always 'Ferndale' The city of Ferndale was officially incorporated in 1907, but it wasn’t always known as Ferndale.

The area that is now Ferndale marks the intersection of the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and the Semiahmoo; all fished and harvested in the area prior to nonIndian settlers moving in. The body of water now known as Tennant Lake

was a major fishing point for the three groups throughout the year.

According to historylink.org, the earliest settlers in Ferndale included John Tawes, John A. Tennant, John Plaster and Billy Clark, all of whom married women from local Indian tribes. Tennant settled on the lower Nooksack River, and Clark ran a ferry across the Nooksack beginning in 1875.

Tawes, however, was the first white settler to stop at this spot. He was heading north up the Nooksack

June 2018

when he was forced to land on the banks of the river. He had run into the enormous logjam that plagued locals for an unknown amount of time. For this reason, Ferndale was known simply as “Jam.” The logjam stretched from the river west of Tennant Lake all the way to just below where the Main Street bridge sits now.

A log schoolhouse eventually opened in the small village, and the school’s first teacher, Alice Eldridge, named the community “Ferndale”

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record for the ferns that grew near the schoolhouse. “Jam” tended to remind local settlers too much of the annoyance on the river.

Even with the town renamed, the logjam remained, and it deterred people from traveling to and settling the area any further. In 1875, the Washington Territorial Legislature petitioned the U.S. Congress for financial aid to help remove the jam, but nothing came of that effort.

Pioneer Phoebe Judson, also known as the “Mother of Lynden,” started her own petition in 1876 to raise funds from county settlers to finally remove the logjam. Judson was able to raise about $4,150 in three weeks, and she suggested that the person hired to tackle the job be given votes for a county office seat.

The effort was stalled by the county’s national centennial celebrations held in the summer of 1876, and many people brought a cavalcade of different ideas regarding how to deal with the logjam.

When the summer ended and the celebrations had ceased, Plaster, a probate judge, was chosen by committee to clear the jam for $450 (upwards of $10,000 in today’s dollars).

With the assistance of others in the area, Plaster got to work breaking up the jam. He began at its lower end, sawing and prying the logs loose and letting the current carry the smaller pieces downstream to Bellingham Bay. When autumn came, the Pacific Northwest rains raised the water level of the river enough to help the logs down the river even more.

The jam was mostly cleared by December, and on February 20, 1877, the last of the jam had made its way into the bay and Plaster’s work was accepted.

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O t h e r j a m s f a r t h e r upriver were cleared near Lynden, opening up the river to steamer traffic and bringing more and more people to

Ferndale.

In 1878, a hotel was built in Ferndale, along with a store and several houses.

This created a trading point of

June 2018

sorts, and in 1880 the rapidly growing Ferndale precinct had a population of 265. The advent of the telegraph in 1886 and the railroad in 1890

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record spurred that growth even more.

While many towns across Washington rushed to incorporate at the time, Ferndale apparently didn’t see the same urgency. It did not incorporate until March 19, 1907. The town’s growth leveled out for many years; the town had 691 residents in 1910 and had only grown to 3,855 residents in the 1980 U.S. Census.

However, in the final two decades of the 20th century, Ferndale began to boom.

The town’s population was now estimated in 2017 at 14,026, a growth of almost 3,000 since 2010. The cabins of those original county settlers can still be seen and explored in Ferndale’s Pioneer Park, hearkening back to when Ferndale was These vintage postcards capture the look and feel of Ferndale more than a century Jam. ago.

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Places to play: Ferndale's many parks

Star Park

Pioneer Park A 12.8-acre park that was deeded to the city in 1972, Pioneer Park has three Little League baseball fields, two picnic shelters, playground equipment, a performing arts stage and a collection of historic cabins containing artifacts, all owned by the Old Settlers Association and maintained by the Ferndale Heritage Society. Also on site is the Tillicum House, which is used for meetings, weddings, parties and classes.

Star Park The largest playground in Ferndale, Star Park was designed by kids and built entirely by volunteers.

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Centennial Riverwalk Park The Centennial Riverwalk and fountain is a main downtown attraction that is part of the Main Street Urban Park corridor. The fountain includes public art commissioned by the city.

The Ferndale Public Market uses the Riverwalk on Saturdays from April through October.

Ferndale Friendship Community Garden Tucked away to the south of Star Park and next to the Bergsma House on Ferndale Road, the Ferndale Friendship Community Garden occupies over 19,000 square feet of land and provides low-cost garden plots

to families. It operates as a program of the Ferndale Community Service Cooperative.

VanderYacht Park Located on 17.7 acres west of the Nooksack River at 1945 Washington St., VanderYacht Park can be accessed from the north at Portal Way and the south at Bass Street. Amenities include a large open grassy area, a half-mile walking trail with interpretive signs, picnic areas, a disk golf course and river access points.

Griffintown Park This stretch of land was donated to the city and converted into an urban park as

June 2018

2nd Avenue was renovated.

Griffintown Park was formerly owned by BNSF Railway Co. and features a Veteran’s Memorial and plaques of historic Ferndale figures.

Phillips 66 Sports Complex Formerly known as the Tosco Sports Complex and then ConocoPhillips Sports Complex, this 61.5-acre site sits adjacent to Pioneer Park and includes numerous baseball fields and two soccer fields.

Horizon View Park Located at 6195 Cascade Dr., Horizon View Park sits on a 0.6-acre panel in the Horizon View subdivision, which was approved in

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record 1972. The park features an open grassy area and variety of trees.

Vista Ridge Park Dedicated to the city in 2001, the 2.1-acre Vista Ridge Park includes a half basketball court, children’s playground equipment and limited parking.

Oxford Park Sitting on 1.2 acres at 6160 Malloy Ave., Oxford Park was dedicated to the city in August 1991.

On site is a half basketball court, a picnic table and a bench, children’s playground equipment and an open grassy area. A small was dedicated to the city creek runs through a sec- in 1999 and includes 2.9 tion of the park. acres with playground equipment and a half basMichael Moore Park ketball court. The park is Michael Moore Park located on the east side of

Pioneer Park a half basketball court, playground equipment, open grassy areas and picnic tables. It was dedicated to the city in February 1971.

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Intriguing history lies behind today’s Hovander Homestead Park

Swedish family's home for many years is now for all to enjoy Everything about Hovander Homestead Park is outsized. A massive red barn reigns over expansive grounds that once might have produced crops of grain, but now this is where kids can run free or climb a lookout tower and Scottish Highland competitors can uncork a caber toss. Beyond a ridge of trees the Nooksack River rolls swiftly by, draining most of Whatcom County.

And the Hovander Homestead House stands elegantly like a sentinel from another era, signaling that this place was meant to be something special.

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The man who brought a grand vision to this farmstead spot, now a sprawling 333 acres, was Hakan Hovander (1841-1915), who found success as an architect in late 19th century Sweden and had also adventured as a young man in the American West. In 1896 Hakan and his wife Louisa were well-off enough to take their family voyaging in the world for two years, with stops including Seattle and New Zealand.

The Hovanders visited the townsite of Ferndale, and saw promise. In May 1898 Hakan bought a 60acre farm on the east side of the river for $4,000, and within three years he had added another 200 acres.

In the summer of 1901 the father of seven, no doubt with help from his sons, began building this home,

using 52,000 board feet of handpicked clear Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. Construction took two years to complete.

The house is 6,800 square feet, counting the second floor and attic. The main floor has three bedrooms, a library, a dining room and a large kitchen.

The interior of the second floor was never finished — there are various stories as to why — but the big empty space came in handy for dances during the home’s first decades, according to www.historylink.org.

The tall rooms of the house have wooden ceilings and trim treated with linseed oil that preserves well even after 115 years. The exterior eaves are trimmed with gingerbread molding.

After Hakan’s death, the Hovander children gradu-

June 2018

ally drifted away from the Ferndale farm — all, that is, except Otis (1884-1979), who never married and instead remained with his mother until her passing in 1936. Then he inherited the property and stayed on it for three more decades, until he was well into his 80s.

Whatcom County Parks, recognizing the value of preserving this heritage site and its buildings, paid $60,000 to acquire the entire homestead in 1969. Things needed some repair, restoration and refurbishing, of course. But Hovander Homestead Park was opened to an appreciative public in 1971 and the love affair with its big buildings and expansive spaces, plus opportunities to add features and host events, has continued strong across the years.

Docents versed on the

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record Hovander history give tours of the house (by the way, volunteers are always needed; call 360-384-3444). Perhaps a demonstration, such as baking bread in the kitchen’s big wood oven, is added.

In 1974 the Hovander site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1978 the park received the National Trust for Historic Preservation award for preservation of a significant and authentic historic site.

The barn was built in 1911. Inside are some original farm implements or ones reflective of farming in the years of horsepower or early tractoring. South of the house, toward the river, is the 50-foot-tall observatory tower that entices both children and adults to climb the wooden stairs and enjoy the

The Hovander barn features a wide variety of vintage farm equipment. (Calvin Bratt/ Ferndale Record)

view from the top.

Summer hours of Hovander Homestead Park are 8

a.m. to about 8:30 p.m. From town, take Hovander Road off Main under the railroad

June 2018

bridge and turn right onto Nielsen Road. Follow signs.

— Calvin Bratt

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Ferndale Chamber of Commerce

The Ferndale Street Festival is famous for the variety of activities it brings to downtown Ferndale each year.

(Ashley Hiruko/Ferndale Record)

Chamber hosts variety of events throughout the year The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce seeks to bring together the community 10

and its commerce, striving for quality, integrity, fiscal responsibility, pride, balance, excellence in customer service and teamwork.

In short, the Ferndale Chamber goes to bat for businesses in and around Ferndale, and it does so in a

variety of ways.

The Chamber keeps a running community calendar on its website detailing the various happenings in Ferndale, including a variety of events and promotions put on by the Chamber itself. These include:

June 2018

Makayla’s Street Jam 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament The Chamber joined up with the Nicolaas family to help coordinate Makayla’s Street Jam, an annual 3-on3 basketball tournament honoring the memory of Makayla Nicolaas, who died after a hard-fought

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record battle with cancer in 2012.

One of Makayla’s favorite pastimes was participating in basketball tournaments, and Makayla’s Street Jam was the perfect way to remember her.

The Nicolaas family ran the event themselves for five years before asking the Chamber to take over its management and organization. The tournament raises money to fight childhood cancers. It is set for Aug. 4-5 of this year.

Spring Run Off 5K & 10K This fun run/walk/stroll begins at Pioneer Pavilion Community Center and takes participants through various routes around Ferndale. It ends back at Pioneer Pavilion for an awards ceremony. The event took place in March of this year, complete with warm-ups led by Alyssa Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each year for the Holiday Tree Lighting at Centennial Springs of Ferndale’s Flow Riverwalk Park. (Brent Lindquist/Ferndale Record)

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Downtown Trick-or-Treat and Haunt the Park are the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce's popular Halloween events. (Ashley Hiruko/Ferndale Record)

Motion.

Ferndale Flicks in the Park Ferndale Flicks in the Park brings movie fans to the historic Pioneer Block for outdoor movies during the summer. Flicks in the Park is held a couple of times throughout the summer.

The Chamber brings a giant inflatable screen and sets it up among the historic cabins, showing familyfriendly movies for free.

Concessions are set up in the replica Pioneer Park general store.

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Ferndale Street Festival O n e o f t h e m o s t p ro m i n e n t c o m m u n i t y events held in Ferndale, the Ferndale Street Festival takes place over the last weekend in August. On Friday night, the Chamber shuts down one Ferndale street and brings in food vendors, live music and a beer and wine tent. Saturday sees Main Street and a few side streets shut down completely to make way for more than 120 vendors, a car show, kids’ events, fire trucks, dunk tanks and live music throughout the day and into the evening. Many other

attractions are brought to town, drawing thousands of people to downtown Ferndale for a weekend of fun.

Downtown Trick-or-Treat and Haunt the Park The city of Ferndale closes down its streets downtown to allow kids to visit more than 45 business participants in Ferndale’s annual Downtown Trickor-Treat, hosted by the Chamber. Once the candy runs out, Pioneer Park is open and decorated for Halloween, featuring candy at each cabin, a haunted

June 2018

barn and people in costume.

Community Holiday Tree Lighting The Chamber brings Santa and Mrs. Claus to Centennial River Walk Park for the lighting of t h e Fe r n d a l e Ho l i d a y Tree, complete with hot chocolate and candy canes.

The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce also offers a wide variety of services, weekly and monthly events and much more throughout the year. For more information, visit ferndale-chamber.com.

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Ferndale events throughout the year

Bagpipes were just one of the Scottish attractions at the Bellingham Scottish Gathering this year. (Brent Lindquist/ Ferndale Record)

The city of Ferndale plays host to many different events throughout the year, some of which are newer traditions while others date back much further.

Ferndale's annual events include: Old Settlers Picnic The Old Settlers Picnic is one of many annual Ferndale events. The tradition of a large-scale picnic at Pioneer Park, dating back to 1895, has become a highlight for many in the county. This yearly event, happening this summer during the Old Settlers weekend of July 27-29, is a celebration of Ferndale’s lengthy history

dating back to the 1800s and typically features music, a parade, a classic car show, and local food and craft vendors.

Summer of Fun This is the second year of recreational city-sponsored events, after the City Council granted funds to the Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board in 2017. Last year, there were about 2,200 participants in park events.

This year, various events will be happening in the city beginning in May with glowin-the-dark croquet and ending out the summer with the last of the Food Truck Fridays in September at Star

Park. For more information, visit www.cityofferndale.org/ public-works-department/ parks-and-recreation/ recreation-2/2018-summerof-fun-recreationalactivities.

Bellingham Scottish Gathering The newest Ferndale event tradition, the Bellingham Scottish Gathering is slated to happen again in 2019. The inaugural run of the event in 2018 featured Scottish music, animals, feats of strength and vendors on hand. Next year's event promises to be even bigger.

June 2018

Olde-Fashioned Christmas Take a ride back in time during this festive holiday event, sponsored by the Ferndale Heritage Society. Members dressed in pioneer costumes greet visitors and share a look into how the Christmas holiday was celebrated years ago. Historic log homes at Pioneer Park house various activities during the weekend event. Santa and Mrs. Claus also stop in for a visit. This winter the event takes place beginning on Nov. 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. and continues on Dec. 1 from 1 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 2 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Tickets will be $4 for adults and $3 for children.

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Ferndale’s community gym Locker Room owned by FHS grads, former NFL players Jake Locker and Michael Koenen With a name you can’t forget and a communityfriendly vibe, Locker Room Fitness Training has become a hotspot of fitness and more for Ferndale since the gym opened its doors in December 2014.

Under the ownership of Ferndale High School graduates Jake Locker and Michael Koenen, who both played in the NFL, Locker Room offers clients annual membership, individual and group training courses, a smoothie bar and even a kids’ room that provides care for children from 6 months to 12 years old.

General manager Dane Thorpe, a Sehome High School and Western Washington University grad, has worked with Locker and Koenen since the opportunity to open the gym arose in 2014. Thorpe said

The kids’ room, with workers Emma Ward (left) and Morgan Taxdahl (right), provides childcare while gym members get a workout in. (Nick Elges/Ferndale Record)

“the opportunity kind of came up and (Locker and Koenen) just kind of went with it. They wanted something in the community and it worked out for all of us.”

Over the past three and a half years, Locker Room has built a steady membership base and continues to enhance the fitness expe-

rience for its clients. The gym’s staff includes two experienced personal trainers, and a newly certified nutritionist will be available to teach clients the essentials of a healthy diet, something Thorpe calls a “huge part of a healthy lifestyle.”

Personal trainers can help gym members of any

fitness level, Thorpe said.

“If clients are coming off an injury or a surgery, trainers can help with the rehab process. Or if clients are just looking to get in shape, we also work with them.”

Locker Room also began providing athletic training for high school athletes and younger kids last year, offering a six-week summer

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record program open to all sports and both boys and girls. The program is being offered again this summer, with Locker, Koenen and other trainers on hand to lead sessions during the program.

While the training center provides a great place to reach personal fitness goals, Thorpe said the community aspect of the gym makes Locker Room a special place for all ages.

“People come here for the community more so than just to work out,” Thorpe said, adding that clients often build friendships with each other at the gym.

“I’ve learned thousands of people’s names, and it’s fun seeing the same faces coming in and out of the door every day.”

At Locker Room’s Main Street location, members

have access to a group training room, cardio equipment including treadmills and stationary bikes, a weight room, locker rooms with showers and a sauna, a stretching room and more.

“A lot of people come in because they want to lose weight or get stronger,” said Thorpe of members’ goals.

“We have all different types of avenues to make that happen; it just takes dedication on the client’s part along with healthy eating and regular fitness.”

Thorpe also said that Locker Room is active in the community and has participated in parades and other events. “Jake (Locker) and Mike (Koenen) are adamant about community involvement,” he said.

Locker Room offers a variety of membership op-

Sehome grad Dane Thorpe is the gym’s general manager. (Nick Elges/Ferndale Record)

tions, from 24-hour access to summer membership.

Members get free entry into training courses. First-time visitors can go to the gym’s website for a free guest

June 2018

pass.

For more information about Locker Room, visit www.lockerroomfitness. com/.

— Nick Elges

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Mazatlân brings authentic Mexican food to Ferndale Main Street restaurant celebrates three years

Mazatlân Seafood and Grill serves up many different kinds of Mexican cuisine.

Lourdes Torres has been the owner of Mazatlân Seafood and Grill for three years now.

When she looks back on the time she’s spent as a business owner, she acknowledges there were challenges. But the number of successes the small business has had far outweighs the struggles.

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record Situated at 2012 Main St., what she delivers in her food is unexpectedly found in the Pacific Northwest.

Originally a native of Mazatlan, Mexico, Torres strives to incorporate the feeling of the coastal town into her cuisine. The city Mazatlan is known for its beaches and big-game fishing. Torres serves local dishes with flavors that could only be found in the Mexican city.

The dish of Aguachile incorporates green salsa, cucumber, red onions, avocados and, of course, raw shrimp. The city of Mazatlan is known for its fresh seafood.

Vampiros, another of the restaurant’s popular offerings, is similar to a taco in nature. But instead of small, soft tortillas, the tortillas are warmed, have a crispy nature and the cheese melted into a gooey likeness.

For customers it may seem that Torres has devoted her life to serving cuisine for the satisfaction of patrons, but the restaurant venture wasn’t something she anticipated.

Torres landed on the business venture by chance.

Lourdes Torres co-owns and operates Mazatlân Seafood and Grill in Ferndale. (Ashley “It wasn’t in my plans to be Hiruko/Ferndale Record) a restaurant owner,” Torres said. would always ask ‘When And she had to learn compliment me on my One day while on an are you going to open your how to acquire the special food. They always comment outing for food to a lo- restaurant? Your food is re- ingredients used for dishes. on how authentic it tastes cal taco truck, Torres and ally good.’”

She was in need of fresh co- and that it has a homestyle her husband Ernesto were After a career in child- conut to use in her coconut taste,” Torres said. propositioned with an op- care, teaching young chil- and shrimp dish.

The restaurant is open portunity — the restaurant, dren and translating, the “When you open your from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. fully equipped, and at a switch came along with its own restaurant, you can Monday through Thursday good price for the deal. not find this or that,” she and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Frichallenges.

“We came and looked “There was a lot more said. “Thankfully I heard day and Saturday. at the place and thought responsibility and added from other restaurant peo- For more information ‘yeah, let’s give it a try,’” she stress,” Torres said. And ple and found the fruit in on Mazatlân, visit the Facesaid. “I always cooked these days free from work were Seattle.” book page www.facebook. dishes at my house and we few and far between. Being But being a business com/MazatlanSeafoodanhave family friends that a business owner meant al- owner has its upsides as dGrill. would come over and they ways being available. well. “I like when people — Ashley Hiruko June 2018

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Ferndale School District seeks facility renewal

Ferndale High School's 2018 graduation ceremony took place on June 9 at Civic Stadium in Bellingham. (Nick Elges/Ferndale Record)

Bond measure on November ballot will seek to construct new high school, address needs district-wide The Ferndale School District serves about 4,700 students from preschool through 12th grade, and it consists of a high school, two middle schools and six 18

elementary schools.

“Eagle Pride, City Wide” signs can often be seen around the city of Ferndale as families show their school spirit. The district is academically acclaimed and also features a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, theater arts, FFA and much more.

One of the most prominent efforts throughout 2018 is the bond project that will be put forward to local voters on the November ballot.

The district has tried a few different bonds over

the past few years, to no avail. This one was created with the help of the Ferndale Community Bond Task Force, a group of individuals of diverse backgrounds, including parents, property owners, educators, law enforcement and more.

The 2018 bond consists of three critical parts, adding up to $112 million to be paid out via district property taxes.

The first is the construction of a brand-new Ferndale High School to replace the aging set of structures

June 2018

that currently houses FHS’s educational operations. An additional $2 million will go to modernize the school’s performing arts center.

FHS currently has between 80 and 100 different access doors, a number that doesn’t mesh with modern safety and security standards related to schools.

The Bond Task Force proposes a two-story building constructed north of the existing school gym while addressing the site’s drainage issues and constructing new sports facilities, all the

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record while incorporating parts of Ferndale’s classic Old Main building facade into the new campus.

The second portion is addressing critical maintenance needs for $4 million.

This will address various needs all over the district, including building leaks, updating HVAC controls and replacing old hot-water tanks.

The third component involves upgrades to safety and security around the Ferndale School District for $1 million.

This portion involves controlling building access district-wide in order to allow facilities to be locked down more easily.

All of this will be overseen by a community oversight committee.

The school bond will appear on the Nov. 6 election Ferndale High School is known for its award-winning drama program, which ballot. produced "Fiddler on the Roof" in early 2018.

7,500

2

Our ASE Certified Technicians are trained to perform.

Recommended Maintenance • Oil Changes Diagnostic Tests • Repairs • Brakes • Electrical • Exhaust

CALL 360-366-5239 June 2018

19

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Baker Septic hails from Ferndale

Baker Septic can tackle septic work projects of just about any scale.

Business has been based out of Ferndale since it began in 1985

If a good logo is characterized by being recognizable, then Baker Septic’s logo is certainly a good one.

The classic image of a stinky skunk and a toilet full of roses has come

to be rather well-known around Whatcom County, but Lisa Hanley, the company’s marketing manager, isn’t quite sure where it originally came from.

“I wish I knew, and I don’t know if anybody

knows,” she said. “It’s definitely iconic.”

Baker Septic provides septic services including certified septic inspections, operations and maintenance inspections, septic maintenance,

U-Pick • We Pick

6211 Northwest Road Ferndale, WA

Emergency Service 24/7 Licensed O&M Inspections

20

JUNE - SEPTEMBER Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 10-4

(360) 380-2699 | www.boxxberryfarm.com Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Flowers & a variety of homegrown vegetables June 2018

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record drainfield rejuvenation, and riser installation and repairs.

Baker Septic started in 1985 as a family-owned and -operated company.

David Wells founded Baker Septic, and while it has changed hands over the years, it is now back in the same family, co-owned

by David Wells’ grandson Justin Wells. Tom Strain and Phil Merwin are his fellow co-owners.

“Basically, it all started as one guy in a truck, and they worked their way up and now have offices throughout the west side of Washington State. However, Baker Septic’s roots remain where it all began.

“The biggest thing to emphasize is that we’re firmly rooted in Ferndale,” Hanley said. “Being a family-owned business really informs the way we treat our employees and our customers. As Tom always says, we’re not in the poop business, we’re in the people business.”

One of Baker Septic’s major draws is the fact that customers can get a person on the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Weirdly, you wouldn’t think that would set us apart in this indus-

Baker Septic's trucks, complete with the company's iconic logo, can be seen all over Whatcom County and beyond.

try, but it does,” Hanley said.

Baker Septic is locat-

9 Restaurant isn’t your average Golf Course Eatery.

From our sandwiches made with house roasted meats, to our hand-pressed burgers made with 100% Angus beef, we strive to give you a memorable meal at an affordable rate. Thinking you’ll want a drink too?

Between our 8 rotating beer taps, 2 rotating wine taps, and full service bar including 60+ tequilas and 50+ whiskeys, we’re sure you’ll find just what you’re looking for!! Make sure you stop in often to try all of our sandwich specials and house made soups!!

ed at 5703 Third Avenue in Ferndale. Call 360-3830013 for more informa-

tion, or visit bakerseptic. com.

— Brent Lindquist

Ferndale Mini Storage Inc. Facility Hrs: 6AM-10PM Access 7 days a week and all major Holidays

205 W. Smith Road, Bellingham

360-398-8300

June 2018

5480 Nielsen Ave. Ferndale, WA (Road to Hovander Park)

(360) 384-3022

www.ferndaleministorageinc.com 21

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record

Big businesses help characterize Ferndale Phillips 66, Alcoa Intalco Works, Cascade DAFO are some of Ferndale's farthest-reaching businesses

Phillips 66 is known for its community involvement, including the Phillips 66 Sports Complex in Ferndale.

Ferndale is known for its small-town feel, but the city wouldn’t be what it is today without the larger businesses that exist in and around it.

Just a few of Ferndale’s biggest businesses in terms of employment include Alcoa Intalco Works, Phillips 66 and Cascade DAFO. The aluminum smelter at Alcoa Intalco Works first opened in 1966, and it continues to operate today,

The Bounty of the Sea Ferndale Public Library 2125 Main Street www.wcls.org

523 FRONT STREET • LYNDEN, WA 98264

P: 360•354•8320 F: 360•354•8321

DAVID@COMPASSPOINTSURVEY.COM

RICH@COMPASSPOINTSURVEY.COM

W WW .C O M P AS S P O INT SUR V E Y. C OM 22

June 2018

Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record pro ducing and s ending aluminum ingots all over the world.

The Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery was built in 1954 and takes up about 850 acres.

More than 400 employees work there.

The refinery processes domestic and foreign crude oil and has a deep-water dock, a rail-unloading facility and close access to oil pipelines.

The Ferndale Refinery is versatile, and can produce a broad range of different kinds of crude oil. Facilities include a fluid catalytic cracker, an alkylation unit, hydro-treating units and a naphtha reformer.

The refinery produces gas, diesel and residual fuel oil.

Most of the refined products produced at the Ferndale site make their way to markets around the northwestern United States.

The Ferndale Refinery is Alcoa Intalco Works produces aluminum ingots that are exported worldwide.

Your local country store since 1983

Feed • Lawn & Garden Clothing • Footwear Hardware • Fencing Home Grilling www.portalwayfarmandgarden.com

6100 Portal Way, Ferndale (360) 384-3688 M-F: 8-6 • Sat. 9-5 • Sun. 10:30-4:30

Your locally owned and operated title company

Bellingham Lynden • Birch Bay 360-676-8484

June 2018

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Ferndale Community Almanac • Ferndale Record known for winning awards, most re cently the 2017 ENERGY STAR certification.

This recognizes the refinery’s efforts as a whole to make its operation’s use of energy more efficient. The Ferndale Refinery has taken home four of these certifications.

The Ferndale Refinery has a crude capacity of 105,000 barrels per day, a total capacity of 121,000 barrels prepay and a gasoline capacity of 65,000 barrels per day.

One of the most unique businesses in Ferndale is Cascade DAFO, a maker of lower-extremity braces providing external foot, ankle and lower leg support.

Cascade DAFO’s offering is different from the usual rigid orthotics. The flexibility allows for a range of motion impossible with traditional orthotics.

Cascade DAFO produces orthotics like these, which are more flexible than typical orthotics.

Cascade DAFO began as a collaboration between Don Buethorn and Nancy

M. Hylton, who set out to help young patients with neurodevelopment

challenges. Their collaboration led to the creation of Cascade DAFO.

Portal Way Church of Christ Bible Believing, People Caring Church Phone: (360) 384-6741 6300 Portal Way, P.O. Box 99 Ferndale, WA 98248 portalwaychurchofchrist.org

Times of Worship: Sundays 11am & 6pm Classes: Sundays 10am & Wednesdays 7pm

www.custerumc.org TRUTH TABERNACLE APOSTOLIC CHURCH

“Home of the Old Time Religion” Pentecostal/Acts 2:38

Service- Wed. & Fri. 7:30 pm Sunday 10:30 am & 6:30 pm www.TruthNW.com 901 54th Terrace Off Hannegan, North of Smith Rd

360-398-8616

LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA

Rev. Becky Langholz Sunday Worship 10:00 am

“A Caring Country Church”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

7215 Valley View Road 5732 Olson Rd, Ferndale 360-384-3661 www.cornerstoneferndale.org Sunday Worship: 10:30 am Children’s church during worship service

24

June 2018

North of Ferndale between Bay and Grandview Roads

360-366-5567

zionlutheranwhatcom.org Visit us on Facebook!

Over 90 Years of Continuous Ownership and Operation by the Adelstein Family. t Suppor pany s com the glas ports your that sup unit y. comm

Mel Adelstein Louis Adelstein

Louis Adelstein Sadie Adelstein

Mel Adelstein

Carrie Adelstein

www.louisautoglass.com

Rick Adelstein

Bellingham • 360-734-3840 • 1512 N. State St. Lynden • 360-354-3232 • 407 19th St.