Progress 2021

Supplement of the and

A look at where we’ve come from and where we’re going in Whatcom County

B2

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS

2021 PROGRESS

B3

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

Table of Contents

So how do you talk about progress forward in the midst of a global pandemic? It isn’t in the normal sense for this our 2021 Progress Edition. But as one listens and looks closely at our local Whatcom County level, it’s possible to find many stories of coping and helping and persisting and imagining that can be told, overcoming the immediate circumstances.

These are some of those stories.

— The Editor

B4 — Border Stories: Just longing to see loved ones B4 — Border Stories: So in love, tying the knot at Peace Arch Park B8 — Bakery Refresh: COVID down time is used for a front area remodel B10 — Community Helpers: Emily Earhart follows through on her vision

B15 — Boosting Restaurants: Dan Thompson got ‘mad’ enough to do something B18 — Glen Echo Garden: New owners have a few new ideas for their paradise setting B20 — Ferndale's FrinGe Brewing continues offering local beer in person and to go

Thinking about selling?

Now is the perfect time!

In this market, experience matters.

Call today!

Karen Timmer 360-410-0848 8071 Guide Meridian, Ste 105, Lynden, WA 98264, The Market Place

Proudly Serving the Ag Community for over 30 Years!

Manure Management • Dairy Milking Equipment • Parts & Service

8540 Benson Road, Lynden, WA 98264

www.daritech.com • 360-354-6900

TSquared Inc Construction & Roofing • Local company • Doing business for over 15 years • Free quote for roofing or contracting

Troy Visser

360-815-2616

B4

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS

Border closure stories Family just 10 minutes away can’t be visited

Mekayla Knol and Derrick Bouwman had to use border meet-ups, with the uncrossable ditch between them, for part of 2020. (Courtesy photo)

The Pelleboer family gathers around the holidays at the Edaleen Dairy sign north of Lynden that exactly expresses their sentiments. (Courtesy photo)

Canada native Lisa Pelleboer misses seeing her family just across the line in Aldergrove

By Elisa Claassen for the Lynden Tribune

WHATCOM — Lisa Pelleboer’s original family lives just 10 minutes

away in Aldergrove, British Columbia.

However, she hasn’t been able to hug or be close to those relatives now in almost a year. There have been some meetings near the border from each side, but the weather now is not conducive.

She’s an example of local residents personally impacted by the U.S.-Canada border closure, dating to March 21 last year and ongoing.

Lisa immigrated to the United See Pelleboer on B7

Dating to marriage, with different citizenships ‘Ditch’ visits for Mekayla and Derrick, a diary filled with anxiety, and finally a Peace Arch wedding

By Elisa Claassen for the Lynden Tribune

WHATCOM — Mekayla Knol and Derrick Bouwman had a fine cross-border romance going, until it was impacted by the

COVID-19 border shutdown.

But they overcame the international problem — they got married last summer in spite of it all.

“We were hoping to get married this coming May (2021), but because of COVID-19 and our separation over the border, we decided to push up our wedding to last October (2020) so we could be together,” Mekayla wrote via email.

There is a friendship bond of Derrick and Mekayla with Lisa and Harvey Pelleboer (see See Mekayla/Derrick on B5

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS

B5

Mekayla/Derrick Continued from B4

accompanying story). “I had gotten to know them a little bit before the border closed. I know Lisa’s Canadian family quite well since they attend the same church that I do.”

Until that border closure day in March 2020, Derrick and Mekayla had no problem with their dating set-up and would see each other three and four times a week — “even though there was a bit of a drive and an international border between us.”

Then, suddenly, instead of seeing each other in person, they were just FaceTime-ing, like many others.

“It was nothing like being together in person, but it was the best we could do,” Mekayla explained. “We would talk every night and for hours at a time on the weekend. We would share recipes and cook the same dinner simultaneously and then eat together. We played a lot of cards and Scrabble online as well.”

When she first heard of others “going to the ditch” — the border area along 0 Avenue in Canada and Boundary Road on the Whatcom County side — she had reservations.

“I wanted nothing to do with it because

I thought it would be too hard to see him and not be able to be with him. Also, I was pretty convinced that the border would not be closed for too long and we were surviving with FaceTime.”

However, the border stayed closed, and still is.

“One Sunday afternoon, we decided to give it a go. It was such an incredible feeling to see someone that you loved so much in person, even though we were not able to touch each other. By the time we had walked the connected length of 0 Avenue and back (about four miles), my face hurt from smiling.”

That started weekly trips to “the ditch” for the couple. They marked occasions such as her birthday, celebrating the completion of the comprehensive exam for her master’s degree, and even continuing weekend dates that way.

The next step was to meet and actually be able to touch each other at Peace Arch Park of Blaine, last May. “When we were finally convinced to check it out (park visits on joint U.S.-Canada See Mekayla/Derrick on B6

Just to be married, the couple had to settle for a very small ceremony with few family members at Peace Arch Park in Blaine last October. (Courtesy photo)

Proudly ...

Supporting Whatcom County since 1947.

360-354-2101 8631 Depot Road, Lynden WA

B6

2021 PROGRESS

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

Mekayla/Derrick Continued from B5

A picnic together was precious when they had been separated for so long. Derrick got into Canada in July 2020 to visit Mekayla for two weeks. That's when they became engaged and started to plan a wedding. (Courtesy photo)

land), it was better than either of us thought it would be. I remember driving to the park with a ball of anxiety in my stomach. How was it possible that we could both walk into the same park and be together if we were in different countries separated by a secure border?”

But it happened. “If seeing Derrick for the first time in four weeks across a ditch was amazing, seeing him with nothing between us for the first time in two months was a thousand times better. From that day on, we spent hours in that park. We appreciated the beauty of it and the freedom of seeing each other again.”

That was also soon to change — Peace Arch Park was closed to personal meet-ups on June 18 by the B.C. provincial government.

Mekayla was devastated by the news.

For the first time since the border had closed, she was starting to feel better again, getting over significant anxiety from the stress of being separated from Derrick.

This was an entry in her journal: “Those months [during the summer of 2020] were hard. My anxiety was terrifying. I would wake up feeling calm and progressively feel my anxiety build until it seemed like there was nothing possibly good left in this world.

Everything was more difficult without being able to freely see Derrick.”

Their relationship was being strained by both a health crisis and the laws of two countries.

“Being with him again had made a huge difference for me and when I got the news (of park closure), everything felt like it had gone all wrong again.”

Then they realized that the American side of the park remained open, and the American park rangers even encouraged them to keep coming. The meeting place was in the Blaine park next to 0 Avenue.

In her journal Mekayla wrote that the couple knew something had to give. Seeing each other would be impacted by lessening daylight. A decision was made for Derrick to go up to Canada and visit at the end of July 2020. He had to take almost four weeks off of work — two weeks to quarantine and then two weeks to spend with her.

Not only was it an in-person visit, but an engagement was forthcoming.

“The night he made it into Canada, I nearly melted with relief. The day he got out of quarantine and drove to my house was one of the happiest moments in my life. We spent the weekend together camping with some of his other Canadian family where we also got See Mekayla/Derrick on B7

Pelleboer

Mekayla/Derrick Continued from B6

engaged.”

Although they wanted to be engaged — and married, they didn’t want it to be at the Peace Arch park. The in-person visit, of course, was too short.

“I cried myself to sleep that night and wondered how we were ever going to make it through this pandemic.”

After meeting a few more times at Blaine, they realized they needed another solution.

“How do you maintain a healthy relationship with someone who is so close, yet so far away?”

When Mekayla and Derrick got engaged, they hoped for a May 2021 wedding, but that meant getting through a very difficult winter first. So they moved their wedding date up to the end of October, even though it meant sacrificing the big wedding they wanted with all family involved.

“As it turned out, only his parents were able to commit to that much time in quarantine. To be fair, asking people with families to halt their lives for two weeks just to attend our wedding was not realistic. We knew that would likely be the case, but it was still a so-

B7

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS

bering blow.”

The wedding location was the American side of Peace Arch Park — with only the American rangers and patrols and some immediate family members as witnesses.

While not what they had dreamed, it was still quite nice, Mekayla can say now.

“When we were planning, I was always expecting the worst and trying to keep myself from hoping for anything. ... I think even in the best of times, our wedding would have been an emotional day for both of us. Having to say goodbye to family members on our wedding day, knowing that they were not going to be able to celebrate one of the most important moments in our lives with us, was more difficult than I can describe. On the one hand, we were so excited to be committing the rest of our lives to each other. And on the other, we were trying to keep ourselves together so we could still enjoy the day.”

They got to honeymoon in a secluded cabin for 10 days. Mekayla felt so relieved not to be “watched.” No security cameras. No border guards. No gawkers. No sitting out in the rain.

It’s their story, although she believes there could be many similar others.

They ended up living married in Canada, with Derrick allowed to cross the border for his work in Whatcom County. He has dual citizenship in both countries.

“We feel incredibly blessed that we had options. Derrick living in Canada is not what we had hoped for and has proved to be challenging in many different ways. But we had a way out. And there are countless people we have met who do not have the same opportunity. They are stuck on either side of the border with no end in sight.”

Sometimes, they drive down 0 Avenue on a Sunday afternoon together. “I always feel so emotional when I see people meeting there, doing what we had done for so long.”

They both want the border open. “We firmly believe that keeping the border closed is causing significantly more harm than good.”

“We are happy with where we are at and that we can be together,” she emailed last week, “but the border closure continually adds stressors to our lives and it has been difficult not to be able to see family or be living at our property in the county (Whatcom). We are hoping that there will be some changes soon!”

Continued from B4

States and Lynden 17 years ago when she married her American husband, Harvey.

At the end of December she wrote that she had only seen her newborn nephew once at the border.

She is thankful her parents, who are in their 60s, are healthy, but “my kids miss their grandparents.”

Lisa Pelleboer readily acknowledges there are other stories of cross-border separation more painful than hers: a family that couldn’t attend siblings’ weddings, a friend in Lynden whose father died in Langley without much visitation in his final days, grandparents in Lynden who can’t meet their first grandbaby living in Chilliwack.

“This closure has torn apart people’s support systems. It seems that the only consideration in all of this is the physical health of people where I’d argue that the emotional and mental well-being is just as important. My mom’s mom lives in Lynden and is 93, and my mom, who lives in Aldergrove, can’t come see her.”

Helping Whatcom County build for over 60 years

We put you right at home.

When you’re ready to build, buy or update your home, our experts can help you achieve your dreams. We’re here to guide you and offer the right financing for your situation.

Home | Construction | Lot loans

Let’s create tomorrow, together.

Janele Haan

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden 360-354-5617 www.westsidebuildingsupply.com

NMLS# 507139 VP, Residential Loan Officer 360-224-5880 jhaan@bannerbank.com

bannerbank.com

Member FDIC

Monday - Friday 7:00AM - 5:00PM • Saturday 8:00AM - 4:00PM

B8

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS

Lynden Dutch Bakery in refresh mode

A main new feature added to the Lynden Dutch Bakery is two service windows out onto the Front Street sidewalk, easing the number of those who need to go inside. Simmons said the remodel maximizes use of space and takes into account the restaurant's overall work flow. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

The goal is to enhance the live experience, and ‘ship the taste of Lynden’ to people afar

By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com

LYNDEN — The pandemic has been a time for Chad Simmons to think afresh about his Lynden Dutch Bakery, and to

take action.

When folks get a chance to see past the papered-up front windows and step inside the bakery — expected to be sometime this spring — they may react with a whole new appreciation for this 114-year-old downtown community treasure.

The front area for the public is being transformed, both for looks and for practicality.

Simmons, who also owns Just Desserts in the Fairway Center, chose to keep just that bakery outlet open for its

sweet treats in 2020 as the impact of COVID-19 played out upon all businesses.

He decided to use the down time to accomplish a long-considered redo of the Lynden Dutch Bakery.

“We’re getting close to done,” the owner said as he surveyed the mere 24-by-32-foot area where all the work is happening. “It was ideal to make these changes during our pause.”

Simmons hired friend and diversified builder Aaron Apps as the general contractor, and employee Brandon Voth is one of the workers who has spent plen-

ty of hours on this project.

On a day in early February, all the heating, ventilation and air conditioning apparatus was to arrive. The final layer of flooring would soon follow. Already up on the walls was classic old white tile that is meant to be reminiscent of what might have been common in a bakery of 70-80 years ago.

Interior wood trim is the rough-cut side of timber that had been hidden under finishes for many years.

Continued on the next page

B9

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS After all, there is some respected tradition to keep up here in this very space.

Chad and Julee Simmons have owned Lynden Dutch Bakery since 2014, although he had managed it four years more. To be sure of his acquisition, Chad hired an expert to verify the timeline of ownership from the start by a Sherman Starkenburg in 1907.

The longest tenured bakers were two generations of the Snapper family, from 1938 to 1979. The Simmons couple is the eighth owner.

He believes this is the second oldest bakery continuously operating in the same place in Washington state, after one in Cle Elum.

But time moves on, and change is forced upon businesses — especially now by COVID-19 realities, Simmons said. It’s not possible to run a so-called mom-and-pop shop just presuming on methods of the past.

For instance, the “build it and they will come” mentality may not work. The approach, even of a small Front Street bakery, must be more cognizant of the intended market and calibrated to people’s changing expectations and buying habits.

See Bakery on B16

Owner Chad Simmons stands where the public will eventually be able to come back into Lynden Dutch Bakery and have table seating in a thoroughly reconfigured front area, in about the same overall space. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

2021 Progress Report Celebrating Years in Business Since 1884

Since 1885

Since 1886

Since 1887

Since 1889

Morse Steel

Ferndale Record

Lynden Tribune

Greenwood Cemetery

Lynden Cemetery

3002 W. Illinois • Bellingham 360-756-6200

ferndalerecord.com 360-384-1411

“We believe in community news.”

East Wiser Lake Rd., Lynden 360-647-4001 www.thegreenwoodcemetery.com

South Side of Front St., Lynden 360-647-4001 www.lyndencemetery.com

Since 1910

Since 1929

Since 1929

Since 1931

Ebenezer

Louis Auto

9390 Guide Meridian, Lynden 360-354-2632 www.ebenezerchristianschool.org

Lynden - 360-354-3232 Bellingham - 360-734-3840

113 6th St. • Lynden 360-354-4444

Van’s Plumbing & Residential Glass Christian School 4th Generation & Electric Family Owned & Operated Business

Since 1938

Since 1938

Price & Visser Vander Giessen Nursery Millworks Inc. Family Owned 2536 Valencia St., Bellingham 360-734-7700

for Four Generations.

401 E. Grover St., Lynden 360-354-3097

307 19th St., Lynden 360-354-2171

Since 1938 Western Roofing

3705 Irongate Rd. • Bellingham www.westernroof.com 360-734-1830

Whatcom Veterinary Hospital

5610 Barrett Rd., Ferndale 360-384-0212

Since 1940 Lynden Sheet Metal Inc. 837 Evergreen St. • Lynden 360-354-3991

Since 1933

Maple Leaf Auto Body Inc. 210 Main St. • Lynden 360-354-2104

Since 1944

Curt Maberry Farm 697 Loomis Trail Rd. • Lynden www.curtmaberryfarm.com 360-354-4504

B10

2021 PROGRESS

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

Emily Earhart got busy helping those in need in COVID ‘It’s amazing how the community comes together’ Community Helpers — neighbors to neighbors via social media

By Elisa Claassen for the Lynden Tribune

Emily Earhart, right, says that Alison Boudle, left, is her right-hand person in making the Community Helpers effort work. Everyone involved is a volunteer, from rounding up food to delivering it, or having it in this pantry. (Courtesy photo)

WHATCOM — Emily Earhart runs a wholesale bakery in Sumas, has three children and cares for a very sick family member. But she makes sure that north county friends and neighbors get the help they need in a hard time.

Earhart has the proverbial full plate, but she is aware that many around her don’t always have a full plate of food during this season of COVID-19.

By day, a commercial kitchen is rented for her business, Cakes by Emily, to make sweet goods for weddings, anniversaries and office events. (They can be purchased as well at Shots 2 Go Espresso and Loca Mocha.) It’s a small family business and soon the oldest of her three sons, age 12, will be able to help her and her husband, Paul, with this. Her degree in retail business management has been put to use.

In March 2020 — as “things were coming to a halt” in the first shock of COVID-19 — Emily was on Facebook, along with many others, and saw a woman named Sandy in Bellingham talking about forming neighborhood community groups to make sure people had their needs met. Emily didn’t live in Bellingham, but in Lynden. She knew there would be a need there as well and what she does now covers Lynden, Nooksack, Everson and Sumas with 900 members in an online group.

It’s called Lynden/Nooksack/Sumas Community Helpers.

At first Emily didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t do exactly what was being done in Bellingham — which was to literally be available not only to pick up prescriptions and run errands for others, but even have people available to talk to the lonely on the phone. That effort responded to needs around the clock. She decided that wasn’t doable for her, her volunteers and the people

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS she knew.

So Emily’s focus in the past year has been a type of a food bank. However, she and the volunteers do not use income verification; they only ask about family size. They get food from Doug Robertson of a Ferndale-based network.

It’s become a nonprofit with branches in Ferndale and Blaine. Good News Fellowship of Ferndale has allowed use of its West Axton Road site to put together boxes to be dropped off or picked up by 60 to 70 families per week.

The Community Helpers network dispenses dated groceries at no cost.

For those who notified Emily they were COVID-19 positive, a delivery system was set up for part of 2020. Volunteers, including some laid-off workers, helped with that component.

For example, Papa Murphy’s has been donating a certain number of pizzas on a regular basis and the owners of Lynden Grocery Outlet, Monte and Heidi McDowell, have not only contributed expired food but helped put together special family dinners at a low rate for the holidays. A refrigerated truck was made available for items that needed cooling. Emily named Alison Boudle as See Emily on B12

B11

The Grocery Outlet of Lynden has been a valued supplier of food that can be given out by Community Helpers. As an added touch, Emily Earhart set up a Christmas giving tree on her porch in December. (Courtesy photos)

Yes! We are open! Check our Facebook page for hours

Visit Historical Downtown Lynden & Take a Trip Through Time Early Pioneer Exhibits • Historic Vehicles & Tractors

“Discover What Makes Lynden Special” 217 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-3675 www.lyndenpioneermuseum.com facebook.com/lyndenpioneermuseum

2021 PROGRESS

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

B12

Emily Continued from B11

a volunteer driver who takes food boxes to the area around Sumas and Everson and put together a food pantry in her yard.

Funds have come from community members who paid for themselves and then “paid it forward” for someone else who didn’t have the means even for a reduced rate, she said.

Items have been collected to use as prizes in community raffles. Emily did some coordinating to pick up 160 rotisserie chickens from Costco to distribute from her home. For a hot chocolate night, different friends and neighbors provided cups, marshmallows, cocoa, candy canes and other niceties. It could be safely, and affordably, enjoyed outside.

Throughout the year, Emily has found partnerships in different ways and places and has used her own creativity to make the group’s objectives more “fun,” including virtual art nights.

A lot of pizza had to be consumed in short order when Little Caesars donated this supply. However, it's all needed when there are over 900 members being served in the online-connected network. (Courtesy photo)

Continued on the next page

2021 Progress Report Celebrating Years in Business

Since 1946

Since 1948

Point S Zylstra Tire

Meridian Equipment

501 Grover St., Lynden 360-354-4493

Since 1953

Vanderpol & Maas Inc. Truck & Automotive Service

Since 1950

Since 1953

5946 Guide Meridian, Bellingham 360-398-2141

888 East Kelly Rd., Bellingham 360-398-7081 bcwell@premier1.net www.bcwelldrilling.net

8880 Benson Rd. • Lynden 6220 Portal Way • Ferndale 360-354-5095 • www.KulshanVet.com

7381 Guide Meridian, Lynden 360-354-4335

Since 1959

Since 1960

Since 1961

Since 1966

Since 1949

B & C Well Drilling And Pump Service Inc.

Westside New York Life Building Supply Insurance

Kulshan Vet Hospital

Hytech Roofing

Vavra Auto Body

Van Loo’s Auto Service

228 Bay Lyn Dr., Lynden 360-354-3000

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden 360-354-5617

517 Liberty St., Lynden 360-354-4433

411 Nooksack Ave., Nooksack

205 Liberty St., Lynden

Since 1967

Since 1968

Since 1969

Since 1969

Since 1969

LFS Marine & Outdoor

Schouten Construction LLC

Al’s Electric & Plumbing

Pete’s Auto Repair

Windsor Plywood

237 Rosemary Way • Lynden 360-354-2595

302 Hawley St., Lynden 360-354-2187

6209 Portal Way, Bldg. 2 • Ferndale www.petesautorepair.net 360-380-2277

1208 Iowa St. • Bellingham windsorplywood.com 360-676-1025

851 Coho Way, Bellingham www.LFSmarineoutdoor.com 360-734-3336

360-966-4444

360-354-4277

B13

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS “This (COVID) has affected everyone,” the motivated good Samaritan says.

Many people have lost jobs or had unusual struggles, Emily notes. Her own mother has a terminal illness and requires constant care. Emily is only 31 and has already lost an older sister in 2018 at age 38 and her dad at age 60.

Through hospital social workers now, she connected with the COPES (Community Options Program Entry System) and supplies helpers to that assistance program several days a week.

She continues to help her family and others. The need appears to be greater moving forward than when she started last year, she said.

Some people publicly state their needs to the Community Helpers group, while others may privately message her and she can reach out on their behalf for things such as diapers. Most things can be left safely on porches. The group also has a chaplain who offers up prayers weekly.

In coming weeks, Emily expects to be planning for Easter — gathering boxes and candy and having another chicken food night, so that spring holiSee Emily on B14

Milk has been donated as a needed staple. Non-perishable food is available in the nifty food panty structure set up in co-leader Alison Boudle's own yard. (Courtesy photos)

2021 Progress Report Celebrating Years in Business Since 1971

Since 1971

Since 1974

Since 1974

Since 1975

360-354-3374

Lynden 360-354-3400

Everson 360-966-7252

www.lyndencemetery.com

Lynden Cemetery

304 Front St. • Lynden 360-354-4565

Whatcom County Boice Raplee & Nooksack Tiger Cemetery District 10 DeYoung & Roosma Ross Accounting 360-647-4001 Construction Ltd. Valley Disposal Construction Inc. Greenwood Cemetery & Tax Service www.thegreenwoodcemetery.com 6280 Everson Goshen Rd. 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd. 141 Wood Creek Dr. • Lynden

Since 1976

Bellingham Symphony Orchestra 316 W. Champion Street Bellingham • 360-756-6752 bellinghamsymphony.org

Since 1982

Telgenhoff & Oetgen, PS. 400 5th St. • Lynden 360-354-5545

Since 1979

Since 1980

Since 1980

Since 1981

RoosendaalHoncoop Construction

Ferndale Mini Storage

Lynden Paint & Decorating

Jim’s Automotive Experts

5480 Nielsen Ave., Ferndale 360-384-3022

417 Front St., Lynden 360-354-5858

Since 1982

Since 1982

Since 1983

102 E Main St. • Everson 360-966-4440

5977 Guide Meridian • Bellingham 360-398-2800

Walls & Windows

4131 Hannegan Rd., Suite 104 Bellingham 360-676-5223

Westlyn Feed 910 H Street Rd Lynden 360-354-0799 www.westlynfeed.com

Portal Way Farm & Garden 6100 Portal Way • Ferndale 360-384-3688

portalwayfarmandgarden.com

Since 1984 Lynden Service Center 700 Grover St., Lynden 360-354-2611

B14

2021 PROGRESS

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

Emily Continued from B13

Emily Earhart, right, may be the impetus behind Community Helpers, but she gives a lot of credit to her husband, Paul, upper left, and Monte and Heidi McDowell of food supplier Lynden Grocery Outlet. (Courtesy photo)

Glad to be part of the Lynden Community!

Steve Bargmeyer, General Manager Ron Viola, Sales Manager

360-354-3900

604 Curt Maberry Rd., Lynden, WA 98264

days can be more joyful. Recently, she collected Valentine cards that could be given to others.

“We are doing things with family and not things that are high-risk for spreading COVID,” she explained.

“Plus, people have to eat.”

“You see a need, we fill a need,” she says, quoting from an old Robin Williams movie.

This is a summary of what she and the group have done or provided so far: • 160 rotisserie chickens • 1,600 bundles of cilantro • 2,000 pounds of potatoes • two truckloads of corn • three pallets of granola • an unknown number of Little Caesars pizzas • pumpkins for Halloween • holiday meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas • Halloween goodie bags • Easter eggs and candy • hot cocoa, candy canes and cookies drive-through • a Christmas giving tree (on her porch) • a Valentine card exchange Upcoming needs will be: • money for Easter 2021 dinners • a low-cost (or free) facility to operate out of with a commercial kitchen for ongoing community needs to fill the gaps.

People can always partner or donate money for food on her account at the Lynden Grocery Outlet at a checkout stand by mentioning her name. She also has a Venmo account online in the group (@Emily.Earhart-07).

Providing excellent service and over 12.6 million cubic feet of cold storage to serve Whatcom County and surrounding areas.

2021 PROGRESS

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

B15

Other businesses helping out restaurants Dan Thompson of Z Recyclers has been a driving force for it

By Hailey Palmer hailey@lyndentribune.com

WHATCOM — The restaurant industry has a very close-up view of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic over the last year. It seems there’s been a cycle of closures and reopenings, with restrictions upon restaurants everywhere.

Dan Thompson of Z Recyclers in Laurel went to work one morning and he was mad about what was happening to the food industry, he said.

That particular December day, what stirred him up was what was happening with the Fairway Cafe of Lynden. So he started a GoFundMe account that raised more than $30,000 for the restaurant.

That would be the first outpouring of support that Thompson saw from the community. A few weeks later, he was getting food from Our Diner on the Guide Meridian when he came up with another idea to help that would expand to multiple businesses.

“On my drive there I just thought ‘What if we did a matching funds thing?’

Thompson said. “It just popped into my head and I talked to the people there and they liked the idea. It went way better than anyone could have imagined. They ended up having over two-hour waits for food.”

The response from the community made Thompson want to help out other restaurants in the area.

He started with Syros Greek and Italian in Lynden at the end of January and

BEST

OF

Kevin Seutz and his Rustlers Front Street Grill in Lynden are among the establishments helped by Thompson. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune) raised almost double what was raised for Our Diner.

“I heard the same thing from locals about standing and waiting for their food and people just talking and enjoying helping somebody in our community that needed it,” Thompson said.

Next up was helping Rustlers Front Street Grill on Feb. 13. Thompson said they were able to raise even more money for Rustlers despite being in the middle of a snowstorm.

The special thing about Rustlers, Thompson said, was that owner Kevin

Seutz wanted to give a portion of the money raised to Dutch Treat.

“We’re trying to give to him and he’s trying to give to someone else, which is what this is all about,” Thompson said.

“Yesterday, Kevin and I were able to take a check over to Dutch Treat and keep spreading the wealth.”

Thompson said he’s been wanting to help some of the smaller restaurants like Dutch Treat in Lynden, but most places wouldn’t be able to handle the influx of customers coming in for the fundraiser.

“We’re trying to come up with a way

to raise some money for the smaller ones and not ruin their day with too many people,” he said.

Other businesses including Northwest Propane, Elements Hospitality, Brim Tractor and Hinton Chevrolet have also stepped up to help match the funds raised with Z Recyclers.

Being able to give back to businesses and people in the community who need help has been a blessing, Thompson said.

Seeing the ways in which the community has responded with help has also been amazing, he added.

Advancing to Phase 2 allowing restaurants to open up more doesn’t mean Thompson and other businesses are done trying to help.

“Just because people have gone into Phase 2 doesn’t really help these restaurants,” Thompson said. “Twenty-five percent is not enough. Their rent is still 100 percent and overhead is 100 percent.”

Thompson said there are plans to help more restaurants and he hopes it will make a difference for them.

“I hope it keeps some of their doors open and I hope someday they can look back and go, ‘Wow, that extra boost of income is what kept us alive,’” he said.

Thompson knows he’s helping people and that does bring a sense of satisfaction, but he said he never did this for himself.

“People come up to me and say thank-you, but that isn’t why I did it,” he said. “I’d just like to say thank-you to the community and thank-you for supporting our small businesses. Our community here, I think, has shown our state, our country, we’re different. We’re still small, we still care and we put other people before ourselves."

2021 PROGRESS

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

B16

Bakery Continued from B9

Simmons wants to tap into the experience that a guest of The Inn at Lynden, for instance, might be seeking during their stay, or of a local resident picking up something downtown while out on a walk with the dog.

“We’re just really trying to focus on the experience of a bakery,” he said.

And so, for one thing, there will be two new sidewalk service windows, on the east side of the front door of Lynden Dutch Bakery. That can take the pressure off walk-in traffic.

The serving and checkout area, busy with workers, will now be entirely on the east side of the bakery. That shift opens up the indoor tables area to go deeper and tighter to the west and south walls.

Simmons carefully surmises that he has not lost any indoor seating in the new scheme of things.

The challenge was to not shortchange another compact space being For the remodel, the owners hired friend and builder Aaron Apps, right, and his employee Brandon Voth has also spent a few months on the variety of tasks needed for the transformation. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune)

Continued on the next page

2021 Progress Report Celebrating Years in Business Since 1984 Northwest Surveying & GPS

407 5th St. • Lynden • 360-354-1950

Since 1993 Northwest Electric 1518 Abbott Rd., Lynden 360-354-7021

Since 2009 Final Touch Auto Spa 1916 Iowa St. • Bellingham 360-392-8676

Since 1993

Since 1993

201 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd., Lynden 360-354-8585

8540 Benson Rd. Lynden 360-354-6900 www.daritech.com

5602 Guide Meridian Rd. • Bellingham Most recommended dog trainer 360-384-6955

1976 Kok Road, Lynden, 360-318-1919 5885 Portal Way, Ferndale, 360-384-8100 www.cruisincoffee.com

Since 1999 Originals

By Chad

Since 2000

Axton Northwest Market

Since 2002

Since 2005

521 Front St. • Lynden 360-318-0210 www.originalsbychad.com

5692 Northwest Dr. Bellingham 360-384-3636

774 Meadowlark Rd. • Lynden 360-354-4936 www.greenearthtechnology.com

Since 1984

Since 1990

Stremler Gravel

DariTech

Since 2010 Imhof Automotive

2869 W. 63rd Ln. • Ferndale Over 30 years in automotive experience 360-393-8938

Since 2011

EPL Feed LLC 411 West Front Street Sumas, WA 98295 • (800) 821-6288 2098 W. McManamon Rd. Othello, WA 99344 • (800) 572-6454 www.eplfeed.com

Cedarwoods K-9 School

Green Earth Technology

Sorensen Truck Repair & Equipment 8195 Hannegan Rd. • Lynden 360-318-1000

Congratulations to these businesses on their years of service to the community!

B17

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS redone: a room for processing baking orders called in or made online.

“People call in and [say] they would like it if we could ship the taste of Lynden to them,” Simmons says with a smile.

The whole process must be smartly thought out and efficiently staffed, and Simmons said layout of an operation can have a lot to do with success.

Analyzing the work flow of both bakery locations has been key, says a man whose primary job is as a business accountant.

With proper configuring, for instance, it is possible to run Just Desserts with just one person — until things get extra busy, and a second person is called in. In that same way, Simmons has calculated the ideal logistics for workers at Lynden Dutch Bakery, and the remodel is the layout to facilitate that.

Profit margins at all businesses — along any supply, production and distribution chain — are impacted by many factors, ongoing rises in the mini-

Lynden Dutch Bakery timeline Sherman Starkenburg is the first to open the bakery in downtown Lynden after relocating from overseas.

Teunis Snapper and his family continue the tradition of local family baking on May 26, 1938.

The Collette family passes the business to Jim and Carolyn Wynstra on Aug. 25, 1986.

The Black family sells the bakery to Steven W. & Rise’ E Copeman on July 13, 2005.

Starkenburg

Snapper

Wynstra

Copeman

1907

1938

1986

2005

Years

1926

1979

1993

2014

Hookstra

Collette

Black

Simmons

On Dec. 16, 1926, Sherman Starkenburg sells the bakery to Ray Hookstra after over 22 years of ownership, and establishing the Dutch bakery tradition.

After 41 years of family ownership, Clarence and Marcella Snapper sell the bakery to Patrick and Patricia Collette on April 11, 1979.

David and Debbie Black, current owners of Lynden Dutch Mothers Family Restaurant, purchase the bakery on May 12, 1993.

Chad and Julee Simmons, current owners, take over the establishment on Aug. 29, 2014.

They continue selling the traditional 100-yearold recipe Dutch treats.

mum wage being one of them, and Simmons said responding well requires a rigorous assessment of what works and what doesn’t work.

Part of the formula is a strong online store for ordering pies, cakes, breads and more.

Lynden Dutch Bakery knows how to keep up an inviting online presence, and it has fared well in regional lifestyle reviews.

And people still remember that its apple pie was judged topthree in America by Tripping magazine four years ago.

There will still be some finishing touch-ups at 421 Front St. and a digital redesign, and then reopening is expected in April or May. “This time has been a valuable chance to retool products and staff, to liven up with a new and interesting twist on products enjoyed for many years,” Simmons said.

The physical remodel is just part of the overall ongoing vision for a thriving Lynden Dutch Bakery downtown, maybe for another 100 years.

Caring for All Creatures Large and Small in our Lynden office serving all of Whatcom County!

Check your options with us!

Personal Planning: Life Insurance Disability Insurance**** Long Term Care Insurance Fixed Annuities** Variable Annuities*** Mutual Funds*** Brokerage Accounts***

Shane Van Dalen, Agent

David Lewis, Agent & Financial Adviser*

NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY www.newyorklifelynden.com | 360-354-4433 | 517 Liberty Street | Lynden, WA 98264

Advanced Planning:

Emergency Services Available • 17 Veterinarians on Staff

Business Planning:

• Therapeutic Laser • Ultrasound • Exotics • Boarding Facilities • Laser Surgery • Nutritional Consulting • Digital Radiography • Endoscopy • In-House Lab

Estate Planning Charitable Gift Planning Executive Compensation Plans Business Continuation Business Succession Group and Individual Medical**** Group Dental**** Medicare Supplements**** Supplemental Insurance**** Buy/Sell Agreement Funding SEP/SIMPLE/401(k) Plans***

*Financial Adviser offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC. A Registered Investment Adviser. **Issued by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation. ***Securities offered by Shane VanDalen, Registered Representative of NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a licensed Insurance Agency. ****Products offered through one or more carriers not affiliated with New York Life, dependent on carrier authorization and product availability in your state or locality.

Kulshan Veterinary Hospital PLLC

American Animal Hospital Association Accredited Hospital

B18

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS

New owners look to future of Glen Echo Garden

From left, Tomas Urbina, Sarah Larson and David Urbina are the new owners of Glen Echo Garden just outside Bellingham. (Courtesy photo/Glen Echo Garden)

Urbinas are a family of gardeners and entrepreneurs

By Brent Lindquist brent@lyndentribune.com

BELLINGHAM — When David Urbina, his wife Sarah and his brother Tomas purchased Glen Echo Garden, its former owners Dick and Jennie Bosch knew this would be the perfect fit.

“We are lucky to start with such a beautiful site to begin with,” co-owner David Urbina said. “Previous owners Dick and Jennie Bosch have created an amazing garden and we want to build upon the legacy that they have already created.”

Glen Echo’s website describes it as “worlds away, just outside the city,” an apt description considering its seven acres of landscaped forest are located just outside Bellingham city limits.

For the new owners, Glen Echo was also the perfect fit.

“We come from a family of gardeners

who love to spend their free time outside and connected to the earth. We also come from families of entrepreneurs who pride themselves on thinking creatively about ways to build community and create enticing experiences,” he said. “We have always had a dream of owning a retreat outside of town that people can come visit to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate their soul.”

David Urbina has 10 years of landscaping experience, mostly out of Seattle, and he comes from a family that used to spend all of its time together in the garden, he said.

“We were basically raised in a family where our family time was outside planting or harvesting,” David Urbina said.

David Urbina said he and his family are excited to open the gardens to the public this year with a suggested donation amount instead of a flat-rate fee for entry.

He said his family realizes that the pandemic has been hard on people and he wants everyone to be able to visit the gardens on certain days of the week without any financial barriers.

Continued on the next page

Weekends are reserved for weddings and events, but the public is welcome to explore the gardens Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are getting calls for tours of the property for weddings every week,” David Urbina said. “We’ve heard from many of our customers after booking that they were specifically looking for an outdoor wedding venue that provided them with options due to the unpredictability of hosting a wedding inside during the pandemic. Of course, we are keeping an eye on restrictions on gatherings and will need to flex with restrictions that come up.”

For the future, Urbina said, he and his family are exploring the idea of developing camping spots and “glamping” options for guests in the actual garden. These glamping options, currently under development, include the opportunity to get out of town and hang out with friends outside while providing luxuries like hot showers, a communal kitchen and access to the nearby river.

“The gardens will continue to be a main attraction on the property, but we are excited to bring our expertise in community building and event planning to the business and offer creative solutions for families, couples and friends to get out of town and into nature to spend time togeth-

Over 90 Years of Continuous Ownership and Operation by the Adelstein Family.

The scenery at Glen Echo Garden changes with the seasons, and a variety of offerings are available for those wishing to visit. For now, the entry fee is by suggested donation. (Courtesy photo) er,” David Urbina said.

The owners are exploring the possibility of outdoor movie nights in the garden with made-to-order pizza from the garden’s own pizza oven and libations for

Mel Adelstein Louis Adelstein

Louis Adelstein Sadie Adelstein

Carrie Adelstein

B19

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS

Mel Adelstein

t Suppor pany m o c s s the gla ports your that sup unit y. comm

Rick Adelstein

www.louisautoglass.com Bellingham • 360-734-3840 • 1512 N. State St. Lynden • 360-354-3232 • 407 19th St. Mount Vernon • 360-424-9759 • 1721 E College Way

guests.

“In general, we are excited to offer more community gatherings in this beautiful space centered around themes such as apple presses in the fall, May Day celebra-

tions in the early summer, and the like,” Urbina said.

Glen Echo Garden is located at 4390 Y Road. Call 360-592-5380 for more information, or visit GlenEchoGarden.com.

B20

2021 PROGRESS

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

FrinGe soldiers on through pandemic Canning machine, tent have proven very beneficial to Ferndale’s home brewery

Brewery co-owner Scott White enjoys a pint in the outdoor tent at FrinGe Brewing, which allows patrons to drink and enjoy some food from local food trucks and eateries, even during inclement weather. (Courtesy photo)

360-354-2129

FERNDALE — In early 2020, FrinGe Brewing co-owners Jeff Lazzari and Scott White bought a canning machine.

They had no idea at the time how useful it would become.

“I think we bought it three weeks before the pandemic and it’s just a little single tabletop seamer,” Lazzari said. “Three weeks later came the shutdown.”

Since COVID-19 concerns shut down breweries and the rest of the restaurant and retail world, Lazzari and White have canned more than 10,000 beers, one at a time. They come in every day, can a few beers and sell to a loyal clientele that has kept the brewery going throughout the pandemic.

“We’ve got a good little regular group that comes in every week or so, grabs a couple cans and heads home,” Lazzari said.

FrinGe was able to open in-person right after the first shutdown, Lazzari said, with outdoor dining, then a short Continued on the next page

Serving the Northwest Since 1940

S AL ES , S ER V I C E & PART S

www.HINTONMOTORS.com

• Heating • HVAC • Plumbing • Refrigeration • Gas Fireplaces • Welding

837 Evergreen St, Lynden | 360-354-3991 | lyndensheetmetal.com

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS time with indoor dining allowed. Then it was back outside. Now the brewery is open for indoor patrons at 25% capacity. Lazzari said it’s been a bit slow lately because of the weather, and just recently in February the outdoor tent had to be taken down due to high winds.

“We figured we’d rather save it,” Lazzari said. “I don’t even know where to find them anymore, who’s got them in stock.”

The tent has been a major factor in the brewery’s survival over the past year, along with the canning machine, and Lazzari and White are eagerly looking forward to the nicer weather and the possibilities it brings with it.

Right along with the nicer weather, the FrinGe owners are glad they have canned beer to move forward with. It’s a sustainable revenue stream, because, as Lazzari said, who knows what’s to come in the long run.

“Something like this, any kind of pandemic situation, anything economically, cans are a good thing to push out,” he said.

FrinGe has a new, larger canning machine being built so Lazzari and White can do more sporadic “canning sprees” and stock up rather than constantly working to keep a supply.

FrinGe’s current beers on tap include Jam, the brewery’s flagship IPA bearing the original name of Ferndale, as well See FrinGe on B22

B21

FrinGe brews a variety of beers, some of them Ferndale-themed, and the brewery's canning machine has helped sell a lot of beer throughout the pandemic. (Courtesy photo)

Open Daily

For all your residential & commercial needs

• Jewelry s y o T • s t if G Books •

(360) 354-4763 LYNDEN

Celebrating FIVE YEARS in Lynden!

VILLAGEBOOKS.COM

430 Front St, Lynden, WA • 360.526.2133

www.honcoop.com

LENHOGI 12809

Quality Service Since 1975

B22

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS

FrinGe Continued from B21

as the Drop In Hazy IPA, the Hop Woo West Coast IPA, the Portal Pilsner, Dark Leak Scottish Export, the Swingline Coffee Infused Red Ale collaboration with Maniac Coffee Roasting and Project Stardust, and a Raspberry Berliner Weisse brewed as a collaboration with the North Fork Brewery.

FrinGe often brings in food trucks for patrons to purchase from; the brewery allows outside food inside. The brewery opened in March 2019 and celebrated its oneyear anniversary just as the world was shutting down last March. The two-year anniversary is coming up.

“We’re appreciating the Ferndale support,” Lazzari said. “We hope it continues as the weather gets nicer. We hope people feel safe when they’re here. We do encourage anyone who can, get the vaccine.”

FrinGe Brewing is located at 5640 3rd Ave. in Ferndale. Visit www.

FrinGeBrewing.com for more information, or call the taproom at 360-3986071. FrinGe is open every day except Monday.

Above: Pete's Poutine is just one of the food trucks that regularly appears at FrinGe Brewing throughout the week. Left: Project Stardust is the latest collaboration beer to come out of FrinGe Brewing, this one with the North Fork Brewery. (Courtesy photos)

2021 PROGRESS

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | Ferndale Record

B23

B24

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, February 24, 2021| Ferndale Record

2021 PROGRESS

Your Family Friendly, Locally Owned & Operated Retail, Long Term Care Pharmacy

• FREE Daily Deliveries • Medicare & DSHS Billing • Most Insurances Accepted • Customized Medication Assistance for Retail & Long Term Care Customers • Wide Variety of Over-the-Counter Medications & Home Health Equipment • A Variety of Immunizations Including Flu Shots

FREE Delivery!

Home of the Synchronized Prescription Program!

We will match up all of your prescriptions to be due at the same time, automatically fill them on that set day each month, and deliver them right to your home at no charge!

5917 Portal Way, Ferndale

(360) 685-4282 M-F 9 am to 6 pm • Sat. 10 am to 2 pm Closed Sun.