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Since 2001, ‘Computers for Kidz’ has donated more than 1000 computers to disadvantaged families in Whatcom County. Computers for Kidz is a non-profit service started by Jess Reeves Sr., a 76-year-old Nooksack man who refurbishes old computers in his garage and delivers them to families with kids that need computers for school. You can help him by bringing your unused desktop computers and flat-screen monitors to Data Doctors in either Barkley Village or Sehome Village.
The agricultural exhibits at the 100th Northwest Washington Fair last August were recently judged to be the best by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. The Fair in Lynden won the Sweepstakes Award in the 2010 IAFE Agricultural Awards Contest for fairs of all sizes. Fair manager Jim Baron says “This award is possible only because of the tremendous support we receive from local farms, businesses, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and volunteers.”
Elie Samuel, owner of Samuel's Furniture in Ferndale, recently received the "Community All-Star Award" from the Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom County. Mr. Samuel serves on the Ferndale Branch Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. The “Community All-Star Award” was presented at the Boys and Girls Club’s 11th Annual Breakfast at the Bellis Fair Mall in recognition of Samuel’s generosity and service to the Ferndale community.
Whatcom County residents and businesses chipped-in and donated a record amount of food during the 2010 Community Food Drive. Despite a struggling economy, the 16th annual Community Food Drive collected 255,000 pounds of food and household items for local food banks. The Community Food Drive was sponsored by Industrial Credit Union, Haggen stores and the Cascade Radio Group. For more information, visit www.communityfooddrive.com.
The medical director of Bellingham and Whatcom County’s Emergency Medical Service system has been hailed as an innovator by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Marvin Wayne recently received the A-C-E-P’s Outstanding Contribution in E-M-S Award for helping create what is now considered one of the highest-quality ambulance systems in the world. Dr. Wayne is also an attending physician in the emergency department at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.
Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County recently received a generous boost in its efforts to build a home for a three-generation family of local women. Women Sharing Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of local women and children, donated more than $13,000 to Habitat for Humanity’s upcoming “Women Build” project. As of last June, Habitat for Humanity has completed 28 homes and housed more than 132 people in Whatcom County.
A Ferndale artist has earned a spot in a prestigious Maritime calendar for the 11th consecutive year. James Williamson is among the 12 artists chosen from 136 entrants for the 2011 Foss Maritime Tugboat Calendar. Williamson is an Air Force Veteran and Western Washington University graduate. He and his wife, Norma, operate Williamson Illustration. You can see his work at the Pacific Marine Gallery on Holly Street, or online at jamesrwilliamson.com.
Neither wind nor snow kept the Ferndale community from giving generously during a recent campaign to raise funds for a new library. Ferndale families, firefighters, Scout troops, library staff and the city stepped up and donated nearly $850,000 from September through November. According to the Whatcom Community Foundation, the project’s fiscal sponsor, nearly 75% of the funds for the new library have been raised. They still need your help. All donations are tax-deductible. Find out more on-line at newferndalelibrary.org.
Nancy Ivarinen from the Northwest Justice Project was recently named the 28th Annual Professional Woman of the Year by Whatcom Women in Business. This prestigious award recognizes the contributions of women through their leadership, mentorship, business acumen, ethics, and community involvement. Ivarinen is a staff attorney with the Northwest Justice Project, providing legal advocacy to low-income victims of abuse or domestic violence. She is the first attorney to ever win this award.
A local bank has turned a bad loan into an opportunity for four local families. Last August, Peoples Bank gifted four bank-owned lots on South Whidbey Island to Habitat for Humanity of Island County. The gifted lots resulted from a foreclosure and recently appraised for $340,000. Charlie Guildner, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, said “We at Peoples are so pleased that this gift will create a happy ending for four deserving Island County families.”
The Markets LLC of Bellingham was recently named the winner of the SuperValu company’s 2010 Grand Master Marketer competition. The competition recognizes SUPERVALU-affiliated grocers for their advertising initiatives, community programs, in-store promotions and sales events. More than 300 nominations were submitted by retailers from Alaska to Wyoming. CEO Kevin Weatherill says SUPERVALU extends its congratulations to the entire team at The Markets LLC.
Generous customers of The Markets LLC raised $10,000 last summer in a two-week promotion at all nine stores on behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. The “Round Up 4 Kids” promotion encouraged customers to round up their purchases to the next dollar to benefit the 5,400 kids and teens who use the local Boys and Girls Clubs. Christine Destry with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County said the money will go a long way in helping the organization help more kids.
The Lynden PRCA Rodeo recently donated $5,000 to the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center in Bellingham for the care of breast cancer patients. The money was raised through the rodeo’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign. Contestants in last August’s Rodeo wore pink shirts during competition to raise awareness of breast cancer while local rodeo volunteers conducted fundraisers for the Cancer Center. The next Lynden Rodeo is scheduled August 27-28.
Whatcom County is home to the first place winners in both the WA State Grange Talent Contest and the Grange Western Regional Speaking Contest. Grange Talent Show winner Denny Franzmann is a self-taught guitarist, Western student and member of the Lummi Island Grange. Speaking contest winner Karli Zwade is a Ferndale High graduate and member of Haynie Grange. The Whatcom Pomona Grange is sponsoring a cash raffle to help fund their trip. Details are available by calling 360-305-4556.
Nationally-renowned improv comedian Ryan Stiles, along with a host of local businesses, recently led several Whatcom County fundraisers for children recovering from burns. The Ryan Stiles Celebrity Golf Classic at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club, celebrity gala/auction at the Silver Reef Hotel Casino and Spa, and a comedy performance at the Mount
Baker Theatre in July combined to raise $130,000 for the Everett-based Burned Children Recovery Foundation. Organizers say the outpouring of supporters, including Rice Insurance, Ludeman Capital Management, Birch Equipment and the BP Cherry Point Refinery, will help the foundation “reach out to more young burn survivors and their families.”
The agricultural exhibits at the 100th Northwest Washington Fair last August were recently judged to be the best by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. The Fair in Lynden won the Sweepstakes Award in the 2010 IAFE Agricultural Awards Contest for fairs of all sizes. Fair manager Jim Baron says “This award is possible only because of the tremendous support we receive from local farms, businesses, 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and volunteers.”
Elie Samuel, owner of Samuel's Furniture in Ferndale, recently received the "Community All-Star Award" from the Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom County. Mr. Samuel serves on the Ferndale Branch Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. The “Community All-Star Award” was presented at the Boys and Girls Club’s 11th Annual Breakfast at the Bellis Fair Mall in recognition of Samuel’s generosity and service to the Ferndale community.
Whatcom County residents and businesses chipped-in and donated a record amount of food during the 2010 Community Food Drive. Despite a struggling economy, the 16th annual Community Food Drive collected 255,000 pounds of food and household items for local food banks. The Community Food Drive was sponsored by Industrial Credit Union, Haggen stores and the Cascade Radio Group. For more information, visit www.communityfooddrive.com.
The medical director of Bellingham and Whatcom County’s Emergency Medical Service system has been hailed as an innovator by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Marvin Wayne recently received the A-C-E-P’s Outstanding Contribution in E-M-S Award for helping create what is now considered one of the highest-quality ambulance systems in the world. Dr. Wayne is also an attending physician in the emergency department at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.
Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County recently received a generous boost in its efforts to build a home for a three-generation family of local women. Women Sharing Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of local women and children, donated more than $13,000 to Habitat for Humanity’s upcoming “Women Build” project. As of last June, Habitat for Humanity has completed 28 homes and housed more than 132 people in Whatcom County.
A Ferndale artist has earned a spot in a prestigious Maritime calendar for the 11th consecutive year. James Williamson is among the 12 artists chosen from 136 entrants for the 2011 Foss Maritime Tugboat Calendar. Williamson is an Air Force Veteran and Western Washington University graduate. He and his wife, Norma, operate Williamson Illustration. You can see his work at the Pacific Marine Gallery on Holly Street, or online at jamesrwilliamson.com.
Neither wind nor snow kept the Ferndale community from giving generously during a recent campaign to raise funds for a new library. Ferndale families, firefighters, Scout troops, library staff and the city stepped up and donated nearly $850,000 from September through November. According to the Whatcom Community Foundation, the project’s fiscal sponsor, nearly 75% of the funds for the new library have been raised. They still need your help. All donations are tax-deductible. Find out more on-line at newferndalelibrary.org.
Nancy Ivarinen from the Northwest Justice Project was recently named the 28th Annual Professional Woman of the Year by Whatcom Women in Business. This prestigious award recognizes the contributions of women through their leadership, mentorship, business acumen, ethics, and community involvement. Ivarinen is a staff attorney with the Northwest Justice Project, providing legal advocacy to low-income victims of abuse or domestic violence. She is the first attorney to ever win this award.
A local bank has turned a bad loan into an opportunity for four local families. Last August, Peoples Bank gifted four bank-owned lots on South Whidbey Island to Habitat for Humanity of Island County. The gifted lots resulted from a foreclosure and recently appraised for $340,000. Charlie Guildner, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, said “We at Peoples are so pleased that this gift will create a happy ending for four deserving Island County families.”
The Markets LLC of Bellingham was recently named the winner of the SuperValu company’s 2010 Grand Master Marketer competition. The competition recognizes SUPERVALU-affiliated grocers for their advertising initiatives, community programs, in-store promotions and sales events. More than 300 nominations were submitted by retailers from Alaska to Wyoming. CEO Kevin Weatherill says SUPERVALU extends its congratulations to the entire team at The Markets LLC.
Generous customers of The Markets LLC raised $10,000 last summer in a two-week promotion at all nine stores on behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. The “Round Up 4 Kids” promotion encouraged customers to round up their purchases to the next dollar to benefit the 5,400 kids and teens who use the local Boys and Girls Clubs. Christine Destry with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County said the money will go a long way in helping the organization help more kids.
The Lynden PRCA Rodeo recently donated $5,000 to the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center in Bellingham for the care of breast cancer patients. The money was raised through the rodeo’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign. Contestants in last August’s Rodeo wore pink shirts during competition to raise awareness of breast cancer while local rodeo volunteers conducted fundraisers for the Cancer Center. The next Lynden Rodeo is scheduled August 27-28.
Whatcom County is home to the first place winners in both the WA State Grange Talent Contest and the Grange Western Regional Speaking Contest. Grange Talent Show winner Denny Franzmann is a self-taught guitarist, Western student and member of the Lummi Island Grange. Speaking contest winner Karli Zwade is a Ferndale High graduate and member of Haynie Grange. The Whatcom Pomona Grange is sponsoring a cash raffle to help fund their trip. Details are available by calling 360-305-4556.
Nationally-renowned improv comedian Ryan Stiles, along with a host of local businesses, recently led several Whatcom County fundraisers for children recovering from burns. The Ryan Stiles Celebrity Golf Classic at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club, celebrity gala/auction at the Silver Reef Hotel Casino and Spa, and a comedy performance at the Mount
Baker Theatre in July combined to raise $130,000 for the Everett-based Burned Children Recovery Foundation. Organizers say the outpouring of supporters, including Rice Insurance, Ludeman Capital Management, Birch Equipment and the BP Cherry Point Refinery, will help the foundation “reach out to more young burn survivors and their families.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington was recently named Big Brothers Big Sisters National 2010 Small Agency of the Year. The Northwest Washington Board of Directors was also recognized as the group’s Small Agency Board of the Year. Of the nearly 400 affiliates nationwide, only three agencies were nominated for this prestigious award. The directors of the local chapter say they won the award by increasing the number of children served, and by sustaining and increasing revenues. They say they were able to do that thanks to the amazing support of the community, including a radio campaign through the Cascade Radio group, and Big Brothers Big Sisters’ outstanding volunteers and staff.
Bellingham school bus driver Mark Miller recently placed first in the 40th Annual School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, a first-time win for Bellingham. The event, held in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the most important in the transportation industry, with the best school bus drivers in the U.S. and Canada competing for top honors behind the wheel. Miller said he “got excited about representing Bellingham and the state of Washington.” In 2009, Miller placed first at the regional and state levels after only one year of driving for the Bellingham School District. This year, he swept the competition again, placing first in all categories.
The Center for Local Self-Reliance has taken on the task of renovating the former Fairhaven Rose Garden Caretaker's House and Grounds. Mary Mullen from the Center for Local Self-Reliance says the group intends to use the Caretaker’s House as an educational venue to teach gardening, food preserving, and other urban homesteading skills. The renovated garden will include beautiful food gardens, orchards, berry patches, medicinal plant and herb gardens, as well as a small amphitheater for intimate outdoor concerts and gatherings. To learn more about the project and the Center for Local Self-Reliance, go to www.caretakershouse.org.
Semiahmoo Resort has once again been voted the “Best Northwest Destination Wedding Site” by Seattle Bride magazine. Semiahmoo also received this award in 2006 and 2007. Wedding Manager Wendy Fisher says Semiahmoo was chosen for the prestigious award because of their exceptional service, with many indoor and outdoor wedding venues to choose from and desirable resort amenities, and of course, their “famous sunsets.” The Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club has also consistently been recognized as one of the best golf courses in the U.S., and was recently ranked among the “Top 75 Golf Resorts in North America” by Golf Digest.
The Mount Baker scholarship foundation, a local all-volunteer organization, is investing in the futures of graduating seniors from Mt. Baker High School. The foundation collects and invests funds, and awards scholarships to deserving students on an annual basis. This year, the Mount Baker scholarship foundation, which is a chapter of Dollars for Scholars, has given out more than 80-thousand-dollars to over 50 graduating seniors from Mt. Baker High. For more information on how you can contribute, go to mtbakerscholarship.org.
The Whatcom Young Professionals, a division of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, recently raised more than eight thousand dollars for local non-profits at their 4th annual Buzz Off Charity Bowling Tournament. Teams bowled in support of Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Blue Skies for Children, and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services. Buzz off chair Tally Rabatin says “a special thank you to all our sponsors and players that made this year our best year yet!” For more information about how to get involved with the Whatcom Young Professionals visit: www.BellinghamWYPs.com.
A partnership between the Port of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and a group of private local businesses is helping a non-profit create new jobs for people living with disabilities. About 25 people lost their jobs when their non-profit employer Current Industries went bankrupt several months ago. Since then, non-profit Chinook Enterprises has agreed to open a Bellingham work program similar to the one they operate in Mount Vernon, and the port and county have worked together to secure a sheltered workplace. County Executive Pete Kremen said he’s “pleased the County is able to partner with the Port and Chinook Enterprises to provide jobs to the many people seeking employment in our community.”
The Rotary Club of Whatcom North is helping brighten the lives of not only citizens of Whatcom County but also the lives of many animals as well. In July, Club President Marlene Sexton presented $7,000 checks to both the Whatcom County Humane Society and the Whatcom Literacy Council along with $1,500 to Junior Achievement of Whatcom and Skagit County. Whatcom Humane Society Executive Director Laura Clark was on hand to accept the donation. She says they “truly appreciate the generosity of the Rotary Club, whether they are helping with hands on projects or making cash donations.”
THE STUDENTS AT KIDS WORLD NORTHWEST IN BELLINGHAM HAVE BEEN CORRESPONDING WITH LIEUTENANT JARED, A SERVICEMAN STATIONED AT CAMP BUCCA IN IRAQ. RECENTLY THE CHILDREN RECEIVED A US FLAG WHICH WAS FLOWN AT THE CAMP IN MAY. ON JULY 2, THE SCHOOL WILL HAVE A SPECIAL FLAG RAISING CEREMONY AT THE CENTER. DIRECTOR DEBBIE LEIBRANT SAYS THE STUDENTS HAVE ALSO ADOPTED TWO MORE SERVICEMEN TO CORRESPOND WITH. THEY DEVOTE ONE DAY EACH WEEK TO MAKE CARDS, TREATS AND BANNERS TO SEND TO THE THREE MEN. SHE SAYS SHE IS REALLY PROUD OF THE KIDS AT KIDS WORLD NORTHWEST WHO HAVE TAKEN UP THIS CAUSE SO ENTHUSIASTICALLY.
THE NORTHWEST COMPUTER LITERACY INSTRUCTION CORPS IS A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM CONDUCTED BY THE NORTHWEST WORKFORCE COUNCIL. SINCE JULY, NINE INSTRUCTION CORPS VOLUNTEERS HAVE TAUGHT OVER 400 STUDENTS IN MORE THAN 50 COMPUTER BASICS, MS WORD, MS EXCEL, AND E-MAIL CLASSES AT THE WORKSOURCE CAREER CENTER IN BELLINGHAM. COMPUTER LITERACY SKILLS ARE ESSENTIAL IN TODAY'S WORKPLACE, AND THE VOLUNTEERS SAY THEY ARE PROUD TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY BY MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF OTHERS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 6-7-6-3-2-1-2.
THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION’S SEATTLE DISTRICT OFFICE RECENTLY NAMED JANELLE BRULAND, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES NORTHWEST IN FERNDALE, AS ITS 2010 WASHINGTON STATE SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR. BRULAND’S BUSINESS MANTRA, “WE’LL TAKE CARE OF IT” DESCRIBES THE COMPANY’S’ WORK ETHIC AND INTEGRITY. BETWEEN 2003 AND 2008, IT GREW BY AN AVERAGE OF 42% PER YEAR, WITH REVENUE INCREASES FROM $863,000 IN 2003 TO JUST UNDER $5,000,000 IN 2008. SBA SEATTLE DISTRICT DIRECTOR NANCY PORZIO SAID THAT BUSINESS LEADERS LIKE BRULAND “REMIND US THAT THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IS ALIVE AND WELL IN WASHINGTON STATE.”
SNAPPER SHULER KENNER INSURANCE WAS RECENTLY RECOGNIZED BY SEATTLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AS ONE OF THE 100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN WASHINGTON STATE. SNAPPER SHULER KENNER HAS BEEN SERVING THE WHATCOM COUNTY COMMUNITY SINCE 1925 AND CURRENTLY EMPLOYS MORE THAN 36 LOCAL PEOPLE IN LYNDEN AND BELLINGHAM. THE CASCADE RADIO GROUP JOINS OUR COMMUNITY IN CONGRATULATING SNAPPER SHULER KENNER FOR THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD.
ST. PAUL'S ACADEMY IS A SMALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL LOCATED IN BELLINGHAM, WITH APPROXIMATELY 246 STUDENTS IN K-11 CLASSES AND 121 STUDENTS IN ITS PRESCHOOL.THE SCHOOL RECENTLY BROKE GROUND ON A $13-MILLION EXPANSION ON E. VICTOR STREET THAT WILL HOUSE GRADES 5-12. THIS SCHOOL YEAR, THEY RAISED OVER $1-MILLION TOWARDS THE NEW BUILDING AND SECURED FINANCING FOR THE FINAL $6-MILLION NEEDED TO GET THE PROJECT UNDERWAY. DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR SARAH BRAND SAYS THEY WORKED VERY HARD TO RAISE THE MONEY GIVEN THE FINANCIAL CLIMATE, AND NEXT SCHOOL YEAR, ST. PAUL’S ACADEMY WILL BE THE ONLY PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL OPTION IN BELLINGHAM.
THE WHATCOM EDUCATION SPAY & NEUTER IMPACT PROGRAM RECENTLY CELEBRATED 5,000 SPAY AND NEUTER SURGERIES IN WHATCOM AND NORTH SKAGIT COUNTIES. LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2008, WESNIP OPERATES A STATE-OF-THE-ART MOBILE SURGERY CLINIC THAT GOES TO COMMUNITIES STRETCHING FROM MOUNT VERNON TO BIRCH BAY. THE STATION STAFF IS HIGH QUALITY LOCAL VETERINARIANS AND VET TECHNICIANS WHO WANT TO MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE CAT AND DOG OVERPOPULATION PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO A TEAM OF DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS WHO KEEP THE PROGRAM UP AND RUNNING 4 DAYS EACH WEEK, ALLOWING THEM TO PROVIDE SURGERIES FREE TO CLIENTS ON STATE OR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE, AND AT LOW-COST TO ALL OTHERS.
TRUE IMAGE PUBLISHING OF LYNDEN RECENTLY DONATED $25,000 TO THE NON-PROFIT WINDERMERE FOUNDATION, WHICH SUPPORTS EMERGENCY AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR HOMELESS AND LOW INCOME FAMILIES. TRUE IMAGE PUBLISHING HAS DONATED NEARLY $100,000 TO THE FOUNDATION SINCE 2007. THE COMPANY’S PRESIDENT, BOB LODDER, SAYS HE FEELS IT’S IMPORTANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. TRUE IMAGE PUBLISHING IS KNOWN FOR THEIR HIGH-QUALITY CALENDARS WITH AWARD-WINNING IMAGES OF THE OUTDOORS, PRODUCED HERE LOCALLY BY THE LYNDEN PRINT COMPANY.
VANG LE IS A TRUE EXAMPLE OF AN UPSIDE STORY. AT AGE 17, HE HAS JUST BEEN SELECTED TO COMPETE AGAINST OTHER BOYS & GIRLS CLUB MEMBERS FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE YOUTH OF THE YEAR TITLE AND A $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP. HE IS AMONG HUNDREDS OF LOCAL YOUTH ACROSS THE COUNTRY RECOGNIZED BY BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA FOR HIS SOUND CHARACTER, LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND WILLINGNESS TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. LE IS A SENIOR AT BELLINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL, WHERE HE MAINTAINS A 3.4 GRADE POINT AVERAGE, AND WAS JUST ACCEPTED TO WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY.
HAGGEN FOOD & PHARMACY IS HELPING RAISE MORE THAN $100,000 THIS YEAR FOR THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY. HAGGEN AND TOP FOOD STORES WERE PRESENTING SPONSORS OF APRIL’S “WALK MS” EVENT, (DONATING SALES FROM SPECIAL TOTE BAGS AND BOTTLED WATER TO THE SOCIETY,) AND THEIR SUCCESSFUL “MS SNEAKERS DRIVE” IN MARCH RAISED MORE THAN $56,000 IN CUSTOMER DONATIONS. ALSO, MANY HAGGEN EMPLOYEES ARE RAISING FUNDS BY PARTICIPATING
IN THE “BIKE MS” RIDE ON SEPTEMBER 11TH AND 12TH. HAGGEN AND TOP FOOD STORES HAVE RAISED MORE THAN A QUARTER-MILLION-DOLLARS FOR THE MS SOCIETY'S GREATER NORTHWEST CHAPTER SINCE 2004.
LOCAL ARTIST JAN BUBB COMBINES HER LOVE OF PAINTING WITH A WAY TO DONATE TO CHARITIES IN WHATCOM COUNTY. FOR CHARITY AUCTIONS, JAN DONATES A COMMISSION TO PAINT AN ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR OF YOUR DOG OR CAT. SO FAR JAN'S ART WORK HAS RAISED MORE THAN $3,000 FOR CHARITIES SUCH AS THE ROTARY CLUB, WHATCOM HUMANE SOCIETY, SOLDIER'S ANGELS AND MARIANNE'S HOUSE. SHE SAYS SHE HOPES HER IDEA WILL INSPIRE OTHERS TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND DISCOVER HOW THEY CAN GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY.
THE NORTHWEST WASHINGTON THEATRE GROUP RECENTLY PRESENTED "THE WIZARD OF OZ" AT THE MOUNT BAKER THEATRE. THE GROUP STARTED OUT IN 2003, PUTTING ON SHOWS IN LOCAL SCHOOLS. LARRY MURRAY, FOUNDER OF THE NORTHWEST WASHINGTON THEATRE GROUP, SAYS SPONSORSHIPS HAVE BEEN SLOW AND THEY HAVE STRUGGLED FINANCIALLY FROM THE BEGINNING, BUT HAVE ALWAYS DECIDED TO KEEP GOING FORWARD AND ALLOW THEIR "FAMILY FRIENDLY" SHOWS TO GO ON AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE FOR EVERYONE. HE SAYS SEEING THE UPSIDE HAS ENABLED THE GROUP TO PRODUCE SHOWS OF QUALITY TALENT WORTHY OF THE MOUNT BAKER THEATRE MAINSTAGE.
THE SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY WAS ALIVE IN MOUNT VERNON LAST MARCH DURING THE THE SKAGIT/ISLAND COUNTIES BUILDERS ASSOCIATION’S 2010 HOME & GARDEN SHOW. ATTENDEES GOT THE CHANCE TO BUY RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SIX PLAYHOUSES BUILT AND DONATED BY MEMBERS OF THE BUILDER’S ASSOCIATION. TWO OF THE RAFFLE WINNERS THEN IMMEDIATELY DONATED THEIR NEW PLAYHOUSES, ONE GOING TO THE LANDING IN SEDRO-WOOLLEY, AND THE OTHER TO THE JOSEPHINE SUNSET HOME IN STANWOOD. THE SHOW BROKE ATTENDANCE RECORDS AND RAISED NEARLY $18,000 FOR SIX LOCAL CHARITIES.
TWO LOCAL WOMEN HAVE TAKEN AN IDEA TO BRING POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TO THE DINNER TABLE AND TURNED IT INTO A CREATIVE BUSINESS. LYNN WADE AND KAREN HEGRE ARE THE DESIGNERS OF “POZZI PLATES,” A SERIES OF PLATEWARE FOR CHILDREN DECORATED WITH POSITIVE AND LOVING MESSAGES THAT CAN BE READ OVER AND OVER AGAIN. AS A CURRENT SCHOOL COUNSELOR AND FORMER TEACHER, LYNN AND KAREN SAY THEY HOPE THE PLATES WILL EMPOWER CHILDREN TO FEEL LIKE A STAR, TO FEEL SPECIAL, LOVED, APPRECIATED AND RECOGNIZED EVERYDAY. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT POZZIPLATES.COM.
THE ALABAMA HILL NEIGHBORHOOD RECENTLY CELEBRATED (AS OF JUNE 5TH) THE GRAND RE-OPENING OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS PARK. IN A YEAR WITH SHRINKING PARKS FUNDING, THE ALABAMA HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION PETITIONED THE BELLINGHAM PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO REPLACE THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT THE PARK, AND MEMBERS SAY THEY ARE VERY THANKFUL TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR ACTING ON THE REQUEST AND FOR KEEPING NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS A PRIORITY IN BELLINGHAM. MEMBERS SAY THE PARK IS AGAIN BECOMING A COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
WHATCOM COUNTY RESIDENT KYLE CARDILLO HAS BEEN AWARDED CONGRESSMAN RICK LARSON'S PRINCIPAL NOMINATION TO THE UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, AND HE RECENTLY RECEIVED HIS FORMAL APPOINTMENT TO THE ACADEMY. KYLE’S MOM, NICOLLE, SAYS MUCH OF THE CREDIT IS IN LARGE PART DUE TO THE FOUNDATION HE WAS GIVEN IN THE MOUNT BAKER SCHOOL DISTRICT, SAYING HIS SUCCESS IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S EFFORTS. SHE SAYS IT’S PRETTY EXCITING THAT HER SON WILL BE ATTENDING ONE OF THE TOP RATED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE NATION.
CLEAN AIR LAWN CARE OF BELLINGHAM IS BUCKING THE TREND THAT SUCCESS IN BUSINESS HAS TO MEAN INCREASED IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. LOCAL OWNER ROB BRULOTTE SAYS IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATIONS, HIS COMPANY HAS AVOIDED CONTRIBUTING 2,071 POUNDS OF AIR POLLUTION BY USING ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT POWERED BY WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY. BRULOTTE SAYS HE HAS ALSO IMPLEMENTED A PHOSPHATE-FREE FERTILIZER SO AS NOT TO CONTRIBUTE TO ALGAE BLOOM AND POLLUTION IN LAKE WHATCOM AND SURROUNDING WATERWAYS. THE LOCAL FRANCHISE IS PART OF COMPANY THAT SAYS IT HAS AVOIDED CONTRIBUTING 75,283 POUNDS OF AIR POLLUTION ACROSS THE NATION,
