Good morning, Bellingham. This is your Friday update from The Hamster Wheel.

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Puzzlers: The game section is a work in progress. Play the daily puzzles and let me know how it goes.

Or, hit reply to send me photos via email. 📧

What makes a wind turbine work? At Wind Technology Summer Camp, students explore renewable energy through hands-on projects, real-world engineering challenges, and plenty of experimentation. Campers design, build, and test their own wind turbines while discovering how blade shape, size, and materials affect energy production.

Through teamwork, inquiry, and creative problem-solving, students gain a deeper understanding of energy systems and the role of clean, sustainable power in our future. Part of Otter's Den's Technology Camp Series, alongside Ocean Technology Camp, it's perfect for curious minds who love building, testing, and figuring out how things work.

Any reason to visit the Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve is a good reason. It’s one of Whatcom County’s hidden treasures, offering extraordinary views from the high bluffs, and beautiful beaches to explore. This weekend there are two happenings at Point Whitehorn to be aware of.

This Sunday, June 14, a group of ten local organizations including Whatcom Land Trust, the Northwest Straits Foundation, RE-Sources, and others, are hosting What’s the Point?, a free shoreline exploration day at Point Whitehorn from 10 am to 1 pm. The event includes naturalists, local ecology talks, and an intertidal exploration table at the shoreline, where you can examine live tide‑pool species up close and learn how organisms survive and thrive in dynamic coastal habitats.

The presentation schedule includes:
Plants, birds, and ecology with Pam Borso and Greg Green at 10:10 am
Geological history tour with Doug Clark at noon
Natural beach processes with Keeley Chiasson at 12:30 pm

Parking is at 7039 Jackson Rd. in Blaine, with shuttles running to the reserve beginning at 9:45 am. No pets or bikes are allowed at the reserve.

On Saturday, June 13, Bob Lemon and Izzi Lavallee from the Whatcom County chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society will lead a small Marine Algae and Ecology outing from Birch Bay State Park to Point Whitehorn, a roughly three-mile beach walk through eelgrass meadows and shoreline habitat. The walk runs from 8 am to 4 pm and will focus on algae as food, art, biology, and ecology. Registration is required, and I don’t know how many spots are available, so text Bob asap to check at 360-378-2657.

I have SO much respect for folks that host house concerts. And even more for those who do it on the regular. That’s the case with The Hedge House, located at 517 E Maple St (next door to the Karate Church). These guys, Sam & Lucas & Roommates apparently, open their home to amazing musicians and the fans who love them. There’s nothing radder than that.

They have a show tonight. 👇

Tonight’s bill includes Frank Hurricane, a finger-picking storyteller and performer, along with Karl Blau + Jon Hyde on pedal steel guitar. The show starts at 7 pm, and there’s a BYO BBQ situation in the mix: they invite guests to bring something to put on the grill. 🍔🌭

I’ve had several folks reach out about a gathering later this month, connected to a clearcut site off Mosquito Lake Road formerly known as the “Box of Rain” timber sale. Listen to the Forest: Tend Grief, Offer Beauty is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, with Deeper Currents, the Center for Responsible Forestry, and RE Sources co-hosting an all-ages event filled with art, song, and storytelling at the site.

The organizers describe it as a way for people to mark the loss of a familiar forested place while also paying attention to what remains and regrows. Attendance is limited, registration is required by Sunday, June 21, and exact location details will be shared with registrants.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Friday
Olsen Creek: Help Washington Trails Association implement a multi-use recreation opportunity just outside of Bellingham. Register

Saturday
Cordata Park: Team up with the city, WCC, and NSEA volunteers to weed and mulch near East Bear Creek, enhancing an important riparian habitat. Register
Olsen Creek: Help Washington Trails Association implement a multi-use recreation opportunity just outside of Bellingham. Register

Sunday
Northridge Park: Northridge Park is a mature forest crowning Barkley Hill, English ivy that has spread into the park from adjacent yards and is threatening mature trees there. Join Whatcom Million Trees Project to help get the ivy under control before it spreads. Register
Olsen Creek: Help Washington Trails Association implement a multi-use recreation opportunity just outside of Bellingham. Register

831 Reveille St. (Fri, Sat 10 am)
This estate sale looks chock full of gorgeous furniture, lamps, small collectables, along with electronics and home goods. There’s something for everyone and it’s right here in town! map

3923 Cliffside Drive (Open Fri 10-12 & 2-4; Sat 10-12 pm)
If you’ve never had a reason to explore the Cliffside neighborhood, you might not even know it exists. It’s that tucked away, which makes it a sweet little paradise with the most amazing views! Plus, check out all the period charm in this ol’ rambling rancher. Listing

4921 Zander Drive (Open Sat 11-1 pm)
This home is modern, which is not typically my jam, but look how cute it is! I suspend all my preference for funky old homes in this case. It’s gorgeous, it’s on 5 acres, and it’s sporting decks galore. I love it. Listing

The Claire Theatre
Cinderella (theatre) | Thurs-Sun

Bellingham Theatre Guild
Next To Normal (theatre) | Fri-Sun

BAAY Theatre
Dance Company Showcase (dance) | Fri, Sat

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

Contra - Glen Echo Community Club - Sat 7 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 8:00 pm
Beginner Ballet - Karate Church - Sat 10 am
Beginner Contemporary - Karate Church - Sat 11:30 am
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm
Open Floor Conscious Dance - Bellingham Fitness - Sun 10:30 am
Intercultural Dance Day - Fisherman’s Pavilion - Sun 12:00 pm

The Montvales and Creekbed Carter Hogan share the stage at New Prospect Theatre this Sunday, June 14 at 8 pm. The Tennessee duo, Sally Buice and Molly Rochelson, are known for textured songwriting and tightly woven harmonies shaped by years of performing together. They are joined by Hogan, whose folk-inspired songs center on perseverance, and collective care. Tickets

The Polish Ambassador brings genre-blending electronic music project to Wild Buffalo this Saturday, June 13 at 8 pm. Created by producer David Sugalski, the long-running act combines live performance, dance music, and visual storytelling into an energetic concert experience.

Jokes on the Waterfront brings comedian Derek Sheen to Mercato Delle Bonta tonight, June 12, from 8 to 9:30 pm for an evening of stand-up. A Seattle-based comic known for personal storytelling and sharply observed humor, Sheen has built a loyal following through years of touring and a series of acclaimed comedy albums. Tickets

The Happy Accidents brings its blend of blues, rock, folk, and country to the Acme Diner Beer Garden on Saturday, June 13, from 6 to 8 pm. This local band is known for performing original music that draws from several American roots traditions while maintaining a distinctly Northwest feel.

Fan Zone Watch Party: USA vs. Paraguay, Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden – A free all-ages watch party beginning at 6 pm featuring a large outdoor screen, stadium-style sound, beer garden access, and a community gathering to watch the USA take on Paraguay.

NWSC Pint Night, Aslan Depot – From 5 to 10 pm, enjoy a Northwest Skate Collective fundraiser featuring a patio halfpipe, raffle prizes, and live music from Stapletones from 8 to 10 pm, with proceeds supporting efforts to build a waterfront skatepark in Bellingham.

Friday Music & Trivia →

Galby Grooves, Galbraith Community Race Hub – A WMBC 40th anniversary celebration from 4 pm to midnight featuring live music from Yogoman Burning Band, REPOSADO, Manatee Commune, and DJ Tony H, along with food trucks, local bevies, bike valet service, and family-friendly activities on Galbraith Mountain. Tickets

Action League of Bellingham Launch Celebration, ALB Thrift & Gift Shop – A grand reopening from 10 am to 1 pm featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music from scholarship recipients, tours of the thrift store’s backroom operations, refreshments, and an introduction to the nonprofit’s continued community programs.

Lynden Tractor Trot Run/Walk, Bender Fields Park – A community race event beginning at 7:15 am with half marathon, 10K, and 5K run/walk options, featuring chip timing, courses through Lynden neighborhoods and trails, and door prizes for participants present at the finish. Learn more

Art Market, FAB Studios – An open studios event from 1 to 7 pm featuring local artists, gallery exhibits, live demonstrations, guest artists, refreshments, and flash tattoos, with opportunities to explore working studios across both floors of the building.

Saturday Music & Trivia →

Morning Dock Yoga, Beach Cat Brewing: South Paw – A free all-levels flow yoga class from 11 am to noon welcomes adults for an outdoor session focused on mobility, movement, and community, with modifications available and time to gather afterward at the brewery.

Intercultural Dance Day, Fisherman’s Pavilion at Zuanich Point Park – A free community celebration from 12 to 3:30 pm featuring live dance and music performances, local artists and vendors, food trucks, , and opportunities to experience traditions and cultures from around the world.

Stories, Song, and the Silver Screen, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church – A 3 pm concert by Bayshore Symphony featuring works by Barber, Barry, Rodgers, Custer, Grieg, and Sousa, with free refreshments available and donations accepted.

Sunday Music & Trivia →

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