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

Wow, that heat!! We wish we had AC already. Our second story is a sauna!

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Val & Evan

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

Tag @bellinghamsterwheel on Instagram or reply to this email to get your photos in The Hamster Wheel.

Hardware Sales

It’s Tool Fair Week!

This Friday & Saturday

It’s Tool Fair time at Hardware Sales! Discover huge savings from 20+ top vendors, live demos, exclusive raffles, and awesome giveaways. Be sure to grab a 2025 Tool Fair T-shirt ($4.99) or hoodie ($16.99) to unlock discounts at 12 local businesses like Kulshan Brewing, Coconut Kenny’s, and Stemma, valid June 13–15.

Special Launch on Friday! Stop by the Tool Fair Beer Garden at Stemma West for a pint of exclusive 2025 Tool Fair Beer, and don’t miss Friday’s Meet the Reps Night at 7pm for pints and tool talk.

Snap a photo at the Tool Fair and tag @HardwareSalesInc on Instagram to enter to win a prize bundle featuring gear from 12 leading brands! Then visit each vendor booth to enter their individual raffles!

We’ll see you on Friday!

Weather Forecast

Monday: 77°F 🌡️ 55°F | ☀️ Sunny | 🌧️ 0% | 💨 WSW 2 to 7 mph

Tuesday: 75°F 🌡️ 54°F | ☀️ Sunny | 🌧️ 0% | 💨 WSW 1 to 6 mph

Moon Phases

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

A Not So Common Loon

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) is asking Washingtonians to keep an eye out for common loons (Gavia immer) this summer when recreating in freshwater environments. If you do spot one of these beautiful birds, they ask that you report your sighting to help them monitor the population.

Common loons are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need and a state-listed sensitive species in Washington. Washington’s breeding common loon population is small, with 23 known pairs. Biologists estimate that there are probably fewer than 50 breeding pairs in total in the state.

These loons breed in freshwater lakes and reservoirs, mainly in remote areas in the northern tier of the state. Common loons spend the winter in almost all nearshore marine habitats and larger freshwater bodies of western Washington.

Port Commissioners Part Ways With Fix

Last week, during an emotional meeting of the Port of Bellingham commissioners, the port terminated the employment of longtime Executive Director Rob Fix. It’s not an easy meeting to watch, and the vote was not unanimous, but clearly, some members of the commission feel it’s time for the port to seek a new vision.

In the closing minutes of the meeting, the commission extended an Interim Executive Director position to Port Director of Maritime Tiffany DeSimone who they indicated was willing to accept the Executive Director responsibilities in addition to her existing role.

In other news…

Curious about the Padden Creek Fish Passage Improvement Project? Today (June 9), from 6:30 to 7:30, the city is hosting an open house to inform the public about the impacts of this work, which aims to remove barriers that hinder the movement of fish in the waterway.

The notice for this event states “Due to construction activity, trail users will likely be detoured around the Interurban Trail between 10th Street and 16th Street during construction.” The meeting is in the Happy Valley Elementary School Cafeteria.

🏙️ The Bellingham City Council meets today (June 9), at 9 am, with the Regular Meeting at 7 pm. The agenda is available online. This public meeting is held at Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall or can be watched online.

🚜 The Whatcom County Council meets tomorrow (June 10), at 10:30 am, with the Regular Meeting at 6 pm. The agenda is available online. This public meeting is held in the Council Chambers at the County Courthouse or can be watched via Zoom.

COMPASS

Alāna Mey

Real Estate Specialist

Buying a house is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience — With me as your Realtor, I will be there to guide you with proactive communication and a game plan. Choosing the right agent really DOES matter!

From finding a property that meets your needs to negotiating a great deal, I will handle all the paperwork and be there for you every step of the way with recommendations and expertise.

During my complimentary no-commitment consultation (in-person, over the phone or online) we will go in-depth into the steps of the process to make sure you feel prepared and informed.

If you have questions about buying a home, let’s schedule a time to chat.

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

LIVE ARTS & FILM

Uisce Irish Pub: 
Guffawingham | Mon 8:30 pm

iDiOM Theater
Your Grace | Wed-Sun 7 pm

Mount Baker Theater
Opus’ Spring Showcase | Fri 7 pm; Sat 2 pm

Bellingham Theatre Guild:
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder | Fri, Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm

New Prospect Theatre:
The Silent Zoo | Thurs 7 pm

New Prospect Theatre:
Molly’s Comedy Cabaret – Disney Edition | Sat 7 pm

New Prospect Theatre:
To Whom It May Concern | Sun 7:30 pm

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances.

PARTICIPATORY DANCE

 Salsa & Bachata 
Salsa & Bachata - Viking Union - Mon 7 pm
Beginning Cuban Salsa - Cof& - Tues 6 pm
Int. Cuban Salsa - Cof& - Tues 7:15 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm

 Tango  
Urban Salon Tango - The Majestic - Mon 7 pm
Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm

 Other  
B’ham Hop - Crystal Ballroom - Tues 7 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 8:00 pm
Contra - Everson Glen Echo Hall - Sat 7 pm
Open Floor Movement - Presence Studio - Sun 10:30 am
Family Dance Party - Boom! - Sun 10 am

Events & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

Feature an Event. Reach out. 
Tell us about an event. Use this link.

FEATURED

5th-8th grade community members perform their spring choir concert! Choral numbers from a variety of genres and some featured solo performances as well! Support the performing arts in the greater Bellingham area! Admission is free.

Learn how to tell stories from your own heritage or experience from world-renowned Lummi storyteller and musician, Swil Kanim! Light snacks provided. No experience necessary. Come to one or come to all!

MONDAY

All You Can Eat Pizza!, Övn - Wiggle on down the Fairhaven for an evening of bottomless pizza. Seating is from 4:00 - 8:30 pm. Yum, pizza. 🙂 

North Sound Youth Symphony Spring Concert, WWU - an evening of free classical and contemporary music performed by the North Sound Youth Symphony (NSYS). NSYS offers a fun and inspirational musical experience for all aspiring young musicians. Get the scoop.

Monday Music & Trivia →

TUESDAY

WTA Transit Trivia Night, Larrabee Lager Co. - WTA is hosting Transit Trivia on June 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Larrabee Lager Company. Whether you're a seasoned transit aficionado or just a trivia fan, Transit Trivia Night will be a memorable ride. Open to all.

Tuesday Music & Trivia →

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Hakuna matata

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Have a great Monday!!