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

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

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Otters Den Nature School is offering a new spring Outdoor School program where kids spend their afternoons exploring the natural world. Through hands-on outdoor activities and guided nature exploration, students build confidence, curiosity, and stewardship skills while learning directly from the surrounding landscapes.

Spring Outdoor School includes nature-based STEAM activities, collaborative projects, and outdoor nature games. Classes start the end of April and run through the last day of school. Be sure to check out the school’s summer programs: Wind Technology and Ocean Technology. Registration is open!

I got a note from the folks down at LFS Marine & Outdoor that this Saturday, March 21, they are holding a Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day event at 11 am. The gathering centers on a group photo with everyone rocking their fun socks as a visual show of support and awareness.

“On World Down Syndrome Day, we wear our quirkiest socks with pride! Each mismatched pair symbolizes the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which leads to Down’s Syndrome.”

You’re invited to arrive in your own pair or pick some up in store, where socks are buy one, get one 50% off throughout March. 10% of all sock purchases during the month will be donated to the Arc of Whatcom County.

After you showoff your funky sock selection at LFS, consider swinging by the opening day of Old Town’s new Ferny’s Nursery and Garden. You’ll find it in the old Boardworks location across from the low-barrier shelter on Holly. Look for the big billboard. 👇

Ferny’s Nursery offers “native plants, uncommon edibles, and gardening supplies,” with the intention to host classes, workshops, and events in the future.

Stop by and say hi to Max and Mckala (plus newborn baby Remi) and shop for some garden goodies. Opening day is Saturday. Spring hours are 10 am to 6 pm daily.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Saturday
Mayflower Bridge: Join the city and NSEA for Whatcom Creek and trail stewardship work, including planting, weeding, and mulching near the Mayflower Bridge, Whatcom Creek, and WeGrow Garden. Register

Sunday
Whatcom Humane Society’s Division St. Shelter: Join the Whatcom Million Trees Project in planting native trees in the dog walking field to provide shade and support the nearby wetland. Register

Soleil Chappelle, MA LMT, offers bodywork based in craniosacral therapy, listening deeply to what your body needs and guiding it toward balance and unwinding. The work engages both subtle internal rhythms and more direct massage to create a session that is restorative, peaceful, and personalized to you.

Rooted in a trauma-informed, care-centered approach, Soleil creates a gentle, trustworthy environment where clients feel safe and supported. Whether you’re addressing stress, injury recovery, or simply seeking a moment of quiet renewal, this work is about reconnecting with your body’s own capacity to heal. Learn more at bodyswells.com

2219 Old Lakeway Drive (Open Sun 1-3 pm)
This little cutie reminds me so much of the first home I bought. A midcentury with an almost identical layout. Two beds on one end, a garage on the other, with kitchen and living between. Mine was a single level, whereas this one has a full suite lower-level which is extra sweet. 😍 Listing

600 S State Street #204 (Open Sat, Sun 12-2 pm)
It’s been ages since we last looked at condo. Most of the new buildings in town are nice, but not much about them stands out to me. Whereas the older buildings have a sort of old-Bellingham charm. Plus, this location has always seemed prime to me. Southside location on the water side of State, and overlooking the Taylor Dock boardwalk. Listing

New Prospect Theatre
5 Micro Plays Near the End and Building Self-Esteem (theater) | Thurs-Fri

iDiOM Theatre
The Roommate (theater) | Thurs-Sat

Bellingham TheatreWorks
Firebringer (theater) | Fri-Sat

New Prospect Theatre
Children’s Puppet Slam (theater) | Sat

New Prospect Theatre
The War of the Worlds (theater) | Sat, Sun

BAAY Theatre
The Wizard of Oz (theater) | Sat

Bellingham Circus Guild
Springtime Scandal (circus) | Sat-Sun

Mount Baker Theatre
The M Factor 2.0 (film) | Sun

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

Potluck & Square Dance - Fairhaven Library - Sat 6 pm
Dance Fusion - BSAC - Sat 10:30 am
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 6:30 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm
Belly Dance - Karate Church - Sun 1 pm
Open Floor Conscious Dance - Bellingham Fitness - Sunday 10:30 am

Catch Yambambo at The Blue Room tomorrow, March 21 at 8 pm, for an evening of live salsa music led by percussionist Gabriel Cerna. This Pacific Northwest band draws on Cuban timba and salsa traditions, with musicians representing a range of Latin American roots. The night opens with a salsa dance lesson by The Cuban Dance Project, offering a chance to learn basic steps before the full band set begins. Tickets

Bellingham’s Casperson Clinic is screening M Factor 2.0: Before the Pause on Sunday, March 22 at 2 pm. The documentary “shines a light on the often-ignored realities of perimenopause and the years leading up to menopause.” Following the film, a live discussion led by clinic staff will explore symptoms, treatment options, and approaches to evidence based care. Tickets

If you loved the Subdued Saunter, you'll love the Waterfront Wander! Start with a 11 mile walk/hike from the Fairhaven Green that hits landmarks like Clark's Point, Mud Bay, Woodstock Farm, and Teddy Bear Cove. Then back to Fairhaven for lunch followed by 9 miles wandering along paved paths and gravel trails north from Fairhaven Green, passing Boulevard Park, Squalicum Harbor, Zuanich Point Park, and eventually ending at Little Squalicum Pier. Free registration and route map.

Spring Equinox Gong & Sound Bath, The Firehouse – A 7 pm sound meditation session with Kristi Moseley of Mystic Heart, featuring gong and immersive soundscapes designed for relaxation and reflection. Tickets

"Timing is Everything!" Bayshore Symphony Concert, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church – A 7:30 pm community symphony performance featuring works by Ponchielli, Haydn, Dukas, Grainger, Glière, and Elgar, with a donation based admission.

Friday Music & Trivia →

Bubbles & Brunch Benefit, The Commons at Unity & Flora – A 10 am to noon fundraiser featuring a continental breakfast, optional mimosas and espresso drinks, a short program on local impact, and raffle baskets supporting Blue Skies for Children. Tickets

Local Author James Schmotzer Book Talk, Village Books – A 6 pm reading and discussion of Crash Course, 101 Stories, Each 101 Words or Less, with selections from the book, insights into flash fiction writing, and audience Q&A. Reserve a seat.

Saturday Music & Trivia →

Taizé Prayer, St. Paul's Episcopal Church – A 5 pm service in the Taizé tradition, incorporating song, spoken word, and silence, with this month’s gathering centered on the Lenten season.

Plant Bingo, Stemma West – A 2 to 5 pm bingo event featuring 10 rounds with plant prizes for each round.

Sunday Music & Trivia →

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