🐹 Shell Shenanigans 🚣‍♀️🚣‍♀️

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

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

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

The Whatcom Rowing Association (WRA), based out of the boathouse at Bloedel Donovan Park, is an organization I’ve been curious about. With summer here, it seemed like a good time to explore what they offer, and, having poked around a little, I can unequivocally say that joining the WRA is in my future. What an amazing resource to have here in town.

The organization was started in 2011 by a group of rowing enthusiasts who received permission from the Parks Department to fence in a boat compound at the east end of Bloedel Donovan Park. Now, a decade and a half later, the group stores more than 20 shells in a beautiful boathouse. They offer programs ranging from beginner Learn to Row classes to team training opportunities for youth and adults with more experience.

I’ve also heard from several readers that WRA is working to rebuild its launch dock on Lake Whatcom. Signing up for a summer Learn To Row class has the added benefit of supporting their infrastructure project. Or, if you’re in a position to make a contribution, consider donating to help them reach their goal.

If youre kiddos are roasting in the summer heat, there are three more options to cool them off. This week the City announced the seasonal opening of all three city-run spray parks in Bellingham.

The parks are located at Cornwall Memorial Park, Fairhaven Park, and Cordata Park. They are open from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm daily throughout the summer.

LOCAL READS

Bellingham’s Balding Deer
By Hope Rasa · Whatcom Watch
Many of Bellingham’s black-tailed deer are currently showing signs of hair-loss syndrome, a condition caused by infestations of non-native Eurasian lice that leave animals with patchy fur and irritated skin. Hope reports that while the syndrome can weaken deer, especially fawns, it does not affect humans or pets and is now a familiar part of deer populations across western Washington. Read more →

· · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Hearing set for Point Roberts burial disturbances
By Richard Arlin Walker · Salish Curren
A federal court hearing is scheduled for July 14 in a lawsuit brought by the Lummi Nation alleging that broadband construction in Point Roberts disturbed ancestral burial grounds and exposed human remains. Richard reports that the tribe is seeking to halt the project, recover and reinter remains, and pursue damages against the telecommunications company and government agencies involved. Read more →

CIVIC CORNER

Monday
Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee, 2:00 pm, City Hall

Tuesday
Bham Tourism Commission, 3:30 pm, City Hall
Bham Historic Preservation Commission, 6:00 pm, City Hall
Whatcom County Council, 9:45 am w. reg. meeting 6:00 pm, County Courthouse
Everson City Council, 7:00 pm, City Hall

Thursday
Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board, 6:30 pm, Zoom
Whatcom County Planning Commission, 6:00 pm, County Office Portable Building

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Tuesday
Clayton Beach: Help the Northwest Straits Foundation tackle invasive vegetation such as Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, and scotch broom to create space for future native vegetation. Register

Thursday / Friday
Olsen Creek: Join the Washington Trails Association as they implement a multi-use recreation opportunity just outside of Bellingham. Register / Register

Saturday
Cornwall Rose Garden: Help the city weed and mulch (and stop to smell the roses!) during peak bloom at the Cornwall Rose Garden. Register
Chanterelle Trailhead, Wickersham Truck Trail: Join the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition for a trail maintenance day. Register

Uisce Irish Pub
Guffawingham (comedy) | Mon 8:30 pm

BSAC Central
The Golden Players Theatre Troupe - FabFifties Variety Show (theatre) | Mon 2:00 pm

Bellingham TheatreWorks
@ FireHouse Arts & Events Center
Fairview (theatre) | Tues, Fri
Brighton Beach Memoirs (theatre) | Wed, Sat
Appropriate (theatre) | Thurs, Sun

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

Mount Baker Theatre
The Dance Studio - Greatest Show (dance) | Sat, Sun

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

Salsa & Bachata - Viking Union - Mon 7 pm
Bellingham Embodiment Collective - Majestic Ballroom - Mon 6:30 pm
Contact Improv - Aikido Peace Education Center - Mon, class 5:30, jam 7 pm
Cuban Salsa - Cof& - Tues 6 pm
B’ham Hop - Crystal Ballroom - Tues 8 pm
Taster Tuesdays (hip hop) - Lost Giants Cider Co - Tues 6 pm
Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
Revolution Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 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

Big Door Prize brings its John Prine tribute to The Admiralty Lounge tomorrow, June 23 from 7 to 9 pm. The group features Dave and Shelly Lyon alongside Collin Topolski on upright bass, focusing on songs written by John Prine with special attention to the duets he recorded with artists such as Iris DeMent, Nancy Griffith, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, and Brandi Carlile.

Mark Isenhour and Rick Baunach play at the FireHouse tonight, June 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Baunach, known locally through Song Wranglers and Guitars and Gratitude, joins guitarist and vocalist Mark Isenhour of Double Trouble for an afternoon of folk-rock, blues, original songs, and familiar sing-along favorites. Admission is by donation.

Featured Artist: Veronica North, Bellinghome School of Music – At 12:15 pm, local performer and singer-songwriter Veronica North performs original music and shares stories about her creative journey in a public lunchtime concert and Q&A as part of the school’s summer camp artist series.

Dave Hunter: Mason Bee Revolution, Village Books in Fairhaven – At 6 pm, author and pollinator expert Dave Hunter discusses the updated edition of Mason Bee Revolution, exploring the role of native mason and leaf bees in pollination, habitat creation, and supporting healthy ecosystems and food systems. Reserve a seat

Monday Music & Trivia →

Trivia on the Patio, Kulshan Brewing Sunnyland Taproom – An outdoor trivia opportunity from 7 to 9 pm featuring team-based competition, cash prizes for top finishers, and a variety of general knowledge rounds, with no registration required.

Tuesday Music & Trivia →

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