TOGETHER WITH

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

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

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Whatcom Weather

The Raindrop Report

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

City of Ferndale Photo Contest

The City of Ferndale launched a new website last year and is now inviting residents to help showcase the community through a citywide photo contest. I love it!! Building an image library for a municipal site is no small task, so why not get the whole community involved. When in doubt, crowdsource! 😁 

The contest rules look straightforward: photos must be high-resolution and of the City of Ferndale; no watermarks; and the normal copyright or permission stuff. You can submit as many photos as you’d like until the end of January, then during February votes will be collected on the city’s Facebook page. The three top winners will be showcased on the city’s website and win a prize. 📸 Find all the details or submit a photo here.

Local Read: In a cool new feature for WhatcomTalk, Jennifer Crooks revisits the life of Mina Jane Mead, wife of Washington’s fifth governor Albert E. Mead, and an early Bellingham civic figure. Born in Iowa in 1860, Mina’s path led her from a Kansas newspaper office to Bellingham, where she married the future governor, then on to the governor’s mansion in Olympia, and eventually back to Bellingham. The photo below shows Mrs. Mead at center, hat in hand. She looks like someone not to be trifled with! 😆 

Jennifer has written a couple dozen articles for WhatcomTalk including a look at the lives of Governor Albert Mead, and Bellingham Superintendent of Schools Elmer Cave. She’s also written about Whatcom County historical events and traditions. Check out all of Jennifer’s articles here. There’s some neat stuff in there. 👍

Traffic Alert: Expect slow traffic on northbound I-5 tonight. WSDOT announced a left lane closure near Lakeway Drive (mileposts 253–254) starting at 10 pm and lasting until 5 am Thursday. During this time, crews will replace a Jersey barrier.

CIVIC CORNER

Thursday
Community Development Advisory Board, 6:00 pm, Mayor’s Boardroom; agenda, Microsoft Teams

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Saturday
East Meadow: Help Bellingham Parks and Rec improve wildlife habitat in the Samish Neighborhood by weeding and mulching. Registration.

Desert Pine Chiropractic

Live Healthy, Naturally

Neurologically Based Chiropractic Care

Hi friends, I’m Dr. Anna from Desert Pine Chiropractic. My approach to care is rooted in precision, compassion, and connection—helping people of all ages feel and function at their best. I use gentle, neurologically based techniques to restore balance and improve how the body communicates and heals itself. My greatest joy is seeing families thrive together through natural, holistic care that truly meets them where they are.

If you’ve been curious about chiropractic care or are ready to take that first step, I’d love to invite you to use our Hamster Wheel New Patient Offer—a special opportunity for newsletter readers. For $63 (regularly $190), you’ll receive a full consultation, nerve and muscle assessment, digital X-rays, and a personalized doctor’s report. Learn more at desertpinechiro.com.

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

LIVE ARTS & FILM

Blue Room
The Gateway Show (comedy) | Thu

iDiOM Theater
The Illusion | Thu-Sat

Mount Baker Theatre
Daniel Tosh (comedy) | Sat

New Prospect Theatre
The Swamp Is On Fire | Sun

FireHouse Arts & Events Center
Documenting Grace - An Evening of Shorts (film) | Sun

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances

PARTICIPATORY DANCE

Tango Practica - The Majestic - Wed 6:30 pm
Flow Fusion - Karate Church - Thurs 7 pm
Contra - Fairhaven Library - Sat 7 pm
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 4:00 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm

Events & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

FEATURED

Songwriter Erik Koskinen brings his sharply etched Americana to New Prospect Theatre tonight, January 7, from 8 to 10 pm. “Erik sings about an America that doesn’t get much play anymore, the one where the people at the bottom can’t quite get ahead, and where working people aren’t cartoon props in a culture war, but shrewd human beings living hard lives, and hard loves.”

It’s Ladies’ Night at the Bike Ranch, tonight and every other Wednesday through the winter season. An all-ages are welcomed from 4:30 to 6:30 pm and an 18+ ride from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Expect a relaxed, open-house atmosphere with bikes under the lights, a bonfire, and plenty of encouragement for riders of all levels. (4389 Y Rd.)

The Groove Doctors featuring Deb Hawley bring blues, R&B, and classic covers to Zeeks Pizza Bellingham on tomorrow, January 8, from 7 to 9 pm. Expect a feel-good evening of groove-driven tunes perfectly pairing with a slice and a pint.

WEDNESDAY

Open Jam, Blue Room – A free, all-ages evening of live improvisation and collaboration. Musicians can sign up by instrument starting at 7 pm, with jamming beginning around 8 pm. A drum set, piano, guitar, and percussion gear are provided, and all skill levels are welcome to play or listen.

Irish Session with The Devillies, Menace Brewing – A lively evening of Celtic music, camaraderie from 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday. Hosted by The Devillies, this weekly Irish session welcomes musicians, listeners, and friends for traditional tunes.

Wednesday Music & Trivia →

THURSDAY

Stand Up Comedy, Beach Cat Brewing – Hosted by Jerry Barnett, the evening features local comedians Gabey Lucas and Brett Emerson in a no-cover, 18+ show. Sign up for a spot, grab a $5 Blue Ribbon Lager, and enjoy a night of comedy and community. Open mic sign-ups at 7:30, show starts at 8:00 pm.

The Gateway Comedy Show, Blue Room – Hosted by Mike Masilotti, this unpredictable comedy night features stand-ups performing their best material before returning to the stage for a second, far more “elevated” round. Show starts at 8 pm.

Thursday Music & Trivia →

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