Cascadia Weekly

Cover

Welding Rodeo

If you set your alarm early enough this coming Friday or Saturday morning, you can make it to the Bellingham Technical College campus in time to see a spectacle that comes but twice a year.

At approximately 8am each morning, a loud horn will sound, and teams who have gathered to compete in the 12th annual Welding Rodeo will scurry forth to paw through mounds upon mounds of scrap metal. When they’ve found what they think they’ll need among the various hunks of discarded steel, the teams of

This Week

The Gristle

Bottled Up

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

BOTTLED UP: In ways both mirroring and anticipating Whatcom’s debate on coal exports, Skagit County and the City of Anacortes held a series of recent public meetings in response to a proposal to build the largest bottling plant in North America on 38 acres bordering a sensitive salmon estuary near Turner Bay as it empties into Similk Bay on Fidalgo Island south of the city. The proposal would require the annexation and consolidation of 11.15 acres of county land adjacent to Anacortes’ urban

Music

Back 2 Bellingham

Something 4 everyone

By Carey Ross · Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I live near enough to Western Washington University that I can exit my front door, meander a block or two down the street and view the institution of higher learning in all its storied glory. In fact, any journey that takes me to downtown Bellingham for any reason involves walking or driving by the college, and many of my errands are made that much quicker by cutting right through campus.

Despite all that, I tend to take Western’s presence as a given, expending little or no energy on

Food

Know Thy Onions

Tricky tips for the kitchen and garden

By Ari LeVaux · Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Onions can be tricky to grow, which is why a farmer’s onions have long been considered a litmus test for agricultural skill. Hence the expression, “He knows his onions,” which is like saying, “He knows the ropes.” Knowing one’s onions in a literal sense is a great thing to aspire to, and this applies as much in the kitchen as it does in the garden.

Onions are absolutely fundamental to cooking. I may love garlic more, but I need onions. When I’m in the kitchen, I know my onions like Adam knew

Visual

Welding Rodeo

From scrap to sculpture

By Amy Kepferle · Wednesday, May 15, 2013

If you set your alarm early enough this coming Friday or Saturday morning, you can make it to the Bellingham Technical College campus in time to see a spectacle that comes but twice a year.

Film

To the Wonder

Malick goes all in

Reviewed by Stephen Whitty · Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Some audiences have trouble with experimental films. I have trouble with experimental films that aren’t experimental enough.

Truthfully, I prefer straight-up, linear narratives. Character, conflict, catharsis—you know, all those things Aristotle used to yammer on about. Those still work for me, time after time. But if you’re going to gamble, go big. And Terrence Malick’s To the Wonder is a true, all-in bet.

The poetry of movies—visuals, sounds, movements and how they can be joined or

On Stage

Soapbox

Get up on it

By Amy Kepferle · Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The college kids who crammed the bus to capacity on the ride from downtown Bellingham to Western Washington University’s Viking Union Friday night were busy making plans for the weekend.

I know this because I could hear them bellowing at each other about where the parties were going to be later and chatting loudly on their cell phones so as to be heard above the throng of commuters. I’m assuming the frenzy of texting was also focused on who was doing what, and where, but I didn’t have

Outdoors

Hammer Time

United in soccer

Story and photo by Trail Rat · Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The European Soccer Pyramid is full of “hams.” In England, they have football clubs based in Fulham, West Ham, Tottenham, Oldham, Rotherham, Nottingham, Gillingham, and Birmingham.

Meanwhile, here in the North American Pyramid—where towns attached to that particular suffix lay scattered few and far between across the land—the “ham” is conspicuously lacking.

In fact, only one American soccer team that I know of can lay claim to any sort of ham-affiliated home ground at the

Words

Seeing Purple

On the town for Ladies Night Out

By Amy Kepferle · Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The first rule of Ladies Night Out is: You do talk about Ladies Night Out. The second rule is that sometime during the course of the evening, you share an amusing story about your significant other (or lack thereof).

A third rule has just surfaced, thanks to Downtown Bellingham’s 5th annual Ladies Night Out, which happens from 5-8pm Thurs., May 16 throughout the urban core. While this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule—merely a suggestion—the powers that be are asking that if you’re getting

Film

Star Trek Into Darkness

The bromance continues

Reviewed by Andrew Pulver · Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Director JJ Abrams has followed up his sensational 2009 Star Trek reboot with a sparkling 3D sequel.

The core of the earlier film is present and correct: Chris Pine as the unfeasibly handsome junior Kirk; Zachary Quinto as the fringed logician Spock; Zoe Saldana—her status subtly enhanced after her leading role in James Cameron’s Avatar—as the lissome Uhuru; Karl Urban as grandstanding medical officer Bones; and Britain’s Simon Pegg as engine-room supremo Scotty, gamely approximating a

Today

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May 18

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Children’s Book Week: Celebrate youth literacy as part of Children’s Book Week from May 13-19 at Village Books, 1200 11th St. Storytimes, author events and more will happen through the week. more »

Soapbox: Original song and dance, characters both realistic and theatrical, moments both comic and dramatic and personal revelations will be part of Soapbox performances at 7:30pm Wednesday-Friday, and 7:30pm and 10:30pm Saturday, at WWU’s Performing Arts Center. FYI: The show contains adult content, so it’s best to leave the kids at home. Tickets are $8-$12. more »

Little Shop of Horrors: The Lynden Performing Arts Guild presents Little Shop of Horrors for the final weekend at 7:30pm Thursday through Saturday, and 2pm Sunday, at the Claire vg Thomas Theatre, 655 Front St. Tickets are $8-$12. more »

Baja Design Competition: The Western Washington University chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers will host the Baja 2013 International Design Competition from 8am-5pm Thursday and Friday at Lynden’s NW Washington Fairgrounds and 8am-3pm Saturday and Sunday at Hannegan Speedway. The event—which calls for students to develop a vehicle—is free and open to the public. more »

Welding Rodeo: Join in the "fun, flare and sparks" at the annual Welding Rodeo happening from 8am-5pm Friday and Saturday at Bellingham Technical College, 3028 Lindbergh Ave. In addition to the real-time welded sculpture and skills competition comprised of professional teams from throughout Washington State, there'll be a Welding Skills Challenge open to all, a hands-on welding booth, a vendor trade show, industry reps, raffles, food, blacksmithing demos and much more. Entry is free. more »

Spring Book Sale: Friends of Deming Library will host a Spring Book and Plant Sale from 10am-5pm Friday and Saturday at the Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Hwy. more »

Mixed Bag: View classic and evolving improv formats at “Games Galore!” shows at 8pm at the Upfront Theatre, 1208 Bay St. At 10pm, viewers can show up for “Director’s Cut” performances. Tickets are $8-$10. more »

Abilene: Follow Captain Gideon Harris and his struggles to bring the first cattle drive to the town of Abilene, Kansas, when the third episode of Ben Eisner’s five-part serial play, Abilene shows at 8pm and 10pm shows Friday and Saturday at the iDiOM Theater, 1418 Cornwall Ave. Tune in for a new episode each weekend through June 1. Tickets are $10. more »

Evermore: Go 1,000 years into the future when showings of the science-fiction rock musical Evermore take to the stage at 8pm Friday and Saturday at Whatcom Community College’s Syre Theatre, 237 W. Kellogg Rd. Tickets are $15. more »

Back 2 Bellingham: Art exhibits, planetarium shows, live music, paddling and bike excursions, theater, a carnival, campus tours, dinners, birding walks, presentations, open houses and much, much more will be part of the 100-plus activities happening during Western Washington University’s “Back2Bellingham” celebration happening on campus and throughout Bellingham Friday through Sunday. Many events are free. more »

Art by the Airport: The Whatcom Art Guild presents its annual Ski to Sea exhibit and sale, “Art by the Airport,” from 6-8pm Friday and 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday at Hampton Inn’s Fox Hall, 3985 Bennett Dr. Approximately 50 members will display artwork in a variety of genres, and there’ll be art demos, a garden plant sale and food by Bare Bones Barbecue. Entry is free. more »

Driving Miss Daisy: The Alger Lookout Thespian Association continues its production of Driving Miss Daisy with shows at 7pm Friday and Saturday and 2:30pm Sunday at Alger Community Church, 1475 Silver Run Lane. Tickets are $12-$14; matinee tickets are $10. more »

Into the Woods: Young performers ages 12-15 present showings of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Into the Woods at 7pm Friday, 1:30pm and 7pm Saturday, and 2pm Sunday at the Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth, 1059 N. State St. Tickets are $10 at the door or online. more »

Crenshaw Family Reunion: Watch familial shenanigans ensue at showings of Crenshaw Family Reunion at 7pm Friday and Saturday, and 2pm Sunday, at Everson’s Nooksack Valley High School, 3326 E. Badger Rd. Tickets are $8. more »

Book and Plant Sale: Used books, DVD and plants can be purchased at a Used Book and Plant Sale from 10am-4:30pm Saturday and Sunday in Maple Falls at the North Fork Library, 7506 Kendall Rd. more »

Camano Island Studio Tour: Forty-eight artists, 31 studios and three galleries will be part of the 15th annual Camano Island Studio Tour from 10am-5pm Friday through Sunday throughout the island. The self-guided tour is free. more »

Fairhaven Walking Club: Whether you’re looking to improve or compete, all are welcome at the weekly Fairhaven Walking Club led by Cindy Paffumi starting at 8am at various locations in Fairhaven. Walk routes and meeting places change from week to week. All paces are welcome. more »

Pancake Breakfast: Attend a monthly Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am at the Blaine Senior Center, 763 G St. Entry is $4 for kids and $6 for adults. more »

Swedish Pancake Breakfast: Enjoy “Swedish pancakes made by Norwegians” at the monthly Swedish Pancake Breakfast from 8-11am at Norway Hall, 1419 N. Sate St. Entry is $3 for kid and $7 for adults. more »

Ski to Sea Junior: Six-member teams can register to participate in the five-leg Ski to Sea Junior Race happening from 8am-4pm at Lake Padden Park. All races have three divisions, and participants must be in third grade or above. more »

Anacortes Farmers Market: Visit the Anacortes Farmers Market from 9am-2pm every Saturday through Oct. 26 at the Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave. more »

Cascade Cuts Plant Sale: The popular Cascade Cuts Plant Sale can be visited from 9am-4pm at the nurseries of Cascade Cuts, 632 Montgomery Rd. In addition to the plants—which include veggie starts, ornamentals, herbs, annuals, perennials and tons of hanging baskets—there’ll be live music and plenty of surprises. The event helps raise funds for Sustainable Connections’ Food & Farming Program. more »

Tomato Talk: “Growing Tomatoes in Whatcom County” will be the focus of a free workshop at 10am at Bakerview Nursery, 945 E. Bakerview Rd. Please register in advance. more »

Bay View Women’s Walk & Run: The 31st annual Bay View Women’s Walk & Run begins at 10am in Mount Vernon at Bay View State Park, 10901 Bay View-Edison Rd. Entry is $30-$45. Proceeds benefit Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services. Please register by May 17. more »

Book Sale: Celebrate Children’s Book Week at a Book Sale from 10am-2pm at the Point Roberts Community Center, 1487 Gulf Rd. In addition to books for kids, there’ll be fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, craft books, DVDs and CDs for sale. more »

Ferndale Farmers Market: Fresh produce and handcrafted products will be available for perusal and purchase at the Ferndale Public Market from 10am-3pm at the town’s Centennial Riverwalk Park. The weekly market runs through Oct. 12. more »

Backyard Habitat & Native Flora Fair: The annual Backyard Habitat & Native Flora Fair takes place from 10am-4pm at the Fairhaven Village Green. In addition to a native plant sale, there’ll be plant experts on hand to answer questions, a two-hour guided native plant walk at 1pm with the Native Plant Society, noxious weed information, children’s activities and more. Entry is free. more »

Blue Ocean Music Festival: Blue Helix, Science, the Vonvettas, Pawnbrokers, Mr. Feelgood and the Firm Believers, Garrett Lamp, the Austerman File, Bre’er Rabbit, and Minor Plains will be among the regional musicians performing at the Blue Ocean Music Festival from 10am-8pm in the parking lot of O’Donnell’s Flea Market, 405 E. Champion St. Entry is free. Proceeds raised during the event will go the Blue Ocean Foundation, a nonprofit marine conservation group based in Bellingham. more »

Hoop House Workshop: “Using Tunnels and Hoop Houses for Productive Gardening” will be the focus of a free workshop from 10:30am-12pm at Everson’s Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Rd. Construction, planting, pruning and training, and management issues will be discussed. more »

Screenwriting Seminar: Hollywood “script doctor” Aubrey M. Horton (MFA, UCLA film school) will teach a free seminar focused on "How to Write a Funny Screenplay" at 11am at the Pickford Cinema, 1318 Bay St. Entry is free. more »

Children’s Book Readings: A variety of readings will happen today as part of Children’s Book Week today at Village Books, 1200 11th St. At 11am, Katherine Pryor will read from Silvia’s Spinach. Rick Swann will read from Our School Garden at 1pm, and, at 4pm, author and illustrator Sarai Stevens reads from and discusses Seeds for a New Day. All events are free. more »

Woodside Wedding Faire: The inaugural Woodside Wedding Faire takes place from 11am-4pm at Bellingham’s Center for Spiritual Living, 2224 Yew Street Rd. In addition to a blessing ceremony for “brides, grooms and romantics of all persuasions,” there’ll be local wedding professionals on hand, live music, a bridal fashion show, food and drink from area caterers and much more. Entry is free. more »

Limelight Writer: Madeleine Albright discusses her book Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War at a “Writers in the Limelight” onscreen talk and discussion at noon at the Pickford Film Center, 1416 Cornwall Ave. Tickets are $5. more »

FishBoy Spring Show: Get a peek at new works when folk artist R.R. Clark (FishBoy) presents a FishBoy Gallery Spring Show from 2-9pm at the painter’s headquarters at 617 Virginia St. (near Trader Joe’s). more »

Fresh Film: Learn more about local and sustainable food practices at a free screening of the documentary Fresh at 4:30pm at the Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Ave. Show up at 4pm for tours of the Firehouse garden. A panel discussion with local food advocates will follow the film. more »

Grapes and Plates: The annual “Grapes and Plates” gathering happens from 5-7:30pm at La Conner’s Swinomish Yacht Club, 310 N. First St. Tickets are $30 in advance or at the door. more »

Line Dancing Classes: Western Line Dancing classes are offered at 6pm (beginners) and 7pm (intermediates) every Friday night at Lynden’s Ten Mile Grange, 6958 Hannegan Rd. No experience or partner is needed. Cost is $5 per class. more »

Hawaiian Luau: Get transported to the Hawaiian island at tonight’s “Spirit of the Land” luau from 6-9pm at WWU’s Viking Union Multipurpose Room. In addition to the food, the cultural celebration will also include live music, hula dancing and plenty of surprises. Entry is $12-$15. more »

Dinner and Dance: Help raise funds for homeless women at a dinner and dance from 6-10pm at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 510 E. Sunset Dr. Tickets are $15 at the door and include a spaghetti dinner, line dancing and more. more »

Day to Day Dance: “Discovering the Forest” will be the theme of Day-to-Day Dance’s performance at 6:30pm at the Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H St. Six different dance styles will be presented at the production, which is meant to spread the love and appreciation of nature. Entry is $3-$8. more »

Skagit Symphony: Violinist Bonnie Wilkens will be the featured soloist at a “Masterpiece Concert” presented by the Skagit Symphony at 7:30pm at Mount Vernon’s McIntyre Hall, 2501 E. College Way. Ticket are $20-$40. more »

Paula Poundstone: Expect spontaneity and hilarity in spades when consummate comedienne Paula Poundstone—who was recently inducted into the Comedy Hall of Fame—returns to town for an 8pm show at the Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St. Tickets are $39; proceeds will benefit Bellingham’s Rainbow Recovery Center, a program for low-income and homeless mentally ill. more »

Cascadia Weekly