Cascadia Weekly

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It All Ends Here

In some parts of the nation—in fact, across pretty much all of the United States—the weekend culminating in the last Monday in May is known as “Memorial weekend” or “Memorial Day.” It is a federal holiday that exists to remember those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and it also enables us to celebrate those veterans who are still with us.

Make no mistake: In these parts, we have a deep respect for and an equivalent amount of gratitude for those who have served at the

This Week

The Gristle

Fugue State

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

FUGUE STATE: “Success,” President Barack Obama once observed, “is determined by an intersection in policy and politics.” Each shapes and is shaped by the other, and indeed one can’t get to the policy without the driving politics.

Despite that wisdom, with some of the most momentous policy decisions that have ever faced the Fourth Corner visible on the horizon, a curious sort of torpor has descended on the politics that shape the policy. Coal ports; waterfront redevelopment; watershed

Words

Grace Notes

Remembering Jack McCarthy

By Ryler Dustin · Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The first time I saw Jack McCarthy, I was in line at Stuart’s Coffee House, then a haven for local artists, Bellingham bohemians, students, loners and poets.

At the time, I didn’t know what the word “poet” meant. I didn’t know much of anything. I knew I needed to write for some reason beyond my control, but I didn’t know what to write, or why, or even how to begin.
All I knew with certainty was that I needed a cup of coffee.

That’s when Jack took the stage. I had stumbled into

Outdoors

A Harbinger of Summer

Climbing Sauk Mountain

Story and photo by John D'Onofrio · Wednesday, May 22, 2013

At last, after several years in a row of late-lingering snowpack in the North Cascades, it looks like we might just catch a break.

An average snow year, followed by a so far unusually warm and dry spring, are the ingredients that make for an early—and long—hiking season. Keep your fingers crossed, but this could be a banner year for wandering among the peaks.

A good place to start is Sauk Mountain. This strategically placed minor summit rears up above the Skagit River and has what it

Music

It All Ends Here

Of festivals and block parties

By Carey Ross · Wednesday, May 22, 2013

In some parts of the nation—in fact, across pretty much all of the United States—the weekend culminating in the last Monday in May is known as “Memorial weekend” or “Memorial Day.” It is a federal holiday that exists to remember those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and it also enables us to celebrate those veterans who are still with us.

Make no mistake: In these parts, we have a deep respect for and an equivalent amount of gratitude for those who have served at the

Visual

Island Exploration

Seeking out artistic getaways

By Amy Kepferle · Wednesday, May 22, 2013

This coming Memorial Day weekend, Bellingham will be abuzz with celebrations of many sorts—most of them having to do with the inherent insanity that ensues during the annual Ski to Sea race.

Some residents will embrace the busyness of the seven-leg competition and its accompanying parades and parties, while others will long for an escape from the hullabaloo.

For those looking for an alternate way to celebrate the weekend that unofficially kick-starts the summer season, all that’s needed

Food

He Said, She Said

Taking turns at Streat Food

By Amy Kepferle and the Rat · Wednesday, May 22, 2013

He Said: My work shift that day had been an exceedingly long, hot and sweaty one, so when I finally landed back at the ranch that evening, pretty much all I could think to do was open a frosty brew and lump my grimy, bedraggled carcass down on the couch.

But, fortunately, the lady of the house had other plans for me.

I had just cracked a cold one and was doggedly en route to the bedroom—just a few steps away from starting to get my work uniform peeled off—when she emerged from the

On Stage

Setting the Stage

What’s up with the Commercial Street Theatre Project?

By Amy Kepferle · Wednesday, May 22, 2013

In the first 24 hours of its official fundraising campaign, the folks behind the Commercial Street Theatre Project raised more than $11,000—and the numbers are quickly rising.

This is good news to local dancer and choreographer Pam Kuntz who, along with her husband Mark and a handful of other area movers and shakers, are attempting to raise a total of $638,000 by March of 2014 in order to transform an empty trio of office spaces on Bellingham’s Commercial Street into a 200-seat, multi-use

Film

Fast & Furious 6

Start your engines

Reviewed by Alan Scherstuhl · Wednesday, May 22, 2013

There’s one key truth that separates the tank-topped gearheads of the Fast and Furious movies from the rest of us. Every problem these lugnuts face can be solved by doing the one thing these lugnuts love most: driving really fast. It’s like if you could deal with your taxes by hunkering down with a season of Justified.

Over the course of six films, now, these heroic outlaws have raced their Hot Wheels for justice, for wealth, for respect, to clear their names, to save the world from

Today

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May 22

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Ski to Sea Book Sale: The annual Ski to Sea Book Sale happens from 10am-6pm Wednesday through Friday, and 10am-3pm Saturday at the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. more »

Taste of Tourism: Sample gustatory goods from area restaurants and caterers at the annual “Taste of Tourism” gathering from 11:30am-1pm at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave. Entry is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. more »

GROUP RIDE: The Mt. Baker Bike Club hosts a Group Ride starting every Wednesday at 6pm at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave. Be prepared to ride for 30 miles at a race/training pace, and regroup at the brewery following the excursion. more »

Evening Epic Run: A weekly “Evening Epic Run” begins at 6pm at Fairhaven Runners, 1209 11th St. The strenuous runs are 1.5-2 hours in length on hilly terrain with experienced trail runners. Entry is free. more »

Art of Gnocchi: Mary Ellen Carter and Lisa Dixon team up for an “Art of Gnocchi” course from 6-8:30pm at the Cordata Community Food Co-op, 1220 N. Forest St. Entry is $39. more »

A River Reborn: Award-winning Seattle Times science reporter Lynda Mapes shares stories from her book Elwha: A River Reborn at 7pm at Village Books, 1200 11th St. The book also features photos by Steve Ringman. more »

Drinking Liberally: The Bellingham Chapter of Drinking liberally meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7pm at the Ranch Room, 113 E. Holly St. The inclusive progressive social group provides a fun and informal platform for casual dialogue between local citizens and thought leaders in the community. more »

Scottish Country Dance Social: Join the Scottish Country Dance Club from 7-9:30pm every Wednesday for a public dance at the Fairhaven Library, 1117 12th St. Beginners and intermediate dancers are welcome, and no partner or experience is needed. Drop-in fees are $8, but those who are showing up for the first time will gain free entry. more »