Local business addresses single-use plastics: Bellingham businesses are making changes to meet state and local requirements to reduce single-use plastics. A new video by BTV shares the experience of one local business owner, Suzanne Taylor, owner of Our Kitchen and featured in the photo above with her son and co-worker, Kaden Taylor. The City has partnered with Sustainable Connections to help affected businesses like Suzanne’s meet the requirements, which address problems caused by the rapid increase in plastic products that are used once and then thrown away. Thank you to the team at Our Kitchen and other businesses in our community for making these changes. Business owners interested in learning more can join a webinar scheduled for April 25. Visit cob.org/plastics to learn more and find support for your business.
Climate actions update: Highlights of key City climate action initiatives underway this year will be shared during the City Council meeting on April 24, 2023. These initiatives include assisting low-income homeowners with electrification projects, working with partners to provide access to healthy environments during extreme heat and wildfire smoke events, working with partners to provide fire risk reduction education to City residents living near forests, and convening community feedback workgroups to inform other actions. The presentation is scheduled April 24 during the Council’s 11:15 a.m. Climate Action Committee. City Council meeting agendas, materials and recordings always available at meetings.cob.org.
Library branch grand opening: Everyone is welcome to join in the grand opening celebration for the new Bellis Fair Branch of the Bellingham Public Library, 2 p.m. April 26, 2023, in Bellis Fair Mall. The branch is a two-year pilot project and the library’s first location on the City’s north side. See the library’s announcement for more information about the opening celebration, regular library branch hours and more.
Feedback about Storybrook Park: Community members are invited to review and comment on plans for Storybrook Park, through April 26, 2023, via our Storybrook Park Engage Bellingham page. This new 7-acre park is located in the Birchwood Neighborhood. The project includes a playground, improved trail, ADA and emergency vehicle access, drinking fountain and signage, wetland mitigation planting and fencing, and other amenities and site work. For more information and to comment, visit Engage Bellingham.
EMS/Fire careers: The Bellingham Fire Department and other agencies are hosting a “Future Women in EMS and Fire” workshop, designed for women in Whatcom County, age 18 or older, who are interested in pursuing a career in EMS and/or as a firefighter. Complete the online application by April 30, 2023, to be considered. Participants selected will spend a weekend exploring the world of firefighting and emergency medical services, through training, demonstrations and discussions hosted by women from various agencies around Whatcom County. While specifically geared toward women, it is an inclusive event open to all genders. Apply today! See image below and visit the information and application page for details.
