Essence of Bellingham results: In the City’s 19th annual photo competition, community members submitted more than 200 photos that capture the people, places, and moments that make Bellingham special. Best of Show winners are Phillip Johnson, first place; Eddie Hernandez, second place; and Elsa Broddesson, third place. A jury statement for the first-place photograph read, in part, “One of the most unique and essential aspects of life in Bellingham is the proximity to our incredible nature.” Madison Asplund earned Best of Class in the kindergarten to fourth-grade group with the photo above. She provided this description with her entry: “This is a picture of my dad, John Asplund, crabbing in Bellingham Bay. He is right by the Boulevard Boardwalk where I am standing, taking his picture on my mom’s phone. He has been crabbing in this very spot since he was a little boy, with his grandma.” You can enter next year’s competition right now! To submit a photo now through next fall, and see past winners, visit the Essence of Bellingham webpage.
Plant more trees: Trees provide a wealth of benefits to our community and environment, from cleaner air to cooler streets. Help grow our urban forest by planting more trees in your yard and neighborhood with our Community Tree Programs. Bellingham residents can stop by our booth at the Bellingham Farmers Market (near the goat statue) and pick up a free tree on Saturday, Oct. 19. You can also join us for our annual Make a Difference and Arbor Day work party on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Whatcom Falls Park, where we will plant trees together along Whatcom Creek to improve habitat and water quality.
Meridian Street traffic impacts: In case you missed our news earlier this week, two important projects will impact traffic flow on Meridian Street – a permanent change to the I-5 northbound onramp access and a multi-year sewer infrastructure project. Beginning next week, left turns onto the northbound I-5 onramp from Meridian Street will no longer be allowed. This change addresses safety concerns and aims to improve traffic flow. Instead, drivers can use the Bakerview onramp or take Birchwood to the Northwest onramp. Expect some temporary delays as everyone adjusts!
We’re also starting a multi-year sewer infrastructure project to replace aging sewer mains along Meridian Street from Orchard Drive to Van Wyck Road. This crucial work, expected to take about two years, will help prevent sewer overflows and support future growth. Most work will occur at night (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.) to reduce traffic disruptions, but some daytime delays may occur.
Join community conversations: Next week, Bellingham Public Library presents two opportunities for you to engage with others on important topics while learning to embrace differences. Share your hopes and concerns for the upcoming election process and explore ways of making your voice heard at The Art of Community: Voter Engagement, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2:30 – 4 p.m., presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Bellingham and Whatcom County. Also, make new connections and meet others doing inspirational work at the Learning Together Forum: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2:30 – 4 p.m., hosted in partnership with Western Washington University’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and the Center for Community Learning. Both events are free and take place at the Bellingham Central Library Lecture Room, 210 Central Ave. Everyone is welcome.
