Events

Summer weather patterns in the Pacific Northwest are getting longer, hotter, and drier. There is a greater possibility of experiencing wildfire smoke and extreme heat events. In order to protect ourselves and our families from the health impacts of these events, it's important to prepare in advance of wildfire smoke and extreme heat. Learn about why these events are so dangerous, and steps to take to lessen the impact.

Kevin will chat about the upcoming SeaFeast in September and the new Community Net Project. As we become a community hub to our maritime and fishing communities, we will talk about how to get involved year-round as we go into our 10th Anniversary year for 2026!

Andrew will discuss estate planning, with a focus on planning strategies to mitigate the estate tax specifically but also touching on other changes as well, such as capital gains, and some lesser-known changes like luxury/privilege tax.

Kristina Michele Martens and Shu-Ling Zhao from the Chuckanut Health Foundation will introduce the Whatcom County Rural Health Equity Zone initiative happening in the Mount Baker School District. They’ll share an overview of Kristina Michele Martens and Shu-Ling Zhao from the Chuckanut Health Foundation will introduce the Whatcom County Rural Health Equity Zone initiative happening in the Mount Baker School District. They’ll share an overview of what health equity means using the lens of the Vital Conditions for Wellbeing, highlight why community leadership is essential to crafting the effective policy responses and solutions, and share what this work looks like on the ground in East Whatcom.

Blue Skies for Children is a local nonprofit dedicated to raising hope and self-esteem in homeless, low-income, and foster youth ages 6 to 18 by providing essential items and access to enrichment programs. We look forward to sharing how our work is helping local children thrive, one wish at a time."

The Bellingham Theatre Guild is nearing 100 years old! How has this all-volunteer non-profit survived so long? What makes live theater so compelling and important to a community? TJ Anderson and Francie Gass will answer those questions and more.

Over the last year, the Canada - US relationship has fundamentally changed, creating new challenges and opportunities for cross-border connections. These changes are particularly acute in border communities, such as Whatcom County, where many of our businesses, families, and our emergency response capacity are reliant on our neighbors to the north. This presentation will analyze the current state of our regional cross-border connections, as well as our ability to maintain them amid growing uncertainty.

Commander Pratt’s talk will focus on leadership and his current role directing the Navy’s LEGACY program, which mentors and develops emerging leaders across Naval Aviation. He’s a Bellingham native.

Jesse DeWald ("JD") is the Head of Hardware at VotingWorks, a nonprofit, open-source voting technology company that has their hardware operations based in Bellingham. Expect a fast tour of the importance of transparency in technology; why hardware (and particularly certified hardware) is hard; what the team is up to in Bellingham; and even a fun mock election demo on the latest equipment.