Bellingham's Community Boating Center has openings for monthly and yearly storage of non-motorized watercraft, according to executive director Steve Walker.
Sailboat, kayak and rowboat owners can avoid trailering or car-top transport by securing storage next to the Fairhaven public boat launch at 555 Harris Ave. Also, mast-up storage is available for trailered sailboats shorter than 26 feet. Covered storage for kayaks and rowing boats also is available. Storage participants have access to their boats at all hours.
The Boating Center is a local, nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that provides cold-water safety education, boating instruction and summer camps for youths. Fees from the storage of human-powered and wind-driven watercraft help support the center. Details: 360-714-8891 or info@boatingcenter.org.
SANTA CRUISE AIDS CHARITY
The 4th Corner Elites of Bellingham again hosted the Project Santa Claus Cruise in December as a part of the Whatcom County Sherriff's Project Santa, according to Brian Curtis.
The cars gather at the Cordata/Meridian parking lot, many decorated for the holiday, and tour as a group with police escort to the County Courthouse rotunda, where car show entrants bring new unwrapped toys and cash donations. Seventy-seven cars were shown this year.
During the year, Whatcom County car clubs collect money for the charity at their events. The group raised $6,000 for the department.
Project Santa began in 1979 with the Sheriff's Office assisting 10 families. The cruise has been held the past 23 years.
CULINARY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTED
Village Books partnered with Bellingham Technical College in November to host Tom Douglas, Seattle restaurateur and author of "The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook," and raised $3,200 for the college's culinary arts program.
More than 250 people attended the event at BTC's new Settlemyer Family Hall. They sampled baked items from the Dahlia cookbook prepared by volunteer students and faculty from the culinary program.
EVENT BENEFITS LUMMI YOUTH
Village Books hosted author Sherman Alexie at Bellingham High School for his new book, "Blasphemy: New & Selected Stories." More than 800 people attended the October event, raising $3,100 for Lummi Youth Academy, according to a press release. The bookstore is co-owned by Dee and Chuck Robinson.
"Dee and I had the opportunity to visit the academy earlier this year and were so impressed with the students and the program there," Chuck Robinson said.
Out and About runs Mondays in The Bellingham Herald.
Reach Julie Shirley at julie.shirley@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2261.
