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Giuseppe’s reopens for business
After facing a devastating fire, a nine-month closure, and a work-intensive relocation, Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant is back in business.
Moving from Commercial Avenue to 1414 Cornwall Ave., Giuseppe Mauro remodeled the historic 1912 Elks Club building with an intricate Italian flair. From murals on the wall to a detailed fountain in the foyer, Mauro undertook an extensive remodeling project to convert the vintage 6,000-square-foot space into a suitable restaurant.
The downtown Bellingham restaurant re-opened this past month with a similar menu to the old location, but with more of an open kitchen so customers can watch dishes being prepared.
Mauro also plans to open a nightclub in the basement of the building by the end of this year.

New newspaper launched in Foothills region
Rebecca Schwarz, former editor of the Whatcom Independent, Mount Baker Experience, and other publications, has teamed up with What’s Up! Magazine publisher Brent Cole to launch a local community newspaper in eastern Whatcom County.
The first issue of the “Foothills Gazette” is slated to debut Thursday, Oct. 13, and will focus on community news, sports, arts, and outdoors features. Several thousand copies will circulate through foothills communities including Glacier to Deming, Acme, and north to Sumas.
For more information, email Schwarz at editor@foothillsgazette.com or go to www.foothillsgazette.com.

New organic plant food sprouts out of Anacortes
Native Mountain Scapes of Anacortes and the Samish Indian Nation through their business company SAMCOR have teamed up to create and market a new organic plant food brand called Full Circle.
Recently completing testing with international soil analyst SoilFoodWeb.com owned by former University of Washington professor Dr. Elaine Ingham, Full Circle has been enjoying sales success locally at Ace Hardware and Sebo’s Hardware and Equipment Rental, as well as with the city of Anacortes Parks Department.
“We have a product that not only nourishes the plant, but assists mother nature in invigorating the soil foods chain to provide new foods for the plant, and even cleaning up some pollutants left in the soils from the previous use of chemical fertilizers,” said Roger Barnhard, Full Circle marketing representative.
For more information, go to www.fullcircleplantfood.com or www.nativemountainscapes.com.

Bellingham Public Market celebrates grand opening
The much anticipated Bellingham Public Market is open for business. In fact, it has been open for several months now.
But that didn’t stop co-owners Stephen Trinkhaus and Gary Holloway, along with market tenants, from throwing a huge grand opening this past month. On Sept. 10, crowds gathered at the all-day festival to enjoy a variety music, food, entertainment and children’s activities.
Trinkaus’ organic grocery store Terra Organica anchors the market at 1530 Cornwall Ave. Other stores include Pescaderia Seafood, Fair Trade Crafts, Curious Crow Espresso, and Chocolate Necessities and Gelato.

Innovative Vision Clinic opens
Spyglass Vision Clinic recently opened its doors at 902 State Street with the latest in high tech optometry equipment and a full line of fashionable eyewear. The company will offer complete professional eye care and optical services, including basic eye exams and treatment for most ocular disorders.
Dr. Jeff Young is a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry and has over 15 years clinical experience.
“I love the Bellingham area, said Dr. Young. “It’s a beautiful place, the people are nice here, and there is a growing need for optometric services, especially with the newer diagnostic equipment.”
The clinic features a high tech digital retinal camera, which can provide retinal photographs to be kept for annual comparisons and sent to other practitioners.
“This machine proves very handy for observing changes in the retina year after year. It gives a clear and colorful look into the eye structure,” said Dr. Young. “Also, we are already getting requests from physicians whose patients may have advancing eye problems due to diabetes or hypertension and they need to monitor progress. We can even email photographs of the retina to these doctors or print them for patients to keep for their own records.”
Dr. Young currently has one staff member, licensed dispensing optician Prudence Shorter, and plans to hire as the business grows.
For more information, go to www.spyglassvisionclinic.com or call 360-671-7107.

New smoothie business mixes things up
Robeks Fruit Smoothies and Healthy Eats recently opened its doors in Bellingham’s Barkley Village, adjacent to the Washington Mutual at 3110 Woburn Street.
Robeks offers a delicious, quick, and healthy alternative to the typical fast food meal that is nutritionally tailored to meet the requirements of both children and adult healthy, active lifestyles.
Abbe Rolnick, the store’s owner, recently returned from two week’s training in Los Angeles, where she learned the art of blending smoothies, squeezing fresh fruit and vegetable juices, making frozen yogurts, and building fresh salads, wraps, and cooking gourmet soups.
As the first Robeks location in Washington State, Rolnick anticipates a strong following for her wholesome foods. Rolnick, an active member of the Bellingham business community for over 20 years, brings with her a unique understanding of the relationship between the food and its health effects.
“Why does fast food need to be unhealthy and, more importantly, why can’t healthy, nutritious food taste great and be good for you?” said Rolnick in a recent news release.
Rolnick plans to open another site early 2006 in Sehome Village next to REI.

Winthrop Merchant opens Fairhaven store
Leaving long winters and short selling seasons behind in Winthrop, Debbie and Matt Jones have opened The Lazy Cricket at 907 Harris Ave in Fairhaven.
Debbie, who had lived in Whatcom County for 18 years, purchased a store in Winthrop in 1997. After 8 years of seasonal sales, and the realization after a health scare that they were hours from medical services, she sold her store with a goal of opening in Fairhaven.
“Fairhaven was the only place I even considered,” said Debbie. “There is such a good energy here and we love the old buildings.”
The Lazy Cricket has home decor and gifts for body and soul, including high quality candles, gourmet foods, greeting cards, tabletop items and unique journals.
Matt Jones, long known as “The Java Man” in Winthrop, will be moving to Bellingham after concluding sale of his current coffee shop.

Artisan Carvings Opens at Bellingham Public Market
Michael Elmer, who has 15 years of experience in creating custom stone signs, monuments and memorials, recently opened a showroom gallery of Artisan Carvings.The gallery is located at the Bellingham Public Market, 1530 Cornwall Ave. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.Elmer has created signage, plaques, and fine art from diverse materials, including granite, olivine, marble, jade, basalt, bricks, glass, and acrylic.
“Stone signage will last effectively forever,” he said. “It’s a symbol of permanence and stability.”Elmer’s work currently adorns the entrance to the new Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant in downtown Bellingham. Besides business signage, he also creates address markers, plaques, awards, and fine art for home décor and garden settings. “I enjoy the collaborative process with clients, creating art that is meaning to them and meets their needs,” Elmer said.For more information, call 360-510-7501 or visit www.ArtisanCarvings.com.
Mother-son team open real estate office
Like mother, like son – Terry Lehman and Josh Lehman, a mother-son team, recently opened the In Lehman Terms real-estate office in Ferndale.
The Lehmans assist buyers and sellers with single-family homes, condominiums, lots, and commercial properties throughout Whatcom County.
Terry Lehman, broker of the office, started her real-estate career 11 years ago in Ferndale under the tutelage of the late Barb Vander Yacht of Archway Realty. Josh Lehman, a realtor since 2000, graduated from Weber State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He also has achieved the e-PRO technology certification, recognizing his knowledge of Internet and e-mail marketing strategies. Both Lehmans have earned their Accredited Buyer Representative certification.

Family Care Network opens new testing center
Family Care Network recently announced the opening of their Medical Testing Center in Bellingham. Located at 600 Birchwood Avenue, Suite 102, the center will provide testing ordered by a patient’s physician for cardiovascular disease, nuclear medicine imaging, bone density testing for osteoporosis, and body fat analysis. The testing offered will focus on screening for fundamental health issues that FCN patients face in Whatcom County. Dr. Tomas Heston comes to FCN to practice in the new center, and he is board certified in nuclear imaging and nuclear cardiology.

New business to fix local pipes
Brett Wiltse’s Plumbing recently announced that it’s now open for construction, remodeling, commercial kitchens, hot water heaters, repairs, and more.
A commercial journeyman plumber, Wiltse has over 15 years experience plumbing in Whatcom County.

New dojo opens in Lynden
North County Olympic Tae Kwon Do recently opened in Lynden and now is offering classes for children, adults and families.
Head instructor Steve Burger launched the classes after undergoing more than 20 years of training in Tae Kwon Do, one of only two martial arts recognized as an official Olympic sport.
“Tae Kwon Do is a great form of exercise because it increases strength, endurance, and flexibility,” Burger said. “It also is an effective art of self-defense, especially for women because of the emphasis on kicking. Pound for pound, women have stronger legs than men.”
Burger added that children gain self-esteem and a greater sense of responsibility while learning the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do: courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and an indomitable spirit. Children as young as 3-years-old can be enrolled in classes.
For more information about classes, call 360-318-8717.

New gelato cafe a family passion
Living upstairs from your own gelato cafe sounds like an Italian dessert lover’s dream, but it’s a reality for recent University of Washington gradulate, Brian Ugurlu, who will open and manage Sirena Gelato in Fairhaven at the end of August with his sister Melissa.
Restaurants run in the family. Brian is the son of Fahri and Robin Ugurlu, the owners of Coppa Mediterreanean Bistro and The Harborside Bistro. After spending this past summer in Italy, Brian came back with a plan.
“I can’t think of a place more fun than one that serves gelato and desserts,” said Brian. “No one goes into a gelato cafe in a bad mood, and Fairhaven is the perfect place to put it.”
The family got together for a recent training session by Leonardo Mazzero, a third generation gelato artist from Venice, Italy. He taught the Ugurlu’s the fine art of gelato, ice cream sorbet and sherbet preparation using the company’s all natural ingredients. Mazzero explained that gelato has been consumed in Italy for over 2,000 years, starting with the Romans bringing snow from the mountains in terra cotta vessels and mixing it with fruit and sugar. Even residents of Pompeii obtained snow from Mt. Vesuvius for that specific purpose – until a volcano eruption buried the city.
The new cafe is opening in the Harris Square building in Fairhaven at 960 Harris Avenue. Within a couple of weeks, the Ugurlu’s plan to be open for gelato, coffee and desserts.

Feather Duster opens in Oak Harbor
A new furniture store has opened its doors in Oak Harbor. The Feather Duster now offers new and used furniture and accessories for the home at its multi-colored 2,500-square-foot showroom. Contemporary, country, Asian, modern and antique styles are all represented, with new items entering the store every day.
During the August grand opening, store patrons were treated to a lively accordion show, lemon chiffon cake, and complimentary feather dusters. Owners Ron and Linda Harris have 10 years of furniture experience, previously owning furniture consignment stores in Bellingham and Bend, Ore.
Consignments are welcome by appointment. Call 360-240-0550 for more information.

Chef adds Spanish flavor to La Conner
Visitors to La Conner now have the option of dining like a prince – Prince Philippe of Spain to be exact.
With over 30 years experience in the United States and Europe, including cooking for Prince Philippe, executive certified chef Brian Tolbert has recently opened “The Dulce Plate” in La Conner.
According to a recent press release, Tolbert chose La Conner for its fresh local produce and seafood availability.
“It’s a chef’s dream to prepare the freshest available products and to create an exciting menu,” he said. Tolbert’s wife, Deborah, also grew up in Washington.
Tolbert is also an ex-professional wrestler and participant in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal as a member of the U.S. Greco Roman Wrestling team. He assists the La Conner wrestling team and also taught culinary arts at the Skagit Valley College this year.
The Dulce Plate’s menu includes paellas – a traditional Spanish dish of rice, saffron, fresh herbs and spices, Spanish tapas – a variety of small inventive dishes, and lunch and dinner menus of seafood, chicken, duck and steaks.
For more information or reservations, call 360-466-1630.

Giuseppe’s reopens for business After facing a devastating fire, a nine-month closure, and a work-intensive relocation, Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant is back in business. Moving from Commercial Avenue to 1414 Cornwall Ave., Giuseppe Mauro remodeled the historic 1912 Elks Club building with an intricate Italian flair. From murals on the wall to a detailed fountain in the foyer, Mauro undertook an extensive remodeling project to convert the vintage 6,000-square-foot space into a suitable restaurant. The downtown Bellingham restaurant re-opened this past month with a similar menu to the old location, but with more of an open kitchen so customers can watch dishes being prepared. Mauro also plans to open a nightclub in the basement of the building by the end of this year. New newspaper launched in Foothills region Rebecca Schwarz, former editor of the Whatcom Independent, Mount Baker Experience, and other publications, has teamed up with What’s Up! Magazine publisher Brent Cole to launch a local community newspaper in eastern Whatcom County. The first issue of the “Foothills Gazette” is slated to debut Thursday, Oct. 13, and will focus on community news, sports, arts, and outdoors features. Several thousand copies will circulate through foothills communities including Glacier to Deming, Acme, and north to Sumas. For more information, email Schwarz at editor@foothillsgazette.com or go to www.foothillsgazette.com. New organic plant food sprouts out of Anacortes Native Mountain Scapes of Anacortes and the Samish Indian Nation through their business company SAMCOR have teamed up to create and market a new organic plant food brand called Full Circle. Recently completing testing with international soil analyst SoilFoodWeb.com owned by former University of Washington professor Dr. Elaine Ingham, Full Circle has been enjoying sales success locally at Ace Hardware and Sebo’s Hardware and Equipment Rental, as well as with the city of Anacortes Parks Department. “We have a product that not only nourishes the plant, but assists mother nature in invigorating the soil foods chain to provide new foods for the plant, and even cleaning up some pollutants left in the soils from the previous use of chemical fertilizers,” said Roger Barnhard, Full Circle marketing representative. For more information, go to www.fullcircleplantfood.com or www.nativemountainscapes.com. Bellingham Public Market celebrates grand opening The much anticipated Bellingham Public Market is open for business. In fact, it has been open for several months now. But that didn’t stop co-owners Stephen Trinkhaus and Gary Holloway, along with market tenants, from throwing a huge grand opening this past month. On Sept. 10, crowds gathered at the all-day festival to enjoy a variety music, food, entertainment and children’s activities. Trinkaus’ organic grocery store Terra Organica anchors the market at 1530 Cornwall Ave. Other stores include Pescaderia Seafood, Fair Trade Crafts, Curious Crow Espresso, and Chocolate Necessities and Gelato. Innovative Vision Clinic opens Spyglass Vision Clinic recently opened its doors at 902 State Street with the latest in high tech optometry equipment and a full line of fashionable eyewear. The company will offer complete professional eye care and optical services, including basic eye exams and treatment for most ocular disorders. Dr. Jeff Young is a graduate of the University of Houston College of Optometry and has over 15 years clinical experience. “I love the Bellingham area, said Dr. Young. “It’s a beautiful place, the people are nice here, and there is a growing need for optometric services, especially with the newer diagnostic equipment.” The clinic features a high tech digital retinal camera, which can provide retinal photographs to be kept for annual comparisons and sent to other practitioners. “This machine proves very handy for observing changes in the retina year after year. It gives a clear and colorful look into the eye structure,” said Dr. Young. “Also, we are already getting requests from physicians whose patients may have advancing eye problems due to diabetes or hypertension and they need to monitor progress. We can even email photographs of the retina to these doctors or print them for patients to keep for their own records.” Dr. Young currently has one staff member, licensed dispensing optician Prudence Shorter, and plans to hire as the business grows. For more information, go to www.spyglassvisionclinic.com or call 360-671-7107. New smoothie business mixes things up Robeks Fruit Smoothies and Healthy Eats recently opened its doors in Bellingham’s Barkley Village, adjacent to the Washington Mutual at 3110 Woburn Street. Robeks offers a delicious, quick, and healthy alternative to the typical fast food meal that is nutritionally tailored to meet the requirements of both children and adult healthy, active lifestyles. Abbe Rolnick, the store’s owner, recently returned from two week’s training in Los Angeles, where she learned the art of blending smoothies, squeezing fresh fruit and vegetable juices, making frozen yogurts, and building fresh salads, wraps, and cooking gourmet soups. As the first Robeks location in Washington State, Rolnick anticipates a strong following for her wholesome foods. Rolnick, an active member of the Bellingham business community for over 20 years, brings with her a unique understanding of the relationship between the food and its health effects. “Why does fast food need to be unhealthy and, more importantly, why can’t healthy, nutritious food taste great and be good for you?” said Rolnick in a recent news release. Rolnick plans to open another site early 2006 in Sehome Village next to REI. Winthrop Merchant opens Fairhaven store Leaving long winters and short selling seasons behind in Winthrop, Debbie and Matt Jones have opened The Lazy Cricket at 907 Harris Ave in Fairhaven. Debbie, who had lived in Whatcom County for 18 years, purchased a store in Winthrop in 1997. After 8 years of seasonal sales, and the realization after a health scare that they were hours from medical services, she sold her store with a goal of opening in Fairhaven. “Fairhaven was the only place I even considered,” said Debbie. “There is such a good energy here and we love the old buildings.” The Lazy Cricket has home decor and gifts for body and soul, including high quality candles, gourmet foods, greeting cards, tabletop items and unique journals. Matt Jones, long known as “The Java Man” in Winthrop, will be moving to Bellingham after concluding sale of his current coffee shop. Artisan Carvings Opens at Bellingham Public Market Michael Elmer, who has 15 years of experience in creating custom stone signs, monuments and memorials, recently opened a showroom gallery of Artisan Carvings.The gallery is located at the Bellingham Public Market, 1530 Cornwall Ave. The market is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.Elmer has created signage, plaques, and fine art from diverse materials, including granite, olivine, marble, jade, basalt, bricks, glass, and acrylic. “Stone signage will last effectively forever,” he said. “It’s a symbol of permanence and stability.”Elmer’s work currently adorns the entrance to the new Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant in downtown Bellingham. Besides business signage, he also creates address markers, plaques, awards, and fine art for home décor and garden settings. “I enjoy the collaborative process with clients, creating art that is meaning to them and meets their needs,” Elmer said.For more information, call 360-510-7501 or visit www.ArtisanCarvings.com. Mother-son team open real estate office Like mother, like son – Terry Lehman and Josh Lehman, a mother-son team, recently opened the In Lehman Terms real-estate office in Ferndale. The Lehmans assist buyers and sellers with single-family homes, condominiums, lots, and commercial properties throughout Whatcom County. Terry Lehman, broker of the office, started her real-estate career 11 years ago in Ferndale under the tutelage of the late Barb Vander Yacht of Archway Realty. Josh Lehman, a realtor since 2000, graduated from Weber State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He also has achieved the e-PRO technology certification, recognizing his knowledge of Internet and e-mail marketing strategies. Both Lehmans have earned their Accredited Buyer Representative certification. Family Care Network opens new testing center Family Care Network recently announced the opening of their Medical Testing Center in Bellingham. Located at 600 Birchwood Avenue, Suite 102, the center will provide testing ordered by a patient’s physician for cardiovascular disease, nuclear medicine imaging, bone density testing for osteoporosis, and body fat analysis. The testing offered will focus on screening for fundamental health issues that FCN patients face in Whatcom County. Dr. Tomas Heston comes to FCN to practice in the new center, and he is board certified in nuclear imaging and nuclear cardiology. New business to fix local pipes Brett Wiltse’s Plumbing recently announced that it’s now open for construction, remodeling, commercial kitchens, hot water heaters, repairs, and more. A commercial journeyman plumber, Wiltse has over 15 years experience plumbing in Whatcom County. New dojo opens in Lynden North County Olympic Tae Kwon Do recently opened in Lynden and now is offering classes for children, adults and families. Head instructor Steve Burger launched the classes after undergoing more than 20 years of training in Tae Kwon Do, one of only two martial arts recognized as an official Olympic sport. “Tae Kwon Do is a great form of exercise because it increases strength, endurance, and flexibility,” Burger said. “It also is an effective art of self-defense, especially for women because of the emphasis on kicking. Pound for pound, women have stronger legs than men.” Burger added that children gain self-esteem and a greater sense of responsibility while learning the five tenets of Tae Kwon Do: courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and an indomitable spirit. Children as young as 3-years-old can be enrolled in classes. For more information about classes, call 360-318-8717. New gelato cafe a family passion Living upstairs from your own gelato cafe sounds like an Italian dessert lover’s dream, but it’s a reality for recent University of Washington gradulate, Brian Ugurlu, who will open and manage Sirena Gelato in Fairhaven at the end of August with his sister Melissa. Restaurants run in the family. Brian is the son of Fahri and Robin Ugurlu, the owners of Coppa Mediterreanean Bistro and The Harborside Bistro. After spending this past summer in Italy, Brian came back with a plan. “I can’t think of a place more fun than one that serves gelato and desserts,” said Brian. “No one goes into a gelato cafe in a bad mood, and Fairhaven is the perfect place to put it.” The family got together for a recent training session by Leonardo Mazzero, a third generation gelato artist from Venice, Italy. He taught the Ugurlu’s the fine art of gelato, ice cream sorbet and sherbet preparation using the company’s all natural ingredients. Mazzero explained that gelato has been consumed in Italy for over 2,000 years, starting with the Romans bringing snow from the mountains in terra cotta vessels and mixing it with fruit and sugar. Even residents of Pompeii obtained snow from Mt. Vesuvius for that specific purpose – until a volcano eruption buried the city. The new cafe is opening in the Harris Square building in Fairhaven at 960 Harris Avenue. Within a couple of weeks, the Ugurlu’s plan to be open for gelato, coffee and desserts. Feather Duster opens in Oak Harbor A new furniture store has opened its doors in Oak Harbor. The Feather Duster now offers new and used furniture and accessories for the home at its multi-colored 2,500-square-foot showroom. Contemporary, country, Asian, modern and antique styles are all represented, with new items entering the store every day. During the August grand opening, store patrons were treated to a lively accordion show, lemon chiffon cake, and complimentary feather dusters. Owners Ron and Linda Harris have 10 years of furniture experience, previously owning furniture consignment stores in Bellingham and Bend, Ore. Consignments are welcome by appointment. Call 360-240-0550 for more information. Chef adds Spanish flavor to La Conner Visitors to La Conner now have the option of dining like a prince – Prince Philippe of Spain to be exact. With over 30 years experience in the United States and Europe, including cooking for Prince Philippe, executive certified chef Brian Tolbert has recently opened “The Dulce Plate” in La Conner. According to a recent press release, Tolbert chose La Conner for its fresh local produce and seafood availability. “It’s a chef’s dream to prepare the freshest available products and to create an exciting menu,” he said. Tolbert’s wife, Deborah, also grew up in Washington. Tolbert is also an ex-professional wrestler and participant in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal as a member of the U.S. Greco Roman Wrestling team. He assists the La Conner wrestling team and also taught culinary arts at the Skagit Valley College this year. The Dulce Plate’s menu includes paellas – a traditional Spanish dish of rice, saffron, fresh herbs and spices, Spanish tapas – a variety of small inventive dishes, and lunch and dinner menus of seafood, chicken, duck and steaks. For more information or reservations, call 360-466-1630.
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