by Brita Adkinson
DEMING – Local artists will have their art on display in the new meeting room at the Deming Library, during summer and fall. The first art show opened July 6, featuring paintings by Paul Temperio of the South Fork Valley, and will run through Aug. 8. Among Temperio’s artworks are portraits and several striking images of Mount Shuksan.
On Aug. 16, Max Lucy will open the second exhibition, featuring photographs. Lucy, a 23 year-old graduate of Mt Baker High School, grew up on Mosquito Lake Road in Deming. Lucy’s father is a potter (co-founder of Cloudy Mountain Pottery) and his mother creates quilts.
“I’ve been surrounded by art and directly or indirectly encouraged to create my whole life by my parents,” Lucy said.
During his high school years, Lucy traveled to Costa Rica and South Africa with the Experiment in International Living. “For the first time I had my own 35 mm camera and was presented with subjects that were foreign to me and hence, personally captivating.”
After high school, Lucy attended the University of San Francisco and graduated with a degree in International Studies: Environment and Development, with minors in African Studies and Environmental Science. In those four years, Lucy traveled to India and Japan, studied abroad for a year with the School for International Training in Switzerland and Uganda, and also traveled in Europe, Egypt, and East Africa. Lucy’s photography pictures life in the countries he visited.
“The photos convey a shared sense of commonality that wherever one is in a US city, in a rural African village, in a national park, or in a different time, there are people who have the same simple emotions as people always have.”
Currently, Lucy works for the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD), an international organization which partners with more than 300 community-based organizations throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America to support sustainable change. The work involves public health, youth and education, environmental degradation, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and human rights. Lucy’s photographs will be on display until September 12.
From September 27 until October 24, textile art will be on show, featuring quilts and other textile art by Paula Graham, of Deming. Around 20 years ago, Graham began making quilts, wall hangings and other textile art works, for herself and as gifts for friends and family. In the beginning, she learned rules and traditions in quilt making and worked in the established traditions. Eventually, Graham began making her own patterns and “bent the rules.” She said doing so “felt invigorating and allowed me to experience a sense of creativity that I did not expect fabric to provide.” These days, she has freed herself of all rules and enjoys creating new patterns and styles in her art.
During November, a group exhibition will feature local crafts.
In the spring 2010, the Friends of the Deming Library, a 500-member support group, formed a sub-committee called Foothills Arts and Crafts Exhibits, FACE, with the purpose to organize these art shows. “When we looked at the walls of the new meeting room, we thought this is a good place for showing art,” said Sharon Digby, committee chair and coordinator of the art shows. Digby, who previously worked for the Whatcom County Planning Department, has spent the last seven years supporting the Deming Library through the Friends. She served as project manager for the extension of the Deming Library, completed last year.
Art shows will be 4-6 weeks in duration. “We will be emphasizing artists from the foothills area, but are not restricting ourselves geographically,” commented Digby.
Local artists who wish to exhibit their art may contact Sharon Digby at 592-2286, or the Deming Library at 592-2422.

by Brita Adkinson
EVERSON – Around 60 people gathered on Sunday July 25 at Everson’s Riverside Park to celebrate the completion of the pergola project.
Approximately four years ago, the Everson Garden Club began planning a pergola structure for the park. “We wanted to create a place where people could gather,” said Kim Brandt, president of the Everson Garden Club.
The pergola structure was built to provide a place where families, individuals and groups may gather for birthday celebrations, family reunions, receptions and other parties, explained Brandt. The space is open to the public year round.
The idea was first presented to the club by Everson resident Cori Litorja. Together with two other club members, Libby Mades and Judy Toon, Litorja formed the initial committee and developed a plan. Everson architect Wayne Sorenson carried out the professional design for the construction. Many in the community stepped up to help with donations and construction.
“We could not have completed this project without the help of the many, many members of the community who donated both money and labor to make it possible,” said Brandt, adding, “We received cash donations, in-kind donations of materials and also materials at cost.”
She said volunteers who managed the project included Doug and Jason Brown, Dave Wiggins and Dave Geleynse, all local residents. Many others also contributed their time and efforts, Brandt emphasized. She said although the majority of the garden club members are women, many of their husbands helped support the project with their labor.
Brandt, who works as a school teacher in the Nooksack Valley school district for approximately 23 years, said calculations of costs had not been finalized, however, the construction and landscaping costs are so far estimated to be around $30,000. A notable donation of $10,000 was offered by the Everson Lions Club.
With generous donations of soil and plants, volunteers built a retaining wall and put in a variety of trees, evergreen shrubs and flowering shrubs to surround and cover the structure. The center part of the structure has a solid roof, while the remaining part will be partly shaded by plants.
At Sunday’s ceremony, Sara Swisher, member of the Everson Garden Club, welcomed people and thanked all the volunteers and donors. Builders Dave Wiggins and Doug Brown jointly cut the ribbon to open the premises to the public. Everson Mayor John Perry was present, along with many of the volunteers. Although there was not an extensive program, people lingered in the park for a couple of hours, enjoying the snacks, and in particular, Brandt commented, they enjoyed being together, just relaxing and visiting. “We who live in Everson don’t get together like this very often, so we had a very good time,” Brandt added. She said the pergola project is a great example of how “many people make work light.”
People who wish to plan an event at the Riverside Park pergola garden should contact the City of Everson at 966-3411. According to Brandt, the City will not provide a formal booking service, however, they will make a note on the calendar of any individuals or groups who plan to use the space.

Garage Sale: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NVU Methodist Church, 203 E. Lincoln, Nooksack.

Friends of Everson McBeath Community Library at Everson-Nooksack Days: Used Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4  p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 10

Peddlers Market: Rain or shine at Blue Mountain Grill, 974 Valley Highway, Acme. For table space, call 595-2200.

Everson-Nooksack Days: Community fun, games, parade, vendors and more in downtown Everson. Family fun run starts in Nooksack City Park.

All About Orchids: Cost is $10 per person. Workshop presented by Chuck McClung at Mountainside Gardens, 10 a.m. to noon. To sign up, call 599-2890.

Friends of Everson McBeath Community Library at Everson-Nooksack Days: Used Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historical walking tour of downtown Everson with local historian James Berg at 12:30 on July 10;  and a Cake Walk from 1:30 – 2:30 on July 10.

South Fork Summer Celebration: Fund raiser for the South Fork Valley Community Association. 3 p.m. to dusk at Josh Vander Yacht Memorial Park, Van Zandt. Includes Farmers and Crafters Market (call 592-2297 to reserve space), memorial  ceremony, games, music by Calico Hearts and bandZandt.

Community Contra Dance: For the Everson-Nooksack Summer Festival. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Glen Echo Community Club, 7694 Goodwin Road, Everson. Finger food potluck, music by Up in the Air. Cost is $7 individual, or $20 for a family of 3 or more. Call 393-1312.

War Pigeon: Live music at Graham’s restaurant, Glacier. 9 p.m. 21+ after 10 p.m. 599-1964.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14

Treasure Hunt: Somewhere in the library there is pirate treasure. Join the hunt with Catherine Sarette. 10:30 a.m. For kids of all ages. Everson Public Library, 104 Kirsch Drive. Call 966-5100.

Scooby Doo Party: Celebrate all your favorite Scooby Doo characters with games, crafts and Scooby snacks. Rooby Rooby Roo! 1 p.m. For kids of all ages. Sumas Public Library, 451 2nd St. Call 988-2501.

SATURDAY, JULY 17

Annual Rubber Ducky Race: Boulder Creek in Maple Falls. Race begins at noon, rain or shine. 1st place wins $400, 2nd place wins $200, and 3rd place wins $100. Hot dog, chips and soda meals just $4. Tickets Available for $5 each at Mountain Man Espresso, Maple Falls Liquor Store, The Frosty Inn and Starvin’ Sam’s or by calling Paulene Shaw at 599-1265. Proceeds benefit the Mount Baker Scholarship Fund and Community Activity Funds.

Growing Your New Business: A free small business workshop with Jack Kimmes from SCORE.  1 p.m.  The WCLS Hard Times project received a grant from Office of the Secretary of State, Washington State Library as a part of Renew Washington Project which is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Institute of Museum and Library Services. Deming Public Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway. Call 592-2422.

Book (and Stuff) Sale: Friends of the Sudden Valley Library are having a book and household goods sale at the Sudden Valley Flea Market at the Community Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the remodeling fund for the new Sudden Valley Library in the middle barn. Donations of books, clothes, household items, and baked goods are welcome. Please contact Clairene Almond, 318-3699 for more information.

Mt Baker Alumni Basketball BATTLE of the DECADES II: Proceeds from this event will be donated to Mount Baker arts programs. Presented by Mount Baker Alumni Association.Exhibition basketball tournament featuring several Mount Baker alumni teams from the 70’s to the present! Mt. Baker Field House. Admission is $5/adult, $3/student and $15/family. Concessions available. Call Joan McNielly at 592-2274.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21

Dive Into Science: Water is more amazing than you ever guessed! Experiments, treats, and more with Tammy LaPlante.  For school-age kids. 10:30 a.m. Everson Public Library, 104 Kirsch Drive. Call 966-5100.

THURSDAY, JULY 22

bentgrass: Local bluegrass band performs at Graham’s Restaurant. No charge. 21+ after 10 p.m. Call 599-1964.

SATURDAY, JULY 24

A Labyrinth Walk & Talk: 3-6 p.m. at the Van Zandt Community Hall. Myra Smith, owner of Laughing Flower Labyrinth & Landscape Co., will tell participants about their history and purpose. Admission is free, but a $10 donation would be appreciated. All welcome.

SUNDAY, JULY 25

A 12 inch Hike!  Explore the Miniature World of the Subalpine Ecosystem and earn your Junior  Ranger Badge North Cascades Natural Park Ranger and Environmental Educator Christie Fairchild will lead this hands-on activity for kids of all ages. Heather Meadows Speaker Series, 1 p.m. Parking pass required.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28

Beach Party:  Games, beach reading, and treats. But beware of sharks! (Bring a beach towel.) With Catherine Sarette. For kids of all ages. 10:30 a.m. Everson Public Library, 104 Kirsch Drive. Call 966-5100.