Unsung Heroes

  September 2017

Lisa Voigt, Tutor with Whatcom Literacy Council

by Kathryn Fentress Since 1978, the Whatcom Literacy Council has been helping adults in Whatcom County improve their literacy skills and learn English. Through customized individual tutoring and focused, small group classes, adult learners acquire critical skills needed to become … Continue reading

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  August 2017

Wendy Scherrer, Environmental Educator

by Kathryn Fentress Wendy Scherrer, 64, has three adult children and three grandchildren. She is a 1976 Huxley College graduate who helped develop the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) and became its Executive Director in 1999. After earning her environmental … Continue reading

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  July 2017

Mary Loquvam and the York Farm

by Kathryn Fentress York Farm Staff.                                                  photo: photo: Bob Pescovitz Mary Loquvam was raised in Oakland and … Continue reading

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  June 2017

Maru Mora Villalpando and Latino Advocacy

by Kathryn Fentress Maru Mora Villalpando was born and raised in Mexico City. She first came to the United States in the early 90s for economic reasons. She returned to the United States in 1994 for political reasons. She lived … Continue reading

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  May 2017

Ellen Murphy and Nonviolence

by Kathryn Fentress Ellen Murphy, 80, has been a lifelong nonviolence practitioner and teacher for peace and justice. She was arrested many times as a 10-year member of The Desert Waves Affinity Group at the Nevada Nuclear Weapons Test Site … Continue reading

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  April 2017

Becky Spithill and Real Change News

by Kathryn Fentress Becky Spithill has masters’ degrees in environmental science and local government and urban/regional planning. She worked for city of Bellingham in water treatment from 1993 to 2000. She worked in Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Government Accountability … Continue reading

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  March 2017

Shelly Grant, Dominick Manetti and Cascadia Volunteer Advocacy

by Kathryn Fentress   Shelly Grant, a Washington native, moved to Bellingham to attend WWU. She graduatedwith a degree in communication and a minor in creative writing. She stayed after graduation because she feels at home here, likes the people, … Continue reading

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  February 2017

Erik Dyrland, Advocate for Kids

by Kathryn Fentress Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County (Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and Blaine) is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach … Continue reading

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  January 2017

Larry Freeman, M.D. Physician Activist

by Kathryn Fentress Larry Freeman is a psychiatrist who moved here in 1995 from New Zealand. His wife is a social worker and they have two sons, a daughter and one grandchild. He has an active private practice and is … Continue reading

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  December 2016

Beth Brownfield, Committed Activist

by Kathryn Fentress Beth Brownfield, 75, moved to Bellingham with her husband in 2004 from Minneapolis, Minn. They have two adult children and two grandchildren. Beth and her husband spent two years in the Peace Corps in Honduras before starting … Continue reading

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