Assistance League of Bellingham is an all volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to community enrichment through community service.  All volunteer means that every penny supports their five local philanthropic programs.

This gem of a local philanthropy provides new clothes to disadvantaged children, clothing & personal care items to women & children affected by domestic violence, sweats to folks in need in the emergency room, gifts for seniors in nursing homes, and scholarships for summer enrichment programs.

Come learn more about Assistance League – and their newest grant that brings new opportunities to their organization and our community.

Mark Your Calendar!  Upcoming Assistance League Fundraisers:

October 29th: Fall Fling Fashion Show & Luncheon

November 5th: Yule Boutique

Did you know… 1 in 2 people will need long term care at some time in their lives?  Did you know… your health has to qualify to get Long Term Care Insurance?  Learn how Long Term Care Insurance can save you and your loved ones.

Learn Top Tips to Prevent Dementia.  Yes! There are things you can do, no matter your age, to keep your brain working well and supporting a vibrant life.

Cindy Sherwin of Long Term Care Solutions is a specialist in Long Term Care Insurance. She educates about what long term care is, how long term care insurance works, what benefit choices are available, what the benefit choices mean, when benefits will be received, what the insurance costs, and much more. Contact Cindy for a no-fee consultation.

At Whatcom Women’s Network, our members’ interests are as diverse as our professions.  One common value we hold is community involvement and support.  Here are some of our favorite local community events this fall:

Assistance League of Bellingham Fall Fling Fashion Show and Luncheon Fundraiser is a popular annual event for this local philanthropy.  More impact for your buck as this all-volunteer organization sends all proceeds directly to local charitable services.

Lizz Winstead “I’m Here For You Planned Parenthood” Tour at WWU PAC: Co-creator of The Daily Show and co-founder of Air America Radio, political satirist Lizz Winstead brings her razor-sharp wit and hilarious spin on current events, with all proceeds going to benefit Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood.

Into The Woods at the historic Mount Baker Theatre: On October 5^th the Mount Baker Theatre begins a run of 6 bewitching performances of the Tony Award-winning musical classic Into the Woods. You’re invited to take part in the adventure as the Mount Baker Theatre celebrates a milestone – the first Main Stage self-produced, professional production in their 85-year history.

Boundary Bay Bewery gives back with two music, beverage, fundraising & more events: Support the Puget Sound Blood Center’s marrow project and Whatcom Land Trust – eat, drink, be merry, and support our community.

Have you ever found yourself salivating as you review the pictures in your favorite cookbook or imagining yourself lounging in a gorgeous home featured in a glossy magazine?  Meet Diane Padys, Photographer with Padys Eye Photography, aka the woman who makes that kind of magic happen with a camera.

As many Whatcom county residents celebrate our community’s bounty with eat local month, Diane shares a closer look at our local farms.  After visiting many growers, she has produced an enticing collection of photographs for the Sustainable Connections Mentor Farm Poster Campaign (2011).  Come join us to learn more:

Diane has left behind the hustle & bustle of commercial photography in New York and high fashion photography in Los Angeles (once named Vanity Fair’s Artist of the Year) to bring her superior eye to Whatcom County.  Whether it’s food, fashion, architecture, business head-shots, catalogues, product packaging, environmental portraiture, or any other image – Diane brings her magic eye to capture the “poetry of colors” in the moment.

Dog Days of Summer at Assistance League Thriftshop:

Bring a picture of your pooch to the Assistance League of Bellingham thriftshop in downtown Bellingham (1322 Cornwall Ave). Then vote for your favorite pooch – the winner will receive a gift certificate to this “Nordstrom of Thriftshops.”  Stick around and do a little shopping in this oasis of gently used treasures.  Being an all volunteer philantrhopic organization, every penny you spend on their super deals go to serving our local community.

The Alzheimer Society of Washington hosts its 12th annual “Miles for Memories” walk/run August 20th, 2011 at the Village Green in Fairhaven.  Walk, Run, or Cheer on your favorite team while supporting families affected by Alzheimer’s.

The marketing gurus out there say you need to “differentiate” yourself, identify your “unique selling proposition” and build on your “competitive advantage.”  But what does that really mean and how do you do it?

Siobhan Murphy calls this your “Special Sauce.” It is those characteristics and experiences that make you different from anyone else in your field.  Learn the 7 key ingredients to your “Special Sauce” and the inside scoop on Siobhan’s unique history of ingredients.

Cascade Small Business Associates, LLC is an elite team of financial support professionals led by Brianna Siobhan Q. Murphy.  Siobhan holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Western Washington University; is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified in Financial Management (CFM).  She has applied her accounting and business experience to a wide range of industries including not-for-profit, public accounting, privately held small business, home-based business, and individuals.

Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family, Ms. Murphy holds a strong passion for supporting small business owners.  She enjoys living an entrepreneurial lifestyle as a 10-year entrepreneur in the accounting, financial services, online, and home based business industries.

At WWN, we are strong believers in community involvement.  These are just a few of the events our members are participating in this summer…

Rice Insurance celebrates 65 years of service! Join the festivities as Rice Insurance Celebrates 65 Years on Thursday, August 11, 2011 and supports Whatcom Hospice Foundation.

Support the creation of a Sudden Valley Library south Whatcom branch.

Summer Meltdown is a multi-day outdoor music and camping festival held in the Cascade foothills of Darrington Washington.  Join this family friendly community weekend August 12-14, 2011.

The 50th Annual Anacortes Art Festival runs August 5-7, 2011.  The downtown streets will be filled with 250 outstanding artisans, music, food, beverages, and creative youth area.

Can’t wait for the NW Washington Fair (coming August 15-20, 2011)?  Get a taste of local Fair Fun at the Skagit County Fair August 10-13, 2011.

Now go and and enjoy some summer fun!

“Don’t get mad, get even.”

This may be a common phrase in our culture, but it doesn’t lead to mutually respectful, trusting, joyful, rich and fulfilling relationships.  So, what can women do with anger?

Join Virginia Malmquist, M.Ed, Counselor/Therapist, for an exploration of the paradox of women and anger: although there are cultural triggers for anger for women, there are no sanctions.  Learn what anger is, how to deal with it, and even better how to set boundaries & advocate for your own needs to prevent anger before is takes hold.

Virginia Malmquist, , M.Ed, Counselor/Therapist, helps individuals, couples and families create healthier, happier lives.  Sessions take place in a quiet cabin on 20 wooded acres complete with a large pond and great blue herons. A sliding scale ensures services are affordable for all. Contact Virginia for a free phone consultation.

Support Assistance League of Bellingham, WWN member and local philanthropic superstar, as they join downtown merchants in the annual Downtown Bellingham Sidewalk Sale.  Assistance League is an all-volunteer non-profit, which means every penny you spend on their incredible Sidewalk Sale deals go directly to local charitable giving programs.

Celebrate life, survivors, and loved ones lost while raising funds for the American Cancer Society.  Relay for Life begins Friday, July 8th, 2011 in downtown Bellingham.   Cancer never sleeps and so the Relay runs 24 hours.  These will be 24 unforgettable, life-changing hours.  Over 90 teams, 1,000 participants, and $144,000 raised so far.

Spice up your week with some world class Jazz at the 10th Annual Blaine Jazz Festival.  Pearl Django, Nick Biello, Martin Kuuskmann, and many more (including the next generation of jazz in the making).  Six exciting days of rehearsals, combos, improv, composition, and other great classes for teens with an internationally recognized faculty culminating in a jazz concert featuring student big bands, combos and vocal groups PLUS multiple performances by visiting jazz artists.  July 10-16, 2011.