Anacortes gourmet shop opens

Anacortes residents who have enjoyed the offerings of Marianne Mach’s The Dish for the last 12 years now can get acquainted with The Sidedish, a specialty gourmet shop opened next door by her son, Tyler, in January. The shop specializes in gourmet meats and artisan cheeses, but also offers pastries, sauces, oils, vinegars, sodas and candy. The Dish will return to its focus on kitchenware.

New gallery opens

Handprint Arts Gallery celebrated its grand opening Feb. 26 at its location in the Cascade Vocational Services building on North State Street in Bellingham. The gallery was initially intended solely to provide studio space to artists with disabilities, but Volunteer Coordinator Rick Page said Handprints has now decided to include the general public.

Web site for gardeners launched

Northwest gardeners now have a new online resource featuring gardening tips, news, forums and more. Cheryll Greenwood Kinsley, co-author of Garden Sense, said she launched Garden Sense Online to promote good gardening practices. A team of writers, a photographer, and a creative designer—all based in Bellingham—created the online publication. To subscribe or to view free features, visit www.gardensenseonline.com.

Art gallery opens in Lynden

Starr Johnson opened Crooked Lion Fine Art in Lynden in November. Located at 300 Front St., the new gallery showcases local fine art. The public is invited to meet artist LeSan Riedmann at the gallery March 19 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Digital imaging company opens

JellyBarn Inc., an online photo management business, opened its doors to the public Feb. 11 in Lynden. Kendall Wouters, JellyBarn’s chief executive officer, has teamed with Devin Day and Matthew Bergsma of Bellingham to offer options and innovative products to make digital camera and camera phone images more exciting. Online help will be available at www.jellybarn.com in early spring. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

“Dr. FeelGood” opens legal office in Anacortes

Nancy Durell has opened a legal practice in downtown Anacortes. Durell, an honors graduate of both Gonzaga University School of Law and Palmer College of Chiropractic, has opened her full-time family law practice after rheumatoid arthritis ended her career as a chiropractor in Elko, Nev.
“I wanted satisfying work, too, as chiropractic practice had been,” Durell said. “For me that meant finding a career purpose that involved helping others.”
Durell chose Skagit County, and Anacortes in particular, because it reminded her of summers spent with her family in Maine. She also likes the sense of community.

Recovering your judgment

Bellingham-based judgment recovery company Find Your Keepers recently opened for business. Owner Brian Phelps said he plans to draw customers from both Whatcom and Skagit counties. Phelps said he saw untapped potential in the two counties.
“Winning a judgment in court is just half the battle,” Phelps said. “Most people believe that once a judge has issued a decision the check will soon be in the mail.”
Eighty-percent of small claims cases go uncollected, but Phelps hopes that, with no upfront fees, local residents will come to him to collect.
“I am able to apply the steps necessary to obtain satisfaction of their judgment without emotion,” Phelps said. “It is strictly a business transaction to me and not personal.”

Books and beer

Bombadil’s Book and Brew is a new Sedro-Woolley pub specializing in locally produced craft beer, wine and food – and first-edition used hardbound books.
The business is owned by Peggy and Russell Bogs, who own Peggy’s Organica Bakery located next door. The pub will be a family affair, as one of Peggy’s sons, Ryan Ott, owns the building and another son Derrick Ott, will run the pub.
The pub’s fare will consist of sandwiches and other entrees made with bread from the family bakery.

Surveyor comes to Coupeville

Michael Looram, a professional land surveyor and engineer, has opened an office at 15 North West Coveland in Coupeville.
Looram said he looks forward to working with local landowners and real-estate agents.

Relax Station opens in Mount Vernon

Gene and Allison Morelan opened Relaxation Station on March 7 on First Street in Mount Vernon. The station is a place for people to relax, unwind, de-stress and get revived in a relaxing atmosphere.
The store includes a hydrotherapy message bed, three individual oxygen rooms and an oxygen lounge. Massage chairs are available for sale and for 15-minute cycle massages. Other items for sale include lotions, oils candles, hand massagers and books to help you relax.