Good morning, Bellingham.

Portal Container Village will open tomorrow on the downtown waterfront, featuring local vendors, biking, mini-golf and a new rooftop Chuckanut Bay Distillery.

The site is set to host major summer events, starting with Party on the Pier on May 8 — blending funk, jazz and a downtown wine walk.

Sherrie Turner has been named the new executive director at Christian Hope Association, and she aims to offer flexible leadership in community service.

Volunteers and funding are still needed for planned upgrades to the Lynden Pump Track — three months ago, Mike Klaczynski approached Lenny McWilliams to discuss restoration plans.

The well-loved facility is set to be improved for local riders.

High school students gained hands-on career experience at the third annual Learning with Leaders event on Apr.

24. FuturesNW coordinated sessions in nursing, early childhood education and criminal justice at Whatcom Community College, Bellingham Technical College and Skagit Valley College.

On April 13, at the Jansen Art Center in Lynden, five students competed in the LMTA annual string competition as judge Kristen Jensen selected violinist Katherine Krieg and pianist Clara Rogers (winners) to perform at the Washington State Music Teachers Association conference in June.

At its April 16 meeting in Lynden, the Nooksack Valley School Board approved a new K-5 science curriculum — a move to update district classroom standards.

Officials said the decision supports plans for future school improvements.

Mount Baker sophomore Ari Woodin joined FFA in eighth grade after her sister Raelynn’s success in veterinary science in Deming inspired her; she now pursues her dream of becoming a veterinarian (a path that highlights FFA’s hands-on learning approach).

Since March, 16 gray whales have died along Washington’s coastline; Cascadia Research Collective is investigating factors including malnutrition, vessel collisions and entanglement.

Researchers expect additional deaths this season — a sign that the whale stranding season is intensifying.

Downtown Lynden businesses have expressed interest in adding electric vehicle charging stations as a local committee reviews plans to address the town’s lack of charging options.

Officials will consider various approaches to expand electrification soon.

WSDOT will close the right lane of northbound I-5 at Samish Way from 6 a.m. Saturday, May 2 until 8 a.m. Sunday for concrete panel replacement and will shutter the off-ramp at Lakeway Drive until 3 p.m. Saturday (closures may change if weather delays curing).

Spring Car Show

All day — Les Schwab Tire Center — Free for spectators, $20 registration fee — Show off your wheels and enjoy a day of automotive camaraderie.

KMRE 88.3 FM Marks 20 Years of Independent Community Radio with “Whatcom in Food & Stories”

On Thursday, May 7, KMRE presents Whatcom in Food & Stories at the Ferndale Events Center (5715 Barrett Road). This one-night-only gathering blends inventive local cuisine with live storytelling, creating an immersive experience that reflects the richness, diversity, and creativity of the region. KMRE is a nonprofit, all-volunteer, independent community radio station serving Whatcom County.

KMRE 88.3 FM Marks 20 Years of Independent Community Radio with “Whatcom in Food & Stories”

On Thursday, May 7, KMRE presents Whatcom in Food & Stories at the Ferndale Events Center (5715 Barrett Road). This one-night-only gathering blends inventive local cuisine with live storytelling, creating an immersive experience that reflects the richness, diversity, and creativity of the region. KMRE is a nonprofit, all-volunteer, independent community radio station serving Whatcom County.

Heather Lea: Riding Full Circle

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Enjoy humorous tales of adventure and life lessons learned from the road on a motorcycle journey across the world.

Anne H. Putnam and Ashleigh Renard: A Conversation on Memoir Writing

4-5 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Engaging discussion about relationships, memoirs, and the healing journey post-heartbreak.

Day Hiking in the PNW with Craig Romano and Tami Asars

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Discover the best trails in the Snoqualmie Pass region and enhance your hiking adventures with expert insights.

Kate Schuman - Desert Rose Family Event

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free — Explore music and storytelling while building a cattle drive on a felt board in this engaging family activity.

River Spell Concert

4-8 p.m. — Skylarks Cafe — Cost info unavailable — Experience the unique sound of River Spell, a jam band blending folk, rock, and funk.

Sam Lachow Live Performance

9 PM – 12 AM — Wild Buffalo House Of Music — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience an eclectic mix of music from a talented producer and rapper known for his innovative style.