As we share the newly updated Aging Well Whatcom Blueprint, we’re reflecting on all that has changed since we released the original edition in the fall of 2019.

We will be hosting a webinar on July 14th to take a detailed look into the newly released 2022 edition of the Aging Well Whatcom Blueprint. Please join us to learn more!

We hope you’ll join us as we reconnect with the wide network of neighbors working to make Whatcom County a great place to age! Three years after our first community summit, we are excited to share space with you again, present the newly updated Blueprint document, and showcase new programs and projects that align with the Blueprint's six pillars.

For our last installment of the Art of Aging series we’re sharing the words of Barbara McHugh, who spoke about curiosity, gratitude, and flexibility. Our deepest thanks to all our neighbors who shared their stories through this project, and to the Art of Aging team for bringing their voices to life.

It’s been two years since the original Blueprint was released, and the Aging Well Whatcom Steering Committee is pausing to assess what progress has been made and how we may want to revise the Blueprint strategies. We are gathering input in several ways, and hope you will participate!

Today we’re sharing the Art of Aging team’s interview with Bellingham resident Jim Lortz. An actor and director, Jim spoke about how his perspective has changed with age, navigating life with Parkinson’s, and using theater to stir imagination and access emotion.

In today’s Art of Aging interview, Teresa Garcia speaks about caregiving, moving to a skilled nursing facility, and the relationships that have gotten her through challenging times.

Sharing their story with the Art of Aging team, Beth and Spencer Ahrens spoke about growing up in rural Whatcom County, dealing with multiple sclerosis, and supporting each other throughout 56 years of marriage.

We’re thrilled to share the recipients of our inaugural round of Aging Well Whatcom grants! Awarded through a collaborative process with AWW Steering Committee members, these grants will fund work being done in our community to support older adults in alignment with the AWW Blueprint focus areas.

Today we’re sharing the Art of Aging team’s interview with Lynden resident LeAna Osterman. Follow the link to hear LeAna talk about finding her calling, advocating for women and families, and how her faith guides her.

Today’s Art of Aging interview comes from Sharon Wagner, who shares her adventurous spirit as she speaks about the journey of her life and the value of accepting uncertainty, loss, and change.

Continuing the Art of Aging interview series, long-time Whatcom resident Robin Dexter spoke with the team about starting his commercial fishing career in the 1970s, how the industry has changed, and the impacts it’s had on his body, livelihood, and the environment.

Today we’re sharing the voice of community leader Liz Baxter, who spoke to the Art of Aging team about what happiness and meaning look like for her at 65.

After moving to Bellingham in her seventies, Maggie Weisberg’s relationships with her friends, children, and community took on new dimensions.

We’re continuing our Art of Aging series today with the words of Tommy Gibson. He spoke with the team about how his art informs the way he sees aging, making unexpected connections when he returned to Whatcom County, and the importance of lifelong learning.

Today we’re sharing the words of Ferndale resident Daljit Dhillon, who spoke with the Art of Aging team about how his multigenerational family keeps him feeling young.

Today’s Art of Aging interview comes from Sandy Stork, who shares her thoughts about her life-long interest in aging, the lessons she has learned from other elders, and navigating independence as an older adult.

In his interview with the Art of Aging team, Jack Lee shared his perspective on the freedom that comes with age, finding joy and meaning through art, and approaching death with candor and compassion.

We’re grateful today to be sharing the words of Lummi elder Danita Washington (Cē lēēa’), who spoke to the Art of Aging team about her roots, what it really means to be an elder, and the lessons she learns from her granddaughter.

In today’s post from the Art of Aging project, Josselyn Winslow shares her perspective on a life well-lived, how she views death as a transition, and the unusual role she plays in her apartment building.