25th Annual Children’s Art Walk applauds youth artistry in Bellingham
The 25th Annual Children’s Art Walk kicks off with their opening reception from 5 -8 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in downtown Bellingham. The Children’s Art Walk is a two-week event in which 60 local businesses have partnered up with Allied Arts to display art from students around Whatcom County. The Art Walk celebrates the […]
The 25th Annual Children’s Art Walk kicks off with their opening reception from 5 -8 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in downtown Bellingham.
The Children’s Art Walk is a two-week event in which 60 local businesses have partnered up with Allied Arts to display art from students around Whatcom County. The Art Walk celebrates the local youth and their creativity during Washington’s Art Education Month.
“It’s a wonderful way to get families and kids downtown enjoying the arts and celebrating their kids’ achievements. It’s just so wonderful to watch the kids standing at the windows looking at their pieces and talking to their parents about it,” said Kelly Hart, Allied Arts’ executive director.
The Art Walk includes activities for kids and adults, music, puppet shows and performances by students and instructors.
Puppets by Columbia Elementary students at Allied Arts of Whatcom County on May 3, 2024, during Children’s Art Walk, in Bellingham, Wash. This year’s events include music, puppet shows and performances by students and instructors. // Photo courtesy of Kelly Hart
BellinghamART has participated in the Art Walk for the last couple of years. The Art Walk aligns with BellinghamART’s annual Art Show, where students submit artwork and host an open house to share their pieces with family and friends.
“If kids are on a sports team or something like that, there’s games and ways to kind of showcase what they’re doing, but with art, it’s more of a quiet, solitary thing. And a lot of times you get kids who are more on the shy end or a little bit quieter. So, it’s really cool to have a night where we can celebrate what they’ve been doing and their passion,” said Emily Zimmerman, BellinghamART’s owner and a teacher.
Not only does it empower kids to see their own art on public display, but seeing other kids’ art shows them they are part of a larger artistic community, said Ashley Mask, an art and museum education professor at Western Washington University.
”They see this community cares about kids and respects their artistic work enough to display it. It’s such a powerful positive message for young people to see it out there,” Mask said. “For other people walking around downtown during that time when all the artwork is up, it’s such a joyful space to be in, to see all of that creativity.”
Currently, school districts with more than 200 enrolled students only require at least one visual art or one performing art class throughout the school year, according to the Washington State Legislature.
“Music already has a very strong footprint in many elementary schools for a variety of reasons. Most schools don’t have an art teacher,” Mask said.
To combat the lack of art in education in schools, the Allied Arts Education Project, founded in 2002, has 16 teaching artists that go into schools and teach art classes. It is one of the biggest art education programs in the state, said Hart.
“Arts education provides a variety of different opportunities for kids, where so many of our kids know English as a second language or have learning disabilities,” Hart said . “It’s a way for them to communicate other than the usual writing and communication opportunities that are usually traditional school classes. And it teaches them to be innovative. It teaches them to be creative. It helps them develop their own identity. ”
Children are making sense of the world in all sorts of ways, and art is a part of that, said Mask.
“They’re mark-making with a stick in the sand. They’re sculpting with mud and clay. It’s a very natural thing for us to make. I think it’s especially important right now that art be talked about, written about and centered because it’s incredibly important in helping humanity make sense of things,” Mask said. “We as human beings are makers.”
The Art Walk is funded through Bellingham Public Schools, the Washington State Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts and fundraising cards.
The fundraising cards are of pieces that were exhibited during the Art Walk. They are selected by Allied Arts’ VIP group. Each VIP member selects their favorite pieces and of those, three or four are selected to be reproduced as cards each year.
Not all of the cards are on display, but they are rotated and most of them are available on Allied Arts’ website.
The map of the Art Walk will be available on the Allied Arts website on and paper versions will be available at participating businesses.
Art on display at Allied Arts of Whatcom County on May 3, 2024, during Children’s Art Walk, in Bellingham, Wash. The map for the Art Walk will be available on the Allied Arts website, and printed copies will be available at the participating businesses. // Photo courtesy of Kelly Hart
”One of my favorite times to go around and look at all the work is on Saturday morning, because there aren’t the crowds, and you can just walk down the street and see it all,” Hart said.
Allied Arts is still accepting volunteers for the Art Walk. Western students can volunteer to help with the installation and takedown of the artworks. After the pieces are taken down, they are returned to the students who created them.
“I’m really grateful for Allied Arts for putting all this work into the arts in Bellingham in general. And then having a specific Art Walk for kids,” Zimmerman said. “It’s really special and not a way that kids’ art normally gets celebrated.”
Claire Mayne
Claire Mayne (she/her) is a city life reporter for The Front this quarter. She is a second-year at Western majoring in public relations and minoring in philosophy. When she’s not working on a story, she likes baking, listening to audiobooks and enjoying the outdoors with friends. You can reach her at clairemayne.thefront@gmail.com.
Orcutt National 11’s three-peat as District 65 champions | Youth Sports
The Orcutt National Little League 11-year-old All-Stars have pulled off a three-peat. The Orcutt 11-year-old squad won the District 65 Little League 11’s Tournament for the third consecutive year, defeating Lompoc 13-9 at Atascadero Friday night to win the 2025 tournament title and cap an unbeaten run through the tournament. Many of the Orcutt National […]
The Orcutt National Little League 11-year-old All-Stars have pulled off a three-peat.
The Orcutt 11-year-old squad won the District 65 Little League 11’s Tournament for the third consecutive year, defeating Lompoc 13-9 at Atascadero Friday night to win the 2025 tournament title and cap an unbeaten run through the tournament.
Many of the Orcutt National players have played together for three years.
Orcutt National advanced to the Section 1 Tournament, which District 13 El Rio Little League in Oxnard will host beginning July 10.
Orcutt National catcher Sam Grindy went 4-for-4 in the District 65 tournament title game Friday night. Grindy doubled in the fourth inning, and singled in the first, second and sixth.
Orcutt National broke on top in the top of the first inning. Jax Walker was hit by a pitch, Rocco Kennedy walked then Andrew Siordia singled up the middle. Orcutt National tacked on two runs on a Lompoc error.
Dominic DeMarco extended the Orcutt National lead with an RBI groundout in the top of the second.
Lompoc rallied to tie the game at 7-7 in the bottom of the third then Orcutt National took control for good with five runs in the top of the fourth. Walker provided the biggest hit of the inning for Orcutt National with a two-run triple.
Baylor Baldwin pitched the last three innings in relief for Orcutt National. Baldwin gave up one earned run on no hits and struck out six. Kennedy, the Orcutt National starter, gave up one earned run on five hits over two innings and struck out five.
Nebraska Medicine building new health center to meet growing need in Gretna
GRETNA, Neb. (KMTV) — A new health center is coming to Gretna Landing. The 125,000-square-foot facility will join several other developments. Developers say it’s a project that will meet the needs of the growing community. BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT: Nebraska Medicine says the center will open with primary and specialty care, as well as urgent care, sports […]
GRETNA, Neb. (KMTV) — A new health center is coming to Gretna Landing. The 125,000-square-foot facility will join several other developments. Developers say it’s a project that will meet the needs of the growing community.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Nebraska Medicine says the center will open with primary and specialty care, as well as urgent care, sports medicine and more. It will be large enough to add new services as this part of the city grows.
With the growth of youth sports facilities here, Kevin Garvin, chairman and professor of orthopedic surgery at Nebraska Medicine, says this complex brings needed care and convenience.
“For the Gretna people to not have to drive down to 42nd and Dewey, where the medical center is, we now can come out here and provide a service in their backyard, or front yard if you will,” Garvin said.
It will be the focal point of a new Noddle Company development at Gretna Landing, near 192nd and Highway 370.
You’ll start to see work in the next 30 days, with a groundbreaking around Labor Day, and it will open to patients in the second half of 2027.
SCVNews.com | City Launches New Online Recreation Registration System
The city of Santa Clarita has announced the launch of Kaizen, a new online recreation registration system designed to make it easier for residents to register for classes, programs and events. Kaizen offers a fresh, user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and enhanced features to streamline the registration experience, whether at home or on the go. […]
The city of Santa Clarita has announced the launch of Kaizen, a new online recreation registration system designed to make it easier for residents to register for classes, programs and events.
Kaizen offers a fresh, user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and enhanced features to streamline the registration experience, whether at home or on the go. This system represents a major step forward in how residents interact with city recreation services.
Top new features of the Kaizen platform include:
A simplified registration experience.
Mobile-friendly access.
Digital membership cards.
Calendar syncing with class schedules.
Digital wallet payment options for quick, secure checkouts.
Residents can begin exploring Kaizen today by visiting SantaClarita.gov/Seasons and clicking on the Kaizen logo.
Creating a new user account is fast and easy, and city staff are ready to assist.
While the city prepares for a full transition, summer 2025 programs will continue to be available through the current registration system. Beginning Tuesday, July 1, all fall 2025 classes and programs will be available through the new Kaizen platform.
Certain youth programs, such as sports leagues and Primetime Preschool, will require participants’ birth certificates for registration. Residents are encouraged to upload these documents to their new accounts ahead of time.
Key Fall 2025 Registration Dates:
Youth Sports Fall Leagues – Tuesday, July 8 at 10 a.m.
Afterschool Programs at the Community Centers – Tuesday, July 15 at 10 a.m.
All Fall Classes – Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 10 a.m.
All residents must create a Kaizen account prior to registering for any fall programs. To save time at checkout, users are encouraged to save a payment method in advance.
Need help getting started? Step-by-step instructions are available at SantaClarita.gov/Seasons, or visit any of the city’s three community centers. City staff are also available to assist by phone at (661) 250-3700.
Youth basketball prospects spending week as an Oredigger
BUTTE, Mont. — Montana Tech men’s basketball has built a dynasty, winning the last four Frontier Conference regular season and tournament championships. Now they are paying it forward with a skills camp, as Orediggers of the past, present, and future are in Butte this week to teach the next generation of hoopers what it takes […]
BUTTE, Mont. — Montana Tech men’s basketball has built a dynasty, winning the last four Frontier Conference regular season and tournament championships.
Now they are paying it forward with a skills camp, as Orediggers of the past, present, and future are in Butte this week to teach the next generation of hoopers what it takes to make it to the next level.
“The guys had such great experience when they played here, they want to come back and give back to the community and give back, and be able to interact with the current players,” said Montana Tech head coach Adam Hiatt.
The high potential camp has been a tech tradition since 2016. Last week was for the younger campers, while this week is for high schoolers, putting prospects on a team coach by a current, former, or future Oredigger, like former All-American Asa Williams.
“Giving kids faith and showing them that even if you don’t get a scholarship from Montana Tech, there may be a school that’s out there that maybe wants you. And that’s just my main goal,” said Williams, a Montana Tech forward from 2022-24.
Williams is back in Butte after an incredible debut season overseas, earning first team All-Import honors for the Hessing Kangaroos in Germany’s ProB league.
“My team won the regular season championship, so for my first time ever going overseas, it was a bit getting used to, but I really enjoyed the success that came with it,” said Williams, who plans on playing again in a higher division in Europe next season and would like to be a coach when his playing career comes to an end.
“It just shows that with a lot of hard work, you can make your dreams come true. And nobody works harder than Asa. And I’m hopeful that Asa’s going to instill that mentality on the team that he drafted this week,” said Hiatt.
As for the prospects, they understand the incredible opportunity to spend a week as an Oredigger and are trying to absorb all they can.
“I think I’m going to get the real college experience and it’s going to be fun meeting all the players and just playing with new kids,” said Hellgate class of 2026 forward Zane Gillhouse, who is hoping to get an official offer from the Orediggers by the end of the camp.
“I just want to improve my skills, improve my post work, really work on it in the games,” said class of 2026 forward Sulay Abubakari of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Abubakari has won the last two Idaho state titles alongside Asher Williams, an incoming freshman at Tech this year who is one of the coaches at this week’s camp.
The overnight camp, which includes personalized instruction, food and boarding, is less than $400 per participant, which is why there’s well over 100 kids taking part, and dozens more on a wait list.
“Everybody who comes to our camp has an understanding that we’re going to treat our camps like it’s our team that we’re coaching. We’re going to have the same level of intensity, the same sense of urgency, the same commitment to work ethic, the same attention to detail We get to a lot of teaching and incredible competition this weekand i want every camper that comes here to feel like they were part of our program for one week. That’s kind of the sense of satisfaction that the players have,” said Hiatt.
By: Brett Kennedy (MARYVILLE, MO) – The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team began a 3 day boys basketball camp on campus in Maryville on Monday. Second year coach Matt Keeley and some of his players like juniors Trey Moala and Jack Ratigan were helping run drills for kids in 1st through 8th grade. The camp […]
(MARYVILLE, MO) – The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team began a 3 day boys basketball camp on campus in Maryville on Monday.
Second year coach Matt Keeley and some of his players like juniors Trey Moala and Jack Ratigan were helping run drills for kids in 1st through 8th grade.
The camp intends to focus on fundamental skills for beginners and progressing the skills of higher players. The players and coaches enjoyed helping out the younger generation of players and giving back to the community.
“Kind of reminds you of why you do it. You know, college athlete, you get caught up in just reps and like the daily routine and everything,” said Moala. “But when you get out here with the kids, it reminds you to just take it a lot easier. So it’s fun.”
“Getting the kids out here, we’re just trying to get them to have fun. Giving them a place in the summer to just come and play basketball,” said Ratigan. “It’s a cool experience to be around college basketball players when you’re that age, to see just kind of what you want to be and it’s awesome to be that for these kids, to just be there for them.”
“To get the little guys into the gym always gives a new sense of energy and just remind us all when we got started and where everything was,” said Keeley. “It’s always just fun to see the different levels of abilities, energy and excitement. You definitely get a feed off of what they bring in here. Plus we get to hand them out green and white Northwest shirts and get them thinking Bearcats at an early age.”
The camp continues on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Northwest will hold a skills camp for boys next month on July 29th through the 31st.
Grimes County coach honored with ‘Be Remarkable’ award for dedication to youth sports
NAVASOTA, Texas (KBTX) – For more than two decades, Kevin Baker has poured his heart into coaching and mentoring young athletes in Grimes County. This week, that commitment was recognized as Baker received the “Be Remarkable” award, presented by Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers and KBTX. Baker, a former standout athlete who went to state in […]
NAVASOTA, Texas (KBTX) – For more than two decades, Kevin Baker has poured his heart into coaching and mentoring young athletes in Grimes County. This week, that commitment was recognized as Baker received the “Be Remarkable” award, presented by Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers and KBTX.
Baker, a former standout athlete who went to state in both football and basketball, has turned his love for sports into a lifelong mission of service. His coaching journey began with his sons and grandson and has since extended to generations of youth in the community.
“I started with my sons when they were little, and just kept going from group to group,” said Baker, who currently serves as president of the Grimes County Little Dribblers and coaches select AAU basketball teams.
Baker’s influence goes far beyond the sidelines. His sister, Jennifer Baker, who nominated him for the award, said she’s witnessed his tireless dedication firsthand.
“He’s always there for the kid. Early mornings, late nights, all day in the gym,” she said. “He loves sports, but more than that, he loves helping.”
That passion is echoed by Baker’s wife, who said she continues to be amazed by the energy and heart he brings to the court and community.
“It’s great to see his dedication—not just to the kids, but to the parents and everyone around him,” she said. “He keeps me going.”
For his selfless service, Baker was presented with a $500 check as part of the Be Remarkable program, which recognizes individuals making a meaningful difference in their communities.
“Coach, you are worth remarking about,” said Linda McMillan with Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers. “Thank you for the way you care for your family, serve your community, and inspire the next generation.”
If you have someone you want to nominate for our Be Remarkable campaign click here!
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