Rainy Saturday in Bellingham with Orcas, Live Music, and Community Events

Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Saturday, April 12, 2025. We’re starting off with a reminder to grab your umbrellas and watch those gusts—heavy rain and strong winds are in the forecast today. Areas near the Nooksack River are keeping a close eye on water levels as the river approaches flood action stages. If you're out and about, drive carefully and watch for debris on roads, especially after yesterday's severe weather. Looking for something fun to do indoors? The Bellingham Public Library is hosting its Correspondence Club this morning from 10:30 to 12:30 in the SkillShare Space. Whether it’s postcards or pen pals, this gathering celebrates the art of letter-writing for all ages. Over at Mount Baker Theatre, you can step back into cinematic history at 2 p.m. with a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s *The Circus*, complete with a live organ score by Dennis James. Later, head to The Shakedown for an evening of live music starting at 8 p.m. If you're feeling crafty, downtown Bellingham has the 13th Annual Recycled Arts & Resource Exhibition happening at 11 a.m. This event showcases stunning art pieces made from upcycled materials and includes hands-on, family-friendly activities. And for the gardeners out there, drop into the Spring Terrariums workshop at the Central Library, also starting at 11 a.m. It’s a chance to craft your own tiny, green ecosystem to take home. Over in Blaine, the “Peace, Love, and a Handshake” rally continues at the Peace Arch Monument from noon to 2 p.m. This cross-border gathering aims to strengthen U.S.-Canada relationships and support local businesses hit hard by recent travel restrictions. Expect live music and a symbolic hockey-style handshake to cap the event. In local news, the City of Bellingham was ordered to pay $2.25 million to the family of a former officer involved in domestic abuse. This verdict highlights how systemic accountability for public officials impacts the trust we place in local institutions. Meanwhile, Amtrak service through Bellingham is still rerouted, but partial service is expected to resume soon, offering some relief to frequent travelers. And finally, a rare wildlife encounter delighted locals earlier this week as orcas were spotted in Bellingham Bay. If you’re by the shoreline, keep your eyes peeled; you might just catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. That’s it for today, Bellingham. Bundle up, stay safe, and enjoy all the events our vibrant community has to offer despite the weather. This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.