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New owners at Dave’s Sports Shop; VanderHoeks to retire

New owners at Dave’s Sports Shop; VanderHoeks to retire

There’s a new local couple at the helm of Dave’s Sports Shop in Lynden.

Will and Jenn Lathrop took ownership of the shop on May 1. The local sporting goods store had been under the ownership of the VanderHoek family since its founding in 1957 as Jude’s Sporting Goods.

Since October, the Lathrops have been training in the store under Dave and Claudia VanderHoek, who have been mentoring them to take over the business.

Dave VanderHoek and Will Lathrop shake hands in front of Dave's Sports Shop to commemorate the transition in ownership.

Will Lathrop has been a customer of Dave’s Sports Shop since 2007, the year he moved to the area and the same year Dave’s moved to Lynden’s Fairway Center. In October 2020, when he learned that the store was looking for new ownership, he and Jenn had a fleeting thought that the business could be fun to own. However, it wasn’t until early 2021, when a family member nudged the Lathrops to explore the opportunity, that they reached out to the VanderHoeks.

“Becoming the owners of Dave’s Sports Shop was something that we talked about and prayed through,” Will Lathrop said. “After meeting with a few advisors, we had the confidence to commit our family to this adventure.”

An Update on ourLynden.com

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Hello! You may have noticed that the ourLynden.com website has not had any new articles posted for quite a while. This is simply because around late-2017 I made the difficult decision to focus my time and energy on other projects for the time being.

While I have hopes to be able to pick up more writing for ourLynden in the future, we still put occassional updates on the Facebook Page for ourLynden and encourage you to follow there!

Joel VanderHoek

Quick Post: Drizzle Lynden reconfigures store layout; adds loose leaf teas, more spices

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Quick Post: Drizzle Lynden reconfigures store layout; adds loose leaf teas, more spices

If you saw the ‘Closed for Remodeling’ sign on the door of Drizzle in Lynden this past week, good news — they’ve already re-opened. After a whirlwind few days, the Drizzle crew recently revealed their newly formatted store.

While their flagship selection of fine olive oils and vinegars remains front and center, they have added a full selection of house-mixed loose leaf teas as well as additional spices.

To make room for the additional teas and spices as well as the prep kitchen, there are fewer tables in the space although several remain for guests wishing to enjoy food or drink at Drizzle.

Pre-ordered Lyndenopoly? Here’s what’s next.

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Pre-ordered Lyndenopoly? Here’s what’s next.

Update 9/20/2017: Lyndenopoly has arrived. If you pre-ordered, we sent you an email giving you pickup information at the Lynden Chamber of Commerce. If you haven’t already picked up your pre-order, you can do so at the Chamber office (518 Front Street) during their normal hours.


So you were one of the wise and fortunate ones who pre-ordered Lyndenopoly in July for just $20? Awesome!

Now, you’re wondering what’s next: when do you get your game, and did you win any of the special pre-order prizes?

Only 2 days remain to pre-order LYNDENOPOLY! Here’s how and why:

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Only 2 days remain to pre-order LYNDENOPOLY! Here’s how and why:

 Lyndenopoly pre-orders Ended July 30th. 

Missed the pre-sales? No problem! Click below to find out where you can buy yours while supplies last!

[button color=”green” size=”large” type=”outlined” target=”” link=”https://ourlynden.com/lyndenopoly-is-here/”]CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHERE TO GET YOUR COPY OF LYNDENOPOLY WHILE YOU STILL CAN![/button]

(We’ll leave the content below from the original pre-order announcement so you can learn more about the Lyndenopoly games!)

Pre-orders close this Sunday (July 30th) at Midnight. Now’s your chance to reserve your copy at the best price (plus, be entered to win great prizes)!

Here’s the countdown of time remaining:


 

[button color=”green” size=”large” type=”outlined” target=”” link=”https://ourlynden.com/lyndenopoly-pre-order-form/”]RESERVE MY COPY NOW[/button]

[button color=”green” size=”large” type=”outlined” target=”” link=”https://ourlynden.com/lyndenopoly-pre-order-form/”]PRE-ORDER NOW FOR ONLY $20 AND GET ENTERED TO WIN![/button]

WHY PRE-ORDER?

FYI: Guide Meridian southbound closing Jul. 31 – Aug. 4 between River Road and Wiser Lake Road

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FYI: Guide Meridian southbound closing Jul. 31 – Aug. 4 between River Road and Wiser Lake Road
Photo Courtesy WSDOT / Lyle Jansma (from 2009 construction).

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is closing the southbound lanes of Guide Meridian (also known as State Route 539) next week, from 4am on Monday July 31st until approximately 5am on Saturday August 5th. (Yes, we said August 4th on the title – because, let’s be real, most of us won’t be driving Saturday morning before 5am and there’s a fair chance they’ll re-open it earlier). The closure is to complete “concrete leveling work” on the approach to the small bridge just south of the larger Nooksack River bridge.

Southbound lanes of SR539 will close just north of this picture, between Wiser Lake Rd and River Rd.

WSDOT shared on Twitter a video showing the “bump” most of our readers have probably experienced when approaching that bridge at 50 miles per hour:

“Dear Lynden” — An Outsider’s Perspective (from Jesse Nelson, CEO of Overflow Taps)

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“Dear Lynden” — An Outsider’s Perspective (from Jesse Nelson, CEO of Overflow Taps)
Overflow Taps co-owners Adam Stacey, Josh Libolt and Jesse Nelson at an outdoor event.

Editor’s Note: ourLynden was started with a vision to connect and sustain community in Lynden by sharing inspiring and positive stories happening around us. We’re encouraged to hear of Jesse’s experience of being welcomed with open arms, despite his worry about connecting to a new community. We know others who feel that Lynden is a hard place to be a newcomer. Our hope is that you’ll be encouraged to meet new Lyndenites and be intentional in welcoming them to town. If you’re wondering where to start, Overflow Taps may be just the spot to meet someone new! Here’s your letter from Jesse:


Dear Lynden,

About eight years ago I met my beautiful wife Kristen on a birthday run. She is from Lynden and is the sole reason I came to know you. At that point in my life, I was pretty confident I would never marry. I realize now that the decision was not mine to make. It was made for me via some master plan. I believe Overflow Taps and ultimately solving the global water crisis is a part of that plan as well.

“When I first moved here, I was a bit worried about whether or not I’d fit in… You welcomed me with open arms.”

When I first moved here, I was a bit worried about whether or not I’d fit in. That it might be difficult to feel connected with a community I’ve never been a part of. Without you, I would have never met my business partners and friends, Adam Stacey and Josh Libolt. You welcomed me with open arms. You invited me into your home and showed me so much love and kindness. In very much the same way, you have extended this generosity to Overflow.

Josh Libolt and Adam Stacey

Kristen and Jesse Nelson

Lynden Lube and Auto to Celebrate Remodel with Grand Re-Opening and Open House

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Lynden Lube and Auto to Celebrate Remodel with Grand Re-Opening and Open House
Photos by Lindsey VanderHoek

Lyndenites who travel the Guide (who doesn’t!?) have surely noticed the construction and updates at Lynden Lube & Auto over the past several months. Owner Rob Heerspink and his team are excited to welcome the community to check out their fully revitalized space at their Grand Re-Opening & Open House this weekend (Saturday from 9am to 2pm).

The lobby and waiting area of the newly-remodeled Lynden Lube feels more like a boutique hotel lobby than an auto shop.

Free coffee and water bottles are available in the modern-yet-comfortable space while you wait for your vehicle or your ride.

The shop, which opened in 1997, was required by the State to sell a portion of their property closest to the Guide Meridian to make room for planned future lane expansion through Lynden. “What’s funny is now that we’re done with the demolition and remodel, the State doesn’t have the widening on their current schedule anymore,” Rob shared. Nonetheless, with the major remodel behind them, Lynden Lube now has more space than ever to perform everything from basic oil changes to complete automotive and engine repair.

The building was originally a Studebaker dealer in the 1930’s, and then was home to Milt’s Market in the 60’s (Milt’s Pizza was opened behind the current Lynden Lube building).

“Our perspective is to make lemonade on lemons,” explained Rob, who took over the business with his wife Cheryl in 2009. When the State approached them, they could have chosen to simply downsize the highway-facing portion of their building, but instead used the opportunity to expand, having outgrown their previous footprint.

When we need each other most: farmers, neighbors help out during Lynden storm

When we need each other most: farmers, neighbors help out during Lynden storm
Tractor helps pull a semi from the ditch (photo credit: Berk's Towing)

It was Lynden’s biggest winter storm in decades.

For a week straight, snowfall pounded Lynden area like no other in the state. Freezing rain layered dangerous ice on nearly everything. Strong winds brought bone-chilling cold that piled snow in large drifts and took down ice-laden power lines and trees.

And the Lynden community responded in a big way.

As conditions worsened, residents stayed home when possible. City crews plowed roads around the clock, but it wasn’t enough. But seemingly every tractor in the area — large and small, new and old — was re-purposed to clear snow from roads and driveways.

Nick Snydar worked around the clock in Snydar Farms’ tractor to clear roads and pull drivers from the ditch.

Nick Snydar of Snydar Farms Custom Farming, pictured in the John Deere tractor above, was very active all week volunteering his time and resources. “Just did what I could to help the local farmers and neighbors we serve in the county.”

With his large tractor, Snydar focused mainly on county roads surrounding Lynden. “I know what a struggle it is for milk trucks and feed trucks to get around to the farms and the county snowplow trucks couldn’t keep up!” He even pulled out a stuck snowplow, in addition to Sheriff’s vehicle, other large farming equipment, and around a dozen cars.

An LTI snowplow and John Deere tractor plow as weather improves Thursday afternoon. (photo: Nick Snydar)

Inside city limits and out, farmers could be seen day and night helping their neighbors out. The ourLynden Facebook page was filled with these stories:

Lynden Day for Kids: Boys & Girls Club event is Saturday, September 17th

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Lynden Day for Kids: Boys & Girls Club event is Saturday, September 17th

Inaugural event will be fun-filled for all ages

The Lynden Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County is holding their inaugural Day for Kids event on Saturday, September 17th starting at 5:00 PM. The event is a gathering for Lynden-area families to have fun, get to know the Boys & Girls Club, and maybe even leave with a sweet raffle prize.

Event tickets are $5 and can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Barbecue lunch is included, as well as a ticket to enter one of several raffles (one additional raffle ticket will be given for each $2 donated to the club at the event). Raffle prizes include an Edaleen Dairy punch card, Dave’s Sports Shop fishing gift basket, a beach house getaway, Nuthouse Grill gift card, E2 Fitness membership, Lynden Skateway $100 gift card, a vehicle detailing basket from S&H Auto parts, and a personalized t-shirt from Bellingham Baby Co.

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A young Lynden club member does art during After School club recently.

The Lynden Clubhouse is located at 8800 Bender Road, in the Sonlight Community Church building. The Day for Kids will feature fun games such as tug-of-war, giant jenga, dodgeball, 3-legged race, 4-square and more. Families with kids of all ages are welcome to the event, while the Clubhouse’s regular weekday hours are designed for students in 1st grade and higher.

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Lynden Clubhouse members pause from active play to enjoy a moment of friendship.

Boys & Girls Club throughout the year

As another school year begins, it’s a great time to learn a bit about the Lynden Boys & Girls Club. The club hosts weekday ‘Early Bird’ hours from 7:00 A.M. until schools open (bus transportation is provided), and After School hours from 2:30 to 6:30 P.M. The goal is to provide a positive environment, quality programs and lifelong learning skills for school-age youth — a safe environment for kids to have fun and be themselves.