NW Way of Life News: Q&A with Janet Lightner

 

Brandon Nelson, of Brandon Nelson Partners, sat down with Boundary Bay’s General Manager, Janet Lightner, for NW Way of Life News.

Q: Janet, tell us about the launch of Boundary Bay Brewery.

A: Ed dreamed up Boundary Bay all on his own. He had graduated wine-making school in Davis, CA, and had taken some malting and brewing classes down there as well. He already had a CPA from the UW and a good solid business sense. He felt strongly that a Brewery or Brewpub rather would be a more secure business model than a winery and chose that route. He loved the NW and wanted to get back so the search was on! He explored Whidbey Island pretty seriously, but was smitten with beautiful Bellingham and the College vibe. So Bam!! Here we are 20+ years after. I consulted with Ed prior to opening on the restaurant side of the business but did not join him for 18 months.

Q: When you and Ed won the Lifetime Achievement Award by 

Sustainable Connections, they wrote, “They think local first, take care of their employees and live the principled life.” Can you explain those key principles that guide your life?

A: Think Local First is one of our Mantras.  I choose to shop locally as I truly believe that is what gives us personality and  longevity as a community.  More money stays in Bellingham this way and you get to know your neighbors! Boundary Bay is more than a business to us. It has become a lifestyle and taking care of people is part of that lifestyle. We love and care about our employees and are their supporters on and off the job! Many have gone off to open their own businesses and that is such a proud moment! Both Mount Bakery and Wake-n-Bakery were opened by former Boundary Bay employees.

Q: What has been the most challenging part of the growth and success of Boundary Bay? What are some unexpected lessons you’ve learned as the business has grown and flourished?

A: The most challenging is that Boundary  did not come with a book or a manual. Sometimes it feels like we are still writing it! When you love and care about your staff you take on more personal risk, at times I have felt like Mom to over 100 people (and as a Parent Brandon you know the intensity of those feelings)! When the staff thrives, you thrive too! When mistakes are made you feel the hurt as well. So yes, in a nutshell, the people have been the most challenging, but I would not do it any other way. Unexpected lessons!?? WOW!! The whole opportunity has given me so much!  My instincts about the good inside all of us has been reinforced! I have dug deep in myself and found strength that I did not know I had. Working hard, dreaming big, caring lots.

Q: Janet, tell us the story of the most meaningful experience you had during your trip to Nepal.

A: Having lost my son Zack early in 2014 I was searching for a trip that would provide me with a physical challenge coupled with Spiritual relief. Trekking along the “Hemline of Heaven” provided both. The people sharing Namaste around each bend, the colorful prayer flags and the majesty of the Himalayas assuaged my heart and built back my stamina and zest for living. I am forever grateful.

Q: Your Women’s Ski to Sea Team has an unmatched legacy of 16 straight victories! What’s it like to be the organizing force that brings these women together year after year?

A: Yes! This will be year 17 for our Women’s Ski to Sea Team and we have won the competitive Women’s division 16 years in a row. The only Team I see beating that record or coming close to that is the Whatcom County Women’s Team. The organizing of the Team has become more event/reunion focused over the years as many athletes return year after year. There have been years of high stress trying to fill a spot on the roster. Injuries occurring days before the race have turned my world upside down. I’ve sat glued to the computer, or back in the day the telephone, waiting for a reply, clicking refresh, refresh, refresh! It has always worked out, but the anticipation can be brutal. It has been an honor to see our women go on to the Olympics and Worlds and becoming role models in their communities for women and girls to get outside and have fun! Going to Vancouver Olympics and watching Dasha Gaiazova race was an experience I will never forget. You can see her jersey hanging in the Tap Room at Boundary Bay right beside our Ski to Sea plaques! Our Team has blessed me with friendships to last a lifetime and a glimpse into the world of elite athletes that few may get to see.

Q: Janet, when I think of you the one word that comes to mind is “Giving.” And we see your endeavors become just so, so successful. Could every business, and the communities they serve, benefit from this “Janet Lightner Approach”? Or am I missing a secret sauce that can’t be replicated? 

A: Giving~ It’s good for us to help others! Part of Boundary’s mission is to give back so I guess it is in my job description and I love it! Bellingham is a special place and I truly believe that the Non-Profits in our community help to weave heart into the place we call home. Helping them succeed in helping others or protecting our natural resources is an honor! I am surrounded by wonderful people who make Boundary successful every day. I used to joke it takes a lot of brains to run mine but it’s true. We have a high retention rate at Boundary with many of our Tribe staying for 10 years and more. I am lucky to have landed here and appreciate the contributions from everyone over the years! I believe in seeing the good in people and situations, resolving conflict for Peace. As for the secret sauce… well that is probably the Beer!

Q: What’s on your bucket list??

A: Hmmmm. Today’s answer… visiting every one of our National Parks!

Batch 5000

18 years in the craft brewing industry and over 21 million pints sold, last week we began brewing our 5,000th batch of beer! This marks a significant milestone, and a point of celebration, not just for Boundary, but for the Bellingham community that established who we are, and what we’re all about.

“Our 5,000th batch highlights the local craft beer following, and just how much the industry has grown as a whole.” states Ops Manager Casey Diggs. “We couldn’t have done this without the support of the community. Not only in Bellingham,” Casey adds, “but the accounts all around Washington who continue to pour Boundary Bay Beer”.

In celebration of this achievement, our 5,000th batch will be a one-time-only Imperial Porter, and we’re asking that the public name it. Submit your ideas via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #batch5000. Cheers, and thank you for your support! 

Buy Your Mom a Beer!

 

It’s a common myth that beer is a boy’s world.  But we know plenty of ladies who love their brews, too.  Which is why we think you should bring your mom here for brunch in our Beer Garden on Mother’s Day!  It’s been a tradition of ours for years and, trust us, the moms come out in full force…and not just because we offer each of them a free Mimosa.

Bring the whole family down to enjoy brunch between 10am and 2pm on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 11th. Give us a call to make a reservation at 360-647-5593 or tell your server when you’re here having a beer after work and they’ll get you on the list.  Brunch is $25 per person, $17 for seniors, $12 for kids 6-12 years old and FREE for kids 5 years old and under.

On Sunday, May 11th, we’re serving up:

• Scrambled Eggs with Fontina (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
• Roasted Red Potato Home Fries with Paprika and Garlic (Vegan, Gluten Free)
• Assorted Quiches (both vegetarian and with meat)
• Bacon (Gluten Free)
• Sausage Links (Gluten Free)
• Ham Carving Station (Gluten Free)
• Fresh Fruits (Vegan, Gluten Free)
• Caprese Skewers (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
• Grilled and Chilled Marinated Vegetables (Vegan, Gluten Free)
• Spinach Salad with Chevre, Hazelnuts, Fresh Fruit, and White Balsamic-Champagne-Honey Reduction (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
• Fusilli Pasta Salad with Cherry and Sun Dried Tomatoes, Arugula, Pinenuts, Artichoke Hearts, and a white balsamic tomato vinaigrette (Vegetarian)
• Pineapple Coconut Bars (Vegetarian)
• Lemon Blueberry Scones (Vegetarian)
• 
Mini Chocolate Tarts (Vegetarian)
• Lemon Cream Tarts (Vegetarian)
• Bacon Cheddar Scones
• Banana Bread (Vegetarian)
• Shortbread Cookies (Vegetarian)
• Buttermilk Biscuits (Vegetarian)

 

 

Easter at the Brewery

Ok, yes, maybe a brewery isn’t the first place that pops into your mind when you think about what to do for Easter Brunch.  But we argue…why not give it a try?  We’ve got all the fixings of a traditional brunch…and BEER!

On Easter Sunday (4/20), we open up our brewery and beer garden extra early and invite the community to come celebrate with us.  We serve up an all you can eat feast and even have an easter egg hunt (11:15am) in our beer garden for the wee ones.

Those in the know, here in Bellingham, have made this a tradition, so be sure to make your reservations as space can fill up fast here on Easter morning!  We’re accepting reservations for 10am, 11:3oam and 1pm — just call us at (360) 647-5593!  $21 per person, $12 for kids 6 to 12 years, 5 years and under free.

This is a family friendly event and we love seeing families of multiple generations here that day enjoying our celebration.  We take extra care in our brunch menu, too, to have plenty of options for vegetarians and our gluten-free folks. Brunch is buffet style and will include the following menu items:

Scrambled Eggs (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
Devilled Eggs with Smoked Salmon (Gluten Free, Pescetarian)
Roasted Red Potato Home Fries with Paprika and Garlic (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Lamb Sausage Patties with Dill and Tarragon (Gluten Free)
Sausage Links (Gluten Free)
Ham Carving Station (Gluten Free)
Fresh Fruits (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Caprese Skewers (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
Grilled and Chilled Marinated Vegetables (Vegan, Gluten Free)
Spinach Salad with Chevre, Hazelnuts, Fresh Fruit, and White Balsamic-Champagne-Honey Reduction (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
Corned Beef Hash (Gluten Free)
Shortbread Cookies (Vegetarian)
Orange Cranberry Cream Scones (Vegetarian)
Biscuits and Gravy (Biscuits are vegetarian)
Peas and Mint Farfalle Salad (Vegetarian)
Sour Cream and Fresh Berry Coffee Cake (Vegetarian)

 

 

 

Our New Red IPA!

Every year we brew a Traverse Ale in honor of the Bellingham Traverse, which is an annual multi-sport event celebrating the life cycle of wild salmon and the natural and urban challenges of their journey.

Solo, tandem and relay teams challenge themselves and one another on a rugged course that highlights the City of Bellingham’s Parks, Greenways System, bike-friendly roads, and open water opportunities for recreation. So, we thought, why not challenge ourselves this year, too?

We decided to forgo the heavier, maltier Traverse Ale recipes in our past and came up with a new recipe for this year’s Traverse Ale – a Red IPA that drinks like a summer beer with a little extra kick of hops!

Red IPA’s are still an emerging sub category of the more general beer style of IPA or India Pale Ale.  The exact definition of a Red IPA is still a bit ambiguous and open to interpretation, but, generally, it’s an American Red Ale (or American Amber Ale) style brewed at a higher strength and hopped like an IPA.

American Red Ales are traditionally a sweeter, hoppy beer with rich flavor; a style particularly popular here on the West Coast and especially way up here in the Pacific Northwest!

And since we’re known for our signature Northwest IPA, (or so says Sunset Magazine in their September 2013 issue! Have you seen it yet?!) which is one of our flagship beers, we wanted to bring some of that citrusy, hoppy goodness to our Traverse Ale / Red IPA.

This new Red IPA of ours has a generous amount of Pale 2-Row, Carafa and Cara Red malts that give this ale a big, malty body with a deep ruby red color. But, don’t be fooled! We add Columbus, Tradition, Centennial, Cascade and Willamette hops to provide a smooth, refreshing counterpart to all those malts.

This year’s Traverse Ale is a lighter bodied, yet heavily dry-hopped Red IPA with a distinct flavor and easy drinking quality. It’s on tap now, so come in, give it a try and tell us what you think!  Look for our commemorative stainless steel pint glasses with the Traverse logo on them too!  Coming soon!!

Kayaks, Brews and The Time Of Your Life

Once again, we’ve teamed up with Outdoor Odysseys to give you an experience you’ll never forget!  Join us August 23-25 for a three day Beer Tasting and Kayaking Excursion in the San Juan Islands. But get this, Boundary Patrons can now recieve 25% off the entire trip!!!

You’ll spend three days paddling around the beautiful San Juan Islands with an expert sea kayaking guide and two nights enjoying Boundary Bay beers paired with delicious camp cuisine cooked FOR you.  You’ll camp overnight at Jones Island State Park, a boat-in campground known for it’s beautiful waterfront camp sites and scenic hiking trails.

Adam, one of our employees here at Boundary Bay Brewery, went with the first group on this beer and kayak adventure last summer.  Here’s what he had to say about his experience:

“Kayaks, Camping, Beer & Dinner or is it Kayaks, Beer, Dinner & Camping?  Either way, all of them made my recent trip with Outdoor Odysseys epic.  I don’t know how many people are as lucky as Mike & Kim Dave & Pat, Jon & Lakota and I to experience the San Juan Islands in such a memorable way.

Kayaking from San Juan Island to Jones Island to camp and have fresh organic food paired with local Boundary Bay beer prepared for you isn’t exactly roughing it.  It’s perfect.  Chatting with Sarah, our kayak guide and chef, I had a good idea of what beers to pair with the food.  Along the motto of “Be Prepared” there was enough beer and ten different styles for all to enjoy, Blonde Ale, Pilsner, IPA, Maibock, Oatmeal Stout to name a few.

Seals and pups, bald eagles, fish, star fish, jellies, big horn sheep and deer were everywhere.  The one elusive mammal and perpetual joke among the group, where are the whales?  Well let’s not forget, whales live under water.  That makes them hard to see, from a kayak.

After stunning paddles to Jones, Henry & Spieden Islands, beer paired meals, sunsets, campfires, and a great group of people; it didn’t take long to fully chil-lax!”

Adam, Lakota, Jon, Pat, Dave, Mike, Kim and Sarah (guide)

To receive 25% off your trip: If you’re booking over the phone, just mention you’re a Boundary Bay fan and heard about the offer. If booking online, enter BBAY25 in the “comments” section and the discount will be applied at the time of transaction.   

Local Beer…and now Local Beef!

Chances are, if you’ve eaten here at Boundary Bay Brewery, you’ve indulged in one of our delicious burgers.  Because, come on…what goes better with beer than a BURGER?!?  Well, we’re now making the burgers we serve in our Bistro and Tap Room even better!  Starting this week, our burgers will now be made with local, natural ground beef from Squaw Creek Cattle Co. in Everson.

Squaw Creek is a family owned and operated business, just like ours.  Which is part of the reason we’re so excited to be serving up their beef patties.  But, it’s also because these cows are grass fed and supplemented with spent grain from our brewery!  Here’s what the people behind Squaw Creek have to say about who they are and what they do:

everybody loves Boundary Bay Brewery – even the cows eating our spent grain!

“We are dedicated to keeping a healthy herd and raise our cattle without the use of artificial growth stimulants and hormones.  We make certain that the grass our beef are raised on is chemical free.  We raise our cattle on large pastures, ensuring plenty of room for healthy grazing.  Our beef is mainly grass-fed, with a supplement of spent brewer’s grain.  Spent brewer’s grain is the byproduct leftover from the process of crafting beer .  It has a high protein and fiber content and is highly digestible for cattle.  The advantage of beef that has been raised with a supplement of brewer’s grain is that the finished product is lean, yet has a quality of marbling that cannot be achieved on a solely grass fed diet.  To us, it makes a lot of sense to feed out cattle spent brewer’s grain because it’s reusing a product that has already fulfilled one purpose and can, now again, be used as an energy source for our cattle.”

So it all goes full circle, and here at Boundary Bay, this is a motto we like to stick by.  Local businesses supporting local businesses!

So, what are you waiting for?!?  Come try a 1/3 lb. patty of local, natural ground beef from Squaw Creek Cattle Company, char broiled with all the fixings on a locally made pretzel bun from Ralf’s Bavarian Bakery.  Served with your choice of roasted potatoes, house salad or Tim’s potato chips.  $9.99

Everett Craft Beer Festival

Everett Craft Beer Festival
Sat. August 19th Noon-8pm
Downtown Everett (Hewitt Ave. & Hoyt Ave.)

Saturday, August 18th, the Washington Beer Commision will host their first ever Everett Craft Beer Festival featuring 26 local Washington breweries. Over 60 different ales will be poured with names by the likes of Caboose Oatmeal Stout, “Bedraggled” Irish Red Ale & Ziggy Zoggy Summer Lager etc. We’re tellin’ ya, these beers won’t disappoint!  Boundary will be spicing it up with some of our own specialty seasonals…we’re bringing a Ginger Peach Blonde and our newest concoction: Thai-PA.

Ginger Peach Blonde: as a straightforward lighter bodied ale, this Blonde is brewed with generous amounts of German pilsner and Vienna malts that balance with a crisp yet cleansing Noble Saaz hop finish. We added Fresh Hawaiian ginger and natural peach extract creating a just hint of sweet & spicy flavor. OG 1.070

Thai-PA: A honey-ambered colored India Pale Ale with good body, fairly strong alcohol content and an aggressive “fresh hop” quality. Heavily dry hopped with kaffir lime leaves and lemon grass, this beer has a zesty citrus taste. OG 1.052

 

Additional Details

• Entry to the event includes a tasting glass and five tokens (each good for a 5oz. taste).
• Additional drink tokens can be purchased at $1.50 each or four for $5.
• Tickets are $15 in advance online, $20 on the day of at the entrance gate.
• Designated Driver admission will be available for $5 and includes free water and soft drinks.
• Band headliners of the day include Jr. Geezer, Bucula, and Wild Snohomians.

Breweries Expected to Attend

American Brewing Anacortes Brewery

Boundary Bay Brewery Chuckanut Brewery

Brickyard Brewing Diamond Knot Craft Brewing

Dirty Bucket Brewing

Elysian Brewing

Emerald City Beer

Fish Brewing Company

Foggy Noggin Brewing Fremont Brewing

Gallaghers’ Where U Brew

Georgetown Brewing

Harmon Brewing

Hood Canal Brewery

Lazy Boy Brewing

Maritime Pacific Brewing

North Sound Brewing

Odin Brewing

Ram Restaurant & Brewery

Roslyn Brewing Company

Scuttlebutt Brewing Company

Silver City Brewery

Sound Brewery

Twelve Bar Brews

Two Beers Brewing

Twilight Concert Series

A bustling hang out spot for all ages, the Boundary Bay Beer Garden is pleased to bring yet another series of free concerts intended for all Bellinghamsters alike! Every Thursday, we’re enticing you to stay out later with our free twilight concerts in our Beer Garden.

The loyal faces we see weekly know our beer garden offers a unique family-friendly atmosphere brimming with tasty beer and BBQ treats. Every Thursday (Wednesday and Friday too!) we offer happy hour prices from 4pm-6pm in the garden which means dinner for just $5 and a dollar off your pint! The aroma of delicious burgers, salmon fillet, onion rings among other summer delights never ceases to allure locals back for more. But rather than end the night early, why not continue the excitement well into dusk?

Kick off your weekend early and check out Boundary’s newest weekly addition; Thursday Twilight Concert Series. From 8:30-11PM, all ages until 10PM.

Sep 13: Chivalry Timbers

Sep 20: Hot Damn Scandal & Chivalry Timbers

Sep 27: Hot Damn Scandal & Chivalry Timbers

The Ames: This trio of talented musicians have certainly made a name for themselves in Bellingham area. The energy and uniqueness of The Ames never ceases to captivate their audience. Members of the band include Sam Carlton on piano, banjo, guitar, harmonica, kazoo, and vocals, Mike Lanz on drums and percussion, and Dan Swan on bass and vocals. Their music can be described as a combination of ragtime, rhythm, folk and soul. Fans characterize The Ames as the perfect concoction of all genres synthesized into a flowing and crisp instrumental performance group.

Skitnik: Described by the band themselves as “Electic Balkin inspired music,” you will surely be awed by the nonpareil and lively sound of this seven member ensemble. Names of the talent include Carrie Crockett, Alex Larson, Jeff Lefferts, Amiel Martin, R.J. Rex, Ellie Rogers and Stefan Freelan. “Skitnik” is actually Bulargian for the word “wanderer”…which may shed light on the uncategorized and eclectic sound this band prides itself on. No words will accurately convey the sound Skitnik brings to the stage, so it is best you come and check them out for yourselves!

 

Hot Damn Scandal: With an always evolving list of band members, it is evident that Hot Damn Scandal is genuinely passionate about experimenting with their dynamic sound. Whichever instruments and members they might show up with, you surely will not be disappointed with the liveliness Hot Damn Scandal will bring! Describing their genre of style as “Tipsy Americana Blues,” Hot Damn Scandal continually brings an incomparable uproar to the stage.

Chivalry Timbers: “We’re a group of schwashbucklin’ hoo hawin’ Northwestern folk in love with the songs of old, with a fresh new twist.” And this they are. An acoustic, folk, and instrumental group, Chivalry Timbers is encompassed by three talented musicians: Warren Allen (violin, fiddle) Michael Raper (stand up bass) and Kris Staples-Weyrauch (guitar) and Joe (percussion). A tight sounding, animated knee slapping kind of band, everyone enjoys listening to these polished guys over a pint!

Drinking Beer and Doing Good

If you know us at all, you know that here at Boundary Bay Brewery, we care just as much about giving back to the community as we do about making really, really good beer.  Luckily, those two pursuits go hand in hand pretty often.  This weekend’s Brewers by the Bay beer festival is a perfect example!

This Sunday (July 22nd), from 1-5pm, representative from 30 regional breweries will gather at the Depot Market Square (at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Maple Street) to bring you over 60 different micro brews to sample.  In it’s sixth year, this Bellingham beer festival gathers together craft beer lovers who enjoy great beer, good food and live music while helping to raise money for local non profit organizations.  This year, the music will be provided by The Playlists, Lost at Last and the Lost Highway Band.

Tickets ($25 advance / $30 at the door) include entrance to the event, a commemorative tasting glass, your first five tastes and live music. Best of all, the proceeds from this event go directly to organizations such as Northwest Youth Services, Whatcom Hospice House, Bellingham Boys & Girls Club as well as many other youth and family focused charities throughout Whatcom County.  You can get your tickets in advance here at our brewery or at one of these other locations: Applied Digital Imaging, Natural Way Chiropractic, Chuckanut Brewery and Elizabeth Station.

So, come spend an afternoon with us in downtown Bellingham – drinking beer and doing good!

Not only will you help support many of our local non profits, but you’ll get to enjoy delicious beers from Alameda Brewing Company, Alaskan Brewing, American Brewing Company, Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Big Sky Brewing Company, Boundary Bay Brewery, Chuckanut Brewery, Diamond Knot Brewing, Dick’s Brewing Company, Elysian Brewing Company, Emerald City Brewing, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Fish Brewing Company, Fremont Brewing Company, Georgetown Brewing Company, Harmon Brewing Company, Kulshan Brewery, Lost Coast Brewing Company, Mac & Jack’s Brewing Company, Ninkasi Brewing Company, Oakshire Brewing, Odin Brewing Company, Pike Brewing Company, Skagit River Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Stone Brewing Company, 21st Amendment Brewery and Two Beers Brewing Company.