From the newsroom

I've been obsessed with Halloween (and all things spooky, for that matter) since I was a child. My parents assumed it was a phase, but I never grew out of it — and I have a theory as to why.

Recent studies show that scary movies are cathartic for people with anxious brains, partly because they provide a controlled outlet for fear. Everyday worries seem manageable compared to zombies, ghost and other supernatural threats. 

In other words, Halloween doesn't have to be just for kids.

Speaking of getting scared: Earlier this month, I interviewed some of the folks behind the Concrete Ghost walk, aka a walking tour/"street theater" event filled with "history, mystery and the supernatural." You can learn more about the 20-year tradition in this article (or brave the final night of Concrete's annual haunted house this evening). 

Other Halloween highlights include trick-or-treating in downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven (or rather, "Fear-haven"). Meanwhile, Kulshan Brewing and Aslan Depot are hosting spooky soirees for grown-ups. It also appears there are still limited tickets for Mount Baker's annual showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" this evening (and I recommend acting fast if you plan to go).

Not hitting the town on Halloween? Saturday events in Bellingham range from an autumnal Kulshan Chorus concert to the Assistance League's Yule Boutique, the first in a series of upcoming holiday markets. Saturday is also the first day of November, and SNAP funding cuts are still on the table. With 15% of Whatcom County households set to lose benefits, the best way to help is to donate cash to the Bellingham Food Bank. Businesses including Tam Tam Pizza and Cafe Blue are also raising money, hosting food drives and/or offering free community meals to affected community members. Click here for a full round-up.

I'm working on a running list of businesses that are offering help during the shutdown. Know of other spots raising funds or offering community meals? Send me an email to cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com, and I'll add them to the list.

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Today's news

A screenshot of a video taken of an immigration arrest in Lynden on Oct. 29. (Source: Racial Unity Now)

Advocates call out immigration arrest of Lynden man as 'retribution, intimidation'

With student test scores still down, school board candidates detail how they could help

Mayhem and hauntings: Behind Concrete's 20 years of ghost walks

Carnal chef's 'food byproduct art' available to buy as chapter closes for restaurant

Western volleyball going for season sweep of Alaska Fairbanks

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Faces in the Crowd

Ruwani Brohier stands in her classroom Oct. 27 at Roosevelt Elementary School in Bellingham. Brohier won Northwest Educational Service District 189's regional teacher of the year award. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)

Ruwani Brohier: Regional teacher of the year

"Faces in the Crowd" is published weekly online on Fridays. Have a suggestion for a "Faces in the Crowd" subject? Email us at newstips@cascadiadaily.com.

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