Our Mission
The Sunnyland Neighborhood Association is organized to support quality of life, community preservation and enhancement, citizen involvement in civic affairs for residents, businesses, organizations and institutions within the Sunnyland neighborhood of Bellingham, WA.
Who We Are
Anyone 18 years or older who lives, owns property, operates a business or represents an organization (church, school etc.) within the neighborhood is a member of the SNA. There are no memberships dues; however, donations are accepted to support costs such as rent for meeting spaces, printing, website fees, etc.
The SNA acts primarily as a conduit for information and as a resource to foster participation in public input processes related to development, codes and other issues which impact the quality of life in the neighborhood.
The board and the SNA do not typically take positions on specific issues. A representative from the SNA is nominated by the Mayor to sit on the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Council (MNAC). The MNAC provides a venue to share the concerns and interests of each neighborhood with the mayor and city administration.
Read our bylaws here.
Leadership
An all-volunteer board conducts the business of the neighborhood association, which is a Washington State non-profit, and plans and organizes all meetings and events. Board nominations and elections occur at the February meeting each year. The SNA strives for representation of the neighborhood’s geography as well as both resident and business representatives. Board meeting minutes can be viewed here.
Annie Sorich
president
Annie has lived in Sunnyland since 2014 (and in Bellingham since 2009). Annie loves to walk and bike the neighborhood with her husband and two daughters, visiting our parks and breweries. She always loves getting to meet neighbors, and hopes her work on the SNA board helps nurture the beautiful community spirit we have in Sunnyland.
Justin Nelson
vice president
Justin has lived in Sunnyland since 2018 with his wife Lisa and son Parker, He grew up in Bellingham, graduated from Bellingham High School, and has lived in Bellingham (post-college) since 2006. When he’s not working he loves taking advantage of everything Whatcom County has to offer. Justin loves running, biking, snow skiing, wood working, cooking, traveling, and meeting friends at one of our many excellent Sunnyland breweries. Living in Sunnyland makes him feel connected to the city and is happy to meet new neighbors. Feel free to say “Hello!” when you see him, he’s happy to chat!
Dani O’Connell
treasurer
Dani and her husband Shane have had the pleasure of living, growing, and changing with Sunnyland for over two decades. Their house is always busy, with two active sons, an overly friendly dog Max, brother kitties Harley & Duke and Mr. Myrtle the turtle. Dani enjoys spending time volunteering, bookkeeping for the family businesses, caring for her aging grandpa, gardening, and walking on our beautiful trails.
Angela Arave
at-large
Angela, a Sunnyland resident since 2021, cherishes her home with husband Marc, cat Zelda, and dog Zia. Initially moving to Bellingham to attend WWU from 2007 to 2011, she returned in 2014 and has made it her home ever since. Angela treasures Bellingham’s parks, trails, and vibrant community events. As an SNA Board member, she looks forward to helping foster this magic of community for others.
Shane O’Connell
at-large
Shane has lived in Sunnyland for over two decades with his lovely wife, Daniele. They have enjoyed raising their two sons with all the great neighborhood amenities, walkability, and bike-ability. Shane has been a Sunnyland business owner since 2005. He’s invested in the quality of life here and looks forward to serving his community on the SNA board.
Margaret Lyons
secretary
Margaret has lived in her sweet Sunnyland home since she bought it in 2002 (thanks to Kulshan Community Land Trust). She and her husband raised their children here and continue to have a large family of pets. She’s an avid gardener, traveler, and foodie, and is passionate about sustainability, homeownership, and supporting local everything.
Stephanie Bae
at-large
Steph and her family moved to Bellingham from the East Coast in 2022. As a new resident in the Sunnyland community, she looks forward to connecting with neighbors and businesses, getting more engaged in the lacrosse community, hiking, biking, and continuing to explore the neighborhood and surrounding areas!
Lucas Hendrickson
at-large
Born and raised in North Dakota, Lucas married his high school sweetheart, Danae, and decided to move to Bellingham on a whim. They’ve now been here they’ve now been here over 10 years, and in Sunnyland since 2017. Lucas is a carpenter, outdoor enthusiast, and dad to Jones.