February 13 - 19, 2014 HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
Burn ban lifted for Whatcom County, page 2
Bite of Blaine auction set for Monday evening Get your taste buds ready to sample culinary offerings from across Blaine and Birch Bay as the annual Bite of Blaine gears up for its 14th annual event on Monday, February 17. This year’s Bite, hosted by the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, will be held in the grand ballroom at Semiahmoo Resort Golf & Spa. The event will feature samples from 15 Blaine and Birch Bay restaurants, such as seafood mitkof from Via Birch Bay Cafe and Bistro and apple harvest chicken from The Will’O Pub & Cafe. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a no-host bar and silent auction, followed by a chance for participants to sample dishes from the local restaurants. A live auction will follow at 7:30 p.m. and will feature items donated from the community, including gift certificates to local restaurants, a round of golf from Semiahmoo Resort and photography gift packages, Blaine Chamber of Commerce treasurer Kim Shea said. The Bite will wrap up by 8:30 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for Blaine’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display, which is one of the largest displays in Whatcom County and typically lasts around 20 minutes, Blaine Chamber of Commerce secretary Carroll Solomon said. “All of the profits will be going toward this year’s Fourth of July celebration,” Solomon said. “The fireworks usually cost the city around $16,000 and this fundraiser is a big help.” Typically, the Bite of Blaine has been a sell-out event, bringing in close to 200 attendees each year and raising $4,000– $9,000 for the annual fireworks fund, Shea said. Both Shea and Solomon expect this year’s event to sell out yet again. In addition to fundraising, the Bite coincides with the Blaine chamber’s annual meeting, and this year’s new board directors and member of the year will be introduced at the event. Tickets can be purchased for $25 dollars at the Blaine Visitor Center or Pacific Building Center. Tickets will not be sold at the door. For more information about the Bite of Blaine, visit blainechamber.com or call 360/332-6484.
Runners ahead, plan accordingly, page 5
Blaine students head to All-State Choir, page 13
All you need is love ... and truffles
s Christy Fox, co-owner of Evolve Truffles, dips her truffles into chocolate to finish them off before they are decorated. Fox specializes in creating unique flavor combinations designed to give you a sensory experience you’re sure to remember.
Photo by Brandy Kiger Shreve
Blaine chocolatiers create memorable confections By Brandy Kiger Shreve When local food artisans Shannon and Christy Fox of Evolve Truffles get together in the kitchen, magical things happen. Blueberries fuse with pink peppercorns, rosehips and dark chocolate, coalescing into a melt-in-your-mouth flavor experience that you aren’t likely to forget anytime soon – and that’s the point. “When you eat a truffle, you want to remember it,” Christy said. “It’s small so it has to have an impact. We look for flavors that accentuate each other, that bring out the best in each other, and give the truffle a whole-roundedness. We do things with flavors that are unique, and that engage all of your taste buds.”
It’s those progressive flavor profiles that the Blaine wife-and-wife team hang their truffle-making hats on, coming up with seemingly outrageous combinations that push the envelope but provide tasters with what Christy calls “a flavor experience that’s a journey through your mouth.” From “Risque,” a bold mix of chipotle, tequila and orange, to “Chia Chia Bang Bang,” a decadent concoction of Chia Girl’s strawberry chia, sparkling wine and chocolate (a Valentine’s Day special), Christy and Shannon are pairing ingredients in ways that will make you look twice at a truffle and second-guess what you think something should taste like. “I don’t like for food to taste similar to
City urges residents to think before they flush By Brandy Kiger Shreve If you’re flushing baby wipes, Clorox wipes or anything other than toilet paper down the drain, you should reconsider what you’re doing. The small squares of fabric (along with a variety of other non-flushable items such as vinyl gloves and rags) have been tying knots in the city of Blaine’s sewer system over the past few months and city officials are trying to determine exactly where the
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
system-plugging items are coming from. “It’s a problem,” said public works director Ravyn Whitewolf. “People aren’t aware that just because it can be flushed down the toilet, it doesn’t mean it necessarily should be flushed.” She said it’s important to note that even if an item fits down the drain or is labeled biodegradable on the package, it doesn’t automatically guarantee it will pass through the intricately designed piping system and pumping stations that lead to the water reclamation facility.
“[People flush them] all the time, but they don’t realize that these kind of items can cause a [pump station] motor to seize,” Whitewolf said, noting that the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District sees similar offenders clogging their system on a regular basis. “And while we have an equalization plan at Lighthouse Point to allow for shutdown if [a motor seizes] there, these items can cause a pump station to stop working,” and, in a worst case (See Sewer, page 15)
everything else,” Christy said. “I want my truffles to be a sensory experience, and we like to educate people on how these flavors work together. It’s a lot of fun.” Sourcing local ingredients for all of their creations, Shannon said that she and Christy are focused on creating value-added products that encourage partnership with the community, and reflect their love of the Pacific Northwest and its wide-ranging bounty. “Whatcom is a chef’s best muse,” Christy said. “There are so many wonderful things to work with here, and Terra Organica, our first commercial account, challenged us when we were starting out (See Truffles, page 15)
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Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Coming Up . . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2
The Northern Light • February 13 - 19, 2014
Silver Reef announces expansion plans Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa officials have announced that their latest expansion plans for the gaming and entertainment destination will include additional lodging and meeting space. Phase VII of Silver Reef’s expansion is slated to include 98 deluxe guest rooms and two luxury suites – bringing the total number of rooms at the complex to 205. The current Silver Reef Hotel maintains a high occupancy rate, making additional hotel rooms a necessity for the continued growth and success of the property, according to officials. The expansion will also add a 3,000 square foot meeting room that is divisible into three meeting rooms. This expansion will increase the total function space to more than 28,000 square feet,
in addition to an expanded hotel lobby with a new bar. Silver Reef will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, February 18, and the project is expected to be completed 16 months later. The expansion marks the sixth time the casino has expanded since the property’s grand opening in 2002. “It’s great to see that this new construction will provide more jobs which will help grow the economy for the greater region,” said Lummi Nation chairman Tim Ballew II. “The best just keeps getting better here at Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa,” said Harlan Oppenheim, chief executive officer of Silver Reef. “We know our guests are looking for a memorable experience every time they visit, and the latest expansion phase is sure to deliver.”
“We’re very proud to be able to expand once again,” said Steven Oliver, chairman of the Lummi Commercial Company, the business arm of the Lummi Nation. “Our guests made Silver Reef number one and we are excited to give them an even bigger and better guest experience.” The most recent phase of construction included an event center, theater, the Cantina restaurant and buffet, updates to the Red River Cafe as well as an expansion of the award-winning Steak House at Silver Reef. The changes also included 225 new slot machines, new carpet throughout the casino and hotel lobby, ergonomic slot and table game seating and more than 300 new parking spaces. For more information about Silver Reef Casino visit silverreefcasino.com.
Fire marshal lifts Whatcom County burn ban It’s OK to burn again, as long as you promise to be careful. Due to the recent rain and increase in fuel moisture levels, the Whatcom County fire marshal lifted the restrictions on all open burning in unincorporated Whatcom County on February 10. A temporary burn ban went into effect on February 7, after extended dry conditions in the area sparked concern that fires would be hazardous. A permanent ban on open burning remains in effect in the cities of Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, Everson, Nooksack, Sumas, Birch Bay, Kendall, the Cherry Point area and their urban growth areas. A burn ban is still in effect for properties protected by the
Washington State Department of Natural Resources through September 30. For more information, call 800/323-BURN. If you live in an area where open burning is allowed and you want to have a fire, you must call 360/676-6934 to get up to date information. A verbal burn permit will also be issued at this number for fires up to 4 feet in diameter, meeting all criteria on the recording. All outdoor burning requires a burn permit, except legal recreational fires. If you have any questions on open burning in Whatcom County, please contact the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360/676-6907. Always use extreme caution and follow all regulations when burning.
The Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce is Proud to Present
Red Wine and Truffles
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Featuring complimentary red wine & ™ Evolve Truffle samples!
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3575 Haynie Rd., Blaine 360.820.4752
The 14th Annual
4th of July Fundraiser
Bite of Blaine
Come sample the finest cuisine that Blaine has to offer! Taste food from these 15 different area businesses and enjoy an evening of great tastes and good company while supporting Blaine’s Fourth of July Fireworks!
Bay Cafe Big Al's Diner Birch Bay Pizza Chada Thai Good Samaritan Society - Stafholt Great Blue Heron Grill Little Caesars Pizza
Nicki's Diner Paso del Norte Pizza Factory Seaside Bakery Café Semiahmoo Resort Tony's Just A Bite Via Birch Bay Café & Bistro Will'O Pub & Café
Mon., February 17 • Semiahmoo Resort No Host Social & Silent Auction 6 p.m. • Food Tasting 6:30 p.m. Fundraising Live Auction begins at 7:30 p.m.
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Washington’s Seaside Retreat
Tickets are $25 per person and are available at Pacific Building Center & Blaine Visitor Center.
Tickets will not be sold at the door. Visit www.blainechamber.com or call 360/332-6484.
Stay the Night at the Bite!
Semiahmoo Resort Special Just $89 per night • Feb. 16 or 17 only! Reserve online www.semiahmoo.com or call 360-318-2000 Promo Code BITE14
February 13 - 19, 2014 • thenorthernlight.com
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Indian Flavors Restaurant s Kristi and Percy Lankhaar are now delivering The Northern Light across the county. Photo by Brandy Kiger Shreve
The Northern Light welcomes new carriers Husband-and-wife team Kristi and Percy Lankhaar, who live in Birch Bay, have joined The Northern Light and will be delivering the newspaper to newsstands across the county. They take the place of Wayne and Linda Braun, who retired in December 2013. Both are retirees, and look forward to the prospect of keeping
It’s time to sign up for school Registration for Blaine school district kindergarten will take place Thursday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Blaine Primary School in room 541. All children are eligible to enter kindergarten for the 2014–2015 school year if they are turning five years old on or before August 31, 2014. Parents may visit the primary school anytime during registration day to enroll their child. In order to register, parents will need a copy of their child’s birth certificate and up-to-date immunization records. For any questions or concerns about kindergarten registration, call the Blaine Primary School office at 332-1300.
busy with this new endeavor. “It’s a good thing for both of us,” Kristi said. “And we’re really enjoying it. Everyone’s friendly and it’s something that we can do together.” Percy was a general contractor before he retired, and built several houses in Birch Bay before deciding to move to the area from Bellingham and build his own
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Sat, Feb. 15 • 2 - 4 pm Birch Bay Activity Center 7511 Gemini Street in Bay Horizon Park
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home. Kristi was a landscaper and housekeeper. “We really liked it here,” Percy said.
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The Northern Light • February 13 - 19, 2014
The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.
Letters to the Editor Photo of the week
Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@thenorthernlight.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@thenorthernlight.com Editor Brandy Kiger Shreve brandy@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Ferguson ian@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Design Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@thenorthernlight.com Office Manager Amy Weaver info@thenorthernlight.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Janet McCall Judy Fjellman, Catherine Darkenwald sales@thenorthernlight.com Sales/Editorial Assistant Kara Furr kara@pointrobertspress.com Editorial Interns Nathan Dalla Santa, Quinn Welsch intern@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@thenorthernlight.com Contributors In This Issue Janell Kortlever The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XIX, No. 24 Circulation: 10,300 copies
Next issue: Feb. 20 Ads due: Feb. 14
s Blaine choir director Andy Harmening leads students (from l.,) Izaya Taylor, Caiden Lefler and Joey Winkler in song during a class on February 11.
Photo by Brandy Kiger Shreve
The Editor: St. Martin’s Clothing Bank has a great need of warm bedding for our clients: Comforters, warm blankets, electric blankets and flannel sheets for adults, children and infants. Sweaters, fleeces, mufflers, socks, gloves, and warm sleepwear are also desperately needed. Volunteers accept donations Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and also Wednesday evenings from 5 to 6:30 p.m. St. Martin’s Clothing Bank is located at 500 C Street next to the Blaine Food Bank. Ann Duvall Spooner, director St. Martin’s Clothing Bank Blaine The Editor: Regarding state representative Jason Overstreet’s view on guns: If you have been a victim of gun violence or have been a witness to gun violence you are more likely to use a gun against another human being. If you are a young male, you are more likely to be a victim or perpetrator of violence. If you are born into a society where violence is considered a legitimate way to solve problems; where using a gun is considered patriotic, honorable and holy, then you are much more likely to be a perpetrator or victim. Gun violence can be all too easily justified. Whether you kill a guy in a drug deal gone bad, shoot a guy who slept with your wife, kill the guy who broke into your house to steal your TV or kill for the state (often called “war”), the perpetrator considers all of it as the dispensing of justice. Gun violence is generally done in a moment of passion or agitation. Young males are more likely to be in these testosterone-driven states than others. Violence is an emotional response to an emotionally charged situation. Stress, fear, prejudice, ignorance, jingoism, religiosity and the easy availability of guns have all been found to increase the rate of violent deaths in a society.
The good news is, as a whole, Homo sapiens are becoming less ignorant and more inclined to consider all of humanity as part of “our tribe.” We are becoming less fearful of people who look and act differently. We are beginning to recognize that we have evolved with inherent tendencies towards violence and that with reason and consideration we can override these violent impulses. We are less likely to commit a violent act or be a victim of a violent act if we do not have a gun. We as a species are more willing than ever to cast aside ancient myths, superstitions and ideologies that have been used to separate us and promote violence. We live in a time when we are less likely than any other before to be killed by a fellow human being. Does representative Overstreet believe that a greater distribution of guns among people will make us safer and more trusting? Is he being disingenuous or just plain ignorant? Jim Agnello Blaine The Editor: I have set up a new Yahoo group for Birch Bay. Acceptable topics are pretty wide open; basically whatever is of interest to Birch Bay residents. No political or religious rants, just be nice, please sign posts with your real name. To subscribe, send an email to BirchBayWAResidents@ yahoogroups.com. Pat Anderson Birch Bay The Editor: I was alarmed by your article regarding fire suppression at the Semiahmoo Marina. Semiahmoo Marina and property owners have been through so much uncertainty these past few years, what with failed condo projects and the closing of the resort. Just when these projects have found great new owners and success we have to read about this cloud over our property values. Semiahmoo Marina is not a public facil-
ity, it is privately owned. We pay property taxes to Whatcom County on our individual slips. We are a different legal entity than the publicly held Blaine Marina. Thus, the comment attributed to district fire chief Ron Anderson, “what happens if we close this marina and everybody takes their boats somewhere else,” needs further clarification. This appears to state that the district thinks they have the legal authority to lock the gate and deny me access to my private property. It would be prudent for the North Whatcom Fire District (NWFD) to research their legal authority on this privately held marina with roughly 200 property owners. As a lifetime boater, 15-year marina slip owner and trained navy firefighter, I believe the marina has an excellent system in place. The fire district has a beautiful empty fire station just up the spit. If this were manned I would more fully share the district’s concerns. The district opening that station would best serve the marina. As stated in the article, the district showed up 20 minutes after marina staff and owners extinguished a fire. I am required by the coast guard to have three fire extinguishers on my boat. The code concern is all about water pressure. The two most common fires on boats are grease and electrical, neither of which should be put out with water. The unique feature of fighting a fire in a marina is you can pull the boat away from the dock and adjacent assets. Once that happens, the standpipe system would be useless. I appreciate the work the NWFR does, but I question the tone of the comments made by the administrators Henry Hollander and Anderson in this article and hope they will take the time to clarify their authority to my fellow slip owners and potential buyers. Kirk Flanders Blaine Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
February 13 - 19, 2014 • thenorthernlight.com
Marathoners take to the street in Birch Bay Sunday, February 16 will mark the 46th annual Birch Bay International Marathon. It is set to kick off at 9 a.m., and is a Boston Marathon qualifier race, drawing
hundreds of racers to Birch Bay. The race will start and finish at the south end of Birch Bay State Park. Registration is open until Saturday, February 15.
There will be no race day registration. Drivers should be prepared for delays along the course. For more information, visit birchbaymarathon.org.
Dakota Creek bridge will get seismic retrofits By Quinn Welsch While significant earthquakes don’t happen very often in Whatcom County, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is making sure that if one does occur the Dakota Creek Bridge on Peace Portal Drive will be ready to rock and roll. On February 11, Whatcom County Council approved funding for a seismic upgrade project in the amount of $2,718,268 in a 7–0 vote at the council’s regular meeting that will allow engineers to begin work on making the bridge earthquake-ready. The upgrade project is funded through federal money awarded to the state. Whatcom County will foot the initial bill, but be reimbursed, said assistant public works direc-
tor Joe Rutan. “That bridge has been there 90 years,” said Steve Dillon, a county engineer. “We’re thinking we can get another 30 years out of it at a reasonable cost.” To ensure that extended lifespan, significant changes will have to be made. A structural assessment of the bridge in 2010 found serious deficiencies that could lead to a collapse during an earthquake, according to the public works department. The spans between each of the bridge’s support columns move independently, causing movement of the entire bridge. Since the bridge’s construction in 1928, the bridge has shifted sideways by about one-fourth to one-half of an inch, Dillon said. The concrete and rebar around the bridge’s footings have
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also deteriorated. The upgrade includes plans to stabilize corrosion on the bridge’s footings by protecting them with steel casings and installing seismic cable restrainers – cables connecting the girders and the piers – to reduce the likelihood of collapse due to unseating. When the bridge was originally built there was no seismic consideration at all, Dillon said. Despite the deficiencies, the new upgrades aren’t due to a serious risk of failure, he said. “It’s not unsafe, or we would have closed it,” Dillon said. WSDOT lists 496 bridges in the state that need retrofitting and 134 that are partially retrofitted. (See County, page 13)
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CITY OF BLAINE Unless noted, all meetings are held at City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000 and are open to the public.
Thursday, February 13, 5 pm – Planning Commission Study Session – Resort Semiahmoo Master Plan Update 7 pm - Planning Commission meeting Resort Semiahmoo Master Plan Update Public Hearing – Zoning Map Amendment Hughes Ave & Odell Rd
Blaine Dentist Focuses on Patient Comfort Offering the latest technology to maximize patient comfort!
Monday, February 17, City offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day
Blaine and Birch Bay Family Dentistry wants their patients to relax and have an enjoyable experience. To do so, they incorporate many facets to patient visits.
Thursday, February 20, 9:30 am Park and Cemetery Board meeting
Office Aesthetics - Blaine and Birch Bay Dentistry’s office feels more like a spa than a dental office. Using earth tones and accent colors, the atmosphere immediately helps patients feel calm and relaxed.
Monday, February 24, 6 pm City Council meeting Thursday, February 27, 7 pm Planning Commission meeting – Resort Semiahmoo Master Plan Update and Shoreline Management Master Program Update U.S. PASSPORTS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
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6
The Northern Light • February 13 - 19, 2014
Sports “Like” Us on Facebook and Follow Us for Regular Specials
Winter Special!
s Blaine senior Alexis McElwain is a bright star both on the basketball court and in her many other pursuits.
Photo by Janell Kortlever
Alexis McElwain gets it done THE RAIN IS HERE! We have wipers for most cars!
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By Ian Ferguson Alexis McElwain is the type of person college recruiters look for. Her accomplishments – threesport captain, honor student, president of the ASB and choir – would allow her to study pretty much anything anywhere. However, a strong desire to help people combined with an impressive resume of injuries that includes a dozen broken bones, more than 200 stitches and multiple concussions, have convinced the Blaine senior that she wants to pursue a degree in medicine. “I guess you could say I’m accident-prone,” McElwain said; but the truth is she has always put herself on the line as an athlete, and when you try as hard as McElwain does, sometimes you get hurt. “She tries hard all the time,” said Blaine girls basketball head coach Ryan Pike. “I think when she puts her mind to something, she can accomplish almost anything and nothing will stand in her way.” Pike recalled a game against Nooksack Valley this season in which the Borderites were struggling. “In the fourth quarter she decided she was going to get every rebound. She started making put-backs, and every time she came back to the bench she was saying, ‘We’ve got this, let’s just keep going.’ If the ball was in the air, she was getting it and if it was on the ground, she was diving for it.” The Borderites went on to win the scrappy game 51–48.
The stubborn pursuit of a goal is a theme for McElwain. With the ASB, McElwain has been working hard to boost school spirit, and has spearheaded efforts to leave a lasting legacy with the installation of a “spirit rock” near the football field. Many other schools in the county have a large boulder painted with school colors, and senior classes decorate them every year. “I just think it would be a great tradition and a symbol of school pride,” she said. McElwain has procured a rock and is in the process of drafting her second appeal to complete the project. “She’s a go-getter who’s very interested in making the school a better place,” said Blaine High School principal Scott Ellis. “She’s done a lot to get the spirit rock and it’s coming along nicely. With any luck, it will be in place before she graduates.” Athletic director and assistant principal Wayne Vezzetti has worked with McElwain on the ASB and has watched her on the playing fields and basketball court. “She’s a phenomenal leader,” Vezzetti said. As captain of the soccer team, softball team and basketball team, McElwain puts her natural leadership in action. This year, as one of a few seniors on a strong girls basketball team, McElwain has taken on that role with gusto. “She’s a vocal leader. The girls look to her to bring enthusiasm and laughter to the team,” Pike said. “I help the girls when they need help. I’m vocal; I call out plays,”
McElwain said. She’s quick to point out that the team’s strength doesn’t lie in any individual. In fact, the reason the team has done so well this season, in McElwain’s eyes, is because they are a unit. “I think we’re more like a family than a team. We can come to each other with any problem, tell each other anything and we’re basically like one family. Every one of those girls is like my sister,” she said. Speaking of family, McElwain said her family has always supported her athletic pursuits. Parents Michael and Lisa McElwain have gotten her to hundreds of practices and games over the years, and always make an effort to watch her basketball games. The fact that she calls basketball her favorite sport may have a lot to do with her dad. “He’s my role model. He was really good at basketball when he was younger,” she said. “I can kill him in a game of 21 now, though.” McElwain is hoping for a basketball scholarship, and has already received an offer but is not sure if she will take it. She said studying medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle is high on her list of options. With a 3.86 grade point average, McElwain said science is her favorite subject. “I love doing experiments and learning about how the world works,” she said. When she’s not playing sports, volunteering or studying, McElwain enjoys camping trips with her family, and her rock hunting hobby. For now, McElwain’s hopes and desires are firmly set on the next few weeks, as the Borderites head into the postseason. McElwain and a few other athletes on the team have conducted scouting trips to scope out other teams, and after King’s knocked Blaine out of the district tournament last year, McElwain is seeking redemption. “I want to beat King’s so bad,” she said. The strategy? “Keep winning. We’re going to try to push the ball, keep up the pace and play at our level instead of playing down to the teams we’re playing against.” If the lifetime pattern of checking off goals is any indicator, McElwain and the Borderites will have their way. “When she wants to do something, she’ll get it done,” Pike said. “She’s just a hardworking individual, and I think if we had more people like [McElwain], it would be a better community.” Ellis had a similar response when asked what he thought of McElwain. “She’s a people person and a really nice kid,” he said. “If my daughter grows up to be like her, I’ll be a very happy dad.”
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Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Fresh, Homemade Family-Style Dining s Carson Knutzen passes the ball in a district tournament game at Friday Harbor February 10. The boys basketball team lost 46–31. The Borderites faced Mount Baker at home February 12. The score was unavailable at press time.
Photo by Janell Kortlever
Wrestlers win sub-regionals By Ian Ferguson Blaine wrestlers cleaned up at the Class 1A Sub-Regional Tournament, and came home decked out in championship hardware. Ten Borderites won their weight division in the boys tournament: Kyle Gonzales (106 lbs.), Colton Economy (113 lbs.), Billy Dodd (120 lbs.), Riley Fritsch (126 lbs.), Anthony Frey (132 lbs.), Caleb Frey (138 lbs.), Christian Sharp (152 lbs.), Jon Stewart (160 lbs.), Israel Hernandez (220 lbs.) and Mike Antczak (285 lbs.). Blaine won the February 8 tournament at Sedro-Woolley with 379.5 points. Mount Baker placed second with 217 points, and South Whidbey came in third with 173 points. The Borderites will look
to carry their success in sub-regionals into the regional tournament, which they will host on Saturday, February 15. The last time Blaine hosted the regional tournament was in 2005. The tournament begins at 10 a.m. The girls wrestling team advanced to the regional tournament as well, as Olivia Adams wrestled her way to a championship in the sub-regionals at Burlington-Edison February 8. Adams defeated Shannon Ghee from Lynden by pin in the first overtime of the championship round in the 130 lbs. division. “I beat the only girl who’s beaten me this year, so I’m feeling confident,” Adams said. Adams will wrestle in regionals at Bellingham this Saturday, February 15. Wrestling begins at 10 a.m.
Girls best Pioneers at home B y I a n F e r g u s o n The girls basketball team played a dominant game from start to finish to beat the Nooksack Valley Pioneers in the first round of the district playoffs. The Borderites maintained their lead throughout the February 11 matchup, holding off a Pioneer surge in the second quarter to win 56–39. “We forced a lot of turnovers on defense, and on offense we executed well,” said head coach Ryan Pike. “Nooksack’s a good team. You never want to give a good team a first quarter lead, and we were able to come out strong and carry that momentum the whole way through.” Mandy Hayes led scoring with 22 points. She repeatedly beat defenders to the basket, scoring mostly on lay-ins, but she was also on target from the free throw line, making all of her eight attempts. “We played really well as a team and helped each other out to get the win tonight. We got together for shooting drills after school, and I think that helped us too,” Hayes said. Breanna Chau played a key role on offense, making four of her five three-point attempts to help spread out the Nooksack Valley defense early. Taylor V’Dovec scored 14 points, Chau scored 12 and Alexis McElwain scored eight. With the win, Blaine will face the Knights at King’s in Seattle on
Thursday, February 13. Last year, the Knights beat the Borderites at the buzzer to advance to the district championship game while Blaine went into the Tri-District tournament as the eighth seed. “They’re pretty much the same team from last year, and we have all the same players from last year, so we’re looking for some revenge against King’s,” Pike said.
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The Northern Light • February 13 - 19, 2014
It takes a village to stay connected as we age B y N at h a n D a l l a S a n ta
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pecially without assistance. “You can depend on your kids,” said 65-year-old Jon Shaughnessy of Bellingham. “But you need to have a plan B, no matter how sweet they are.” Shaughnessy’s children live out-of-state, so he doesn’t plan on them helping him as he gets older. Additionally, he doesn’t envision himself in an assisted care facility any time soon. Instead, Shaughnessy is starting a village. The Village movement began in 1999 in Boston, Massachusetts when a group of neighbors decided they didn’t want to leave their homes as they grew older. The group of 11 formed a committee and established monthly dues. With their cooperation and funds, they arranged for assisted transportation, discounted services and social activities. After two years of honing the details, the Boston village opened up for public membership and now, more than a decade later, their group thrives with more than 300 members. Since the Boston village’s inception, villages have begun popping up across the nation, (Continued on next page)
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(Continued from previous page) and even internationally, with more than 120 villages in operation. Members of the village determine what services are offered and no two villages are identical, Shaughnessy said. Some villages are volunteer-based, relying on altruistic neighbors who are willing to donate their time and skills. Other villages negotiate discounted services with local vendors. “Not too many people will volunteer to mow a bunch of old people’s lawns, but someone might agree to give discounts to elderly people,” Shaughnessy said. “We want to create relationships that benefit both members and non-members.” Shaughnessy sees the village movement as a viable alternative to institutional living in assisted care facilities, which are wrought with inefficiencies, he said. The first problem Shaughnessy sees with assisted care facilities is financial. The cost of living in an assisted living home doesn’t make sense compared to that of a village, Shaughnessy said. While care facilities can cost around $1,000 per month, the Whatcom village will charge monthly dues of around $100 per person, depending on the individual’s financial situation. “Why are we allocating resources for senior housing?” Shaughnessy said. “Most of us already have a home to live in and it’s paid for. We might need to have a grab bar or something installed, but that’s usually it.” Katharine Danner, director of
Ashland at Home, a village in Oregon, has doubts about the ability of care facilities to accommodate the growing numbers of seniors. With the baby boomers growing older, she says, care facilities won’t be able to keep up with the demands of the marketplace. Long term stays in care facilities may become increasingly difficult to come by.
“Most of us already have a home to live in and it’s paid for.” –Jon Shaughnessy In addition to the financial burden of paying to live in an assisted living facility, Danner worries about seniors losing connections with the community, she said. “Quality of life, as we age, will only be maintained if we stay connected with our communities,” she said. “The village movement has been a very successful template for keeping that connection.” Shaughnessy’s village vision is still in the exploratory phase, gaging public interest, determining what services are most needed and, most importantly, whether the village will be
based in Bellingham or spread throughout Whatcom County. He hasn’t overlooked the possibility of including Blaine and other towns throughout the county, but he worries about providing services from too great a distance. There is a concept among villages called the “hub-andspoke” system, Danner said. The hub, normally a well-established village, provides the backbone for administration while nearby communities form their own villages that work with the hub. This way, new villages don’t need to put the effort into applying for non-profit status and the process is greatly expedited. Shaughnessy believes this could be a viable option for spreading the village concept throughout Whatcom County. “There’s a limit to how far people are willing to travel to help another person, but people in rural Whatcom County probably need help more than anybody,” Shaughnessy said. “It might not make sense for someone in Blaine to join a village specific to Bellingham, but there are a lot of people up there in Blaine and they could certainly start their own village.” Danner and Shaughnessy will be speaking at an open conference at 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 20 at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center. Danner will discuss her experiences as director of Ashland at Home and Shaughnessy will discuss efforts to establish the Whatcom Village.
(360) 647-1254 Emeritus Senior Living is committed to helping you and your family find the right fit. Call us today to learn more about the benefits of assisted living.
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The Northern Light • February 13 - 19, 2014
Upcoming Whatcom Senior Tours Monday, March 31: Step into the life of a secret agent. The Secret World of Espionage is a new exhibit at the Seattle Center, offering more than 300 spy gadgets from the CIA and FBI never before viewed by the public. Learn how secret agents alter their voices and make disguis-
es; use secret devices and create your own secret codes. The trip will include transportation, admission, no-host lunch, IMAX movie, optional audio guide and escort and costs $84. Saturday, April 12: Have a collection? Like the Antique Road-
show on PBS? Would you like to learn more about the history of your treasures and find out how much they are worth? The Bellingham Senior Center will host evaluators to value your items. For more information or to see more tours, visit wccoa.org or call 360/733-4030.
Seattle Optometrist helps legally blind to see again
By Elena Lombardi Freelance Writer Office in Bellingham, WA
Just because you have macular degeneration or other eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy doesn’t mean you give up driving. Ever look through a pair of field glasses or binoculars? Things look bigger and closer, and much easier to see. Dr. Ross Cusic is using miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration or other eye conditions. “Some of my patients consider me the last stop for people who have vision loss,” said Dr. Cusic, a low vision optometrist. “People don’t know that there are doctors who are very experienced in low vision care.” Irv Matthes drove all the way from Penticton, BC to Kirkland, “thank you for putting some living back into my life. I could never have done this without these reading glasses. Now I can write this letter and solve the daily cryptogram in the newspaper.” Macular degeneration is the most common eye disease amongst the senior population. As many as 25% of those over 65 have some degree of degeneration. The macula is one small part of the entire retina, but it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp images. When it degenerates, macular degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center of vision making it impossible to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the driver’s vision test. The experts do not know what causes macular degeneration. But it is known that UV light from the sun is a major contributing factor. Other factors are smoking, aging of course, and improper nutrition. 15 to 20% of the time, it is genetic. There are two types of macular geneation, wet and dry. The wet type involves leaky blood vessels which can be lasered shut. Unfortunately, it’s a temporary fix since other leaks usually occur. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning,” says Dr. Cusic. Washington and Oregon are among many states that allow the use of telescopic glasses to help meet the vision requirements of driving. Donald Pauerre, 72, a former county assessor from Anaheim, California was seen last November. “I could not read my saxophone music anymore.”
The doctor fit him with bioptic telescope glasses. “Amazing!” says Donald. “I can read the street signs from as far away as I did before. I can play my sax again. Happy day!” Dr. Cusic also provides special prismatic reading glasses to make the newspaper a little easier to read. Carole Buckles, 71, of Arcadia, California came on the advise of a friend. “I wanted to be able to keep driving and do the fun things in life.” One of those fun things is baseball. “I love going to baseball games and now I can see those close plays again,” says Carole. Bioptic Telescopic glasses were prescribed to read signs and see traffic lights farther away. As Carole put it, “these telescope glasses not only allow me to read signs from a farther distance, but make driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. Definitely worth the $2150 cost. I don’t know why I waited two years to do this. I should have come sooner.” Peter Rhodes traveled from Manchester, UK to be fit for special amorphic glasses for Retinitis Pigmentosa. He is one of the first patients in the United States or the UK to be helped with this rare eye disorder. Bonnie Dimuth was helped with two pairs of glasses; special $475 prismatic glasses that let her read newsprint, and bioptic telescopes to continue driving. Low vision devices are not always expensive. Some reading glasses cost as little as $375 and some magnifers under $100. Every case is different because people have different levels of vision and different desires. Dr. Cusic sees patients in his offices in Kirkland, Bellingham, Olympia, Bremerton and Vancouver, WA, and can be reached at:
425-285-1230 or toll-free at 1-877-823-2020
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Young at Heart B y J o A n N e wb y Welcome all good folks, welcome to February. The weather seems a little chilly, but then it is February. Ah, February, how nice that you make the daylight happen a little longer each and every day. We truly appreciate that, you know. It seems that this time of year we need all the sunshine and daylight that we can get, so thank you for bringing a little more each day. And also thank you for providing wonderful holidays, and the friendly Blaine Senior Center that brings warmth, food and fellowship to our otherwise cold weather existence. The month of February began with the celebration of the Chinese New Year along with a demonstration of Tai Chi. Tai Chi is available every Monday at the center. It is a beneficial, low impact exercise program, and can help people discover these exercise routines for themselves. Now is your chance to learn beginning Chinese language, presented on Monday mornings from 10:40 to 11:20 a.m. Come earlier to attend Ping-Pong classes at 9 or 10 a.m. and have lunch after your language class. Monday, February 10 is movie day, and the movie featured will be Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day should certainly be celebrated, don’t you think? On February 11, come join us for a fun and easy dice game called Bunco. There are prizes in-
New Patients & Emergencies Welcome
volved all for a $2 donation. Like some help with tax preparation? Help is on the way – sign up for assistance at the front desk. Now we are preparing for the St. Valentine’s Day celebration, when everybody is a sweetheart. Be sure to take part on Friday, February 14 at 11:45 a.m. Featuring music by Traveling Light with oldies from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Remember that love and kindness are in special order this special time of year. Don’t forget about our pancake breakfast! Saturday, February 15, 8–11 a.m. There will be a choice of pancakes, waffles or French toast, eggs, orange juice or coffee for only $6. The birthday lunch on Thursday, February 20 will feature classic country music with Bounty Hunter. Surely everybody needs a little celebration for another year of life. President’s Day is another great holiday celebrated on Monday, February 17 at 1 p.m. Remember some of our great presidents, like Lincoln and Washington, and all the loyal founding fathers and others who serve our country. This special occasion will be an opportunity to play EZ Bingo and win cash and prizes. Concessions will be available at noon with soup and salad with a choice of toppings for only $6. There will be a $10 admission for Bingo. Have a wonderful February, enjoy the weather and enjoy the Blaine Senior Center.
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for skilled nursing facility, evening short shift, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., variable schedule according to needs. Must have completed an accredited Nursing Assistant training program as required by state law. Wage DOE, range $11.00 - $12.19 per hour. Prefer Nursing Assistant, Certified. MINIMUM HIRING REQUIREMENTS; Basic ability to communicate ad comprehend; ability to measure and comprehend certain quantities; (a high school education or higher is not required to be hired into this position); prior experience may not be required to be hired into this position. Ability to meet the physical and mental abilities of the job as outlined in our Part B Job description (available upon request)Reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities will be considered by the employer on an individual basis as provided under the Americans with disabilities Act. Must be able to speak, read and write in English and be able to articulate clearly and audibly. Ability to meet conditions of employment applicable to the center. completion of an accredited nursing assistant training program. APPLY ON LINE: www.good-sam.com, click on "careers", click on "Job Postings", follow on-line instructions. GSS, Stafholt is located at 456 C. Street, Blaine, WA. 98230. Phone; 360-332-1501 x 203 or email vperez@good-sam.com We do not accept resumes as applications. GSS STAFHOLT IS AN AFFITMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER; ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, CREED, GENDER, MARITAL/FAMILIAL STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, AGE , DISABILITY, PROTECTED VETERAN/MILITARY STATUS, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION OR ANY OTHER PROTECTED CLASSES.
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PART-TIME/FULL-TIME NURSING ASSISTANT
for skilled nursing facility, night shift (NOC) and evening shifts combined, 16-32 hours per week. Night shift offers $.50 shift differential. Must have completed an accredited Nursing Assistant training program as required by state law. Wage DOE, range $11.00 - $12.19 per hour. Prefer Nursing Assistant, Certified. MINIMUM HIRING REQUIREMENTS; Basic ability to communicate ad comprehend; ability to measure and comprehend certain quantities; (a high school education or higher is not required to be hired into this position); prior experience may not be required to be hired into this position. Ability to meet the physical and mental abilities of the job as outlined in our Part B Job description (available upon request)Reasonable accommodation for qualified disabilities will be considered by the employer on an individual basis as provided under the Americans with disabilities Act. Must be able to speak, read and write in English and be able to articulate clearly and audibly. Ability to meet conditions of employment applicable to the center. completion of an accredited nursing assistant training program. APPLY ON LINE: www.good-sam.com, click on "careers", click on "Job Postings", follow on-line instructions. GSS, Stafholt is located at 456 C. Street, Blaine, WA. 98230. Phone; 360-332-1501 x 203 or email vperez@good-sam.com We do not accept resumes as applications. GSS STAFHOLT IS AN AFFITMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER; ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, CREED, GENDER, MARITAL/FAMILIAL STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, AGE , DISABILITY, PROTECTED VETERAN/MILITARY STATUS, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION OR ANY OTHER PROTECTED CLASSES.
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12
The Northern Light • February 13 - 19, 2014
Real Estate
less inventory - HigHer sales!
Rentals - Commercial
HiBay
Year-Over-Year 30% Increase In Sold Homes!
WAREHOUSE
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Brian Southwick
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NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Avenue Don Nelson (360) 332-2743 www.nelsonbuildings.com
Ray Pelletti
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OPEN SUN 1-4. 5403 Beach Rock Loop, Salish Breeze,Birch Bay. 3-BR, 2-BA, new construction, 2-car gar. High-end upgrades, beautiful hardwood floors, on one level. $336,000.
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Rentals - Residential
MANUFACTURED HOME pads for rent in Blaine. Call 360332-5239 for more information.
3-BR, 1.5-BA 4717 Anderson, Birch Bay. Mobile home with washer/dryer. $825/mo. +utilities. 360-201-2682.
Rentals - Rooms
BLAINE VERY nice large 3-BR, 1.5-BA townhouse. All appliances, garbage paid, N/S, N/P references $750/mo. +dep. 360-384-5743.
Northwoods Motel Daily, weekly & monthly rentals New OwNership Newly Remodeled • Newly Refurnished
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FERNDALE
Beautiful 5829 Vista, 3-BR, 2-BA, 2-car garage. Large lot, near schools, ductless heat pump. $1250/mo. N/S, N/P, OAC and deposits will apply. WE NEED PROPERTIES TO MANAGE,
CALL FOR DETAILS!
360-332-3166 Every edition online: thenorthernlight.com
Public Notices
thenorthernlight.com
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLACE YOUR
HELP WANTED
The Board of Directors of Blaine School District No. 503 will hold a public hearing HERE! 24, during its regular meeting onAD February 2014, starting at 7:00 p.m. or as soon there360/332-1777 after as possible. The meeting will be held at the District office at 765 H Street, Blaine, Washington, 98230. The hearing is being held pursuant to RCW 28A.530.020(2) to receive public testimony on proposals for the use of state matching funds that remain unspent after the District completed certain capital projects authorized by District Resolution No. 11/12-03. The District received the state funds pursuant to Chapter 28A.525 RCW in connection with the District’s issuance of its Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds, 2012. At a Board meeting that will occur subsequent to this public hearing, the District’s Board of Directors may adopt a resolution concerning proposals for the use of these funds. Written comments prior to the hearing may be addressed to: Amber Porter, 765 H Street, Blaine, WA 98230.
360-656-5250
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Randy Weg
360-305-5704
randyweg@ windermere.com
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make your connection to 21,630 shoppers! Every week 21,630* consumers read The Northern Light. Direct mailed to all households in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo the fastest growing area in Whatcom County with more than 50% population growth in the past decade.
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COMING FEBRUARY 27
Home
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Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo
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February 13 - 19, 2014 • thenorthernlight.com
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
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s From l., Izaya Taylor, Emmy Johnson, Selena Rogers-Pai and Veronica Hughes were chosen to represent Blaine in the All-State Choir.
Photo by Brandy Kiger Shreve
Blaine students chosen for All-State Choir This weekend, Blaine High School will send four of its outstanding choral members to join the Washington Music Educator’s Association (WMEA) 2014 All State Choir. Over the past 26 years Blaine High School has sent more than 50 singers to join the All State Choir and/or to participate in the All-Northwest music festival. The vocal musicians selected for this honor include junior soprano Veronica Hughes, senior soprano Emmy Johnson, senior alto Selena Rogers-Pai and sophomore bass 2 Izaya Taylor. Outstanding music students from across Washington have
County ... From page 1
There are 278 bridges that have been retrofitted already. WSDOT has invested about $100 million in upgrading bridges throughout the state since WSDOT began its seismic retrofit program in 1991. Though most areas in the Pacific Northwest have a high seismic rating, Whatcom County is more protected in some respects, said Western Washington University geology professor Jackie Caplan-Auerbach. The county is farther away from the “megathrust,” an area where tectonic plates overlap and can cause destructive earthquakes, she said. The faults in the county are also much shallower, she added.
received top honors by being selected to participate in one of the 2014 WMEA All-State performing groups. The students listed above will join other distinguished Washington high school student musicians in this gala event. WMEA All-State high school bands, orchestras and choirs will meet in Yakima on February 1416, where they will rehearse and perform in concert under the direction of world-renowned conductors. These WMEA All-State musicians were selected from 2,400 students who auditioned to participate. Many professional musicians credit their All-State
experience as crucial in their decision to choose music as a career. Thousands of others whose career paths took them in other directions have great memories of participating in this inspiring and motivating musical experience and claim that it was a life-changing experience for them. Well-known Washingtonians who have participated in past years’ WMEA All-State groups include The Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and columnist David Horsey, 2008 National Teacher of the Year Andrea Peterson, and jazz saxophonist Kenny G.
Three active faults were discovered in Birch Bay and Blaine in 2012, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The faults lie northwest to southeast and run through Drayton Harbor, Birch Bay and Sandy Point. Work on the bridge is set to begin in spring 2015 and end in late October of that year. Dillon said there will be some traffic impact, but no road closures have been established. Partial road closures on Peace Portal Drive and an I-5 detour have been discussed, he said.
District. The district, which serves Birch Bay and Blaine and is funded by taxpayers within the Blaine School District’s boundaries (except Point Roberts), has been facilitating and organizing recreational activities in the area since 2007. However, many residents were unfamiliar with the district and its facilities because of the vague and nondescript moniker, according to the district. The name change will help residents identify what area the district serves, said NWPRD2 program manager Heidi Holmes. The district’s board of commissioners decided to change the name with a 5–0 vote in December 2013. The county council voted 7–0 to approve the name change.
NWPRD2 name change At the council’s regular meeting, the council approved a request by Northwest Parks and Recreation District 2 (NWPRD2) to change its name to BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation
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Dining Guide Great Authentic Mexican Food 758 Peace Portal • Blaine 332-4045
Via
Birch Bay Café & Bistro On The WaTer • Open 7 days 360-778-2570 • 7829 Birch Bay dr.
Open 7 Days A Week Gluten-free options available!
7608 Birch Bay Dr. • 371-5409
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Sunday-Tuesday 7am-3pm Wednesday-Saturday 7am-8pm
332-3540 234 D Street, Blaine
Breakfast Lunch Dinner 360-778-3826
4823 Alderson Road, Birch Bay
13
14
The Northern Light • February 13 - 19, 2014
Coming up
Police Reports February 5, 5:05 p.m.: The sheriff’s office asked Blaine police to assist their lone deputy who was responding to a residence outside the city limits where two men were having a fist fight. The calling party had reported that one of the participants was armed with a handgun. The arriving officers and deputy found the gun had not played a part in the fight. It was just riding on the man’s hip when he was knocked to the ground by a punch. Blaine officers remained at the scene until the deputy no longer needed assistance. February 7, 10:02 p.m.: Police were dispatched to a first report of a man kicking and abusing a dog, and then a second report saying that a man had released his dog to attack another canine. Officers searched the area and located a suspect. He initially denied any knowledge of the incidents, although his dog had fresh injuries. Officers took statements from all parties and photographed injuries to two dogs. A report was filed with the city prosecutor for a review of criminal charges. February 8, 8:46 a.m.: A resident called to report that a storage shed on his property had been burglarized some time in the past week. Several hundred dollars in power tools were stolen in the crime. Police are in-
vestigating. February 8, 9:02 a.m.: Police were dispatched to a Blaine business on another complaint regarding an ongoing littering problem. An officer contacted the owner, who advised that he is trying to get the garbage issue under control. A case report is being prepared for the city prosecutor. February 10, 4:46 p.m.: Police responded to assist the Blaine Post Office with an activated alarm. An officer contacted the mother of a three-yearold boy who became curious about a bright red lever on the wall within reach, and pulled on the handle. A fire crew responded and reset the alarm system. February 11, 2:24 a.m.: Officers responded to a vehicle prowl complaint on A Street, and border patrol agents in the area spotted a suspect running from the scene. The suspect jumped fences and ran through several yards while being tracked by police and agents. The pursuit ended when a homeowner, flashlight in one hand and gun in the other, checked on a noise in his backyard and found the suspect hiding there. Faced with the armed homeowner the suspect suddenly decided the approaching police were his best friends. He was taken
Civic Meetings
to jail on multiple charges and given a jumpsuit to replace the pants he had ruined during the backyard showdown. February 11, 12:12 p.m.: A resident on Cedar Street called to report that a man was trespassing on his property. The suspect had been given a trespass warning by Blaine police just a few days prior. He was arrested and booked in to jail. February 11, 1:45 p.m.: A resident called to inquire about a “No Trespass” letter that one of their family members had received from a property owner in Blaine. The resident was concerned that the letter stated that police would receive a copy of the letter and would enforce its terms. An officer explained the process police followed in such matters and recommended that the resident contact the property owner for additional information. February 11, 11:35 p.m.: A concerned resident called police to report her recycling bins went missing. An officer went out to the residence to investigate, and found the bins on the other side of a parked car. Case closed.
Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Thursday, February 13, 6:30 p.m. Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Children ages 2–11 come to PJ Story Time, leave the stuffies overnight, and security cameras will keep an eye on them. Stuffies may be picked up the following morning where a slideshow will reveal your animal’s nighttime antics. Info: Cindy, 305-3600.
This report is provided by the Blaine police department. A full listing of the week’s police report can be found at thenorthern light.com.
Bite of Blaine: Monday, February 17, Semiahmoo Resort grand ballroom, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. No-host social begins at 6 p.m., food tasting 6:30 p.m., live auction 7:30 p.m. Sample food from local restaurants, silent and live auction fundraiser for Blaine’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July. Tickets $25 per person available at Pacific Building Center and Blaine Visitor Center. Not available at the door. Info: 332-4544.
Movies Call or check online for showtimes.
Bellingham
Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info: bbwsd.com. Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us. Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com.
Regal Cinemas #5 Bellis Fair Parkway 3005 Cinema Place 360/527-1320 regmovies.com fandango.com
Pickford Cinema
Positive: Thursday, February 13 through Sunday, February 16, 7:30 p.m., Firehouse Performing Arts Center, 1314 Harris Avenue, Bellingham. A dance/theater piece that explores the lives of five different local community members whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Tickets $15 general admission and $12 student/senior. Info: 734-2776. Boys & Girls Club Closure: Friday, February 14 and Monday, February 17. Info: 332-3008. Valentines Burlesque and Brandy: Friday, February 14, 6:30–10 p.m., BelleWood Acres, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden. Oyster bar, dinner, jazz trio and burlesque. Tickets $45, designated drivers $35. Info: 318-7720. Blaine Senior Center Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, February 15, 8–11 a.m., 763 G Street. Pancakes, biscuits and gravy, waffles or French toast with fruit, scrambled eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee. $6 adults, $4 children. Info: 332-8040. Pruning – A Blaine C.O.R.E. Gardening Program: Saturday, February 15, 1–3 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Discuss tools, pruning decisions, uses for clippings and getting older overgrown trees back in shape. Info: Kelle Sunter, 332-7435. Kids Winter Games: Saturday, February 15, 2–4 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 4511 Gemini Street. Winter Olympics games with a twist. Free. Sponsored by NWPRD2. Info: 656-6416 or nwparkandrec.org. Cupid for a Cure: Saturday, February 15, 6–10 p.m., Mt. Baker Rotary Building, Lynden. Auction, dinner and entertainment. Tickets $25 or $175 for a table of eight. Info: tamilyn14@comcast.net. 80s Night FUNdraiser: February 15, 8–11:30 p.m., Pastime Tavern, 658 Peace Portal Drive. Sunset Superman will perform to help raise money for senior graduation night. Come dressed in your favorite 80s outfit! $5 donation suggested at the door. Silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Blaine Senior Center Bingo: Monday, February 17, 1 p.m., 763 G Street. $10 admission, eight games, three cards per game. Lunch at noon; available for purchase until 12:45 p.m. for $6. Kids welcome. Info: 332-8040.
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Meeting: Tuesday, February 18, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Will’O Pub and Cafe, 7714 Birch Bay Drive. Speakers sharing updates on Blaine and Semiahmoo. Info: birchbaychamber.com. Organized Walking Group: Wednesday, February 19, 10 a.m., APA Museum, Semiahmoo. Get to know some of the birds that winter at Semiahmoo Spit. Participate in a bird scavenger hunt. Free. Info: 656-6416. Delving into Pi - A Raspberry Pi User Group: Thursday, February 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn about to use this new credit card-sized computer. Explore Arduino, Scratch and more. For adults and teens. Monthly. Info: 305-3600. Whatcom READS! Book Discussion: Saturday, February 22, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Join in a discussion on Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, who will speak at Mt. Baker Theatre and Bellingham Cruise Terminal the following week. Info: 305-3600.
360/738-0735 pickfordcinema.org
Pizza and Pizzazz Talent Show: Saturday, March 1, 5:30–8:30 p.m., Blaine Middle School cafeteria. All you can eat pizza, three hours of talent, and a raffle to win fabulous prizes. Featuring Matt Audette and Bill Dodd at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Blaine Chamber Choir. Auditions held February 18–20, 3:30–5:30 p.m. Audition forms can be found in school offices. Tickets at the door $10 adults, $5 students and under 5 free.
Blaine Parks Board: Third Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: 332-8311, ext. 3330.
White Rock, B.C.
Ongoing
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blaine.wednet.edu.
2381 King George Boulevard
NW Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street Info: nwparkandrec.org. Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District: Third Wednesday, 6 p.m., location varies. Info: 715-7450 x50787 or bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 7 p.m. Blaine Fire Station. Info: nwfrs.net.
1416 Cornwall Avenue 1318 Bay Street
Caprice 4
604/531-7456 criteriontheatres.com
Rialto Twin 1732 152 Street 604/541-9527 criteriontheatres.com
Tides February 14 – February 20 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
Fr 14 5:52 am 9.5
11:24 am 5.5
4:13 pm 8.4
11:15 pm 0.6
Sa 15 6:10 am 9.5
11:56 am 4.9
4:59 pm 8.3
11:47 pm 0.9
Su 16 6:30 am 9.6
12:28 pm 4.3
5:45 pm 8.1
Mo 17 12:21 am 1.4
6:54 am 9.7
1:06 pm 3.7
6:33 pm 7.9
Tu 18 12:55 am 2.1
7:20 am 9.7
1:44 pm 3.0
7:25 pm 7.7
We 19 1:31 am 2.9
7:48 am 9.7
2:28 pm 2.4
8:25 pm 7.4
Th 20 2:07 am 3.9
8:20 am 9.6
3:16 pm 1.8
9:31 pm 7.2
Weather Precipitation: During the week of February 4 to 10, there were .36 inches of precipitation. The yearto-date precipitation is 3.84 inches. Temperature: High for the week was 47.2° F on February 10, with a low of 20.3° F on February 6. Average temperature for the week was 30.3° F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
AA Meetings: Monday through Friday, noon; Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m., United Church of Christ, 885 4th Street, Blaine. Sunday, 6:30 p.m., North Bay Christ the King, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Birch Bay. Overeaters Anonymous: Monday, 7 p.m., North Bay Christ the King, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Blaine. Al-Anon Meetings: Tuesdays, 1–2 p.m., Good Samaritan Society-Stafholt, 456 C Street, Blaine. Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Unitarian Church, 517 Cedar Street, Blaine. Open to all. Info: 332-8248. Yoga for Body, Mind & Spirit: Tuesdays, 10–11 a.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. $5 per session. Info: 656-6416. Live Music with J.P. Falcon and Guest: Tuesdays, 8–10 p.m., Via Birch Bay Café and Bistro, 7829 Birch Bay Drive. Info: 778-2570. Community Meals of Blaine: Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Free; donations accepted. Info: 332-6922. Via’s Karaoke: Wednesday though Sunday, 9 p.m.–close, Via Birch Bay Café and Bistro, 7829 Birch Bay Drive. Info: 778-2570. Pub Trivia: Thursdays, 7 p.m., Will’O Pub & Café. Info: thewillopub.com. Karaoke: Friday and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. Paso del Norte, 758 Peace Portal Drive. Info: 332-4045. Burger Night: Second and fourth Fridays, 5–7:30 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive, Blaine. InfO: David, 739-1671. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
February 13 - 19, 2014 • thenorthernlight.com
Sewer... From page 1
scenario, cause the sewer lines to back up and flow down the street from a manhole. There are several pump and lift stations throughout the city that help facilitate the movement of the non-pressurized sewer contents from homes to the water reclamation facility on Marine
s Blaine High School students, from. l, Erick Chesteen, Katlyn Carleton, Quame Finley and Orion Terrazas listen to what an Air Force recruiter has to say at a job fair on February 11.
Photo by Brandy Kiger Shreve
Drive where it is treated. Whitewolf said when a pump station stops working, they have to shut that station down and physically take it apart to get to the problem. “It’s taking staff away from other things they could be doing,” she said, and the extra hours those staff are working to fish out these problem materials could ultimately result in higher bills for sewer users.
“We’re trying to keep rates from going up and be good partners with the community and prevent these issues from happening,” she said, adding that the city will continue to investigate the problem. Whitewolf said the city would appreciate any information that might lead them to the source of the problem. To contact Whitewolf, call 360/332-8820.
EXPO
Recreation Northwest
Your #1 Resource for Local and Regional Recreation Opportunities to Enjoy a Fun and Healthy New Year! e Fre he to tblic Pu
. . . t h g i Ton 3th
bruary 1
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BEST WESTERN PLUS Lakeway Inn & Conference Center Thursday, February 13th 4:00pm - 8:00pm Featured Speakers @ 7:00pm Heather Anderson/Pacific Crest Trail Self-Supported Fastest Known Time Brandon Nelson/Guinness Book of World Records 24 hour paddling record
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s Christy Fox decorates a batch of truffles at her kitchen in Bellingham. She, along with her wife Shannon, own and operate Evolve Truffles.
Photo by Brandy Kiger Shreve
Truffles ...
lowed their bliss to success, in a way that not many truffle-makers can sustain as a full-time career. From page 1 “There’s not a lot of chocolatto source everything locally; so iers who are doing what we’re we did, and we looked for the doing,” Christy said. “It’s unbest we could get. We get our common how we make our trufcream from Twin Brook Cream- fles, because most who make a ery, our blueberries from Bow business of it use molds, but we Hill Blueberries and our Malbec feel there’s a connection in the from Dakota Creek Winery.” creation by hand-making them. The women began making We’re imparting a part of ourtruffles together as a gift for their selves into every truffle.” family, drawing on Christy’s 20 Shannon said their long-term years of fine dinhope for Evolve ing experience and Truffles is to be Shannon’s foodie able to take their background that successful modwas born from exel of creating valtensive travels and ue-added food, growing up in a and instill that in French home. The others through an experience pro“incubator-style pelled them forprogram” that ward in their search will allow other for something to like-minded startcall their own. ups to get on their Now, after nearly feet and out in the three years in busiworld in a positive ness, the two-wom“It would be a -Christy Fox, way. an team produces program where we Evolve Truffles could learn from anywhere between 1,500 and 3,000 of other and help oththeir hand-rolled, hand-dipped ers achieve success,” Shannon truffles each month. said. They have formed collaboraEvolve Truffles currently cretions with establishments such ates four lines of truffles: Floral, as Semiahmoo Resort and Spa, Liqueur, Pacific Northwest and Dakota Creek Winery and The Spice. Their creations can be Chrysalis Inn and Spa to develop found online at evolvetruffles. signature flavors that can only be com as well as in local businesses found at those locations. in the county. The business is a dream come For a complete list of locations, true for the couple who has fol- visit their website.
“We’re imparting a part of ourselves into every truffle.”
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