Ferndale Record- April 3, 2024

Ferndale residents speak up at school board meeting

Katie Dorr: students ‘should have a curriculum and material t at re e ts diverse perspectives’

discussed diversity, inclusion and state versus local control. For some in attendance, those discussions have proven controversial.

Shortly after the meeting started, the board ceded the oor to the district’s citizens for public comment. One of the rst people to stand up to the podium was Katie Dorr, a technology integration expert at the Mount Vernon School District and former Ferndale School District employee.

Dorr began her comments by holding out a printed photo of a relative of hers, who is an LGBTQ person and a former Ferndale student, stating that the student is currently enrolled at Whatcom

County Community College with plans to pursue a career in biochemistry before transitioning into medicine.

“I want you to remember his face,” Dorr said. “I hope he takes his oath as a doctor more seriously than some of you have taken your oath as school board members. I also hope that he continues to achieve his goals when he is beside your bedside and has more empathy for you than you have for him.”

Dorr said she sent two letters to the Ferndale School Board that further details her thoughts regarding their Feb. 27 meeting as well as shares her experiences living with the LGBTQ member of her family.

“I ask you to re ect today,” Dorr said to the board. “What is so scary about learning about LGBTQ contributions to our community?

How far does your local control reach? Who’s views are you trying to eliminate? Eliminating di erent viewpoints because it doesn’t t into a board member’s political belief is irresponsible and does not create a graduate who can engage with ideas outside of the Ferndale school system.” Dorr later said that she has not always felt this way about the Ferndale School Board and that it has only been recent comments from some of its current members that

“I want you to remember his face,” Katie Dorr, a former employee of the Ferndale School District, told the district’s governing board on March 26. “I hope he takes his oath as a doctor more seriously than some of you have taken your oath as school board members.” (Luke Seymour/ Ferndale Record) See Speak Up on A5

Ferndale announces April 10 skatepark groundbreaking

The City of Ferndale invites the public to a groundbreaking at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 to help kick o construction of Metalworks Skatepark, a highly anticipated project

FHS project open house

FERNDALE — Ferndale School District invites the community to celebrate the rebuild completion of Ferndale High School with a ribbon cutting and open house at 5:30 p.m. May 30.

e rebuilding of the high school is the largest portion of the district’s 2019 voter-approved bond.

Ferndale High School is at 5830 Golden Eagle Drive.

According to a March 29 press release from Celina Rodriguez the district’s executive director of communications, the 132,248 square-foot three-level design provides permanent classroom space for 1,300 students.

e new campus “provides a secure, technology-equipped learning environment where students and sta can learn in comfort,” Rodriguez stated.

According to Rodriguez, project highlights include two brand-new gyms for physical education, athletics and events, a career and technical education (CTE) wing lled with equipment preparing students for

their future endeavors, a threestory academic wing with 52 classrooms and science labs, collaboration spaces where students can team up on projects, and a spacious commons area with ample natural light.

According to Rodriguez, pieces of the old high school were incorporated into the new building to honor the pride of our community into this new chapter. Just outside of the main building, there is also a CTE village, where students can take handson courses such as agricultural science and aquaculture, and the new Golden Eagle Stadium and accompanying grandstands.

e campus was designed by Dykeman Architects and completed by Cornerstone GCI.

Additional bond funded projects include secure entryways at every district building; signicant roof repairs at Vista Middle School and Central and Custer elementaries; new fencing, standardized heating and ventilation controls, and new hot water tanks at various buildings.

FERNDALE — e City of Ferndale invites the public to a groundbreaking at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 to help kick o construction of Metalworks Skatepark, a highly anticipated project for the Ferndale community.

e groundbreaking will take place at the future skatepark location at the 5500 block of Second Avenue, across the street from the old American Legion building. Parking will be available at the Phillips66 Sports Complex. e event will begin promptly at 2 p.m. with opening remarks and speeches, with the o cial groundbreaking at approximately 2:20 p.m.

e City of Ferndale would like to welcome all community members, skaters – thrashers and posers, stakeholders, and project supporters in celebrating this project milestone for the Metalworks Skatepark.

Attendees will include Mayor Greg Hansen, city council members, elected o cials, city sta and project partners. e community is encouraged to participate in this eagerly awaited event. Listen to members of the project team, have the opportunity to leave your mark on the ocial construction project sign, watch as the city breaks ground, and take home a limited-edition Metalworks Skatepark sticker.

PeaceHealth to open Lynden Clinic

WHATCOM — PeaceHealth will open its Lynden primary and specialty care clinic on April 15. is new clinic “signi cantly expanding healthcare options and access to communities in north and east Whatcom County,” said Anne Williams of PeaceHealth, Northwest network in a March 9 press release.

e 22,500-squarefoot, single-story clinic is at 8844 Benson Road. e opening caps o several years of planning and construction and will bring much-needed services to residents of Lynden and other areas of north and east Whatcom County, Williams stated.

e clinic houses primary care, including family medicine, pediatrics and same-day

services, as well as cardiology, orthopedics, behavioral health and OB/GYN/midwifery.

e existing orthopedics and OB/GYN clinics at 1610 Grove St., Lynden, will relocate to the new facility. On-site imaging and lab services will be available in partnership with Mount Baker Imaging and Quest Diagnostics. “We are thrilled to open this beautiful facility, and excited to help meet the healthcare needs of our north Whatcom County communities,” said Denise Walker, vice president of operations for PeaceHealth Medical Group, Northwest network. “We recognize how rapidly the area is growing and we want to ensure the community has access to highquality primary and

specialty care for many years to come.” e new clinic will eventually employ about 50 caregivers and providers and serve 150 to 200 patients daily.

Lynden Clinic will be the rst PeaceHealth clinic with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certi cation. Design elements such as solar panels, EV charging, native plants and a bioswale stormwater runo system demonstrate PeaceHealth’s commitment to sustainability.

A community open house will be held on ursday, May 16, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. All are welcome for tours and refreshments.

PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, is a nonpro t Catholic health system o ering care to communities in Wash-

ington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, more than 3,000 providers, more than 160 clinics and nine medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. e Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always nding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in ful lling its Mission. Visit peacehealth.org.

Whatcom County Home & Lifestyle Show Preview

for the Ferndale community. (Courtesy City of Ferndale)

Counties

By Mary Murphy Washington State Journal

OLYMPIA — All coun-

ties are required to install Albert Systems, a technology that noti es counties when there is an attempted cybersecurity attack, under a bill Secretary of State Steve Hobbs endorsed.

Even though ballot counting machines are not connected to the internet, election data is oftentimes circulated on internet communication channels.

Technology like the Albert System can help protect the security of county records by monitoring any attempt to manipulate, intercept, or tamper with data transmitted through these channels.

While 36 of 39 counties across the state already use this system, the counties who don’t have expressed

concern about requiring this technology. Lincoln County o cials, for example, spoke to its use of the Albert System and its potential aws. “Lincoln County became a victim of a ransomware attack in 2020,” Rob Co man, Lincoln County Commissioner, said. “At the time, it had Albert Systems monitoring the county network. at attack brought the county to its knees for months, costing tens of thousands of dollars.” Co man said the thirdparty non-pro t which runs Albert Systems, the Center for Internet Security, never noti ed the county of the attack.

e version of the bill that passed requires counties to install the Albert System speci cally. “We all want secure elections,” Tom Gaines, Grant County Secretary

to adopt security system

Building trust in law enforcement a key goal, Lovick says

and was appointed to the Senate in 2021. In the 2024 Legislative session, he has been the primary sponsor of numerous bills related to policing and public safety.

form for

years as a former state trooper and Snohomish County Sheri . “Not everybody understands that I’ve been on both sides of the badge. And I’ve been at both ends of the barrel,” Lovick, a Democrat from Mill Creek, said. “And I let people know that I’m Black, I’m brown, and I’m blue.”

Lovick spent 31 years as a Washington State Trooper, served nine years in the House of Representative

One of his most notable accomplishments is his Primary Seat Belt Law, which increased seat belt usage from 81% to 97%.

From where he sits, Lovick observes a pervasive sense of distrust toward law enforcement, particularly within communities of color. He acknowledges that some reasons for distrust are warranted but others may not. But for Washington to move forward in policing, he says it’s imperative to reach a place of absolute

trust in one another.

According to Lovick, defunding the police never should have happened and should never be classi ed as a “movement.” He said money should never be taken away from the police. Instead, new ways to do policing should be considered.

“I always say that 99.9% of our men and women in law enforcement do a great job,” he said. “But it’s the ones that don’t that spoil it for all of us.”

He thinks increasing trust in law enforcement goes hand in hand with diversifying it. He has a 3030 initiative to have 30% of our law enforcement be female by 2030. Lovick is particu-

larly proud of SB 5424, a bill that would allow certain o cers to work overtime, which he believes will help achieve this goal.

“I think that it’s going to change the culture of policing,” Lovick said. “We’re going to have men and women in the profession that maybe could not have stayed at a full-time job. Maybe they could have two kids at home.”

A new police training facility, which many refer to as a “cop city,” just announced its opening in Lacey, Washington, which many people protested, arguing that these facilities are military indoctrination centers.

But Lovick says the scariest thing we will ever have in this state is un-trained police o cers. “We need more, but we need better-trained police

o cers,” Lovick said. “We open those facilities so that we can train o cers. at is the worst thing that we will ever do is not have properly trained police o cers.”

Lovick said sometimes you need guardians and other times you want warriors. Usually, he said people want more guardians to keep people safe and not be at war with the community.

But he says if someone steps on a school campus and tries to hurt a child, he wants a warrior. “I want to be that warrior, because I don’t want it to be a fair ght,” Lovick said. “We need guardians all the time. We also need warriors at times.”

Lovick is the third Black and male State Senator ever and the rst since 1991. He says this is just the way it is.

“ ey say you can’t be what you can’t see,” he said. “Maybe some young kid…. that’s walking through here, sitting watching me speak, sitting watching me walk across the campus, and hearing people call me senator, it might inspire them to maybe go home and say, this is something that I want to do…that is kind of how I became a police o cer.”

Lovick says he is having a great time serving as a senator and has no plans to retire. “Quite often, the voters decide how long they want you to serve.”

-- e Washington State Journal is a non-pro t news website funded by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.

OBITUARIES

John Louis Blickenstaff

John Louis Blickensta , beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend died at home surrounded by family at the age of 87 due to complications of cancer. John was born in Bellingham to Homer and Elnora Blickensta and older siblings, Lowell and Jean. eir family ran a small dairy farm in Lawerence, WA. Here, John met his

Robert (Bob)

best friends, Butch and Rod Kvamme, Roger Flotre, and Merle Brooks, who were to stay connected their entire lives. Following graduation from Mount Baker High School, he earned a AA in horticulture at Mount Baker Community College and was subsequently drafted into the Army to become a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division.

From 1965-2000, John worked for Northwest Airlines where he met his wife, Dianne Simineau. After their marriage in 1975, the newlyweds settled in

James Eytzen

Fauntleroy, West Seattle and in 1978 welcomed their rst and only child, Ann. e family moved to Southworth, WA in 1991 and built a home overlooking Puget Sound where they lived for almost 30 years, nally moving to Battle Ground, WA to be near family. John was known for his exquisite gardens, woodworking, humor and love for people. He never missed an opportunity to be social or cheer on his grandkids, quickly becoming the community grandpa. His laugh

and smile could light up a room, and his life truly embodied Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they my see your good works, and glorify you Father who is in heaven.” John is survived by his wife, Dianne; his daughter, Ann Ordway; son-in-law, Jason; grandchildren, Calab (18), Emet (16), Anna Ruth (14) and Grace (12), along with his older sister, Jean Farley. He will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held later this spring.

Mary Ann Odmark

Memorial service for Mary Ann Odmark will be held Friday, April 12, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mt. Baker Highway, Bellingham. Deceased’s funeral arrangements have been previously held.

Robert (Bob) James Eytzen, 87, was the rst child born to Abraham and Hilda Eytzen in Mountain Lake, Minnesota on Jan. 17, 1937.

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Bob had his homecoming with Mary by his side at the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden.

We are sure he is happy to be reunited with his parents, baby brother Albert, and son in-law Raymond Schultz.

To view a more complete obituary and share memories of Bob please go to the Sig’s Funeral and Cremation Services website.

WHATCOM COUNTY NEWS BRIEFS

For the 30th consecutive year, the Lynden High School Wind Ensemble band earned a superior rating at annual the San Juan Music Educators Association Large Group Festival. Pictured, the school’s wind ensemble band for 2023-2024. (Photo courtesy Lynden School District)

Lynden High School band earns superior rating

LYNDEN — For the 30th consecutive year, the Lynden High School Wind Ensemble band earned a superior rating at annual the San Juan Music Educators Association Large Group Festival.

e festival, held at Western Washington University, is the largest regional event in the state with 21 schools participating from Blaine to Mount Vernon and beyond.

e 53-member Lynden band played three pieces for the judges, all picked by the director to ensure a combination of lyrical and technical components.

Trevor Galligan, Lynden teacher and band director, said a superior rating — the top rating achievable — is awarded when the band accomplishes superb clarity of pitch, proper blend and balance at all times, awless rhythmic accuracy, a portrayal of the composer’s intent of the piece through the performance, as well as expressive shaping and phrasing of the music.

“I was told afterward by one of the judges,” Galligan said, “that after our performance was over, the judge sitting next to him simply turned his adjudicating form over and said, ‘Now, that’s a good band.’”

Ferndale employee is Banner Bank’s best

FERNDALE — Banner Bank employee, Vice President and Ferndale and Blaine Branch Manager Nancy Stull has been selected to receive the Banner’s Best award. is represents the highest level of recognition within the company and the award celebrates Ban-

ner’s top performing employees.

Stull received the award for surpassing her individual professional goals, demonstrating excellence within her respective profession and consistently delivering outstanding service to the Bank’s clients, communities and her colleagues.

Mark Grescovich, Banner Bank president and CEO, said that each Banner’s Best recipient “exempli es our value proposition — connected, knowledgeable, responsive — yet what truly sets them apart is how they constantly strive for a higher standard in all that they do.”

Less than 5% of all Banner employees receive this award annually and recipients are selected by members of executive leadership.

WorkSource workshops for resume, cover letter

WHATCOM — Ever wondered how to develop a resume/curriculum?

WorkSource o ces in Northwest region of Washington which includes Whatcom County are now o ering in-person workshops for resume and cover letter in Spanish. Whatcom County offers this class on the rst Wednesday of the month.

e phone number for the Whatcom Spanishspeaking representative is 360-318-7043. We will be happy to register you for these classes. Or visit us in person at the following locations: WorkSource Whatcom is located at 101 Prospect St., Bellingham.

Classes will be o ered at those locations in person. is program receives support nancially under the Wagner-Pyser Act under the US Department of Labor of the United States

if you are interested in learning more about this program you may nd that

information@esd.wa.gov/ usdol.

Rock the Nest Fest fundraiser

FERNDALE — e Ferndale Public Schools Foundation will host its inaugural community-wide Rock the Nest Fest on May 18. e free street fair-style event will start at 4 p.m. at Ferndale High School, 5830 Golden Eagle Drive, with the ticketed evening concert beginning at 7 p.m.

e evening will be headlined by local Tom Petty/Fleetwood Mac cover band Petty Or Not, who have recently played shows at Mount Baker eater in Bellingham and Chateau Ste Michelle. e afternoon will begin with a street fair packed with family activities and food trucks. e event’s headline sponsor is Phillips 66.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. Petty or Not concert can be purchased at bit.ly/RockeNest24. Tickets are not required for the street fair at 4 p.m.

e Ferndale Public Schools Foundation was launched in summer 2023 with the goal of helping Ferndale students in need of additional support by removing fees, o ering scholarships, and paying for necessary materials.

Read more about the foundation by visiting their website at ferndaleschoolsfoundation.org.

Marine Trades Career Exploration and Job Fair

BELLINGHAM — e third annual Marine Trades Career Exploration and Job Fair will be from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ursday, May 9 at the Fishermen’s Pavilion, 2599 S. Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham.

e event is free and open to the public and will o er community members,

job seekers, high school and college students the opportunity to network with working waterfront employees and to explore careers in the marine trades. ose trades include welding, boat building, engineering, consulting, sales, recreation and mechanics. ere is something for everyone.

e event will also include several fun hands-on activities, such as oyster shucking, a seafood cooking demonstration, rope tying races, and an opportunity to win a Yeti cooler.

Whatcom Center for Early Learning receives $2M grant

BELLINGHAM — Whatcom Center for Early Learning has received $2M as one of the nationally highest-scoring organizations that applied to the MacKenzie Scott Yield Giving Open Call. Whatcom Center for Early Learning delivers high quality, equitable, and comprehensive early support services to young children, ages birth to three, with disabilities and developmental delays, forming a solid foundation for their long-term well-being.

Yield Giving received 6,353 applications and initially planned for 250 awards of $1 million each.

In light of the incredible work of these organizations, as judged by their peers and external panelists, the donor team decided to expand the awardee pool and the award amount.

Early support services (previously known as early intervention) are one of the most cost-e ective investments because children receive support at the key time when 85% of brain development is taking place. Children and families graduate from our programs with improved holistic well-being, empowering

them to have better lifelong health, education and economic outcomes.

Join Whatcom Center for Early Learning’s annual gala fundraiser on June 1. More information at wcel. net.

Tulip Tunes music festival part of Tulip Festival Street Fair

MOUNT VERNON —

Get ready to groove amidst the colorful blooms and lively atmosphere of Mount Vernon as Tulip Tunes debuts as a standalone music festival within the Tulip Festival Street Fair.

Set to take place April 19-21, Tulip Tunes will be an unforgettable local musical experience for all attendees.

Organized by the Mount Vernon Downtown Association in collaboration with WECU, Tulip Tunes aims to celebrate the vibrant music scene of the Paci c Northwest while also showcasing nationally recognized acts.

With a lineup featuring 18 diverse performers, including local favorites e Enthusiasts, Hippies with Money, and Brittany Collins, as well as national and regional artists like Leon Majcen, Alec Shaw, and Drew Martin, attendees can expect a range of musical genres, promising an enjoyable experience for all. Tulip Tunes is a singlestage festival, ensuring attendees can fully immerse themselves in each performance without missing a beat.

From indie rock to folk, country, americana, and more, the eclectic lineup promises to captivate music lovers of all ages.

What makes Tulip Tunes even more remarkable is that it’s entirely free to the public, allowing everyone to experience the magic of live music in the heart of downtown Mount Vernon.

With its ideal setting in Downtown Mount Vernon amidst the energy of the annual Tulip Festival Street Fair, Tulip Tunes is poised to become one of the most anticipated events in Skagit County, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the magic of music in bloom.

For more information about Tulip Tunes, including the full lineup and schedule of performances, visit downtownmountvernon.org/events.

Gasoline prices increase another 10 cents in past week

Average gasoline prices in Washington have risen 10.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.47/g on April 1, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 2,666 stations in Washington. Prices in Washington are 38.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 22.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. e national average price of diesel has declined 2.9 cents in the past week and stands at $3.99 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Washington was priced at $3.69/g on March 31 while the most expensive was $5.39/g, a di erence of $1.70/g. e national average price of gasoline is unchanged in the past week, averaging $3.51/g April 1. e national average is up 16.1 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 0.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country. “No April Fools’ joke: the national average price of gasoline has nally slowed a bit after four weeks of notable increases, stalling in the mid-$3.50s for the last week or two, while the average for diesel fell back below $4 per gallon—not a bad week for motorists as rising demand would normally put solid upward pressure on prices,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “For now, motorists have a bit of a reprieve from the constant big weekly price jumps. While we seem to be nearing a short-term peak, one word of caution for those in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast: you haven’t yet nished the transition to summer gasoline, so you may experience some sticker shock in a few weeks. Be prepared for somewhat of a punch. For the rest of the nation, so long as we don’t see extenuating circumstances, we’re likely close to a top in prices. Let’s hope it pans out and sticks!” GasBuddy data is accessible at prices.GasBuddy.com.

Volunteerism: Building stronger communities

Something that I realized shortly after I retired from the military was that those who have served look for other ways to continue to serve. But you don’t need to have served your country to help your community and those who live in it. You just need to rely on your strengths and wisdom to nd where you can have the most impact. As a father of 2, I made it my mission to be a part of my daughters’ lives as much as possible.

When we rst moved to Lynden, both my daughters expressed interest in sports. Despite my limited knowledge of basketball and soccer, I volunteered as a coach for Lynden Youth Sports Basketball and Rebel Rec Soccer. I may not be an expert in these sports, but I always emphasize to my teams that I am their biggest cheerleader, o ering unwavering support and encouragement from the sideline. My forward and outspoken personality might not suit everyone, but I believe that it takes all di erent types of people to build a strong community.

Whether you’re a parent, grandpar-

Immigration is ‘life blood of our nation’

ent or fall somewhere in between, consider volunteering at your child’s school. Beyond impacting your child’s life, you have the power to make a di erence in the lives of other children. e only prerequisites for volunteering at a public school are completing the volunteer forms and undergoing a background check. Once cleared, you can assist sta and contribute where needed. Don’t forget about the PTA, because they are always on the lookout for volunteers to support their events. I would advocate for an annual volunteer fair organized by the school district to match volunteers with opportunities based on their strengths, fostering a more robust student body. I believe schools need to re ect their communities. Last fall, I spoke at the morning Kiwanis Club and found their commitment to aiding local kids and supporting community programs aligned with my values. I joined the club the following month. I believe that local clubs like Kiwanis play a vital role in supporting and shaping the future

of our community. Meetings take place every Wednesday morning at 6:45 a.m. at the Fairway Café in Lynden, providing a delightful midweek break. All are welcome, feel free to join us. Or join the Kiwanis Club in your community. Our community has much to o er, and by volunteering time, we can lay the groundwork for a strong foundation for our community and its youth. Programs like Be e One o er an opportunity to make a direct impact on older kids, providing a listening ear and guidance to navigate life’s challenges. Be e One only requires one hour a week and that time is spent directly mentoring a student that you are matched up with. ere are plenty of opportunities within our community to volunteer and there’s a lot of good things happening. All you have to do is take that rst step. If you have any questions or need help in getting in touch with one of these groups please reach out. Together we can make a di erence.

-- Lynden resident Nick Sawka started a before school program at Fisher Elementary called All-Pro Dads/Parents. e program is designed to promote parent and child quality time. More about Nick Sawka at nicksawka.com.

Council Everson City Council meets at 7 p.m. the secondand fourthTuesday of each month at Everson City Hall, 111 W. Main St. Visit ci.everson.wa.us for meeting agendas or for more information.

Nooksack City Council Nooksack City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at Nooksack City Hall, 103 W. Madison St. If Monday is a holiday, then council will meet on Tuesday. Visit cityofnooksack. com for meeting agendas or for more information.

Sumas City Council

Sumas City Council meets at 7 p.m. the secondand fourthMonday of each month at Sumas City Hall, 433 Cherry St. Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month if needed. Other committees meet only as needed. Visit cityofsumas. com for meeting agendas or for more information.

Ferndale City Council

Ferndale City Council meets at 5 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month. If Monday is a holiday, then council will meet on Tuesday. Meetings are held at the City Hall Annex, 5694 Second Ave. Visit cityo erndale. org for agendas and links to council and other committee meetings.

Whatcom County Council

ma.

When not being forcibly relocated to large urban areas, immigrants will go to areas where there are family and work, usually in agriculture, meat and poultry processing of other jobs that cannot be lled by local residents.

ese are low paying and often dangerous but present a way to begin as productive members of a community.

Even a minimum wage of $17,000/ year will contribute the local tax base and economy.

Using words such as deluge, invasion, attacks on local sovereignty are not helpful in this discussion as they only demon-

Whatcom County Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. at the County Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave. Suite 105, Bellingham. Visit whatcomcounty.us for agendas and links to council and other committee meetings.

honor of Nicholas Bussard. Hear works by Lyapunov, Shchedrin, Debussy, Mozart, Barber, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann and Bach. Free and open to all. Family friendly. More at bellinghammusicclub.org.

April 3

Birchwood Garden Club’s April meeting

Birchwood Garden Club’s April meeting is from 7-9 p.m. April 3 at 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. Topic: Deer Resistant Planting with Diana Wiesan. Bellingham’s Old City Hall Museum Rotunda Room. Visit birchwoodgardenclub.org for more information.

Mixed Media class

Local Artist Lois Dahl will continue the mixed media art class on Mondays from 1-2:30 p.m. Classes will focus on working with printmaking and other techniques to working with paper. This is a drop-in class, $13/member, and $15/non-members, and you will leave with a finished product each time. Registration is Required before the class begins. Lynden Community/ Senior Center is at 401 Grover St. Call 360-354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org for more.

Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sept. 30

Bocce Ball

Lynden Community/Senior Center is starting up Bocce Ball practice at Bender Fields Bocce Ball court on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. until noon, through Sept. 30. If there is rain, we will not play, but if it’s sunny come out and join in the fun. Make sure you bring a lawn chair.

Minds alive!

Third Monday of each month

Minds alive is a partnership between The Upfront Theatre and NWRC to o er improv classes for anyone with early stage memory loss and their care partners. These classes are from 2-3 p.m. the third Monday of each month at The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St., Bellingham. Classes are designed to engage participants in improv exercises that tap into the present moment through creativity, connection and joy. Specially trained Upfront improvisers will facilitate a creative experience surely to enrich, support and entertain. This class will provide a safe and fun environment to engage in imagination and creativity, social engagement and connection, laughter and joy, increased mood and confidence, improved quality of life, an opportunity to fully be in the moment, sense of accomplishment and success. Caregivers/Care partners welcome but not required for attendance. Registration is required, either online, by email at info@theupfront.com, or by phone 360-200-8697.

April 3

BMC Award Winners in concert

The Bellingham Music Club presents its second daytime showcase featuring exceptional music students, all winners of its adjudicated competitions at 2401 Cornwall Ave. at 10:30 a.m. April 3. BMC hosts the winners of its High School Piano Awards in honor of Nancy Bussard, and its High School Voice Awards in honor of Jack and Ginny Frymire, in addition to a winner of the Winds/Percussion Awards in

April 5-27

Recycled Arts Resource Expo

Come to the opening reception of Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s 12th annual Recycled Arts Resource Expo (RARE), from 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 5. Allied Arts of Whatcom County is at 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. RARE celebrates creative reuse through this juried art exhibit. Allied Arts also spotlights art organizations and facilities promoting sustainability. For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact Xandra Blackburn at 360-6768548 x102 or gallery@alliedarts.org. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

April 6

Friends of the Everson Library Rainy Days Book Sale

Friends of the Everson Library Rainy Days Book Sale is April 6 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the library, 104 Kirsch Drive, Everson. Stop into our shop in the alley behind Peoples Bank and shop for thousands of items including books, DVDs, antique books and our book bags and t-shirts.

April 7

Gospel concert Gospel concert with Keepers of the Faith, 6 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at Nooksack Valley Reformed Church, 602 E. 2nd St., Nooksack. Doors open at 5 p.m. Free will o ering, refreshments following. Call Donna at 360-966-5165 for more info.

April 8

Whatcom Genealogical Society Meeting

Whatcom Genealogical Society Meeting at Pioneer Pavilion Community Center, 2007 Cherry St. Ferndale. Learn about genealogy desktop software and why you should use it. For more information, email whatcomgenesoc@gmail.com.

April 12

Pat Hagen on Piano

Pat Hagen will be entertaining on the piano on Friday, April 12 at 12:30 p.m. at the Lynden Community/Senior Center, 401 Grover St. For more information, call 360-354-2921 or email info@ lyndencommunitycenter.org.

April 13

Lynden Gardeners & Social Group Meetings on second Saturday of the month, except in summer, from 10 a.m. until noon downstairs at Rustler’s, 405 Front St. Meetings are free, interactive, informative, and fun. Agenda: 10:05–11:10 a.m. “How to Recognize

Plant Diseases vs Damage from Pests” and what to do about it; 11:10–11:35 a.m. “How to Grow Specialty Potatoes” (and win the potato bag); and 11:35–noon “Bookworm Bin Project” to become a worm wrangler. Come by 9 a.m. for breakfast, place order upstairs, or stay after for lunch in the restaurant. More information, call Mary Lou Childs at 360-366-6610.

April 13

Early Bloomers Plant Sale

The first WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener plant sale takes place on April 13 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Hovander Homestead Park, 5299 Nielsen Road, Ferndale. Features early blooming plants and this with winter interest. For more information, visitwhatcommgf.org. Plant sales are fundraisers to support the Whatcom County Master Gardener Foundation.

April 16

Painting with Anne Anne Levinson assists students to create a painting with acrylic paints, which will be completed in 2 hours! Classes will be on Tuesday, April 16 starting at 1:30-3:30 p.m. There is a fee of $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Registration is required, before the class begins. Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St. For more information, call 360-354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org.

April 20 LC Artisan & Vendor Market Lynden Christian’s Artisan & Vendor Market from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. April 20. Admission is free. Come out and shop a diverse group of local artisans, crafters and directs sales vendors. There really is something for everyone at this fun market. This year’s market will utilize the entire LCHS gym, allowing for wider walkways for our loyal shoppers and larger booth options for our fantastic vendors. Call 360-3189525 to inquire about booth availability or a vendor application.

April 20

Spring Shred and e-Cycle BECU’s Spring Shred and e-Cycle

Event will be held on April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bellingham Lincoln Creek Parking Lot, this free event o ers a collection of

• Secure Document Shredding by Shred-it

• Electronic Recycling by 1PC

• Non-perishable food and cash donations by Western Washington University Food Bank

• Clothing and household item donations by Northwest Center

The event address is: 800 Lincoln St. Bellingham. Lynden residents will benefit from this opportunity to declutter and reduce their carbon footprint in an environmentally friendly way.

April 27

Free youth fishing derby Free youth fishing derby sponsored by Ferndale Kiwanis. Registration begins at 5:30 a.m. Turn in fish by 10:30 a.m. Prizes awarded at 10:45 a.m. Breakfast available for purchase. Event is in Maple Falls at Silver Lake, 9006 Silver Lake Road. For more information, email organizerkathy@yahoo.com.

April 27

Swing dance

The Swing Connection Big Band will play a swing dance April 27 at Pioneer Pavilion, 2007 Cherry St, Ferndale. Start with a swing dance lesson at 6 p.m. followed by a dance with live music played by the Swing Connection big band from 7-9 p.m. This has been going for several years now and the dance lesson is taught by none-other than Steve Menefee, the FHS band director and his wife.

April 27

Main Street Flower Basket Fundraiser Ferndale’s inaugural Main Street

Flower Basket Fundraiser is Saturday, April 27. Registration begins at 1030 a.m. at Pioneer Pavilion. Race start at 11:30 a.m. at Pioneer Park and ends at Fringe Brewing, 5640 3rd Ave. Registration cost is $35 and will include some swag and a chance for prizes. Run or walk, rain or shine. For more information, visit http://business. ferndale-chamber.com/events/details/flower-power-5k-11068.

April 27

Building Communities of Hope Gala Building Communities of Hope Gala, at 5:45 a.m. April 27. Hear from acclaimed comedian, mental health advocate, and author, Aparna Nancherla!

Known for her signature dry, witty sense of humor, Aparna will present an original stand-up routine and participate in a moderated discussion as the keynote speaker for Compass Health’s Building Communities of Hope Gala. The evening will also feature a ra e, silent auction, seated dinner, and remarks from other Compass Health representatives. Proceeds from the event support Compass Health’s child, youth, and family services. Ticket sales close on Tuesday, April 16. To buy tickets and learn more, visit compasshealth.org/bcoh.

April 29 April Birthday Party

If you have a birthday in April, come and celebrate with us on Monday, April 29 at 12:30 p.m., come to the Lynden Community/Senior Center to celebrate. There will be a special lunch at noon, for $6 to begin the party. Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St. Call 360-354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org for more information.

May 1-5

American Rhododendron Society Convention

Top nurseries of the Northwest are coming to the Four Points by Sheraton,714 Lakeway Dr. Bellingham, for the 2024 American Rhododendron Society Convention. The plant sale is open to the public on May5 from 8 a.m. until noon. Nursery people will answer your gardening questions.No registration is required to buy plants. The convention runs from May 1-5 and is now open for registration. Featured are 16 informative speakers on a variety of topics, two evening banquets with programs, and six garden tours available, including one to Canada.Membership in the American Rhododendron Society is not required to attend.See our registration page at www.ARS2024.org for more information.

Speak Up: Families tell Ferndale School Board what they want

Continued from A1 has caused her to question the board’s commitment to the inclusion and acceptance of all Ferndale students.

“With previous board members, I didn’t feel the need to address this issue,” Dorr said. “ ey stood on equity and on the belief of doing what was best for all students. Not only do I not believe some current board members have the best interest of all kids in mind, but I also believe that local control is meant to take away and censor some of what is in the best interest of students.”

Dorr also said students “should have a curriculum and material that re ects diverse perspectives.”

“Every student deserves to feel represented by the material they’re learning,” Dorr said. “When they hear their stories in the school curriculum, students are more likely to be successful and engaged in the classroom.” Another Ferndale resident who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting was Swil Kanim, a member of the Lummi Nation and local polymath who’s accom-

plishments range from being a classically trained violinist, an actor and a U.S Army Veteran. Swil Kanim began his public comment by acknowledging his nonLummi name. “My real name is Richard Marshall, but that is just my name.” Swil Kanim said. “Who I am, my identity, is Swil Kanim, that’s my Lummi name. at I know who I am is evidence of my education.”

He then went on to describe how his teachers and educators helped him to both realize his identity as a Lummi man, and help develop his self-worth as a person. Swil Kanim would later say that he spoke on behalf of one teacher in particular who was in attendance at that night’s meeting “I showed up because a member of Katie Dorr’s family was being attacked personally.” Swil Kanim said. “ at family is very close to my heart because Katie’s mother, Kathy Door was present that night and she is, and always has been, my hero. She rose above the institutional racism that was common in schools at that time and she helped me see that I am who I am.

She supported my desire to be a violinist and a storyteller. As a fourth grader, that’s the most empowering thing imaginable.”

Swil Kanim then goes on to say that the openmindedness and encouragement he received from his teachers clashes with the rhetoric he sees coming from the current Ferndale school board.

“I think what we’re dealing with here is identity politics.” Swil Kanim said. “When I was young, the government illegally tried to change my name to Richard Marshall in order to avoid the Indian Child Welfare Act. So I recognize an institutional power structure when it is motivated by ignorance. When you curb a child’s education so that they can never recognize who they are, or even as a means of attacking a child’s identity, I nd that to be abusive.”

Despite his attitudes toward the Ferndale School Board, Swil Kanim said that there will always be hope as long as the residents of Ferndale continue to show up and speak up.

“What I think me and everyone else who showed up to speak at the board

meeting want is for every child in the district to be seen for their unique specialness,” Swil Kanim said. “I bring up We the People a lot because I love to imag-

ine: what if we the people stood up and pledged to ourselves our lives and our honor and fortunes and got the chance to tell our children that their honor

is equal to that of everyone else’s? I think that could truly mean something.”

-- Contact Luke Seymour at luke@lyndentribune.com.

KRAMER’S KORNER

North Whatcom schools face ‘once in a lifetime’ ballplayer

Mount Vernon’s Xavier

Neyens carving out a prominent name in national baseball circles, paving the way for a promising future

Joe Kramer Sports Editor

Xavier Neyens may be a name that's just starting to gain traction beyond our usual coverage area, but for those who live and breathe baseball, his potential is already making waves. Scouts throughout baseball are already buzzing about his talent and projections placing him as a top pick in the 2025 amateur draft.

Wolden’s assessment derived from over 15 years of high school coaching experience is shared by Whatcom’s coaches as well.

“I would say the hype is denitely real,” said Lynden Christian head coach Noah Rawls. “He has crazy good eyesight, good pop… He’s been running it up to 94 on the mound. He’s a good ballplayer.”

Neyens isn't just a local standout, dominating Nooksack, Lynden and Ferndale – he's a rising star with the potential to make a signi cant impact on the future of the sport in the region. For anyone who loves baseball and appreciates the thrill of watching young talent develop, Neyens' story is one worth following closely. Perfect Game has Neyens currently slotted as the third-best player in the United States for the class of 2025. To put that ranking into context, his closest Washington State contemporary in that department would be Arizona Diamondbacks center elder Corbin Carroll, who was ranked No. 6 by PG for the class of 2019. “He’s a once-in-a-lifetime type player for a coach, it’s as simple as that,” said Mount Vernon head coach Tony Wolden. “Hopefully I see more players in my coaching career like Xavier but based on what I’ve seen so far, it’s unlikely.”

A top exit velocity of 108 mph and 400-foot home runs sailing onto the sheds past right eld at Sherman Anderson Park are enough to make any ballplayer

stand out–but Neyens couples the raw athleticism with a sound all-around approach, especially in the batter's box.

“You just gotta be thinking, ‘alright if that pitch is there, you gotta go,’” he explained.

In Neyens's case, it’s particularly crucial because his hitting prowess is no secret to the rest of the conference which results in him getting fewer good pitches to hit.

Outside of the box, he maintains his con dence while also maintaining adaptability in his approach. He’s not afraid to take

cues from great hitters and experiment with di erent techniques to elevate his game. Neyens explained Bryce Harper is one of his favorite hitters to watch and the leg kick in Neyens’s load is partially inspired by Harper’s. Playing summer ball against the best American prospects in states all around the country— Neyens has stood in against fastballs in the mid-90s and sliders with wicked break action.

“I was facing the velo so I kind

made by his ballclub.

“I think we’re de nitely a better team than we were last year and they just gotta believe that they are,” DeWispelaere said after the Pioneers’ 15-1 loss to Mount Vernon. “I thought we were in this game here, we just gotta clean up some little stu and just get back to being the ball players that they are and not be worried about who’s in the jerseys across the eld from us.”

e Pioneers responded to their 15-1 loss to the Bulldogs on March 26 with the 4-3 win over Burlington-Edison two days later. One reason for optimism for Nooksack Valley baseball in the past few games has been the production of senior second baseman Kasey Newton. He’s batting .444 through the team's rst eight games, placing him in the top 10 leaders in the county. He explained what’s contributed to his recent success at the plate.

“I’ve just been trying not to do too much at the plate this year and staying within myself,” he said. “Do what I know I can do and not try to do anything that’s excessive, just hit the ball where it’s pitched and keep a clear mind.”

Beyond his batting capabilities, Newton's leadership qualities and dedication to the game are evident.

“He’s a hard-working kid and he loves baseball,” DeWispelaere said. “He’s really stepped into that leadership role and if he doesn’t get his work in here, I see him posting stu . He’s in the cage after practice… Just the time he puts in and the work ethic he has, you can tell he loves the game and this is his sport.”

Aside from Newton, junior Colby Martin has been swinging the bat well lately too. He has a 450 batting average through 20 at-bats. “He’s very coachable,” DeWispelaere said. “He’s hit the ball well, he sees the ball well and he’s got a great attitude. He takes it one plate appearance at a time and doesn’t get down on a bad play or bad at bat. He just comes out and makes the next play.”

Aside from Newton and Martin, the team's roster also includes ve underclassmen, indicating potential for growth and development throughout the season. After the Mount Vernon defeat, Newton expressed his vision for the team through the rest of the season

“We just had one bad game and I know we’re gonna bounce back and we just need to get back to doing the little things right,” he said. “When we’re clicking, we’re a hard team to beat and I know we’re capable of it. I know we’re going to make a deeper run in the postseason this year.” e Pioneers return to action at Nooksack Valley High School at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 1 against Mount Baker.

Mount Vernon junior shortstop Xavier Neyens smacks a double to left-centerfield during Mount Vernon’s 16-1 win over Nooksack Valley on March 26. Xavier’s father, Steve, played three sports at Nooksack Valley High School. (Joe Kramer/Lynden Tribune)

Nooksack Valley junior pitcher Cole Bauman takes a hack at the plate during the Pioneers game against Mount Vernon on March 26. (Joe Kramer/Lynden Tribune) PREP BASEBALL

Lynden Christian softball off to promising 4-2 start

Joe Kramer Sports Editor

Christian girls softball topped Squalicum 19-1 on March 28 at Squalicum High School to move to 4-2 on the season. Senior Addison DeJong went two-for-two with two doubles and three RBI. Freshman Kortnee Tolsma went three-for-three with two doubles and a pair of RBI. e Lyncs’ offense is averaging over 14 runs per game.

Neyens: Potential to impact Pacific Northwest baseball culture

Continued from B1

of widened out and got my hands a little bit higher to where they get when I load,” he demonstrated. “ ey didn’t have to move as far and then I just kind of work on and o of that — my bat path got a lot cleaner.”

Furthermore, he was forced to adjust his routine to nd a way to have success against the best pitchers. Some of this training involved taking swings o a pitching machine, cranked to 90 mph, and trying to hit the ball from roughly 40 feet away.

e adjustments paid o and Neyens batted .500 with two home runs at the WWBA 17U National Championship. Watching him face a Whatcom school, a swingand-miss is a rare sight to see and two NWAC Player of the Year awards back up his ability.

As a freshman in 2022, he batted .427 with three home runs and a 1.241 OPS. Last year, he was sidelined to 14 games because of a hand injury and his average dropped to .405 but his OPS rose to 1.376.

While batting is Neyens’s favorite, he already tops out at 94 mph with his fastball. at type of arm strength should be plenty strong enough for the left side of any in eld at any level. “He can throw the ball harder than I can by

far,” said Tampa Bay Rays in elder Austin Shenton. “He has almost every tool.”

e recently minted Tampa Bay Ray has been one of Neyens’s mentors since he was 14. He touched on what he envisions in Neyens’s future. “ e sky is the limit for him,” he said. “I don’t really view him as Xavier, the varsity baseball player, the Oregon State commit, or you know, potential draft pick. I view Xavier as a future big leaguer. e advice I’m trying to give him is trying to help him have that mindset from the get-go.”

Shenton rst started hearing about Neyens through baseball circles when he was 10 years old and watched his swing grow through the years. Eventually, Shenton invited him for a hitting workout which Neyens agreed and the two have been close since.

Shenton’s played professional baseball since 2019 and has had the opportunity to play alongside some of the best baseball players in the world. He was Julio Rodriguez’s teammate in 2021 with the Mariners Class-A a liate Everett AquaSox. His professional experience and insights are invaluable to Neyens’s growth as a player. While his skillset and approach are exceptional for his age, Shenton pushes him to continue nding ways to get better.

“He’s de nitely developed into a more savvy baseball player over the years and I think he still has some work to do, obviously we all do,” he said. “Just as far as learning the nuances, that’ll come with experience and he’ll be able to experience it all.”

Shenton also encourages Neyens to take a step back at times and live in the moment, especially with the future that lies ahead. Shenton explained from his own experience as a professional ball player that he’s away from home eight months out of the year.

“Just enjoy the moments,” Shenton explained. “Enjoy your friends, and have fun competing in the little crosstown rivalries and whatnot. at’s the fun grounded stu you get to partake in at the high school level. Once it becomes your actual job, it’s just a little bit di erent and sometimes you have to search back for that love of the game.”

Beyond Shenton and his coaches, Neyens has an advisory group and a loving family that has supported his baseball journey every step of the way—from playing wi e ball in his backyard to traveling across the country to watch him compete against the best players in his age group, nationwide.

Neyens’s rst experiences playing ball involved playing wi e ball with his parents in their backyard. Under the warm sun, their backyard provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying the game, with sprawling farmland surrounding the green grass. Both of his parents are former athletes themselves. Xavier’s mom, Lianne, participated in track, volleyball and cheerleading at Oregon Tech University. Xavier’s dad Steve grew up in Everson and played basketball, football and baseball at Nooksack Valley High School. He went on to play basketball at Eastern Oregon University for one year.

Eventually, the athletic prowess came to fruition in Xavier’s case—by age 12 he was playing 13U ball, and by 13, both 16U and 18U ball.

He’s committed to playing baseball at Oregon State University in the fall of ‘25. e Beavers have produced recent major

Tribune)

league standouts like Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman and Cleveland Guardians out elder Steven Kwan. Unlike the former two, however, with the way things stand right now, Xavier is projected to be a top-15 pick in the 2025 MLB draft. Shenton said he doesn’t see him going past the tenth pick.

As the months wind down toward July of ‘25, Neyens still has a year and a half of high school left before he makes any career decisions. His focus remains the same as the day approaches.

Neyens’s focus remains on the present. He explained while he’s excited about what the future potentially holds, he doesn’t want to re ect on his high school career in hindsight and wish he were more engaged.

His projected draft position speaks volumes about Neyens’ exceptional talent and the high expectations placed upon him as he advances in his baseball career. e possibility of being selected as a top-15 pick in the 2025 MLB draft signi es not only his success but also the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and support from his coaches, mentors, and family.

As Xavier Neyens continues to carve his path in the world of baseball, his journey holds the promise of inspiring a new generation of players and

fans alike. With his talent, dedication, and passion for the game, Neyens embodies the spirit of possibility, reminding people the sky is truly the limit. With the continued pursuit of excellence and proper guidance, Neyens has the opportunity to shape the future of Washington baseball and beyond, becoming a beacon of inspiration for players and communities across the region.

Wolden explained his character extends beyond the diamond. He stays involved with fundraisers for the team and after team practice, he can be found umpiring games for younger levels.

“Kids look up to him and he always acknowledges the kids,” he said. “He doesn’t miss his classes and he works hard in the classroom. He doesn’t take for granted that he’s a great baseball player and he doesn’t have to try in school. He works hard at everything he does…

“We’re just fortunate he’s a Bulldog because he’s a true competitor and a wonderful person.”

As Xavier’s baseball career unfolds and the draft approaches, the possibility of him landing in a major baseball market becomes increasingly real.

Transitioning to such a bustling and high-pressure environment can be challenging for any athlete, let alone someone from the northwest corner of Washington’s tight-knit

community. Some notable stars from Washington State include Hall of Famers Earl Averill and Ryne Sandberg. Other more recent stars include ashes in the pan like Grady Sizemore and Tim Lincecum—names that remind us of the unpredictability of the journey to baseball stardom.

As Xavier’s potential for stardom grows, he’ll always have a strong foundation of support in the northwest corner of Washington, regardless of where his journey takes him. While success is never guaranteed, an extensive support network can only bolster an athlete’s chances of reaching the top level and staying there for a long time. Mount Vernon will visit Ferndale on April 2, Meridian on April 12 and Mount Baker on April 26. In the nal game he broadcasted, legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully received a surprise visit from one of the greatest players he watched and it wasn’t a Dodger. e elderly Scully wrapped his arm around Giants legend Willie Mays and remarked, “You’ve always been my favorite player even though you were wearing the wrong uniform.” is sentiment re ects the universal admiration for exceptional talent in baseball, regardless of team allegiances or geographic boundaries, by those who love baseball before any team a liation.

Athlete of the Week

Mount Vernon junior shortstop Xavier Neyens dives into second base, Pete Rose style, during Mount Vernon’s win over Blaine on March 28. (Dennis Cairns for The

Mount Vernon junior shortstop Xavier Neyens ranges to his left to field a ground ball up the middle during Mount Vernon’s win over Blaine on March 28. (Joe Kramer/Lynden Tribune)

Lynden

-- All photos by Dennis Cairns for e Tribune

CONVENIENCE STORE

Delta Country Market

1306 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, Lynden

360-354-1680

DENTAL

Premier Dental Center

2086 Main St, Ferndale - 360-380-4553

dentistferndale.com

DRYER VENT CLEANING

Christensen Home Services P.O. Box 29286, Bellingham

www.christensenhomeservices.com

Call or Text 360-594-1468

EYE CARE

Everson Vision Clinic, Dr. Alex Ilyin, OD

205 W Main St, Everson • 360-966-0445

Bethgutman.evc@aol.com

FARM & GARDEN

CHS Northwest 3500 Meridian St., Bellingham • 360-734-4010

1720 LaBounty Dr, Ferndale • 360-380-0578

415 Depot St., Lynden • 360-306-3800

119 17th St., Fairway, Lynden • 360-354-5671

300 Main St., Lynden • 360-354-1198

102 Nooksack Ave., Nooksack • 360-966-4193

www.chsnw.com

Portal Way Farm and Garden

6100 Portal Way, Ferndale • 360-384-3688

www.PortalWayFarmAndGarden.com

Smits Compost

9030 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-3583

www.smitscompost.com

FINE JEWELRY

Originals by Chad

521 Front St., Lynden • 360-318-0210

FLORISTS

Lynden Florea

306 Front St., Suite B, Lynden 360-306-8819

• lyndenflorea.com

M&M Floral

5453 Guide Meridian, Bellingham 360-398-1315 • www.mandmfloral.com

FUNERAL SERVICES & MONUMENTS

Banner Bank 138 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd., Lynden 360-354-8100 • www.bannerbank.com

CABINETS

Lynden Interiors

2017 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4149

www.lyndeninteriors.com

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

CARPET CLEANING

Northwest Professional Services

360-354-4145 • www.npsclean.com

191 Birch Bay Lynden Rd, Lynden

CEMETERIES

Greenwood Cemetery • thegreenwoodcemetery.com

East Wiser Lake Rd., Lynden • 360-647-4001

Lynden Cemetery • www.lyndencemetery.com

South Side of Front St., Lynden • 360-647-4001

CLEANING SUPPLIES

Bay City Supply

360-671-7400 • www.baycitysupply.com

P.O. Box 2073, 1250 Iowa Street

Bellingham, WA 98229

COFFEE

Cruisin Coffee

1976 Kok Rd., Lynden Town Plaza, Lynden

5885 Portal Way, Ferndale • 360-738-3789

COMPUTER SERVICES

Lynden Computer Services

360-319-5923 • lyndencomputer.com

CONCRETE

Mt. Baker Mobile Mixing, LLC

360-319-4285

www.mtbakermobilemixing.com

CONSTRUCTION

TSquared Inc Construction & Roofing

Troy Visser • 360-815-2616

Whatcom Cremation & Funeral

“Our Community’s Most Affordable Cremations & Burials - from $995” 360-734-7073 • wcremation.com

FURNITURE & MATTRESSES

Colony House Furniture

303 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-5554

www.colonyhousefurniturelynden.com

GARAGE DOORS

Overhead Door Company of Bellingham

202 Ohio St, Bellingham • 360-734-5960

www.ohdbellingham.com

Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc.

8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

GARBAGE & RECYCLING

Nooksack Valley Disposal & Recycling, Inc.

250 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, Lynden 360-354-3400

GIFT/SPECIALTY SHOP

Appel Farms - The Cheese Shop

6605 Northwest Dr., Ferndale • 360-312-1431 www.appelcheese.com

GREASE TRAP CLEANING

Lil John Sanitary Services, Inc.

Mark Mellema • 360-398-9828

www.liljohnsanitary.net

GLASS, RESIDENTIAL

Louis Auto Glass

1512 N. State St., Bellingham • 360-734-3840

407 19th St., Lynden • 360-354-3232

• 360-424-9759

1721 E. College Way, Mt. Vernon

Lyndale Glass • www.lyndaleglass.com