Tides

November 27, 12:04 p.m.:

Blaine officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation. Officers contacted the driver, who was determined to have a suspended license and a warrant. Officers arrested the individual and searched him incident to arrest. During the search, officers discovered a glass pipe with a substance inside that tested presumptive positive for the presence of methamphetamine. Officers requested mutual aid for a K9 sniff of the vehicle, and a Bellingham K9 unit responded. The K9 alerted to illegal drugs inside, and the car was taken into police custody pending a search warrant. The investigation is ongoing. November 30, 7:54 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a report of a vehicle collision involving a dog. Officers arrived and shortly after, the dog had passed. Whatcom Humane Society responded to retrieve the deceased dog. December 1, 8:00 a.m.: The Blaine school district requested extra patrol of the bus garage area. They believed an unknown transient might be sleeping on the buses at night. The police department will provide extra patrol as available. December 1, 11:14 a.m.: A woman called the police after receiving a disturbing phone call from an unknown male. The incident was investigated by an officer. The suspect is believed to have called from outside the United States. The officer suggested further security action the woman could take. December 1, 3:52 p.m.: Blaine police responded to a residence following an anonymous report via fax about people possibly living in a shed on a property. An officer spoke with the homeowners and determined that nothing was criminal. December 1, 5:40 p.m.: During routine patrol, a Blaine officer stopped a vehicle whose registered owner was listed as having a suspended license. The driver was not the registered owner but also had a suspended license. The driver was placed under arrest. They were cited and released with a mandatory court appearance date. December 1, 10:32 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop in the 1300 block of Yew Avenue. During the traffic investigation, a K9 team responded to the stop and the event evolved into a drug investigation. The vehicle was impounded pending a search warrant. December 2, 3:13 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a 911 hang-up call on Odell Road. The location has had several similar calls recently

CrOssWOrd

and this event was determined to be part of the same problem. A notification was sent to the business to inform them of the on-going problem. December 2, 1:53 p.m.: Officers served a search warrant on a vehicle for illegal drugs. Officers recovered a methamphetamine pipe and methamphetamine from the vehicle. December 3, 3:23 p.m.: Officers were called to a construction site for an individual who was caught on camera trespassing on the property. The individual was described as male, wearing camouflage clothing, with blonde shoulder-length hair. Officers arrived and checked the area. A vehicle was located at the front of the property but officers were unable to locate anyone on the property. December 3, 3:57 p.m.: An individual called 911 to report suspicious activity with their bank account. The individual’s bank is located in Bellingham. The individual advised the bank is currently investigating, but requested a case number. December 3, 8:26 p.m.: Officers responded to a burglary. Officers found a garage broken into and checked the area. Officers were not able to locate the suspects and the owner found nothing immediately missing. Officers will conduct extra patrols in the area.

Report by Blaine Police Department.

tides

ACROSS 1. Popular pickup truck 4. Profoundly wise men 9. Camera company 14. Folk singer DiFranco 15. Passerine birds 16. Plum-shaped fruit used for preserves 17. Popular kids channel 18. Dodgers’ skipper 20. Removes 22. The Atlantic is one 23. Badgerlike mammal 24. Foulness 28. Luke’s mentor __-Wan 29. Commercial 30. A type of gin 31. Temptress 33. Shuts in an enclosed space 37. Milligram 38. Actress Adams 39. Strive to equal or match 41. Health insurance 42. A detective’s source 43. Small American rails 44. Alfred __, Brit. poet 46. Crest of a hill 49. Atomic #52 50. __ Caesar, comedian 51. Breaks apart 12. Perform on stage 55. Register formally (Brit. 13. Greek island sp.) 19. 10th month of the year 58. Worker (abbr.) 59. Chemical compound 21. One point east of 60. Disgraced newsman southeast 64. Born of 24. Belgian city 65. Chemical substance 25. Praise excessively 66. Supernatural powers 26. River in France 67. Clothes 27. Edible lily bulbs 68. Indy footballers 31. Quarterbacks take them 69. Moves forward 32. Organic compound 70. Midway between south 34. Tears down (Brit.) and southeast 35. Beloved Hollywood alien DOWN 36. Unconscious 1. Driver 40. Missouri 2. Bone cavities 41. Firemen use them 3. Menacing 45. Pig noise 4. Where coaches patrol 47. Greatly dismay 5. Greek mythological figure 48. Imitator 6. War-based board game 52. Moves by turning over 7. Midway between north- 53. Boxing’s GOAT east and east 54. Swarms with 8. 18-year period in 56. Margarines astronomy 57. Feudal superior 9. Mid-century term used to 59. As fast as can be done describe Japanese-Amer- 60. Reciprocal of a sine icans 61. Chinese city 10. Large bodies of water 62. Tell on 11. Eurasian ryegrass 63. United ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

DATE

December 4-10 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT

Fr 11 2:52 am

1:37 pm

Sa 12 4:04 am

2:15 pm

Su 13 5:06 am

2:53 pm Mo 14 6:00 am

3:33 pm

Tu 15 6:52 am

4:15 pm We 16 7:40 am

4:59 pm Th 17 12:38 am

1:53 pm 7.4

10.1

8.5

10.1

9.6

10.1

10.3

9.9

10.8

9.6

11.0

9.2

-2.7

7.2 7:37 am

8:56 pm 8:45 am

9:40 pm 9:51 am

10:24 pm 10:53 am

11:08 pm 11:53 am

11:54 pm 12:51 pm 5.0

-0.4

6.0

-1.7

6.7

-2.6

7.2

-3.0

7.4

-3.0

7.4

8:28 am

5:45 pm 10.9

8.5

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of November 30 to December 6, 0.09 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2020 year-to-date precipitation is 36.0 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 57°F on December 5 with a low of 31°F on December 2. Average high was 49°F and average low was 38°F.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Coming up

Please wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

Point Roberts Primary School Virtual Winter Performance: Thursday, December 10 at 7 p.m. It will go live on the Blaine School District YouTube channel and remain on the channel for future viewing.

Holiday Food Drive: Through Saturday, December 12. Blaine High School’s Students With A Purpose club is seeking non-perishable food donations. Collection bin is at 1221 Blaine Avenue. Monetary donations can be sent directly to the Blaine Food Bank, P.O. Box 472, Blaine, WA 98231 or online at blainefoodbank.org.

Friends of Birch Bay Library Calendar Fundraiser: Purchase a 2021 calendar featuring photos of beautiful Birch Bay taken by local photographers. Cost: $20 available at friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.

Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village: Friday and Saturday, December 11, 12, 18, 19, 5–8 p.m., Pioneer Village 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Stroll around the cabins, see the lights, hear music, see costumed volunteers, mail letters to Santa. Info: ferndalechamber.com.

School district holiday radio show: The Blaine high school and middle school choirs, in collaboration with the jazz band, will release the first ever “Holiday Radio Show” on Monday, December 14 at 7 p.m. The show will premiere on the district’s YouTube channel, Blaine School District, WA, in an audio format similar to a radio show from the 30s and 40s.

Virtual Trivia - Christmas Edition: Wednesday, December 16, 7 p.m., on Zoom. Free. Test your knowledge on all things Christmas. Preregister encouraged at bbbparkandrec.org.

Zoom Call With Santa: Thursday and Friday, December 17 and 18, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Calls will be about 8 minutes each. Reserve your time at birchbaychamber.com.

Curbside Christmas with Santa: Friday, December 18, 6:30–8 p.m., CTK North Bay, 4895 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Join us for a COVID-safe drive thru Christmas experience. Free Christmas cookies and candy. Info: ctk.church.

Virtual Backstage @ The Border Benefit Concert: Saturday, December 19, 7–8 p.m. Join Kelley Porter, Susan Thomson and Peter Smith for an evening playing and singing some favorite songs and carols. Singing along is encouraged. Fundraiser for Loads of Love. Visit bit.ly/3n3cMNn.

Christmas Worship Services: See ads on pages 7 and 15.

Birch Bay Ring of Fire and Hope: Thursday, December 31, 7 p.m., Birch Bay waterfront. Light up Birch Bay as we reflect on the old year. Flares available at Birch Bay Visitor Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. while supplies last or bring your own (without a spike). Limit one flare per family. Info: birchbaychamber.com.

Brrr-tual Polar Bear Plunge: Friday, January 1. Celebrate the new year with a dip in the waters of Birch Bay. This year’s event can be viewed virtually. Submit photos for the virtual costume contest and plunge video contest to events@birchbaychamber.com.

Scout Tree Pick Up: Saturday, January 2. Place trees curbside or drop off at Birch Bay Waterslides. Please email blainescoutstreepickup@ gmail.com or text 360-389-8091 in order to get on our driver map. Donations welcome.

Ongoing:

Friends of Birch Bay Library Calendar Fundraiser: Purchase a 2021 calendar featuring photos of beautiful Birch Bay taken by local photographers. Cost: $20 available at friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.

Blaine’s Holiday Market By The Sea: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sundays 12–4 p.m. inside 648 Peace Portal Drive. Local crafts, art, décor and goodies. Info: blainechamber.com.

Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.

The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.

The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesdays 3–5 p.m. and Fridays 12–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763.

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: Third Thursdays, 1 p.m. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com.

Coffee With The Contractor Virtual Meetings: Fourth Thursdays, 8 a.m. Learn the progress of the Birch Bay berm project with members of Granite Construction, Whatcom County Public Works and the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com

Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: First Wednesday, noon. Meeting ID on blainechamber.com.

Blaine Library: 610 3rd Street. Closed in-branch visits. Curbside holds and pick up, Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info 360/305-3637.

Meals on Wheels & More: Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one fresh and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal. First come first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. Info: 360/933-1671.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

From page 1

it would take 90 days to obtain a liquor license, the pair decided on a three-month construction schedule to open the restaurant by November 6, which was delayed after discovering tree roots blocking sewer lines.

Although the restaurant won’t be able to start with indoor seating, due to current Covid-19 restrictions until January 4, they look forward to utilizing the back patio, fitted with a fireplace and three 10-foot industrial heaters.

“It’s one of those things where you can’t let life stop,” Slavin said. “I think we want to get it going; pray for the best, hope for the best coming in the new and see where we can end up with it.”

Once indoor dining is permitted, Slavin said about 40 customers will be allowed to dine inside under previous Covid-19 occupancy guidelines. The covered patio, decorated by hanging photos of American mobster Al Capone, allows for 34 seats, he said.

“We’ve dubbed it ‘Capone’s Hideaway,’” Slavin said. “Back in the day or in the movies when you see restaurants and the mobsters all go through the secret door into the back where they’re counting money, etc., that’s what we did. It’s a hideaway from the street.”

Design was a key element for the restaurant, said Slavin, who previously worked as a graphic designer for Glacier Media in s From l., Kristen Freeman, HR for the Rustic Fork; Jon Freeman, head chef; and owner Gary Slavin. Photo by Grace McCarthy

B.C. before moving to Blaine with his wife, Kristen Freeman.

With the help of friends and family, Slavin said he was able to decorate the restaurant with special aspects of the community. The restaurant is filled with elements like a bookshelf that acts as a secret entrance to the back patio, lined with books donated by mayor Bonnie Onyon, and a countertop that is made from Mulder’s father’s cherry tree.

The restaurant will have “10 percent Tuesdays” every week, where customers will get 5 percent off their meal and the other 5 percent will go to a Blaine High School sports team. Two sports groups will be selected every six months and at the end of that time, a check will be given to each of those sports, Slavin said.

“As we get going, I want to give back to the community as much as we can and I thought we’d start with sports,” Slavin said. “I’ve always been in sports, and I know what it takes for kids to be in sports, what it takes for organizations to run sporting programs.”

The Rustic Fork won’t be the last of Slavin and Mulder’s ventures. Slavin said he is already planning Gateway 1890, a tap house named after Blaine, the gateway to the Pacific Northwest that was incorporated as a city in 1890. Slavin said he hopes Gateway 1890 could get going as soon as this spring.

“I think 2021 is going to be exciting here in Blaine with a number of different things,” he said. “When the border opens, the Canadians are going to be surprised by what’s new here in Blaine.”

To make reservations, email info@therusticforkeatery.com. The restaurant will designate half of its patio to reservations during the closure of indoor dining. s Bruschetta on focaccia.

s From l., clockwise: Pazookie,

cannoli, Italian cream filled donuts with chocolate, tiramisu lady fingers and bombolini.

s Sicilian pizza.

Food photos courtesy Gary Slavin

s The Rustic Fork patio can seat 34 people and has three 10-foot

industrial heaters.

Photo courtesy Gary Slavin

Let’s not give Christmas to Amazon…

Keep The Holidays Local

Dollar Plus $Mike’s

Support Our Veterans Your Mask Headquarters! Cloth • Disposable KN95 • Face Shields Kids & Toddler • & More! Ryan Hayes 360-318-7575 Try the all-new Candy Cane Cold Brew with Cold Foam