School board application extended again

2022 year in REVIEW North Whatcom and Fire Rescue

B y J a S o N v a N der v ee N , fire chief

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) responded to 5,302 calls through November 2022. Almost 72 percent of those calls were for emergency medical assistance; 3 percent of the calls were for fires. The remaining 25 percent of calls were for false alarms, public assistance and hazardous conditions.

One lateral, four career firefighters, and a training captain were hired in 2022 to fill some but not all existing vacancies. NWFR is currently in a hiring process, with another five expected to be hired in 2023 to fill more vacancies.

Two firefighters were promoted to the rank of lieutenant in February.

Fire commissioner Rich Bosman retired from the board after 20 years of service. Interim fire commissioner Matthew Rigberg was appointed by the board to complete his term.

While the demand for service has increased (over 33 percent between 2018 and 2021), and with the constant growth (population & buildings), plus state limitations on funding increases (1 percent per year), the district has not been able to keep up with increasing operational costs. Those constraints will ultimately affect the levels of service and response times going forward.

NWFR will need the financial support of the community in the near future to meet the ever-increasing calls for services and to replace its aging fleet of apparatus.

NWFR was excited to be able to participate in the Community Assistance Program’s Thanksgiving basket giveaway, Community Toy Store, Trick or Treating on the Berm, multiple “drive-bys” celebrating birthdays and preschool visits.

NWFR would like to give special recognition to the dedicated volunteers who make up the volunteer water supply group, known to us as the “tender group.” The district is grateful for your continued commitment and service.

2022 year in REVIEW Community Assistance Program

B y l aura v o G ee , cap volu N teer

CAP started the year transitioning from a focus on Covid-related problems to our more normal assistance. However, with increasing inflation, we have seen an expected uptick in need. In recent months, our Clothing Bank and Food Connection programs have seen increased usage. Ironically, we did see a slight decrease in usage of our fall programs, which we attribute to other organizations providing increased assistance for some of our local families.

Our Thanksgiving Basket program experienced significant challenges, like finding a new distribution location and being unable to secure a supply of turkeys due to the avian flu outbreak. However, with community help and creativity, we provided a lot of holiday dinners.

The first full year of our Chaplain ministry proved to be very beneficial, as emotional and spiritual needs often accompany material needs and require longer-term follow-up.

CAP sponsored three Whatcom Dream Financial Empowerment classes, including our first class for teens, which 12 students attended. We also hosted several other learning activities at the CAP center.

This fall, we initiated and hosted a new Blaine/Birch Bay Community Outreach Network, which is a gathering of groups in our area that have a role in helping people in poverty and crisis. Its objective is to learn about services provided by each organization and to allow service providers to connect with one another to better serve our community members. We will be meeting on a regular basis to facilitate this connection.

A look back for us is never complete without Thanksgiving. We are grateful that our community support has been steady and generous, giving us a reserve that has positioned us well for the rest of winter. We can only do what we do because of the volunteers and donors that find our cause worthy. You make it happen. Thanks for caring.

2022 year in REVIEW Blaine Senior Center

B y c heryl e NG li S h , i N teri M director

After two years of being closed, 2021 proved to be a year of rebuilding for Blaine Senior Center: New staff, new programs and new protocols for protecting each other. So, 2022 was a year of building on that base.

Our long-standing bridge, line dancing, stretch, Tai Chi, craft and strength programs expanded as did new programs, like flexibility, balance and core, and technology concierge. Membership increased over 200 percent, and we saw a substantial number of new members who had recently moved into the area, especially after promoting that membership is open to anyone 50 years of age and over.

The much-needed Meals on Wheels program, which continued as a drive-thru during the pandemic, was reintroduced as the ever-popular hot meals in-house three days per week on June 2 and then expanded to five days per week October 17. In addition to our long-time community favorites – pancake breakfast, Big Bucks Bingo – the center offered several community services events: Art of Aging Exhibit; Planning Ahead: Making Choices for Your Legacy and Health Care info fair; Housing Options as We Age info fair; Exploring your Medicare & Healthcare Options info fair; Whatcom Transportation Authority Route 75 community meeting; and Department of Social and Health Services Mobile Community Services event.

And in the spirit of our website banner, “Seniors in Action for a Better Community,” we hosted several donations drives for our nonprofit neighbors: Hygiene products for the Boys and Girls Club Community Closet, nonperishable food for the food bank, coats for the Community Assistance Program (CAP) coat drive and toys for the CAP Community Toy Store.

Throughout the pandemic and continuing, Blaine Senior Center has strived to maintain a safe environment to make a difference in the health, education, physical, nutritional, financial and social needs of the seniors in the Blaine communities. I invite you to join and/or volunteer and help us continue to serve the seniors and “soon-to-be” seniors in our community.

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The Blaine school district canceled a January 4 special meeting to interview and appoint a new board member to the Blaine school board the morning of January 4.

The district is still seeking candidates for its vacant director district 1 position, according to a January 4 press release. Communications director Lisa Moeller said the district has had people express interest for the position but has not yet received any completed applications from anyone who resides in the district 1 boundaries.

The district 1 boundaries include Point Roberts and western parts of downtown. Candidates must also be a U.S. citizen and registered voter. A map and legal description of the area can be viewed at bit. ly/3Z5wtb7.

Board president Dougal Thomas previously said December 13 that one applicant had already applied but that the board was hoping to have a choice to make.

No deadline was given. The board has 90 days from the date former board member Todd Nunamaker resigned. The board officially accepted his letter of resignation at its October 24 regular meeting. The board had planned to appoint a new director in the January 4 special meeting.

This is the second extension. The previous deadline was December 29, 2022.

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Local Dining Guide

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All ages welcome! Burgers • Fish & Chips • Salads • Sides

Dec. 15, 11:39 a.m.: Burglary on Portal Way. Dec. 15, 12:45 p.m.: Theft on Comox Road. Dec. 16, 9:20 a.m.: Overdose on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Dec. 16, 11:05 p.m.: Overdose on Carstan Loop. Dec. 17, 2:50 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. Dec. 17, 4:26 p.m.: Lewd conduct on Marine Drive. Dec. 17, 8:20 p.m.: Suspicious person on East Street. Dec. 18, 1:22 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Deer Trail and Birch Bay Drive. Dec. 18, 5:14 p.m.: Theft on Loft Lane. Dec. 19, 12:20 p.m.: Robbery strong arm on Birch Bay Drive. Dec. 19, 3:29 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Sunburst Drive. Dec. 19, 4:19 p.m.: Theft on Portal Way, Custer. Dec. 20, 3:26 p.m.: Hit and run on Birch Bay Drive. Dec. 21, 8:31 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Haynie and Valley View roads. Dec. 21, 3:29 p.m.: Sex crime, no rape, on Birch Bay Drive. Dec. 22, 3:26 p.m.: Threat on Sunburst Drive. Dec. 22, 3:29 p.m.: Brandishing on Holiday Drive. Dec. 23, 3:35 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Bayshore Drive. Dec. 23, 3:41 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Peace Portal Drive and Portal Way. Dec. 23, 9:48 p.m.: Domestic physical on Salish Lane. Dec. 24, 12:36 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Harborview and Anderson roads. Dec. 24, 2:04 p.m.: Mental health issue on Surf Place. Dec. 24, 3:42 p.m.: Landlord dispute on Harborview Road. Dec. 25, 6:49 a.m.: Vehicle prowl on Elderberry Lane and Oertel Drive. Dec. 25, 1:48 p.m.: Hit and run on Anderson Road and Breeze Loop.

pOLiCe repOrts

Dec. 16, 2:08 p.m.: Malicious mischief on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 16, 2:26 p.m.: Trespass complaint on E Street. Dec. 16, 7:52 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on 4th Street. Dec. 16, 8:25 p.m.: Juvenile dispute on A Street. Dec. 17, 10:23 p.m.: Domestic violence on F Street. Dec. 20, 11:22 a.m.: Juvenile problem on A Street. Dec. 20, 11:22 a.m.: Assist citizen on F Street. Dec 20, 12:21 p.m.: Commercial alarm on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 23, 6:18 p.m.: Trouble with a person on 3rd Street. Dec. 24, 10:54 p.m.: Violation of a court order on 2nd Street. Dec. 25, 6 a.m.: Welfare check on Bayview Court. Dec. 25, 11:45 a.m.: Maliscious mischief on Turnstone Lane. Dec. 26, 2 p.m.: Second-degree burglary on G Street. Dec. 26, 2:27 p.m.: Hit and run on northbound I-5. Dec. 27, 1:47 p.m.: Collision on D Street. Dec. 27, 3:22 p.m.: Burglary report on Canvasback Road. Dec. 28, 2:44 p.m.: Malicious mischief on E Street. Dec. 28, 6:59 p.m.: Theft of goods and services on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 29, 12:19 a.m.: Criminal trespass on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 29, 1:10 p.m.: Hit and run on H Street. Dec. 29, 4:08 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Birch Court.

Report by Blaine Police Department

CrOssWOrd

ACROSS

1. Product or __ (abbr.) 4. Zodiac sign 9. S. China seaport 14. Former OSS 15. Early English printer 16. Aphid genus 17. General’s assistant (abbr.) 18. Aussies 20. Dissuades 22. Make law 23. Drench 24. Soak in a liquid 28. Male child 29. It cools your home 30. Small constellation 31. To call (archaic) 33. Explores beneath the Earth 37. Commercial 38. W. hemisphere organization 39. You can find it in a can 41. “Land of the free” 42 36 inches 43. Footwear 44. Challenges 46. They hold things together 49. Of I 50. Partner to flow 51. Not connected by kinship 55. Worries 58. Garlic mayonnaise 59. A way to take by force 60. Legendary English rockers 64. Your consciousness of your own identity 65. Fencing swords 66. Silly 67. Actor DiCaprio 68. Encircles with a belt 69. Mails a message 70. Longing

DOWN

1. Horse mackerels 2. It can be viral 3. Prickly plants 4. Consciousness 5. Type of sarcoma 6. Tax collector 7. Sun up in New York 8. One who scorches 9. Influential psychotherapist 10. Situated at an apex 11. Communicative 12. Forearm nerve 13. Former CIA 19. Folk singer DiFranco 21. Employee stock ownership plan 24. Large-scale 25. School environment 26. Remove 27. Male parents 31. Large rodent 32. Weighed down 34. Held tightly 35. __ route: going there 36. Explains again 40. Exclamation of surprise 41. Courteously 45. Lying down 47. Judge 48. Forcefully took 52. Loosely compacted sediment 53. High mountain 54. Portable conical tents 56. Cereal grass 57. Dining utensil 59. Thoughtful 60. Helps you walk 61. Indicates near 62. Midway between northeast and east 63. Local area network

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

January 5-11 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT

Th 5 6:09 am 14.7 11:22 am 12.1

2:38 pm 12.7 10:35 pm 2.7 Fr 6 6:41 am 14.8 12:06 pm 11.9 3:18 pm 12.5 11:09 pm 2.7 Sa 7 7:11 am 14.8 12:44 pm 11.7 4:00 pm 12.3 11:43 pm 2.8 Su 8 7:39 am 14.7 1:20 pm 11.4 4:42 pm 12.1 Mo 9 12:15 am 3.0 8:07 am 14.6

2:00 pm 11.0 5:24 pm 11.8 Tu 10 12:49 am 3.4 8:33 am 14.5

2:42 pm 10.5 6:10 pm 11.4 We 11 1:21 am 4.0 8:59 am 14.4

3:26 pm 9.9 7:04 pm 10.9

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of December 26 to January 1, 2.1 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2022 year-to-date precipitation was 35.3 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 57°F on December 26 with a low of 35°F on January 1. Average high was 49°F and average low was 40°F.

Coming up

“Your Voice, Your Choice” Advice Care Planning Workshop: Friday, January 6, 1–3 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to create your own enhanced durable power of attorney for healthcare so you can designate a healthcare agent (trusted medical decision-maker), express your wishes for medical treatment, and get this vital document scanned into your health record and on file at the hospital. Info: wcls.org. Haynie Grange Breakfast: Sunday, January 8, 8 a.m.–noon, Haynie Grange, 3344 Haynie Road. Pancakes, French toast, biscuits and gravy, eggs, ham, coffee, tea, milk and orange juice. $8. Info: haynie169@gmail. com.

Supper With The Superintendent: Wednesday, January 11, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. The community is invited to question and answer session with Blaine School District superintendent, Christopher Granger. Light dinner served. Info: blainesd.org. Marine Navigation Course: Wednesdays beginning January 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Technical College. Learn how to use traditional piloting skills in the new age of electronic navigation. Info: seo@boatingisfun.org. Sponsored by the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron. Weather Boating Class: Thursdays beginning January 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Technical College. Learn basic weather knowledge for safer and more enjoyable boating. Info: seo@boatingisfun.org. Sponsored by the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron. Mason Bees - Alternative Pollinators: Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Discuss how to establish and maintain a healthy colony in your yard and neighboring areas. Local mason bee producers available and local beekeepers will be present to help answer questions about honeybees. Presented by Blaine CORE. Info: wcls.org. Blaine Senior Center Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, January 14, noon–3 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Over $275 in prizes. Early bird starts at 12:30 p.m. Regular bingo at 1 p.m. Eight games $15. Info: 360/332-8040.

Basic Boating Knowledge Course: Tuesdays beginning January 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Technical College. This course qualifies for Washington State Boater Education Card. Info: seo@boatingisfun.org. Sponsored by the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron. Becoming an In-Home Caregiver: Thursday, January 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Drop in to gain info and assistance in the process. Presented by Northwest Regional Council. Info: wcls.org. Dementia Educational Series by Silverado: Thursday, January 19, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Informative presentations on a variety of dementia-related topics, designed to further your knowledge and help you provide the best possible care and support for individuals with memory impairments. Basics of Sprouting: Saturday, January 21, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Nutrient dense, sprouts are a welcome addition to our winter diet. Easy to grow, you don’t even need a windowsill. We will cover basic supplies, where to get seeds, timetables, etc. Presented by Blaine CORE. Info: wcls.org. Whatcom Dream Financial Empowerment Class: Thursdays, January 26 - February 23, 6:30–7:30 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street. Improve your financial management skills for a more secure financial future. Free. For more info or to register: 360/296-0441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. Pruning 101: Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. This is the perfect time to start pruning. Trees are breaking hibernation earlier (or not even going into deep hibernation), so take advantage of some of our sunny winter days and brush up on those pruning skills. We will discuss tools, why to prune, decisions, necessary (learning to understand growth habits of tress/bushes). We will also present on overgrown trees and how to get them back in shape. Bring your questions! Presented by Blaine CORE. Info: wcls.org.

Ongoing

Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal ($8.50 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Meals on Wheels Hot Lunches: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org. Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org. Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–8 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. A support group for parents of adult children dealing with addiction, but open to anyone (18 or older) seeking to learn a better way to help an addicted love one. Evidence-based, structured curriculum and peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net. Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Info: 360/371-3558.

Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, January 18, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. January title is Cold Millions by Jess Walter. Info: klia1@mac.com.

Blaine Book Club: Friday, January 20, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. January title: The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637. Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 208/750-8772 or shannonsessions2020@gmail.com. Birch Bay-Blaine Toastmasters: Wednesdays, 6:30–7:45 p.m., Blaine High School, 1055 H Street, room 104. What are the stories you like to tell? Learn to tell them really well. Info: Laura 360-371-7330 or agelesslaura@gmail.com.

Thousands ring in the New Year with Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge

Photos courtesy Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Matt Berry/courtesy Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce