The Northern Light: February 29-March 6, 2024

Library and

Wings Over Water NW

project meeting, page 2 Rally

Birding Festival, page 5

held in Olympia, page 10

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue to hold hearing on levy proposal

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North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) is holding a public hearing on a proposal to put a fire levy lid lift on the August primary election ballots at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 6. If approved, this would be the district’s first levy increase in nearly 20 years.

The NWFR Board of Fire Commissioners will hold the hearing at Station 61, 9408 Odell Road in Blaine, and remotely on Zoom. The Zoom link is expected to be posted on the NWFR website ahead of the meeting.

The district proposes increasing the levy, which pays for daily operations and construction projects, by $0.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value, from $0.76 to $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The levy lid lift would cost the owner of a $500,000 home about $14.16 more per month, or $170 more annually, according to the fire district.

After hearing public testimony, fire commissioners will vote on whether to include the levy proposal in the August primary election during their next regular board meeting at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 21 at the Blaine station.

NWFR chief Jason Van Der Veen and fire commissioners have repeatedly said over the past few years that the amount the district collects in property taxes is not keeping up with increased costs, pushing the district into a tough financial situation that could lead to reduced services, longer response times and potentially losing firefighters not being paid at the market rate.

“We’re trying to do more with less but our levy rate has just become unsustainable,” he said. “In order for us to maintain services, we’ll need to increase our levy.”

In addition to rising expenses, NWFR call volumes have nearly doubled the past 10 years, with overlapping calls occurring 30 percent of the time. In 2023, NWFR responded to over 5,750 calls, 71 percent of which were EMS.

Just over half of the district’s budget

Modern design unveiled for proposed east Blaine manufactured home park

East Blaine developers unveiled their proposal for a luxury manufactured home park during a February 27 community meeting, signifying the first time the developers presented the project after over a year of arduous debate in planning commission and city council on whether manufactured home parks should be allowed in east Blaine.

JIJ Corporation owners Skip and Katie Jansen, who are developing the project, along with Craig Parkinson, principal engineer at Cascade Engineering Group,

provided project details to a group of people packed into the Blaine Harbor Boating Center during the Tuesday morning meeting. Two officers monitored the room, which has become common after several altercations at city council, but conversations remained civil.

“We didn’t want this to look like a traditional manufactured home so we brought in a designer who specializes in more of a modern look,” Skip said. “We’re creating a product that you probably won’t see anywhere else, at least currently. We’re pushing the envelope.”

The proposal, called Creekside at The

Leu, Ford resign from Blaine school board

In a whirlwind week for the Blaine school board, board president Don Leu and member Ryan Ford both resigned from their respective positions just weeks into their elected terms.

Leu, who has served on the board since 2022 and was recently appointed board president, resigned from his position due to unspecified health reasons, effective February 22.

Ford, who was elected to the board in the November election, officially resigned on February 21 to spend more time with his wife who is battling cancer and five children.

The three remaining school board members unanimously appointed Cliff Freeman, who was elected in November, as board president.

Per district policy, the board has 90 days to appoint two new members to replace the departing members, and school district

superintendent Christopher Granger said interviews are planned be held March 15. More information on how to apply will be released in the following days.

“I appreciate that I had the pleasure to work in collaboration with both of these gentlemen, albeit for a short time,” Granger wrote in an email to The Northern Light “They both care deeply about education and the community and have said they

Ridge, would be a gated community of 145-155 manufactured homes and a clubhouse within the Jansens’ upcoming East Harbor Hills subdivision, north of H Street Road and east of North Harvey Road.

Creekside would have modern-designed homes with attached two-car garages surrounded by trails and natural landscaping. The homes would be about 1,200 to 2,000 square feet, excluding the stick-built garages, and average about three bedrooms, Skip said. There would

(See Homes, page 7)

s Developers of Creekside at The Ridge, a proposed 49-acre manufactured home park in east Blaine, presented their project idea during a community meeting at Blaine Harbor Boating Center on February 27. The project would create about 150 modern-designed manufactured homes with attached stick-built garages and a clubhouse offering recreation spaces.

Photo by Louise Mugar

Community meeting on Blaine library, condominium project set for February 29

A presentation on a proposed project to construct two buildings in downtown Blaine – housing a new Blaine Public Library, commercial space and affordable and market-rate condominiums – is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29 at the Blaine Senior Center,

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763 G Street.

The presentation and Q&A session will be led by project spokesperson Paul Schissler, who owns Madrona Community Development, a Bellingham-based company consulting Kulshan Community Land Trust (KCLT) on the project. KCLT is an affordable housing nonprofit leading the project in partnership with the city of Blaine and Whatcom County Library System.

The two buildings would be located at the current Blaine Public Library and skate park site. The city has plans to rebuild the skate

park in 2027 and is considering moving it to a new location.

Schissler unveiled the project design concept at the January 22 Blaine City Council meeting. An easterly building would be used for affordable and market-rate condominiums, while a westerly building would house condominiums, the new library and commercial space, where a childcare facility is envisioned.

Schissler has previously said he hopes 51 percent of the condominiums are sold at a discount, with market-rate condominiums partially subsidizing the affordable units.

s North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) Station 63 in Birch Bay. Fire commissioners are considering a levy lid lift that would increase the district’s current rate by $0.34 per $1,000 of assessed property value, from $0.76 to $1.10 per $1,000. If voters approve the levy increase, NWFR would prioritize paying for eight additional emergency personnel, a ladder truck, three engines as well as initial funding to replace Station

NWFR ...

From page 1

relies on tax revenue, or about $6.9 million in 2024, Van Der Veen said.

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The levy increase would prioritize funding up to eight emergency personnel over six years, who would assist with the higher call volumes, staffing requirements and service a 24-hour ambulance at Station 62 in Semiahmoo. The extra funds would replace a ladder truck and three engines at the end of their lifespans.

If approved, NWFR is also considering using the levy lid lift to provide initial funding to replace Station 63 in Birch Bay, the district’s busiest station. The Birch Bay station needs to be replaced regardless of the levy passing, Van Der Veen said, adding that NWFR would likely put a bond on ballots in early 2025 if voters reject the levy.

Among problems for the Birch Bay station, Van Der Veen said the roof needs replacement, it requires ADA accessibility upgrades, the building doesn’t meet seismic requirements, and firefighter living quarters are next to the apparatus area with diesel fumes.

“If the levy doesn’t pass, we may have to vacate Station 63 and find other places to house our crews,” he said. “It would only be if the levy doesn’t pass and there’s no way for us to fund

its replacement … We have to get our crews out of that station. It can’t be remodeled.”

While NWFR has been able to maintain a balanced budget, Van Der Veen said the district anticipates using $800,000 in reserves to support daily operations in 2024. The district’s 2024 budget is about $12.5 million and, as of January 2024, the district has about $5.4 million in unrestricted reserves.

“This is not sustainable and why we’re considering asking voters for a fire levy lid lift in the August primary,” Van Der Veen wrote in a release on the levy proposal.

NWFR announced last November it was considering the levy increase. This will be the first time the district has put a levy lid lift on ballots since voters rejected the levy increase in both the August and November 2021 elections.

“The district didn’t do a good job telling the voters what our challenges have been,” Van Der Veen said. “We’ve been making it work for way too long.”

NWFR services 33,800 people across 156 square miles, which includes Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer, Lynden and Laurel. The district is also contracted to serve Whatcom County Fire District 4, along northeast Lake Whatcom.

Van Der Veen said people with additional questions may call 360/318-9933 or email him at jvanderveen@nwfrs.com.

63.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

365 D

Blaine, WA 98230

360-325-0231

How long in business: 26 years. Alley Auto, unofficially opened in mid-1997 as a weekend hobby shop.

How many employees: We currently employ three ASE certified Master Technicians, two of whom have over 40 years in the field, one who has 15 years, and one apprentice. Two service writers, both with ten plus years experience, and owner, Rich, with over 30 years.

Description of the business: As a NAPA Auto parts Gold star & AAA certified repair shop, our services include full diagnostic troubleshooting of that pesky check engine light to that little noise you hear while driving at that certain speed on that one section of road, you just can’t put your finger on! We also do tune ups, brakes, suspensions and everything else in between. Coming in by (we hope) April, we will also do wheel alignments with a new state-of-the-art alignment machine - The first in Blaine - with a three-year, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty and Includes Canada. We are also a Point S tire affiliate store, which means we can get you almost any tire you want same day or next day. Also in-house,

The Northern L ght

The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.

Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

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Contributors In This Issue

Mike Fancher Debbie Harger Mary Murphy

B y M ike F a N cher , W ash co G preside N t

The people have a right to know.

That was the idea in 1972 when a citizens’ Coalition for Open Government in Washington state successfully worked for the passage of Initiative 276, a portion of which became the Public Records Act (PRA). It passed overwhelmingly and resulted in laws requiring broad access to public records.

Some 50 years later, the people’s right to access government information is eroding at the state and local levels. Often with good intentions, sometimes with bad intentions, governments have moved toward closure and withholding information that legitimately should be public.

Since 1972, hundreds of exceptions have been made to the general rule that all government records must be open to the public. The number of accumulated exemptions will likely soon exceed 700.

This erosion in openness is why the Washington Coalition for Open Government (WashCOG) formed in 2002 as an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works through the courts and the legislature to defend and strengthen Washington’s open government laws.

Open government advocates like WashCOG have won many battles but are losing the war. We believe the situation is as bad as it has been since 1972.

This is a pivotal moment. The erosion of the people’s right to know must be

The Editor: I got up last Thursday morning and went outside in our backyard for our morning coffee.

All of a sudden I heard a “meow meow.”

Where was that sound coming from? I looked up and there was a beautiful blackand-white cat on top of the tree.

What am I going to do now? I certainly can’t climb that tree. I kept hearing, “meow meow.” Being an animal lover, it broke my heart just to hear that desperate sound. I was afraid of an eagle coming over and getting that sweet cat.

“What am I going to do?” I asked myself again. I called North Whatcom Fire and Rescue on Odell Road. The nicest people. I told them about my situation and in no time here come the three nicest gentlemen. Kind, helpful and understanding. Those three nice men know who they are. They put the ladder up and the cat got out of the tree safe and ran back home.

This is what I would like to say:

Thank you. You are the best.

Jocelyne Harsch Blaine

stopped. It is also a moment of opportunity to alert the public and inspire action.

In that spirit, WashCOG is launching the Your Right to Know project, a movement to catalyze the public, media and politicians on behalf of open government. The coalition is also publishing a special report on the status of the PRA, which can be found on our website, washcog.org

The report is a collection of analytical essays written by members of the WashCOG board of directors. The topics represent problems or “pain points” that we have identified in recent years. From these analyses, we identified a list of findings and recommendations for action.

The Public Records Act should be the bedrock of the people’s right to know. Sadly, it has become a symbol of a broken system at all levels of government.

The legislature keeps adding exemptions from public disclosure while finding new ways to withhold its own records. Requesters are waiting longer for agencies to disclose records. Requesters rarely sue, and what agencies spend on records requests is a tiny piece of their total outlays. Nonetheless, critics often portray the PRA as the source of burdensome expenses and lawsuits.

Data compiled by the government show:

Requesters wait longer for “final disposition” of their records requests. In 2019, they waited an average of 15 days. In 2022, it was nearly 23 days.

Agencies’ performance varies widely. Requesters who sought records from the city

OpiniOn Letters

The Editor:

Although we are only part-time residents, we are happy to again support The Northern Light and glad that there is a local newspaper that we can read online to see what’s happening in our favorite little getaway place.

It really keeps us in touch with the community and we appreciate having this informative newspaper available.

Victoria

Blaine

and John Kros

The Editor:

On Valentine’s Day, the Seattle Times ran Michelle Goldberg’s article on the editorial page explaining the importance of Biden’s governing ability over his age and lack of a fierce, loud and often offensive campaigning style. I thought of President Eisenhower, who campaigned with speeches from the back of trains, but knew leadership and integrity and chose a functional cabinet from leaders in important industries. He understood that running a government is a team effort and that all cabinet members support each other with

CiviC Meetings

Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Meetings are second Tuesday,

of Seattle in 2022 on average waited more than twice as long as their counterparts in the city of Tacoma.

Between 2018 and 2022, an average of 0.03 percent of records requests resulted in the requester suing the agency. Yet legislators have considered proposals to rein in “excessive” records lawsuits to the detriment of all requesters.

The Your Right to Know project will include increased WashCOG engagement in high schools, colleges, educational organizations, civic groups and the media –anywhere there are opportunities to spread the word about the importance of open government in a democracy.

We will also work collaboratively with the many public agencies and officials who strive for openness, despite inadequate funding and training. We are committed to helping them make Washington a model for the nation when it comes to transparency and accountability.

Our special report on the PRA concludes with a call to action to the public: You have a right to know, and it’s time for you to be heard.

Mike Fancher has been president of the Washington Coalition for Open Government (WashCOG) since January 2021. He joined the coalition board in 2006 and previously served as vice president and board chair. Fancher retired from The Seattle Times in 2008, after 20 years as executive editor.

WashCOG is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that was established in 2002 as a public advocate for open government.

suggestions and ideas that support the nation. Presidents have historically had a support group that helps make governing operation decisions for the benefit of our people and industrial growth.

On the same editorial page, Marilyn Brody wrote about the “horrific” attack on our democracy should we elect the wrong person. What continued degradation of our world leadership would happen should we elect a person with dictatorial designs who would install a cabinet of “yes” men and women with no checks and balances from other cabinet members? Diversity makes strength, particularly under good leadership.

So much for “we need a fine businessman instead of a politician.” We need a democracy loving leader who cares about all people in America and America’s future to the seventh generation.

Donna Starr Blaine

5:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

A bird’s eye view of the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival

N ator

Here’s an overall look of upcoming activities at the 21st annual Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival, Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17 in Blaine, Semiahmoo and Birch Bay. Some events fill up quickly. If your first choice is unavailable, please come and enjoy the many free and no-participant-limit events available throughout the festival.

Among the Friday events, there will be an all-day, charter-bus guided birding trip to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island, B.C. Or choose a guided walk at Birch Bay State Park, led by Holly Merker, to immerse yourself in forest bathing, a therapeutic relaxation through spending time in nature. There will also be an opportunity in the afternoon for a guided birding trip at Semiahmoo. For dinner, join us at our featured artist and opening reception where there will be a $30 spaghetti dinner and nohost bar and silent auction at the

Blaine Senior Center. You’ll be able to meet this year’s featured artist, Laurie Potter, and hear a presentation titled “Monet, Me, and the Mallards” by Gregrory Green, a career wildlife biologist, writer and photographer

On Saturday, take an offshore guided birding cruise aboard the San Juan Cruises’ Salish Express to search for a variety of birds in the rich waters of Semiahmoo and Boundary bays. The free, all-day birding expo in the Blaine Pavilion will have presentations, wildlife exhibits and arts and crafts booths. Kids will flock to the expo for hands-on activities provided by local artist Ellen Clark and BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Live raptor presentations will also take place during the expo. There will be local guided birding field trips during the day and on-site viewing stations at several locations, manned by volunteers from the North Cascades Audubon Society. Saturday will culminate with Merker’s keynote presentation: “The Power of Bird Watching.”

Merker is a global advocate for the practice of mindful birding, and is

author of the book, “Ornitherapy.”

Join Merker again on Sunday morning for breakfast and a presentation, “Learning the Language of Birds.” Learn to identify what a bird is signaling through its calls and songs. Increase your chances of successfully finding and identifying songbirds by using techniques, strategies and foundational skills to build upon your birdsong memory. You’ll also

Parks and recreation recognizes Jeff Carrington for years of service

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Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) commissioners thanked Jeff Carrington for over a decade of service on the parks and recreation board through a resolution of appreciation unanimously passed during its last meeting.

In 2012, Blaine and Birch Bay voters elected Carrington to the board, where he would serve as chair for seven years.

“Mr. Carrington has diligently and forthrightly carried out his duties on behalf of the district and in the best interest of the Blaine-Birch Bay communities,” the resolution read. “The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 Board of

Commissioners individually and collectively commend Mr. Jeff Carrington for his service to BBBPRD2 …”

Carrington’s passion for youth sports brought youth programming and Saturday open gym to the Birch Bay Activity Center, the resolution states. He was committed to responsibly allocating public funds and preparing annual budgets. Along with other commissioners, Carrington approved funding for playgrounds, property acquisitions and financing for youth sports.

Carrington left the board at the end of 2023 after deciding to not run for re-election.

The parks and recreation commissioners passed the resolution on February 13.

discover why listening to birds is good for your overall wellbeing. Also on Sunday, at the BP Heron Center, Wild Whatcom will provide family bird and nature walks in Birch Bay State Park as well as have surprises for kids. For a printable schedule with more details and information on price, location, time and registration for festival events, go to wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

s Jeff Carrington. File photo

s Sardis Raptor Center’s live raptor presentation during the birding expo at Wings Over Water in 2023. Photo by Chuck Kinzer / ckimageart.com

Girls Golf

Boys Golf

Girls Softball

Boys Soccer

Girls Tennis

Homes ...

From page 1 be several home models that buyers could custom order from a sampling.

Residents would own their homes and rent the manufactured home pads from the park owner, which the park owner would use, in part, to pay the property taxes as well as landscaping and amenity fees. Skip said it was too early to determine home prices, but hoped the prices would be below stickbuilt and conventional homes. He anticipated the homes would appreciate in value.

A clubhouse is envisioned to have a library, fitness room, indoor kitchen and fireplace, with outdoor amenities including fire pits, a kitchen, pickleball courts and a community garden. A waterfall and pond are designed

School ...

From page 1 are willing to help in other ways when they are able.”

There’s no good time for a board member to depart, but a looming $2.5 million budget shortfall still needs to be dealt with and brought to the board by the end of April for ratification. With the district levy passing in the February special election, the budget shortfall is significantly less than if the levy hadn’t passed, but cuts will still need to be made.

The district has held listening events over the past two weeks to

near the clubhouse.

“This is a lifestyle choice for people. It’s not for everyone,”

Skip said. “However, a lot of people, especially who are getting up there in their retirement age … want to downsize a bit and have maintenance done for them.”

Skip said he and Katie would maintain park ownership once it was inhabited and wouldn’t turn it over to a homeowners association. Creekside would be 49 acres, or about one-third of the entire East Harbor Hills subdivision, which Skip said would likely be developed into multifamily and single-family homes.

Creekside’s main entrance would be on North Harvey Road, situating the property directly east of The Ridge at Harbor Hills, the Jansens’ other development that is being built out. Harbor Hills Parkway connects The Ridge with East Harbor Hills and will eventual -

gauge what the community finds important to keep in the next budget, and what could possibly be cut.

Ford, who spoke at the February 26 board meeting to thank the community, said that while he is still passionate about education and providing the best for Blaine students, the workload required from a board member was not feasible for him.

“If I jump into something, I put my all into it,” Ford said. “With a job that’s 50-60 hours a week, plus a wife with cancer and five kids, I didn’t have 20 to 30 hours [a month] to really succeed at the position.”

ly run through Grandis Pond, a housing development planned immediately east of East Harbor Hills.

Creekside would have several hundred feet of buffer that would hide the community from H Street and North Harvey roads. The park’s average density would be three units per acre, which Parkinson said is typical for a residential subdivision.

The developers have mapped the wetlands and intend to keep as many large trees as possible, Parkinson said.

East Harbor Hills, which is in a forest reserve, is currently assessed at $20,000. In 2023, the Jansens paid $225 in taxes on the property, $56 of which went to the city of Blaine.

Once developed, Skip said he estimated the assessed value would be $25-30 million. Home sales would generate about $4050 million in sales tax, Skip

Leu, who has worked in education for decades, said he hopes to continue supporting the school district in whatever capacity he can.

“It is no small feat to be a board member,” Granger wrote. “And they put in the time and energy to be informed, educated and thoughtful in their partnership leading the Blaine school district.”

In other school district news, Granger informed the community during the February 26 meeting that a candidate to fill the role of departed chief financial officer Amber Porter was interviewed and offered a job, but did not accept the position.

The school district is now considering hiring a talent search firm to find candidates throughout the state. Cost for the firm, likely to be Northwest Leadership Associates, will range between $8,000 and $10,000, according to the district.

During the meeting, board member Ben Lazarus said Porter left her position due to alleged personal attacks from board member Erica Creydt. Creydt said that her intention was not to attack Porter, but to clarify budget information before cuts needed to be made. Porter recently took a position at the Oak Harbor

estimated, and the park owner would pay the real estate tax, instead of the homeowner.

“Compared to what it is now, it will give substantial benefit to the city, tax wise,” Skip said.

The majority of the project is in a portion of the aquifer that has a low recharge potential, meaning water won’t likely seep into the aquifer, Parkinson said. Little to no pesticides and herbicides would be used on the landscaping, he added.

Runoff will be routed to one of two stormwater ponds where it will be treated and released

(See Homes, page 7)

school district, but is still working with Blaine school district during this transition period, Granger said.

s Ryan Ford. File photo s Don Leu. File photo

s Design inspiration for a clubhouse at Creekside at The Ridge, a proposed east Blaine manufactured home park that would create about 150 modern-designed manufactured homes within the gated community. Creekside would be located within East Harbor Hills, a subdivision planned directly to the west of The Ridge at Harbor Hills. Images by The Lones Group

s The manufactured homes would be about 1,200 to 2,000 square feet and average about three bedrooms, project developer Skip Jansen said.

In the Garden: Caring for

B y r hia NN o N a lle N

March can be a busy time in the garden, but it’s mostly a happy productive time. The first thing for north Whatcom County gardeners will be to take stock of their gardens.

We experienced an unprecedented long freeze, ample snow and several windstorms over the course of the winter. Now it’s time to take a walk around the garden to check for damage that needs attention. I had one tree come down, a few damaged tree and shrub limbs to saw off, and a lot of storm debris to move off paths and planting beds. It’s likely other gardeners will find similar damage.

Not everything looks alive yet, but it is time to take knowledge of plant timelines into the garden to see how everything is doing. I am familiar with which plants in my garden are early spring awakeners.

If you are unsure of a woody plant’s yearly cycle, you can carefully examine the plant for buds. With many, you can use a thumbnail to scratch the bark. If green shows, the plant is just slumbering still.

Sadly, my Brachyglottis greyi, a New Zealand native commonly known as a daisy bush, looks dead. This handsome sprawling zone 8 shrub I planted in 2010 is hardy down to 20F, but our temperature dropped below that

March

point for several days. Ceanothus, commonly known as California lilac, with the same hardiness rating, have also succumbed. Hopefully, you won’t have lost too many favorites in your own garden when you do your observations in March.

I will start garden cleanup as well, although this can be done at a leisurely pace. Gradually, the

form of the garden will emerge as old flowers are cut and composted, and tired foliage trimmed. By the end of the month, a tidier garden structure will have emerged and I can plant new acquisitions such as those I bought from the Whatcom Conservation District native plant sale.

I will take advantage of spring rains by planting all but the most

tender plants to help them settle in and spread their roots. Seeds like grass, microclover and most wildflower mixes can be sown to take advantage of natural rainfall. Even a few vegetables, such as kale, peas and radishes, can be sown should our temperatures remain seasonable and the soil temperature reaches 45 degrees. March is also an ideal time to start seeds indoors or in another protected environment like a greenhouse. Most flower seeds can be started indoors now, as can many vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce and peppers. If you have a lawn, March is the best time to revitalize it by aerating, fertilizing and reseeding. For reseeding, many people here are experimenting with microclover, which remains green throughout

the summer and can be mowed to the height of lawn grass. Microclover is a win-win for pollinators and soil health. The only reason to not use it as a replacement or supplement for grass is that the flowers attract bees. I think that is great, but people with allergies or small children might think otherwise.

If you are looking for conversation and information not only seed related, nurseries and garden clubs are awaking from their winter slumber. And, lastly, you can start planning your trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival for later this spring.

March is a busy time for gardeners, but it is so exciting and so much fun.

Rhiannon Allen is a member of the Point Roberts Garden Club.

File photo

Spring cleaning tips and tricks

Spring is a time of year when change is in the air. Trees are budding, plants are flowering, and homes laden with dark or heavy fabrics and clutter could use some lightening up.

Spring cleaning projects are popular this time of year as residents take inventory of their living spaces and aim to declutter, clean and increase efficiency. Some people find the prospect of getting organized overwhelming.

Here are some tips that can help anyone master spring cleaning.

• Create a plan. Make a checklist and establish a cleaning plan of attack. Focus on areas that are not regularly cleaned, as they probably need a little attention.

• Assemble your cleaning kit. Spring cleaning can be slowed down considerably if you don’t have all of your equipment at the ready. Items to have on hand

include an all-purpose cleaner, concentrated cleaner, microfiber cloths, paper towels, mop, vacuum, dusters, and a squeegee. Adjust your equipment based on the task at hand.

• Curate your cleaning playlist. Create a playlist with songs that will get you moving and motivated to clean.

• Work from top to bottom. Work efficiently by cleaning shelves, ceiling fans and other elevated items first, as dust and debris will trickle down and need to be cleaned next.

• Purchase or rent a carpet cleaner. According to the experts at Clean That Up, carpets help filter indoor air by trapping debris and allergens. By deep cleaning carpets, homeowners can improve the indoor air quality of their homes. Use a carpet cleaner on a warm, dry day so that windows

can be opened and cross breezes will help dry the damp rug.

• Clean windows. Wash windows inside and out and utilize their screens to help brighten indoors spaces.

• Deep clean the kitchen. Clean out and disinfect the refrigerator by wiping it down with warm water and baking soda or a vinegar-and-water solution. While in the kitchen, set the oven to the self-clean function so it becomes cleaner as well.

Homeowners also can focus on cleaning curtains (including shower curtains), steam-cleaning upholstery, removing clutter from closets, cleaning out the dryer vent and duct tubing, wiping inside kitchen drawers, and vacuuming under beds and other furniture.

Spring cleaning can bring the revitalizing nature of this beloved time of year into your home.

How to create more privacy on your property

An inviting backyard can serve as a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After a long day at the office or an exhausting day spent transporting kids to and fro, it’s hard to resist the allure of a peaceful outdoor space in which to unwind.

Privacy is a key component of any backyard oasis. Some homes may be so remote that privacy isn’t an issue. But many suburban homeowners recognize they might need to tweak their landscapes if they hope to create a private oasis outside.

Fencing or planting?

Most homeowners looking to create more privacy on their property will have to choose between fencing and planting.

Fencing provides immediate privacy because, once it’s installed, no one can see into the yard. Fencing also doesn’t require watering or other immediate upkeep, which will be neces-

sary when planting to ensure tree roots can establish themselves.

But planting has its benefits as well. Planting for privacy is essentially creating a living fence that can grow over time and provide even more privacy as trees reach maturity. Plants also tend to be less costly than fencing.

The home renovation experts at BobVila.com estimate that fencing projects typically cost between $1,667 and $4,075.

However, fencing projects can cost considerably more than $4,000, especially for homeowners with large properties they want to enclose.

Large, mature trees can be expensive, though it’s unlikely they will cost as much as fencing. In addition, fencing requires more maintenance and will potentially need to be replaced, while native trees won’t require much upkeep and can last for generations.

Planting

Homeowners who choose to plant for privacy will next have to decide which type of plants to add to their properties.

Evergreens provide yearround privacy because they don’t shed their leaves, so these are the ones most often chosen when creating a living fence. A number of varieties of evergreen trees can do the job, but it’s important that homeowners consult with a landscape architect prior to choosing trees so they can ensure the trees will thrive when faced with the growing conditions on their properties.

During such a consultation, homeowners may discuss the following popular privacy trees.

• Leyland cypress: The Arbor Day Foundation notes that the Leyland cypress is popular for hedges and boundaries, likely because a typical tree reaches a mature height of 60’-70’ and can spread as wide as 25’. The Ley-

land cypress grows fast, which may appeal to homeowners who don’t want to wait to establish privacy.

• Green Giant Arborvitae: There are different varieties of the arborvitae, but the Green Giant tends to be the go-to option for privacy. The ADF notes that Green Giants will grow up to three feet per year until they reach maturity, providing a fast-growing option for privacy planters. The Green Giant can spread as wide as 20 feet at maturity, which is another attribute that makes it so popular among homeowners desiring privacy.

• Eastern White Pine: The ADF notes that the eastern white pine, which can reach heights as high as 80 feet, is favored in spacious yards. That’s likely due to its height and its potential spread, which can reach 40 feet. Homeowners who choose the eastern white pine might like it

for its resemblance to a Christmas tree, and in fact it is widely used for that purpose. The privacy provided by the eastern white pine is significant, but it might be best suited to especially large properties.

Whether it’s fencing or planting, homeowners have many options to consider as they seek to create more privacy on their properties.

File photo

As their bills die, school staff across the state look to the budget for help

and cafeteria workers stood outside of the Capitol with signs that read:

“Living wages for ESPs!” and “I’m a paraprofessional, my heart is full, but my wallet is empty.”

Education Support Professionals (ESPs) work mainly in the classroom with kids, supporting teachers.

Two bills that would have increased wages and distributed paraeducators throughout school districts have died in this year’s legislative session. Now, paraeducators are looking to the budget for help.

The Senate’s budget allocated over $242 million in new spending for K-12 schools, including funding for student meals, special education and staffing needs, such as paraeducators. The House budget, as well as the governor’s budget don’t mention paraeducators.

“We must do better as a state,” said state representative April Berg (D-Mill Creek) said at the rally on February 19, stating that the average yearly income for ESPs in Washington is only $30,000. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) assumes that the average annual length of a paraeducator contract is 1,274 hours, seven hours per day for 182 days.

The OSPI recommended that by 2025, paraeducators receive a $7 hourly wage increase, which would bring their average hourly wage to $28 an hour. OSPI cited in its budget request that the recognized average living wage in Seattle is $34 an hour.

“For the first seven years of my career, I was a single mom of three kids,” paraeducator Kari Madden said. “I had to work two

and three jobs and get financial help from my mom just to make ends meet. My own children suffered, and I was exhausted.”

Certified teachers attended the rally to support their coworkers, emphasizing that this movement is long overdue.

“As a certificated person, I couldn’t do my job without the help of the paraprofessionals,” said Terri Winkler, a fifth-grade teacher in Toppenish. “I can’t always reach all 23 students in my classroom. When I have kids reading below grade level, it’s my paraprofessionals that are in there helping me work with those kids to try to get them caught up.”

Paraeducator Melissa Walker joked as it began pouring rain, “If it means standing in the rain, we stand in the rain,” referring to rainy day recess duties.

Winkler recalls her school’s ESPs delivered food to students during Covid-19.

“I think if Covid taught us anything, it taught us how important our paraprofessionals are,” Winkler said. “They feed our students, and they care for our students.”

“We are educators, and I don’t think that we get the respect that we deserve because I think it’s a stigma,” Walker said.

Budget negotiations will continue for the rest of the session, and even though this is the only hope left, leaders of this movement feel momentum.

Pamella Johnson, an academic and behavioral interventionist at Rochester High School in Thurston County, and the 2023 National Education Association ESP of the year, spoke to the need for livable wages.

“It’s long overdue,” Johnson said. “I’ve been on this for the past 12 years and I think now there’s elevation for us, and it’s gonna come to fruition.”

B y M ary M urphy , W ashi NG to N s tate J our N al

s Bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria staff, paraeducators and teachers demand fair wages outside of the Capitol February 19.

Photo by Mary Murphy

Notice of

Personal

Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Casie Rodenberger, WSBA #54348

Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

Date of First

Name of

Attorney for Administrators:

Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service:

Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: February 13, 2024

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Personal Representative: REGINALD ROBERT REESE

not been issued to any other notice agent, and a personal representative of the decedent’s estate has not been appointed.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the notice agent or the notice agent’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication:

on February 9, 2024, at Bellingham, Washington, that the foregoing is

MLS

4751

MLS #2203219 $155,000

Opportunity awaits, a great 180-day lot, partially fenced with a well-built storage shed. Park your RV and settle in for a great stay, perfect for a summer retreat. Leave your lawn mower at home with artificial turf. Lot located in a quiet section of Latitude 49, with a short walk to clubhouse, pool, & exercise facility. Enjoy all that Latitude 49 has to offer along with a security gate, close to the beach and CDN border. Buyer to review and verify all information & CC&R’s.

Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

Comox Loop

MLS #2191362 $110,000

Now is your chance to build your dream home on this beautiful waterfront lot overlooking a natural pond in Birch Bay Village. This large 14,679 square foot lot borders Beaver Pond on 2 sides with great sun exposure. Unrivaled Birch Bay Village amenities include marina with new docks, beaches, golf course, pool, clubhouse & 24-hour security gate. Ideally nestled between Vancouver and Seattle & minutes to fabulous Birch Bay.

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

4563 California Trail

MLS #2186685 $369,000

Upgraded 3-BR/1.75-BA home with new updates: waterproof laminate flooring, tiled bathrooms & charming eat-in kitchen w/ butcher block counters & stainlesssteel appliances. BONUS: one of the few planned neighborhoods that allows shortterm rentals - don’t miss the chance to add this flexibility to your investment portfolio. Opportunities to own a home & the land are becoming increasingly hard to find for under $400K! Cash buyers only..

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

7609 Birch Bay Drive #107

MLS #2163316 $995,000

Rare find in this beautiful low-bank Birch Bay waterfront condo where you can kayak off your own private beach! 2-story, 3 bdrm, 3 bthrm at Coast Haven Condominiums in the heart of the bay. Remodeled & updated kitchen, bathrooms with high-end finishes, cabinets, flooring, all new windows & coverings, plus newly painted exterior. Open floor plan with living room & kitchen boasting a fabulous view plus a deck with stunning views and more.

Randy Weg 360-305-5704

5790 Skagit Place

MLS #2201126 $649,900

Tucked on the end of a cul-de-sac this beautiful home’s curb appeal alone will make you want to call this home. Nearly 1,800 square feet featuring a huge kitchen with storage. Vaulted ceilings and oversize windows allow for natural light. Primary bedroom features great ensuite with large walk-in closet. Fireplace in the living room overlooking manicured back yard backs up to undeveloped 105-acre tract. Oversized 648 square foot garage.

Greg Flint 360-220-0551

7714 Birch Bay Dr #108

MLS #2179608 $549,000

Discover coastal luxury in this 3-bed, 2-bath ground-floor condo. Newer stainless appliances, granite countertops, & hardwood floors adorn the open living & dining areas with vaulted ceilings. A stunning master suite and a bay-view patio await. Enjoy a large hot tub, storage room for bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards & access to a beautiful private beach. This home offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and seaside tranquility.

Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838

6887 Holeman Ave

MLS #2201387 $899,000

Unparalleled 180-degree vistas of bay, islands, & mountains. Discover a charming & updated retreat plus private beach. Complete renovation was done inside and out over the past 12 years. Recent upgrades include new roofing, AC, fencing, decks, thoughtful landscaping & enhanced drainage. Large lot size offers potential to substantially increase floor

Matt

Homes ...

From page 7

slowly into wetland and drainage areas, ultimately reaching a ditch on H Street Road, Parkinson said.

Several meeting attendees thanked the Jansens for their innovative ideas and creating housing in the community, while others remained wary of the manufactured home park business model not allowing homeowners to own the land under their homes. An east Blaine resident voiced concern about how the development would impact surrounding homeowners, to which Skip replied that Blaine Municipal Code requires an on-site manager to communicate with the city on issues.

One attendee said he would like to see lower-cost housing to attract younger families and encouraged the Jansens to not set an age limit on the park so that more people contributing to the workforce could move to Blaine. Others asked for a mix of more classic designs.

The community meeting was the developers’ first official step in the city development process. After considering comments, the Jansens will submit their application, which will include a detailed site plan as well as traffic, stormwater and critical area studies, to Blaine Community Development Services Department staff for review. Once staff has finished its report, the hearing examiner will hold a hearing where the public can provide comments. The hearing examiner will provide a recommendation to Blaine City Council, which will make the final decision.

The developers have conducted preliminary analyses and will work out more details during final engineering work, Parkinson said. If city council approves the project, it may require certain conditions or changes. Construction may begin once the city has approved the project.

The project has been at the center of contention in city politics for about 1.5 years as east Blaine residents fought what the developers thought would be a simple change to make the city’s planned unit development zoning code consistent with its underlying zoning code, which allowed manufactured home parks. City council approved the text amendment 4-0 during its October 23, 2023 meeting.

“We were pleased with the attendance of the meeting and we thought there were some good questions,” Skip said. “Some of the feedback we got, people were pleasantly surprised. The naysayers have been jumping to conclusions on what we’re going to build and this was the first opportunity we had to really show what we have in mind.”

For more information on Creekside or to contact the developers, visit creeksideridgehomes.com.

Charles William Ogmundson

June 20, 1943 – January 30, 2024

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my brother Chuck Ogmundson. He left us on January 30, 2024. Chuck was born to Harold and Rayma Ognundson on June 20, 1943 in Bellingham, WA. He grew up on a farm in Whitehorn, near Blaine, WA.

As a young boy he often played his accordion in the Grange Hall at Birch Bay, WA. That was the beginning of his love to perform music. Chuck had a gift for singing and occasionally sang publicly in his teen years. He graduated from Blaine and shortly after he moved to Seattle. While living in Seattle he pursued his musical interests and sang at many venues downtown and in Ballard. While taking some voice classes at WWU he became interested in jazz and met some people that also loved playing jazz and performing. Chuck did several gigs with them in the Seattle area. Music was his passion and he had many loyal fans. Chuck was also very skilled at selling women’s shoes at Nordstrom and selling men’s suits at the Men’s Wearhouse. He also worked at some apartments as a desk clerk, but music always came first.

Towards the end of his life Chuck and his former wife, Sharon Ogmundson, took care of each other. After Sharon’s passing Chuck moved into an adult care home called Bothell Care Services LLC. He battled Parkinson’s disease and was lovingly cared for by Costel and Eliza Layaroiu for four years.

Chuck is survived by his sister Lynnea Jacobsen (Paul), niece Jennifer Belew, (Kelly), nephew Anthony Jeglum and many great-nephews, nieces and cousins. Chuck was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Harold and Rayme Ogmundson and his good friend Sharon Ogmundson. A special thank you to Chuck’s friend David Stein for all the help he gave to Chuck and to me.

Anthony (Tony) Wade Davenport

August 15, 1967 – February 2, 2024

Anthony (Tony) Wade Davenport passed away peacefully on February 2, 2024, at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, following a recent brain injury.

Born on August 15, 1967, in Bellingham, Tony was a proud graduate of Blaine High School, where he formed enduring friendships and nurtured fond memories. He was an enthusiastic fan of both the Seahawks and Broncos.

Among his fondest memories were the days spent cruising the bay, swimming in Giles Pond, and hosting gatherings at his home with his circle of friends. Tony took immense pride during the time he served his community as a volunteer firefighter.

Tony is survived by his father, Lonnie (Dot) Davenport; children Rhyan (Gabby) Grogan, Kaytlyn (Joe) Sirrine, and Tanner Davenport; sister Tina (Russ) Richardson; granddaughters Alessa and Janee; niece Elinor and numerous family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved “Grandma (Elinor) Day” and his mother, Kerry Davenport.

A celebration of Tony’s life will be held on Sunday, June 23, at 2 p.m., at the Blaine Harbor Boating Center. In honor of Tony’s memory, contributions to the Road2home Organization are welcomed in lieu of flowers.

Christine B. Davidson

1946 – 2024

Christine Davidson (1946-2024) passed away suddenly in her 78th year at her home in Blaine,WA on February 18, 2024.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 55 years Donald and daughter Tara (Len) and grandchildren Payton (Kellin), Justin, Cameron and Carly.

Christine was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Robert and Barbara Emens. She grew up in in Wisconsin and moved with her parents to Brantford, Ontario, Canada when she was 11 years old. She attended the Charles E. Ellis School for Girls in Newtown Square, PA and studied art and design at Garland College in Boston. She met her husband, Donald while working in Toronto, Canada and together, they lived in various cities in Canada and the U.S., eventually retiring in Blaine. Christine enjoyed art, travel and decorating.

Heartfelt thanks to the Blaine paramedics for their efforts, Whatcom County support officer Ron Houtsma and Blaine patrol officer Jordan Maphumulo for their support and empathy.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or a charity of your choice.

sheriff’s repOrts

February 20, 10:58 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Cedar Street.

February 20, 3:46 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Custer School Road.

February 20, 4:08 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Lincoln Road.

February 21, 12:04 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Alderson Road.

February 21, 1:36 p.m.: Shots on Petticote Lane.

February 22, 12:25 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on California Trail.

February 22, 5:09 a.m.: Vehicle prowl on Pheasant Drive.

February 22, 10:33 a.m.: Suspicious person cold call on Starfish Lane.

February 22, 8:23 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Birch Bay Lynden Road.

February 23, 2:50 a.m.: Mental health check on Surf Place.

February 23, 4:04 a.m.: Domestic violence arrest on Harborview Road.

February 23, 1:08 p.m.: Civil problem on East Street.

February 24, 10:52 a.m.: Suspicious person cold call on Abalone Way.

February 24, 11:50 a.m.: Suspicious person on Pipeline Road.

February 24, 12:11 p.m.: Overdose on Drayton Harbor Road.

February 24, 12:50 p.m.: Domestic assault arrest on Drayton Harbor Road.

February 24, 4:04 p.m.: Civil problem on Odell Road.

February 25, 12:35 p.m.: Theft cold call on Valley View Road.

February 25, 3:13 p.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Alderson Road.

February 25, 5:06 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Square Street.

February 25, 7:08 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Maple Way.

February 25, 7:44 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Birch Bay Lynden Road.

February 26, 8:39 a.m.: Domestic assault arrest on Maple Way.

February 26, 3:14 p.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on Jackson Road.

pOLiCe repOrts

February 17, 8:10 p.m.: Theft on Harrison Avenue.

February 18, 12:35 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on F Street.

February 18, 4:18 a.m.: Death investigation on Goldeneye Lane.

February 18, 10:33 a.m.: Moving vehicle accident on H Street.

February 18, 4:45 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Kingsley Avenue.

February 18, 8:40 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Shore Pine Place.

February 19, 11:40 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Parkview Place.

February 19, 12:02 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Bell Road.

February 19, 10:40 p.m.: Over-

CrOssWOrd

ACROSS

1.

Coming up

Tech Help: Thursday, February 29, 1–2 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Drop in for one-on-one assistance of your devices with library staff. Info: wcls.org.

Garden Design 101: Thursday, February 29, 4–6 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. In this third of four classes, will discuss the process and decisions of hardscape/structures. Info: nwcore.org.

Home Buying Workshop: Thursday, February 29, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Learn how much you can afford, understanding credit and budgeting for a down payment and other expenses, Free. Space is limited. RSVP 360/752-8253 or email Doug.cornelsen@bannerbank.com.

Blaine Partnership Project Informational Meeting: Thursday, February 29, 5–6:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Learn about the project for a new, larger library and homeownership proposed for G Street. Presented by Paul Schissler of Madrona Community Development. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

mistake

39. Sacred sound symbol

42. Large N. American reindeer

44. Dull and flat

46. Partner to huffing

47. Written works

49. Monetary unit of Serbia

50. Midway between east and southeast

51. Peninsula of southwestern Asia

56. Widely used multiuser OS

57. Aggressive dog

58. Varnished

59. Hindu queen

60. Time units, abbr.

61. Farm animals

62. Capital of Latvia

63. Where golfers begin

64. Takes to civil court

DOWN

1. One who graduated

2. An inspired holy person

3. Electronic counter-countermeasures

4. A place to store things

5. Indian instrument

6. Spanish saloon

7. Whole number

8. Not fastened

9. Gives a boost

10. Lounges about

11. Interested in

13. Remove salt

17. Type of sword

24. Naturally occurring solid material

25. Gets involved without being invited

26. Feline

27. Bobby __, NHL champ

28. “Kill Bill” actress Thurman

29. Hawaiian dish

35. Moroccan coastal region

36. Baseball statistic

37. Long period of time

38. Moved earth

40. Central Netherlands city

41. Take stock of

42. Central processing unit

43. Distinctive qualities one generates

44. Getting stuck

45. Loss of bodily

dose on Pacific Highway.

February 20, 10:52 a.m.: Domestic – physical on E Street.

February 20, 11:38 a.m.: Vandalism on Mitchell Avenue.

February 21, 1:56 p.m.: Fraud on Garfield Avenue.

February 21, 4:30 p.m.: Trouble with subject on C Street.

February 23, 7:27 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on 3rd Street.

February 23, 10:37 a.m.: Civil problem on F Street.

February 23, 11:43 a.m.: Vehicle theft on H Street.

February 23, 11:49 a.m.: Burglary on Madison Avenue.

movements

47. Veranda

48. Abrupt

49. What cats do

52. Expresses pleasure

53. Type of cheese

54. Professional STEM organization

55. Automatic data processing systems

tides

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, February 29, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Recovery Center Open House: Friday, March 1, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Catholic Community Services Recovery Center, 8115 Birch Bay Square Street #138 (across from Windermere). The center provides a full continuum of outpatient substance use disorder treatment services to youth, adults, and their families. Info: ccsww.org/get-help/addiction-recovery-services/.

Live Music at Blaine Senior Center: Friday, March 1, 5–7:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Live music with Jaded Lovers, playing country and rock classics, line dancing and more. $5 suggested donation. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, March 1, 7 p.m, The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Double Trouble. Info: thevaultwine.com. Whatcom Farm Expo: Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. Learn about all the resources available to you, from local organizations to businesses and community groups. Free. Info: whatcomcd.org. Sponsored by Whatcom Conservation District.

Easy, Squeezy – Gluten and Dairy Free Cooking: Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Discover cooking tips and tricks using alternative products to make gluten-free/dairy-free cooking easy and fun. Presenter Heino Sunter will provide a live demo preparing a gluten free and dairy free clam/seafood chowder. Info: nwcore.org.

Illuminate Birch Bay: Saturday, March 2, 6–8 p.m. along the Birch Bay berm. Start at the Birch Bay Vogt Library with hot chocolate, cider, choir music and walk through a lighted path along the berm. Making or bringing lanterns is encouraged. Free. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Storytime at the Library: Tuesday, March 5, 10:30–11 a.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. An open program for kids ages 2-6 that includes stories, rhymes, and songs with opportunities for movement and interactive participation. Info: wcls.org.

Tech Help: Tuesday, March 5, 5–6 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Drop in for one-on-one assistance of your devices with library staff. Info: wcls.org.

Write Here Write Now - Monthly Writer’s Meetup: Tuesday, March 5 6–8 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Calling all writers! Is there a novel inside you just waiting to get out? Is your work-in-progress languishing in a file Blaine Library is here to help! Join author Barbara Davis-Pyles and get it done! This is an informal drop-in writing workshop where you can pull up a seat, work on your project, and talk with other writers. Info: wcls.org.

Community Movie: Wednesday, March 6, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Watch the new release “Wonka” on the 150” big screen. Donations accepted. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Garden Design 101: Thursday, March 7, 4–6 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. In this final class, will discuss principles of art in the garden. Info: nwcore.org.

Homelessness and the Meaning of Home: Saturday, March 9, 1–2 p.,m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Author and professor Josephine Ensign leads the audience through a values clarification exercise and will share her research on the history of homelessness in Seattle and discuss the contemporary crisis. Info: wcls.libcal.com/event/11455491.

Washington State Boaters Education Classes: Weeks of March 11, April 8, May 6 and June 10. Four-day courses on Zoom. Successful completion qualifies participant for a WA State Boater Education Card – issued by WA State Parks Boating Program (separate application and $10 fee). Cost: $30 and receive a printed book. Sponsored by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Reservations and questions: boatingsafetyWA@gmail.com.

Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival: March 15–17. Speakers, artist reception, guided field trips, viewing stations and more. For complete schedule: wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

Whatcom READS Author Event: Friday, March 15, 7–8:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham. Join author Sasha taq’šeblu LaPointe as she discusses her book, Red Paint, answers questions from the audience and signs books. Info: Whatcomreads.org.

Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Purchase conservation grade plants for your yard and garden. Info and preorder at whatcomcd.org. Sponsored by Whatcom Conservation District.

A Conversation with Whatcom Reads Author: Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m–noon. Join a lively virtual conversation between Sasha taq’šeblu LaPointe and fellow author, Kristen Millares Young. Registration is required for this online event at wcls.libcal.com/event/11481788.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of February 19 to 25, 1 inch of precipitation was recorded. The 2024 yearto-date precipitation is 8.7 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 62.2°F on February 22 with a low of 35.9°F on February 23. Average high was 54.2°F and average low was 39.9°F.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Ongoing

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 Info@blainefoodbank.org.

The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.

CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.

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

Photo