The Northern Light - February 19, 2015 by Point Roberts Press

February 19 - 25, 2015 HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Local business owner denied visa, page 3

Council considers future of retail sales, train stop in Blaine

Pet Care special section, page 8

PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230

Active Seniors special section, page 9

Marathon at Birch Bay

By Steve Guntli Given a choice between studying retail development or the feasibility of an Amtrak stop, Blaine City Council chose the retail option, hands-down. Blaine City Council approved a study on retail development in the area, but the future of an Amtrak stop was a hot topic as well. At council’s regular meeting on February 9, city manager Dave Wilbrecht reported that the Port of Bellingham offers annual grants to small cities to fund economic development. Blaine is eligible for up to $20,000, which Wilbrecht said the city was likely to receive if they could offer matching funds. Wilbrecht suggested putting the grant money towards one of two projects: either a retail recruitment study or a feasibility study for a new Amtrak stop in Blaine. The retail recruitment study would include an analysis of the Blaine market demographics as a way of attracting new businesses to the city and offer potential new businesses an idea of what kinds of retailers would appeal to local and visiting shoppers. The study would cost between $50,000 and $60,000.Wilbrecht, who has been acting as the interim chair of the economic development advisory committee, supported the recruitment study. “My recommendation is to do the recruitment study,” Wilbrecht said. “It’s short-term and can be completed by the end of the year. The port is looking to fund projects that have defined start and end points, and this is something we could do within a calendar year that would show them exactly where their money went.” Community development director Michael Jones said the recruitment study would differ from a similar analysis published by Hebert Research in 2013. The (See Council, page 15)

s Graham Breen charges across the finish line to win the Birch Bay Marathon on February 15. Breen, a sales manager from the United Kingdom, finished the 26.2 mile course in 2:44:55. See more photos on page 7.

Photo by Steve Guntli

Voters support schools in special election By Steve Guntli There was a lot of “yes” coming from the voters of Whatcom County in the February 10 special election. Voters approved all eight of the local school and fire district measures by healthy margins. After almost a decade of trying, Blaine school district voters passed

a $45 million bond issue to improve school buildings and infrastructure. The bond will pay for upgrades to the high school and primary school in Blaine and the Point Roberts Primary School. The latest ballot count from February 12 shows the bond passing 70 percent to 30 percent. The bond measure earned support in every precinct in Blaine, Birch Bay and

Point Roberts. The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office estimates a 33 percent voter turnout for the 2015 special election, down from 44 percent in 2014. The state will certify the election results February 24.

Online

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New NEXUS center dramatically reduces wait times By Steve Guntli The new NEXUS enrollment center in Birch Bay Square has been open for less than a month, but it’s already shown significant results. The NEXUS frequent traveler program of-

fers cardholders expedited crossing through the U.S. and Canadian borders. Since its start in 2002, the overcrowded office at the Pacific Highway border crossing has been plagued with lengthy enrollment times due to lack of staff and procession capacity. Len Saunders, an attorney for the Immi-

gration Law Firm in Blaine, frequently helps clients obtain NEXUS passes. He said he’s seen a remarkable improvement in the wait times since the new office opened. Saunders said on average it used to take his clients (See NEXUS, page 2)

Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Coming Up . . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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The Northern Light • February 19 - 25, 2015

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six months or more to get their NEXUS pass, even if they signed up online. Enrollment centers in Seattle and Vancouver still have backlogs of up to eight months. “I’ve had two clients, one a renewal and one a first time applicant, and in both cases their application was approved in three days, and they got their interview three days after that,” Saunders said. “The first time it happened, I thought it must be a fluke, but two people in a row getting their NEXUS in less than a week is incredible.” Saunders said he’s been amazed at how quickly the application process has sped up, and credits the new center for the improvement. “I’ve been practicing law in Blaine since 2002, just after they started the NEXUS program, and in all that time I’ve never seen an application go through so quickly,” Saunders said. “I think it’s a direct result of them moving the office. It shows that they’re doing something right.” Mike Milne, public affairs officer for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said the new enrollment center is operating exactly how CBP hoped it would. “The whole purpose of expanding was to reduce wait times, so we’re thrilled to hear that it’s working,” Milne said. The Birch Bay Square enrollment center is now the largest Trusted Traveler

ic n o r t c e El OFF its % k 0 r 3 tarte

s The NEXUS enrollment center in Birch Bay Square.

enrollment center in the national system. The center has doubled the number of appointments taken per day, from 150 to 300. The center is located close to the border but not so close as to cause congestion, and has ample parking, which was previously limited. Since the center has only been open for a few weeks, Milne said his office didn’t have any data giving average wait times for a NEXUS pass, and he didn’t know if the short processing times would

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become the new norm. “We didn’t have a specific time in mind for getting people through the application process,” Milne said. “We just wanted to reduce it, and it seems so far we have.” More than a million people use the NEXUS pass, and about 80 percent of those users are Canadian, according to Milne.

WTA adds day passes The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) has introduced new unlimited day passes. Passes cost $3 and can be used on all WTA routes except route 80X to Mount Vernon. WTA currently has two routes running between Blaine and Bellingham: the 70X, which goes from Blaine to Western Washington University, and the 55, which travels through Birch Bay. For trips to Mount Vernon, riders will need to purchase the Skagit-Whatcom day pass for $6. The Skagit-Whatcom pass can be used on all other routes for both WTA and Skagit Transit. Day passes can be purchased on the buses. For more information on planning routes, visit ridewta.com.

UPCOMING FOOD & BEVERAGE SPECIAL EVENTS Afternoon Tea in Seaview Lounge By Pastry Chef Kristie George and Executive Chef de Cuisine Martin Woods $35 per person – $15 for children 12 and under Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 4PM *** Reserve today: 360.318.2090

Pacific Northwest Hand Crafted Beer Cooking Class With Chef de Cuisine Kevin Benner $85 per person – Member Discount Applies at the Great Blue Heron Monday, March 9, 2015 at 6PM *** Reserve today: 360.371.7015

Join us in Packers Oyster Bar for a Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration! On Friday, March 13th, Featuring Packer’s Favorite Irish Trio Gallowglass With Braised Corn Beef and Cabbage, Guinness Demi Glace

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February 19 - 25, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

A fishy tale: Local seafood business owner denied visa B y P at G r u bb It’s not easy owning and managing a fish processing company. The vagaries of seafood are vast and unpredictable. Sometimes the fish don’t show up, the price goes wacky, it’s difficult to find good seasonal employees and it’s hard to satisfy customers, especially overseas ones. Just ask Thomas Lee, the owner and general manager of Star Fish Inc., located at the end of Marine Drive in Drayton Harbor. He’s been running Star Fish for close to 20 years and he’s seen all the problems first hand. Star Fish Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Moon Enterprises, a Canadian seafood importer, wholesaler and exporter of fresh, frozen and smoked fish and shellfish located in Richmond, B.C. Although smaller in scope than its Canadian parent, Star Fish more than pulls its weight for the company. There are five full-time workers and another 25 or so seasonal workers that are brought on for the fishing season, typically October through April.

s Star Fish, Inc. owner Thomas Lee. One of just three seafood processors in Blaine, Star Fish bought over $2.5 million of seafood from local fishers in 2014. Out of 250 state crab licenses, the company owns 30, which it leases out, thereby providing even more economic benefits to the local economy. Thomas Lee typically comes down two or three times a week to manage the operations. As owner, he does the banking, hires and fires employees, nego-

Buds • Edibles • Waxes Oils • Topicals Photo by Pat Grubb

tiates prices with fishermen and helps train new workers. His son Matthew, whom Lee is grooming to take over the business, helps him in this endeavor. Planning to retire sometime in the next five years, Lee’s also making sure that his two right-hand managers know the business inside and out. Most of the company’s exports go to the Asian market, which re(See Visa, page 10)

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The Northern Light • February 19 - 25, 2015

The Northern L ght

Bite of Blaine 2015

The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.

A sold-out crowd of about 250 people filled the ballroom at Semiahmoo Resort for the Bite of Blaine on February 16. Proceeds will be used to fund Blaine’s Fourth of July fireworks display.

Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

s Mark and Steve Seymour of the Drayton Harbor Oyster company won this year’s Best Bite prize. This is the company’s first time at the Bite of Blaine.

s Kari Hrutfiord, l., and Laura Hedges of Blaine Healing Arts took home the Blaine Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year award.

s Mike Kent, r., got help from local Girl Scouts during the live auction.

s Hungry visitors lined up to sample food from 16 different vendors.

s In addition to donating the space for the event, Semiahmoo Resort set up their own booth serving gourmet pizza.

s Attendees bid on dozens of items for the silent auction.

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@thenorthernlight.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@thenorthernlight.com Editor Steve Guntli steve@pointrobertspress.com Copy Editor Kara Furr kara@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Ferguson ian@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@thenorthernlight.com Office Manager Amy Weaver info@thenorthernlight.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Janet McCall Catherine Darkenwald sales@thenorthernlight.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@thenorthernlight.com Contributors In This Issue Jasmine Fritsch The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XX, No 36 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Feb. 26 Ads due: Feb. 20

Photos

Steve Guntli

Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info: bbwsd.com.

Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District: Third Wednesday, 6 p.m., location varies. Info: bbwarm.whatcom county.org.

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

Blaine Parks Board: Third Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blaine.wednet.edu.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Birch Bay Chamber Officem 7900 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay. Info: blainebirchbayparkandrec.org

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 7 p.m. Blaine Fire Station. Info: nwfrs.net.

February 19 - 25, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Opinion The Editor: Staff and patrons of the Blaine school district have learned that the recently proposed capital projects bond initiative has seen greater than a 70 percent approval rate. This level of support is historically high, and well beyond the 60 percent level required for passage of the measure. On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the patrons

Start yOur mOrning With uS!

of Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts for their support of their schools, and the students who are educated in our preschool through grade 12 classrooms each day. We feel privileged to have the opportunity to make much-needed improvements to multiple facilities in the district. In the days and months ahead, we are committed to keeping our constituents informed of the progress that is being made

SprIng & SuMMer projeCTS!

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Tues-Sat 11-5, Closed Sun & Mon

It’s time to start your only 2 spots left in the entralac class on Feb. 28!

371-0332

Time to register for kindergarten years old on or before Monday, August 31. Parents can come by any time during registration hours. They should bring along a copy of their child’s birth certificate and

immunization records. For additional information or questions about kindergarten registration, contact the Blaine Primary School office at 3321300.

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CITY OF BLAINE Unless noted, all meetings are held at City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000 and are open to the public.

Monday, February 23, 5 pm – Study Session – Central Business District Zoning Amendment 6 pm - City Council meeting Thursday, February 26, 7 pm Planning Commission meeting – Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Rescinding Cannery Hill and West Semiahmoo Planned Unit Developments, and Public Hearing 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update Pipeline Urban Growth Area Monday, March 2, TBD Study Session – Interview Applicants for City Council Tuesday, March 3, 4 pm Blaine Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting U.S. PASSPORTS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

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specific to planning for and the delivery of our commitments. These are exciting times in public education, and with your support our students will have an even greater opportunity to maximize their learning potential. Ronald C. Spanjer Ed.D. Superintendent Blaine school district

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CITY OF BLAINE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY WARD 3, POSITION 5 All the area within the existing city limits lying North of the south line of H Street extended West to the westerly city limit and West of the centerline line of Sixth Street extended North from the south line of H Street to the international boundary together with those areas West of Peace Portal Drive lying North of Boblett Street extended West to the westerly city limit and all areas on the west side of Drayton Harbor lying South of the north end of Semiahmoo Spit. This is an excellent opportunity to serve your community. Regular City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of every month. Attendance is also required at Study Sessions and Special Council meetings. Applications may be picked up at the Administrative Services Office, 435 Martin Street, Ste. 3000, Blaine, WA 98230, or on-line at www.cityofblaine.com. Please contact the Administrative Services office for additional information at (360) 332-8311. Applicant must be a citizen of the U.S. and the state of Washington, a registered voter of the city at the time of filing, have been a resident of the city for a period of at least one (1) year, and a resident of the ward. Appointment will be until certification of the November 2015 election. APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 4:30 PM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015.

Dentist brings latest dental technology to BLAINE Now offering sedation dentistry to help you relax and maximize your comfort! Blaine and Birch Bay Family Dentistry's office was designed with earth tones and accent colors to create a relaxing, spa-type atmosphere for its patients. The office is equipped with state-ofthe-art technology including ultra quiet dental tools, digital xray and massaging leather dental chairs.

Patient involvement - Patients are encouraged to co-diagnose their dental health condition with Dr. Chen through the latest digital x-ray system so they can fully understand their treatment plan. Dental Services - Oral exams, cleaning (includes polishing and gentle, ultra sonic scalling), fillings, implants, extractions, root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, dentures, porcelain crowns and veneers. Interest-free easy payment plans - Easy payment plans

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INTERVIEWS WITH THE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 2, 2015. SHERI SANCHEZ CMC • Administrative Services Director/City Clerk

Author Events - February 24-26 All events are free - no tickets required. Art & Craft of Writing

Gain insight into the writing process as Daniel James Brown discusses the art and craft of writing. Writers at every level will have the opportunity to ask questions. High school and college writing students are especially encouraged to attend! Tuesday, February 24 • 3:30 pm Heiner Theater Whatcom Community College

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An Evening with Daniel James Brown

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Daniel James Brown Visits Whatcom County! Blaine Book Group Discussion Join in a lively discussion of The Boys in the Boat. EvERyonE WElComE. Saturday, February 21 • 1 pm Blaine Library 610 3rd St., Blaine

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Join Whatcom READS! in welcoming awardwinning author Daniel James Brown as he speaks about the year’s community read selection The Boys in the Boat. EvERyonE WElComE! Tuesday, February 24 • 7:30 pm Jansen Art Center 321 Front St., lynden Wednesday, February 25 • 7 pm Mount Baker Theatre 104 n. Commercial St., Bellingham

Book Discussion with Daniel James Brown

Join in a lively discussion of The Boys in the Boat with the author in attendance. Wednesday, February 25 • 2 pm Fairhaven Branch Library Auditorium 1117 12th St., Bellingham

Author Visit to Mount Baker High School

Join Daniel James Brown when he visits mount Baker High School, the alma mater of one of “the boys in the boat,” Gordy Adams. opEn To THE puBliC, EvERyonE WElComE. Thursday, February 26 • 9:15 am Mount Baker High School Auditorium 4936 Deming Rd., Deming

The Northern Light • February 19 - 25, 2015

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s Anthony Frey controls his opponent in the Class 2A Regional wrestling tournament at Sedro-Woolley February 14. Frey won the 132-pound championship, and nine wrestlers on the boys team earned state bids.

Photo by Jasmine Fritsch

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By Ian Ferguson Even with a fourth-place finish, the Blaine boys wrestling team stole the show for Whatcom county teams at the Class 2A Regional Tournament at Sedro-Woolley. Nine Blaine wrestlers earned bids to the Mat Classic XXVII, the state wrestling tournament in the Tacoma Dome Friday-Saturday, February 20-21.

Brothers Anthony and Caleb Frey won their championship matches at 132 and 145 pounds, respectively. With nine wrestlers moving on, the defending 1A State Champion Borderites are now in a good position to make waves in the 2A state tournament this year. The wrestlers moving on for Blaine include Colton Economy (113 pounds), Gage Lott (126),

Derreck Camba (126), Anthony Frey (132), Billy Dodd (132), Riley Fritsch (138), Preston Bellville (138), Caleb Frey (145) and Erik Davis (152). Lott and Fritsch both took second-place finishes in the regional tournament. Olivia Adams (135) placed second in the girls regional tournament, bringing Blaine’s total number of state wrestlers to 10.

Girls fighting for state tournament bid By Ian Ferguson 15+ years experience

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After a narrow loss to Lynden in the first round of the district tournament, the Blaine girls basketball team bounced back against Anacortes, and their next game will decide whether the Borderites end their season or move on to the state tournament. The Borderites kicked off the district tournament with an exciting game against Lynden February 14. Although it didn’t end in Blaine’s favor, the game went into overtime after the Borderites dug their way out of a 9-point hole, led by the efforts of point guard Breanna Chau. With two leading scorers, Taylor V’Dovec and Mandy Hayes, locked down by the Lynden defense, Chau stepped up to score 20 points and hand out eight assists. Most of Chau’s production came in the fourth quarter, when she scored 13 points of Blaine’s 23 points, made two assists and scored on a layup with three seconds left to tie the game. In overtime, Lynden couldn’t

miss while the Borderites struggled with turnovers and rimmed shots. The final score was 58-50. “We were fighting from behind for most of the game, and in overtime they got some breaks that we didn’t, but that’s how the game goes. Lynden is a strong, wellcoached team, and they outplayed us,” Blaine head coach Ryan Pike said. “Chau had a great game.” Moving on to an elimination-round game against Anacortes February 17, the Borderites knew they had to win, and they played like it. “We got off to a hot start in the first quarter, and a lot of our success came because we boxed out and rebounded really well,” Pike said. Strong rebounding, numerous steals and overall solid defense allowed the Borderites to shut out Anacortes in the first quarter and gain a 13-0 lead. The Seahawks ended their dry spell, but never came closer than nine points to gaining the lead. Hayes led the Borderites with 15 points. V’Dovec had 11 points

and eight rebounds, and Kjirstin Larson had eight points. Pike said Anacortes’ sag zone defense made it tough for the Borderites to get into a groove on offense. “A lot of our passes didn’t lead to good scoring opportunities, but we did a good job sharing the ball,” Pike said. “It was a really strong defensive effort from the whole team that gave us the win.” With the win, the Borderites move onto a pivotal game against Shorecrest from the Wesco Conference. The winner will play a seeding game for the regional round of the state tournament, and the loser will go home. Pike has been watching film of the Shorecrest Scots, who are 6-12 in the Wesco Conference and 1122 overall. “They’re athletic, and they like to run the court,” Pike said. “They’re going to be a tough match for us. We’re going to have to play really well to beat them.” The game against Shorecrest is on Thursday, February 19 at Mount Vernon High School. The game begins at 6 p.m.

February 19 - 25, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

47th annual Birch Bay Marathon Photos Conditions were foggy and brisk as competitors lined up for a 26.2-mile run in the 47th Birch Bay International Marathon February 15. Nearly 70 runners from multiple countries took part. British runner Graham Breen crossed the finish line 2 hours, 45 minutes and 55 seconds after the starting gun. Bill Condon of Seattle finished second with a time of 2:47:27.

The Birch Bay International Marathon, which follows the waterfront on Birch Bay Drive and loops around Semiahmoo to Birch Point and back to Birch Bay Village, is a certified Boston Marathon qualifier. Running greats such as Jim Pearson, Susan Rossiter Henderson and Jack Burnett have run its course. The top five men this year were Breen, Condon, Dan Had-

Steve Guntli

den (Maple Ridge, BC, 3:19:53), Mark Slater (Mill Creek, 3:25:15) and Bill Breakey (Silverdale, 3:32:46). The top five women were Amanda Hoskins (Puyallup, 3:26:07), Rachel Leftwich (Seattle, 3:34:37), Kayla Hardy (Edmonton, Alberta, 3:36:38), Lorrie Chinn (Sammamish, 3:38:41) and Suzanne Bedford (Vancouver, B.C., 3:43:50).

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The Northern Light • February 19 - 25, 2015

Pet Care Tips and products for a healthier, happier pet!

Pets take the spotlight at Semiahmoo this weekend

File photo

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Two national holidays honoring pets and their owners are coming this weekend, and Semiahmoo Resort is celebrating with a special pet-friendly weekend on the spit. The “Dog-Gone Weekend” was designed to coincide with national Love Your Pet Day (February 20) and Walking Your Dog Day (February 22). The two unofficial holidays were designed to give pet owners the chance to spoil their favorite furry friend, and promote active and healthy dogs. Starting Thursday, February 19, the resort will give guests a chance to sneak preview their new “Yappy Hour” at Packer’s Oyster Bar. The event will be a dog-friendly celebration on the outside deck of the oyster bar from 3 to 5 p.m. The bar will add Yappy Hour as a weekly custom beginning March 26 and

From the Dog Park to the Ballpark!

lasting through the end of summer. On Friday evening, the resort will host a dog whisperer from Tender Lifestyles in Birch Bay, and an expert in managing animal behaviors will be on hand to help teach troublesome pooches how to behave. The resort will show dogthemed films in the theater on Friday and Saturday evening, and will even have a red-carpet dog show on Saturday morning. For those who want to stay the weekend, the resort will offer special room rates for guests with pets. The “Bed and Bowl” package waives the $25 pet fee and includes a special doggie bed and a bowl to fill with premium treats off the special Pet Menu, including ground beef with rice or canned dog food. On February 20, Semiahmoo Resort will donate $5 to the Whatcom County Humane Society for every Bed and Bowl package purchased. For more information on room rates, visit semiahmoo.com.

Your base for Mariners:

A CLEAN DOG

Jerseys Collars

Toys

Pet-only funeral home and on-site cremation in Bellingham, WA www.lifecyclepet.com

Let’em Stay and Play Doggy Daycare Cat & Dog Boarding Dog Grooming

360-778-9578

while you shop, work or run errands!

We love them as if they’re our own! GRANDVIEW BUSINESS CENTER 7056 Peace Portal Way, #A1 • Ferndale, WA

www.Pooch-Palace.biz

Because your pets deserve the best! SUPERVISED AND SECURE INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS!

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Open Wed - Sun

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On the beach in beautiful Birch Bay

Happy pets. Happy people.

HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5

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332-DOGS

1874 Main St. Ferndale, WA

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We’re looking for good homes!

Hi, I’m Sport3!

Dog nail clipping $5 • Fridays 9-11

7868 Birch Bay Drive

At I-5 Exit 266

360-526-0093

Life Cycle Pet Cremation

is a WELCOME dog for Spring!

Hi, I’m Athena!

www.glacierview.us

If you’re interested in adopting one of these lovely animals:

Please call our Adoptions department at (360) 733-2080 or visit us at 2172 Division St, Bellingham, WA 98226. View more about us at www.whatcomhumane.org

February 19 - 25, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

A special section of The Northern Light

When it comes to Type 2 diabetes, many only consider weight when considering their risk. However, diabetes is complicated, and risk factors are numerous. The prevalence of diabetes is reflected in statistics. From 1980 through 2011, the number of Americans with diagnosed diabetes more than tripled, from 5.6 million to 20.9 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,; millions more have prediabetes or are undiagnosed. On the bright side, cutting-edge research has uncovered strategies for avoiding, controlling and even reversing diabetes. “It’s tempting to think that there’s not much you can do except take medication and hope for the best,” said George L. King, M.D., chief scientific officer at Joslin Diabetes Center and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “However, anyone can improve their body’s response to insulin and its ability to metabolize glucose in the blood.” Each individual’s glucose control problems are unique, which is why King offers a range of evidence-based, diabetes-fighting strategies. Here he shares a few: Diet A recent study by Dr. King and his Joslin colleagues has shown that insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism and Type 2 diabetes risk can all be significantly improved by switching to a low-fat, high-fiber diet consisting of 70 percent carbohydrates, 15 percent fat and 15 percent protein, including 15 grams of dietary fiber for every 1,000 calories consumed. This dietary approach is easy to maintain, as it doesn’t call for restricting calories or totally avoiding any particular food group. While many diabetes experts pro-

See us at the Home SHow! Booth 326 Tracy Booth, Founder Locally Owned & Operated, Serving Whatcom County

mote restricting carbohydrates, this diet distinguishes between refined carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates, which are high in fiber and will be converted into blood glucose much more slowly. Weight Loss If your BMI is above 25 and

Your Connection to Community Resources l Information and Assistance l l Confidential and Free of Charge l Caregiver Support • In-Home Care • Medical/Dental Legal Options • Prescription Assistance Long-Term Care • Medicare/Medicaid • Housing Supporting the independence, dignity, and health of community members of northwestern Washington

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eight hours of high-quality sleep every night to improve insulin sensitivity. More diabetes strategies can be found at workman.com. Whether you have diabetes or

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you’re able to reduce your body weight by 5 to 7 percent, you can reduce your insulin resistance and improve your glucose metabolism. Be advised, many doctors feel BMI is of limited value in determining a diabetes risk because it doesn’t distinguish between fat and lean tissue or between different types of body fat. Abdominal fat is the most dangerous type of fat in terms of diabetes risk, so many doctors use waist circumference as an additional measurement. Exercise Your muscles can lose insulin sensitivity due to inactivity. This can be largely reversed through a combination of 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week plus weekly strength training sessions. Together, these activities can increase your muscles’ ability to oxidize fats, glucose and other fuels, while also helping you lose weight. Sleep There is mounting evidence that lack of sleep can contribute to insulin resistance and possibly causes damage to the pancreas, putting you at heightened risk for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Attempt to get seven to

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27 Years in Business!

The Northern Light • February 19 - 25, 2015

Skagit Wedding

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Show

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

uring t a e F g ddin e W a away e v i G

12885 Casino Dr. Anacortes, WA

www.skagitweddingshow.com

360-428-5972

info@cceventplanning.com

Tickets are $8 Online until February 20th, $10 at the Door

! s n o i t a l u Congrat Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce

2014 Business

of theYear

Visa ... From page 3

quires a specialized knowledge in order to be successful. “We have our own way,” Lee said. “Twenty years ago, no one knew how the business worked. Even now, my competitors don’t know the ‘ins and outs’ of dealing with Asia.” The company’s seasonal work force is typically untrained when they’re hired. Lee says some of them have criminal convictions that have made it difficult for them to get work. No matter – Lee and his managers train them to perform primary processing on product, which is then shipped to the Richmond facility for final processing. The Blaine workforce is considerably smaller and doesn’t have the experience of his Canadian workers who have the specialized knowledge and skills required to process seafood to meet the demands of the Asian marketplace. Even still, Lee has plans to upgrade the Star Fish facilities that would allow him to hire more workers and increase processing capacity. Or at least he did until January 27. That’s when he presented

s Star Fish, Inc. in Drayton Harbor. himself to the local border station to renew his L-1A visa. An L-1A visa allows executives and managers of foreign companies to work in a managerial or executive capacity in a U.S. branch. The visa is typically valid for three years and is usually applied for at a U.S. consulate. Since NAFTA was implemented, Canadians can simply apply for or renew them at the border. That’s

THANK YOU Bite of Blaine Featured Restaurants! Bay Café Big Al's Diner Chada ai Drayton Harbor Oyster Company Edaleen Dairy

Semiahmoo Resort Subway Tony's Just a Bite Via Birch Bay Café & Bistro Will’O Pub & Café

Good Samaritan Society-Staolt Little Red Caboose Lizzie’s Café Paso del Norte Pizza Factory Seaside Bakery Café

THANK YOU to the following donors and volunteers who helped make this year's Bite of Blaine a success! Angie Dixon Photography Artistic Technology Banner Bank Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Birch Bay Waterslides Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 Blaine Bouquets Blaine Healing Arts/Laura Hedges Blaine Healing Arts/Kari Hrutﬁord Blaine Liquor Store/Buy the Bay Realty Cascade Floors Chada ai City of Blaine David Riﬄe Photography Dakota Creek Winery Edaleen Dairy Girl Scouts Troop #43575 Hagen's of Blaine Horseshoe Antiques

Blaine www.BlaineChamber.com

Justesen Industries Little Red Caboose Mike Kent/Windermere Real Estate New Edge Hair Design Ocean Bay Restaurant Paciﬁc Building Center Paso del Norte Peace Arch City Café Pizza Factory e Northern Light Turner Photographics Mike Kent/Windermere Real Estate Smuggler's Inn Subway Swank Family Hair Design Umpqua Bank Umpqua Home Loan Division Via Birch Bay Café & Bistro Wings Over Water Committee CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

& Visitor Information Center

Facebook.com/blainechamber

NOTICE OF FLUSHING

The City of Blaine Water Division started flushing the City's water distribution system. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system. The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system. During the city flushing program city water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness when flushing is going on. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, feel free to call Public Works at 332-8820. Leroy Dougall, Blaine Public Works.

Build your own home Whidbey Wedding Inspirations

Photo by Pat Grubb

what Lee did and to his surprise, he was denied. Local immigration attorney Len Saunders oversaw the completion of Lee’s 2-inch-thick application package and said he is “appalled at the rejection. [Lee] has owned the company and been running it for 20 years. This is a straight-forward case.” According to Lee, the border officer refused to tell him why he was rejected but noted on the file that the “…interview of subject about his job duties indicates he spends the majority of his time performing non-executive/managerial tasks.” That’s nonsense, according to Saunders. “I’ve done literally thousands of these work visa applications. Lee’s documents show he was 100 percent owner of the company. He’s not running around with gumboots on; he’s running the business.” The problem is, said Saunders, “This port is increasingly difficult to deal with due to a lack of consistency. They just decided he didn’t qualify and that was it. And to prove that the decision was inconsistent, his son reapplied one week later with virtually the same file and he was approved.” What happens next is unclear. Lee’s application and rejection has been forwarded to a U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) center, which typically rubberstamps the CBP officer’s decision. Saunders says while there is no appeal process, he hopes to be able to offer some input before a final decision is made. As for Lee, he’s unsure what will happen. “This is a critical time. If I can’t come down on a weekly basis, the business would go downhill fast. The workers need management to train and direct them.”

Bridal Show

on beautiful property in Blaine.

Free Admission!

Saturday February 21st, 2015 11am-4 pm

Over 600 homes built through our Federal program. If you have limited income and can give 35 hours per week toward building your home in a group setting, please call us at

360-398-0223 or visit us at www.whatcomskagithousing.com

Whatcom Skagit Housing

Best Western Plus Harbor Plaza and Conference Center 33175 St. Route 20 • Oak Harbor, WA 98277 360-679-4567 • marshall@hotelservicesgroup.com

Zach Luellen Photography

s A 2-inch thick stack of visa application paperwork. Photo by Pat Grubb

February 19 - 25, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Classifieds

DELIVERED TO EVER Y HO E IN THE 98230 ZIP CODEM .

MARKETPLACE FREE ONLINE AD!

$16

W E E K LY

Next Issue: Feb. 26

thenorthernlight.com/classifieds

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BELLINGHAM • FERNDA BIRCH BAY • SEMIAHMOLE • CUSTER O • BLAINE POINT ROBERTS

22,050 READERS

When you place your classified ad in our print edition, it’s ONLINE at no extra charge!

Call or Email Amy! 360/332-1777 fax: 360/332-2777 info@thenorthernlight.com

rds

for 15 wo

25¢ for each ord additional w

• Ad Deadline: Feb. 23

Handyman

Help Wanted

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Cleaning

wwwUs .WhatcomHomeBuilder. com Call For A Free Estimate

360-201-3464 360-201-3464

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.

Find it in the Classifieds!

Let a young entrepreneur cut your lawn this year! Senior discounts apply! augustalawncareservices.com

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360-350-5500

LLC

ruthlauman@yahoo.com

CLEANING SPECIAL 4 hours for $100. Professional cleaning, we do it all. 360-527-0555. www.marthascleaning.com.

AUGUSTA LAWN CARE LLC

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Pet Supplies

ENGLISH RIDING show outfit— Beautiful black English jacket, made in Romania, size 12L ($75), shirt with collar ($10), riding pants size 30-32” waist ($30), black velvet english helmet size 6 7/8 ($25). All for $110 if quick, uncomplicated sale. Leave message at 360-319-8725.

Lic#KENDATS872JW

LTL DRIVERS (Multiple stop loads to retail stores!) Earning potential avg. $74,000 - Ability to Enter Canada • Home Weekly • Paid Vacation • Full Benefit Package Class A CDL & at least 1 year current OTR exp. Clean MVR/PSP Reports. Call 1-800-837-2241 8AM to 4PM CST for info & app or email: jobs@ashleydistributionservices.com or www.ashleydistributionservices.com to apply under jobs.

Duty Free Americas, Inc. is a travel retailer offering our customer (traveling into Canada) top shelf liquors, international brand fragrances and quality gift items at Duty Free and/or significant price savings.

Please visit our website at http://bellingham.expresspros. com/ to apply or we accept applications Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm

At our Blaine Location, we are in need of:

Greg Kendall, Owner-Operator

Tree Trimming & Removal Chipping & Hauling, Tree Sales Stump Grinding - Bucket Trucks 3040 BIRCH BAYLYNDEN RD.

360-366-5340

360-734-2457 Find your job in the classifieds!

Landscaping (Cont.) Sunshine Landscaping



Plumbing

Boats

1964 TOLLYCRAFT 17.5’, Mahogany hull, 55 hp Evinrude outboard engine, comes with Caukins easy-load trailer, rig has always been stored inside. $4,000. Serious inquiries only. Leave message at 360-3198725.

Sabastian

Licensed • Insured • Residential • Commercial Winter Cleanup, Mowing, Hedging, Weeding, Pruning, Hauling, Small tree removal, Pressure washing, Roof moss removal 360-739-1476 • 360-739-1729

PAINTING INTERIOR and exterior. Reasonable rates, 31 years experience. Licensed, bonded and insured. Call Doug 360-371-9094. Lic#DOUGLPP066KL.

Painting & Design “Get The Edge”

Free Estimates

360-393-5123

Building Supplies

Misc Services

Painting

The Edge Intl., LLC



Apply in Person: 20 -12th Street, Blaine, WA, 98231 OR E-Mail us at DFAJobs@DutyFreeAmericas.com Join the Team today! • EOE M/F/D/V

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Natural Play Therapy/interaction with 13 year old boy with autism. No experience necessary. Call 360-778-2465, 360-441-0908, or for program info go to naturalplaytherapy.com.

Be another happy customer of



(All shifts available)

SENIOR CENTER Activity/Office Assistant Part time - Blaine Senior Center seeking flexible, fun, friendly, organized office and center help part time. Need good computer, people skills, money handling, food service and ability to work with groups, volunteers and senior center members. Ability to lift, stand, move furniture. Multitasking a must! Some evenings and weekends required. Submit resume to: blaineseniorcenter@gmail.com by 2/25/15.

WINTER SPECIAL 20% OFF

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Part-time Sales Associates

BAY CENTER Market hiring PT/FT cashier/stocker. Must be flexible for scheduling, available on weekends, and 21 y.o. or older. Pick up application at 8050 Harborview Road, Birch Bay.

Locally Owned

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COMPLETE REMODELS

Specializing in Renovations & New Construction

TRUCK DRIVERSOTR/CLASS A CDL

Ashley Distribution Services in Blaine, WA seeks:

4152 Meridian, Suite 201 Bellingham, WA 98226

Innovative & Creative

Creative, Effective, Visual Communications

• Forklift Drivers • Machine Operators • Concrete laborers • Merchandising • Food Processing • Lumber Mill • Fish Processing • General Labor/production • Soldering • Shipping & Receiving • CDL Driver • Process Technician • CNC Operator • Dump truck driver • Dishwashing • Payroll • Accounting • Administrative Assistant • Executive Assistant • Medical Office Data Entry

Walk ins welcome! We look forward to hearing from you!

Business Services

Websites Print Advertising Logo Design Branding

WE ARE HIRING!

DRY CLEANERS

For all Your Dry Cleaning Needs.

Dutch Cleaners Pick-uP service Tuesday & Friday at Blaine Bouquet 625 Peace Portal 360-332-6700 • M-F: 9-5 & sat: 10-2

TRAFFIC BARRIER, lightweight. Use at your construction site or to advertise your next garage sale! 45”h. x24”w. A steal at $25, less if quick, uncomplicated sale! Negotiation at point of sale only. Leave message at 360-3198725.

SEE REAL ESTATE LISTINGS on page 12

The Northern Light • February 19 - 25, 2015

Real Estate

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100

8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270, Blaine

BlaInE, BIRch Bay & SEmIahmoo s e miahmoo open houses Open Sunday, February 22 • 1-3

Open Saturday, February 21 • 2:30-5

9535 Semiahmoo pkwy. • $475,000 - $599,900

8795 Wood duck Wy. • $698,000 Gate 3 Semiahmoo

Ferndale open house Open Saturday, February 21 • 1-3

Open Sunday, February 22 • 12-2

5741 Kildeer Wy. • $638,000

Situated on Semiahmoo Spit, the most unique waterfront property on the West Coast. Architecture and craftsmanship has been inspired by the surrounding landscape and designed to align luxury with the ease of living. This getaway home has every amenity you would expect to see in an urban location but awards a most peaceful beachfront hideaway.

Over 5,000 s.f. of sheer luxury on the 9th tee at Semiahmoo. Large beautifully landscaped lot, sunny patio w/outdoor kitchen, 5-BR, 2-suites opulence +upstairs master w/private balcony, double fireplace and spa bath. Office spaces, bonus rooms, extreme high quality theater rm, hobby rm and red cedar sauna.

Charming craftsman character home in Boundary Ridge at Semiahmoo. Private w/majestic evergreens and parklike grounds. 4 generous bdrms, spacious bonus rm with spectacular view and gourmet kitchen that might even delight Martha Stewart. So much value, you’ll be more than pleased with the wonderful feeling of this quality home. Wrap-around front porch is a room in itself!

Cole Markusen 360-389-3696

Carolyn Jackson 360-220-6636

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

2474 pheasant Wy. • $349,000

Brand new construction off Church Rd. with Mt. Baker view! Single-level living w/bonus rm over garage on large lot. Covered front porch, open floorplan and vaulted living room with gas fireplace. Bright kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless appliances, and pantry. Master bedroom with en-suite and walk-in closet. Covered back deck with view of Mt. Baker. Be part of Ferndale’s most desirable area.

randy Weg 360-305-5704

birch bay open houses Open Sunday, Feb. 22 • 1-3

open sunday March 1 • NooN-2

Open Sunday, Feb. 22 • 12-4

! ront

rF Wate

5597 bay ridge dr. • $184,950

Very well maintained home located just off Birch Bay. Nice floorplan with master bdrm at one end and 2-bdrms at the other. Built in 2005. Low maintenance landscaping with several raised beds. Wheelchair ramp. 2-car detached heated garage (free standing propane stove.) Lots of room for parking and RV’s all on a private corner lot.

billy brown 360-220-7175

8104 birch bay dr. • $560,000

5613 Whitehorn Wy. • $534,000

Incomparable Saltwater Vistas of Birch Bay. Dramatic cathedral ceilings, massive window walls; 4-BR +loft. 3 BA, tile flooring & countertops, custom cabinetry, large owner’s suite. Electronic blinds, open flr plan w/flr to ceiling antique brick FP. Wrap-around sundeck. Double garage. Tideland ownership. directions: I-5 to Exit 270; W on Birch Bay Lynden Rd., to L on Harborview to R on Birch Bay Drive;

Exquisite 180 degree views of Birch Bay & Canadian Mts. This 3909 s.f. home, a masterpiece in architectural design. Dramatic entry w/breathtaking staircase that leads to an upper level master suite w/ a 2-way fireplace, enormous walk-in closet & deck to watch the spectacular sunsets. 3-car garage, fireplaces on each floor. New kitchen cabinets, new siding, appliances and carpet plus tons of storage space.

paul Holtzheimer 360-303-4444

Lorraine Hoving 360-961-2407

In case of inclement weather, please call agent to confirm open houses.

ATTENTION

HOME BUILDERS

Call Hugh for exceptional offer!

UNREAL COUNTRY LIVING

4031 Sweet Rd. MLS# 729061. 3-BR +Bonus, 3-BA, 2 master suites,1 level,

375,000 3184 s.f. high-end finishes. 3 shops/office on 5.1 acres. 2776 s.f. & over 5000 s.f. 3.9 ACRES - COMMERCIAL shop/office/studio/barns 8394 Harborview Rd. • Birch Bay BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME! Possible owner contract or joint venture. Birch Bay Village Lots Available $

375,000

5-ACRES BELLINGHAM Possible Owner Contract!

150,000 OBO

STARTING AT $60,000 Amenities: 24/7 security, marina, boat launch, tennis, golf, club house & more!

g! EXCEPTIONALLY WELL BUILT din n e P $ BBV HOME!

250,000 SEMIAHMOO MARINA SLIP 8208 Quinault Rd. . MLS# 638462 36’ Marina Slip Best Price, Best Location

randy Weg 360-305-5704

age

ay Vill B h c r i B

working for you!

EXTREMELY SHARP DEAL ON BUILDING SITES!

6955 birch bay dr. • $549,900

Quality custom waterfront home. Light & airy open floor plan w/lrg windows, glass doors & skylights. Custom cabinets, hardwood flrs, & ample dining space w/view. Jetted tub, fireplace, walk-in closet in master. Lots of storage, bonus area upstairs, 2-car garage with extra parking. Excellent for entertaining on large deck, upstairs balcony & stone patio. Private beach, stair access and incredible views!

Upgrades & built-ins. Brand new hardwood floors & more! A MUST SEE!

Call Hugh - 24 years experience helping buyers & sellers. 2930 Newmarket St. #111 • Bellingham CallHugh.com

Joyce and Terry Offer Lots 432 H St, Blaine - Central-business zone for commercial or retail/resi-

dential building asking $140,000. "ideal downtown location."

8437 Watervue Wy, Birch Bay - Level south-facing bay view, asking $60,000. “manufactured homes okay.”

5421 Wood Duck Lp, Semiahmoo - Panoramic Drayton Harbor view, asking $160,000. “Best view in Carnoustie subdivision.”

5614 Sandpiper, Semiahmoo - Golf course view, asking $145,000. "View across 2 fairways & pond to Semiahmoo’s Signature 12th hole.”

VANDERPOL Joyce Vanderpol • (360) 332-1169 REALTY Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503 Allrealestate/rentalsadvertisinginthisnewspaperissubjecttotheFederalFairHousingActof1968asamended,whichmakesitillegaltoadvertiseanypreference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin,or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

open sunday March 1 • NooN-2

5657 Whitehorn Wy. • $379,900

Impeccably maintained rambler in the Pt. Whitehorn. 3-BR, 2-full BA, master with jetted tub, open floorplan w/vaulted ceilings, spacious gourmet kitchen, dining room, 2-car garage, private fenced garden. Enjoy watching the eagles soaring from your living rm with filtered views of Birch Bay. Private beach access rights for residents. Minutes walk to the state park and Whitehorn Marine Park. 10 minutes drive from I-5 to this wonderful neighborhood.

Ingrid andaluz 360-961-0488

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open sunday March 1 • NooN-2

Nestled in a quiet corner of the Anchor Manor neighborhood! 4423 Windlass Lane • $239,000

Beautiful like-new home, perfectly located near the back of the community on a quiet cul-de-sac next to a lush green space. 3-BR, 2-BA, single-level home has been lovingly cared for and updated. Features include SS appliances, very large, open living space, hardwood floors, 2-car garage with added window for extra light and a low maintenance yard. Must see!

Amy Bremer 360-961-0620

Amy.Bremer@Century21.com

Rentals - Residential

CHARMING, COZY 1-BR, 1-BA, downtown Blaine $650/ mo. includes water/sewer. No pets, no smoking. 360-2246014.

Great vacation home or full time residence!

FURNISHED ROOM includes amenities. NS, pet friendly, from $500.00 + deposit. 360-3323449.

5786 Skagit Place • $205,000 AMAZING PRICE for 3-BR, 2-BA on quiet cul-de-sac. NEW furnace and converted to natural gas!Open, functional floor plan. Stainless steel appliances; breakfast bar that looks out to a private backyard. High-speed internet, in Birch Bay Village. Perfect first time, downsizing or vacation home. Amenities include security, marina, golf course, community pool and private beaches. May qualify for 0% down USDA loan.

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

leah.crews21@gmail.com

Rentals - Rooms

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3-BR, 2-BA Birch Bay Village. Family Room, 2 car gar. Enjoy all amenities of Village. Central gas heat, W/D, D/W, stove/ refrig., $1375/mo. 3-BR, 2-BA. Large kitchen, W/D, D/W, stove/refrig. Quiet Location, large rear deck $1250/mo. 2-BR, 1-BA. Large corner lot, 2 blocks to beach. D/W, stove/refrig. Shed. Quiet street near “C” Shop $795/mo.

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BEAUTIFUL PARKLIKE setting! D-6 Lakewood Road, Oak Harbor, WA. In Lake Wood Estates (which consists of 15 acreage lots), nine homes currently in the development range in price from $425K to approx. $650K. Property has large Evergreens and Alder, lots of ferns in a beautiful setting. $175,000. 360-720-9095.

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Very nice golf course lot at the Village. Close to clubhouse etc. Survey done, 2 story possible, look at all offers.

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3-BR, 1.75-BA. 1325 s.f. rear deck, carport, new W/D, stove, quiet street, easy border access $1100/mo. 3-BR, 2-BA Condo. View of harbor, W/D, D/W, stove/refrig, jetted tub. 55 & older. Garage, gas fireplace, private patio $1250/mo. 2-BR, 1-BA Older Home. Basement, large yard, greenhouse, gas fireplace. W/D, 1209 Hughes Ave. $975/mo. Updated 650 Sq. Ft. Commercial Space available. Downtown location, includes new ADA approved bath w/ shower. Ground level entrance, parking. Close to banks, Canadian access $795/ mo. www.townsquareblaine.com N/S, N/P, OAC and deposits will apply. WE NEED PROPERTIES TO MANAGE,

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February 19 - 25, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Community rallies around family after injury By Steve Guntli After suffering a serious injury, Amy Sand learned what kind of community Blaine really is. In November 2014, Sand fell in her garage trying to install a cabinet. Her leg was crushed in a folding painter’s stool, causing severe damage to her kneecap. She was taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, and then transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle to see a specialist. The doctors told her that her tibial plateau had been shattered and her kneecap dislocated. She required several surgeries and was facing a potential four-week stay in Seattle. “That’s when I really started freaking out,” she said. “I’ve never been away from my kids for that long. And then I started thinking about my job and how we were going to pay the bills if I wasn’t able to work.” Sand’s stay at Harborview wasn’t as long as predicted. Doctors were able to perform all of her surgeries at once, and she was sent home after eight days. Unfortunately, her injury left her unable to support her weight, and doctors told her she wouldn’t be fully mobile again for at least a year. Sand was confined to a wheelchair, and was feeling terrible. “I felt like a loser,” she said. “I hate feeling vulnerable, and this injury has left me completely vulnerable.” Sand and her husband, Rob, have four kids at home, ranging from age 2 to 17. The two work at Paso del Norte Restaurant, and split their time between working and watching the kids. Kayley, their 17-year-old daughter, was willing to help, but she could only do so much, and with Rob having to spend more time at home to take care of the family, the Sands’ financial situation was looking dire. At the insistence of the Sands’ friend Annie Magner, Amy posted about her dilemma on Facebook. “That was not easy for me,” she said. “I’m very independent, and I have a hard time asking people for help. I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.” Magner helped the family set up a GoFundMe.com account to help them pay their bills while Sand was recuperating.“Annie has been so wonderful,” Sand said. “I owe her everything.” Almost immediately, the community rallied. Neighbors, friends and total strangers were bringing by groceries, offering to run errands and babysitting the kids. People made Thanksgiving dinner for the family, brought them a Christmas tree and made sure the kids had plenty of gifts to go under it. Skyler Anderson, a high school friend of Rob’s, offered to build the family a wheelchair ramp to their house, and Pacific Building Center donated the materials. “I remember going to pay my overdue gas bill, and they told me it had already been taken care of,” Sand said. “I still don’t know who paid that.”

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WHATCOM COUNTY s Amy Sand with her 2-year-old son, Graysen. Kayley Sand remembers feeling overwhelmed. “For the first month, it felt like packages were showing up on our doorstep every hour,” she said. “We’d leave the house and come back with gifts and groceries piled up on our porch.” The Sands also benefited from the generosity of total strangers. Tracie Notar, an employee at Northwest Podiatric Laboratory in Blaine, didn’t know the Sands but heard of their story through a mutual friend’s Facebook link. She organized a fundraiser at her office, and was able to raise $436 for the Sands. Steve Miller, a teacher for the Blaine school district, organized the Save The Sand Castle event at the Sands’ workplace, Paso del Norte, on February 7. Through donations and live auctions, they were able to raise more than $800 for the family. During a raffle, one

Proud supporters of the Blaine Community! Photo by Steve Guntli

attendee won a jackpot of nearly $200, and immediately donated his winnings to the family. Sand still gets emotional thinking about the support. “Without the support group we’ve had, we might be homeless right now,” Sand said. “I’ve never felt so loved in my life.” Sand has been undergoing physical therapy. She can support her own weight now for short periods, and is looking forward to the day she walk again. She has an associates of science degree from Whatcom Community College and hopes to enter its nursing program by the end of the year. She still has a long road to recovery, but the generosity of friends and neighbors have made it a little easier. “To have all these every day people come out of nowhere to help my family, it’s truly restored my faith in humanity.”

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PUBLIC WORKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE The City of Blaine is currently seeking four citizens to serve on the new Public Works (PW) Advisory Committee: Two members will serve one year terms ending December 31, 2015, and 2 members will serve two year terms ending December 31, 2016. All subsequent terms will be for two years and members may serve two consecutive two year terms. Applicants must have lived in the City of Blaine for at least two years. The PW Advisory Committee will meet monthly or as required by the workload of the PW department. Members receive no financial compensation, but the payoff is great. Members meet other residents with similar interests, they learn about the City, and they help shape the future of Blaine! Being on the committee does require a personal commitment, so applicants should consider their ability to commit their time and personal energy before applying. If you are interested in serving on the committee, applications and descriptions of duties are available in the Administrative Services office at Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin St., Suite 3000, or online at www.cityofblaine.com. For additional information, please contact PW Director Ravyn Whitewolf at 332-8820 or rwhitewolf@cityofblaine.com. PleASe SuBMIT youR APPlICATIon By 4:30 PM on Friday, February 27, 2014. The City will continue to accept applications until vacancies are filled.

Per Blaine Municipal Code (BMC) 2.08.028, concurrent service on more than one board or commission is precluded.

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The Northern Light • February 19 - 25, 2015

Coming up

Police Reports February 11, 10 a.m.: A resident asked police for assistance, reporting that she was being threatened by a former boyfriend. An officer spoke with the male half, who complained that the lady owed him money. He was advised to seek legal redress if needed but to stop bothering the victim and to not call her workplace or he could face criminal action for harassment. February 11, 11:22 a.m.: A teenager walking through a neighborhood of homes midday trespassed into first one resident’s yard and then in to another, looking for a hiding place where he could smoke the marijuana he was too young to possess. A person familiar with the area realized that neither the young man or his friend belonged where they were hiding and called the police. An officer arrived as the joint was being lighted. Both teens were arrested for trespassing, and the one holding the marijuana was also charged with drug possession. February 11, 8:30 p.m.: An officer performing a security check of the skate park during the night found that someone with exceedingly poor eyehand coordination and no sense of style had spray painted graffiti on the concrete foundation and retaining wall of the facility.

Public Works was notified and will remove the mess. February 12, 6:44 p.m.: A Blaine resident called police when he learned four transactions had been made with his credit card on the same day, two in Texas and two in Illinois. The bank which owns the card advised him when they spotted the unusual activity and he confirmed that he had not made or authorized the purchases. The bank cancelled the credit card and is investigating the fraud. The resident does not know how his card was compromised. February 14, 7:30 p.m.: A police officer patrolling on Peace Portal investigated when he heard and saw a large fireworks display in the sky over a residential neighborhood. He followed the noise and smoke to its source on Wilson Avenue. The resident in the yard under the smoke said he did not know about the state laws and city ordinances prohibiting the discharge the fireworks. He received a citation which specified the violation. February 15, 12:10 p.m.: A resident reported that sometime during the night someone had stolen an ornamental bull skull from the front porch of her home. The unique keepsake has been in place outside her house for several years, is

Crossword

ACROSS 1. Daniel ___, Am. frontiersman 6. Chronic nag 11. Underlying theme 13. Exclamation of excitement 15. Place in office 16. Rose plant fruit 17. Abbr. after a comma 18. Nutty confection 20. “To ___ is human ...” 21. Orders to plow horses 23. Come to mind 24. Taro plant’s edible root 25. Cab driver in “It’s a Wonderful Life” 27. ___ grass 28. Sheik’s bevy 29. Daniel Webster, e.g. 31. Golden Horde member 32. Fat unit 33. ___ Scotia 34. Artificial leg? 36. Extension of library book

in good condition and worth about one thousand dollars. No suspects have been identified in its taking. February 16, 12:30 p.m.: Police were dispatched to a suspicious woman peering in the windows of a home while the homeowners were gone. Officers contacted the lady, who explained that she was making a self-tour of the property as her grandparents had once lived there. They checked the home and found no signs of any crime. All doors and windows were locked and secured. February 17, 9:38 a.m.: A resident on 3rd Street called to report that a package had been delivered to her home on Friday but was stolen from her doorstep before she could retrieve it. Officers confirmed that the package was delivered and not signed for by the intended recipient. This is the second incident of this type of theft in the past month. Officers apprehended the people involved in the first incident and are investigating the second.

This report is provided by the Blaine police department. A full listing of the week’s police report can be found at thenorthern light.com.

DOWN

3. His “4” was retired 4. ___ tide 5. Accessory 6. Excelled 7. Cheat, slangily 8. ___ v. Wade 9. Desert shrub with scalelike leaves 10. Stranger 11. Surrounding and blockading a fortress 12. Restaurant serving light meals 13. Slap target, sometimes 14. Erasable program mable read-only memory (acronym) 19. Pinocchio, at times 22. Vocalizing songs 24. Erode (2 wds) 26. Before the due date 28. Any port in a storm 30. Sylvester, to Tweety 31. Elephant’s weight, maybe 33. Quality of having been recently obtained 34. Sisterly 35. Injure by treading heavily 36. Bookbinding leather 37. Annul 38. Fidelity 39. Kind of drive (acronym) 40. Perfect, e.g. 42. Indicates 44. Bright circle? 45. Prepare, as tea 48. Can of worms? 49. Checker, perhaps 52. Accident 54. Cambridge sch.

1. Baseball batters who lightly tap the ball 2. Bawdy

FIND CROSSWORD ANSWERS AT THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

due date 39. Mawkishly sentimental 40. Haul 41. Bigwig 43. Downer 44. Stands for 46. It has its ups and downs 47. CD follower 48. Tony ___, Am. singer 50. Boy 51. “Father Murphy” extras 53. Unit of distance used in navigation (2 wds) 55. Listlessness 56. Men with chauvinistic beliefs 57. Small coins of ancient Greece 58. Concise

Tides February13 – February 19 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 13 12:14 am 7.5 5:01 am 6.0

10:15 am 8.0 5:54 pm 1.2

Sa 14 1:34 am 7.7 6:19 am 6.3

11:11 am 7.9 6:56 pm 0.9

Su 15 2:42 am 8.1 7:45 am 6.3

12:27 pm 7.7 8:02 pm 0.5

Mo 16 3:34 am 8.6 8:57 am 5.08

1:49 pm 7.8 9:02 pm 0.3

Tu 17 4:18 am 9.0 9:55 am 5.0

3:07 pm 8.1 9:58 pm 0.2

We 18 4:56 am 9.3 10:45 am 3.9

4:17 pm 8.5 10:52 pm 0.3

Th 19 5:32 am 9.6 11:33 am 2.9

5:21 pm 8.9 11:42 pm 0.8

Weather Precipitation: During the period of February 5 to February 11 there were 1.78 inches of precipitation. The 2015 year-to-date precipitation is 6.43 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 61.4°F on February 8, with a low of 44.9°F on February 5. Average temperature for the week was 52.5°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Luncheon: Thursday, February 19, noon–1 p.m., Sandcastle at Birch Bay, 7854 Birch Bay Drive. Speaker: Assistant Chief Henry Hollander of North Whatcom Fire and Rescue District 63. Marine Batteries and Charging Systems: Thursday, February 19, 6:30– 8:30 p.m., Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Marine battery types, pros and cons, testing, maintenance and charging system issues. $15 materials fee. Preregistration suggested. Info: Bill Morin, 318-9888. Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Thursday, February 19, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Children ages 2–11 come to PJ Story Time, leave the stuffies overnight and security cameras will keep an eye on them. Pick up stuffies the next morning where a slideshow will reveal their nighttime antics. Info: Cindy, 305-3637. Bellingham Human Rights Film Festival: Thursday, February 19–Saturday, February 28, Bellingham. Various venues. Free. Info: bhrff.webs.com. Let’s Have a Ball Toddler Play Time: Friday, February 20, 2–3:30 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. A free event for parents and their toddlers to run off some energy and meet others. Light refreshments provided. Info: bbbparkandrec.org or 656-6416. Mardi Gras Dinner: Friday, February 20, 5–7:30 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive, Blaine. Enjoy authentically cooked Cajun gumbo, king cake and a surprise sample. $10 for members and invited guests. Info: 371-7311. The Boys in the Boat – A Community-wide Discussion: Saturday, February 21, 1–2 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Join your friends and neighbors for a rousing discussion of the Whatcom READS! selection, “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. Led by Debby Farmer. Info: 305-3637. Drayton Harbor Oyster Company Ribbon Cutting: Monday, February 23, 4:30 p.m., 677 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine. Grand opening of the oyster company’s retail outlet. Ballroom Dance – Foxtrot: Tuesday, February 24, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, Blaine. Cost: $45 per person, $40 for current Blaine Senior Center members. Info: 656-6416. Garden Design: Wednesday, February 25, 4–6 p.m., and Saturday, February 28, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn to look at your yard as a landscape designer. Where are the best places to plant fruit-bearing trees, bushes and vines? A Blaine CORE program presented by George Kaas. Info: 332-7435. United States Citizenship Class: Mondays, March 2–March 30, 6:30– 7:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Prepare for your citizenship interview and study U.S. history and government for the examination. Five free classes taught in English - ELL students are welcome. Register online or contact the library. Registration is required and class size is limited. Info: 305-3637. Salishan Neighborhood Information Meeting: Wednesday, March 4, 6–7 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn ways to keep our waters clean and safe for recreation, shellfish harvesting and fishing. Info: 332-8820. Pizza and Pizzazz Community Talent Show: Saturday, March 7, 5 p.m. See local talent perform and enjoy fresh baked all-you-can-eat pizza, Caesar salad, drinks and dessert pizza. Door prizes. Adults $10, students $5, children 5 and under free. Audition forms in Blaine High School office. Auditions February 25–27. Kindergarten Registration: Thursday, March 12, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Blaine Primary School, 820 Boblett Street. Your child is eligible to enter kindergarten for the 2015-2016 school year if he/she is turning 5 years old on or before August 31. To register your child you need a copy of your child’s birth certificate and updated immunization records. Info: 332-1300.

Ongoing Birch Bay Activity Center Events: 7511 Gemini Street, Birch Bay. Zumba Fitness, Zumba Toning, Zumba Step, Pickleball, line dancing and more. Visit our website for days and times. Info: bbbparkandrec.org or 656-6416. AA Meetings: Monday–Thursday, noon; Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. (women only); Saturday, 11 a.m., United Church of Christ, 885 4th Street, Blaine. Dance Classes at Dakota Creek Center: Dakota Creek Christian Center, 8732 Blaine Road. Youth classes for preschool to high school students on Monday. $10 registration for the series. Info: 820-4349. Supervised Kids Games: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:30–5:30 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street, Birch Bay. Ages 7+. Free. Registration required. Info: 656-6416. Al-Anon Meetings: Tuesdays, 1–2 p.m., Good Samaritan Society-Stafholt, 456 C Street, Blaine. Open to all. Info: 332-8248. Alzheimer/Dementia/Memory Loss Caregiver and Care Partners Support Group: First Tuesday of the month, 1:30–3 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, Blaine. Info: 671-3316. Reading Help: Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G Street across from Boys & Girls Club. Special help for dyslexic students. Adjustable fee of $2 per session. Info: 371-3978. Birch Bay Toastmasters Club: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m., Windermere building, second floor, Birch Bay Square, 8105 Birch Bay Square Street. . Speaking not necessary. Public welcome. Info: toastmasters.org. Community Meals: Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. No charge for meals; donations accepted. Everyone is welcome. Info: communitymealsblaine@gmail.com. Karaoke: Friday and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. Paso del Norte, 758 Peace Portal Drive. Info: 332-4045. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

February 19 - 25, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Council ... From page 1

Hebert study determined the feasibility of industrial development in Blaine, while the recruitment study would focus on retail shopping patterns. The other proposal in consideration was a feasibility study for a new Amtrak station in Blaine. The train study would determine potential ridership and identify any obstacles in setting up a commuter train station in Blaine. The estimated cost of the study is $65,000. Conversations about refurbishing the defunct Blaine train station into a working hub between Vancouver and Portland have been going on for years. The project had momentum in 2012, when the station was declared an endangered historical property, but talks between the city, state and railroad stalled. A study would spell out what criteria the city would need to meet to get an Amtrak station approved, as well as provide a timeline. Council agreed that the retail recruitment study would be the smartest use of the money in the short term, but councilmember Bonnie Onyon was reluctant to put the train study on the backburner. “We’ve put this out there, we’ve made it public knowledge that we’re interested in getting this going,” she said. “I just don’t want to see it stall out again.” Onyon proposed funding both studies using money from the city’s Rural Economic Development (RED) loans account. The RED loans program was

instituted in Blaine in 1999. The loans, which were overseen by a small committee, offered zero-interest loans to new businesses and existing businesses looking to expand operations. The program was discontinued in 2010, but the city still has $250,000 in the account, which can be allocated to studies like the retail recruitment study. Finance director Jeff Lazenby said once the money from the RED loans account is gone, the city isn’t likely to get much more. “The account is self-replenishing at this point. A few years back it was funded by a grant from the state, so there is no longer any new money coming into that,” he said. “We receive payments from people who’ve taken out loans, and we receive interest on investments, but it isn’t much. If we use that money for these studies, that money is gone, so we need to think carefully if this is what we want to spend it on. ” Wilbrecht estimated doing both studies could cost around $100,000. Faced with a pressing deadline, the council decided to support the retail recruitment study by a vote of 6–0, but no one on the council was willing to put the train study to rest just yet. “The train study may be a little too complex for us to tackle tonight,” Mayor Harry Robinson said. The council and staff agreed to arrange meetings with representatives from Auburn and the Washington State Department of Transportation and reconvene in the next few weeks.

Peace Arch Park Treaty of Ghent ceremony

s Consuls from Canada, Belgium, the U.S. and the U.K. gathered in Peace Arch Park on February 13 to commemorate the ratification of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war of 1812 and inspired the Peace Arch monument.

s From l.: Honorary Belgium consul Ronald Masnik, British consul Robin Twyman, Christina Alexander with the U.S. Canada Peace Arch Anniversary Association, Canadian Consul General James Hill and U.S. Consul General Lynne Platt.

Photos by Louise Mugar

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