Thenorthernlight 2015 12 10 issuu by Point Roberts Press

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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

December 10 - 16, 2015

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IN THIS

ISSUE

Boys b-ball bounces back, page 6

Sheriff takes steps to reduce jail population

Movie studio helps out Barefoot Bandit, page 8

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

Photos from Holiday Harbor Lights, page 10

Mr. and Mrs. Claus come to town

By Ian Ferguson

s Jedediah Johnson, r., smiles for a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Pizza Factory in Blaine December 5. Santa took time off from Christmas preparations to meet with local kids after the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at H Street Plaza.

Photo by Ian Ferguson

Ring in the New Year in Birch Bay By Steve Guntli Two favorite Birch Bay traditions are returning this month to close out the old year and ring in the new. The Ring of Fire and Hope and the Polar Bear Plunge are back-to-back Birch Bay festivals on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, respectively. The Ring of Fire and Hope, starting at 7 p.m. on December 31, allows visitors and residents the chance to light up

the bay. Each year, people gather along the coastline from Birch Bay State Park to Birch Bay Village and light bright red road flares. The display is meant to symbolize hope for the coming year. People also gather around bonfires near the water and release flying luminaria lanterns over the bay. Free flares, donated by Windermere realtor Mike Kent, will be available at the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center at 7900 Birch Bay Drive on a first come, first served basis starting at 5:30 p.m. The Birch

DelBene introduces LGBT Day legislation By Steve Guntli A Washington state congresswoman is spearheading a U.S. House of Representatives resolution to designate a day for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) rights. Suzan DelBene of Washington’s District 1 (which includes Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts) introduced HR549 on

December 3. The resolution would designation June 26 as “LGBT Equality Day” nationwide. June 26 was selected as it was the date the Supreme Court passed down three different landmark decisions against LGBT discrimination. “In the last two decades, our nation has seen the Defense of Marriage Act overturned, an end to the criminalization

of same-sex conduct and now nationwide marriage equality – all through Supreme Court decisions handed down on June 26,” DelBene said. “But even as samesex couples enjoy the right to marry in all 50 states, LGBT people continue to face inequality and discrimination simply for who they are and who they love. (See LGBT, page 3)

Bay Chamber of Commerce warns that the flares run out quickly, but additional flares can be purchased at Pacific Building Supply at 2677 Bell Road. Flares are also usually available at marine and auto parts stores. Flares must be spikeless (meaning they can’t have sharp tines on the bottom to anchor them to the ground), and should last between 15 and 30 minutes. Early the next morning, leap into 2016 (See Ring, page 2)

INSIDE

Starting January 1, the Whatcom County Jail will take steps to reduce its population of inmates, with the option of transferring inmates who were booked by police in any of the six cities in the county to a facility outside the county. On December 8, Whatcom County Council approved six-month contract extensions to provide jail services to Blaine, Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Everson and Sumas. The contracts include amendments aimed at reducing the jail population. Under the amendments, cities must ensure their booked offenders have a judicial review or court appearance within 24 hours of booking. If the sheriff determines there is no room for new arrests, the cities will have six hours after the first court appearance or judicial review to take back inmates or transfer them elsewhere, assuming the offender is not released or can’t make bail. The sheriff can also give cities a 24-hour notice to transfer an inmate already serving a sentence. Bellingham mayor Kelli Linville said the deadline requirements for transferring newly booked inmates would be problematic, although she agreed with the 24hour notice for inmates already serving sentences. Following a series of emails and meetings, Linville and sheriff Bill Elfo agreed that a 72-hour notice would be a workable solution. Although the wording of the amendments was not changed, Elfo told county council members at a meeting of the public health and safety committee that he would honor the compromise. “We still have the discretion to allow more time to transfer inmates because of the wording ‘or at other time agreed to by the sheriff,’” Elfo said. “If I get a letter from the mayor that agrees to the 72 hours, I certainly give my word to honor that and make it work.” The county jail is legally responsible for detaining and housing inmates whose case originated in Whatcom County outside (See Jail, page 2)

Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Police . . . . . . . . . 15 Coming Up . . . . . 15 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 15

TheNorthernLight.com TheNorthernLight

@TNLreporter

@PointRobertsPress

The Northern Light • December 10 - 16, 2015

CHRISTMAS

p i Directory h s r Wo

Blaine United Church of Christ Invites you to...

Join us for The Holidays! Midweek Music Meditation,

every Wednesday starting December 2 • noon to 12:30 p.m.

Hanging of the Greens, Sunday, December 13 during service

Come Join Us

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Christmas Eve in the Country Candlelight Service

Thursday, Dec. 24 • 7:30 p.m.

Family Christmas Candlelight Services, December 24 7:30 p.m. & 11 p.m. Follow us on Facebook

Jail ... From page 1

municipal jurisdiction, and provides jail services to municipalities through contractual agreements. By law, the county is required to accept all accused and convicted felons whose case originated anywhere in the county, including the six cities. Sheriff Bill Elfo had said before the November 3 elections, when voters shot down a sales tax measure to pay for a new jail, that he would work to reduce the prison population regardless of whether or not the measure passed. Elfo cited inhumane conditions and liability issues caused by overcrowding in the aging downtown facility as the impetus for reducing the prison population. The current jail facility, built in 1984, has 283 permanent beds. Including portable beds, the total jail capacity is 298. In 2014, the average daily county inmate population was 403. The wording of the city contract extensions gives the sheriff broad

authority to determine whether the jail population should be reduced. It states: “If circumstances require the County to reduce services, such reductions shall be made at the sole discretion of the Sheriff in light of his assessment of potential overcrowding; challenges in maintaining critical infrastructure, life-safety, and security systems; increasing behavioral and security concerns regarding the inmate population; and other factors judged by the Sheriff to be relevant.” Linville said Bellingham transferees would be sent to a jail in Yakima. Another option is to send inmates to a jail in south King County. “I agree that we need to reduce the inmates in the jail for a multitude of reasons,” Linville told council members. “Whatever the outcomes are, we’re looking at alternatives for reducing our misdemeanants from Bellingham anyway, so we’re looking at this agreement with Yakima as hopefully a stopgap measure until there are other decisions made with the task force and a potential new facility.”

Blaine United Church of Christ (Congregational)

885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 • (360) 332-6906 • Pastor Sandy Cheatham Email: uccblaine@frontier.com www.blaineucc.org

Pastor Bing C. Canlas Custer United Methodist Church 2996 Main Street • Custer

360-366-5181

Christ Episcopal Church

Christmas EvE sErviCE

s A visitor prepares to release a luminaria before releasing over Birch Bay at the Ring of Fire and Hope in 2014.

Photo by Steve Guntli

Ring ... From page 1

Holy Eucharist Thursday, Dec. 24th 5 p.m.

christchurchblaine.org 382 Boblett, Blaine The Rev. Mary Jellison

Grace Lutheran Church Blaine

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES at 7:30 p.m. & 11 p.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE at 10 a.m. Make your Christmas a Blessed one ... Come and Worship - You are welcome!

702 G Street Blaine • 332-6589 blaine-grace-lutheran.org

with the Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge. Started in 1982 as a dare, the plunge attracts hundreds of visitors each year who celebrate the New Year by diving into the icy Birch Bay waters. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes to compete for prizes. This year, divers can win prizes in one of five categories: most years plunging, oldest participant, best individual costume, best group costume and farthest distance traveled to participate. No awards are given for length of

LGBT ... From page 1

My resolution designates June 26 as ‘LGBT Equality Day’ not only to celebrate how far we’ve come, but also to acknowledge how much work remains to be done.” On June 26, 2003, the court ruled in Lawrence v. Texas to decriminalize the private intimate conduct of same-sex couples. In the June 26, 2013 case of United States v. Windsor, the court overturned section 3 of the De-

time spent in the water, so there is no need to get hypothermic. After the plunge, gather at the future site of the Birch Bay Beach Park to warm up. The Polar Bear Plunge is free, and the chamber encourages visitors to register on birchbaychamber.com to ensure they’ll receive their official “I Took The Plunge” certificates and hot beverages. Registration must be completed by 10 a.m. on January 1. T-shirts will be available for purchase. Costumes will be judged at 11:30 a.m. on January 1, and the plunge itself will take place at noon. For more information, visit birchbaychamber.com.

fense of Marriage Act, ruling that legally married same-sex couples were entitled to the same rights and benefits provided to opposite-sex couples. Finally, in the June 26, 2015 decision of Obergefell v. Hodges, the court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all 50 states. Ninety-three cosponsors joined DelBene in supporting the resolution, which was also supported by the Center for American Progress, the Human Rights Campaign and the National LGBT Equality Caucus.

December 10 - 16, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

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the elebrate C Holidays ...Seaside at Semiahmoo Resort!

Stay local

Chef Bruno has created three delicious dining experiences for your holiday celebrations Christmas Eve Christmas Brunch Christmas at Prix Fixe Dinner Prix Fixe Dinner Semiahmoo Ballroom at Pierside at Pierside

this holiday season!

Now through December 28, enjoy the best of the season with our special room rate for Whatcom County residents, friends and family. A Whatcom County zip code is required at time of booking. *Taxes and resort fees extra.

only

$89 per night

Thursday, December 24 • 5-9 PM

Friday, December 25 • 11AM- 4PM

Friday, December 25 • Noon- 8PM

Featuring selections such as: Butter Poached Lobster Claw Seared Ribeye, Roasted Pheasant or Salmon “En Croute” Wine Poached Pear or Vanilla Bean Cake $39 Adult • $20 Children aged 6-12 Children 5 & under free

Featuring selections such as: Pacific Northwest Oysters Butter Based Heritage Turkey Roasted Pork Loin BBQ Braised Beef Brisket Pan Seared Coho Salmon Steamed Ling Cod Candy Cane Cheese Cake Wine Poached Pear $45 Adult • $23 Children aged 6-12 Children 5 & under free

Featuring selections such as: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup or Braised Pork Belly RR Ranch Beef Tenderloin Seared Duck Breast or North Pacific Petrale Sole Chocolate Yule Log or Candy Cane Cheesecake $48 Adult • $24 Children aged 6-12 Children 5 & under free

Reservations Required. Call 360-318-2090

Reservations Required. Call 360-318-2044

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To view full menus, visit Semiahmoo.com and click “Holiday Events”

New Year’s Eve Party Package Semiahmoo knows how to party, and our New Year’s Eve soiree shouldn’t be missed! Have a blast and book our New Year’s Eve Party Package. Package includes room, two tickets to the Ballroom New Year’s Eve Bash featuring live music, party favors and a toast come midnight. 21 years of age and over. $299. Book an additional night for only $119.

Reservations required. Call 360-318-2000. Drinks at 6 PM • Dinner & Dessert 7 – 8:30 PM • Dancing 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM

9565 Semiahmoo Parkway • Blaine • www.semiahmoo.com • 360.318.2000

The Northern Light • December 10 - 16, 2015

The Northern L ght Progress on the beach park 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. 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. 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. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@thenorthernlight.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@thenorthernlight.com

s A county work crew demolished buildings at the Birch Bay Beach Park site on December 7. The site should be cleared in time for the Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day.

Photo by Ian Ferguson

Letters

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 Lorrie Conyac The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXI, No 27 Circulation: 10,500 copies

The Editor: Thanksgiving weekend, blue sky and gorgeous day – a great time to take time out and go with the grandkids to the new Marine Park Playground (aka the pirate ship park) in Blaine. The kids were having a super fun time at the new park. What a great addition to our community! However, there is one flaw and a great concern for parents, community members and the city of Blaine to note – cars traveling too fast along Marine Drive. No signage exists to tell motorists there are “Children Playing” or to “Reduce Speed – Playground Ahead” or signs to lower speed from 25 mph (most people seem to be driving 30–35) to 15 or 20 mph. The playground is hidden from view as you approach from the east, making it even more dangerous. In addition to this, there is only one marked crosswalk and that has no flashing lights or other markings. There is no

fencing for safety and protection or to guide kids to the crosswalks. The water fountain and bathrooms are closed (portable toilets are in place) and while we were there kids were crossing outside of the crosswalk to go to the harbormaster’s office to use the drinking fountain. This is a recipe for disaster. While we were there an adult walking along Marine Drive near the park ran out of sidewalk where the parking is at the new park, had to walk on the edge of the roadway and was subsequently struck by a vehicle. Luckily he was not severely injured, however, it could have been our child, somebody’s grandchild, somebody’s little brother or sister and it may not have been an OK result. Please ask the city to put in signage, speed bumps and other safety measures to protect the kids for whom this playground was built. It is a wonderful place and I would like

it to stay that way for the sake of all kids and families. Leslee Smith Blaine The Editor: In light of the large number of imminent layoffs in our community, and the perennial concern about the lack of well-paying jobs, perhaps it would be appropriate for our chamber of commerce to arrange having a lunch presentation by Fred Machana. He is the director of the federally funded local program, The National Center for Construction Education and Research, where anyone 17 or older can enter the local program to receive nationally recContinued on next page Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Civic Meetings

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Dec. 17 Ads due: Dec. 11

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 Office, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay. Info: blainebirchbayparkandrec.org.

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

December 10 - 16, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Letters ... From previous page

ognized trade certification and training as residential electricians, carpenters and plumbers for free, with or without a GED or a criminal record. I believe many people would be excited to know about such a program in our local community, but it requires making the effort to let people know about it. I have done what I can to spread the word with the pertinent program and contact info. Perhaps along with others, the chamber also would see spreading the word about the free availability of this nationally recognized program in our backyard as part of its core mission to promote a healthy business environment for families looking to stay and work in our community. Bert Taylor Birch Bay The Editor: The question that comes to mind when I hear about the demands to stop the environmental review of the Gateway Terminal right now is, what is everyone so afraid of? Why stop a legal process that is almost complete? Are opponents worried the final EIS will confirm Gateway’s assertion that this project can be completed and operated without harm to the environment? I suggest letting the Lummi objection be noted and taken into account during this process, but then, please make the decision based on fact, not on what is currently politically correct.

The government created the environmental impact review that everyone else has to follow. Why would or should it be allowed to exempt itself from following its own policies, rules and regulations by stopping the process before a final report is completed? As a lifelong recreational fisherman, crabber and shrimper, I fail to see how the construction of the facility at Cherry Point will affect my being able to continue doing what I love to do best. It seems to me that the total surface area of Puget Sound water needed to operate the facility, compared to all the waters that would still be available for use, would be minuscule. If ever Washington state and Whatcom County needed high-paying, long-term jobs, this is the time. This is the project. This is the place. Finish up the review so we can put people back to work again. David Wing Lummi Island The Editor: In the last year, since we moved into Salish Breeze, we have found numerous empty packs of Winston cigarettes discarded on the east side of Point Whitehorn Road between Grandview Road and Birch Bay Drive. Today, December 6, 2015, I collected 14 empty packs. This happens over and over again. Please stop this practice immediately. It ruins the pristine beauty of this area, and I’m tired of picking up your mess, the deposit of which is illegal. Fred Turner Blaine

The Editor: Now that the proposed jail project failed to pass, we need to consider how we move forward. I did not vote for the jail proposhas reopened in our new location next door! al because it seemed too big, and in some areas, too expensive. But We have Holiday Bouquets & Poinsettias! Holiday greens on sale. more importantly, it lacked sufficient funding for mental health Come in and see us! and substance abuse treatment services, in the jail and outside 633 Peace Portal Dr. 360 of it. Downtown Blaine I would support a proposal for a new jail – and I do believe we need one – if it included adequate funding for these important services. The goal would be to divert a number of people U.S. green cards / naturalization • U.S. green cards / naturalization from jail in the first place •and lessen the total cost of caring•for Work / investor visas • Work / investor visas these non-violent people. • to Denied entry waivers • Denied entry waivers I call on the county council take charge of the process now • Removal hearings • Removal NEXUS appeals hearings • NEXUS appeals for planning a new jail. I believe it is time for new leadership on this issue. www.blaineimmigration.com www.blaineimmigration.com •www.blaineimmigration.com 435 Martin St., Suite 2010 •••435 Blaine, WA St., Blaine,WA WA 435Martin Martin St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine, Jerry Spatz Leonard D.M. Saunders,Leonard AttorneyD.M. at Law Saunders, Attorney at Law Bellingham

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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.

Thursday, December 10, Canceled

Planning Commission meeting Monday, December 14, 6 pm

Council Meeting and Public Hearing – 2016 Budget continued

Buds • Edibles • Waxes Oils • Topicals

Thursday, December 17, 9:30 am

Park and Cemetery Board meeting

BBWARM Advisory Committee Vacancies

Thursday, December 24, Canceled

The Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District is seeking citizens to serve on its citizen advisory committee and represent local interests in Birch Bay’s stormwater program.

Friday, December 25, city offices will

Planning Commission meeting

be closed in observance of Christmas

REMEMBER She wants Gift Certificates!

FOR MORE INFORMATION bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org (360) 778-6229

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Monday, December 28, Time to be determined, Council meeting to

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Friday, January 1, city offices

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The Northern Light • December 10 - 16, 2015

DANCE D

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Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts

s Kier Munzanreder drives past an opponent in a game at Meridian December 3. The Borderites won 74–42. Photo by Janell Kortlever

By Ian Ferguson The Borderites bounced back from a season-opening rout with a convincing win at Meridian on December 3. Head coach Shaun Pile said it looked like a completely different team on the court. The season-opener at home against Nooksack Valley December 1 could only be described as ugly. The Borderites lost 76–52, and their per-quarter shooting percentage dropped as low as 9 percent. Pile said the team watched film from the game and knew they could do better. Two days later, on December 3, the Borderites reversed roles at Meridian, winning the non-conference game 74–42. Still playing without talented center Shaq Woods, the Borderites excelled in all aspects of the game. They scored on 18 of 26 two-point attempts and hit seven three-pointers, with 11 as-

sists and 11 steals. Blaine scored 15 points before Meridian counted their first basket. By the end of the first half, the score was 34–13 Blaine. The Trojans played better in the third quarter, scoring 15 points to Blaine’s 16, but the Borderites outscored the Trojans 22–15 in the fourth to add to their lead. Pile said the turnaround was evident from the tip-off. “Right from the start, the intensity was different. Our defense came together and we hit some early shots, which led to a different energy throughout the game,” Pile said. “It was an all-around team effort.” Carson Knutzen filled in for Woods at center. He was matched against Meridian’s 6'5" center, who is four inches taller. “Carson absolutely worked his butt off and did a great job,” Pile said. “He was mismatched, but he posted up big, went up strong for

rebounds and made baskets.” Forward Kier Munzanreder led the Borderites on offense with 29 points. Point guard Ben Adams scored 14 points. Marcus Potts scored nine points and Knutzen scored eight. “We shot the ball really well, and we shared the ball. Guys were looking to make extra passes,” Pile said. The Borderites hosted the Ferndale Golden Eagles December 8, and lost to the 3A powerhouse 65–42. Ferndale has four returning starters and a new coach, and relied on strong post play to get the win. Jalen Kortlever led the Borderites with eight points. The Borderites will travel to the Olympic Peninsula this weekend, heading to Port Townsend on Friday, December 11 and Port Angeles on Saturday, December 12. Both games are non-conference. The Port Townsend game begins at 6 p.m. and the Port Angeles game begins at 1 p.m.

Battle at the Border returns for 15th year

NOVEMBER 2015 DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

HOUSES ABOVE $500,000: 2-story house with 4,240 s.f., 3 BR, 3 BA, built 329 Gulf View Crescent, in 1979, remodeled in 1991, 2,335 s.f. patio, Pt. Roberts gazebo, hot tub, 50 feet waterfront; good marine view.

SALE PRICE $800,000

1-story house with 2,490 s.f., 3 BR, 2 BA, built in 1997, 950 s.f. attached garage, 248 s.f. patio.

8715 Bufflehead Court, Blaine

$549,000

1-story house with 2,004 s.f., 1,680 s.f. finished basement, 4 BR, 3 BA, built in 1991, 556 s.f. attached garage, 808 s.f. deck, 540 s.f. patio; waterfront; good marine and territorial views.

9045 Shearwater Road, Blaine

$1,875,000

LAND: 13.83 acres wooded land Wooded lot with marine view.

4550 Alderson Road and $825,000 (QCD) Blaine Road, Blaine Boundary Bay Road, Point Roberts

$130,000

Sponsored by:

MikeKent.com I-5 Exit 270 at Birch Bay Square 360-527-8901 • mike@mikekent.com

s Riley Fritsch gets an opponent in a headlock at last year’s Battle at the Border wrestling tournament. The tournament returns to Blaine for the 15th year this Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12. As many as 1,000 fans and wrestlers from 24 teams are expected to pack the Blaine High School gymnasium as wrestlers test their mettle against opponents from around the state. Action begins at 1 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.

Photo by Janell Kortlever

December 10 - 16, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Recently appointed BBWSD manager intends to stay the course tory of the district. “The district was started by leaders in the community who saw a need,” Eisses said. “We’d like to capture that story before the people who know about it leave. Who were the people who started it? What did it take? People start to forget that sort of thing.” As for future plans, Eisses said he hopes to steer the district in the same direction it’s been heading.

By Ian Ferguson Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) has a familiar face for its new general manager. Formerly assistant general manager, Dan Eisses was tapped for the GM position when Roger Brown retired last spring after serving as general manager for 16 years. Having worked for BBWSD for 11 years, Eisses was an easy choice for the job. With a few months of running the district under his belt, The Northern Light decided it was time to see how things have been going. Eisses earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Washington, and worked as a city engineer for two other Washington towns before moving to Birch Bay in 2004, where he started as a district engineer. In 2010, Eisses was promoted to assistant general manager/district engineer. Over the years, the district has regularly achieved its goal of charging the lowest rates in

Whatcom County. That’s thanks in part to his efforts, although you’d never hear him say it. “It’s a very well run organization, and I attribute that to our knowledgeable board members and our highly capable staff,” Eisses said. “I can’t give enough credit to the board of commissioners – they have put in a lot of time over the years to provide stability for the staff to do what we need to do.” Three commissioners are on the board, and 13 employees work for the district. Currently, about 70 miles of water mains and 50 miles of wastewater pipe serve approximately 7,500 people in the Birch Bay area. Although growth has slowed some since the mid-aughts, Eisses is tasked with keeping the district in pace with the growth of the community. In 2014, the district completed an upgrade to the headworks of the wastewater treatment plant, improving the filtration of debris, rehabilitating the sewage treat-

Photo by Ian Ferguson

ment facility and helping preserve water quality in Birch Bay. Eisses was instrumental in managing the project. With an operating and capital budget of $6.2 million, the district was awarded the Department of Ecology outstanding wastewater treatment plant award for in 2014 for the sixth year in a row. Birch Bay is one of only two wastewater plants in Whatcom County serving 4,000 people or more that have won the award 13 or more times in the last 18 years. The district was formed in 1968, and much of the original infrastructure is still in use. Replacing and maintaining aging equipment is an ongoing priority. “Right now we’re working on a water line replacement project on Blaine Road that we’re hoping to finish next summer. We’re also working on improvements to the wastewater treatment facility,” Eisses said. Eisses is also leading an effort to catalogue and preserve the his-

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“The district has served the Birch Bay community well, and I hope to continue that level of service into the future. All the employees here are very conscientious, and it’s a pleasure to work with them,” Eisses said.

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Call the Specialists

HAPPY HOUR 4-7 PM in the Bar!

Live music on Saturdays 7 pm

J.P. FALCON GRADY Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner!

758 Peace Portal Drive Blaine • 332-4045 www.pasodelnorte.net

Connect with our insurance agents: Toll-Free (866) 733-5111 www.vibrantusa.com Medicare Insurance Individual & Families Health Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Life Insurance Annuities

Christ Episcopal Church Sunday 10:00 am Holy Eucharist prayer worship community

Bible Study

Wednesday 11am - noon

Backstage @ the Border presents our Sixth Annual Christmas Carol Sing-Along

Saturday, December 12 • 7-9 pm $7 suggested donation at the door, no one is turned away. Join us to sing traditional Christmas Carols from Silent Night to Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer! Lots of fun with homemade goodies and our bucket raffle. All proceeds will benefit the greater Blaine-Birch Bay community with assistance for food, utilities, lodging, gas and other needs. Come join the fun!

christchurchblaine.org • 382 Boblett, Blaine The Rev. Mary Jellison

s Some handcrafted Coast Salish art, available at the Coast Salish Winter Festival this weekend. Photo by Janet McCall

People looking for a unique gift for the holidays will want to visit the Coast Salish Winter Festival this Saturday, December 12 and next Saturday, December 19. Artists and artisans will be selling authentic, handcrafted Native American artwork to the public. The arts and crafts market will take place at the Lummi Te’Ti’Sen Center (formerly the Lummi Gateway Center), 4920 Rural Avenue, Ferndale, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A variety of exclusive items hand

made and sold by Lummi community members will be on offer. The Coast Salish Winter Market, presented by the Lummi Cultural Arts Association, is in its fifth year. Earline Hansen, co-owner of Orca Beads & Things, has participated in the festival since the first year. “I’ve noticed the festival has grown every year,” Hansen said. “There are more vendors taking part and we are getting more customers.” This year, 15-25 vendors

will participate in the arts and crafts market. The mission of the Lummi Te’Ti’Sen Center is to provide a gateway to ethical business development focusing energy on community wellbeing and prosperity. The center is a tribal business incubator, a facility of the Lummi Indian Business Council and is operated by Lummi Ventures Partnership and Lummi Community Development Financial Institution.

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Fresh, Homemade Family-Style Dining

FRIDAY & SATURDAY • DECEMBER 11 & 12

PRIME RIB $2199 Served with soup or salad and choice of potato or rice.

Winter Hours:

Sunday - Thursday 7am - 8pm • Friday & Saturday 7am - 9pm

4823 Alderson Road, Birch Bay Corner of Birch Bay Dr. & Alderson Rd (beside The C Shop) 360-778-3826

The Northern Light • December 10 - 16, 2015

Movie studio pays “Barefoot Bandit” debts By Steve Guntli

Lummi Cultural Arts Association and Lummi Community Development Financial Institution are pleased to present the

A major motion picture studio has stepped in to help a notorious Washington criminal known as the Barefoot Bandit. Colton Harris-Moore, 24, of Camano Island made headlines around the world for embarking on an international crime spree when he was still a teenager. After his capture and conviction, the court ordered Harris-Moore to repay the more than $1.3 million in damages he caused during his two-year spree. Last week, movie studio 20th Century Fox assumed Harris-Moore’s debts, in exchange for his life rights for a movie about him. The studio sent a check for $900,000 to the U.S. Marshal’s Service in November. Harris-Moore has already paid $216,000 of the debt with help from his large community of fans and followers. Officials believe Fox will be paying the remainder of Harris-Moore’s debt after the details of the film deal fall into place.

On PoiGniftsse! tDtéicas or!

Authentic Tribal Art & Small Business Fair

December 5, 12 & 19

Find exclusive and unique hand crafted gifts created and sold by Lummi community members, these events are open to the public. Event Information: (360) 306-8554 / www.lummigatewaycenter.com

Lummi Te’Ti’Sen Center 4920 Rural Ave., Ferndale, WA 98248 From I-5, take Exit 260, go West on Slater Rd., then Right onto Rural Ave.

A teenager fleeing from an abusive home, Harris-Moore is suspected of committing more than 100 thefts and burglaries, mostly in Washington, Idaho and parts of Canada. In the early stages, authorities said he would break into homes to use the shower and steal items necessary to survive in the woods. As his spree continued, he developed a taste for more expensive luxury items, especially vehicles. He was eventually charged with stealing multiple bicycles, cars, speedboats and airplanes, which he learned to fly with instructions from a manual and flight simulator video games. He earned the nickname the “Barefoot Bandit” after committing some of his crimes shoeless, and for leaving a chalk outline of his bare feet at the scene of one of his crimes. Harris-Moore’s flight from the law ended in May 2010 after a boat chase in the Bahamas. The Bandit had flown to Nassau in a stolen airplane and later at-

home & garden

EVERYTHING CHRISTMAS IN ONE STOP!

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Looking for a gift that keeps on giving? Consider a Whatcom Museum membership. Benefits include free admission to our three buildings, free guest passes, 10% discount at the Museum Store & more! Purchase a membership online at www.whatcommuseum.org/support/join-now or call 360.778.8930

Whatcom Museum

Old City Hall | 121 Prospect Street Lightcatcher Building | 250 Flora Street Syre Education Center | 201 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 www.whatcommuseum.org 360.778.8930

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tempted to flee authorities in a stolen speedboat. Police shot out the boat’s engine and brought Harris-Moore into custody. In 2012, he was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison. He is currently serving his sentence at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen. Harris-Moore’s crimes made him something of a cult figure, earning him a large Internet following. At the peak of his popularity, he had more than 60,000 Facebook followers, as well as numerous fan sites and message boards dedicated to following his exploits. In 2012, Bob Friel published the bestselling book “The Barefoot Bandit: The True Tale of Colton Harris-Moore, New American Outlaw,” which Fox optioned as a movie. Details are sparse on the Barefoot Bandit movie, but The Hollywood Reporter notes Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (“Milk”) is working with Harris-Moore on the screenplay. The question of whether Harris-Moore can profit off the film is still open. Washington is one of 34 states to have enacted “Son of Sam” laws, named after the famous serial murderer from New York City, which prevent criminals from profiting from their crimes. However, exceptions to these laws have been made in cases where the victims of the crimes were not killed or injured. The most notable exception was in 2000, when the court ruled Burien schoolteacher Mary Kay Letourneau could profit from books and movies made about her story. Letourneau made headlines in the mid-90s when she was arrested for having sex with a 14-year-old student who she later married after he came of age.

Order your Christmas Candy! Almond Butter Toffee • Fudge Peanut Butter Yumms • Seafoam Peanut Brittle • Carmel • Salt Carmels

7 PM • BLAINE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Tickets at the Door: $8 Adults • $3 Children • Under 2 Free • Door Prize Artistic Director: Sabrina Gomez-Vannelli • Written, staged & directed by Sabrina Gomez-Vannelli Choreography by Leah Carroll, Lee Van Wagoner & Sabrina Gomez-Vannelli

Order Online at www.theCShop.com 360-371-2070 Gift Wrapping & Shipping Available

December 10 - 16, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Holiday events at Semiahmoo Resort Holiday Yappy Hour A summer favorite gets a holiday twist! Go to Semiahmoo for Yappy Hour at the Packers Oyster Bar fire pit Thursday, December 10. Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., you and your canine companion can cozy up to heaters and enjoy drinks specials and the Packers menu. You never know who might drop by for a photo op (ho ho ho). Cooking Classes with Chef Bruno With Pierside Kitchen as the backdrop, executive chef Bruno Feldeisen opens up and offers his personalized talents and insight, with each class including instruction in a three-course holiday meal with recipes, a glass of wine and a Semiahmoo apron. Chefs-to-be can also enjoy the “Take the Elevator Home” rate of $99 when signed up for the class. Classes are 5 p.m.–8 p.m. on December 9 and December 16. $75 per person, maximum 12 people per class. Call 360/318-2000 to reserve. Gingerbread Cookie Decorating for Kids Make the holidays all about family with a gingerbread cookie class for kids! Semiahmoo will provide the cookies and decorations; you supply the creativity. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, December 21, create 12 delectable cookies to take home to impress. $19 per person. Please be present with your children, childcare not provided. Call 360/318-2000 to reserve. Gingerbread House Building Edible architecture at its finest. Join executive chef Bruno Feldeisen Tuesday, December 15 at 7 p.m. to build artisan gingerbread houses. Mingle with your classmates over a glass of mulled wine and let your holiday spirit shine through! $35 per person. Call 360/318-2000 to reserve. Caroling There’s nothing like the classics to bring out warm memories of holidays past. Enjoy live caroling with a view at Semiahmoo Sunday, December 13 5 p.m.–7 p.m.

in the San Juan Ballroom, with treats and hot chocolate available for purchase. Christmas Eve Dinner Chef Bruno has created a distinctly Northwest prix fixe menu, available December 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. $39 adults, $20 children. Children 5 and under free. A la carte dining not available. Call 360/318-2090 for reservations. Christmas Brunch What’s better Christmas morning than waking to a warm, fresh meal ready and waiting for you? Chef Bruno has created a distinct, locally inspired brunch menu, available December 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $45 adults, $23 children. Children 5 and under free. Call 360/3182044 for reservations.

New Year’s Eve in Packers You know the folks at Packer’s are pros at hosting a good party. Starting at 5 PM, join us for a New Year’s Eve celebration overlooking the bay, with live music by the Replayzmentz from 9 PM – 12:30 AM, party favors and a toast come midnight. 21 and over please. Celebrate seaside. Celebrate at Semiahmoo. $25 cover. New Year’s Eve Day Buffet Brunch Both Pierside Kitchen and Packers Oyster Bar will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with live harp music at Pierside. Celebrate seaside. $25 for adults, $15 for kids. Children under 5 free. Call 360-318-2090 for reservations.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Set the mood for 2016 with a candlelight dinner at Pierside Kitchen. Chef Bruno has crafted a four-course menu. $79 for adults (includes one glass of champagne), $39 for children. Children under 5 dine for free. Call 360/318-2090 for reservations.

Get a $20 promo card for every $100 gift card purchased. Gift cards can be used for hotel stays, spa treatments, even restaurant dining!

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Sleighbells Ring

Christmas Dinner Treat yourself and your family to one more Christmas surprise: dinner at Pierside Kitchen. Available December 25 from noon to 8 p.m. $48 adults, $24 children. Children 5 and under free. Call 360/318-2090 for reservations. New Year’s Eve Party Package Book a New Year’s Eve party package and you won’t have to worry about anything but having a blast. The package includes room and tax, two tickets to the Ballroom New Year’s Eve Bash featuring music from The Atlantics, party favors and a toast at midnight. New Year’s Day brunch not included. Must be 21 or over. $299. Book an additional night for only $119! Call 360/318-2000 for reservations. Drinks: 6 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Dessert: 8:30 p.m. Dancing: 8:30 p.m.–12:30 p.m.

Great Gift Idea!

@ Bellewood 2015

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27: Holiday Spirit Begins at BelleWood SHOP & SIP Every Weekend! • Bon Fire S’more Bar • Fresh Cut Trees and Wreaths • Free Kids Ornament Making / Cookie Decorating • Hot Cider & Pumpkin spice Liqueur Sippers

BelleWood is family…

BelleWood is Christmas! December 12-13 & December 19-20

SLEIGH RIDES SANTA & MORE!

Apples...And More!

s A Christmas tree awaits presents in Semiahmoo Resort’s lobby.

6140 Guide Meridian • (360) 318-7720 VIEW ALL OF OUR EVENTS AT: BelleWoodFarms.com

Photo by Louise Mugar

Gifts for all: All slippers on sale!

Acorn, Sorel, and Georgia Boots.

Scarves!

Gift

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Wool, silk, cashmere, and pashima. Starting at $5.99

Local treats! Clothing and Home Décor

Largest Consignment store in Whatcom County! Convenient

2 Locations

Exit 255 • Next to Trader Joe’s 2332 James St. • 360/738-0333 Exit 257 • 3927 Northwest Ave. (1-5 and Northwest Ave.)

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Mon-Sat 9-7 Sunday 11-5

Chukar Cherries and more!

Open weekdays 8-5 Saturdays 9-5 851 Coho Way, Bellingham • 360-734-3336/800-426-8860 Shop online: www.LFSmarineoutdoor.com

The Northern Light • December 10 - 16, 2015

Blaine’s Holiday Harbor Lights Festival, December 5

s Broom hockey players square off against an orca goalie in Marine Park during the Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash.

s A participant races across the Blaine Skate Park during the Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash.

s Santa Claus greets the crowd during the Holiday Harbor Lights parade.

s Sixteen-month-old Alessandro Vannelli meets Santa after the parade.

Photo by Heidi Holmes

Photo by Ian Ferguson

Photo by Heidi Holmes

Photo by Sabrina Gomez-Vannelli

s Blaine High School’s band plays Christmas favorites in H Street Plaza.

Photo by Ian Ferguson

s Visitors stop by the Holiday Art Market to check out local artwork. The Art Market will reopen this Saturday, December 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 674 Peace Portal Drive.

Photo by Ian Ferguson

December 10 - 16, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Classifieds

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

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

thenorthernlight.com/classifieds

Plus Newstands in:

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

22,050 READERS

Beginning January 11, 2016, we will be offering a

Nursing Assistant, Certified (NAC) class at our facility located at 456 C. Street, Blaine, WA. Admission into this class is by application only. Applications may be picked up at our business office. Each applicant will be notified of an interview date and time. Cost for this class is very minimal, the duration is approximately 6 weeks of participation. When completed successful students will be eligible to take the state certification test to become a licensed nursing assistant. For more information please call Ginger Isenhour, Director of Nursing at 360-332-1501 ext. 40205.

Handyman

Lots/Acreage

ALL-IN-ONE HANDYMAN

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Help Wanted MORE Smiles Learning Center Now hiring full time for a lead Early Preschool teacher.

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Call for interview. 360-332-7135 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Natural Play Therapy/interaction with 14 year old boy with autism. No experience necessary. Call 360-778-2465, 360-4410908, or for program info go to naturalplaytherapy.com.

2-BR, 1-BA House. New paint inside/ out. Storage, large carport, W/D, stove, refrig., $895/mo. Enjoy all Birch Bay Village amenities. 2-BR, 2-BA House. W/D, DW, stove refrig., work shop, great bay water view, landscaping included. Eco friendly heat pump $950/mo.

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3-Br, 2-BA Duplex. Garage, W/D, DW, refrig. W/S paid. Avail. Oct.15, $945/mo. N/S, N/P, OAC and deposits will apply. WE NEED PROPERTIES TO MANAGE,

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Plumbing

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.

THE CLASSIFIEDS ARE ONLINE AT: thenorthernlight.com/classifieds

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Cleaning

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

info@thenorthernlight.com

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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Annual General Meeting of the Pacific Arts Association of Blaine, WA will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016. Please RSVP to eloisa.paa@gmail.com if you wish to attend and meeting details will be sent to you.

Call or Email Amy! 360/332-1777 fax: 360/332-2777

for 15 wo

Next Issue: Dec. 17 • Ad Deadline: Dec. 14

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The Northern Light • December 10 - 16, 2015

Real Estate

From our family to yours, we wish you a safe & Happy Holiday!

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

www.windermere.com

Billy Brown 360-220-7175

Suzanne Dougan 360-920-7733

Expertise, Service, Solutions & Results!

BLOCK PARTY

9600 W. 34th Crest • 9591 W 34th Crest

OPEN HOUSE, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 • 2-4 One stop, two tours!

Randy Weg 360-305-5704

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, 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.

Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838

8105 Birch Bay Square, Blaine, WA

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

to SELL CALL HUGH and your home will be featured here!

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acres • Coastal Mtn & Birch Bay view property on Fingalson Creek Dr. $139,000 2Ferndale Schools • watershare/all services! Poss. owner terms

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Good price for a lot on the lake!

$110,000

Rhodes Cafe

Next to Whole Foods in Bellingham. MLS #798084

SEMIAHMOO & Great Location! BETWEENBIRCH BAY

9600 W. 34th Crest $499,500 Beautiful modern Craftsman home & shop w/ finished basement already set up as a mother-inlaw suite or giant family room! 4-BR, 3.25-BA, almost 3500 s.f. on acreage, all wrapped up in an energy efficient geothermal/ radiant package! MLS #781590

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

www.jenfreemanrealestate.com

9591 W 34th Crest 4-BR, 4-BA • $558,000

Amazing 3,000 s.f. custom home on park-like 10 acres. Radiant heat, rec room w/ kitchenette, heated shop, music studio, gym, master suite w/ balcony. Patio with fireplace, swimming pool, gorgeous landscaping. A simply wonderful place to live. MLS #797132

Paul Freeman 360-815-7527

thedahlestate.wordpress.com

2.1 ACRES - COMMERCIAL & 1.8 ACRES - RESIDENTIAL 7 Residential Bldg Sites & 2 Water Shares $350,000 Possible owner contract or joint venture.

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Jacobs Landing • 2-BR • 1.75-BA Living, vacationing… delightfully updated with Cape Cod feel with unrestricted views of bay! Fully furnished. Racquetball & tennis courts, clubhouse, beach, indoor pool & hot tub. 3/4 bath on master bedroom loft.

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ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! Holiday Publishing Schedule

Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo

Only 2 more issues in 2015! December 17 (ads due Friday Dec. 11) and December 31 (ads due Monday Dec. 28) The Northern Light will not publish a December 24 edition and our office is closed December 21-25, reopening Monday, December 28. We appreciate your business. Working together creates a better, stronger community.

We look forward to serving you in 2016!

December 10 - 16, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Young at Heart: December

OBITUARIES

B y L o r r i e C o n ya c

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

DIRECTORY

Hear ye, hear ye! Now is the time for all of you who are 50 or over and young at heart to pay your dues for 2016 membership to the Blaine Senior Center! If you pay by December 31, you could win six months of free Pancake Breakfast tickets. What’s more, there will be other prizes too. This year the dues are only $35, and Visa and MasterCard will be accepted for payment. We are fortunate in Whatcom County to have a Norwegian Male Chorus that practices for most of the year in order to share their talents with our various communities. You are invited to lunch and wonderful music at the Blaine Senior Center on Tuesday, December 10. The music will begin at 11:50 a.m. Now is the time to rummage through your closets and drawers to find your ugly Christmas sweater. Wear it to the Blaine Senior Center on Friday, December 11 at 12:30 p.m. and compete for the grand prize of $20! You don’t have a sweater to enter the competition? Well, I have it on good authority that you may find one at Value Village, Wal-Mart, or the Salvation Army store in Bellingham. Just between you and me, I think you might take any old sweater and add your own embellishments to make it truly ugly! Please come and join the fun. Did you know that in the 1970s the Blaine Senior Center was one of the most popular places to ballroom dance? Well it was, and now you can learn to do all those fun dances again and revel in the excitement of whirling around the dance floor with your partner of choice. This three-week series will take place on Tuesdays, December 15, 22 and 29. Call 656-6416 or email info@bbbprd2.com to register. For only $27 you can learn to dance. For those of you that are intermediate or advanced, please come and join the group; the instructors will sharpen your skills. The end of the year is quickly approaching, so don’t forget Friday, December 18 at 12:30 p.m.,

Gladys Adeline Rieke

s The Blaine Senior Center at 763 G Street. when the Senior Center will be hosting the last Early Bird Bingo game of 2015. For only a $10 admission, you will receive three cards each for eight games. This event is open to the public and even kids can play, but they must pay the admission. This month we have two Volunteers of the Month: Bao Gallion and Jennifer Hawk. Bao keeps our greeting cards stocked and organized, keeps the coffee bar clean and stocked

Dining Guide

Photo by Steve Guntli

and even works a little on the computer. Jennifer is a lady “Jack of all trades” helping out in the kitchen, keeping the storage area organized and offering help throughout the Senior Center. But she truly shines as our resident gardener. Our plants, inside and out, have thrived under her care. Thank you both for all your help. Blaine Senior Center is located at 763 G Street. For more information, call 322-8040.

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November 13, 1920 - December 4, 2015 Gladys Adeline Rieke, 95, died Friday, December 4 at Lakeside Garden in Lynden, WA. She was born November 13, 1920 in Genesee, ID to Hugo and Barbara Gehrke. Gladys attended college at the University of Idaho, and while there she met Robert V. Rieke. They were married June 18, 1939 in Genesee. To this union were born 2 sons: Rev. Robert D. (Sharon) of Blaine, WA, and Rev. Daniel A, (Tracy) of Wenatchee, WA. Accepting a call to establish a Lutheran parish in south Seattle, Robert V. and Gladys were a ministry team growing and serving Glendale Evangelical Lutheran Church for 40 years. Gladys was adept at organizing, and leading, and was the piano player for the new church. Her creative ability and numerous talents were in great measure responsible for Glendale’s successful ministry. With her sons well on their life journey, Gladys went back to college and graduated with a Masters degree in Education from University of WA. Three tassels hung on the rear view mirror of the Rieke Ford in 1965. Dan graduating from Highline High School, Bob graduating from Highline Community College and Mom from UW. Gladys went on to teach English at Seahurst Junior High for 16 years. In early retirement she coordinated and joined husband Bob in leading worldwide Globus Tours. The next portion of life’s journey Gladys and Robertdivided time between Roadhaven in Phoenix, AZ, and Kent, WA, finally moving to Bellingham, WA to be near son Bob who was serving a parish in Blaine. After 69 years of marriage, Robert V. died in 2008. Gladys continued to live at Merrill Gardens in Bellingham until moving in 2011 to Lakeside Garden in Lynden. Gladys was energetic and inquisitive, a life-long learner and teacher. She loved her God, her family, and her church. Our deepest appreciation to all who blessed Mom’s journey, especially the loving care-givers at Lakeside Garden: Darla, Doug, Kelly, Roxanne, Amanda, Tracy, Jill, Emily and Chiane, and to Whatcom County Hospice. Memorial gifts can be given to the Interfaith Coalition. The celebration of Gladys’ life is Saturday, December 12 at Faith Lutheran Church, 2750 McLeod Rd. in Bellingham. Visitation is at 10 a.m. followed by Worship at 11 a.m. with a video presentation and luncheon to follow. Please share your memories of Gladys at www.molesfarewelltributes.com.

Dixie Lee Pettit

May 7, 1948 - November 25, 2015 Dixie Lee Pettit (Countryman), age 67, of Blaine, WA, passed away on Wednesday, November 25. She lost her valiant battle with breast cancer, and passed away surrounded by her loved ones. She was married to Curtis Pettit Jr., until his death on June 18, 2002. Dixie was a hairdresser for over 20 years and dearly loved her family. She is survived by her daughter Gina Harris (Steinbach), son Eric Steinbach, son-in-law Donnie Harris, 7 grandchildren: grandsons Ethan Brasfield, Adriel Brasfield, and Nicolas Steinbach; granddaughters Willow Brasfield, Serenity Brasfield, Brenya Harris, and Finely Harris, as well as 9 nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Curis H. Petti Jr. (2002), daughter Brenda Marie Olson (1974), and father Ralph W. Countryman (2004). The family would like to thank the Whatcom Hospice House for taking such good care of Dixie in her final days. Memorials can be made out to Eric Steinbach, 4390 Boblett Rd., Blaine, WA, 98230. Visit www.farewelltributes.com to leave condolences.

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The Northern Light • December 10 - 16, 2015

Spread holiday spirit with Tree of Wishes

Coming up Blaine High School Community Holiday Concert: Thursday, December 10, 7 p.m., PAC. Band and choirs perform. Special guests Mt. Baker Toppers and other community performances. Free. Cub Scout Tree Sale: Friday and Saturday, December 11–12, 3–8 p.m., Birch Bay Visitor Information Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive. Tree sale, bake sale, hot cocoa and meet Santa. Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 12, 8 a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive, Blaine. Kids age 10 and under free, all others $6 donation. Kids entertainment and more. Holiday Art and Gift Market: Saturday, December 12, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 674 Peace Portal Drive. Shop art and gifts in all prices from local artists. Info: facebook.com/blaineharborartgallery. Coast Salish Winter Festival: Saturdays, December 12 and 19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Lummi Te’Ti’Sen Center, 4920 Rural Avenue, Ferndale. Handcrafted gifts created by Lummi community members. Info: 306-8554. Paint with Santa: Saturday, December 12, 3–5 p.m., Birch Bay Café. Have a wonderful time learning to paint with your child. $20 includes supplies and a hot dog or PB&J meal. Info: 325-2457. Date and Paint: Saturday, December 12, 6–8 p.m., Birch Bay Café. $30 includes a glass of wine, beer or latte. Info: 325-2457. Backstage @ the Border Christmas Carol Sing-Along: Saturday, December 12, 7–9 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street, Blaine. $7 suggested donation - no one turned away. Sing traditional Christmas carols from Silent Night to Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer. Fun, homemade goodies and bucket raffle. Info: backstageattheborder.com. Christmas Café: Saturday, December 12, 7 p.m., Freedom Community Church, 508 G Street, Blaine. Enjoy a fun Christmas production with cookies and coffee. info: freedomcommunitychurch.org. Winter Bazaar: Sunday, December 13, noon–4 p.m., BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park. Raffles, hot cocoa, baked goods, arts, crafts and more. Free parking with Discover Pass, $10 day pass. Santa Visits Birch Bay Square: Sunday, December 13, 1–4 p.m., between to Subway and Bass in Birch Bay Square. Santa photos by donation and family fun. Sponsored by Birch Bay Square merchants and Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation. Christmas Caroling at Semiahmoo: Sunday, December 13, 5–7 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort’s San Juan Ballroom.

s A few “wishes” remain on a tree at Cost Cutter in Blaine. Pick up a tag, shop for the gifts on the tag to help out a local family, and return them to the location you found the tag by the end of the day Thursday, December 10.

Photo by Ian Ferguson

Crossword

ACROSS 1. Beer buy 5. Computer picture 9. Junk E-mail 13. Those who appeal a court decision 16. Goya’s “Duchess of ___” 17. Treacherous person (4 wds) 19. “Sesame Street” watcher 20. Chain letters? 21. Describes in vivid detail 22. Bad look 24. Brightly colored venomous snakes of SE Asia 27. Clavell’s “___-Pan” 28. Artist’s stand 30. Clinker 31. Annoyance 32. Kitten’s cry 34. Finger jewelry with a signet (2 wds) 37. Total destruction 39. Short postscript to a

literary work 41. Big Apple attraction, with “the” 42. “Schindler’s ___” 43. “To ___ is human ...” 45. Dutch pottery city 49. Bank offering, for short 50. Declaration of intent to inflict harm 53. French Sudan, today 54. Medicinal shrub 56. “Flying Down to ___” 58. Big wine holder 59. Simultaneously (4 wds) 63. Quaker’s “you” 64. Affording gain 65. Reddish-brown gem 66. Poet Angelou 67. 1992 Robin Williams movie

DOWN 1. Royal home 2. Temporary interruption in breathing 3. Floods 4. “A rat!”

5. Go furtively 6. Don’t believe it 7. Queen, maybe 8. ___ power 9. Delhi dress 10. Banana variety 11. Fast 12. Coming together to form a group 14. Certain digital watch face, for short 15. Aug. follower 18. Neon, e.g. 23. Change from solid to liquid again 25. Spartan 26. “I had no ___!” 29. Rotating to the left, shortened 31. For the time being 33. Card 35. Store convenience, for short 36. Emulated Pinocchio 37. Fiasco 38. Litigant 39. Evokes 40. Carnivorous freshwater fish 44. Make less dense 46. Ritual hand washing during Mass 47. Without showing any emotion or interest 48. Voluntary contributions to the church 50. 20-20, e.g. 51. Door fastener 52. Leg bone 55. Abandon 57. Crumb 60. Branch 61. Bygone bird 62. “Dig in!”

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Tides December 11 – December 17 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 11 6:22 am 9.5 11:23 am 6.7

3:57 pm 8.7 11:24 pm -1.1

Sa 12 6:58 am 9.8 12:11 pm 6.7

4:33 pm 8.5

Su 13 12:00 am -1.3 7:36 am 10.1

12:59 pm 6.6 5:11 pm 8.3

Mo 14 12:36 am -1.2 8:14 am 10.2

1:49 pm 6.4 5:53 pm 7.9

Tu 15 1:14 am -0.8 8:52 am 10.2

2:45 pm 6.1 6:45 pm 7.4

We 16 1:56 am -0.2 9:30 am 10.2

3:43 pm 5.4 7:51 pm 6.8

Th 17 2:40 am 0.7 10:08 am 10.2

4:43 pm 4.6 9:17 pm 6.3

Weather Precipitation: During the period of December 1 to December 7 there were 1.48 inches of precipitation. The 2015 year-to-date precipitation is 28.38 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 63.5°F on December 3, with a low of 37.8°F on December 1. Average temperature for the week was 48.6°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Blaine Middle School Community Holiday Concert: Tuesday, December 15, 7 p.m., Blaine PAC. Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Meeting: Thursday, December 17, noon, The Beach at Birch Bay, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Meet the new board, vendor networking and ugly sweater contest. Info: birchbaychamber.com. Living Nativity: Friday, December 18, 6–8 p.m., Northwood Alliance Church, 580 C Street, Blaine. Horse-drawn hay ride, manger with live animals, campfire, hot cider and live music. Whiskey Minstrels Celtic Christmas Concert: Saturday, December 19, 6–8 p.m., BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park. Tickets: $15. Prize for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Free parking with Discover Pass, $10 day pass. Free Yoga Class for Kids: Monday, December 28, 2–3 p.m., Blaine/Birch Bay Park and Recreation, 7511 Gemini Street, Birch Bay. For kids age five and up. Release stress, become more flexible, make friends and have fun. Info: 920-1125. New Year’s Eve Bash at Semiahmoo: Thursday, December 31, Semiahmoo Resort. Live music by The Atlantics in the ballroom and The Replayzmentz perform in Packers Oyster Bar. New Year’s Eve at Paso del Norte: Thursday, December 31, 9 p.m., Paso del Norte, 758 Peace Portal Drive. Live music, food and drink specials in the bar, party favors and Champagne toast at midnight. Info: 332-4045.

Ongoing Birch Bay Activity Center Events: 7511 Gemini Street, Birch Bay. Pound Fit, Zumba Fitness, Zumba Toning, Zumba Step, pickleball, yoga, line dancing and more. Info: bbbparkandrec.org or 656-6416. Afterschool Activities: Weekdays, 2:30–5:15 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Kids ages 5 and up. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. AA Meetings: Monday and Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, noon; Wednesday, 7 p.m. (women only); Saturday, 11 a.m., United Church of Christ, 885 4th Street, Blaine. Al-Anon Meetings: Tuesdays, 1–2 p.m., Good Samaritan Society-Stafholt, 456 C Street, Blaine. Open to all. Info: 332-8248. Cribbage Tournament: Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., The Beach at Birch Bay. Cash to top three finishers. Double elimination. Birch Bay Toastmasters Club: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m., Windermere building, second floor, Birch Bay Square, 8105 Birch Bay Square Street. Learn leadership and communication skills. Info: Paul, 303-4444. Community Meals: Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Dinners free; donations accepted. Everyone is welcome! Info: communitymealsblaine@gmail.com. Connections Café Karaoke: First and third Fridays of the month, 7–11 p.m., Dakota Creek Christian Center, 8732 Blaine Road. Info: 656-6781. Karaoke: Friday night, 9 p.m. Paso del Norte, 758 Peace Portal Drive. Info: 332-4045. Live Music with J.P. Falcon Grady and Special Guests: Saturdays, 7–10 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.

December 10 - 16, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com

Whatcom County sheriff’s reports, Nov. 30- Dec. 3 November 30, 6:47 a.m.: Hit and run cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. November 30, 9:40 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Lyn Court. November 30, 12:25 p.m.: Trespass cold call on Leeside Drive. November 30, 12:34 p.m.: Civil problem on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. November 30, 3:23 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Haynie Road. November 30, 4:03 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. November 30, 4:50 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. November 30, 4:56 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Custer man, 36, cited for following too close.

December 1, 12:06 a.m.: Domestic order violation on Pacific Highway. December 1, 1:18 a.m.: Suspicious person on Avery Lane. December 1, 3:40 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Seaview Drive. December 1, 11:33 a.m.: Alarm silent on West 29 Drive. December 1, 1:34 p.m.: Theft cold call on Loomis Trail Road. December 1, 2 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Fleet Road. December 1, 6:29 p.m.: Missing child on Birch Bay Drive. December 1, 10:42 p.m.: Trouble with guest on Kickerville Road. December 2, 11:02 a.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on Hall Road. December 2, 12:51 p.m.: Suspicious person on Jackson Road.

December 2, 2:17 p.m.: Welfare check on Seafair Court. December 2, 3:34 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Haynie Road. December 2, 5:35 p.m.: Theft

cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. December 2, 7:19 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

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