The Northern Light: March 7-13, 2019 by Point Roberts Press

March 7-13, 2019

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IN THIS

ISSUE

Pier named after retired port commissioner, page 2

B&O tax may be expanded to include more businesses

Local barista known for his bow ties, page 17

Daylight saving time begins on March 11

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

School district could allow more access to its facilities

By Jami Makan Blaine City Council may introduce modifications to the proposed Business and Occupation (B&O) tax, based on input from councilmembers and the public. As it stands, wholesale and manufacturing businesses that gross $20,000 or more per year would be asked to pay a 0.2 percent B&O tax to help pay for city services. However, at their February 25 meeting, city councilmembers discussed modifying the tax in various ways. Proposals included expanding the tax base to include retail and service businesses; raising the $20,000 gross receipts threshold to exempt very small businesses; introducing tax credits for businesses that create jobs; introducing a phase-in or “honeymoon” period for new businesses; and capping the tax collected at a maximum dollar amount per business. “I think we could raise the [$20,000] threshold significantly to not have as great an impact on the really small businesses,” said mayor Bonnie Onyon at the February 25 meeting. “I also think we should think of adding the service sector, but again with a threshold that would be reasonable and not hurt the small companies.” Mayor Onyon also spoke favorably about the proposal to give companies a tax credit based on the number of jobs they create. “I think that’s a great idea,” she said. She also suggested putting a cap on the amount of tax collected from any business. “We could maybe have a max where they only pay a maximum amount up to a certain amount no matter how large a company they are or how large their gross receipts,” she said. Some of the ideas would be easier to implement than others. For example, an established company could potentially reform and reopen in order to try and take advantage of any special treatment given to new businesses. As a result of the discussion, city council postponed their vote on the B&O tax ordinance to March 25. This will allow them to hold a study session on March 11 to discuss the various proposals.

s Access at Pipeline Fields was one of the most popular topics at a February 25 school board work session.

Access at Pipeline Fields discussed at work session By Oliver Lazenby When Kari Holley moved to the Blaine area from Oregon, she was surprised that the Blaine School District’s complex of baseball and soccer fields, Pipeline Fields, is gated and mostly closed to the public. Her kids previously attended school in two separate districts that both allowed public access to sports fields. “If I wanted to take my son to play baseball on a Sunday I could take him to the school. It was open to everyone,” she said. While Pipeline Fields is available to or-

ganized sports teams, a six-foot-tall chain link fence topped with barbed wire surrounds it and the gate is often locked. A sign by the gate reads, “No unsupervised or unauthorized use is permitted.” Access at Pipeline Fields was one of the most popular topics at a February 25 school board work session on the district’s facility use policy. The policy details the use of everything from sports fields and gyms to classrooms and auditoriums by non-school groups. The school district plans to rewrite the policy over the next few months and the public work session

was the first step. While several people at the meeting thanked the district for allowing more access to school facilities in recent years, most wanted more or easier access. The district doesn’t plan on making its policy more restrictive, as some people feared, school board member Laura McKinney said. “The reason that we opened up a community discussion with this policy is really because so many people are interested in access to the school,” she said. “We just wanted to have a chance to talk about it (See Facilities, page 3)

the public is invited to the Wings Over Water opening dinner and featured artist reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. The cost is $25 a person. A birding expo opens on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Blaine Middle School, 975 H Street. It’s free to the public and will feature live presentations, wildlife exhibitions, arts and crafts vendors and activities for kids. Guests can also participate in photography workshops. Fees apply for some activities. That evening, enjoy a free presenta-

tion by keynote speaker Tim Boyer, who will be delivering a talk, “Understanding Shorebirds: The Miracle of Migration,” at the Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street. Naturalist and photographer Paul Woodcock will lead a free birding walk around the trails and shoreline within Birch Bay State Park at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 17. These are just some of the activities planned for the three-day festival. More information and a full schedule can be found at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

INSIDE

Wings Over Water festival returning to Blaine area The 17th annual Wings Over Water birding festival will take place in Blaine Friday through Sunday, March 15 to 17. The festival celebrates the variety of migratory birds that flock to the coastal waters of Drayton Harbor, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo Bay at the northwest corner of Washington state. The event begins in Delta, B.C. on Friday, March 15 with a field trip to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary; for $45 a person, visitors will have the chance to view a variety of rare birds, such as sandhill cranes. Later that day,

Photo by Oliver Lazenby

Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . 15 Coming Up . . . . . 18 Police . . . . . . . . . 18 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 18

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The Northern Light • March 7-13, 2019

Blaine End Pier named after retired Port of Bellingham commissioner By Jami Makan The pier at the end of Marine Drive in Blaine has been named after longtime Blaine resident and retired Port of Bellingham commissioner Jim Jorgensen. The pier, known as the Blaine End Pier, has been named after Jorgensen to honor his 12 years of service to the Port of Bellingham and the citizens of Whatcom County. “I’m deeply honored,” said Jorgensen, whose contributions to Blaine go far beyond his service as a port commissioner. He served as a teacher in Blaine for about three decades, and was instrumental in the creation of Blaine Marine Park. Jorgensen was born in Spo-

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kane in 1940, and graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1958. After one year at Washington State University, he studied for several more years at Western Washington University, focusing on biology and then geology as part of an education degree. In 1963, he started teaching in Blaine. He spent five years teaching middle school and 25 years teaching high school. He taught courses including geology, ornithology and astronomy, subjects that were rarely taught in other high schools at the time. “I felt like the luckiest teacher in the world, because the administration was favorable to anything that would improve education in Blaine,” said Jorgensen.

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It was as a fisherman that Jorgensen took an interest in the area that is now Blaine Marine Park. “It used to be a landfill, and there were more rats than you would care to know about,” he said. The city of Blaine was s Retired port commissioner Jim Jorgensen. trying to figure out Photo by David Riffle what to do with the land, so Jorgensen approached city council and pro- with the funding and writing of all posed that they put a one-year the grants,” said Jorgensen. After retiring as a teacher in moratorium on development, while he helped raise money and 1994, Jorgensen was encouraged generate interest for the creation to run to be a Port of Bellingham commissioner, an elected office. of a park. With the assistance of Milt “I was asked to run by people in Martin, Jorgensen helped form a Bellingham who knew I was an foundation of about 45 members, environmentalist and saw the which was eventually successful fruits of my labor with the Blaine in securing grant funding to build Marine Park,” he said. Jorgensen was elected with 72 the park. “Milt had a lot of connections in Olympia, and he helped percent of the vote, and went on to serve three terms. During Jorgensen’s tenure, he helped oversee Bellingham International Airport’s expansion project and worked to secure funding to clean up the site Serving Breakfast, of the former Georgia-Pacific paLunch & Dinner per mill in Bellingham. 234 D St. • Blaine • I-5 Exit 276 Jorgensen retired as a port comSun-Wed 7am-2pm missioner in December 2015. The Thurs-Sat 7am-7pm decision to rename the Blaine End Pier after Jorgensen was made Locally Owned & Operated by the Gill Family in 2016, by a resolution of the board of commissioners of the Port of Bellingham. The resolution recognized Jorgensen’s “exDaily 7-11 am Thursday 3-7 pm emplary leadership,” his service Banana pancake with strawberry Prime rib dip as a teacher, his contribution to topping & whip cream, egg & bacon Buy one, get one FREE $ the construction of Blaine Marine With mimosa or Bloody Mary $ Park and his active involvement in Friday 3-7 pm Blaine civic activities. 8 oz Big Al’s Prime Rib Due to being diagnosed with With glass of wine $ Parkinson’s and post-polio synSun-Wed 11 am-2 pm drome, Jorgensen can no longer Half turkey or ham sandwich Saturday 3-7 pm do the fishing, golfing and huntwith cup of soup or green salad 8 oz steak side & garlic bread $ ing that he used to enjoy. But he With glass of wine or beer plans to participate in the Wings $ Thu-Sat 11 am-3 pm Over Water festival, which he New Hawaiian chicken burger helped start about 17 years ago $ when it was the Brant Festival. With beer One free kid’s menu meal per He also enjoys spending time with Patricia, his wife of 55 years. adult entrée purchase. Kids His son, Chris, lives in Blaine, and 2-12. Every Thursday & Friday, Thurs-Sat 3-7pm his daughter, MaryAnne, lives in 2pm-7pm. Cannot be used or Cocktails $ Japan. “I have a great family,” he combined with other specials or said. “I’ve retired three times, so Wings & Beer $ discounts now I look forward to spending time with them and maybe writing a book.”

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Jorgensen, who twice won state science teacher of the year, was known for the field trips he took students on. With his ninth graders, he would go to eastern Washington to study the rock formations there that were the result of the ice age. “The highlight was seeing all the enthusiasm on the kids’ faces, because many of them had never been there,” he said. In 1968, while still a teacher, Jorgensen started a salmon charter business. In the summertime, he would take clients out on his boats and furnish them with fishing rods and other equipment. “The first year, I made 18 trips,” he said. “I didn’t know there would be that much business.” Over the years, his clients included Arnold Palmer, who went out fishing with Jorgensen in 1987 while he was in town for the dedication of the Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club. Palmer caught a 27-pound king salmon.

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March 7-13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

New card game for birders to debut at Wings Over Water festival By Jami Makan Two friends from Washington state have created a new birding-themed card game, which they plan to launch at this year’s Wings Over Water festival. Jeff Morgenroth and Jeremy Schwartz have created Backyard Birding, a card game that celebrates birding and is designed to be fast-paced, fair and rewarding for players of all ages and skill levels. Backyard Birding is a simple resource-collecting game where players attract birds to their “yard” with cards that represent different backyard features and food items, such as wetlands and seeds. Birds are attracted for points, and the player with the most points at the end of a round wins. Backyard Birding grew out of another game that Morgenroth previously designed. The old game was an animal rescue-themed game that featured animals of all types. Morgenroth later met Schwartz, his coworker in Bothell and an experienced birder, and decided to rework the initial game after the two became close friends. “I thought to myself, ‘Could I change the animal game to be bird-themed, and if so, would

Jeremy be interested in helping?’” said Morgenroth. “So I approached Jeremy and told him about the game, and we played the original version. That same night, we ended up changing the rules and figuring out how to transform it.” Whereas Morgenroth is relatively new to birding, Schwartz is a birding enthusiast who keeps a running “life list” of the rare birds that he has seen. “I have always been into nature and natural sciences,” said Schwartz, a former editor of The Northern Light. “There is something appealing about the treasure-hunting aspect of birding – you never know what you’re going to see.” After testing the game and revising it several times, the pair decided to introduce the game to others. During summer 2018, they hosted a barbecue and invited 25 friends and family members. Five or six groups played the game on separate tables, while the pair sat quietly and watched people interact. “It was encouraging to see people who have never played the game before, and never would have been into birds get really excited about it,” said Morgenroth. “That was a pretty gratifying experience.” After fine-tuning the game even more, the pair are finally

ready to release it to the public. They have decided to do this by means of a Kickstarter campaign. Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that allows people to make pledges to back creative ideas and inventions. “If we get enough pledges on our Kickstarter page, we’ll have the funds to take the game to our manufacturer, who is on standby,” explained Morgenroth. “They will then push the print button, and we’ll mail out the game to our supporters.” For every pledge, the team plans to donate one dollar to the Seattle Audubon Society to further the group’s conservation efforts. The game includes 38 bird cards representing many of the most common species of the Pacific Northwest, eight surprise cards that will come up during play, 50 backyard cards representing the habitat and food sources birds need, four season cards that tell which birds are in season and worth the most points, two reference cards to help with the essential rules and a rule book. A six-sided dice is also required for play, but is not included with the product. Their goal is a short run of 500 copies. “We don’t want to promise 20,000 copies and start a small

s Jeff Morgenroth, l., and Jeremy Schwartz, r., inventors of the Backyard Birding card game.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Schwartz

business. But if this is successful, we’re totally ready to have a second run printed,” said Schwartz. If there is enough public interest, they are also willing to design regional variations of the game, for example adding a “Southeast” version featuring birds from that region of the United States. Morgenroth and Schwartz will be at the Wings Over Water festival with a booth on March 16. “We’ve got some space lined up and some demo copies of the game, and the plan is to have a

laptop so that people can Kickstart right there,” said Schwartz. Later in the day, at 3 p.m., the pair will also be hosting a small panel to discuss ways to get more people into birding. The pair are excited about the game they have created. “At the core we wanted this to be educational,” said Schwartz. “We wanted to make people more aware of the birds that they see every day, and that these wonderful little creatures are everywhere if you look hard enough.”

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Facilities ... From page 1

REBATES STARTING AT and make sure that the policy procedure that we’re working with meets the needs of the community.” The district’s current policy separates school facility users into three groups, each with a different fee structure for using the facilities. School and child-related groups such as athletic teams and 4-H clubs can use school facilities for the cost of overtime pay to a school district custodian, unless their use doesn’t require a

custodian to work overtime. Nonprofit groups must pay a fee of between $20 and $100, depending on what they’re using, for two hours. The cost for businesses and other commercial groups ranges from $40 to $200 for two hours. The school district presented a draft of the policy at the February 25 meeting that includes some updates recommended by the Washington State School Directors’ Association – groups using

the facilities must comply with the district’s anti-discrimination policies, for example. The district plans to present a new policy draft, informed by the February 25 meeting, at an April 29 school board meeting. “I think we heard you clearly tonight that you want greater access, greater flexibility and more opportunities for kids in the community,” district superintendent Ron Spanjer said at the end of the work session.

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The Northern Light • March 7-13, 2019

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, 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.

Rawganique deck will soon open to customers

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com

s The newly finished deck at Cafe Rawganique, 429 Peace Portal Drive, will soon open to customers. The cafe plans to serve craft beer and organic wine, and is working on a summer menu to accompany and complement the drinks.

Photo by Quo Yong Fu, Rawganique

Editor Jami Makan jami@pointrobertspress.com

Letters

Copy Editor Aly Siemion aly@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Gwen Roley prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Adam Albert sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com

The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXIV, No 37 Circulation: 10,500 copies

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Next issue: Mar. 14 Ads due: Mar. 8

The Editor: Sadly, Blaine will be losing a wonderful business when Ny and his wife Sam close their Blaine Jewelry Source store. I have had many watch batteries replaced over the years by Ny and he has fixed the prongs on several rings. Ny and his wife always greet you with a smile and remember your name if you’ve been a repeat customer. Ny will be closing at the end of April due to his cancer diagnosis. I’d like to suggest if you have any watches that need batteries or jewelry that needs a “tune up,” you stop by and talk to Ny and Sam. You won’t regret the convenience of getting work done locally instead of driving to Bellingham. Oh, a trick to keep your watch batteries lasting longer: pull out the stem on the watch to stop it running and simply push it back in and reset the time. Anne Freeman Blaine The Editor: I want to give a thank you to True Value Hardware on Bell Road for their customer service. During the recent cold spell some of our pipes froze and once they thawed, pipes had broken. This was beyond my novice handyman skills, so we called our plumber. After not having water for three days until our plumber could make it out and after hours of the plumber working and me being in a filthy crawl space under the house, we found we had more damage than we expected, which was very disappointing. After such a stressful week of no water and many dollars’ worth of plumbing that still needed to be done, I found that I needed an additional faucet cover for outside as

I used the current ones on my new plumbing problem. I called True Value Hardware at 5:53 p.m. and asked what time they closed and if they had faucet covers and they said 6 p.m. and they had faucet covers – I told them I would be rushing over. Since it is a 10 minute drive to True Value from my house, I thought I would arrive after they closed, but I had to try. I arrived and two employees were closing the gate, I asked “Are you guys closed?” They said, “Are you here for faucet covers? We’re waiting for you.” I went in and found three other employees waiting, and they said “We all talked about it and figured we could wait a little bit for you so you don’t have frozen pipes.” (They had no idea of the plumbing problems at home.) I thanked them and told them briefly about my water situation and let them know that staying open an extra few minutes was the best thing that happened to me all week. I really appreciate the extra effort they gave staying open late to help me out. I have always had that kind of customer service at True Value and appreciate the work they do! Thank you for your customer service and your commitment to the people of Blaine! Eric Davidson Blaine The Editor: For some odd reason – over the past few decades, even with a supposedly more technically advanced population, we have allowed and accepted the least technically capable individuals to direct and even demand how we solve the more pressing technical issues confronting us. For example, renewable energy. However, if you are really interested or

concerned about this issue, there is a very recent article on the subject, presented by a seriously committed environmentalist, Michael Shellenberger, available at the following link: quillette.com/2019/02/27/ why-renewables-cant-save-the-planet/. It is void of emotion and politics, and provides the reader a remarkable understanding of the core issues relative to electrical energy solutions. Peter Werner Blaine The Editor: At the time of the Blaine Christmas Tree Lighting in the old Goff store we presented the “Blaine History Mini-museum.” I told stories of old Blaine and presented historic digital photos and digital copies of the old Blaine Journal. The Mini-Museum lasted for three weekends. It was well received by our neighbors and visitors. I was asked a number of times: is there going to be a place that they could in the future view this history of Blaine? In the last two days at least 24 people signed a statement asking for a Blaine Museum. My status on archiving the Blaine Journal should be completed using all the papers I have received by people in Blaine, the Goff family and the Ferndale Record Journal. I do have another source I hope will fill in what I am lacking. I now ask for anybody who has copies of the Blaine journal to call me at 360/739-1028 so I can fill in what I do not have digitized. If anyone would like to join me in preserving the sto(Continued on next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

March 7-13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com (Continued from previous page)

The Editor: This is in reply to Mr. Brechnitz letter. I have almost 50 years’ experience serving on HOA boards and will refer to the RCW laws as they apply. I believe holding the matter in an “executive session” was the appropriate venue. However, the agenda for that council meeting posted on their website must include that an executive session will be held since that is the proper place. RCW 64.38.035 (4) covers this in more detail. But I believe due to the significance of this matter, after the meeting concluded, discloser of this matter should have been made public immediately with a very detailed explanation of their actions. The latter part of his (7) covers this and not sure whether it was malfeasance or not, as that is a legal matter that the public can initiate to find out who is responsible to the public for failure to disclose. I applaud the installation of a round-a-bout on Grandview and Kickerville. With another rounda-bout at Blaine Road it would make the road safer should the county drivers decide to obey the traffic laws regarding speeding and yielding right of way at a round-a-bout. My hope is that the county will emulate the Wash-

ington action and install a rounda-bout at Kickerville and Birch Bay-Lynden Road as there is a four-way stop sign at Blaine Road. I am puzzled about the creation of a golf cart zone specifically on Bay Road between Jackson and Blaine roads. The speed limit used to be 35 mph and 80 percent plus of the drivers ignored it and drove 45 mph or more, so creating a 25 mph serves no purpose as I have yet to see one golf cart on that road and drivers continue to drive much too fast. Maybe Doralee Booth or Kathy Berg can correct this mistake. As to the Democrats celebrating the mid-election win, Trump lost far fewer seats in Congress in his first term than Obama and Clinton did and it was not even close. So, these liberals have nothing to celebrate. Mickey Masdeo Blaine The Editor: Earth is a living planet, a living being. Because of the sheer number of human beings on earth today and because of human use and misuse of earth’s natural systems and resources, earth herself is being threatened. It is difficult for me to understand denial of climate change. It is so important that we all become informed about how human activity affects earth, like the use of and the effect of “freons” or refrigerants on the

Unless noted, all meetings are held at City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000 and are open to the public. Agendas can be found on the City’s website.

Monday, March 11 5pm – Study Session – Proposed B&O Tax

6pm – Regular City Council Meeting

Thursday, March 14 9 am – Parks and Cemetery Board Thursday, March 14 10 am – Public Works Advisory Committee Location: PW 1200 Yew Ave.

Thursday, March 14 7 pm – Planning Commission meeting - CANCELLED

Tuesday, March 19 8 am – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee – DATE CHANGED TO THE 19th U.S. PASSPORTS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

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guidelines, please go online and visit thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com/contest. Winning poets will be notified by phone or email by the end of April. According to the contest website, the contest is named for Sue Crocker Boynton, an early resident of Whatcom County who helped organize Bellingham’s PTAs and St. Luke’s Hospital Assistance League.

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Whatcom County residents can submit a poem to the 2019 Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest during March. Now in its 14th year, the free contest is open to people of all ages and experience levels. Two Bellingham poets, Jessica Lohafer and Christopher Patton, will pick 25 winners, who will have an opportunity to read their poems at a free awards ceremony on May 16 at 7 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Avenue and will be hosted by the Bellingham poet Kevin Murphy. The winning entries will be displayed inside WTA buses, and 10 of the winning poems will also be displayed on a plaque outside the Bellingham Public Library. The deadline to submit a poem is 6 p.m. on March 31. Poems can be submitted by email to BoyntonPoetryContest@hotmail.com. If submitting by email, poems should be attached as a Word document titled with the name of the poem. Alternatively, poems can be mailed to Boynton Poetry Contest, P.O. Box 1192, Bellingham, Washington 98227 or delivered to Mindport Exhibits (210 W. Holly Street) or Film is Truth (1419 Cornwall Avenue, Suite B) during business hours. For the full list of submission

ozone layer some 50 years ago, causing “holes” in the ozone layer, a layer which protects us from harmful radiation from the sun. Freons are now banned. Or like deforestation of the rainforests by humans and the use of fossil fuels by humans, both of which have increased the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere which in turn has resulted in acidification of our oceans which is harmful to coral reefs and the plankton at the base of the food chain. Also earth is warmer, leading to a melting of glaciers and large masses of sea ice which in turn is contributing to a rise in sea level and in a change in habitat for other earthly beings. And what is causing the extremes in weather we have been having around the world over the last few years? I am a senior citizen and will likely not be here 20 years from now, but my/our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be. Do we care about the quality of life they will experience? Climate change is not a political issue. Science is the basis of understanding and treating human health and science is the basis of understanding and responding to earth’s health. The care of all of earth is a spiritual imperative and we must become knowledgeable and concerned about earth’s pollution and climate change. Kay Burrough Birch Bay

3rd St.

The Editor: Conservatives Speak Out. You may have heard about the conservative movement titled #walkawaycampaign. Finally, conservatives have an avenue to express their feelings about the biased press spreading misinformation, repressed free speech, hate speech toward President Trump and social media (Facebook) removing conservative ideas. The resist movement gained momentum from the press, social media, newspapers and local news and T.V. stations. Although it is unlikely the conservative movement will have a backing such as that, let’s hope it will at least receive an equal opportunity to express the concerns of its’ followers. It will be interesting to see if indeed our country, founded on (among others) free speech, will be able to adhere to the laws of our constitution and rights of individuals to express their ideas without repercussions. Facebook has already begun a campaign to remove information about #walkawaycampaign from its social media platform. Not surprising. Ways to gain understanding of a different point of view are to listen to and read facts and opinions, have discussions and share experiences from those who take the time to do so. There is no better time than the present to take that opportunity to learn from a differing perspective. Both parties have plenty of information to share, and that’s one way we become informed. The emotional resist movement’s

objective is to impede the president. The conservative #walkaway movement is one based on fact, experience and compassion for those who have a point of view that has been squelched. Let’s give the movement a fair opportunity to have their concerns understood. We stand the chance of broadening our beliefs, understandings, and opinions. Susan Werner Blaine

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The Northern Light • March 7-13, 2019

Sports By Oliver Lazenby

Birch Bay residents find community with Bellingham Roller Betties Roller Derby season is underway, with bouts in Lynden and Bellingham The 2019 season for the Bellingham Roller Betties, the local nonprofit roller derby league, started in January and a growing number of people from Blaine and Birch Bay are getting involved in the contact sport on wheels. Betties’ home bouts are at the Lynden Skateway or Whatcom Community College. The Betties’ next bout starts at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, at Lynden. The sport pits two teams of five skaters against each other on a flat track. Each team has one “jammer” who scores points by passing other skaters. The other skaters use body contact and teamwork to stop the opposing team’s jammer. It’s an action-packed sport, but many get involved for the people rather than the athleticism. Troy Hodges, a 35-yearold Birch Bay resident, started as a derby official last year because his sister, daughter, girlfriend and niece are all part of

the Bellingham Roller Betties. His daughter skates in the Subdued City Rollers junior league, and Hodges joined to be an official. Though he doesn’t skate, he still found a family with the league. “I haven’t seen camaraderie like this since I was in the service,” said Hodges, whose derby name is Boom Cookie, a reference to his artillery job in the military. “When one player goes down, the entire team takes a knee.” Kira Lachapelle, 25, also a Birch Bay resident, started the sport this year and is working on passing the skills test that the league requires before a skater can compete in bouts. “I’m not really a sports person so it wasn’t the athletic part of it that interested me, it was the community,” she said. “They’re all wonderful people and they’re very inclusive.” The league consists of an allstar team that competes against derby teams from other regions,

and several local teams that play each other throughout the local season, which begins on March 30 with a double-header at Whatcom Community College. Tickets to most bouts are $10 for adults and $6 for kids aged 8–12. Kids seven and under get in free. Spectators don’t need to know all the rules to enjoy roller derby, said Roller Betties marketing manager Cynthia French. “One of the fun things is you don’t have to know what’s going on out there, you’ll learn as you watch.” she said. “Once you know what to look for, it’s even better.” Learn more at bellinghamrollerbetties.com.

s Birch Bay resident Kira Lachapelle joined the Bellingham Roller Betties this year. She goes by the derby name Zero Foxx Given. Photo by Nick Sadigh/courtesy of Bellingham Roller Betties.

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s Birch Bay resident Troy Hodges, a Bellingham Roller Betties official, goes by the derby name Boom Cookie.

Photo by Nick Sadigh/courtesy of Bellingham Roller Betties.

March 7-13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

s The Blaine School Board recognized high school athletes with sportsmanship awards for winter sports at a February 25 meeting. From left: boys wrestling award winner Aidan Button, assistant wrestling coach Nate Button, girls wrestling award winner Josy Delgadillo, boys basketball coach Brett Farrar, boys basketball award winner Adam Vega, girls basketball award winner Emma Mulryan, girls basketball coach Ryan Pike, cheer award winner Shelby Freeman, cheer advisor Christina Beson.

Photo by Oliver Lazenby

Blaine soccer faces low turnout and looks to rebuild After a successful season, sports coaches can often expect excitement surrounding their sport to bring more athletes into the program the following year. For Blaine High School boys soccer, it didn’t work out that way. Though Blaine soccer had its first winning season in a decade last year, finishing with a 7–6–3 record overall and earning a trip to the playoffs, only 16 came out for soccer this spring. That’s not even enough to have a junior varsity team. “Why? That’s been my question to myself and my team for the last week,” head coach Gio Quesada said. “It’s a cycle. There was a generation of soccer players and they graduated. I’m OK with that. That’s high school life.” That will make this season an uphill battle, and a chance to rebuild. Of the returning athletes, six are seniors: Bryce Kamrath, Alex Mercado, Nicholas Wheaton, Michael Hayes, Danyil Tkachov and Brittain Solomon. Solomon played backup goalkeeper last year and will be Blaine’s full-time goalie

this year. That’s more than half the field, and those seniors all contributed to Blaine’s success last year. But to win games this season, they’ll need to mesh with the new players; freshmen make up nearly one third of the team. To do that, Quesada stresses communication. “When ever you have a lot of new players you need to blend everyone together. I think communications will be key – working together, moving together.” Quesada said. “And effort: when you’re new and you lose some games and get down, that’s when the older guys come in and say ‘come on dude, let’s keep going.’” With communication, effort and a focus on defense, Quesada expects his small team will win some games and be competitive. Blaine soccer plays its first game at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, against Ferndale at Phillips 66 Soccer Park. The team’s first home game is at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18 against Anacortes.

s Blaine senior Bryce Kamrath dribbles around an opponent during a drill at a March 4 practice at Pipeline Fields. Photo by Oliver Lazenby

s Five members of the Blaine Barracudas club wrestling team placed in the Washington State Wrestling Association Folkstyle State tournament in Tacoma on February 17. Barracuda wrestlers pictured from left to right: Kole Shelton, Cooper Smith, Axel Shelton, Aidyn Hancock (sixth place), Avery Hancock (seventh place) Otto Shelton (sixth place), Curtis Hume (third place), and Noxx Briner (fifth place). The BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 sponsored the team’s trip to Tacoma.

Photo courtesy of Josie Shelton

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The Northern Light • March 7-13, 2019

HEALTH & WELLNESS Encouraging happy, healthy lives!

Pay attention to your mental health By Maureen M. B u c k l e y , LM H C Do you pay attention to your mental health? Wellness is how you think, what you eat and drink, your genetics, your attitude, your lifestyle. Depression and anxiety can lead to suicidal thoughts. Substance abuse can make it worse. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Almost 45,000 people die by suicide each year. For every completed suicide, 25 people attempt to end their lives. People describe how they feel when they learn of a completed suicide. “It was a gut punch. I don’t understand why. He had everything to live for.” And loved ones live with this untimely death in a personal hell of grief and devastation. How do you recover from the death of your young daughter or son? Or your mother? Or your grandparent? As you read this, you may be aware that you have suicidal thoughts. You say to yourself that your loved ones would be better

off without you, or that you have become a burden, or that there is no hope. You wonder if you are a bad person because you failed a job or as a parent or your marriage. The internal emotional state is that you are alone, that you have no reason to go on, that the world would be better off without you. If you add drug abuse or alcohol abuse into the mix, you increase the likelihood of having these thoughts and making an impulsive attempt to end your life. If those words fit you, then it is depression that is guiding your thoughts. The thinking patterns of depression become so normal that it is hard to tell that the thoughts are actually toxic. In other words, the sadness or self-destructive thinking is just the way it is and has been for a long time so it feels normal. But it is not normal. What we now know is that those thoughts can be changed. Depression and anxiety can be treated and things can get better. What should you do if you feel suicidal or if you know someone who is thinking about ending his or her life?

Counseling helps and the research says that the combination of therapy and medications can be very successful. If you are struggling, please contact your insurance company and ask for local providers that you can see through their system. The phone numbers are on the back of your insurance card. A passive approach to your mental health will not give you a positive outcome. Pay attention to what the experts say about what you eat and what you put into your body. Exercise so that you can release endorphins to create a positive feeling in your body. Don’t isolate. Learn from TED Talks. Play music that you love. Practice your religious beliefs. A safety plan is critical. This is a collaborative effort to create an immediate support system. It is different from what used to be called a “no suicide contract.” This is created by the suffering person with the help of family, friends, and professionals to have a personalized response plan for the tough days. Sometimes when you are depressed, it takes too much energy to make a call or to get to an ap-

pointment. This is when a loved one or trusted friend can offer to take you, to sit with you in the session or in the lobby, and then take you home. Whatcom County has a 24hour crisis line and they are friendly and helpful. Please call them. Whatcom County Crisis Line: 800/584-3578. Mental Health Treatment Access Line: 888/693-7200. Suicide research shows that the more you think about suicide, the more likely you are to make an attempt. Sometimes life gives us more than what we think we can handle, but if you get help life can be livable and enjoyable again. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800/2738255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. If you are using/abusing drugs or alcohol, please think twice about your personal risk factors and your friends and family. Unintentional or intentional overdoses have devastating effects on your loved ones. Addiction is described as cunning, powerful and baffling. We have members

in our community who are in recovery and who would be happy to help. The 12-step world is there for you 24/7. More resources: –imhurting.org –Text “Start” to 425/258-4357 There are also some great apps that have been designed to help people of all ages, some are listed below. Download them. No doubt there are many others. –MY3 can be downloaded at your app store. It originated in New York City and teaches people how to create a safety plan as well as other important resources. It will also connect you to 911. –ReliefLink is developed by Emory University. It has a mood tracker, safety planning, emergency resources and much more. –Youper - AI Mindfulness describes itself as an Emotional Health Assistant. This app gets great reviews and looks very useful. –My Life My Voice Mood Journal is a part of a project sponsored by The Boys Town National Hotline. The toll-free number is available to kids, teens, and young adults anytime. Call 800/448-3000, you can start a text or chat as well.

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Noon to 1:30 p.m. Live Raptor Presentation: “Hunters of the Sky” by Sardis Raptor Center Where: Blaine Middle School Cafeteria • 975 H Street Cost: Free Exciting opportunity to have up-close encounters with many birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles. Sponsored by Bob & Lois Franco.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Birding Walk at Semiahmoo Where: Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum parking lot. 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine Cost: Free Come along on a guided walk led by David Drummond along a portion of the Semiahmoo Spit.

March 7-13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

Encouraging happy, healthy lives!

HEALTH

& WELLNESS

Discuss testicular cancer with your doctor, say experts Testicular cancer is not common, but it does affect about one out of every 250 males at some point in their lifetimes, states the American Cancer Society. The average age at the time of diagnosis of testicular cancer is about 33. Unfortunately, the rate of testicular cancer, at least in the United States, increased over the last several decades, particularly in seminomas. It is important to note that testicular cancer can usually be treated successfully, so the risk of dying from the disease is very low. Still, it is important to discuss risk factors with one’s doctor, alerting physicians to any abnormalities in the testes or during urination, which may indicate a problem.

mind, manifesting itself physically in various ways. The Mayo Clinic reports that common physical side effects of stress include headache, muscle tension or pain, including chest pain, fatigue and a change in sex drive. An upset stomach also may be a byproduct of stress. People dealing with stress may even have trouble sleeping. Behavioral side effects Behavior also can be affected by stress, which may cause some people to abuse drugs or alcohol. Some may even turn

Welcoming new patients Birch Bay Family Medicine

The effects of stress on your body Stress affects people of all ages from all walks of life. Though work is a primary source of stress for many people, a recent survey from the American Psychological Association found that stress is more than just work-related. In its 2017 “Stress in America” survey, the APA found that the future of the nation, money and violence and crime were significant sources of stress for more than half of survey participants. That’s a dangerous notion, as the Mayo Clinic notes that the effects of the stress on the human body are considerable. Though everyone experiences and responds to stress differently, these are some of the more common effects of stress, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic. Mental side effects Stress can have an adverse effect on mood and has even been linked to depression, which the World Health Organization reports is the leading cause of disability across the globe. People suffering from stress also may experience anxiety, restlessness and feelings of being overwhelmed. In addition, stress can compromise a person’s ability to focus, adversely affecting a person’s ability to complete their work-related tasks. That’s not insignificant, as 61 percent of respondents in the 2017 “Stress in America” survey reported that work was a significant source of their stress. Physical side effects Stress affects more than the

to tobacco, either becoming a smoker or smoking more if they’re already smokers. Smoking has been linked to a host of negative physical side effects, including an increased risk of developing cancer. Angry outbursts, social withdrawal and overeating or undereating are some additional potential side effects of stress on the body. Coping strategies can be highly effective at alleviating stress and its negative side effects. Learn more about such strategies at stress.org.

Dr. Embree is new to Birch Bay. She looks forward to meeting you and learning more about our great community! Leah Embree, MD

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The Northern Light â&#x20AC;¢ March 7-13, 2019

2019 BORDERITE SPRING SPORTS Baseball

DATE OPPONENT TIME 3/12 Squalicum 4:30 pm 3/14 Mariner 4:30 pm 3/15 Archbishop Murphy 4:30 pm 3/19 Sedro-Woolley 4 pm 3/20 Nooksack Valley 4:30 pm 3/22 Anacortes 4:30 pm 3/26 Lynden 4 pm 3/28 Ferndale 4:30 pm 4/1 Bellingham 7 pm 4/2 Squalicum 4:30 pm 4/5 Mark Morris 4 pm 4/6 Mark Morris 12 pm 4/9 Lakewood 4:30 pm 4/10 Sehome 6:45 pm 4/12 Mount Baker 4:30 pm 4/15 Lynden Christian 4:30 pm 4/17 Meridian 4:30 pm 4/19 Nooksack Valley 4:30 pm 4/23 Sedro-Woolley 4:30 pm 4/25 Burlington-Edison 4 pm Post season schedule is not yet available

SITE JM Pipeline Pipeline Janicki Pipeline Pipeline LHS Pipeline JMartin Pipeline MMHS MMHS Pipeline SHS Pipeline LCHS Pipeline NVHS Pipeline BEHS VBF

Softball

DATE OPPONENT TIME 3/14 Nooksack Valley 4:30 pm 3/15 Ferndale 4 pm 3/19 Meridian 4 pm 3/22 Anacortes 4:30 pm 3/23 Meridian 12 pm 3/26 Lynden 4 pm 3/29 Ferndale 4:30 pm 4/4 Tenino 4:30 pm 4/5 Centralia 4:30 pm 4/8 Bellingham 4:30 pm 4/11 Squalicum 4:30 pm 4/16 Lakewood 4:30 pm 4/19 Sehome 4:30 pm 4/23 Mount Baker 4:30 pm 4/25 Lynden Christian 4:30 pm 4/30 Meridian 4:30 pm 5/3 Nooksack Valley 4:30 pm 5/7 Sedro-Woolley 4:30 pm 5/9 Burlington-Edison 4 pm 5/9 Burlington-Edison 6 pm Post season schedule is not yet available

Girls Tennis

DATE 3/15 3/14 3/15 3/18 3/20 3/22 3/25 3/27 4/10 4/12 4/15 4/17 4/19 4/22 4/24 4/29 5/3 5/4,6-8

OPPONENT Lakewood Granite Falls Sehome Squalicum Lynden Ferndale Sedro-Woolley Anacortes Bellingham Burlington-Edison Sehome Squalicum Lynden Ferndale Sedro-Woolley Lakewood North Sub-Districts TBD

TIME 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 5 pm 3:30 pm 3:45 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm

SITE Pipeline FHS MHS Pipeline MHS LHS Pipeline THS BrstPk BHS Pipeline Pipeline Geri Pipeline LCMS Pipeline NVMS Pipeline BEHS PF BEHS PF

SITE LWHS Home Home SqualHS Home FHS Home AHS BHS Home WCC Home LMS Home SWHS Home Home

This page sponsored by:

Girls Golf DATE 3/20 3/26 3/28 4/9 4/16 4/23 4/30 5/7 5/13-14

OPPONENT Semiahmoo - 9 holes Homestead - 9 holes Whatcom County Championship Sudden Valley - 9 holes Camaloch - 18 holes Loomis - 18 holes Avalon - 18 holes Skagit - 18 holes District 1 & 2 Championships

TIME 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm TBD

Boys Golf

DATE OPPONENT TIME 3/11 Cougar Invite 12 pm 3/18 N Bellingham - 18 holes 2 pm 3/23 Jack Barnes Memorial 10 am 3/26 Semiahmoo 18-holes 2 pm 3/28 Birger Solberg 12:30 pm 3/30 Joe Lenberg Tournament 10 am 4/9 Triple 6 3 pm 4/12 Gleneagle - 18 holes 3 pm 4/15 N Bellingham - 18 holes 3 pm 4/25 Avalon - 18 holes 3 pm 4/30 Sudden Valley - 18 holes 3 pm 5/7 Lake Padden - 18 holes 3 pm Post season schedule is not yet available

Track DATE 3/13 3/22 3/27 4/6 4/13 4/17 4/25 5/1 5/10 5/15,17 5/23-24

OPPONENT SW, Lyn, NV Bedlington Invitational Lakewood, Meridian Birger Solberg Invitational Mountlake Terrace Invite NWC Tournament Lyn, LC, MB Mer, Sqal 2A Sub-Districts North 2A District Championship 2A State Meet

Boys Soccer

SITE Canby, OR NBGC TLGC Semiahmoo BGCC Apple Avalon Gleneagle NBGC Avalon Padden Padden

TIME 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm TBD 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm

DATE OPPONENT TIME 3/12 Ferndale 4 pm 3/14 Sedro-Woolley 7 pm 3/15 Granite Falls 6 pm 3/18 Anacortes 4:30 pm 3/20 Lynden 4:30 pm 3/23 Squalicum 4:30 pm 3/26 Ferndale 4:30 pm 3/28 Bellingham 7:15 pm 4/9 Lakewood 4:30 pm 4/10 Sehome 4:30 pm 4/12 Mount Baker 4:30 pm 4/16 Lynden Christian 4:30 pm 4/18 Meridian 4:30 pm 4/23 Nooksack Valley 4:30 pm 4/25 Sedro-Woolley 4:30 pm 4/29 Burlington-Edison 6:30 pm Post season schedule is not yet available BOLD = Home Games Schedules may change due to weather Check www.nwcathletics.com

Unified Soccer

Schedule not available at press time Check www.nwcathletics.com

SITE Semiahmoo HstdGC Shuksan SudValGC Camaloch Loomis Avalon SGCG SkagitGCC

SITE SWHS LHS Home Civic EdmdsStd Civic MBHS MHS Civic LWHS

SITE Phillips SWHS GFHS Pipeline Bender Pipeline Pipeline BHS Pipeline Phillips Pipeline Bender Pipeline NVE Pipeline BEHS KF

March 7-13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

NEXT ISSUE: March 14 AD DEADLINE: March 11

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BELLINGHAM www.WhatcomHomeBuilder.com 1512 N State •St. • 360-734-3840 • Crew Cab Pickup Sport Utility • 6-Speed Auto w/OD • 6-Speed Auto w/OD CallLicUs#ForDESIGBL934JL A Free Estimate Turbo V-6 Turbo $13,280 • I-4Intercooled $24,582 • Twin $39,333 LYNDEN 2.7 L/164 2.0 L/121 Lic # DESIGBL934JL MSRP: $42,725 407 19th St. • 360-354-3232 Savings: $7,735 LouisAutoGlass.com VIN#:1FADP3E28HL231012

• 4-Door • I-4 2.0 L/122

Get listed in this Guide!

Landscaping

360-201-3464 Decks & Porches

Louis Auto Glass

Since 1908 Diehl Ford has been providing excellent customer sales and service. 360-734-2640 / Dealership 800-628-9331 Diehl Ford is proud to be known as the that does things the right way!

A Diehl You Can Count On

Stk# 7FT5223

VIN#: 1FMCU9G92HUD41619

Stk# 7FT5240

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A Diehl You Can Count On

Since 1929, Louis Auto Glass has been the leading auto & residential glass company serving Northwest Washington. The Adelstein family has owned & operated the company for four generations. Quality workmanship & customer satisfaction has remained as strong as ever.

A Diehl You Can Count On

Computer

OPEN: Mon-Fri 6am - 6pm

Now Enrolling 1 month - 12 years old Full-time and part-time preschool options.

Call today! 360-332-7135

Cleaning CLEANING SPECIAL. 4 hours for $120 (1st time only). Professional cleaning, we do it all. 360-527-0555. www. marthascleaning.com. WINDOW WASHING Residential and Commercial. Licensed, Insured, Experienced. Call Wade 360-384-8888.

A+ Cleaning Service WE CLEAN IT ALL!

Ask about our Specials!

Residential, business, new construction & move-outs. Very Affordable. Call Lisa for a free estimate.

360-318-3345 360-371-0172

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

24/7 Emergency Service

(360) 318-9795

ascendingtreeservice@gmail.com

AscendingTreeService.com Licensed, Bonded & Insured Lic. #ASCENTS835Q7

28 Years Experience Licensed & bonded W

Kendall’s Tree Service ,LLC

Mark St. Germaine C

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3 Year Guarantee on all work No Job Too Big or Small Free Estimates

I New Construction • Remodeling • Roofing • Siding Windows & Doors • Fencing • Drywall • Painting Lic # CCINTEGCN869DD

MORE Smiles Learning Center

Serving all of Whatcom County

Integrity Contracting N.W. LLC

icnwllc@comcast.net

Child Care

Ron 360-739-5097

Bathrooms & Kitchens

AUTO GLASS 2017 Ford Escape EW 2017 Ford F-150 XLT NEW SE 4WD N

2017 Ford Focus S Sedan

1820 James St. •Quality Bellingham Factory-Certified Parts & Service Dept.

• Remodel & Home Repairs • All Phases of Carpentry • Kitchen & Bathrooms • Doors & Windows • Decks & Porches • Drywall & Textures • Painting • Rot Repair We get it done! Lic #A1HanHp962MH

Remodels•& Commercial Additions Residential

At Rairdon’s of Bellingham you’ll find a wide assortment of new and pre-owned vehicles, a professional service department, financial assistance and more.

NEW & USED CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS, HYBRIDS

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360-354-2129

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Kitchens & Baths • Custom & Spec Homes Decks, Garages & Additions

NEW CARS

HINTON

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Specializing in Renovations & New Construction

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360-393-8246 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.

360-332-1777

Plus Newstands in: Bellingham • Ferndale Custer • Birch Bay Semiahmoo • Blaine

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PLUS, your ad appears ONLINE FOR FFREE at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds

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Construction

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GREAT ST. PATTY’S DAY ITEMS

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Landscape Clean Ups • Mowing • Pruning • Weeding Landscape Installation • Mulch • Gravel • Dirt • Dump Runs • Pressure Washing & More! *ELITELM817BB

360-296-4824

www.EliteLandscapeExcavation.com

Painting

Brush Strokes Painting Company Interior • Exterior Plus Doors, Cabinets & Trim

CORY LOGAN 360-296-1002

Public Notices IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: WILLIAM STANLEY CUMMINS, Deceased. No. 19-4-00107-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS: March 1, 2019 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: March 4, 2019 NAME OF ADMINISTRATOR: CINDY MAXWELL ATTORNEY FOR ADMINISTRATORS: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202, Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: March 1, 2019 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL

ADVERTISE YOUR GARAGE SALE! 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.

Legal SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON, IN THE COUNTY OF PIERCE. IN RE PARENTING AND SUPPORT OF: CHILDREN: JALEN CROWDER PETITIONER (person who started this case): ASHLEY NORTHCOTT AND RESPONDENT (other parent): JOE LOUIS PIERRE CROWDER III SUMMONS: Notice about Petition for Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support TO THE RESPONDENT: The Petitioner started a case asking for a parenting and/ or support order for the children listed above. You must respond in writing for the court to consider your side. DEADLINE! Your Response must be served on the Petitioner within 20 days of the date you were served this Summons (60 days if you were served outside of Washington State). If the case has been filed, you must also file your Response by the same deadline. If you do not serve and file your Response or a Notice of Appearance by the deadline: No one has to notify you about other hearings in this case, and The court may approve the Petitioner’s requests without hearing your side (called a default judgment). FOLLOW THESE STEPS: 1. Read the Petition and any other documents you receive with this Summons. These documents explain what the Petitioner is asking for. 2. Fill out the Response to Petition for Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/ or Child Support (form FL Parentage 332). You can get the Response and other forms at: a) The Washington State Courts’ website: www.courts.wa.gov/forms b) The Administrative Office of the Courts – call: (360) 705-5328 c) Washington LawHelp: www.washingtonlawhelp.org, or d) The Superior Court Clerk’s office or county law library (for a fee). 3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the Petitioner at the address below and to any other Respondents. You may use certified mail with return receipt requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5. 4. File your original Response with the court clerk at this address: Superior Court Clerk, PIERCE County, 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, Washington, 98402 5. Lawyer not required: It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one. PETITIONER OR HIS/HER LAWYER FILLS OUT BELOW: Julie Rho, WSBA #36771, Attorney for Ashley Northcott, Petitioner I agree to accept legal papers for this case at my lawyer’s address: 4003 Sixth Avenue, Tacoma, Washington 98406 (If this address changes before the case ends, you must notify all parties and the court clerk in writing. You may use the Notice of Address Change form (FL All Family 120). You must also update your Confidential Information Form (FL All Family 001) if this case involves parentage or child support.) This Summons is issued according to Rule 4.1 of the Superior Court Civil Rules of the State of Washington.

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

corylogan519@yahoo.com

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The Northern Light • March 7-13, 2019

Real Estate

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square St. • I-5 Exit 270, Blaine 360.371.5100

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO

SEMIAHMOO SHORE OPEN HOUSES OPEN DAILY 12 - 5

SEMIAHMOO OPEN HOUSES OPEN SUN 11-1

OPEN DAILY 12 - 5

9432 Turnstone Ln. #33

9436 Turnstone Ln. #35

Semiahmoo Shore’s most affordable Sunrise Home, 2025 Square feet w/luxurious Owners suite on main flr & 2-BR & full bath upstairs. 14’ Vaulted great room. Finished in “Driftwood” design scheme including Linear fireplace, quartz countertops & all appliances included. Wide Plank White Oak Hardwood flooring. Attached Dbl. garage. Miles of beaches & walking trails.Minutes to U.S./Canada Border; under 2-hour drive to Seattle. MLS# 1201035

Semiahmoo Shore 2187 sq. ft. “Sunrise” home w/ soaring 12’10” ceilings in great room & large windows taking full advantage of views over the Open Space meadow & Drayton Harbor. Wide Plank Flooring, Linear FP, quartz countertops, stainless appliance package, dbl. garage w/expoxy floor & Covered patio. Miles of beaches & walking trails connect with this exclusive gated enclave of fine homes. Minutes to US/Canada border. MLS# 1201008

$795,000

$825,000

5600 Sanderling Way $569,000

Nestled right off the 16th green at Semiahmoo, this traditional style home has been upgraded with a slightly European touch. Exceptional quality from the cabinet selection, flooring, and finishes. Tried & true design makes for comfortable living. Vaulted ceiling with large windows make for incredible backyard views. Curb appeal of this property is amazing! Lots of attention to detail in the grounds & consistent maintenance throughout the whole home, inside and out! One of a kind location!

Mike Kent 360-527-8901

Lisa Kent 360-594-8034

OPEN SAT 12:30-3

DIRECTIONS: Exit 270 West on Birch Bay-Lynden Rd., R on Harborview, L on Lincoln Rd., to Semiahmoo Pkwy., Semiahmoo Shore on Left. For more information visit www.SemiahmooShore.com

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

SEMIAHMOO OPEN HOUSES

OPEN SAT & SUN 12-3

5161 Heronswood Dr $719,900

One of a kind Gated community: Heronswood Craftsman, 1st Heronswood home for resale. Newer development with 64 acres +/- including 33 acres in Conservation Easement and a small lake. 2712 sq. ft. 1.05 acre home site, hardwood, granite, stainless, main level living with bonus room over the garage. 3 bd, 2.5 bths, office, 4 car garage, tank-less hot water, quality cabinet package, fenced backyard, aggregate driveway and patio, covered and uncovered composite decking and so much more! See it today!

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

OPEN SUN 1-4

5445 Wood Duck Loop

6844 Holeman Ave

New construction at Semiahmoo! 2 bed, 2 bath + den, mid-century modern style single level home w/ sharp facades & clean lines. Open & expansive, 10’ ceilings, 8’ glass doors, no steps, wide hallways & an 1,105 sqft garage! Space for 5 cars or make the third bay your workout studio, hobby shop, art gallery, you name it! Gourmet Euro-style kitchen w/ grand island. Outdoor rooms w/ gas fireplaces. AC & in-floor radiant heat under Luxury Vinyl Plank & the latest in high efficiency appliances.

New construction @ Semiahmoo! 2 bed 2.5 bath + den, mid-century modern style single level home w/ sharp facades & clean lines. Open & expansive, 10’ ceilings, 8’ glass doors, no steps, wide hallways, the perfect ‘forever home’. Gourmet kitchen w/ grand island & butler pantry. Signature outdoor rooms w/ gas fireplace. Mother-in law suite. Enjoy AC & in-floor radiant heat under Luxury Vinyl Plank. Super high efficiency appliances & materials. 4 car garage, perfect for storage or hobby space.

New construction @ Semiahmoo! 3 bed 3 bath + den, mid-century modern style single level home w/ sharp facades & clean lines. Open & expansive, 10’ ceilings, 8’ glass doors, no steps, wide hallways make this a perfect ‘forever home’. Gourmet kitchen w/ grand island & prep kitchen. Double master suites! Covered outdoor rooms w/ gas fireplace. Enjoy AC & in-floor radiant heat under Luxury Vinyl Plank. Super high efficiency appliances & materials. 4 car garage is perfect for storage or hobby space.

New construction home near the beach! Enjoy this 2-story northwest style located on Pt. Whitehorn in quiet neighborhood & see the ocean from several rooms. Lots of daylight in great room w/ shiplap fireplace, office, designer kitchen w/large island, pantry. Master bdrm on main floor w/luxury master bath & walkin closet. Two bdrms up w/additional den where you can take in views of the bay & Canadian Rockies. Covered deck, partially fenced & fully landscaped. Private beach access included!

$799,990

$879,880

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718 Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718 Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718 In case of inclement weather, please call agent to confirm open houses.

8778 Clubhouse Point $799,500 5463 Wood Duck Loop $699,990

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

$489,000

Randy Weg 360-305-5704

8139 Kayak Wy $460,000

21 ACRES on Kickerville at Headwaters on Terrell Creek

$200,000

Owner contract is possible at 20% DOWN, 6.5% 30 year Amortization. Some residential zoning, currently in open space, also in CREPS program. Earning roughly $3,000 per year. Wet lands credit transfer? Recreational? May be eligible for 503 use. WATER SHARE AVAILABLE.

N GE

4235 Sweet Rd. • Blaine $415,000

8105 Birch Bay Square St. - Blaine, WA 98230

360-920-0563

GerryAllen@windermere.com

2748 Peace Portal Dr., Blaine, WA 98230 $140,000

High Density - Multi-Family Property

2290 Douglas • Ferndale $625,000

Semiahmoo Marina boat slips AVAILABLE! Private driveway takes you to 3-BR, 1.75-BA, 2 wood FP solid cedar sided home. • Includes 2nd lot ready for new construction • Pond with access to Spooner Creek

www.CallHugh.com

$399,000

Millionaire’s Home at less than half the price! “WOW!” Factor!! 10 ft ceilings; 500 Sq ft Great Room; 325 sq ft Mstr BR; Solartube Lights; Gas Fireplace; SPECTACULAR L-shaped Built-in 9 1/2 Ft tall Bookcase; Authentic Old English Oak Rolling Library Ladder; Track-Lights; Crown Molding; Custom Electrical System; French & Pocket Doors; New Drapes; Special Windows; Old English Interior; About 300 steps to the Beach; Hundreds of Great Features!! YOU REALLY MUST SEE TO BELIEVE! Perfect Buy!

XX Holeman Ave $399,000

Gorgeous views from this high bank Birch Bay waterfront, gently sloped .36 acre homesite ready for your dream home. One of the last remaining waterfront lots with spectacular views of Birch Bay, Coastal Canadian mountains and sparkling city lights. Enjoy private neighborhood beach access, beach combing, minutes walk to the State Park and a short distance to I-5.

www.windermere.com

! NG

Recently upgraded home w/main level living. New furnace. ONE ACRE, short plat for < 31 UNITS. Next door lot also for sale possible up to 53 units if combined. Water sewer hook ups +/-$10,000 per unit +one meter for 16-unit building. Level dry land. Next door available- up to 53 units possible if combined.

7902 W Golf Course Dr

Gerry Allen 360-920-0563 & Daphne Gastis 360-824-0993 Paul Holtzheimer 360-303-4444 Ingrid Andaluz 360-961-0488

Call Hugh -360.371.5800 I ND

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

OPEN SUN 12-3

Beautiful Architecturally Designed BBV Home. High ceilings, granite counter tops, engineered floors/carpet. Numerous ADA features all on one level. Large en suite and walk-in closet in master. Completely landscaped, with $8000+ water retention system, over sized garage, great for hobby and crafts, on demand hot water. Enjoy all that BB V has to offer, 24 security, swimming pool, private salt water beaches along with year round marina, tennis courts and golf course. THIS IS A MUST SEE HOME!

Rentals - Rooms

Rentals - Commercial

BIRCH BAY ROOM, private bath, W/D, $650/month + $650 deposit. Incl. utilities, Internet. 301-793-6341.

NELSON BUILDING

For Blaine, Birch Bay & Bellingham Real Estate Hugh Brawford

New construction at Semiahmoo! 3 bed 2 bath + den, mid-century modern style single level home w/ sharp facades & clean lines. Open, expansive floor plan, 10’ ceilings, 8’ glass doors, no steps & wide hallways make this a perfect ‘forever home’. Euro-style kitchen w/ grand island. Outdoor room w/ fireplace. Enjoy AC; in-floor radiant heat under Luxury Vinyl Plank; and, the latest in materials & high efficiency appliances. A 3 car garage (710 sf.) is perfect for extra storage or hobby space.

BIRCH BAY OPEN HOUSE F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G

OPEN SUN 12-4

5439 Wood Duck Loop

OPEN SAT & SUN 12-3

NEW CONSTRUCTION! “Clubhouse Point”, gated micro-community w/in Semiahmoo . On fairway 1. Single story with No Steps. 2905 sq. ft open plan. Great room, luxe kitchen. Super pantry, 3 bdrms,2.75 baths includes Casita, Casita & office both open to interior courtyard. Quality, finishes: strand woven bamboo flooring, Graphite stained Birch cabinets, quartz counters. 522 sq. ft. 2 car garage + / -. Interior Photos: samples from another completed home. Completed Jan, 2019. Private & elegant.

B I R C H B AY V I L L AG E O P E N H O U S E S

OPEN SAT & SUN 12-3

5449 Wood Duck Loop

$679,990

OPEN SAT 12:30-3

HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL

WAREHOUSE

PRE-SALE OPPORTUNITY location is everything, I-5 visibility. Zoned Highway

LAW ENFORCEMENT, Border Patrol and Firefighters visiting the Blaine area for special assignments or training. Monthto-month. Bed/bath only. Located in a nice complex near border. Larger room $950/mo, smaller room $600/mo. Call 360-734-8191 for info.

Commercial, industrial type ware houses with Blaine services, whether business or personal storage, interior can be built to suit your needs. Large overhead doors, electric door openers, gas furnace and upper windows, bathroom and upper mezzanine an option. Site will have phone cable, internet, 3 phase. When finished will have chain link fence and security gate. Seller may carry contract.

4,000 SF Available 1790 Boblett Street, Blaine Office Loading Dock 3 Large Truck Doors 3-Phase Electricity Fenced & Paved Yard Don Nelson 360-332-2743 Email nelsbldg@msn.com

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

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Statistics audited by the Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo

Call or email to advertise: 360-332-1777 or sales@thenorthernlight.com

March 7-13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

Craft and antique show returns to Lynden Do you enjoy handcrafted items, home and garden décor, gourmet food, unique gifts and vintage and re-purposed treasures? Visit the 33rd annual spring Lynden Craft and Antique Show, which will take place from Thursday, March 14 to

Saturday, March 16 at the Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center at 1775 Front Street in Lynden. Over 100 vendors are expected to participate in the show, which features a customer appreciation night on Friday, March 15 with door prize draw-

ings throughout the evening, including a $100 show certificate given away at 7 p.m. A number of vendors from Blaine will be participating in the show, including Andrea Bowyer of Tea Tree Soap Co., Joan Carlin of Cabin Antiques, Peggy Cook of Peggy Cook

Whimsical Art, Andrea Croft of Chickadee Baby Company, John and Lila DeWeber of Drayton Harbor Soups & Such, Molly Hixon of Home and Heart Designs, Daniel Hamilton of Dakota Creek Forge, Sheri Nelson of Cottage Creations and Kim Prescott of Candles by the Bay.

Admission costs $6 for adults and $5 for seniors, and is free for kids 12 and under. Guests are able to attend all three days of the show with just one ticket, and parking is free. For more information about the show, please visit lyndencraftantiqueshow.com.

Blaine noted among best places in Washington to retire A new study ranks Blaine among the best places to retire in Washington state. Blaine is the ninth best place in Washington state to retire, according to research by SmartAsset, a financial technology company that provides personal finance advice online. The Washington towns and cities that ranked above Blaine were Gig Harbor, Sequim, Sno-

homish, Olympia, Clarkston, Woodinville, Lynnwood and Port Orchard. Rounding out the top ten was Port Townsend, which was ranked last on the list. To come up with its rankings, SmartAsset gathered data on three separate regional factors that affect the quality of life for retirees. First, they looked at state

and local tax rates, considering two types of taxes: income and sales. They calculated effective rates based on a typical retiree earning $35,000 annually (from retirement savings, Social Security or part-time employment) and spending their disposable income on taxable goods. Blaine’s effective tax rate, according to the study, is 16.1 percent.

Next, SmartAsset determined the number of doctors’ offices, recreation centers and retirement centers per thousand residents in each area. According to the study, Blaine has 1.6 doctors’ offices, 1.4 recreation centers and 0.6 retirement centers per 1,000 people. Finally, they found the number of seniors in each area as a percentage of the total popu-

lation. According to the study, 24.2 percent of Blaine’s population are seniors. In the final analysis, SmartAsset ranked each county and city on these three factors. They calculated an average ranking for each area, weighting the three factors equally. The areas with the lowest average ranking were named the best places to retire.

Local barista brings personal flair to Starbucks on Peace Portal Drive “I’m definitely an extrovert in that way, whether it’s hiking or going out for food, I just prefer that kind of thing over sitting in my room,” he said. Customers can check out what styles of bow ties Mikkelson is showing off most days during his shifts at Starbucks.

He points to the one he’s wearing which is a piece of wood in the shape of a bow tie, held in place with navy and white polka-dot fabric. When Mikkelson isn’t working at Starbucks, he likes to spend time hanging out with friends or meeting new people.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL Louis Auto Glass 2011 Large Business of the Year

Louis DIRECTORY ’ Family Owned and Operated Since 1929!

s Starbucks barista Gavin Mikkelson is known for his unique collection of bow ties.

By Gwen Roley Millions of people visit Starbucks stores around the world every day, but every member of the franchise has something that makes them different. Local coffee-drinkers in Blaine have started to take note of one of the unique baristas at the Starbucks on Peace Portal Drive. Gavin Mikkelson, 20, is a barista who is bringing a smile to customers’ faces with his variety of bow ties. Mikkelson said he fell into his signature look almost accidentally. “I started wearing them one day and it was a red one, and people really reacted to it and liked it,” Mikkelson said. “So it sort of just became my thing.” Since then, Mikkelson has sported bow ties in different styles and colors to his shifts at the coffee shop. Starbucks allows employees to express themselves in their outfits at work as long as they wear subdued colors and keep their aprons clean, according to their dress code online. Whenever his district manager comes in, they always make a point of checking out which bow tie Mikkelson is wearing, he said. Mikkelson said he enjoys working at the Starbucks in Blaine because of the wide vari-

ety of customers he gets to meet. “We have a lot of really sweet regulars that come in all the time and being right next to the border crossing, I get to meet a lot of travelers which is really interesting,” he said. He’s also appreciated getting

Photo by Gwen Roley

to know the owners of the Skye Hill property, Mike and Skye Hill, who have also noticed his signature style. “They even got me this one for Christmas, which is custom engraved and has my name on it,” Mikkelson said.

The Only Validated Auto Glass Company in Whatcom & Skagit Counties.

ouis’Auto & Residential Glass We Guarantee Your Safety

Spring Special!

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with every windshield purchased and installed

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Free Loaner Cars

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(360) 734-3840 (360) 354-3232 (360) 424-9759 www.LouisAutoGlass.com 1512 N. State St.

407 19th St.

1721 E. College Way

To Our Canadian Friends

Dining Guide

When it comes to your to-do list, put your future first.

To find out how to get your financial goals onPrices track, Enjoy Huge Savings with U.S. www.louisautoglass.com Must present ad for special. Not valid with any other offers. Expires June 30, 2014. contact your Edward Jones financial advisor today.

Terrell V Goertz, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® Financial Advisor 119 N. Commercial Suite 140 Bellingham, WA 98225 360-738-3454

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING

WHATCOM COUNTY 1733 H St - Ste 420 Blaine International Marketplace 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine

360-392-0955

TheVaultWine.com

TheVaultWine

Great Authentic Mexican Food 758 Peace Portal • Blaine 360-332-4045

teriyakisecret.com Dine-in • Take-out • Reservations

360-332-2780

Sun.-Wed. 7am-2pm Thurs.-Sat. 7am-7pm 360-332-3540 234 D Street, Blaine

Proud supporters of the Blaine Community! Keep Full Service • Budget Payment Plan • Tank Installation & Rental Modern Equipment • Safety Checks • Locally Owned & Operated

360 332-3121

Fill your bottles - Easy RV access

2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine

This space can be yours for only $37 per week. 13 week commitment. Call 332-1777 to reserve.

The Northern Light • March 7-13, 2019

Coming up

Tides

Vinyl Night and Trivia at The Vault: Thurs- Blaine Primary School Kindergarten Registration: Thursday, March 14, 10 day, March 7, 7-9 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, a.m.–8 p.m., Blaine school district office, 277 G Street. 765 H Street. Please bring a copy of your Coloring for Good Health: Friday, March child’s birth certificate and immunization 8, 3–4:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 records. Registration for 2019/2020 school 3rd Street. Join Terry Johnson for this proven year. method of calming the mind. All materials Lynden Spring Craft and Antique provided, but feel free to bring your own. Show: Thursday and Friday, March 14 and Info: 360/305-3637. 15, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday, March 16, Live Music at The Vault: Friday, March 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., NW Washington Fair expo 7–9 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. building. Over 100 vendors of handcrafts, Featuring: Roy Knaak. home and garden décor, gourmet food, unique gifts, vintage and re-purposed treaSmall Farm Expo: Saturday, March 9, 9 sures. Info: lyndencraftantiqueshow.com. a.m.–2 p.m., Haggen Expo Building at NW Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. Talks, exWings Over Water NW Birding Festihibitors, soil and compost demos, veterinary val: Friday through Sunday, March 15–17. and agriculture experts and financial resourc- Field trips, workshops, presentations, es. Keynote speaker: author and farmer Recruises and kids activities. For combecca Thistlethwaite. Free and family friendly. plete schedule of events and locations: Info: whatcomcd.org/small-farm-expo. wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Can You Make a Turkey Whistle? Saturday, March 9, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn from Ron Snyder and Cathy Taggett from Circle of Trees Studio how to use those leftover turkey bones for something other than soup in this handson workshop. Info: 360/305-3637. Winter Birds of Whatcom County: Saturday, March 9, 2–3 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Join the North Cascades Audubon Society’s board member Chris Brewer and learn about the many birds that migrate to our area for with winter including photographs by Ken Salzman. Info: 360/3053637.

Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, March 16, 8–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G street. Choice of pancakes, French toast or waffles, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice. Adults $6, kids $4. Info: 360/332-8040. Tool Sharpening & Spring Maintenance: Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Get your yard tools – gas, electric, or hand tools, ready for spring by learning how to make them sharp and appropriately adjusted. Presented by Blaine C.O.R.E. (Community Orchards for Resources and Education). Info: 360/305-3637.

Live Music at The Vault: Saturday, March 9, Winemaking from Forage: Saturday, 7–9 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. March 16, 1–3 p.m., Blaine Public LiFeaturing: Lefty and the right hand band. brary, 610 3rd Street. Learn hands-on to make delicious, chemical-free wines from Monty Python’s SPAMALOT: Sunday, garden produce and “waste” as well as March 10, 7 p.m., Mt. Baker Theatre, 104 N. local abundant forage fruits. Age 21 or Commercial Street. Info: mountbakertheatre. older please. Space is limited; registration com. required. Info: 360/305-3637. Mothers and Babies Essential Oil Class: Monday, March 11, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Bay Medical Center, 377 C Street. Info: Denise Magnusson 360/961-1337

Irish Stew Dinner: Saturday, March 16, 4:30–7 p.m., Custer United Methodist Church, 2996 Main Street, Custer. Adults $9, Kids 6–12 $6, under 6 free. Info: 360/366-5181.

Crossword ACROSS

1.Defense Department 4. Diminutive hoopster Webb 8. Cools 10. Chili con __ 11. Quantitative fact 12. Enliven 13. A woman of refinement 15. Where royalty live 16. Beverage made of oatmeal 17. Replaced 18. UK’s largest city 21. Obamacare 22. When you expect to

get there 23. Deutschland 24. Consumed 25. Paddle 26. A way to consume 27. “Walter White” 34. The opera has one 35. Honk 36. Disorganization 37. Secret political clique 38. Recounted again 39. Converts to leather 40. Consisting of a single element or component 41. Therefore 42. Clownish 43. The habitat of wild

Semiahmoo Men’s Club Breakfast: Thursday, March 21, 7:30 a.m., 8720 Great Blue Heron Grill, Semiahmoo Parkway. Coffee and big breakfast, $15. All men are welcome. Speaker: Local Drayton Harbor Marine founder and historian Richard Sturgill. Salmon For Soldiers Dinner: Saturday, March 23, 6 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. $15 steelhead trout dinner. Call/text for reservations: 360/303-5720. Beermaker’s Dinner: Sunday, March 31, 5–8 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. Five courses paired with five Atwood Ales’ beers. $55. Reservations required. 360/3920955. Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, April 6, 1-3 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Open to the public. Early bird game at 12:30 p.m. and regular bingo at 1 p.m. cost $15 for 8 games with 3 cards per game. Cash prizes. Lunch at noon for $6. Info: 360/3328040. ArtScape Teens: Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m., Soul Space Studio, 264B H Street. A safe place for teens to set their imaginations free through different art mediums. Free studio time. Sponsored by Healthy Youth Coalition. Info: 435/704-1598. Toastmasters Meeting: Tuesday nights, 6:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street. Visitors encouraged. Teen Nite: Saturdays, 5–9 p.m., Pizza Factory, 738 Peace Portal Drive. Kids ages 13–18 come enjoy open mic, karaoke and prizes. Free pizza at 5 p.m. Birch Bay Activity Center Programs: 7511 Gemini Street. Pound Fit, pickleball, basketball, badminton, Total barre, toddler time, Zumba, kids after school play, movie nights, Pilates, Let’s Get Fit, step fitness, Qi Gong and meditation, restorative stretch. Days and times: bbbparkandrec.com. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

March 8-14 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 8

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Weather Precipitation: During the period of February 25 to March 3, 0 inch of precipitation was recorded. The 2019 year-todate precipitation is 6 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 53°F on February 28 with a low of 24°F on February 21. Average high was 47°F and average low was 29°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Police Reports animals DOWN

1. Dreary 2. Book page size 3. Become less lively 4. Grassy plain 5. Attached a figure to 6. Hungry 7. NY-based department store 9. Pedestal 10. Single-celled animal 12. National capital 14. China’s chairman 15. Al Bundy’s wife 17. Acid in all living cells 19. Told

20. Displays heartbeat 23. Softly 24. Swiss river 25. Small chapel 26. Electronic countermeasures 27. Asian nation 28. Neither 29. Peacock network 30. List of candidates 31. Medieval garment 32. Type of juice 33. “Coach” actor 34. Puerto Rican dance music La __ 36. Texas politician Ted

February 22, 4:15 p.m.: Officers were contacted by a local hotel. The hotel was recently informed that a person in the county might be in possession of the hotel’s property. The property had been believed lost in a windstorm and had not been reported as stolen. Officers contacted the person supposedly in possession of the property. The person denied knowledge or possession of the item and allowed a search. No property was found, no probable cause for a crime established and officers cleared after advising the hotel of the results. February 22, 1:33 p.m.: Officers were contacted by a Blaine citizen regarding her adult son being missing. The individual explained her son was released from Department of Corrections in early February. Officers put out a county wide look out for the individual. February 22, 7:57 p.m.: An officer made a traffic stop and found the driver had a suspended license. The driver also failed to transfer the title with 45 days. The driver was given citations and a licensed driver picked up the car. February 22, 11:54 p.m.: Officers were contacted by a Blaine business owner who advised he was assaulted the previous day by a customer. Officers contacted the individual who advised he did not wish to press criminal charges but would like the individual trespassed from the business the next time he comes in. Officers documented the incident. February 23, 8:48 a.m.: Officers on routine patrol observe a vehicle which had a registered owner who had a suspended license status. Officers stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as the registered owner. Officers arrested, cited and released the individual with a mandatory court date. Officers cleared with no further incident.

ANSWERS AT THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

hicle and identified the driver as having a suspended license. The driver was also found to have two outstanding warrants for her arrest. Officers arrested the individual and she was booked into the Whatcom County Jail. Officers cleared with no further incident. February 26, 4:57 p.m.: Officers responded to the Peace Arch Port of Entry for a suspended driver. Officers investigated the event and during the investigation driver was in possession of several prescribed pills which were mislabeled. Driver was arrested, cited and released for the driving violation. The prescribed pills were destroyed. February 26, 7:12 p.m.: Blaine police responded to a report of a juvenile in violation of his court ordered probation. Officer located the teen, returned him home. The teen left again and had to be brought back a second time. The court probation officer will be advised of the repeated violations. February 26, 8:40 p.m.: Blaine police responded to the Peace Arch Point of Entry where U.S. Customs officers had detained a person in possession of narcotics. Blaine officers arrested the Canadian citizen and booked him into the Whatcom County Jail on felony drug possession charges. February 28, 2:59 p.m.: Officers responded to the Blaine Middle School for a report of an assault between two students. Officers arrived and investigated the allegation. Officers collected all pertinent information and will be forwarding the case to the juvenile prosecuting attorney for review. Officers cleared with no further incident. February 28, 10:19 p.m.: Officers responded to a male running down the street and yelling. Officers were not able to find the subject and the reporting party did not provide a direction of travel.

February 26, 4:20 p.m.: Officers working traffic enforcement observed a vehicle with expired tabs. Officers stopped the ve- Report by the Blaine Police Department

March 7-13, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

Holguin graduates from basic military training U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ayanna M. Holguin graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. According to a news release from the Joint Hometown News Service, Holguin completed an intensive, eight-week program

that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Com-

munity College of the Air Force. Holguin is the daughter of Claudia and Ysac Holguin of Blaine. She is a 2018 graduate of Blaine High School. She earned an associate degree in 2018 from Whatcom Community College in Bellingham.

Three Blaine School Board positions up for election in November By Oliver Lazenby Three of five positions on the Blaine School District board of directors are up for election in November 2019 and at least one current board member won’t be running for re-election. John Freal, director district position 1, told The Northern Light he doesn’t plan to run again. Freal has been involved with the Blaine School District since 1984 when he started teaching at the high school. Director positions 2 and 4 are also up for election. Charles Gibson (district 4) plans to run

for re-election, he said. Todd Berge (district 2) didn’t respond to inquiries from The Northern Light by press time. Berge began on the Blaine School Board in 2003 and Gibson was first elected in 2006. Both ran unopposed in the 2015 election. The filing period for the open positions is May 13–17. The positions are four-year terms that end in 2023. Current directors hold office until December 2019. The Whatcom County Auditor’s office can provide instructions on filing and can confirm a director district. Anyone running for the position must be

AG responds to questions about gun control initiative By Madeline C o a t s , WN P A Olympia News Bureau Attorney General Bob Ferguson released a “Frequently Asked Questions” document on Initiative 1639 Monday, March 4, sending letters to all 39 sheriffs across the state. In his letter, Ferguson highlights examples of misunderstandings from news reports. The FAQ document addresses points he says caused confusion. Washington residents approved the initiative by a vote of nearly 60 percent last November. I-1639 aims to increase public safety by reducing gun violence and accidents. The law creates an enhanced background check system, requires individuals to complete a firearm safety training course, raises the age of possession to 21 years old and establishes standards for safe storage of guns. It also redefines a semi-automatic rifle as an “assault rifle” under state law. The attorney general sent a letter February 12 to more than half of the state’s top county law enforcement officials who said they would refuse to fully enforce the gun-control measure. Approximately 23 of the 39 sheriffs have refused to enforce the new law. The FAQ list identified and answered 16 questions pertaining to the measure. The document responded to common questions about compliance, constitutionality and the role of law enforcement officials with the new provisions. According to Ferguson’s answers, residents and sheriffs still need to comply with the require-

ments of I-1639 regardless of any lawsuits. The law is presumed constitutional unless a court rules otherwise, the FAQ states. Police chiefs or sheriffs could be held liable for refusing to perform the enhanced background check. Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer is extremely committed to fight for the Second Amendment of any law. The sheriff has spent 48 years enforcing the law, but does not plan to enforce I-1639. “This law will not do one thing to make it safer for our community,” said Songer. “It will not make a difference.” Songer said that individuals cannot protect themselves from a burglary or crime in the middle of the night if their gun is locked in a safe. “The Second Amendment is extremely important,” said Songer. “If we lose it, we might as well lose the rest of the amendments.” The FAQ states that I-1639 does not require law enforcement to enter a home to check on firearm storage. There are strict constitutional limits on when law enforcement can enter your home, as referenced in the document. Ferguson ends his letter to law enforcement by stating that no court has found I-1639 in violation of the Second Amendment. However, a civil rights lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for Western Washington on behalf of several plaintiffs including people between the ages of 18 and 21, a gun store owner, the National Rifle Association and the Second Amendment Foundation. The plaintiffs allege I-1639 violates their Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights.

a registered voter living inside the boundary of the director district to be represented. District 1 includes Point Roberts and downtown Blaine, district 2 includes areas east of downtown Blaine and south roughly to California Creek, and district 4 includes areas south of Blaine along the water and east of Birch Bay. Maps of the director districts are available on the school district’s website at blainesd.org/ board-of-directors--24. Click the link under the pictures of each director for a map of the district.

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Irish Stew Dinner Saturday, March 16 4:30 - 7 pm Adults $9 Kids 6-12 $6 Under 6 Free

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The Northern Light • March 7-13, 2019

Pinky Vargas launches campaign for Bellingham mayoral race By Gwen Roley Former candidate for state senator Pinky Vargas is running for another position this year. After losing the incredibly close race against Doug Ericksen for the state senator position last fall, Vargas will be running for mayor of Bellingham in the election at the end of this year. She is one of three candidates so far who have announced their intention to run for the office. Vargas announced her intention to run on February 20 on social media and officially filed her candidacy the same day, according to the Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) website. “I’m running because I love this city,” Vargas said. “It’s an incredible opportunity with Mayor Linville leaving to build off what she’s done.” Current Bellingham mayor Kelli Linville announced she would not be seeking a third term in a Facebook post on February 5. “[She] did a great job of stabilizing the city and I think we’re at a point right now where we can springboard into bigger things,” Vargas said. Vargas garnered widespread attention last year after running against incumbent Ericksen in the race for the 42nd district. The race was so close that it merited a recount, and Ericksen was re-elected by just 45 votes.

Vargas said that her time campaigning for the position allowed her to get to know the communities in Whatcom County outside of Bellingham. If elected, she said she would work on building stronger relationships between Bellingham and the rest of the county. “I want to ensure I’ll be supporting the smaller cities so we have a stronger voice at the legislative level,” she said. “We’re so much more powerful if we’re unified together.” Vargas is currently serving her second year of a four-year term on the Bellingham City Council, representing Ward 4. This is her second term in the position. In her time serving as a city councilmember, she has served as mayor pro tem and council president. If she is elected mayor, her colleagues on the council would appoint a replacement to fill her seat. Vargas also works as an account manager at Puget Sound Energy (PSE). “My time at PSE has given me the opportunity to work with a lot of the businesses in Whatcom County on energy efficiency development and energy expansion,” she said. Vargas hopes to translate this experience over to create more energy efficient solutions for Bellingham. She also expressed her interest in growing the economy and creating jobs. Vargas wants to support work-

ers who may not live in Bellingham but who work in the city limits by aiding public transportation and the Whatcom Transit Authority. She also said the county could improve accessibility by increasing the number of emergency medical transportation vehicles. Vargas said she wants to strengthen relationships between local ports and tribes. One issue that will be particularly important in this mayoral race will be Bellingham’s growing housing availability and homelessness problems. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development put Bellingham vacancy rates at 3.4 percent in 2017. “I want to be more effective in how we address the housing and homelessness crises,” Vargas said. This is also a theme of the other campaigns that have been launched for the mayor so far. Local building company owner Garrett O’Brien has highlighted housing solutions as one of his top priorities for Bellingham. He said that homelessness should start becoming a county-wide issue that should be addressed by all the cities in Whatcom County. “Bellingham provides most of the services in the county and we need a stronger relationship with the smaller cities in the county to solve some of these issues,” O’Brien said. “All of these issues are becoming mutual.”

s Pinky Vargas reacts to early results at a November 6, 2018 election night party at the Mt. Baker Theatre. Vargas lost the 42nd district senate race to Doug Ericksen by 45 votes.

Photo by Oliver Lazenby

O’Brien filed his candidacy on December 4, according to the PDC. He owns and manages Volanta Corporation and is a member of the Bellingham Planning and Development Commission. He hopes to use this experience to address housing, which he says is one of the area’s biggest issues. “Now is a critical time of growth in Bellingham so we want make sure we’re growing in the right direction,” O’Brien said. Vargas’ fellow councilmember April Barker announced her candidacy on February 28. Barker has been representing the 1st Ward since 2016. In a press release from that same day, Barker said her goals included climate change solutions, local immi-

gration enforcement over federal regulations and provision of safer, wider housing options. “As your mayor, I will strive for inclusive excellence and work with you to create systems that are efficient, fair, and provide opportunity for all of us,” Barker said in the press release. As of press time, Barker’s candidate filing did not appear on the PDC website. Once Barker files, there will need to be a primary election which will take place on August 6, since mayor is a non-partisan position. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary will run against each other in the general election on November 5.