The Northern Light: August 8-14, 2019 by Point Roberts Press

August 8 - 14, 2019

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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

County Republicans face PDC complaint, page 6

Meals on Wheels feeds seniors, page 8

NWFR puts out overnight dumpster fire, page 15

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

Opportunities for public feedback at superintendent interviews By Oliver Lazenby

(See School, page 2)

s Tall ship Lady Washington, docked at Blaine Harbor on August 2. Lady Washington came to town for the annual Drayton Harbor Days Maritime Festival, which took place on August 3 and 4 at the Blaine Harbor Boating Center on Marine Drive. The festival featured arts, crafts, food vendors, kids’ games, a pirate parade, live music, a pet contest and more. For photos of the festival, turn to page 10. Photo by Jami Makan

Preliminary results released for August 6 primaries By Jami Makan Preliminary primary results have been released, with 42,945 ballots counted and an estimated 5,000 ballots left to count. Voter turnout was 29.16 percent, out of a total of 147,254 registered voters. Here are the results as of the morning of August 7. Results are subject to change, and the election certification date is not until August 20. For Whatcom County executive, the top two candidates were Tony Larson with 16,399 votes and Satpal Sidhu with 13,921 votes. They will continue on to the general election, which takes place on November 5. Karen Burke, who received 8,722 votes, and Jim Boyle, who received 3,059 votes, will not proceed. For the Whatcom County Council district 5 seat, the top two candidates were Ben Elenbaas with 4,554 votes and Natalie McClen-

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don with 2,470 votes. Jaime Arnett received 1,419 votes and will not proceed. For the Blaine City Council ward 2 seat, the top two candidates were Garth Baldwin with 203 votes and Steven Tojek with 50 votes. David Gallion and Jodi Greene (whose name appeared on the ballot despite having withdrawn her candidacy) each received 45 votes and will not advance. For the Blaine school district district 2 seat, the top two candidates were Todd Berge with 1,434 votes and Dougal Thomas with 1,060 votes. Prudence Welch, who received 585 votes, will not advance. For the Blaine school district district 4 seat, the top two candidates were Charles Gibson with 1,449 votes and Tana Perkins Reneau with 950 votes. Katie Smith, who received 634 votes, will not advance. For fire protection district 21 commissioner position 3, the top two candidates were Scott Fischer with 2,921 votes and Kathy

Berg with 1,543 votes. Dean Berkeley, who received 1,069 votes, will not advance. For up-to-date election results, visit whatcomcounty.us. The next ballot count was scheduled for August 7 by 5 p.m.

INSIDE

Community members will have a chance to watch interviews with the Blaine school district’s superintendent candidates and give the school board feedback on the interviews on August 10 and 12. Current Blaine superintendent Ron Spanjer is retiring at the end of the month, and the Blaine school district board of directors is considering three candidates to replace him. At a public meeting on Saturday, August 10, the Blaine school board will interview each of the three candidates for an hour. That meeting starts at 10 a.m. in the school district administrative office at 765 H Street. A meeting schedule is posted on the district’s website. Those who watch the interviews can let the board know their thoughts during an open discussion between 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. After that, the board will discuss candidates in a closed executive session from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., according to a press release from the school district. Then, at 4:30 p.m., the board will start an open session in which it will announce more information about the second round of interviews, on Monday, August 12. At that round of interviews, anyone who wants to will have the opportunity to ask the candidates questions during “stakeholder interviews.” The community interviews will last an hour each and take place at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., all in the Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street. Elsewhere on campus, candidates will rotate through interviews with school staff, administrators and the school board. At 3:15 p.m., the school board will meet in executive session in the district office to review feedback from the stakeholder groups and consider the candidates. After that, the board could resume an open regular session before 5 p.m. to take action on hiring a candidate, or it may recess after 5 p.m. and resume at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14. The board could also decide to hire an interim candidate and continue its search. During the August 12 executive session, the board will make announcements

Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Coming Up . . . . . 14 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

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The Northern Light • August 8 - 14, 2019

School ... From page 1

periodically about its anticipated timeline for calling an open session, in which it would take action. The board cannot take action in a closed executive session.

For planning purposes, the district is asking members of the public to notify the district office if they plan to attend the interview sessions on August 10 or 12. For additional information, please contact the district office at 360/332-5881.

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A new sushi kitchen is opening in Birch Bay’s Beachwood General Store, featuring a take-out menu of traditional and contemporary sushi rolls. Set to open by August 14, the new eatery is named SKAI Sushi and is being opened by Shinae Kim and her husband Doune Inthavong. The couple has experience operating multiple restaurants. From 1997 to 2011, they operated Birch Bay Teriyaki, and from 2011 to this year, they operated Nami Asian Bistro in Lynden. The new eatery will only offer take-out. There is no seating area within the Beachwood Gener-

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August 8 - 14, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

School district down to three superintendent finalists after one withdraws By Oliver Lazenby One of four candidates to be the next Blaine school district superintendent withdrew his application on July 26, and the district is now down to three semifinalists for the position. The remaining candidates are Christopher Granger, Christopher Nesmith and Rodrick Merrell. John Steach withdrew his application after accepting a position with a private company, according to the school district’s website. Steach was the only candidate with previous superintendent experience. Steach resigned his position as superintendent in the Evergreen School District in Vancouver, Washington, in March 2019 and re-

ceived a $301,812 severance package from the district, according to The Columbian newspaper. The district did not explain why Steach resigned with a severance package. Both parties signed non-disparagement agreements and Steach agreed to never again apply for a job in the district, according to his resignation agreement. Current superintendent, Ron Spanjer, announced in April that he would retire at the end of August. Spanjer served as the district superintendent for 13 years. His annual base salary (not including benefits), as of July 2018, was $163,592. The future superintendent will oversee all five Blaine school district schools and an annual operating budget of more than $30 million.

Here’s what we know about the remaining candidates: Christopher Granger Granger, the lone candidate from out of state, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. In 2012, he completed a master’s degree in educational administration at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and he completed a doctorate in educational leadership from the same school in 2014. Granger worked as a high school principal at Vernon Independent School District in Vernon, Texas, from March 2015 to June 2016, and as a high school principal in the Sanger Independent School District in Sanger, Texas, from July 2016 to June 2017. Since July 2017, he’s

worked as an assistant superintendent at the Bisbee Unified School District in Bisbee, Arizona. Rodrick Merrell Merrell has worked as a director of secondary schools in the Marysville School District since July 2018. He earned an English degree from the University of Washington in 1992 and returned for a master’s in education in curriculum and instruction, which he completed in 2000. He completed Western Washington University’s principal certificate program in 2004 and earned a doctoral degree in education policy and leadership from the University of Washington in 2018. He worked as a principal at Langley Middle School and South Whidbey High School from 2006

to 2011, and as a principal at Mount Vernon High School from July 2011 to June 2018. Christopher Nesmith Nesmith is currently a 2022 educational doctorate candidate at Washington State University and a superintendent intern at the West Valley School District in Yakima. Nesmith earned a bachelor’s degree in business education from Central Washington University in 2006, and a master’s of education from the University of Washington in 2010. In the years since he’s earned the following certificates: career and technical education director, professional administration and superintendent certification. Candidate resumes are available on the school district’s website at bit.ly/2YgkPtc.

WTA offers free rides throughout county By Jami Makan The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) will provide free rides on all bus trips within Whatcom County from August 11 through 17. During that time, all routes will be free except Route 80X to Mt. Vernon. Residents of Blaine and Birch Bay can take advantage of Route

75, which operates on weekdays and Saturdays. It makes 10 trips per weekday from Bellingham to Birch Bay and Blaine, and 12 trips per weekday from Blaine and Birch Bay to Bellingham. Some of the trips are “express” trips, meaning they get people to/ from Blaine, Birch Bay and Bellingham more quickly by skipping some of the stops. Route 75 is also a “flex” route,

which means that it not only serves bus stops on a regular schedule, but also goes off-route within a defined service area upon request. There are no eligibility requirements; flex service is available to everyone, provided they make reservations in advance. In 2018, WTA served about 200 passengers per weekday on Route 75, and about 60 passengers per Saturday.

Weekly Events

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Beermaker & Winemaker Events: SUN., AUG 11 • 2-4 pm - Atwood Ales & appetizers on the deck SUN., AUG 25 • 5-8 pm - Kerloo Cellars winemaker’s BBQ dinner

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The Northern Light • August 8 - 14, 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. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Jami Makan jami@pointrobertspress.com

s From l., Nimbus Real Estate broker Phill Esau, developer Peter Gigante and twins John and Peter Jacobus from New Jersey stand outside 685 Peace Portal Drive in downtown Blaine. In the building, which was built by Gigante, Nimbus is offering a one-bedroom Airbnb rental. The rental is designed for the business traveler and features a deck looking over Drayton Harbor.

Photo by Louise Mugar

Letters

Copy Editor Aly Siemion aly@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Kira Erickson 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 Contributors In This Issue Richard Martin The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXV, No 8 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Aug. 15 Ads due: Aug. 9

The Editor: Karen Burke is the Whatcom County executive candidate who has the credentials, experience and good, common sense decision-making to make our amazing county – people, businesses and environment – thrive. She understands business, jobs, environment and governance. Besides those qualities, she has solid plans for the hardto-deal-with emotional issues of homelessness, housing, legal diversion and accountability when it makes sense for the person and our society. I’m excited to think about our beautiful, wonderful Whatcom County under her leadership. We all are lucky to have her as a candidate for county executive – she is worthy of everyone’s vote. She is definitely getting mine! Lydia Bennett Bellingham (Ed. Note: According to preliminary primary results as of August 7, Karen Burke has been eliminated from the race.)

The Editor: We at the Blaine Community Theater (BCT) were fortunate enough to be included in the entertainment lineup at BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2’s Pirate Daze this past weekend, performing our second annual water balloon Pirates of Penzance. It was fabulous to see so many families and community members at the event, and deeply heartening to receive positive feedback from folks who enjoyed our confessedly silly production. BCT has struggled to come into its own in the year we’ve been back together, following an eight-year hiatus. Events like these, which connect us to the community, revitalize our spirit and renew our commitment to keep doing what we love in the beautiful and ever-more-vibrant place that we’re proud to call home. Thank you, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, for continuing to

involve BCT in your events. And thank you Blaine and visitors for your contagious enthusiasm. Keep supporting your community theater! Mikael McDonald, BCT vice president Blaine The Editor: County council member Todd Donovan praises Satpal Sidhu as the right choice for county executive. Donovan is the tenured university professor who refers to anyone who disagrees with his political ideologies, as I do, as “racist” and “fascist.” Donovan knows, because he’s got the data, although I cannot remember “Mr. Data” ever coming over to have coffee with me. He knows nothing of my ethnicity, nor the fact that my father, who served, did not (Continued on next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

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

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

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

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org.

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

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 1 p.m. Station 61. Info: nwfrs.net.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

August 8 - 14, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com (Continued from previous page) fight fascism; he killed fascists. Dad was no John Wayne; he was 5 foot 6 inches and weighed 120 pounds in 1942. But of course, Professor Donovan and Mr. Sidhu must pander to their sycophants. Facts are stubborn things that they want no part of. Mr. Sidhu, the Fulbright Scholar, waxes eloquent over his native country, a land of peace and harmony that has invaded no one for a thousand years. Makes me wonder why he would want to live in an evil, violent nation such as ours, amongst evil invaders, like my dad. I think France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands kind of liked being invaded by us. Germany, not so much. Political hopefuls always come out this time of year

with nice-sounding platitudes, such as “I will represent everyone in my district,” as our freshman 42nd district representative constantly affirmed. Where was she when an important vote concerning our oil refineries was taken? AWOL. I am an old dog; I don’t know what you call someone who says one thing and does the opposite, but we used to call them hypocrites. We need to be represented, not by people with vacuous smiles on their faces and meaningless promises in their mouths, but workable ideas in their heads. We need people who can find common ground for commonsense solutions to our common problems. Mark Aaron Aamot Custer

2ND Annual Junk in the Trunk Community Garage Sale SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 • 10 AM - 3 PM Faith Lutheran Church 2750 McLeod Road • Bellingham (Just off I-5, exit 257, Corner of Northwest & McLeod)

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Blaine United Church of Christ

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Committee

The meeting location is an accessible facility. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Samuel Crawford, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager

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Tuesday, August 13 8am – Blaine Tourism Advisory

Interested parties are encouraged to offer testimony at the public hearing, or submit written comments which will be included in the official record. Written comments shall be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2019. Written comments or questions regarding this notice should be directed to Public Works Director Ravyn Whitewolf, 1200 Yew Avenue, Blaine, WA, 98230 at RWhitewolf@ci.blaine.wa.us, or 360-332-8820.

Family Dentistry

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and Facilities Maintenance Planning 5:20pm – Study Session: Community Health 5:40pm – Study Session: Communication Plan and Transparency 6pm – Regular City Council meeting

Sunday Services 10:30 am

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Monday, August 12 5:00pm – Study Session: Utilities

CITY OF BLAINE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY BLAINE CITY COUNCIL

Healthy Teeth and Healthy Gums for Life!

EXP. 8/31/19

Thursday, August 8 CANCELLED 7pm – Planning Commission

www.cityofblaine.com

Photo by Scott Pratschner

and cleani

Thursday, August 8 CANCELLED 2pm – Public Works Advisory

Notice is hereby given that the City Council for the City of Blaine, WA, will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 26, 2019, at 6:00pm in the City Council Chambers, Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000, to consider the 2019 Water System Comprehensive Plan.

Neither do we.

al i c e p S t n e i t a P w e N Exam, X-rays ONLY ng.*

Thursday, August 8 9am – Park and Cemetery Board

"Where friendly people gather and become family"

esus

s The August 3 ribbon-cutting for the new Blaine office of Nimbus Real Estate, located at 225 G Street. From l., Nimbus Real Estate team members Phill Esau, Karen Trudel, Mike Mulder and Deb Del Fierro.

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.

U.S. PASSPORTS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

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CITY OF BLAINE

Committee Location: PW 1200 Yew Ave.

Morning and afternoon class Kids ages 3 - 5 Welcome new teachers:

s The Mike Mulder Band performed at an August 3 launch party for Mulder’s company Nimbus Real Estate, which offers residential and commercial real estate services and property management.

Enjoy the fresh tastes of locally grown PRODUCE handmade CRAFTS & delicious GOODIES! Vendor Space Available Call 360-332-4544

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The Northern Light • August 8 - 14, 2019

Whatcom Democrats file complaint against Whatcom Republicans By Jami Makan The Whatcom Democrats filed a complaint with the state’s Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), alleging that the Whatcom Republicans committed substantial violations of reporting rules involving tens of thousands of dollars. The Whatcom Democrats submitted a formal complaint to the PDC on July 29 raising questions about the accuracy and completeness of legally-required campaign financial disclosures made by the Whatcom Republicans. More than $33,000 in funds appear to have been misreported, according to Whatcom Democrats. “The degree to which the Whatcom Republicans are play-

ing fast and loose with public financial disclosures is frankly shocking,” said Andrew Reding, chairperson of the Whatcom Democrats. “These laws exist to ensure transparency in our elections, and this shady bookkeeping does the opposite.” The Whatcom Democrats specifically allege that the Whatcom Republicans violated the Public Disclosure Act and Regulations in their reporting of “miscellaneous” receipts and expenses concerning a Whatcom Republicans fundraising event and auction on April 6. According to the Whatcom Democrats, the Whatcom Republicans reported individual contributions as “miscellaneous receipts” rather than as contri-

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butions from named individuals. “The reporting of individual contributions as ‘miscellaneous receipts’ rather than as contributions from named individuals obscures and misrepresents the total contributions of the individuals to the party,” said the Whatcom Democrats’ complaint. The complaint also alleged that the Whatcom Republicans reimbursed their chair, Kathy Kershner, for auction expenses of more than $15,000 without itemizing the vendors or the goods and services provided. “The vendors that provided these services and goods for which reimbursement was made are required to be identified together with the goods/ services provided and the costs of each,” read the Whatcom Democrats’ complaint. The Whatcom Democrats said

that the improper reimbursements involving Kershner are particularly troubling, given her position as party chair and her candidacy for county council. “The more than $15,000 in non-itemized reimbursements Ms. Kershner received … calls into question whether Ms. Kershner is improperly and illegally using party funds for her own campaign,” said the Whatcom Democrats. In a response issued on July 31, Kershner said she took “great offense” to the attack on her personal integrity. “Those expenses were legitimate and reimbursed according to PDC rules,” she said. “The attempt by the Democrats to undermine voter confidence in my campaign for county council with these allegations is despicable.”

Kershner said that the Whatcom Democrats were jealous of the Republicans’ successful fundraising efforts. “We believe these allegations ultimately stem from Democrats’ irritation of our record-breaking fundraising efforts to date this year and the momentum our members have toward electing more commonsense leaders,” she said. Kershner said that the Whatcom Republicans are serious about reporting their finances accurately and adhering to PDC rules and requirements. “I have complete confidence in my leadership team,” she said. “Once we receive a formal copy of the complaint from the PDC, we will review it and look forward to demonstrating that we have complied with all PDC requirements.”

Blaine dentist begins third humanitarian mission with Navy By Jami Makan Blaine dentist Patrick Rooney is once again boarding the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort, in order to provide dental care to residents of countries affected by the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. While the ship will not be visiting Venezuela itself, the ship will be visiting neighboring countries that have seen an influx of Venezuelan migrants. The goal is to help relieve pressure on local medical systems by providing care on the ship and at landbased medical sites. Once a wealthy oil nation, Venezuela is in the midst of political and economic upheaval. According to reports, an estimated four million residents have emigrated due to shortages of electricity, water, food and medicine. “It’s a desperate region,” said Rooney, who departed on August 5 and met the ship in Panama. “We’re doing good work on behalf of our gracious and generous nation to help out our partners in that region.” USNS Comfort has already begun a five-month deployment to Central America, South America and the Caribbean in support of humanitarian and partner-building efforts as part of the U.S.

August is Leak Detection Month

Be A

Leak Detective! LOOK for water stains to identify the origin of a leak. LISTEN for continuous sound of water when nothing is turned on. LEARN how to read and understand your water meter and water bill. An increase in water usage or a continuous running meter indicates a leak.

s U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort. Photo courtesy of U.S. Southern Command

Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative. After joining the mission in Panama, Rooney will visit Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti. He will return with the ship to Norfolk, Virginia at the end of November. At each stop, the ship’s surgeons, dentists and physical therapists will treat local residents. Routine medical procedures are performed at two medical sites that are set up, one in the harbor area and one farther inland. Meanwhile, more intensive surgeries are performed on board the ship itself. “The local ministries of health in each country work for weeks and months ahead of our arrival to establish the logistics,” said Rooney. “The patients are never in short supply. They are prepared and told what to expect and how to plan for their day with us.” Medical providers include active duty Navy personnel as well as civilian volunteers from a number of partner countries. Since 2007, personnel involved in USNS Comfort deployments have treated more than 488,000 patients, performed 5,500 surgeries, completed over 100 engineering proj-

ects and conducted countless other assistance activities. This will be Rooney’s third mission with the Navy in the last three years. In 2016, he joined the USNS Mercy in the Philippines, and last year he spent three months on the USNS Comfort, visiting four countries – Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Honduras – in 11 weeks. Rooney said he is proud and blessed to be able to do this important work. “The patients are so grateful to see us, it’s just heartwarming,” he said. Rooney, who is 70 years old, retired in 2017 from his dental practice in Blaine. He was inspired to join these missions after serving in the Navy during the Vietnam era. During his upcoming mission, the weather will be hot and muggy, and the conditions on board the ship will be very communal, with bunk beds stacked three high. But Rooney said it’s all worth it, to be able to help address the region’s ongoing challenges while collaborating with other top professionals. “When you’re down there in the region, you see the crisis, it’s hands on, it’s up close and personal,” he said. “This is a chance for us to help address the crisis, one person at a time.”

August 8 - 14, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

Shortened Shakespeare works brought to life with improvisation By Kira Erickson Blaine Community Theater will be performing The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) from August 9 to 18. Originally written in 1987, the script was adapted to modern times, said director Nick McDonald. Cultural references were updated, and McDonald and the cast found their own jokes about reality TV to be more relevant than the original ones about action movies, for example. The writers themselves encouraged these changes within the script. The play is highly interactive, and requires the three actors to be comfortable performing in their own skin, McDonald said. “My job is to guide the story and make sure it’s the right roller coaster,” McDonald said. “The actors are really doing most of the heavy lifting.” The three actors – Rossner Randolph, Alexander Gehringer and Danielle Cheyenne Palmer – play overly dramatized versions of themselves. The performance covers a slew of Shakespeare works that Randolph, Gehringer and Palmer play different roles in. Improvisation is a given. McDonald said what the audience sees is not the same show every night. “There’s a lot of chances to talk with the crowd. Sometimes things change depending on the crowds,”

McDonald said. “The show does have a script, but there’s a lot of room for interpretation.” Randolph recalls the rehearsal nights spent making up new jokes with McDonald and his fellow actors. He and Gehringer previously worked together on a Halloween show for Blaine Community Theater, leading to easier banter between the two of them. “With only three actors, it’s such a big slice of the show that we each have. That’s been a fun challenge,” Randolph said. “I’ve never worked on something that was as collaborative to this degree.” Randolph has been involved in theater productions since the fourth grade, and has performed in Shakespeare plays with Shakespeare Northwest. Acting in a two-person show prepared Randolph for his role in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Encouraged by Randolph, Blaine High School alumnus Gehringer decided to audition for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Accustomed to playing supporting roles in projects for Western theater students, Gehringer’s role in Blaine Community Theater’s show has presented him with his biggest opportunity so far as an actor. “It was kind of daunting at first because I’ve never had to memorize

Photo contest calls for iconic images of water By Kira Erickson Starting on August 1, the Whatcom Watersheds Information Network (WWIN) will be hosting a water-themed photo contest, which ends on September 30. Entries are encouraged to be submitted to any of the following five categories: Favorite Water Spot, Working for Water, People Having Fun, Seasons of Water and – newly added in 2019 – Best Water Festival Experience. Water resource educator Sue Blake said the contest is being held as part of an annual cel-

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so much,” Gehringer said. “Having so much dialogue with other characters makes it easier to keep track of where my lines come in.” One of the challenges of community theater can be generational gaps, Gehringer said. Fortunately, all three actors in the show are in their twenties, making it easier to create pop culture references that they all understand. “It’s definitely a very funny show,” Randolph said. “When I initially tell people about it, they’re usually confused but then I tell them it’s a comedy.” “If you like Shakespeare, come see the show. If you don’t like Shakespeare, come see the show anyway and you’ll laugh,” Gehringer said. Tickets are $15, with a discounted price of $13 for students and seniors. This show will be the first of a new Repeat Offenders program. Ticket buyers will receive a voucher that allows them to come back and see the show again on another date for just $5, McDonald said. Performances will be held August 9 to 18, at the black box theater at Blaine High School at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

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The Northern Light • August 8 - 14, 2019

Active S eniors

Meals on Wheels and More feeds seniors in the community By Kira Erickson The Blaine Senior Center has seen unexpected growth in the number of participants at their daily community meals. From 2014 to 2018, the number of seniors attending the meals increased by more than 50 percent, from 8,900 to 14,100. Meals and Wheels and More program director Julie Meyers said that Blaine is a model. She would love to see the community meals become just as popular at other senior centers in the area. Whatcom County’s Meals on Wheels and More is a twofold program, with meals delivered to home-bound seniors and community meals provided to seniors at nine different sites around the county, including the Blaine Senior Center. “Our program is dedicated to preventing hunger and isolation in seniors throughout Whatcom County,” Meyers said. “The senior community meals provide not only nutritious lunch but also a time for seniors to come and meet with their friends and have vital social interaction. For our meals on wheels, sometimes the drivers are the only people that the seniors see on a regular

basis, so it’s really important.” Melody Philips has been cooking for Meals on Wheels and More for the past nine years. On average, she cooks 75 meals per day – most for the community meal at the Blaine Senior Center, and a handful to be delivered to home-bound seniors. When she first started, Philips served 15 to 20 people per day for lunch. Now, she’s serving 60 people per day. Birthday lunches (held once a month) have an especially high turnout of 80, according to Philips. “I absolutely love my job,” Philips said. “I love the seniors. We all have grandparents. We’ve got to take care of those people. I have never in my life had a job where I feel appreciated the way I do here.” She wanted to give a shoutout to her volunteers, many of them seniors themselves, who help immensely with the preparation process. Volunteer Jennifer McDonald delivers meals to seniors in Blaine and Birch Bay every Wednesday as a Meals on Wheels driver for the Blaine Senior Center. A recent retiree, McDonald started volunteering to deliver hot meals in January.

“It’s fun to see all the people every week,” McDonald said. “You can’t spend too much time there, but a smile and a kind word goes a long way.” McDonald delivers about seven meals per day. Like Philips, McDonald finds the people she encounters to be very appreciative. She plans to volunteer to deliver meals as long as she can. For 2019 alone, 80,000 of the community meals are expected to be served at the nine Whatcom County sites, and 90,000 meals on wheels are expected to be delivered to home-bound seniors. Meyers said community meals are donation-based for folks over 60 years old, which is the senior center’s target population. Any family members or friends under 60 are required to pay $7. Misconceptions about Meals on Wheels and More exist, she said. There are no income restrictions to receive home-delivered meals or to attend the community meals at the senior centers. And although the program does receive federal funding, it covers only about one-third of all costs. Meyers said the rest of the money comes from fundraising, donations, sponsorships and grants.

s Cook Melody Philips serves lunch to a community member at the Blaine Senior Center on August 5.

Photo by Kira Erickson

A registered dietician, Meyers has been directing Meals on Wheels and More for the past eight years. Her favorite part of the program is knowing she’s helping to meet a need in the community by feeding local seniors. “We receive phone calls and letters about how important the program is to the folks who are receiving it, or from a client’s daughter or son who, after the client has passed away, is really

thankful that the program was there for their loved one when they needed it,” Meyers said. Meals on Wheels and More will be participating in Senior Day in the Park, a resources fair, on August 14 at Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A suggested donation of $5 is recommended. There will be raffle prizes and live music from Blaine Senior Center’s own Rod’s Bluegrass Band.

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Rod’s Bluegrass Band honors spirit of late bandleader By Oliver Lazenby With just a few songs left in its set at Stafholt Good Samaritan Center on July 23, Blainebased Rod’s Bluegrass Band got most of the audience singing along to the classic coal mining song “16 Tons.” The nine musicians on stage, seniors themselves who know each other through the Blaine Senior Center, continued through a few more songs with the crowd singing along, ending with the classic hymn, “I’ll Fly Away,” a favorite of the band’s late founder, Rodney DeMent. DeMent, from a prominent early Blaine family, gathered the musicians together in 2015, when he was 93. The energetic nonagenarian continued with the band until he passed away in 2018 at 96. The band continues playing to honor his spirit and philosophy, playing music for seniors and encouraging others to pick up instruments. “[After DeMent passed away] we were all kind of wondering what was going to happen,” said Tom Burton, a guitar player and early member of the group. “A

couple people bought new instruments and we just kind of rededicated ourselves.” The band’s members are committed to providing entertainment for seniors. They play several times a month at senior centers and nursing homes throughout the county. On Wednesday, August 14, the group of Blaine senior pickers will play its biggest show yet, at Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale, as part of Senior Day in the Park. Senior Day in the Park is a chance for seniors throughout the county to socialize, learn about local services and resources. It goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a barbecue lunch. Playing around the county was an aspiration of the band’s late founder and namesake, members say. Though they’ve arrived at that point, it took a while to get there. It all started when DeMent showed up at Mick and Toni Blakely’s backdoor in Blaine one day in 2015, wanting to know if they were still playing music. The Blakelys had played in a bluegrass band in the past, but weren’t playing much music at

the time, they said. It turned out that DeMent had his upright bass in the back of his car. “Next thing you know, he brought his bass in the house and the rest is history,” Mick Blakely said. Concurrently, DeMent was encouraging others he knew through the Blaine Senior Center to pick up their neglected instruments or to learn a new instrument altogether. A few people started learning songs together during Saturday morning jam sessions at the Blaine Senior Center. DeMent, always an encourager, coaxed more people to join, and now up to 20 people show up to those Saturday jams. The band continues to place importance on what DeMent wanted for the group – they encourage others to join the band, and when they play at other senior centers, they encourage people to start their own bands. “There are certain principles he brought, like make it for everybody, make it fun and don’t alienate people by being too serious. Just keep it laid back and a lot of

fun,” said Matthew Egan, an early member and musical leader of the group. For many in Rod’s Bluegrass Band, playing with a group is a lifelong dream. “What’s kind of neat is how all at our age, we have found each other and we’re doing this thing that we all enjoy and that some of us have dreamed of doing but could never quite figure out how to do,” Burton said. “Through the center, is where it all started, we would have never all found each

other otherwise.” Though the band has moved on without its founder, a part of DeMent is on stage for every performance. Toni Blakely and other members play his upright bass, and through it, band members say, his spirit joins them on stage. “We wonder sometimes, what would he think if he saw us now,” Toni Blakely said. “I think he would be pretty happy because we’re carrying on what he originally wanted to do.”

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The Northern Light â&#x20AC;˘ August 8 - 14, 2019

Drayton Harbor Days Maritime Festival The Drayton Harbor Days Maritime Festival took place on August 3 and 4. The event was held at the Blaine Harbor Boating Center on Marine Drive in Blaine. The celebration featured arts, crafts, food vendors, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; games, a scavenger hunt, a pirate parade, model boat displays, a pet contest, live music and more. Attendees had a chance to climb aboard the tall ship Lady Washington for tours and adventure sails, and there was also the Prestigious George Raft Race featuring homemade rafts. Photos courtesy of Drayton Harbor Maritime and Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2

August 8 - 14, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

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Public Notices NOTICE: ANNOUNCEMENT OF AVAILABILITY OF DRAFT WASTEWATER PERMIT. Permit No.: WA0029556. Facility: Birch Bay Water and Sewer District. 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Blaine, Whatcom County The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District has reapplied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 90.48 Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 173-220 Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and the Federal Clean Water Act. The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District currently operates an activated sludge secondary treatment plant designed to handle a maximum month flow of 1.44 MGD. The wastewater, following treatment, must meet the requirements of the Washington State Water Pollution Control Act and applicable regulations for a permit to be issued. Following evaluation of the application and other available information, a draft permit has been developed which would allow the discharge of treated municipal effluent into the Strait of Georgia. A tentative determination has been made on the effluent limitations and special permit conditions that will prevent and control pollution. A final determination will not be made until all timely comments received in response to this notice have been evaluated. PUBLIC COMMENT AND INFORMATION The draft permit and fact sheet may be viewed at the Department of Ecology website: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/paris/ PermitLookup.aspx The application, fact sheet, proposed permit, and other related documents are also available at the Department’s Northwest Regional Office for inspection and copying between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm weekdays. To obtain a copy or to arrange to view copies at the Northwest Regional Office, please call Sally Perkins at (425) 649-7190, email at sally.perkins@ecy.wa.gov Interested persons are invited to submit written comments regarding the proposed permit. All comments must be submitted within 30 days after publication of this notice to be considered for the final determination. Comments should be sent to: Water Quality Permit Coordinator Department of Ecology Northwest Regional Office 3190 - 160th Avenue SE Bellevue, WA 98008-5452 Email comments should be sent to tricia.miller@ecy.wa.gov Any interested party may request a public hearing on the proposed permit within 30 days of the publication date of this notice. If a hearing is to be held, public notice will be published at least 30 days in advance of the hearing date. If you require special accommodations or need this document in a format for the visually impaired, call Tricia Miller at (425)649-7201. Persons with hearing loss can call 711 for Washington Relay Service. Persons with a speech disability can call 877-833-6341.

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The Northern Light • August 8 - 14, 2019

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100

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

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO SEMIAHMOO SHORE OPEN HOUSES

OPEN12-5 DAILY

9466 Turnstone Ln #41 $1,095,000

MLS# 1408418. Newest Semiahmoo Shore waterfront home with soaring vaulted great room design & expansive full width covered patio featuring full height stone fireplace & ample room for shoreline entertaining. All the exceptional design elements you’d expect at Semiahmoo Shore with fantastic guest suites on both main & upper floors. All main living on entry level, gated luxury at Semiahmoo spit with incomparable saltwater & mtn. views. Dir: Take I-5 North to Exit 270, head W (L North bound/R South bound) on Birch Bay Lynden Rd. to R on Harborview to L on Lincoln which becomes Semiahmoo Pkwy all the way to Semiahmoo Spit.

Mike Kent 360-527-8901

OPEN12-5 DAILY

9436 Turnstone Ln #35 $825,000

MLS# 1201008. 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. Finished in Driftwood theme including Wide Plank Flooring, Linear fireplace, quartz countertops, full stainless appliance package, dbl. garage w/epoxy floor & Covered patio. Miles of beaches & walking trails connect with this exclusive gated enclave of fine homes. Minutes to U.S./Canada border & under 3 hours to Seattle.Dir: Exit 270 West on Birch Bay Lynden Rd., R on Harborview, L on Lincoln Rd., to Semiahmoo Pkwy., Semiahmoo Shore on Left.

Lisa Kent 360-594-8034

OPEN12-5 DAILY

9454 Turnstone Ln #38 $1,195,000

MLS# 1360795. Remarkable Quality & Location with incomparable Saltwater Vistas of Drayton Harbor & Mt Baker. Exquisite craftsmanship throughout. Soaring vaulted ceilings in Great Room. 2 Luxurious Suites including owners on main. Gated entry. Direct access to trails & Beach and world Class resort nearby with Championship Golf, Saltwater Marina, Tennis, Pool & more. Open for viewing 12-5pm 7 days a week. Dir: Exit 270 West on Birch Bay Lynden Rd., R on Harborview, L on Lincoln Rd., to Semiahmoo Pkwy., Semiahmoo Shore on Left.

Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838

SEMIAHMOO OPEN HOUSES

OPEN1-1 1 SUN

9121 Pintail Loop $739,500

MLS#1469200. Small private gated community of Drayton Cove serves as the backdrop for this welcoming home. From the covered front porch to the single story living this home features light capturing high ceilings & large windows framing the picturesque view of Drayton Cove's fountain pond--an ideal home for all your feathered friends. Well cared for property offers covered outdoor space with fireplace, private deck with hot tub and 3 car garage. Spacious bedrooms/lots of storage with open loft. A must see.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

8725 Oertel Drive $1,290,000

OPEN1-3 SUN

MLS#1446573. Now's the time for a quiet drive to your own waterfront haven. Private beach staircase allows easy access to the waterfront. The sounds of the shore are gentle & welcoming from the comfort of your covered deck. Soak in the views of the San Juan Islands & stunning PNW sunsets. Well maintained--lovingly cared for this home features easy main floor living. Open great room with casual kitchen showcases the floor to ceiling rock fireplace, beautiful wood beams, framing the most amazing view.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

OPEN:30-3 12 SUN

8783 Clubhouse Point Dr $1,049,000

MLS # 1232342. 3935 sq. ft, Pre-sale now available! Last opportunities at Semiahmoo’s “Clubhouse Point”. Private, only 14 homes. Premium Southern exposure. Elevate, 18th fairway, lake & green views, A. Palmer Design . Primary living on main, office open to your secluded individual interior courtyard. Expansive decks, walls of windows bring the outdoors in. Huge kitchen, top notch appliances, stunning combinations of wood, stone, metals, juxtaposed w/ substantial stonework create inviting design. 3 car gar.

Brian Southwick 360.815.6638

SEMIAHMOO OPEN HOUSES

5597 Sandpiper Ln $880,000

OPEN3-5 SUN

MLS#1471840. This home has it all! Main floor great room living with chefs kitchen & restaurant style breakfast bar. Ideal for entertaining this spacious floor plan captures the sunlight from the vaulted ceiling & walls of windows. French doors open to a patio that rivals a Sunset magazine ad with the built in bar-be-cue, hot tub & farm to table raised garden beds. With clean lines & classic trends the Brazilian cherry floors are accented by the interior stack stone wall accents. Much to see and appreciate!

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

5395 Quail Run $599,000

OPEN1-4 SUN

MLS#1493911. SEMIAHMOO FAIRWAY CLASSIC! Just listed! Enjoy southerly vistas of two rolling fairways & lush gardens. Amazing privacy on quiet, nonthrough street. Cathedral ceilings & lots of windows/skylights create a bright, welcoming interior. 3356 sf plan has formal & casual spaces, main floor master, all beds w/ensuite baths, spacious loft. ¾” solid oak floors, 2 fireplaces, near-new roof! VIEW TOUR: FairwayClassic.com

Brenda Mills

360-319-0072

8484 Treevue Rd $119,500

OPEN:30-3 2 SAT 1

MLS #1423532. Seaside opportunity with water view. 924 sq. feet. Clean single wide home, one bedroom, living room, great room, bathroom, utility area & kitchen. Washer and Dry stays. Hard to find southern sun exposure. See Mount Baker from your living room. Some remodeling complete. Lots of parking. Two additional outbuildings. Generous size back deck with access from slider off the living room. See it today! Ceiling treatments, flooring and remodeled bath. One mile walk without leaving the development.

Brian Southwick 360.815.6638

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

OPEN-12 0 SAT 1

8139 Kayak Way $430,000

MLS# 1404963. Beautiful Architecturally Designed BBV Home. High ceilings, granite counter tops, engineered floors/carpet. Numerous ADA features all on one level. Large en suite and walkin 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!

5592 Salish Road

OPEN2-2 1 SUN

Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

OPEN0-4:30 :3 UN 2

Billy Brown 360-220-7175

F E AT U R E D H O U S E

7531 Morrison Ave $159,900 MLS#1451543. Located just off Birch Bays sandy beaches, with frontage on Terrell creek that flows into Birch Bay about a thousand feet away. Kayaking and crabbing from your own back yard. How cool is that? Nice back yard with plenty of privacy for the afternoon sun. Remodel and make it your own little custom getaway or just live the vacation. Plenty of parking.

8628 Ashbury Court NEW PRICE! $619,000

MLS#1470926. Strategically tucked beside Loomis' lucky 13th tee, this charmer enjoys a stellar golf course, Clubhouse & Mt. Baker view! All primary living on main. Rich cherry flooring welcomes. Den/office, stately dining rm flank entry. Spacious living room adjoins high end s/s/granite kitchen. Powder, laundry & expansive luxe master suite complete main. Upper level enjoys 2 generous guestrooms, full bath; glass French doors open to a generous Mt. Baker view bonus room w/wet bar! 3/2.5 + 2 flex rooms.

Billy Brown 360-220-7175

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

FOR ALL REAL ESTATE, RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL SERVICES PLEASE

Call Hugh -360.371.5800 CALL ME IF BUYING OR SELLING

Hugh Brawford

29+ years of success assisting buyers & sellers!

7806 Birch Bay Dr. #1007 21 ACRES on Kickerville at Headwaters on Terrell Creek JUST LISTED! $175,000 1-BD end unit with updated kitchen & appliances. Large floorplan with patio close to Birch Bay Beaches. Cozy wood burning FP, partial saltwater & sunset views. Amenities; Tennis courts, indoor pool, hot tub, racquetball court, game & exercise room. Laminate floors throughout. HURRY, THIS WON’T LAST!

$175,000

Owner contract possible at 20% down, 6.5% 30 year Amortization

Some residential zoning, currently in open space. Possible conservation easement opportunity. Great tax advantage. Call Hugh for details!

Semiahmoo Marina boat slips AVAILABLE!

www.CallHugh.com

$479,000

MLS#1481151. Immaculately maintained, sweeping view of Mountains and Birch Bay area. Custom built 3+ bedrooms, 2520 sf, 2.5 bathrooms. Extra windows fills home w/abundant light, hickory cabinets, vaulted pine wood ceilings, oak hardwoods, French doors to inviting sun room, main floor master bedroom, the perfect deck for entertaining with smoked glass railing, huge garage, fully fenced, amenities include Golf, salt water marina, clubhouse, sports courts, private beaches, play grounds, 24/7 security.

Linda Kiens 360-815-6640

www.windermere.com BIRCH BAY HOME

FOR SALE BY OWNER Located in the popular, gated Sealinks community, this thoughtfully laid out 1259 sq. ft. rancher includes 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a bright open kitchen, living and dining room with vaulted ceilings and lots of light. The rear of the home features a beautiful view of the ocean, multiple sliding glass doors and a 450 sq. ft. ‘Trex’ deck. This well cared for home was built in 2002 with ’green’ building materials: tile floors throughout, in-floor hot water radiant heating, non-toxic construction materials and a Lifetime Monier tile roof. This home is a special gem that won’t last long on the market! $365,000

360-319-7555 • allwell@telus.net

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.

Rentals - Commercial

Rentals - Rooms

NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

Leasing for Warehousing/Trucking. Have an 18,000 SF Fenced & Paved Yard Available Now for Vehicle Storage.

Don Nelson 360-332-2743 Email nelsbldg@msn.com

Want to find a new home? You’ve come to the right place!

Find it in the Classifieds!

August 8 - 14, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

Hearing to consider cost of recent demolition By Jami Makan A public hearing is being held to consider the cost of the recent demolition of a dilapidated downtown building. The building, located at 665 Peace Portal Drive, was demolished in April. It was formerly occupied by the Costa Azul restaurant and was pest-ridden, structurally unsound and decaying, posing a risk to public safety. The building was demolished by Dirt Works Bellingham. In December 2018, city council unanimously approved a $247,836 contract with the firm. The contract included the cost of permitting, asbestos abatement, demolition and disposal of the structure.

Blaine chamber launches new website The Blaine Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website with an array of features. The new website went live on July 22 and replaces the old Blaine Chamber of Commerce website, which had not been updated in years. “It was outdated and it wasn’t user-friendly,” said Donna Raimey, the chamber’s new program and events coordinator. Raimey, who designed and wrote the pages of the new website, said it will allow the chamber to modernize its web presence. A highlight of the new website will be an interactive calendar that allows the public to see what events are coming up. The calendar is searchable and allows users to set a reminder about any event that they are interested in attending. An online request form allows members of the public to submit events for inclusion in the calendar. Another addition is a searchable database of the chamber’s members, who will be able to log into the system to upload their logos, change their descriptions and categories and communicate with other members of the chamber. In addition to communicating with other members, they can offer online coupons and other deals to each other in a member-to-member marketplace. The site is run by GrowthZone, a provider of association management software, using the Minnesota-based company’s ChamberMaster software. Meanwhile, the site’s new nautical-themed logo was designed by Serge Samoylenko of Bellingham-based Spoken Designs.

Dining Guide

However, the total amount that city staff will be presenting to council for consideration is $283,178.03. This includes not only the cost of the demolition itself but also staff time and attorney fees. After the conclusion of the public hearing, city council may order that the cost of the building’s demolition be passed on to the property owner. “We would notify the property owner of the expense, and then we would lien the property and the city would be paid back when the property owner paid the invoice or when the property was sold,” said city manager Michael Jones. According to the Whatcom County assessor’s office, the

property owner is Guenter Mannhalt of Seattle. Jones indicated that Mannhalt may have recently passed away, leaving the property in probate. Nonetheless, Jones said that the property owner had numerous opportunities to participate or protest along the way. The city has been pursuing the building’s demolition since at least May of 2017, when a demolition notice was issued to Mannhalt. “I feel very confident that the city has followed all the appropriate steps,” said Jones. The public hearing is being held pursuant to the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings as well as the Blaine Municipal Code.

RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES

Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts JULY 2019 LOCATION

SALE PRICE

Unit #28, Semiahmoo Shore Condominiums, 9422 Turnstone Lane, Blaine

$795,000

Unit #33, Semiahmoo Shore Condominiums, 9432 Turnstone Lane, Blaine

$795,000

Unit #5, The Aerie at Semiahmoo Condominium, 9150 Aerie Lane, Blaine

$769,000

2-story house with 2,040 SF, 3 BD, 2 BA, 748 SF patio, 408 SF storage area, built in 1940, 50 feet waterfront; marine view, .12 acres land.

7477 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine

$714,900

1-and a half story house with 3,588 SF, 3 BD, 4 BA, 888 SF attached garage, 611 SF patio, built in 2005; territorial view, .36 acres land.

8808 Wood Duck Way, Blaine

$898,800

2-story house with 5,189 SF, 400 SF basement, 4 BD, 6 BA, 884 SF attached garage, 400 SF patio, built in 1992; marine and territorial views, 1.05 acres land.

9132 Wigeon Court, Blaine

$815,000

1-story house with 2,462 SF, 4 BD, 4 BA, 869 SF attached garage, 478 SF patio, built in 2003; territorial view, .50 acres land.

8785 Goshawk Road, Blaine

$747,000

1-story house with 922 SF, 2 BD, 2 BA, 370 SF attached garage, 310 SF carport, 247 SF patio, built in 1962, waterfront; marine view, .80 acres land.

1825 Edwards Drive, Point Roberts

$670,000

2-story house with 3,511 SF, 4 BD, 3 BA, 690 SF built-in garage, 248 SF deck, 436 SF deck, 864 SF shop, built in 2002, 5.00 acres wooded land.

9787 West 31st Place, Blaine

DESCRIPTION HIGHER END HOUSES: 2-story condo with 2,203 SF, 4 BD, 3 BA, 463 SF attached garage, 180 SF patio, built in 2017, waterfront; marine and territorial view. 2-story condo with 2,025 SF, 4 BD, 3 BA, 477 SF attached garage, 210 SF patio, built in 2018, waterfront; marine and territorial view. Condo with 2,831 SF, 2 BD, 4 BA, built in 2000; marine and territorial view.

OBITUARIES Shirley Cortez June 10, 1937 - July 19, 2019

Shirley was a longtime Birch Bay resident. She leaves behind two cherished and loving sons, a granddaughter, family and friends. Shirley loved horses, football, real estate, and travel. She was a woman with many talents and extreme integrity. Shirley will be deeply missed by all that knew her. Donations to Animals Natural Therapy (ANT).

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

DIRECTORY

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www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

119 N. Commercial Suite 140 Bellingham, WA 98225 360-738-3454

MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING

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Louis Auto Glass Family Owned and Operated Since 1929!

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407 19th St.

1721 E. College Way

To Our Canadian Friends

WHATCOM COUNTY

$610,000

Proud supporters of the Blaine Community!

Enjoy Huge Savings with U.S. Prices

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Must present ad for special. Not valid with any other offers. Expires June 30, 2014.

2-story house with 3,759 SF, 4 BD, 3 BA, 620 SF attached garage, 468 SF deck, built in 1996; marine and territorial views, .32 acres land. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: Portion of an Airplane Hangar Condominium with 11,000 SF, built in 1980, 16.82 acres land. 4-plex with 3,184 SF, built in 1989, .37 acres land.

9161 Belted Kingfisher Road, Blaine

$1,150,000

1116 Yew Avenue, Blaine

$613,218

632 D Street, Blaine

$560,000

Keep Full Service • Budget Payment Plan • Tank Installation & Rental Modern Equipment • Safety Checks • Locally Owned & Operated

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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.

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

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

277 G Street • Downtown Blaine

360-392-0955

TheVaultWine.com

TheVaultWine

Sun.-Wed. 7am-2pm Thurs.-Sat. 7am-8pm 360-332-3540 234 D Street, Blaine

7829 Birch Bay Drive • Birch Bay

360-922-7902

www.BayBreezeRestaurant.com

The Northern Light • August 8 - 14, 2019

Coming up Healthy Youth Coalition Peerside Gala Fundraiser: Thursday, August 8, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Village Clubhouse. Three-course meal, Drayton Harbor oysters, wine/beer, live auction. $50/person or $90/couple. Tickets: peersidegala.eventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit youth in our community creating healthy/supportive programs.

A Midsummer’s Night in the Garden: Thursday, August 15, 6–9 p.m., VW’s Home & Garden, 8210 Portal Way. Annual ladies’ night out with sales, wine and refreshments. Info: 366-3906.

gust 24 and 25, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Home Farm UPick & Events, 8020 Kickerville Road. Enjoy family fun with acres of sunflowers, farmers market, artisan/ craft vendors, live music, petting zoo, pony rides, tractor train rides, games, etc. $20 per vehicle. Info/ tickets: homefarm.farm.

Depression Bipolar Support Group: Thursday, August 15, 6–7:30 p.m., downstairs Blaine Peace Arch International Concert: Sunday, AuUnited Church of Christ, (use doors on Clark Live Music at Birch Bay State Park: Friday, Street, elevator available). No cost, but donations gust 25, 2 p.m., Peace Arch Park. Featuring Eastern European dance, music and song by Radost Folk August 9, 6 p.m., BP Heron Center. Featuring: Swing accepted. Ensemble & Dunava. Set. Info: fobbsp.org. Discover Birch Bay Days & Fan Fest: Friday– Al-Anon Meetings: Mondays, noon, United Live Music at The Vault: Friday, August 9, 7–9 Sunday, August, 16–18. Tons of family fun! p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 270 G Street. Featuring: Parade at 11 a.m., on Saturday, live music, meet Church of Christ, 885 4th Street. Info: Call M.J. 360/920-3679 or Bob 360/920-3676. Scott and Dean. Info: 360/392-0955. former Seahawks players, current and retired player moms, golf tournament, extreme chainsaw ArtScape Teens: Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m., Soul Space Blaine Community Theater presents The carving competition and sales, crab derby, food Complete Works of William Shakespeare and craft vendors, kids “training camp,” viewing Studio, 264B H Street. A safe place for teens to set their imaginations free through art mediums. (Abridged): August 9, 10, 16, 17, 7 p.m., August party and more! Info: birchbaychamber.com. Free studio time. Sponsor: Healthy Youth Coalition. 11, 18, 2 p.m., the Blaine High School Black Box Theatre. Adult tickets $15, students and seniors $13. Northwest Washington Fair: Monday, August Info: 435/704-1598. Info: blainecommunitytheater.com. 12–Saturday, August 17, Lynden. Birch Bay Community Meals: Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m., Christ the King North-Bay, 4895 Birch Guided Beach Exploration: Saturday, August 10, Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, August 17, 1-3 Bay-Lynden Road. Dinner, music, games and food 9 a.m., BP Heron Center. Info: fobbsp.org. p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Open to the public. Early bird game at 12:30 p.m. and pantry. To donate or volunteer contact: bbsummerLive Music at The Vault: Saturday, August 10, communitymeals@gmail.com. regular bingo at 1 p.m. Cost $15 for 8 games 7–9 p.m.,The Vault Wine Bar, 270 G Street. Info: with 3 cards per game. Cash prizes. Lunch at Plover Ferry Rides: Fridays and Saturdays, 12–8 360/392-0955. noon for $6. Info: 360/332-8040. p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Departs from Blaine Samson Estates Summer Jazz Series: Sunday, Annual Salishan Neighborhood Picnic: Sun- Harbor gate 2 on the hour/Semiahmoo dock on August 11, 4–6:30 p.m., Samson Estates Winery, the half-hour. Adults $5, kids $1. Info: draytonharday, August 18, 1–4 p.m., Salishan Park (corner 1861 Van Dyk Road, Everson. Christopher Woitach of Alder Street and Blaine Avenue). Bring a dish bormaritime.com. Trio. Info: samsonestates.com. to share, come dressed for a garden party and get to know your neighbors. Enjoy fabulous food, APA Museum: Through September, Friday–SunAtwood Ales Beer Pairing: Sunday, August 11, day, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Learn music, free hot dogs, games and prizes. 2–4 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 270 G Street. Enjoy about the area’s commercial fishing history with five Atwood Ales and five appetizer pairings on the antique machinery, historic photos and an original Peace Arch International Concert: Sunday, deck. $50 per person. Reservations required. Info: sailboat. Info: draytonharbormaritime.com. August 18, 2 p.m., Peace Arch Park. Tejano and 360/392-0955. conjunto music by Juan Manuel Barca Conjunto. Teen Nite: Saturdays, 5–9 p.m., Pizza Factory, 738 Peace Arch International Concert: Sunday, Au- Back to School Fair: Wednesday, August 21, Peace Portal Drive. Kids ages 13–18 come enjoy gust 11, 2 p.m., Peace Arch Park. Featuring Brazilian 4–7 p.m., Blaine High School gym. Connect with open mic, karaoke and games. Free pizza at 5 p.m. Forro accordion music by En Canto. over 50 local organizations, $20 sports physicals, Narcotics Anonymous Meeting: Sundays, free haircuts, free vaccinations, food and kids Annual Senior Day in the Park: Wednesday, Au6:30–7:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 activities, raffle and prizes. Info: blainesd.org. gust 14, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Hovander Homestead Park Boblett Street, entrance on 4th Street. For other in Ferndale. Older-adult focused resource fair, BBQ Kerloo Cellars Winemaker’s Dinner: Sunday, meeting times and locations visit nwwana.org or lunch, door prizes, live music, bocce, etc. Suggested August 25, 5–8 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 270 G call 360/647-3234. donation: $5. Hosted by Whatcom Council on Aging. Street. Five wines, five courses. Featuring Kerloo Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to Cellars wines and BBQ on the deck. $78 per perWine Tasting Event: Thursday, August 15, 5-7 calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than son. Reservations required. Info: 360/392-0955. p.m., Cafe Rawganique, 429 Peace Portal Drive. noon on Monday. Sunflower Festival: Saturday and Sunday, Au-

Crossword

Weather

Answers at thenorthernlight.com

ACROSS

1. Adventure stories 6. Amphetamines 12. Extend the limits 16. Article 17. Socially disoriented 18. Gold 19. Part of the mind 20. “Rubber Band Man” rapper 21. Take by force 22. Football position 23. American cola 24. Risk management plans (abbr.) 26. Narrow channel on the moon 28. Semitic alphabet letter 30. Dorm employee

31. Dessert dish 32. A street where nightmares happen 34. For each 35. Fat from a pig 37. Easily altered 39. Salvador __, Spanish artist 40. The last CEO of Sears 41. One who lades 43. Russian pop duo 44. Fictional free city of Essos 45. Cool! 47. Strong liquor 48. Rural delivery 50. Brews 52. Compound found in hops 54. Where golfers begin

holes 56. Third note of a major scale 57. City of Angels 59. Snag 60. Exclamation of surprise 61. Controversial retired wide receiver 62. For example 63. Free to use 66. Carson’s sidekick 67. Pirate saying 70. Convulses 71. Semitic gods DOWN

1. Split apart 2. Equally 3. Mountain passes

4. Another name for Thor 5. Chinese chess piece 6. Helpless 7. US army designation (abbr.) 8. Micturated 9. One to respect 10. Small Greek island 11. In a thinly dispersed way 12. Put two together 13. Of the supernatural 14. Type of structure in organic chemistry 15. Card game 25. Feeling of discomfort 26. Get free of 27. Unit of measurement 29. A person who enjoys good food and drink 31. Violin maker 33. Noted psychotherapist 36. Complete 38. Ballplayers’ tool 39. Afternoon illumination 41. Points a finger at 42. Moved quickly 43. ‘__ death do us part 46. Blue jeans 47. French Jesuit theologian 49. Dissuades 51. Eastern European peoples 53. Abnormal rattling sound 54. Air-breathing land snail genus 55. Turfs 58. Farewells 60. __ mater: one’s school 64. They __ 65. Baby’s eating accessory 68. Priestess of Hera 69. Type of railroad

Precipitation: During the period of July 29-August 4, 0.19 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2019 yearto-date precipitation is 15.78 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 83°F on August 4 with a low of 54°F on August 3. Average high was 79°F and average low was 57°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Tides DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT August 2–8 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W Fr 9

12:04 am

9.17

7:41 am

0.36

3:15 pm

7.48

7:18 pm

6.33

Sa 10 12:48 am

8.89

8:39 am -0.15

4:29 pm

8.12

8:42 pm

Su 11 1:38 am

8.64

9:29 am -0.51

8.62

9:58 pm

5:23 pm

6.80

6.87

Mo 12 2:30 am

8.42 10:15 am -0.73

8.96 11:00 pm

6:05 pm

6.69

Tu 13

3:22 am

8.25 10:57 am -0.82

6:39 pm

9.15 11:48 pm

6.39

We 14 4:10 am

8.11 11:37 am -0.78

9.22

7:09 pm

Th 15 12:28 am

6.02

4:58 am

7.95

12:13 pm -0.61

7:37 pm

9.22

s The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce selected Banner Bank as its July member of the month. Chamber executive director Liz Thornton, l., presented Nancy Stull, Ferndale branch manager, with the award on July 18.

Photo by Oliver Lazenby

Police Reports More police reports can be found online at thenorthernlight.com July 27, 2 p.m.: Person reported they returned from vacation and discovered someone had broken into their house and stolen several items. Case under investigation. July 28, 12:27 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to a disorderly conduct at a park on Kingsley Avenue. Dispatch further advised there were three individuals smoking marijuana at the park. Officers arrived and located the people, one had suspected marijuana on his clothing, and is known to be on probation. Report to be forwarded to his probation officer. July 28, 9:02 p.m.: Blaine officers responded to an assault in the 200 block of H Street. A citizen told Blaine officers he was pushed down by a man in the bar and threatened. Blaine officers arrested the suspect. During the search of the suspect, Blaine officers found two small bags of suspected cocaine. Blaine officers booked the suspect into the Whatcom County jail. July 29, 12:25 a.m.: Officers were dispatched to the Blaine High School for a group of juveniles who called 911 when an unidentified person in a vehicle claimed to be a police officer, flashed their lights at them and drove off rapidly. Officers were unable to confirm the allegations. July 29, 11:26 p.m.: Blaine officers responded to an audible alarm in the 400 block of D Street. A customer that had been pumping gas pulled on the door of the store and the door was not locked. The store employee came and locked the door. Blaine officers cleared the scene without incident. July 30, 10:30 a.m.: Business reported a person came back to their business after he had been trespassed from the business the day before. Officer located the suspect and attempted to arrest him for trespassing, but the suspect resisted. Officers were able to overcome the suspect’s resistance and place him into custody. Person was booked into jail for trespassing and resisting arrest. July 30, 11 a.m.: An officer was dispatched to a cold domestic. An officer spoke with the victim who alleged their mother slapped them. The officer investigated the alleged assault and determined there was no assault. There is a past history of unfounded assaults from the reporting party. Report to be forwarded to Child Protective Services. July 30, 7:55 p.m.: Blaine police responded to the Peace Arch port of entry for a report of a B.C. man driving on a suspended driver’s license. An officer responded and confirmed the man had a suspended driver’s license. The man was arrested, cited and released with a mandatory court date. July 31, 12:55 p.m.: Officers on routine patrol observed a driver known to have a suspended license. Officers stopped the individual and arrested him for driving on a suspended license. Upon a further search of the vehicle, officers also found a methamphetamine pipe that tested presumptive positive for the presence of methamphetamine. Officers arrested and booked the individual into the Whatcom County jail. Officers cleared with no further incident. July 31, 4:20 p.m.: Officers responded to 6th Street and A Street for a report of an assault. Officers determined a female was woken up by her boyfriend who was throwing food in her face. The situation escalated into a physical altercation where the boyfriend choked the female and pushed her up against the wall. Officers later located the suspect, arrested him and booked him into the Whatcom County jail. Officers cleared with no further incident. August 1, 9:29 a.m.: Blaine police were dispatched to a report of a man passed out behind the wheel of a car. Officers arrived and contacted the driver, who was okay. The man did not appear impaired and was not wanted for any crimes. Police cleared without incident. A neighboring police department requested information regarding the contact. Officers forwarded the information to that agency. August 1, 8:42 p.m.: Officers responded to the 800 block of Mitchell Avenue for a welfare check involving a juvenile female and adult male. Upon arrival bystanders detained the male individual whom they believed was attempting to kidnap the juvenile. Through an investigation, it was determined that both the juvenile female and adult male were related and he was responsible for getting her home but she was refusing to listen to him. Reports provided by Blaine Police Department

August 8 - 14, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

What does emergency preparedness mean? People who have lived through

B y R i c h a r d M a r t i n a disaster or serious emergency The Oxford English Dictionary defines “preparedness” as “the state of being ready or willing to do something.” In our context, emergency preparedness is to be proactive in responding to various natural and man-made hazards in our region. I am sure you have heard the Boy Scout motto, “Be prepared.” Not a bad piece of advice to consider. I would not suggest being paranoid about every potential danger that could befall us. Realistically, you could never be prepared for everything that could ever possibly happen to you. First, you need to be convinced that preparedness is the prudent thing to do. Regional history gives us great hints at what has happened before – and what is likely to happen again. Let’s take the last 40 years. Before this, a volcanic eruption would have been pretty much laughable in the U.S. Then, in 1980, Mount St. Helens released 24 megatons of thermal energy, spewing 1.4 metric tons of ash and sulfur dioxide gas into the sky and over 11 states and five Canadian provinces, killing 57. We have five active volcanoes in Washington state. Mt. Baker is one of them and it is in our own backyard.

already know the importance of pre-planning. It is said that in a disaster, it only takes about three days without food and water before people become desperate, irrational and even violent. Ask survivors if it’s just “paranoid” to be prepared for an emergency. In 2001, the 6.8 magnitude Nisqually earthquake (between Olympia and Seattle) occurred causing massive damage and injuring several hundred. Damage was even recorded as far away as Victoria, B.C. In November 2015, approximately 185,000 western Washington residents were without electrical power, some for weeks, as the result of powerful wind storms that contributed to the deaths of three people. Each time something like this happens, people start asking questions about preparedness and how to respond in an emergency. Sadly, most of that wears off within a few months, and people start selling their brand new generators at garage sales and in the classifieds section. Natural and man-made events can be researched and observed based on regional statistics, various weather conditions, emergency response times and capabilities, news agency reports or warnings issued for our area.

Your approach to emergency preparedness should be based on logic. Not fear or paranoia. Awareness is the key to starting in the right direction. Simple logic tells us that the ratio between emergency responders and citizens is extremely unbalanced. This is why every emergency response entity across the planet urges you to have at least 72 hours’ worth of supplies to function until responders can reach you (if necessary) in an emergency scenario. For our region, that “call” has been expanded to two weeks’ worth of emergency supplies, as confirmed by the Washington State Emergency Management Division. This should tell you something that apathy and complacency would otherwise ignore. Additionally, our region is susceptible to wildfires, winter storms, flooding and avalanches. This is not paranoia. This is awareness. Education on regional hazards and doing a personal assessment to determine your strengths, weaknesses and options are key to putting together a comprehensive (while still rational) plan for your family now. Each family is unique. Shouldn’t your emergency plan be, too? Richard Martin is the director of the non-profit group NorthWest Emergency Preparedness (NWEP).

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NWFR extinguishes overnight dumpster fire By Jami Makan North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) extinguished an overnight dumpster fire that came close to destroying a popular restaurant in downtown Blaine. At 2:36 a.m. on August 2, NWFR was dispatched to a reported dumpster fire in the alley and parking lot behind Peace Arch City Café, 658 Peace Portal Drive. When responders arrived, a cardboard recycling bin was engulfed in flames, which had already spread to a wooden door frame set in the concrete wall of the restaurant’s building. According to NWFR division chief and fire marshal Herschel Rostov, the fire was on the verge of spreading into the building’s attic through vents located on the side of the building. “It was a very fortunate situation. It was very close to involving the building itself, more than just the door frame,” he said. “It easily could have spread

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fire into the vents which then would have involved the attic of that building.” The fire was upgraded to a structure fire, enabling eight units to respond to the emergency. NWFR responders were assisted by teams from Ferndale and Lynden. Rostov said that after a thorough investigation, he could not determine the cause of the fire. “There wasn’t enough left after the fire to really have a good idea of what happened,” he said. “I dug through the pile and couldn’t find enough evidence left to point to whether it was accidental or not.” On their Facebook page, Peace Arch City Café speculated that the cause of the fire could have been a cigarette butt discarded by a passerby. “Other than a minor scare, complete loss of the recycling bin, damage to the trash dumpster and the lingering smell of smoke, the business is fine, and no individuals were injured,” read

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the Facebook page. The restaurant closed for repairs on August 2 but was back to normal operation on August 3.

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The Northern Light • August 8 - 14, 2019

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