November 14 - 20, 2019
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Christmas toy drive starts on November 15, page 5
Bay Medical Clinic to close permanently
WTA proposes changes to bus fares, page 13
Pizza joint has new name and lower prices, page 16
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Veterans honored at Blaine memorial service
By Jami Makan Bay Medical Clinic will close permanently at the end of this year, after multiple attempts to secure a replacement provider were unsuccessful. Bay Medical Clinic was opened by doctors Marta Kazymyra and husband David Allan 39 years ago in Blaine. Its closure will leave the city of Blaine without any family doctors. Family Care Network recently agreed to purchase city-owned land for a new medical center, but construction has not yet started and the facility is not expected to open for at least two years. “It is with heavy hearts that after 39 years in Blaine, we are announcing our retirement and closure of Bay Medical Clinic,” read a letter that was recently sent to the clinic’s 2,500 patients. “We have spent over two years looking for a replacement and have unfortunately been unsuccessful. Family medicine is a very difficult specialty and small, personal practices are becoming a thing of the past.” Indeed, a recent report published by the Washington State Medical Association noted the numerous challenges faced by independent medical practices, ranging from burdensome documentation, lower reimbursements and recruitment shortages to rent increases, state fees and taxes. Bay Medical Clinic’s last day will be Friday, December 27, and its staff will not be available to provide health care after that date. Its patients are urged to make an appointment in November or December for an exit visit, when they can receive prescriptions to ensure they have enough medication for several months until making arrangements with a new provider. Dr. Kazymyra has made arrangements with Dr. Jamie Kendall-Weed of Bellingham to accept many of her patients. “She’s a family physician with a similar philosophy and a small, independent clinic,” said Dr. Kazymyra. “My patients might find her to be a good fit.” In their letter to patients, Dr. Allan and Dr. Kazymyra suggested several other options including the Center for Senior (See Clinic, page 2)
s Veterans, U.S Naval Sea Cadets, Blaine city leaders and members of the public gathered for a Veteran’s Day memorial service in Blaine on November 11. The event featured a prayer, speeches, a rifle salute and a wreath ceremony. The names of soldiers from Blaine who were killed in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam were also read aloud, each one followed by the ringing of a bell. Photo by Jami Makan
Sidhu declares victory in county executive election race By Jami Makan Following a switch in lead, Satpal Sidhu is now ahead in the race for Whatcom County executive and is expected to win the election against opponent Tony Larson. When initial election results were released shortly after 8 p.m. on election day, Sidhu trailed Larson by 61 votes. The following day, November 6, a dramatic development saw Sidhu pull ahead of Larson by 163 votes. Sidhu has since expanded his lead, according to the latest counts released by the
Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. As of November 8 at 4:24 p.m., Sidhu had received 40,507 votes (51.1%), 1,850 more votes than Larson’s 38,657 votes (48.76%). At that time, the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office had an estimated 616 ballots in their office left to count, although this figure did not include ballots that had not yet been received. “Ballot signature cures and overseas ballots are not included and can be received up until the day before certification,” read the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office website. In a November 8 press release, Sidhu
declared victory over Larson. “It is a great honor and privilege to have earned the trust of the voters of Whatcom County,” he said. “During this campaign, I had the opportunity to speak with thousands of people from all corners of the county and listen to their concerns. It was a valuable learning experience and I will bring that with me to this office.” Sidhu, whose four-year term as executive will begin in January, stated that he has already been in touch with outgoing executive Jack Louws. “Mr. Louws has already reached out to me, and we will be
Community Thanksgiving Meal returns to Blaine By Jami Makan Blaine’s Community Thanksgiving Meal is back with new organizers, after the annual dinner – a fixture of the community for nearly two decades – was unexpectedly cancelled last year. The Blaine United Church of Christ, the Healthy Youth Coalition and the American Legion Riders have come together to bring back the Community Thanksgiving Meal. Members of the public are invited to enjoy a free turkey dinner prepared by
community volunteers. The event will take place on Saturday, November 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. The annual Thanksgiving meal was previously organized by Sons of the American Legion Squadron 86, a program of Blaine American Legion Post 86 that began hosting the dinner in 2000. The meal was unexpectedly cancelled last year due to a lack of volunteers and resources. In 2017, the year before it was cancelled, more than 800 people were served at the dinner.
In the past, the meals traditionally took place on Thanksgiving Day. This year, however, the Thanksgiving meal is being held on November 23, which is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, also known as Survivor Day. “Families and community members impacted by suicide are encouraged to attend,” said Healthy Youth Coalition co-founder Jesse Creydt. “It’s our way of carrying on the tradition of the Sons of
INSIDE
(See Election, page 10)
Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Coming Up . . . . . 14 Sheriff . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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The Northern Light • November 14 - 20, 2019
City of Blaine’s lobbyists preview upcoming legislative session in Olympia HOLIDAY INSPIRATIONS OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, November 16 10 am – 5:30 pm 1 DAY ONLY
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By Jami Makan During the next legislative session in Olympia, lobbyists hired by the city of Blaine plan to ask state lawmakers for $650,000 to pay for the next steps of the Bell Road grade separation project. The Bell Road grade separation project is the city of Blaine’s top legislative priority. The project would construct an overpass above the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) mainline, alleviating the traffic delays caused by trains. Passing trains can cause significant traffic backups, affecting emergency vehicles, as they approach the Department of Homeland Security’s train inspection facility just south of city limits. In a presentation to Blaine city council on October 28, Briahna Murray of Gordon Thomas Honeywell Governmental Affairs (GTHGA) lowered councilmembers’ expectations, warning them that the city may not be successful in receiving the desired $650,000 during the 2020 legislative session. “The transportation budget is the budget with the most constrained revenue,” said Murray. “It’s a challenging ask. The reality is, to keep this project moving forward, that ask needs to be the next step. We may not be successful in securing that $650,000 this year, but we need to indicate that that’s the next short-term investment that needs to be made in the project.”
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The city has already received $1.55 million in state transportation funds to engineer and design the grade separation project. Of that amount, $550,000 will be used to achieve 30 percent design by mid-2020, and $1 million will be used to acquire right-of-way acquisition. The desired $650,000 would fully fund right-of-way acquisition, but significantly more money – upwards of $20 million – will eventually be needed in order to construct the overpass. “The senate proposal that was put forward last year included $24 million as a placeholder for the construction of the project,” Murray told councilmembers. “We don’t know the cost of construction for the project, so we may need to go back in and update that number as we get more refined design information. We’ll want to use at least that $24 million number, if not a higher number, as we advocate with the house as it puts together its transportation package.” The state legislature runs on a two-year cycle, and the 2020 legislative session will be the second year of a legislative biennium. Scheduled to begin on January 13, the 2020 session will be a short session, expected to last just 60 days. The main focus of the short session will be to develop supplemental budgets by making amendments to the operating, capital and transportation budgets that were adopted in the previous legislative session. During her presentation, Murray also addressed the city of Blaine’s other legislative priorities. These include the Marine Drive reconstruction project. For
this project, the city and the Port of Bellingham are requesting $3.1 million in transportation funding to reconstruct the Marine Drive roadway to ensure access to the pier and protection of the harbor. Under the proposed project, the roadway would be replaced with a single vehicle lane, a bike/pedestrian path and a bulkhead. “We are really advancing this one forward, again, not necessarily anticipating that funding would be secured in the 2020 session, but certainly in 2021 or in future years – so getting the ball rolling on this project,” said Murray. Another priority is a capital budget request of $750,000 for the final phase of the Marine Park shoreline restoration and naturalization project. With the help of a $50,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Coastal Protection Program, the city completed Phase I in 2015 that restored 400 feet of shoreline by installing sand, gravel, cobbles and shoreline plants. The final phase of the project would allow the city to continue the removal of derelict debris and the installation of a natural beach. This final phase of the project is shovel-ready with permits in hand through grant assistance from the Rose Foundation. “$750,000 is a large dollar amount for a supplemental year in a capital budget,” said Murray. “However, this project can be phased, meaning that if the legislature is able to allocate $150,000 or $200,000 to the project, that funding could go toward completing a smaller portion, and then we can go back in future years to get the remaining amount of funding.”
Meal ...
suicide, it seemed that our two organizations would be able to work well together on this event,” said Brown. The Community Thanksgiving Meal will feature live music by Mike Bohnson and DJ Al Schalis, kids’ games and a suicide prevention presentation at 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed to assist with the event; to volunteer your time, please contact Julia Frehner at 435/704-1598. Donations are also needed to help fund the meal. Please make your financial contributions out to Healthy Youth Coalition – Thanksgiving. Donations can be mailed or dropped off to Healthy Youth Coalition c/o Soul Space Studio, 264 H Street, Suite B, Blaine, WA 98230.
From page 1
We have a brand new office and a new name, but we’re the same team of seasoned professionals. We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. That’s why we are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for our clients in Birch Bay, Semiahmoo, & Whatcom County. We take great pride in the relationships we build and always work relentlessly on our client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals.
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American Legion Community Meal, while also recognizing those impacted by suicide loss. We’re looking to bring our community together to support each other and let folks know that they are not alone during the holiday season.” One of the volunteers at the event will be James Brown, assistant director of the local chapter of the American Legion Riders motorcycle club. “We’re a veterans’ motorcycle organization, and with 22 vets a day committing suicide, when we found out about the Healthy Youth Coalition and their focus on teen
Clinic ... From page 1
WORK WITH LOCAL EXPERTS WHO KNOW THE BLAINE, BIRCH BAY AND SEMIAHMOO MARKETS. baypropertiesnw.com • 360-371-7252 • 8045 Birch Bay Drive
Health, Associates in Family Medicine, Unity Care NW, Sea Mar, Family Care Network, PeaceHealth Internal Medicine and PeaceHealth Family Medicine. Dr. Allan and Dr. Kazymyra thanked their present and past staff for their “amazing dedication” over the years. “As we start a new chapter of our lives,
please know that it has truly been an honor and a privilege to look after your health care needs over the past 38 years,” read their letter. “We will miss everyone.” Patients are invited to the clinic for cake and coffee on Monday, December 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. to say a personal goodbye. For any questions about the event or transitioning to a new provider, please contact Bay Medical Clinic at 360/332-6327.
November 14 - 20, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
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Former interim police chief of Blaine dies after being struck by vehicle By Jami Makan Michael Knapp, Lynden’s interim police chief, died from injuries sustained after he was struck by a vehicle in Lynden on November 5. Knapp, who previously served as Blaine’s interim police chief, passed away at the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on November 6, one day after the accident. Knapp, 79, was struck by a maroon 1988 Chevrolet GMT-400 while crossing Fourth Street in Lynden shortly before 5:30 p.m. on November 5. The Chevrolet truck was being driven by a 19-year-old male, and was driving northbound on Fourth Street with its headlights turned off when it struck Knapp, according to Washington State Patrol. Knapp was critically injured in the accident, and was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle to be treated for his injuries. The following day, he passed away surrounded by members of his family. “Michael was a family man that touched many and will be sorely missed,” read a statement from
Knapp’s family released by Harborview Medical Center. “He offered so much to his family, friends and community. Thank you for allowing us this private time to cherish his memories and life.” Members of the Blaine community remembered Knapp as someone who made a positive difference and impacted many residents’ lives. “Chief Knapp only worked at the city for a short period of time, but during that time, he had a significant impact,” said Blaine city manager Michael Jones. “He was a great chief and a really good man. My heart goes out to his family.” Knapp served as interim chief of the Blaine Police Department from November 2017 through July 2018. Former city manager Dave Wilbrecht had approached Knapp with the job opportunity about one month prior to the retirement of longtime police chief Mike Haslip. Intrigued, Knapp came out of retirement to accept the offer. From 2005 to 2016, he had been the chief of police in Ferndale. Previously, Knapp worked at
other police departments in California. He began his career as a special agent at the FBI in 1971 and finished as deputy chief of the bureau’s senior executive service in Washington, D.C. in 1997. He was a former member of the California Bar Association and a U.S. Army veteran. During his tenure with the Blaine Police Department, Knapp conducted an analysis of the department’s policies and practices. He helped restructure the department, which was then comprised of 11 commissioned officers and two full-time administrative staff. He established a hierarchy between operational staff members, promoting a handful of existing patrol officers to either lieutenant or sergeant interim positions. Following a recommendation from Knapp, the department also transitioned to a new dispatch system, What-Comm 911, and received consulting services and technical assistance from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). WASPC’s Loaned Executive Management Assistance Program (LEMAP) provided guidance to
Phase II begins for Drayton Reach lots By Kira Erickson Drayton Reach has been a project years in the making. Sectioned off into 39 lots, the 10acre parcel that lay untouched for years is now for sale. Real estate broker Grant Dalgliesh is handling the sale of the lots with Skyline Properties. In 2015, developer Jim Wong acquired the parcel of land from Whatcom-Skagit Housing, a non-profit organization similar to Habitat for Humanity that offers an affordable option for families to build their own homes. The non-profit had previously built the existing homes off Runge Avenue, known as Phase I of Drayton Reach. Phase I saw construction on 54 lots starting in 2008. Phase II of the project began in September, when storm lines were installed on the remainder of the property. Utilities, including a sewer system and electrical lines, will be installed next. Roads will be paved once it warms up next spring. The lots range in size from 7,000 to 18,000 square feet,
and they range in price from $99,000 to $399,000. Six of the lots face the waterfront. Lots can be reserved with a refundable deposit. “For people who are interested, it’s a no-brainer,” Dalgliesh said. “Someone can reserve one of these lots for $5,000 and that money is still theirs. If they don’t want it, then they can walk away.” The lots are being sold to individuals instead of companies. The individuals will build their own custom homes on the land. The building process is intended to be owner-friendly. Buyers must build their homes in accordance with city code standards. According to Blaine community development director Alex Wenger, 40 percent of the lots cannot be covered by homes, driveways, walkways or other structures, due to an “open air requirement.” Houses can be up to 30 feet tall, allowing for two stories. “I welcome the diversity,” Dalgliesh said. “It won’t be cookie-cutter, because individual people will have their own designs.
We will have some guidelines, like a homeowners association.” Homeowners association (HOA) guidelines may include rules about fence heights, exterior paint colors and the location of parked boats and RVs. According to Dalgliesh, these guidelines will be liberal compared to the “draconian” rules of other HOAs. “The kinds of things that we will have will be designed to increase the quality and value of the homes,” Dalgliesh said. “We’re not controlling the design standards. We’re not saying you need to have a certain kind of roof. You can do whatever fits within the city code for the zoning, which is single-family residence.” Dalgliesh expects the homes to be around 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. Manufactured homes and tiny homes are not permitted. He said they are still working to determine a minimum size of the homes. An up-to-date interactive map of the lots can be found at draytonreachlots.com. As of October 30, 13 of the 39 lots had been reserved.
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s Michael Knapp, a former interim police chief for the city of Blaine, died after being struck by a vehicle in Lynden on November 5. Photo by Stefanie Donahue
the Blaine Police Department on implementing best practices. The Blaine Police Department and the city of Blaine released a statement on November 7 remembering Knapp and his contributions to the local community. “In the nine months that he served as interim chief for the Blaine Police Department, he was able to transform our agency into a better, more open department,” read the statement. “He re-forged
ties in our community and won over the hearts and minds of everyone who met him. His lasting impact on the police department will be felt for years to come.” A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 20 at 1 p.m. at Bellingham Christ the King Church, 4173 Meridian Street. It will also be live-streamed to Lynden Christ the King Church, and the public can show their support for chief Knapp at either location.
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The Northern Light • November 14 - 20, 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, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. 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.
s At its October 28 board meeting, the Blaine school board recognized Blaine High School theater arts students for becoming an International Thespian Society troupe. The International Thespian Society is an honor society for high school theater students. “This is a good way for them to be recognized for the work that they had already been doing,” said Shari Akers, BHS theater arts teacher, second from l. School board member John Freal, r. Photo by Oliver Lazenby
Letters
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Jami Makan jami@pointrobertspress.com 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, Kristin Siemion sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Brisa Guajardo Richard Martin The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXV, No 22 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Nov. 21 Ads due: Nov. 15
The Editor: On behalf of the board of the Pacific Arts Association (PAA), a heartfelt thanks to all of the individuals and families who attended Nick Biello’s EastWest Winds Quintet concert on November 3. Your presence was appreciated, and it was great to see a significant number of students who were in attendance. Nick Biello and Charlie Porter, both faculty members at our July Blaine Harbor Music Festival/Camp, presented a program of their own music, some of it written specifically for this concert. For those of you who attended, you were part of a very unique musical experience. Thanks for your support, and we look forward to seeing you again at our concerts in July. Bryan Johnson, PAA board president Blaine The Editor: We moved here in June 2018. Learning new customs and the way things work has been fun. I have been stumped by one thing. I am not sure if it is Pacific Northwest (PNW) blindness, lack of attention, unique humor or something I haven’t understood. There is a “No U Turn” sign installed upside down south of the USPS building. It has been that way for months. I have shared this with friends, saying we don’t
allow planes or UFOs to land in Blaine. Am I missing something? Or is this a use of signage unique to PNW? Dennis Doyle Blaine
The Editor: Following the recent House of Representatives vote to formalize impeachment inquiries, we received an unsolicited email from Representative Suzan DelBene informing us that it gave her “no pleasure to call for the House of Representatives to begin an impeachment inquiry into the President of the United States” because, in her words, “Trump has continued to govern with a blatant disregard for the checks and balances of our Constitution.” Her current enthusiastic regard for the
Constitution seems out of character for her. She supported a candidate in 2016 who, after getting caught using a private email server for government business, wiped the server before reluctantly handing it over to the FBI; whose foundation was used as a pay-to-play scheme for personal gain; who refused repeated requests for additional security for American citizens, resulting in the deaths of a U.S. ambassador and three other brave Americans; and whose early business dealings in Whitewater and cattle futures give good reason to count her upto-par with Trump when it comes to blatant disregard for the law. Perhaps I could overlook these incongruities if, as she claims, she is “committed to addressing issues important to the American people.” When I look back at her voting record, I can see for myself the veracity of that claim. She voted no for border wall funding, no on Kate’s Law, no on the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, no on the repeal of Obamacare and no on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. It gives me no pleasure to have a representative with those commitments. Dan Rudolph Blaine 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, 6 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.
November 14 - 20, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
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Christmas toy drive starts on Friday, November 15 By Jami Makan Donations are needed for a holiday gift assistance program that allows families with limited financial resources to buy Christmas presents for their children at significantly reduced prices. The Community Toy Store is a program sponsored by the Community Assistance Program (CAP), a non-profit organization supported by local churches. Through this initiative, brand new toys and gift cards are donated by community members, and prices are marked down 75 to 90 percent. During the second week of December, toys are arranged in a store-like setting where parents can shop, choosing several gifts per child. A gift-wrapping station will also be available. A similar program has been operating successfully in Bellingham for over 10 years, and CAP began its Blaine/Birch Bay program in 2018. Proceeds from CAP’s toy sales will be distributed to non-profit organizations that work with families in the local area. “The program provides a hand
up instead of a handout for families facing difficult financial circumstances,” said CAP volunteer Laura Vogee. “This model empowers parents, giving them the joy and dignity of personally providing gifts for their own children, as well as being contributors to their community.” CAP is seeking donations of new, good quality toys for children ages two to 12. Toys should be in the $25 to $75 range. Some ideas for toy donations include Lego sets, building blocks, action figures, scooters, book sets, arts and crafts kits and musical toys. Launching Success, an educational supply store and toy store located in Bellingham, is offering a 15 percent discount on purchases for the Community Toy Store – just tell them at checkout. In addition to toys, CAP is seeking donations of $25 gift cards for teens. Gift cards can be for stores such as Old Navy, American Eagle, Barnes & Noble, Regal Cinemas, Best Buy, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, Ross, TJ Maxx, Ulta Beauty and Sephora. Donations should not be gift-
CITY OF BLAINE 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.
Thursday, November 14 9am – Park and Cemetery Board - CANCELLED
Thursday, November 14 2pm – Public Works Advisory Committee Location: PW 1200 Yew Ave.
Thursday, November 14 6pm – Planning Commission Study Session: 2019 Docket
s Like last year’s Community Toy Store (pictured), donated toys will be marked down 75 to 90 percent and arranged in a store-like setting. Photo courtesy of Laura Vogee
wrapped. If possible, please attach a note to your donations listing their retail prices. Donations can be dropped off at various locations in Blaine and Birch Bay. For a complete listing of drop off locations, visit blainecap.org. Donations will be accepted starting on Friday,
November 15 and the donation deadline is Friday, December 6. “It’s lots of fun to shop the sales for great toys that will delight a child, knowing that your donation blesses not only the child receiving it, but many others served by the organizations receiving the proceeds,” said Vogee.
Monday, November 25 4pm – Study Session – 2020 Budget 5pm – Study Session – 2020 Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) Budget 6pm – Regular City Council meeting Public Hearing: 2020 Budget
Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 City Offices Closed – Thanksgiving U.S. PASSPORTS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
LWV event to explore money in politics Eric Newman, chief litigation counsel for the antitrust division of the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, will also speak. Newman provides leadership and support to the office’s campaign finance unit. For more information about the upcoming event, email info@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org or call 360/927-4413.
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An upcoming event in Bellingham will help attendees “follow the money” and find out who is spending money on political campaigns. The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Bellingham/Whatcom County will be hosting a discussion about funding transparency in political campaigns on Saturday, November 16. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth Street, Bellingham. Topics to be discussed include: who paid for the promotional candidate flyers mailed for the recent election; how Washington state responds to violations of campaign financing laws; and what citizens can do to make sure their voices are heard in the political process. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for a social gathering, with a presentation and discussion to follow. Presenters will include public disclosure commissioner Anne Levinson. Levinson has served as a judge, as chair of the state’s utilities and transportation commission and in several roles for the city of Seattle, including legal counsel, chief of staff and deputy mayor for mayor Norm Rice. Since retiring from the bench, Levinson has consulted for governments and courts, and has provided review and oversight of administrative police misconduct investigations. The Public Disclosure Commission is responsible for administering Washington’s campaign finance regulations and ensuring that the information is transparent to the public. Other presenters will include Elise Orlick, an organizer and advocate who has worked on campaigns to separate money from politics, elevate the voices of small donors, simplify voter reg-
istration and bring transparency to state and federal government. Orlick most recently worked as the state director of WashPIRG, a grassroots consumer advocacy organization. Prior to that, she was a democracy associate with U.S. PIRG working in Washington, D.C., where she led a federal campaign to overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.
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The Northern Light • November 14 - 20, 2019
Sports
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Blaine senior Taylee McCormick finishes strong at state cross country meet
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Blaine senior Taylee McCormick capped her career with the Blaine cross country team with a strong finish at the 2A state cross country meet on November 9 at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco. McCormick, the only Blaine runner to qualify for the 5K race, finished 79th out of 155 runners
in 21 minutes and 17.3 seconds. That’s one of McCormick’s better times this season; her personal best is 20 minutes, 34.3 seconds. McCormick just made the cut for state by finishing 26th at the Northwest District Championships, where the top 28 qualified. Leah Holmgren of Ellensburg
won the state meet in 18 minutes, 16.4 seconds. For the rest of Blaine’s cross country athletes, the season ended at the Northwest District Championships on Whidbey Island the week before state. “It’s been a good season. The kids were a joy to work with,” said Blaine head coach Gabe Bolton.
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s Blaine quarterback Will McKinney hands the ball off to running back Oscar Caridad during a November 1 playoff game at Blaine against Renton’s Liberty High School. Caridad scored Blaine’s lone touchdown in the 57–6 loss and rushed for 51 yards to finish his high school career with 1,671 rushing yards. That’s the eighthmost in school history, according to whatcompreps.com.
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Taylee is a 2-year captain for the girls Cross Country program, and her hard work and leadership has been a fantastic example for her teammates. She was the medalist at the Kings Cross meet, and she qualified for the 2019 State Cross Country Championships. Congrats Taylee!
s The Blaine Middle School boys soccer team went undefeated in its season, which ended in October. Photo courtesy of Janann Thompson
s Blaine Middle School’s 8th grade softball team was undefeated for the second year in a row. On average, they scored 12 runs per game and gave up three.
Photo courtesy of Sean Miller
November 14 - 20, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
7
Participate in local work parties to enhance salmon conservation By Kira Erickson The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) will be hosting two work parties this month to support salmon habitat conservation at California and Terrell creeks. For the California Creek restoration, NSEA will partner with the Whatcom Land Trust, Whatcom Conservation District (WCD) and Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM) to remove invasive blackberry and Scotch broom from the site and to plant native vegetation. On Saturday, November 16, participants can meet at 1055 H Street, where they can park and take a shuttle to the site. For the Terrell Creek restoration, NSEA will partner with WCD and BBWARM to restore a forest for salmon. On Saturday, November 23, participants can park at the former Birch Bay Bible Community Church site at
7039 Jackson Road. Both events will run from 9 a.m. until noon. NSEA, a fishery enhancement group, partners with property owners to lead its work parties. NSEA project manager Darrell Gray said they have been working with BP, which owns a portion of Terrell Creek, since 2003. BP donates $25,000 every year to support the restoration efforts. Work parties are held at the site every spring and fall. The past two work parties brought in 125 volunteers, who planted a total of 920 plants. Last year, NSEA held its first work party at the California Creek site, working with the property owner, Whatcom Land Trust. Volunteers have previously helped plant 210 of the 1,110 plants at the site. Gray said that NSEA tries to monitor both sites for a minimum of three years. Their goal is to reach “85 percent survival” of planted native vegetation. NSEA stewardship program
coordinator Noah Hanks said the planting of native vegetation, such as willows that survive near water, helps decrease the erosion of sediment in streams. The shade from trees also reduces the temperature of streams, ensuring cool, oxygenfilled water for juvenile salmon to mature. “We’re adding to the salmon ecosystem by adding native plants, which can be used to filter any pollution that comes into the water,” Hanks said. He said volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend the upcoming work parties. Tools, gloves, coffee and snacks will be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes, pants they don’t mind getting dirty and a jacket. Volunteers under 18 must bring a youth liability release form, and minors under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about the work parties, contact NSEA at 360/715-0283 or info@n-sea.org.
s Volunteers planted native trees along Everson’s Tenmile Creek during a Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) work party on October 26.
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BHS club receives award for addressing difficult topics By Kira Erickson When it began in 2017, Upstanders United was an invitation-only club composed of mostly Blaine High School seniors. They had big ideas about speaking out to the school about taboo topics, but the club had a longevity issue. Without underclassmen to eventually take the helm, who would continue to lead Upstanders United in the future? Two years later, the club’s current leaders are facing the same question. During a recent lunch period, the nine dedicated members of Upstanders United met in the classroom of their advisor, science teacher Ellie Weeks. Mostly juniors and seniors, the young women discussed recruitment with their club coordinator. “Our numbers are dwindling because the majority of us are seniors,” Associated Student Body (ASB) president and high school senior Samantha Boczek said. “We’re working on advertising to the younger classes.” “Freshmen aren’t involved as much, which is weird,” another club member said to the others. Efforts to reach underclassmen with a club assembly and by visiting their advisory classes proved fruitless, as did the mass email club leader and senior Payton Ives sent out to the names on a sign-up list. Upstanders United formed as a way to combat this sort of indifference. The club has addressed difficult topics like mental health, consent and healthy relationships, all within the few short years of its existence. When she worked with the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence, Liz Stuart supported the founding of Upstanders United at Blaine High School. As the club’s coordinator, she helps direct the students to helpful and supportive services.
“I was co-advising the group,” Stuart said. “I’ve helped them by providing materials and tools that they review. Some of the awesome things that they’ve done have really been building peer education at the school.” Some of this peer education has included informative assemblies and themed weeks with activities relating to self-care. Last year’s Consent Event provided a youth summit for the whole county to participate in and discuss the importance of consent in healthy relationships. Most recently, at the beginning of October, the club showed an anti-bullying video that they made at a school assembly. “While we were playing the video, I was looking at the crowd and it was dead silent,” Boczek said. “Nobody was speaking. Everyone was really engaged, and I felt like everyone actually really cared about what was going on in the video.”
Upstanders United does some of their outreach in conjunction with ASB. Currently they are planning Care Week together. “Last year we focused a lot on healthy relationships, consent and anti-bullying, and I kind of want to pull some of the origins of why Upstanders United started into what we’re doing this year,” Ives said. The club has endured through word-of-mouth communication and by encouraging people to bring their friends to meetings. Ives and her co-leader Emma Nash have been facilitating the club meetings. They were some of the club’s original members when they were sophomores back in 2017. At the beginning of this school year, they learned that their club had won the Youth Award from the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center in Bellingham for creating a more inclusive, connected and caring school environment. Upstand-
ers United will be honored at the 17th Annual Peace Builder Awards Gala on Friday, November 15. This acknowledgement was an opportunity for the members of Upstanders United to realize that their voices have been heard. “I was overjoyed,” Ives said. “It takes a lot of courage to talk about topics like consent, healthy relationships and mental health. A lot of people in our club feel as if we’re not appreciated. So especially being recognized with an award like that, it was really humbling for me.”
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The Northern Light • November 14 - 20, 2019
Active S eniors
Medicare open enrollment for 2020: frequently asked questions By Brisa Guajardo Medicare open enrollment began on October 15 for Washington’s 1.3 million Medicare beneficiaries. Local residents still have until Saturday, December 7 to fill out their paperwork. The process can easily get confusing, so here are some answers to the top questions this open enrollment season. As I review all of my Medicare paperwork, what should I pay the closest attention to? Carefully review your annual notice of change and take note of changes to your benefits and premiums. Check to see if your premiums have increased – if your plan premiums have gone up, check your budget to make sure the plan will work for you. Then, review any benefit changes to make sure that all of your needs will be met. For example, Medicare generally doesn’t cover dental benefits, but some Medicare Advantage plans, like Community Health Plan of Washington Medicare Advantage, do cover preventative dental. Make a list of what you would like and research plans that meet your specific needs. What are the different types of Medicare plans that I should
research? There are many great Medicare plans out there, and the benefits and premiums differentiate the various plans. Apart from original Medicare, there are Medicare Advantage, zero cost and supplemental plans. Supplemental plans are optional and you will not be penalized for not signing up for a supplemental plan. If you cannot afford or don’t want to commit to a supplemental plan, we recommend researching Medicare Advantage plans that operate the same way as the Medicare original plan but with enhanced benefits. If you want coverage to protect your health but do not get sick often, it could be worth exploring a zero cost plan. If I already like the plan I am on and do not want to change it, do I need to fill out a new application? No action needed. While we recommend reviewing your plan for any changes, your plan will auto-renew in January 2020 if you do not take action before then. What happens if we get to December 8, after Medicare open enrollment ends, and I decide I want to change my plan? What are my options? While October
15 to December 7 is annual open enrollment, there is also an open enrollment period from January 1 to March 31 where Medicare beneficiaries have a one-time chance to choose a different Medicare plan. For example, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and it is not what you expect, you
have time to change your plan. You can either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or the original Medicare plan. I am not eligible for Medicare but my parents need my assistance enrolling in a new Medicare plan. How can I help my parents? You can help your parents by doing some research in
advance or visiting a designated Medicare representative at your parents’ health plan. While your parents do have to go through the enrollment process themselves, we are happy to help you help them navigate the system. Brisa Guajardo is a Medicare expert with Community Health Plan of Washington.
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• Pay attention to the beverages you drink. It’s not just the foods you eat that can help or hurt you in the fight against osteoporosis. Heavy consumption of alcohol can contribute to bone loss, while drinks that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea and sodas, can decrease calcium absorption and contribute to bone loss as well. Drink alcohol and caffeinated beverages in moderation. Women are more vulnerable to osteoporosis than men. Learn more about the disease by visiting nof.org.
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10
The Northern Light • November 14 - 20, 2019
H H H H ELECTION Whatcom County and local races results as of 11/08/2019 4:24 PM. State Measures results as of 11/11/2019 12:56 PM.
RESULTS 2019 H H H H
Whatcom County Executive Tony Larson
Blaine School District 503 Director District 2 Todd Berge
48.76% (38,657) Satpal S. Sidhu
43.23% (2,413) Dougal Thomas
51.10% (40,507)
County Council District 5 Ben Elenbaas
56.52% (3,155) Blaine School District 503 Director District 4 Charles Gibson
58.54% (9,347) Natalie McClendon
51.99% (2,909) Tana Perkins Reneau
41.33% (6,599)
Whatcom County At-Large Position B
47.56% (2,661)
Fire Protection District 21 Commissioner Position 3 Scott Fischer
Carol Frazey
63.62% (6,373)
60.86% (45,822) Kathy Berg
David Ramirez
38.97% (29,342) Whatcom County Assessor Rebecca Xczar
35.94% (3,600) Birch Bay Water and Sewer District Commissioner Position 3 Fred Reid
50.85% (36,581) John Romaker
68.44% (2,023) Patrick Alesse
48.95% (35,217)
31.12% (920)
STATE MEASURES
Whatcom County Sheriff Joy Gilfilen
30.82% (23,763)
Referendum Measure No. 88
Bill Elfo
69.02% (53,217)
Allows the state to implement affirmative action policies in public education, employment and contracting.
Approved
Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 3 Anthony Distefano
34.78% (24,434)
49.64% (903,398) Rejected
50.36% (916,351)
Robert (Bobby) Briscoe
64.96% (45,635) City of Blaine Council Ward 1 Position 1
Initiative Measure No. 976 Repeals, reduces or removes authority to impose certain vehicle taxes and fees; limits annual motor vehicle license fees to $30, except voter-approved charges; and bases vehicle taxes on Kelley Blue Book value.
Yes
Randy R. Roose
52.99% (996,083)
24.71% (433) No
Richard May
75.17% (1,317)
City of Blaine Council Ward 2 Position 3 Garth Baldwin
79.71% (1,430) Steven Tojek
20.01% (359) Source: Whatcom County Auditor’s Office (county and local races) and the Washington Secretary of State Elections Division (State Measures).
47.01% (883,961)
Election ... From page 1
meeting in the near future,” read Sidhu’s statement. “I am putting together a highly qualified transition team to ensure a smooth handover, and I will be ready to lead from day one.” In another lead switch, Whatcom County assessor candidate Rebecca Xczar pulled ahead of opponent John Romaker.
On election night, Xczar had been trailing Romaker by 729 votes. As of November 8 at 4:24 p.m., however, Xczar had received 36,581 votes (50.85%), 1,364 more votes than Romaker’s 35,217 votes (48.95%). The final results of the election will not be available until Tuesday, November 26, when the Whatcom County Canvassing Board is expected to certify the results of the election. For the most up-to-date tallies, visit results.vote.wa.gov/results/current/whatcom.
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estates of RICHARD BONIFACE CLARKE and ELLEN BERYL CLARKE, Deceased. No. 1940062437 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Co-Personal Representatives named below have been appointed as co-personal representatives of the above estates. Any person having a claim against the deceased RICHARD BONIFACE CLARKE and/or ELLEN BERYL CLARKE must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided by RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Co-Personal Representatives or the Co-Personal Representative’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 have commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Co-Personal Representatives 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 this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 or 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate and nonprobate assets of the decedents. DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS WITH CLERK OF THE COURT: Nov. 8, 2019 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: Nov. 14, 2019 CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: James Lawrence Clarke & Gerard Joseph Clarke ATTORNEY FOR CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA #16655 ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Stowe Law PLLC, 276 Boundary Bay Rd, P.O. Box 129, Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone: (360) 945-0337 Email: stowelawpllc@outlook.com DATED this 7th day of November 2019. STOWE LAW PLLC: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655, Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: MARY ANN PETERSON, Deceased. No. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE NAMED BELOW has been appointed as Personal Representative 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 Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’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 probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative 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. NOTICE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: October 30, 2019 DATE: October 31, 2019 PATRICK E. MADSEN, Personal Representative Presented by: Law Offices of Roger L. Ellingson, P.S. By: Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677
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12
The Northern Light • November 14 - 20, 2019
Real Estate
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
9454 Turnstone Lane #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. DIRECTIONS: 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.
Lisa Kent 360-594-8034
OPEN12-5 DAILY
9452 Turnstone Lane #37 $1.295,000
MLS #1360756 Spectacular Semiahmoo Shore model Home with bonus Lot making it the largest in development. Also has abutting HOA owned Greenbelt lot. Stunning unobstructed views of Drayton Harbor, Mt Baker & Twin Sisters. Step off your covered patio w/outdoor fireplace onto miles of shoreline trails. Upgrades throughout & constructed by award winning R/H Construction. DIRECTIONS: Exit 270 West on Birch Bay Lynden Rd., R on Harborview, L on Lincoln Rd., to Semiahmoo Pkwy., Semiahmoo Shore on Left.
Lisa Sprague 360-527-8901
B L A I N E A N D B I R C H B AY O P E N H O U S E S
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7714 Birch Bay Drive #100 • $269,900
9668 Harbor Court • $469,500
MLS#1517120. Beautiful waterfront luxurious ground floor condo, at Grand Bay Condominiums. One bedroom, one bath with large jacuzzi tub, walk in shower, double vanity and heated floors. Kitchen has granite countertops and stainless appliances. Spectacular water views with gorgeous sunsets from your very large ground floor patio! Private beach for Grand Bay owners across the street for your enjoyment. Covered carport close to your front door. Walking distance to all the restaurants in Birch Bay!
MLS #1539247. Nearly brand new, hard to find property in Blaine! 3 beds/2.5 baths with all the features on your “must have” list: 9’ ceilings, open concept living/dining/kitchen, stunning stone fireplace, granite slab counters, tile backsplash, SS appliances, luxurious master suite, heated tile in bathrooms, A/C, 2 car garage with additional covered parking, gutter guards and a south facing deck with views of Orcas Island. Easy access to the schools, waterfront & saltwater marina, I-5 & US/Canada borders.
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MLS #1522019. Waterfront acreage close to booming downtown Blaine, I-5 & US/CAN border access, welcome to Fishermans Bend Lane! It’s rare to find this set up: 3 bed/2.5 bath home on 1.18 acres features soaring vaulted ceilings, open concept floor plan, high end finishes & design + the dialed in Bonus Space is sure to please everyone. Private back deck is ideal for entertaining while overlooking spacious backyard & Dakota Creek. Attached garage + lots of space for boat/RV parking. Don’t miss this one!
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In case of inclement weather, please call agent to confirm open houses.
FOR ALL REAL ESTATE, RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL SERVICES PLEASE
OPEN2-4 SUN
Rentals - Residential
Rentals - Commercial
BLAINE APARTMENT 2 BD, 1.5 BA, w/ W/D, storage. Clean. Available now. $1100/mo. Incl. W/S/G . 360-392-8687.
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Owner contract possible AT 20% DOWN, 6.5% 30 year Amortization. Some residential zoning, currently in open space. Great tax advantage.
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Don Nelson 360-332-2743 Email nelsbldg@msn.com
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Allreal realestate/rentals estate/rentalsadvertising advertis- in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 All in this newspaper is subject asingamended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on to thecolor, Federal Fair Housing Act familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such race, religion, sex, handicap preference, discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real esof 1968 as limitation amended,orwhich makes it illegal tate which is any in violation of thelimitation law. Ourorreaders to advertise preference, dis- are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available based on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246. crimination 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.
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November 14 - 20, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
13
O B I T U A RY
Historical photo of the week
John Joseph Hawkes
July 28, 1950 - October 19, 2019
s Billboard for Birch Bay Resorts, March 1953.
Photo by Jack Carver, courtesy Whatcom Museum
WTA proposes changes to bus fares By Kira Erickson The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) could soon be changing its bus fares. The changes would affect the price of the 31-day pass, increasing from $25 to $30, and the 92-day pass, increasing from $70 to $90. Select passes, which have a reduced fare, would also increase in price, from $13 to $15 (31-day select pass) and from $35 to $45 (92-day select pass). In addition, the 92-day student pass would increase in price from $40 to $45. Youth 18 and under would be able to ride for free. Currently, youth ages eight to 18 pay $1 for a single ride, $15 for a 31-day pass and $40 for a 92-day pass. “In 10 years, we’ve both expanded and improved our services quite a bit,” said Maureen McCarthy, WTA’s community relations and marketing manager. “Most people who ride frequently buy a pass because it’s a much better deal than paying the cash fare.” According to a WTA performance report from 2018, 77 percent of riders paid for multiday passes. At a community meeting held on October 16, McCarthy said that there was positive reaction from the community. She said that she receives supportive input every day from phone calls and emails.
John Joseph Hawkes passed away at age 69 in Potrero, Costa Rica on October 19, 2019. John was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on July 28, 1950. He moved to Point Roberts, Washington just before his teen years and lived with his grandfather and grandmother. At age 16 he became a real estate agent and did very well. The Vietnam War started and he then enlisted in the Marine Corps., thinking it was the Merchant Marines. He left the USA and moved to Australia thereafter and his son Jonathan was born to his wife Gaye. He returned to the U.S. where his son Shandor was born; however, he soon separated from his wife and sons. John then ended up in the diamond drilling and fishing businesses. He lived in Blaine for awhile and then moved to Sausalito, California to operate a fishing dock for a local Bellingham company. While in Sausalito he met his second wife Linda and they were married in Point Roberts in 1983. John continued to do some diamond drilling work and then he took a job as manager of a fishing dock in Alaska. He lived with Linda in Seward and worked for two companies their until moving back to Washington and buying his home in Custer. John drove truck for sometime until Linda passed away. He then met Eileen, his widow, in 2005 and they were married shortly thereafter. He was commander of the American Legion Post 86 in Blaine on three occasions. John was diagnosed with cancer in his lung in 2013 and he battled that until the end. John is survived by his wife Eileen, his mother Yvonne, his two sons, three brothers and two sisters, three grandsons and one step grandson. He will be missed by all. A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive, at the corner of Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine Roads at 1 p.m. on November 23, 2019.
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s The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) could soon be changing bus fares, with public hearings scheduled for November 21 and December 4 in Bellingham.
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www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
119 N. Commercial Suite 140 Bellingham, WA 98225 360-738-3454
MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING
Photo courtesy of Maureen McCarthy
“People are excited about the low fares for youth, and they understand the price increases,” McCarthy said. Two public hearings in Bellingham will offer the community another chance to offer input. The first will be held on Thursday, November 21 starting at 8 a.m. at the Whatcom County Council chambers at 311 Grand Avenue. The second will be on Wednesday, December 4 starting at 6 p.m. at Carl Cozier Elementary School cafeteria at 1330 Lincoln Street. A board of directors, which includes elected officials such as
the Bellingham mayor and the Whatcom County executive, will be reviewing the proposed changes and public comments. If approved, the new bus fares would go into effect starting mid-2020. “This is probably part one of a two-part process,” McCarthy said. “The board also has an interest in exploring changes to our other fares, such as paratransit.” Paratransit is a service that WTA currently offers for those with mobility impairments who are not able to ride the fixed-route bus system. The paratransit buses offer curb-to-curb transportation.
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14
The Northern Light • November 14 - 20, 2019
Coming up
Thanksgiving Basket Registration: Through Friday, November 15. Families with limited financial resources living in Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts may sign up for a ready-to-cook turkey dinner at blainecap.org or by calling 360/332-0740. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. Community Toy Store Registration: Through Sunday, December 1. Families that live in the Blaine school district and qualify for free or reduced lunch can sign up to receive assistance in providing holiday gifts for their children. Details and registration are available at blainecap.org. Those not able to register online may call 360/332-0740. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.
California Creek with Whatcom Land Trust: Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.–noon, parking and a shuttle are available at 1055 H Street. Replanting. Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Volunteers under 18 years old must bring a youth liability release form. Minors under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Info: whatcomlandtrust.org/stewardship.
Following the Money in Our Political Campaigns: Saturday, November 16, 10 a.m.–noon, Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth Street, Bellingham. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. League of Women Voters of Bellingham and Whatcom County event. Speakers: Public disclosure commissioner Anne Levinson, organizer and advocate Elise Orlick Xanadu Jr.: Thursday–Saturday, November 14–16, and chief litigation counsel for the antitrust division 7 p.m., Saturday, November 16, 2 p.m., Blaine High of the Washington State Office of the Attorney School Black Box Theater, 1055 H Street (south side General Eric Newman. Info: info@lwvbellinghamby the football stadium). Tickets $5 at the door. Musi- whatcom.com or call 360/927-4413. cal comedy presented by Blaine High School. North Cascades Audubon Society: Wings N Wine: Saturday, November 16, 2 p.m., Semiahmoo Town Hall with Representative Luanne Van County Park on the Semiahmoo Spit. No registration Werven: Thursday, November 14, 4–5:30 p.m., required. No fee. Guided bird walk (about 90 minBob’s Burgers and Brew, 8120 Birch Bay Square Street. Town hall concerning Birch Bay, Blaine, Custer utes) followed by lively bird talk during happy hour and Ferndale. Info: Luanne.VanWerven@leg.wa.gov. at The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. Live Music at The Vault: Saturday, November 16, Wine Tasting Event: Friday, November 15, 3–7 7–9 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. Featurp.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. Winemaker ing: Havilah Rand & Phil Sottile. Info: 360/392-0955. Antonio Sanguineti pouring Italian wines. Info: 360/392-0955.
Blaine Primary School K-5 Annual Book Fair: Thursday and Friday, November 21–22, and Monday and Tuesday, November 25–26, 1–4 p.m., Blaine Primary School library, 820 Boblett Street. Proceeds purchase books for students to borrow from the library. Practices and Representations of the Canada-U.S. Border: Thursday, November 21, 3 p.m., Canada House Conference Room, Western Washington University, 516 High Street, Bellingham. Presentation by Pierre-Alexandre Beylier, BPRI cross-border research fellow. Info/accommodations: Ruth.Musonda@www.edu.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, November 15, 7–9 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. Featuring: Chad Petersen. Info: 360/392-0955. Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, November 16, 8 a.m.–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.
Blaine School District Community Meeting: presentation at 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Healthy Youth Monday, November 18, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Com- Coalition, Blaine United Church of Christ and American munity Church, 4460 Bay Road. View information Legion Riders. To volunteer, contact: 435/704-1598. from FLO Analytics and give input regarding future property for a Birch Bay school.
Answers at thenorthernlight.com
ACROSS 1. Egyptian bull-god 5. America 8. Type of field (abbr.) 11. Reagan’s Deputy AG 13. Negative 14. Mother of Hermes 15. Summer and Winter Olympics gold medal winner 16. In shape 17. Oh my goodness! 18. People of Guinea or Sierra Leone 20. A form of “to be” 21. Succulent plant 22. Estranges 25. Honest 30. Showing conviction 31. High schoolers’ test 32. Implant 33. Acknowledgment 38. Cash dispenser 41. Transferred to another 43. Superhero group 45. Photographers 48. Small, rich sponge cake 49. Power to perceive 50. Heavy cavalry sword 55. Israel’s first permanent UN delegate 56. Everything
57. Afflicted 59. Language spoken in Chad 60. Pioneering MC Kool Moe __ 61. Jewish spiritual leader 62. Keyboard key 63. Soviet Socialist Republic 64. Impudence DOWN 1.Type of degree 2. Expression of sorrow or pity 3. Large, predatory lizard 4. River in Romania 5. Biased 6. Parties 7. TV’s used to need one 8. Philly football player 9. Recognized ethnic group of China 10. Gradually disappear 12. Large, dark antelope 14. Vegetarians won’t eat it 19. Takes the energy out of 23. Body part 24. Succeed in achieving
25. Where golfers begin 26. Computer memory 27. One who buys and sells securities 28. Midway between north and northeast 29. Quiet and rather dull 34. A limb on which to walk 35. It precedes two 36. Of she 37. Commercials 39. Necessary for sewing 40. Infectious viral disease 41. Expression of good wishes 42. Some are contact 44. More plentiful 45. Secret political clique 46. Behind the stern of a ship 47. Supernatural force 48. Altar in Orthodox churches 51. Swiss river 52. Impartiality 53. “Luther” actor Idris 54. They resist authority (slang) 58. Criticize
Holiday Lights Dash: Saturday, December 7, 2 p.m., Lincoln Park, 1800 H Street. Family-friendly one mile run/walk with fun obstacles. Theme: Candyland meets Elf. Holiday attire encouraged. Register at 1 p.m. Adults $10, kids 5-17 $5, family (up to 5) $30, under 5 free. Free refreshments. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Depression Bipolar Support Group: Thursday, November 21, 6–7:30 p.m., downstairs at Blaine United ArtScape Teens: Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m., Soul Space Church of Christ (use doors on Clark Street, elevator Studio, 264B H Street. A safe place for teens to set available). No cost, but donations accepted. their imaginations free through art. Free studio time. Sponsor: Healthy Youth Coalition. Info: 435/704-1598. Wine Tasting Event: Friday, November 22, 3–7 p.m., the Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. Tasting Valle de Gua- Toastmasters Meeting: Tuesdays, 6:30–7:45 p.m., dalupe wines with Patrick Neri, importer of Mexican 382 Boblett Street. Improve your public speaking skills. wines from Beso Imports. Info: 360/392-0955. Community Meals: Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m., Terrell Creek with Whatcom Conservation Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Through May, District and BBWARM: Saturday, November 23, 9 except holidays. Info: blainecap.org. a.m.–noon, park at Birch Bay Bible Community Church, The Alaska Packers Association Museum: 7039 Jackson Road. Sign in at blue NSEA tents. Wear sturdy shoes/weather-appropriate clothing. Join NSEA, Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Info: 360/371-3558. Whatcom Conservation District and BBWARM to help restore forest for salmon along Terrell Creek. All ages welcome. Under 18 years old must bring a youth liability Teen Nite: Saturdays, 5–9 p.m., Border Town Pizza, 738 Peace Portal Drive. Kids ages 13–18 come enjoy release form at bit.ly/36qwg6O. Under 14 years old open mic, karaoke and games. Free pizza at 5 p.m. must be accompanied by an adult. Narcotics Anonymous Meeting: Sundays, Community Thanksgiving Meal: Saturday, No6:30–7:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett vember 23, noon–4 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 Street, entrance on 4th Street. Nwwana.org. G Street. Live music, games and suicide prevention
3rd Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, November 17, 9 a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86. Adults $6; 6 years and younger $3. Eggs to order, French toast, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, ham or sausage. Coffee, milk, orange juice. Info: 360/371-7311.
Crossword
Olde Fashioned Christmas: Friday, December 6, 5–9 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 1–9 p.m. and Sunday, December 8, 1–5 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Tickets: $5 adults, $3 children, free for children under one year old. Info: ferndaleheritagesociety.com or call 360/384-6461.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Weather
Sheriff’s Reports November 2, 3:04 a.m.: Alarm silent on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. November 2, 11:12 a.m.: Watch for on Cedar Way. November 2, 11:18 a.m.: Arson, no fire response on Fir Way. One arrest for arson in the first degree, murder in the second degree – attempted and resisting arrest. November 2, 11:25 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Harborview Drive. November 2, 12:14 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Harbor Drive. November 2, 1:24 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Fortune Lane and Morris Road. November 2, 2:12 p.m.: Welfare check on Shoreline Court. November 2, 3:26 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Karber Road. November 2, 4:45 p.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. November 2, 5:36 p.m.: Hang-up (911) on Birch Bay Drive. November 2, 7 p.m.: Follow up on Fir Way. November 2, 7:40 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Birch Point Road. November 3, 4:25 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. November 3, 7:03 a.m.: Security check on Fir Way. November 3, 9:05 a.m.: Parking problem on Birch Bay Drive. November 3, 10:09 a.m.: Missing child on Elmwood Drive. November 3, 11:13 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Birch Bay Drive. November 3, 1:06 p.m.: Traffic signal/sign on Arnie and Ham roads, Custer. November 3, 2:33 p.m.: Impound private cold call on Haynie Road, Custer. November 3, 3:52 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Haynie Road, Custer. November 3, 5:21 p.m.: Welfare check on Birch Bay Square Street. November 3, 5:38 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Birch Bay Drive. November 3, 5:49 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Birch Bay Drive. November 3, 8:01 p.m.: Trespass on Fir Way. November 3, 8:38 p.m.: Welfare check on Castlerock Drive. November 4, 11:39 a.m.: Alarm audible on Semiahmoo Drive. November 4, 12:58 p.m.: Whatcomm record on Loomis Trail Road. November 4, 2:02 p.m.: Alarm audible on Semiahmoo Drive. November 4, 2:27 p.m.: Theft cold call on Shintaffer Road. November 4, 2:52 p.m.: Mental cold call on Surf Place. November 4, 3:56 p.m.: Alarm audible on Semiahmoo Drive. November 4, 10:11 p.m.: Suspicious person on California Trail. November 5, 10:37 a.m.: Assist citizen on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. November 5, 11:11 a.m.: Watch for on Blaine Road. November 5, 11:14 a.m.: Parking problem on Rock Crab Drive. November 5, 1:10 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Arnie Road. November 5, 1:34 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Seavue Road and Cedar Way. November 5, 3:49 p.m.; Assist citizen on H Street. November 5, 6:55 p.m.: Security check on Barkers Lane, Custer. Reports provided by WSCO
Precipitation: During the period of November 4–10, 0.12 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2019 year-to-date precipitation is 25.13 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 59°F on November 6 with a low of 33°F on November 6. Average high was 56°F and average low was 34°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Tides DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT November 15–21 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W Fr 15 12:30 am
-0.96
8:06 am
9.65
1:19 pm
6.77
5:31 pm
8.29
Sa 16 1:06 am
-1.06
8:56 am
9.76
2:15 pm
7.04
5:57 pm
8.02
Su 17 1:48 am
-0.96
9:50 am
9.80
7.06
6:31 pm
7.61
3:23 pm
Mo 18 2:36 am
4:43 pm
Tu 19
3:30 am
6:01 pm
-0.63 10:42 am 6.72
7:25 pm
-0.06 11:32 am 5.97
9:07 pm
9.81 7.02 9.82 6.35
We 20 4:30 am
0.71 12:18 pm
9.84
4.86 11:09 pm
6.01
Th 21 5:36 am
1.63 12:58 pm
9.86
3.51
7:01 pm
7:47 pm
s The Blaine Library celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Whatcom County Library System on November 7. Alexis Miller poses in a display at the library’s anniversary party. Photo by Oliver Lazenby
November 14 - 20, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
15
Emergency preparedness: How do I start – before I get started? By Richard Martin Now that you have established what “emergency preparedness” is, and that there is a legitimate need for it – as suggested by emergency response entities and advocates worldwide – the next step is to figure out how to get started with your own personal plan for addressing potential natural or man-made emergency scenarios. At first, this can seem like an intimidating task. It is important to note that the acquisition of relevant skills beats “stuff,” such as gear, supplies and gadgets. “Stuff” can break down and has to be physically carried if you are forced to relocate. It expires, can be defective, becomes lost or gets used up. However, skills can be taken everywhere, giving you increased improvisational options with which to respond to a wide variety of situations. Options empower you. Before we drop you into a forest with only a knife (which we are not going to do), the very first thing is to perform a personal assessment. Using the S.W.O.T. (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) business model of assessment for our own context, we can assess ourselves in
order to see what we’re working with from scratch. Do I possess first aid or other life-saving skills such as CPR training? Do I have applicable camping skills, such as outdoor cooking, water gathering or foraging, in case my power goes out for an extended period of time? These are “strengths.” Applicable skills, knowledge or gear (such as a generator) would be a plus. Do I have physical or medical limitations of strength, or reliance on prescription medications? Am I limited financially, by available space in an apartment, or by my schedule or scope of personal responsibilities at home or elsewhere? These would be challenges in the “weakness” column of the S.W.O.T. assessment model. How can I gain additional skills, information, supplies or coordinated mutual assistance in a disaster? This is the “opportunities” category, where you can strengthen your approach to preparedness. What realistic natural or manmade hazards or scenarios have the most likely potential to endanger me or my family locally? These are “threats” to your ability to reduce your risk against various
realistic, potential local hazards. So, let’s take that from the top. Though they are not the only useful skills in preparedness, life-saving skills such as CPR and basic first aid are extremely valuable, not just in a disaster but in everyday life. Having and safely using a backup generator, as another example, affords you the valuable option of backup power in an electrical power outage. If you have medical challenges such as strength or functional restrictions of endurance or, say, a daily dependence on insulin, you need options to address these issues. Physical assistance, and the ability to keep your injectable insulin cool in a power outage, for example, would be useful responses to those challenges. First aid and CPR classes through your local fire department are a valuable opportunity that you can take advantage of, as are classes or lectures on other applicable information and skills. Learning what your specific potential threats are also plays a paramount role in overall planning for your family. Personal and regional assessment is an important step that should not be overlooked. We previously went over various re-
Mobile needle exchange helps curb spread of disease in Birch Bay By Oliver Lazenby After a successful pilot program in Birch Bay and Maple Falls, the Whatcom County Health Department’s mobile needle exchange program is here to stay, and the county is working to expand its services. An extension of the health department’s Bellingham-based Syringe Services Program, the mobile exchange has served at least 79 people in Birch Bay and Maple Falls since July 11 of this year. The county’s van visits each community once a week for two to three hours. The program gets clean needles to injection drug users and safely disposes of dirty needles, helping prevent the spread of HIV, hepatitis C and other diseases. Exchanging needles is free. The opioid crisis is fueling a dramatic increase in infectious diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The health department collected and exchanged 13,260 needles in the program’s first three months. The Birch Bay site began operating on July 31 and has exchanged nearly 500 needles, said Melissa Morin, county health department communications specialist. The program reached even more than the 79 people who showed up in person at the exchange van. “We know that some people who attend syringe services – at both the mobile and stationary sites – exchange needles for friends or family members who cannot make it to the exchange,” Morin said in an email. “It’s important for disease
prevention that we get clean needles to these folks, too.” The mobile program provides other health care services including wound care, vaccinations, some sexually transmitted disease testing and the opportunity to talk to a substance abuse counselor. The health department uses a rental van for the program. Once it can get funding, the department plans to buy a van for about $50,000 and retrofit it for another $40,000 to allow health workers to provide more services. The health department is hoping to add a Ferndale stop soon. The mobile needle exchange started because the health department heard that getting to its Bellingham clinic on North State Street was a barrier for some, Morin said. A quarter of the people served by the mobile program so far haven’t been to the Bellingham clinic. Studies suggest that needle exchange programs can be a first step to seeking treatment. People who use syringe exchange programs are five times more likely
to enter drug treatment and three times more likely to stop using drugs than those who don’t, according to the CDC. “The whole idea with this program is that really it’s a way to meet people where they’re at and, through repeated interactions and building trust, to make sure they’re able to care for themselves and find their way to treatment and eventually a healthy life,” Morin said. “That’s the goal.” The health department prefers not to publicize the location of the van to maintain privacy for patients, Morin said. People find out about it through service providers and word of mouth. “Our traditional way of getting the word out isn’t necessarily the right way to get it out to folks who make use of this service,” Morin said. “We do have an existing program and we see folks regularly there. We hear from people there that really the way to spread the word is word of mouth.” To inquire about the location of the van, call the health department at 360/778-6100.
gional risks to justify preparedness. After a personal assessment of abilities, challenges, opportunities and hazards, and knowing what your potential threats are,
we are closer to measured and logical responses. Richard Martin is the director of the non-profit group NorthWest Emergency Preparedness (NWEP).
Community Thanksgiving Meal Sat., November 23 • 12-4 pm (Saturday before Thanksgiving)
Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street
FREE
Join us for a Delicious, Traditional, Fresh Thanksgiving Meal Live Music • Games for Kids Great Food • Gratitude & Togetherness We can only achieve this much goodness with your help and support! To Volunteer: Contact Julia 435-704-1598 Financial Contributions: Mail check to Healthy Youth Coalition-Thanksgiving c/o Soul Space Studio, 264 H St., Ste B, Blaine WA 98230. Sponsored by: Healthy Youth Coalition, Blaine United Church of Christ, American Legion Riders The Saturday before Thanksgiving is also known as Survivors Day. Families and community members impacted by suicide are encourage to attend. There will be a brief presentation at 2 pm
RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES
Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts OCTOBER 2019 LOCATION
SALE PRICE
5541 Peregrine Way, Blaine
$850,000
2-story house with 2,288 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 320 SF enclosed porch, 1,920 SF storage, built in 1986, 5.00 acres wooded land.
3625 Haynie Road, Blaine
$645,000
1-story house with 1,947 SF, 3 BD, 2 BA, 702 SF attached garage, 429 SF patio, built in 2015, 1.01 acres land.
5148 Heronswood Drive, Blaine
$669,000
2-story house with 2,572 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 352 SF attached garage, 638 SF deck, built in 1968, 50 feet waterfront; marine view, .18 acres land.
735 Kendor Drive, Point Roberts
$1,270,000
Condo with 2,670 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 410 SF attached garage, built in 2019, waterfront; marine and territorial view.
Unit #41, Semiahmoo Shore Condominiums, 9466 Turnstone Lane, Blaine
$1,095,000
5486 Night Heron Drive, Blaine
$835,000
DESCRIPTION HIGHER END HOUSES: 1-story house with 2,750 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 927 SF attached garage, 398 SF deck, built in 2016; territorial view, .34 acres land.
2-story house with 2,564 SF, 896 SF basement, 4 BD, 5 BA, 414 SF balcony, 649 SF attached garage, 487 SF patio, built in 2007; marine and territorial view, .33 acres land.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES: A101, A102, & A103 Peace Portal Business Park Condominium, 3 condominium units. A101, A102, and A103 Peace Portal Business Park 2748 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine Office with 1,494 SF, built in 1908, .14 acres land. LAND: .28 acres residential land (4 lots). 7.65 acres residential land. .84 acres residential lot.
$390,000
978 Peace Portal Way, Blaine
$315,000
Hughes Avenue, Blaine
$194,000
Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine
$825,000
9060 Winged Teal Court, Blaine
$165,000
MikeKent.com Sponsored by:
I-5 Exit 270 at Birch Bay Square 360-527-8901 • mike@mikekent.com
16
The Northern Light • November 14 - 20, 2019
Blaine pizza parlor introduces new name, new menu and lower prices By Jami Makan A local pizza restaurant known for its community service has relaunched with a new name, a new menu and lower prices. As of November 1, say goodbye to Pizza Factory and hello to Border Town Pizza, a new concept designed by owner Laura Massaro. Massaro has already introduced a new, more affordable menu, and in the coming weeks, she plans to roll out a new logo, staff uniforms, in-store decorations and coupons. Three years ago, Massaro took over Blaine’s Pizza Factory franchise from previous owners Marv and Deb Adam. When her contract with Pizza Factory ended recently, she decided to part ways with the franchisor. Because she no longer has to pay franchise fees, she had the flexibility to reduce prices on everything from combo pizzas and appetizers to salads, pasta and sandwiches. For example, an extra-large cheese pizza used to cost $22 and is now $17. “Every single price has been lowered,” said Massaro. “I want people to know that I’m doing my very best so that everyone in Blaine can afford to eat here.” Massaro knows the pizza business. Growing up in Bellingham, her first job as a 16-year-old was at Pizza Haven, where she worked as a server. Later in her career, she spent four years as a manager with Stageline Pizza in Montana. Before relocating to
the Pacific Northwest, she also worked for Pizza Hut in Las Vegas as a troubleshooter, helping to turn around stores in financial distress. “I’ve been in pizza probably for half my life,” she said. In late 2015, Massaro heard that Blaine’s Pizza Factory was for sale. She was eager to return to the Bellingham area, where her family lives, so she visited Blaine that Christmas to take a look. After thinking about it for a few months, she decided to work for Marv and Deb Adam for a few months. “I had to see how the store operated, and I had to get a better feel for what was going on here,” she said. When Massaro took over the store, she quickly used her expertise to improve the restaurant’s profitability. She hired new staff and trained them to be more efficient. “A pizza should be in the oven three minutes after an order comes through,” she said. She also cut down on food costs by not over-ordering ingredients. These and other steps enabled her to achieve 26 straight months of business growth. Massaro also got involved in the Blaine community, partnering with the Healthy Youth Coalition (HYC) to introduce Teen Nite, which takes place every Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Teen Nite is a safe space for kids ages 13–18 to hang out and enjoy free pizza in the presence of a chaperone. When HYC decided to offer ka-
s Laura Massaro, the owner of Border Town Pizza, which was formerly a Pizza Factory franchise. Photo by Jami Makan
raoke at Teen Nite, Massaro built a small stage and invested $1,700 in a sound system. “When the Healthy Youth Coalition came to me, showing the statistics on suicide in Blaine, it was really alarming to me,” said Massaro. “There’s no bowling alley here, no movie theater, nothing. So we decided, ‘Let’s do something for the teens.’” In addition to hosting Teen Nite, Massaro donates free ice cream to kids who participate in HYC’s Blue Beat Bike Program, an afterschool ride program led by volunteers. Last Christmas, she hosted a petting zoo, gave away
75 toys and hired a photographer so that kids could take photos with Santa. This year, she hopes her Christmas event will be even bigger and better. When her contract with Pizza Factory ended, Massaro had to come up with a new crust and pizza sauce. On her days off, she spent hours in her kitchen at home, starting with tomato sauce and adding other ingredients to it. She would then bring samples into the store for her employees to taste. Through “lots of trial and error,” she also perfected a “nice, crisp crust” by using colder water and letting the dough rest for two days.
“People love the pizza here, and I don’t want that to change,” she said. In the coming months, Massaro plans to introduce wings to her new menu, once she finds a good product. She also plans to introduce a chef’s salad, new desserts and a taco pizza, among other new items. She is grateful to her staff for their patience during the transition. “I have the best staff ever,” she said. “They’ve stuck by me through all this craziness.” Border Town Pizza is located at 738 Peace Portal Drive in downtown Blaine. Its new telephone number is 360/703-3996.
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