April 30 - May 6, 2020
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Donate to a local food Blaine Public Works staffing Parade celebrates special kindergarten teacher, page 7 drive for pets, page 12 changes underway, page 6
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
County lags state in virus testing Some businesses to receive grants as COVID restrictions slowly begin to ease By Oliver Lazenby
(See COVID-19, page 2)
s Blaine residents Na Major, 10, and Nam Major, 6, have planted over a dozen varieties of vegetables such as butternut squash and tomatoes. To read about their family’s new garden, turn to page 12.
Photo by Louise Mugar
Hygiene drive will collect supplies for families in need By Oliver Lazenby A hygiene drive in the Cost Cutter parking lot on Friday, May 1 will collect hygiene supplies for Blaine school district families in need. Supplies can be dropped off at the Cost Cutter parking lot from 1 to 3 p.m. that day. Organizer Britt Rhodes, site coordinator for Communities in Schools of Whatcom-Skagit, will collect supplies in the back of a brown Chevy Tahoe. She’ll have
a sign for the hygiene drive, she said. Communities in Schools of Whatcom-Skagit is collecting supplies for the Blaine school district’s Family Service Center. School district staff will distribute the supplies to families, Rhodes said. The Family Service Center supplies students with hygiene items throughout the year. It’s especially in need of laundry detergent, toilet paper, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sponges, dish soap and other cleaning supplies, Rhodes said.
700 jobs at risk as Alcoa announces closure of smelter By Jami Makan Alcoa Corporation announced that the Pittsburgh-based company will shutter its Intalco Works smelter located in Ferndale, which employs approximately 700 people, most of whom will likely lose their jobs. In an April 22 press release, Alcoa said it will “fully curtail” the smelter by the end of July “amid declining market conditions.” The release noted that since the beginning of the year, aluminum prices have fallen more than 20 percent, down 45 percent
from highs in 2018. In the first quarter of 2020, the Intalco smelter lost $24 million. “While our employees have worked diligently to improve the facility, the smelter is uncompetitive, and current market conditions have exacerbated the facility’s challenges,” Alcoa president and CEO Roy Harvey said in the release. “This is difficult because of the impact on our employees, and we will ensure appropriate support as we work to safely curtail the facility.” The decision was also announced in the company’s April 22 news release on its
first-quarter 2020 earnings, which noted that Intalco employs approximately 700 people, and that its workforce will be “significantly reduced” due to the curtailment. The earnings release said, “The company will record estimated restructuring charges of approximately $25 million (pre- and after-tax), or $0.13 per share, in the second quarter of 2020 associated with the curtailment, for employee-related costs and contract termination costs, which are (See Alcoa, page 6)
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The program will also collect hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products and diapers. To make a monetary donation, please visit whatcomskagit.ciswa.org and click the “donate” button at the bottom of the page. The Communities in Schools program works in nine schools throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. It aims to keep kids in school by connecting kids with local resources to meet basic needs. Rhodes, the local site director, works out of the Blaine Primary School.
INSIDE
As of April 28, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting 293 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date in Whatcom County and 28 deaths. That’s 13 new cases and one new death from the respiratory virus since the previous Tuesday, April 21. In total, 2,626 people in Whatcom County have been tested for the coronavirus, making the rate of positive tests in Whatcom County 11.2 percent. That’s higher than the statewide positive rate of 7.6 percent, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Whatcom County has a higher rate of positive tests despite testing a smaller percentage of citizens than the state as a whole. In Whatcom County, 1.2 percent of the population has been tested, according to a calculation made with county health department numbers and the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 population estimate. That’s half the statewide rate of 2.4 percent. When asked about the lower rate of testing at an April 27 press briefing, county health department communicable disease and epidemiology manager Cindy Hollinsworth said, “Anyone can get tested and there is sufficient testing capacity in our community. We are also, here at the health department, able to test those who cannot get tested by their health care provider or don’t have insurance.”
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The Northern Light • April 30 - May 6, 2020
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COVID-19 ... From page 1
Currently, testing in Whatcom County is performed by health care providers, at a drive-through testing site in Bellingham that requires a health care provider referral, and at a drive-through site in Point Roberts where residents can get tested even if they don’t have symptoms. Statewide, 13,842 have tested positive for the virus and 786 have died, according to the state department of health’s April 28 numbers. In the U.S., just over one million have tested positive for the virus and about 59,000 with the virus have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. As of April 27, there were 1,998 people in B.C. who had tested positive and 105 had died, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
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Stafholt reports one COVIDrelated death, no new cases A Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt resident with COVID-19 has passed away. Shawn Neisteadt, a spokesperson for the South Dakota-based Good Samaritan Society, confirmed the death in an email on April 28, but didn’t say anything about the age, gender or health of the patient who passed away. Whatcom Unified Command, the multi-government group that is handling virus response in Whatcom County, didn’t respond to a request for information about the death or the situation at Stafholt by press time. In the past week, no additional residents or employees of the skilled nursing facility in Blaine have tested positive, Neisteadt said. To date, 17 Stafholt residents and seven employees have tested positive, Neisteadt said. Of
those, two residents and six employees have recovered, he said. Port group makes “heartbreaking” grant decisions Which small business deserves an emergency grant more: a twoyear-old company on an upward track or a 30-year-old business that’s otherwise in danger of closing forever? That’s the kind of choice the Port of Bellingham’s Regional Economic Partnership had to make with 752 applicants to the state Department of Commerce’s Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program. On April 7, governor Jay Inslee announced the grant program, which allows businesses with one to 10 employees to apply for grants of up to $10,000. The state originally funded the grant with (Continued on next page)
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How the business started: In 1995, under the leadership of Christina Winkler, the association was formed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Peace Arch. The IPAA was formerly known as the U.S. Canada Peace Anniversary Association (USCPAA). Future goals: Our vision is to take the upcoming occasion of the Peace Arch Centennial in 2021 to reconnect the local and international community to the Arch, and its history. Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.
This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!
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April 30 - May 6, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com (Continued from previous page) $5 million from the its emergency response fund and later doubled the program’s funding with an additional $5 million. Still, that will cover only a fraction of the businesses that applied. The Regional Economic Partnership is the department of commerce’s Associated Development Organization (ADO), a designation that makes it Whatcom County’s commerce representative for economic development matters. As such, the Regional Economic Partnership had the task of narrowing the pool of applicants to about 100, Stark said. Those applications were forwarded to the department of commerce, which makes the final decision. The Regional Economic Partnership tried to be fair in its decisions by selecting businesses from all sectors and areas of the county, Stark said. The group also tried to put forth a “good portion” of businesses owned by women, tribal members, veterans and minorities, she said. Funds are expected to start reaching businesses in May. “To determine if this restaurant was more worthy than this other restaurant ... the need far exceeded the resource,” Stark said. “It was a great thing that the government did, but at the same time, it was heartbreaking. It’s not like anything that I ever dreamed I would have to do in this job, and it’s something that I don’t wish on anyone else to have to do.” Tsunami of unemployment claims as ESD expands eligibility Washington state’s Employment Security Department (ESD)
hasn’t yet released the number of unemployment claims filed last week, but it expected to see a tsunami of new claims. The federal CARES Act, which expanded unemployment eligibility, went into effect on April 18. From April 12 to 18, 82,435 people made first-time claims for unemployment benefits and 605,514 people total filed for unemployment, ESD said in an April 23 press release. The number of new claims was down 42 percent from the previous week, but the total number of claims continues to grow. Some public lands, fishing and golfing to re-open May 5 Washingtonians will soon have much more access to public lands,
Blaine United Church of Christ Sunday Services Now Online! Join Us Livestreaming via Zoom Meetings (see Facebook for details)
n’t turn people aw us did ay Jes Neither do we. (360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 Pastor Sandy Wisecarver
governor Jay Inslee said during a televised April 27 announcement to the public. Starting Tuesday, May 5, most state parks, along with public lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will re-open, along with fishing, hunting and golf. Some national parks and forests are expected to open at about the same time. Most land managers closed public lands in March, after the governor issued a stay-at-home order effective March 23 to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Most state parks will open on May 5, Washington State Parks director Don Hoch said, but some would need extra time to coordinate re-opening with local communities. The governor’s office is working with the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service on opening some federal lands at about the same time, said Jon Synder, the governor’s policy advisor on outdoor recreation and economic development. “Please call ahead and make sure the place you want to go is open and expect that some of our national partners will not have all their places open yet,” he said.
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Inslee has not extended his stayat-home order beyond May 4. Last week Inslee took a step toward re-opening the state by announcing that construction projects already underway could restart, provided they could be done with adequate physical distancing.
CITY OF BLAINE Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda.
Monday, May 11 6:00pm – Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 26 (Monday the 25th is Memorial Day) 6:00pm – Regular City Council Meeting
Focused on the needs of North Whatcom County residents.
Monday, June 8 6:00pm – Regular City Council Meeting
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Monday, June 22 6:00pm – Regular City Council Meeting All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
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The Northern Light • April 30 - May 6, 2020
Letters
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. 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 Grace McCarthy 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
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXV, No 45 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently Verified by:
Next issue: May 7 Ads due: May 1
The Editor: Thank you to all the wonderfully supportive people regarding the desecration of my husband’s roadside marker a few weeks ago. Your gestures, comments and sentiments of care, concern and generosity were very touching. Although none of the original items were returned, mementos placed at the site by anonymous kind souls lightened my heart and lifted my spirits. Thank you again. Meredith Iaci Blaine
s In the April 9 issue, The Northern Light reported on the recent theft of items from a roadside memorial to Navy veteran and CBP officer Kerry Gallager. The memorial is located near the intersection of Blaine Road and Loomis Trail Road, where Gallager died in a 2008 motorcycle accident. This is how the memorial looks now, after community members stepped in to help rebuild it.
Photo by Jami Makan
The Editor: We are only seasonal residents but always enjoy reading the paper online when we are home in San Jose and when we are at our Semiahmoo home. Happy to support this worthwhile newspaper. Please keep publishing. John and Victoria Kros Blaine/San Jose, California The Editor: Since moving to Blaine, The Northern Light has been my bright weekly beacon into the people and community in its entirety, but never as bright or as needed since the stay-at-home order went into effect. My closest family is across the nowclosed border. Somehow the words “thank you” seem insufficient for the entire staff of Cost Cutter who do my weekly shopping for curbside pickup with a smile and a wave, or the staff at Rite Aid who have always kindly helped with all my prescriptions and store needs, or my massage therapist who has shopped for me, as well as my hairdresser who has done much more than take care of my hair, or the staff of VW Home and Garden Center who have helped gather plants for curbside pickup to brighten my spring. Each of these people has made the current situation doable and far less frightening through their consideration, caring and kindness. There really is no way to repay each and every one of these individuals. As the saying goes, “The worst brings out the best.” I am so very appreciative for all the help and support, as well as the link to my community that thankfully arrives every Thursday in my mailbox, The Northern Light! Thank you. Beth Tableman Blaine The Editor: I am thankful that the Whatcom County Health Department commented on the grief that is so prevalent at this time. Grief and moral and emotional fatigue are nat-
ural consequences of a crisis like the one we are in, where our foundations fall out from underneath us, systems seem to be breaking down and our past expectations are no longer valid. We all feel this stress, yet we can choose to let it lead to anger or blame of others, which only separates us, or we can recognize that all of us are in this together and that this existential crisis is more than just isolation and wearing PPE. With a lack of context for normal life to go on, we are afraid that our life is being taken away from us. During this time, we may be wise to learn to think differently, instead of being forced to. Are we able to step back and reflect on events and our lives and ask whether our way of being and living was actually sustainable? How can we rebuild a new way of living that takes into consideration all that we have learned during this time? Are we able to see that we are not an island, that we all are a part of the whole and that possibly, in order to live into the future, we will need a new way of thinking and being that includes recognizing the sacred humanity of us all and the importance of our one earth? How can we shape a future where compassion and working together for the betterment of all shapes our life and thoughts? “Every person for themselves” is not working, and the expectations for our lives may no longer be attainable unless we work together to solve problems in the future together. With a possible resurgence of the virus in the fall, and as climate change continues to affect our weather and lives, we recognize that great change causes great fatigue. Ignoring it, and the science that tells us there is possibly more to come, is not the answer. Working together and caring for one another is the beginning of the answer. Whether virus or climate change, we are all in this together and all of us are eager for isolation to be over. But it will not be over if we do not test and trace consistently. So instead of reacting because we feel out of control, we can be in control of shutting this virus down by following commonsense advice. Think about those on the front lines putting their lives at risk for the sake of others. Opening up communities too early jeopardizes the lives of health care workers, grocery workers and all directly involved with clients in the community. Our actions can seriously impact many others and our environment. This is our only world and if we muck it up there is no plan B. Sharon Somers-Hill Blaine The Editor: I am embarrassed that Doug Ericksen represents me and our community in the Washington state senate. He very narrowly won re-election in 2018, but he did win and deserved respect because of it. For the record I did not vote for him. However, in the middle of a pandemic, which we are all in together, he objects to practical epidemiological practices to test and track positive contacts by posting the following on his Facebook page: “Now the deep state is proposing Communist Chinese style, freedom destroying liberty crushing techniques to fight the Communist China Virus” (reported by the Seattle Times). Really, is this helpful? What shred of facts even support rhetoric of this type? What is even more absurd is that this comment comes from an elected official who has a side job as a registered and paid lobbyist for the government of Cambodia. I urge my fellow constituents to take a minute and Google “human rights and Cambodia” and see what kind of client Mr. Erick-
sen represents and then ask yourself how he could make these kinds of allegations. We need to pull together to get through this pandemic, not have our elected officials act like children. He will ask for our vote again soon; I hope we all remember this time and what he said. Jay Tyrrell Blaine The Editor: It certainly is discouraging reading about our state senator Doug Ericksen being quoted as writing, “Now the deep state is proposing Communist Chinese style, freedom destroying, liberty crushing techniques to fight the Communist China Virus,” according to the Seattle Times. These words were taken from Ericksen’s Facebook page, which linked to a story in the Washington Post. Ericksen was referencing a plan for health officials to increase testing and track down the contacts of those testing positive for the coronavirus. This protocol is classic epidemiological practice, according to the Seattle Times article. Such speech is negative, divisive and certainly not helpful, while also realizing that these words are racist and xenophobic. We really are “all in this together” and need cooperation to be able to return to a somewhat normal time. We need a community “can do” spirit to get this done. We need people working together – while keeping six feet apart. Naomi Murphy Ferndale Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Young Reporters Attention all kids of Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo! The Northern Light is looking for young reporters and photographers. For the next several weeks, we will be offering newsroom assignments for any interested students. Each newsroom assignment will come out in the paper on Thursday and young reporters can submit their work by 5 p.m. the following Thursday. Submissions should be emailed by a parent or legal guardian to kristin@pointrobertspress.com and should include the parent’s contact number as well as the young reporter’s name and age. Following each assignment, one winning submission will be chosen for each of three age groups: 6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years and 14 to 18 years. Prior to publication, parent permission slips will be required. Winning submissions will be published in The Northern Light, and their authors will receive a certificate and three-day YMCA youth pass. Assignment #3: While spending more time at home, have you noticed things changing in your community or neighborhood? In your neighborhood, you may have seen friends, family members or neighbors helping others in the community. This week, we are asking young reporters to take a photo of how you, your family or other people in your neighborhood are helping the community during this time. Please also submit a one- or two-sentence caption explaining your photo. Good luck!
April 30 - May 6, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
Thank You Week 6 As of Wednesday, April 29, we have received 749 contributions in response to our request for support. Your help has been instrumental in keeping the lights on at The Northern Light. We were fortunate to be included in the first round of the Paycheck Protection Program (thanks to fantastic work by Umpqua!) and we have applied for grants from the state and the journalism projects at Google and Facebook. Hopefully, we’ll be successful in our requests. In the meantime, we are asking tough questions of local agencies tasked with managing the response to the pandemic and will continue to bring you the news and developments affecting our community. Going forward, please follow social distancing recommendations and stay safe!
Here is what some people have written: “Blessings to each of you. Keep our local newspaper the fine paper it is.” Chet & Kathy Renskers “I moved to Birch Bay last summer and was pleasantly surprised by your newspaper. I read it cover to cover and have learned a lot about this place I now call home. Thanks! God bless.” Julie Delaney “Please find enclosed a check to help you continue your mission of bringing news to the Blaine area. We always look forward to receiving The Northern Light every Thursday and enjoy reading all the local news and events that you cover. And we do take you for granted! We never think that you might need some
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extra funds to help meet your goal of keeping us informed… especially in this challenging time. We hope you and your staff are doing well, staying healthy, and have enjoyed hearing from your many ‘customers’ about how much we appreciate you and your work.” Sheryl Jensen “Thank you. We appreciate service to our community!”
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“Thanks for all that you do for our Blaine/Birch Bay communities. Over the years you and your staff have done such a good job covering our schools, students and many other events. I look forward to your paper each week. Heaven knows that you have featured many Blaine athletes and scholars. Our community needs you. Hope this helps.”
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The Northern Light • April 30 - May 6, 2020
Alcoa ... From page 1
all cash-based charges expected be paid primarily in the third quarter of 2020.” The plant will now work with its employees, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) union and other stakeholders to manage the impact. The facility, which was established in 1966, has 279,000 metric tons of smelting capacity. Previously 49,000 metric tons of production were curtailed, and 230,000 metric tons of uncompetitive capacity remained. This action will bring Alcoa’s total curtailed smelting capacity to 880,000 metric tons, or approximately 30 percent of its total global smelting capacity. “Unfortunately, we cannot control the larger market dynamics,” plant manager Steve Emig said in the company’s announcement. “While this is a sad day, I remain proud of our Intalco team. We will work together during this difficult transition, focusing on safety and providing all available support to our employees.” Mathew Nicolaas of Custer
has spent more than five years at the facility, where he works as a baked anode processor. This role involves the baking of carbon blocks in large ovens. Nicolaas operates a crane that moves the blocks, which go into the aluminum the plant produces, in and out of ovens before they go on to the next production process. Nicolaas, 32, said that IAMAW is currently working with the company to negotiate severance packages that could include a financial cushion as well as support for further schooling. “They are trying to negotiate some stuff to help us out, and they are still talking,” he said. He also said that he is willing to put signs out or sign petitions to help the facility stay open. “Most of us out there, we all want to get this place to stay around and keep going,” he said. “That’s 700 jobs that the county’s not going to be able to absorb on top of all the other businesses that are closing.” Nicolaas, who has a wife and two children ages four and seven, said that he plans to take the situation one step at a time. He may get his commercial driver’s license, train for a new career in the medical field or search for another job. He is also selling
some assets to help his family get through the crisis. “Everybody’s really worried and unsure about what’s going to happen,” he said. Rachelle Parrish, 34, is a Blaine resident who has worked for the facility for five years and is 25 weeks pregnant. Parrish is a potline operator at the facility; this role involves watching over large pots that look like swimming pools and contain fine powder that is turned into molten metal using electricity. She has been on light duty for a few months, and now her plans for maternity leave will be affected. “It’s going to really put me and my husband out of place,” she said. “I’m really trying not to dwell on the bad parts, because I don’t want it to affect my pregnancy, but it’s going to be a huge blow to both of us financially.” History is repeating itself, said John Chapin Jr., a Blaine resident and nine-year employee of the facility. His father, John Chapin Sr., also works at the plant and went through a full curtailment in 2001. “I was a teenager back then, and we had just bought a house around 1999, and I remember him trying to make house payments and buy food and worry about other bills and
s Signs were put up in Blaine following Alcoa’s announcement that its Intalco Works smelting facility in Ferndale will close this summer. Photo by Jami Makan
take care of me,” said Chapin Jr. His father has worked for Intalco for more than 30 years and will turn 60 this year. Chapin Jr. said that the facility is very family-oriented, with many second- and third-generation employees. “This place has basically raised me,” he said. “My father has
no idea what he’s going to do after this. I’m young enough where I can hopefully find something else, but with 700-plus people looking for jobs in Whatcom County, that’s going to be a disaster, not to mention all the lost jobs that were indirectly created in the community” by the facility.
Staffing changes underway at Blaine’s public works department By Jami Makan The city of Blaine will be looking for a new public works director after the current director, Ravyn Whitewolf, was appointed to the newly created position of engineering program director. During last year’s budget process, Whitewolf had some discussions with city manager Michael Jones about transitioning to a more engineering-focused role. “There was really a need for more engineering presence” in the department, she said. “As public works director, managing a project when you’re preparing for council and dealing with this emergency here and that staff member there, it pulls you away from the projects. Having a bit more oversight of projects will result in better projects and cost savings for the city.” Whitewolf will begin her new role on Monday, May 4. Overseeing current and future city projects, she will be able to utilize her advanced certification in value engineering from the Society of American Value Engineers, also known as SAVE International. “Value engineering is a process that identifies value in projects or programs in a way that improves the projects,” Whitewolf explained. “It doesn’t always mean saving money. The key is to look at things early enough.” Whitewolf said that in addition to allowing her to return to her engineering roots, the new role will also allow her to work at a healthier and more sustainable pace. She had five surgeries last year necessitating time off. By 2021, she hopes to transition to working four days per week. While the city looks for a new public works director, it retained Prothman Company, a professional recruitment and placement firm that finds temporary and full-time
employees for public sector clients. Prothman found a temporary public works director, and city manager Michael Jones approved the candidate, Robert Hammond. According to Hammond’s resume, he has held various public sector roles in the past including as energy services director for the city of Richland; city manager for the city of Kennewick; and public works director for the city of Kennewick. Whitewolf said she looks forward to working with Hammond. She also wished to thank assistant public works director Samuel Castro, who is leaving the city of Blaine. “Losing Mr. Castro is a big impact to the department, and bringing [Mr. Castro] here to add more emphasis on maintenance crews and some of the long-term preventative maintenance programs was a very wise and good choice on behalf of the city,” she said. Whitewolf also wished to thank the entire public works team for their efforts to adapt to the COVID-19 crisis. “We have full crews working through this entire crisis, having to change the manners and ways in which they work, just like we are doing in our personal lives,” she said. “I just wanted to highlight that we have many, many team members who have put forth an amazing effort.” Assistant director leaving Blaine’s assistant public works director, Samuel Castro, is leaving the city of Blaine to become the public works director for Grant County. Castro’s last day with the city of Blaine was on April 21, two weeks after he submitted a resignation letter. His first day with Grant County will be on Monday, May 4. He will go from supervising about 22 public works staff in Blaine to supervising nearly 140 public works staff in Grant County. “Grant County has not had a
public works director for nearly nine months,” Castro said. “I interviewed with them several weeks ago. Their need is immediate. They needed someone with expertise in budgeting and dealing with federal highway funding and projects.” Castro said he was very grateful for the new opportunity. He competed against highly qualified engineers for the role, and despite not being an engineer himself, he was chosen due to his professional expertise from 30 years in the field. Prior to joining the city of Blaine in June 2018, Castro spent 10 years as the public works director for Pend Oreille County. During his tenure in Blaine, Castro helped bring in over $2 million in grant funding, including through FEMA-declared emergencies. “We are responsible for repairing the damage that we sustain, and without grant funding, those dollars have to come from city coffers or our taxpayers,” he said. “Grant funding lessens the burden on our community but is not always readily available.” Following the high winds and king tides of December 2018, Castro helped secure state and federal funding for four major projects, including the replacement of damaged power lines on Pipeline Road. For this project, Castro helped secure $250,000 in funding for design and replacement. Castro also addressed $1.2 million in damage to the Semiahmoo Spit. The city is now eligible to receive 87.5 percent of the cost of repairing 700 feet of roadway and armoring, he said – 75 percent from FEMA and 12.5 percent from the Washington Military Department. In addition, Castro responded to $250,000 of damage to the Drayton Harbor outfall, a large storm system that suffered 250 feet of shoreline damage in December 2018 and is now eligible
Photo by Jami Makan
for reconstruction and repair. Castro has also helped address $250,000 of damage to the large storm outfall at Semiahmoo Bay, which was also damaged and eroded in December 2018. Earlier this year, Castro helped deal with $250,000 of damage to the city’s wellfield from Whatcom County’s “Super Bowl Flood.” Castro said that he will deeply miss the city of Blaine. On the afternoon of April 15, he was presented with a certificate from Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley and other Blaine Police Department staff. Employee receives praise Blaine public works employee James Barcome recently received special recognition for an exceptional performance review. On April 17, Castro wrote a letter to city manager Michael Jones regarding Barcome’s latest performance review, which took place earlier the same day. “His performance throughout the year has been remarkable,” Castro wrote. “James strives to excel in every aspect of his performance. He has been instrumental to the success of the public works team. James goes above and beyond to
support the city’s needs.” Castro’s letter specifically mentioned how Barcome routinely volunteers to accept standby assignments and responds after hours to water, sewer, storm and power-related emergencies. “His work is always accomplished ahead of schedule,” Castro wrote. “He demonstrates leadership and has set the performance bar for others to follow.” Performance reviews generally occur on an annual basis. In a performance review, a city employee is scored from 1 to 5 in a number of different categories, with 5 being the highest possible score in each category. Barcome received “5” ratings across the board. “When you have an employee that is hitting every mark to that degree, it’s worthy of recognition,” Castro said. This was the second performance review for Barcome, who joined the city of Blaine as a facilities and parks maintenance employee on May 8, 2018. In addition to his regular duties, Barcome has assisted the city with Fourth of July celebrations, snow response and “everything from A to Z,” Castro said.
April 30 - May 6, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
7
Precious photo album missing from Tony’s Just-A-Bite By Jami Makan The front counter of Tony’s JustA-Bite is decorated with various trinkets and knickknacks, such as a jar labeled “Ashes of problem customers” and signs that say “Complaint department 200 miles that way” and “If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen.” But the restaurant’s most precious item, a photo album assembled years ago by Tony’s now-deceased daughter, Gwen Comfort, recently went missing from the downtown Blaine diner located at 679 Peace Portal Drive. Owner Tony Andrews remembers last seeing the photo album about two months ago, when he took it out of a drawer – its usual spot – in order to show it to a customer. A few weeks later, he wanted to show it to another customer and realized it was missing. Tony searched all over his restaurant but could not find it. He is now asking for the public’s help in locating and returning it.
Gwen, who passed away from breast cancer five years ago, initially gave the photo album to Tony and his wife Tina around 2008. With a front cover decorated with stickers spelling the words “Tony and Tina’s Memories,” the album contains about 25 to 30 pages. Each page contains about four pictures protected by clear plastic film. The photos date back to 2004, when Tony and Tina began renovating the brick building where Tony’s Just-A-Bite is located. The photos show different stages of the building’s renovation, as well as the workers who helped clean the place up. There are also some photos of Tony and Tina doing some of the renovation work together. At the time she gave the album to Tony and Tina, Gwen was operating a hair salon in Bellingham. “She would come up here just to eat,” Tony said. After graduating from Washington State University, Gwen had initially started her career as a graphic designer be-
fore putting herself through hairdressing school. When she was growing up, Gwen worked in the building where Chada Thai is now located. Tony said he built that building from the ground up in 1982 and operated a diner there for nine years. Gwen worked as a waitress there and at Tony’s other restaurants, including a restaurant on Ferndale’s Main Street where she met her husband Jay, a firefighter. Tony, who is originally from Chicago, first came to Washington when he was in the Air Force and was stationed at McChord Air Force Base near Tacoma. After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Chicago, doing an apprenticeship at his uncle’s café in 1974. Tony later opened two restaurants in Portland, where his brother, a medical doctor, had planned to join him after finishing his residency in Vancouver, B.C. After Tony’s brother opened a medical office in Blaine instead, Tony moved up here as well, sensing lots of op-
portunity. At the time, many gas stations were closed and property was for sale, he said. In addition to his restaurant in Chada Thai’s building, Tony had restaurants in Bellingham, Mount Vernon and Ferndale, where Tony met Tina while she was working as a waitress. Tina originally came to the U.S. in 1979 after fleeing Vietnam in a fishing boat with 280 other refugees, only 80 of whom survived. While Tony once operated three different restaurants at the same time, Tony’s Just-A-Bite became his sole focus after it opened in 2006. Tony now runs the mom-and-pop diner by himself while Tina deals with a lung disease that she contracted about a year and a half ago. The memory album from Gwen, and Tony’s willingness to share it, helped make the restaurant unique. Tony now hopes it will be returned or turn up somewhere. Anyone who finds it should call him at 360/371-2639.
s Tony Andrews with his daughter Gwen, who passed away from cancer five years ago. Courtesy photo
“It was one of the few things that I had to remember her by, so you feel a little sad and mad at the same time,” Tony said. “I’m mad mostly at myself for not being as careful as I should have been with it. I hope it can still be returned.”
Drive-by parade celebrates Blaine kindergarten teacher By Jami Makan Community members joined in a drive-by parade on April 25 to show love to Blaine Primary School kindergarten teacher Tricia Hitchcock, who was feeling sad and missing her students while the schools are closed and people are quarantined at home. Hitchcock, 51, is currently in her 20th year of teaching. She has been a kindergarten teacher in the Blaine school district for 12 years. She is widely admired and valued by her students and their parents, who wanted to do something special for her during this especially difficult period of physical distancing. Tain Schroeder helped organize the parade. Her son Dallas, now a 10th grader, had Hitchcock in kindergarten. Schroeder has kept in touch with her ever since, and they have developed a special bond over the years. “I’ve stayed in contact with her and we became really good friends,” Schroeder said. “During this whole stay-home thing, we’ve been talking a lot. I was talking to her one day and she was sad and crying and saying she was having a hard time because she missed her kids.” Schroeder, who moved to Seattle three years ago but still owns a Blaine hair salon, wanted to do something to help cheer up Hitchcock, who she said goes “above and beyond” by constantly checking in on her family. “She’s always making sure that I have food, and
that Dallas has things to keep him busy,” Schroeder said. Hitchcock even gave Dallas some Pocky biscuit sticks when he graduated ninth grade, and after his dog died, she gave him wind chimes decorated with a paw print and poem to hang in the dog’s honor. She’s also stopped by the hair salon to give him candy and cards, and she has asked his mother to save her a ticket for his graduation ceremony in a couple of years. That’s why Tain Schroeder went onto the “Blaine Moms” Facebook group and suggested an idea to the other parents: if Hitchcock couldn’t see her kids in the classroom, maybe they could bring the kids to her in the form of a parade. “I was shocked how many people were on board,” Schroeder said. It was a Thursday night. On Friday morning, she put together a Facebook invite with all the details. The parade was scheduled for the following day, Saturday, and to keep it a surprise, Schroeder came up with a cover story. “I just told Tricia that I had a surprise for her and I needed her to be home on Saturday at 3 p.m. for it to be delivered,” she said. Meanwhile, she drove up from Seattle with her son Dallas. They lined up with the parade’s other participants at the corner of H Street and Mitchell Avenue in the school parking lot. Five minutes before passing her house, Schroeder gave Hitchcock a call saying, “They can’t find you
so can you please go outside?” Hitchcock almost didn’t answer the call. “My phone rang, and I don’t usually answer it if I don’t know the number, but it was a 206 number and I thought it’s probably Tain saying she got delayed or something,” Hitchcock said. “I answered it and she said, ‘Come outside on your porch.’ So I went outside.” Hitchcock didn’t see Tain outside, but she noticed a bunch of her neighbors lined up on the other side of the street. She grew even more confused when she also spotted her mom and dad, who live in Lynden. “My dad said, ‘Where are your shoes?’ I said, ‘They are in my house.’ I didn’t know I was going to be outside!” That’s when Hitchcock noticed the drive-by parade approaching: “I looked down the street and the little Seahawks truck was there, and the fire truck, and I thought, ‘What is going on?’” In addition to first responders, the parade included dozens of vehicles filled with current and former students, many of whom waved handmade signs and brought gifts out to Hitchcock including flowers and plants, balloons, cards and cookies. The whole time, Hitchcock cried tears of joy. After the parade, she spent about 45 minutes sitting with Tain and Dallas Schroeder, six feet apart, before they made the drive back down to Seattle. “She was in tears the whole time,” Tain Schroeder said, “and
s Blaine kindergarten teacher Tricia Hitchcock watching a drive-by parade on April 25 that was staged in her honor.
Photo by Molly Ernst
after everyone was gone, she went to go grab me something out of her house and said, ‘I still can’t believe this.’ I replied, ‘Well, you’re kind of a big deal, Tricia.’ She said, ‘I guess I know that now!’” During the school closures and stay-home order, Hitchcock has been sending weekly notes to her students, including coloring assignments and handmade cards inspired by Mister Rogers, whose videos she often shows to her class after lunch during quiet time. She also sent them cards depicting hedgehogs, because some
of her students pronounce her name, “Miss Hedgehog.” Hitchcock hung up all the signs she received to remember her special parade. “As a kindergarten teacher, these are my people,” she said. “So when I haven’t been able to see them since the 13th of March, it’s hard. I’m used to seeing them every day and hearing their stories about what they did over the weekend.” A video from the drive-by parade is available on The Northern Light’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheNorthernLight.
Kindergarten and new student registration is now online By Oliver Lazenby Soon-to-be parents of kindergarteners and other new students in the Blaine school district can now register online at blainesd.org. The school district’s website opened for enrollment on April
29. This is the first year the district is offering online registration, something that took a lot of effort and testing by district staff, said Lisa Moeller, school district public relations specialist. To register for kindergarten, children must turn five on or be-
fore August 31, 2020 to be eligible for the 2020-2021 school year. The district originally scheduled an in-person kindergarten registration day for March 12 but canceled it due to COVID-19. The enrollment website is for new kindergarteners as well as
transfer students and other firsttime Blaine students. Registration requires proof of residence, immunization records, a birth certificate or other form of name/age verification, and custody or other court documents if applicable. The school district doesn’t have
a cut-off date for registration, but it is encouraging people to register early in order to receive important communications from the district. The school district will mail registration forms to those who can’t register online. To request paperwork, call 360/332-5881.
8
The Northern Light • April 30 - May 6, 2020
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Legal Woodberry Land Development, LLC, Brady Mayson, PO Box 438 Custer, WA 98240, is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. The proposed project, Woodberry PUD, is located at Tax Parcel Number 405111 020076 in Blaine in Whatcom county. This project involves 9.7 acres of soil disturbance for Highway or Road, Residential, Utilities construction activities.The receiving waterbody is Semiahamoo Bay. Any persons desiring to present their views to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding this Application, or interested in Ecology’s action on this Application, may notify Ecology in writing no later than 30 days of the last date of publication of this notice. Ecology reviews public comments and considers whether discharges from this project would cause a measurable change in receiving water quality, and, if so, whether the project is necessary and in the overriding public interest according to Tier II anti-degradation requirements under WAC 173-201A-320. Comments can be submitted to: ecyrewqianoi@ecy. wa.gov, or Department of Ecology Attn: Water Quality Program, Construction Stormwater P.O. Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696.
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Real Estate
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO
8217 Chehalis Road MLS #1589430 $728,000
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6082 Birch Point Road MLS #1585733 $698,500
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For the health & safety of our clients, Windermere Real Estate is pleased to follow the State of Washington’s mandate to not hold Open Houses. We are, however, available to show you your dream home by virtual tour or private appointment. Please call your Realtor for assistance.
XXX Holeman Avenue MLS #14505680 $399,000
2748 Peace Portal Drive #A110 MLS #1529569 $145,000
Freshly remodeled 4 bed/3 bath home + 24’x36’ shop nestled on private 4.82 acre parcel, welcome to 6082 Birch Point Road! Updated for the modern buyer w/ grey cabinetry, quartz & marble counters, easy maintenance laminate flooring, LED lighting, new bathroom vanities + new interior/exterior paint. Tucked back from road, circular driveway, 9’ ceilings, wood burning stove, 2 car attached garage + shop & woodshed. BONUS: County indicated that a second home (up to 1200 sq ft) can be built here!
Enjoy unobstructed front & center VIEW of Birch Bay from this ground floor oceanfront condo. This sunny west facing residence features 9 ft ceilings, AC, custom cabinets, slab granite counters, tile & wood flooring & open concept living area. Exceptional quality throughout this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo. Luxurious bthrms include radiant heat flooring & jetted tub. A beautiful spacious patio for entertaining accessible from living area & master. Assigned covered parking, & deeded private beach.
Gorgeous views from this high bank Birch Bay waterfront, gently sloped .36 acre homesite ready for your dream home. One of the last remaining waterfront lots with spectacular views of Birch Bay, Coastal Canadian mountains and sparkling city lights. Enjoy private neighborhood beach access, beach combing, minutes’ walk to the State Park and a short distance to I-5.
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5416 Snow Goose Lane $230,000
MLS #1592942 Lovely 1 bedroom condo in outstanding sought after Semiahmoo golf course view location! Open concept kitchen/living/dining, upgraded Corian counters, gas stove, vaulted ceilings, river rock gas fireplace, two private balconies, in-unit washer & dryer, secure gated entry, reserved covered parking spot + neighborhood park with playground, picnic & BBQ area. Tons of storage & thoughtful built-ins + private storage unit. Come and live the resort life today at the Semiahmoo Country Club Villas!
New Semiahmoo Shore home w/2025 sq. ft. of luxurious appointments including 14’ vaulted Ceiling Great room, beautiful kitchen w/stainless appliances & Quartz Counters. Owners suite on main w/ 2 guest bedrooms and office space on upper floor. Covered patio overlooking Open Space meadow. Miles of beaches & walking trails to explore & 4 star Hotel, Spa & Health club with a 5 minute walk. Golfing, beach combing, bird watching all outside your door & within minutes. Gated entry.
Lisa Kent 360-594-8034
Leah Crews 360-305-4747
Spectacular, bespoke showhome at Semiahmoo Resort features captivating views of Drayton Harbor & coastal mountains. Timeless design, luxe details & fine craftsmanship. 5000+ sf of highly flexible living space. Huge sauna w/walk-in shower, impressive wine cellar. Covered patio & decks accessible from many rooms, efficient water-radiant heat, 3-car garage. Enjoy beautiful gated neighborhoods, golf club, marina, fitness center/spa, fine dining, quiet beaches & walking trails. Virtual Tour: www.DraytonVista.com
Brenda Mills 360-319-0072
Panoramic Birch Bay Water, Island & Olympics MT view remodeled cottage. 2 bd, 2 full baths, 1584 sq. ft. with 550 square foot carport, and 525 square foot deck on large 6098 sq. ft. home site with 82 feet +/of frontage. New composition roof just installed; New paint interior & exterior. New vinyl plank flooring, new wool carpet in bedrooms. New remodeled kitchen / Stainless appliances, windows, fixtures, and more. New vinyl windows bathroom and dining room. View pictures at www.briansouthwick.com
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
Luxury in a beautiful package sums up this quality built & spectacularly remodeled 5 bedroom home. 3 levels of living space--surprises around every corner. Exquisite interiors--a true Chef’s kitchen-check out the La Cornue range! Impressive, spacious rooms that serve a multitude of purpose. Custom deck--private patio showcase the ultimate in privacy & peace of mind. Den with fireplace/media room/ ample closet storage/workshop/courtyard gated dogrun/an ideal place to call home.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
www.windermere.com
OBITUARIES Lars Johnsen
May 22, 1930 - April 22, 2020 Lars Johnsen slipped away from this life peacefully in Blaine, Washington on April 22, 2020. Full obituary to follow next week.
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Michael J. Adamo
January 26, 1943-April 21, 2020
July 15, 1951 - April 9, 2020 Michael J Adamo passed on April 9, 2020 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Freida Adamo, sisters-in-law Lily Garcia, nephew Ray Garcia, wife Rita Garcia and Waters Edge Church family. Michael will be missed by many.
Gary L. Abel,77, was born on January 26, 1943 and died on April 21, 2020 after a brief illness of cancer. He leaves behind his wife, three children and five siblings. Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Whatcom Hospice. Full obituary can be read online at www.JernsFH.com.
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10
The Northern Light • April 30 - May 6, 2020
Games and Puzzles
Sheriff’s Reports April 25, 12:02 a.m.: Hang up (911) on Pipeline Road. April 25, 9:50 a.m.: Missing person cold call on Harbor Drive. April 25, 11:20 a.m.: Missing person cold call on Harbor Drive. April 25, 11:23 a.m.: Threat cold call on Coquitlam Place. April 25, 11:58 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Harbor Drive. April 25, 12:38 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Semiahmoo Drive. April 25, 3:32 p.m.: Theft cold call on Halibut Drive. April 25, 4:23 p.m.: Death investigation on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. April 25, 4:23 p.m.: Request for law enforcement on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. April 25, 4:47 p.m.: Overdose on Castlerock Drive. April 25, 4:52 p.m.: Request for law enforcement on Castlerock Drive. April 25, 8:52 p.m.: Extra patrol on Arnie Road. April 25, 9:44 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Halibut Drive. April 25, 9:59 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Halibut Drive. April 25, 10:09 p.m.: Noise on Bayshore Drive. April 26, 3:17 a.m.: Alarm audible on Blaine Road. April 26, 3:17 a.m.: Domestic physical on Loomis Trail Road. One arrest for assault in the fourth degree domestic violence, driving while license suspended. April 26, 8:29 a.m.: Suspicious person on Drayton Harbor Road. April 26, 10:37 a.m.: Assist citizen on Harbor Drive. April 26, 10:42 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Petticote Lane. April 26, 3:42 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on
Crossword Answers at thenorthernlight.com ACROSS 1. Swiss shoe company 5. __ Caesar, comedian 8. __ and flow 11. Horsefly 13. Egyptian pharaoh 14. African nation 15. Tony-winning actress Daisy 16. Initial public offering 17. Long-winding ridge 18. Guinea peoples 20. Fellow 21. About aviation 22. Able to make amends 25. Easy to perceive 30. Cut off 31. Northeast Thai language 32. Earthy pigment 33. Water nymphs 38. Returned material authorization (abbr.) 41. Those who deal 43. Apply a new fabric 45. Confusions 48. “To __ his own” 49. Lowest point of a ridge between two peaks 50. Heavy cavalry sword 55. Partner to pain 56. A type of savings account
57. In a way, felt pain 59. Wide-beamed sailing dinghy 60. Consume 61. Jewish spiritual leader 62. Body part 63. Midway between south and southeast 64. Cheek DOWN 1. Indicates a certain time (abbr.) 2. Expression of sorrow or pity 3. Central American lizard 4. Muslim military commanders 5. One who takes to the seas 6. Select jury 7. Parts of the small intestine 8. Painter’s accessory 9. Honk 10. Ballpoint pen 12. Large, dark antelope 14. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 19. Exhausts 23. __-bo: exercise system 24. Not written in any key or mode
25. Chinese principle underlying the universe 26. Corpuscle count (abbr.) 27. Powdery, post-burning residue 28. Company that rings receipts 29. Rugged mountain range 34. Commercials 35. NY football player 36. A form of be 37. Soviet Socialist Republic 39. Kindnesses 40. Natural electrical phenomenons 41. Your 42. Diana __, singer 44. Upper surface of the mouth 45. National capital 46. Fluid in Greek mythology 47. Renowned jazz trumpeter 48. Freedom from difficulty 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. Revolutionaries 58. Criticize
Terrill Drive. April 26, 1:07 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Birch Terrace Court, Custer. April 26, 3:45 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Harbor Drive. April 26, 4:44 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on West Shoreview. April 26, 5:34 p.m.: Noise on Selder Road. April 26, 6:32 p.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay-Lynden and Percie roads, Custer. April 26, 7:09 p.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay-Lynden and Delta Line roads, Custer. April 26, 7:32 p.m.: Whatcomm record on Birch Bay Drive. April 26, 8 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Morrison Avenue and Birch Drive. April 26, 8:44 p.m.: Watch for on Arnie Road. April 26, 9:34 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. April 27, 12:48 a.m.: Serve warrant on Pacific Highway. April 27, 9:36 a.m.: Theft cold call on Stein Road and Dead End. April 27, 9:36 a.m.: Suspicious person on Cedar Way and Seavue Road. April 27, 1:23 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Birch Point Road. April 27, 1:35 p.m.: Parking problem on Anchor Parkway. April 27, 4:02 p.m.: Property found on H Street Road and Kettle Way. April 27, 4:43 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Sunrise Way. April 27, 4:43 p.m.: Welfare check on Sunrise Way.
Reports provided by WCSO
Police Reports April 17, 4 p.m.: Officers were called in regard to a malicious mischief complaint. The victim’s vehicle was vandalized but they were able to clean it off. No suspect information. April 17, 6:48 p.m.: Police were dispatched to a possible theft occurring at a clothing donation bin. Officers saw the vehicle leaving the area and stopped it a short distance away. The driver claimed to work at the clothing donation center. Her passenger, who was known to police, had several warrants for his arrest. The male passenger was arrested and booked into jail. The vehicle was impounded after a K-9 sniff of the vehicle indicated the presence of drugs. A search warrant will be obtained for the vehicle. April 18, 10:26 a.m.: A Blaine officer responded to a parking problem located at the 1300 block of Adelia Street. Blaine officers marked the vehicle and issued a 72-hour notice to move the vehicle. April 19, 9:04 a.m.: Blaine officers responded to a request to assist the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office in a vehicle pursuit of a stolen Chevrolet Chevelle that fled when deputies attempted to stop the vehicle. The pursuit ended in the 2100 block of Peace Portal Drive where the driver was taken into custody after a brief struggle. The suspect received medical attention at the scene and was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for further evaluation before he was subsequently booked into the Whatcom County Jail for multiple felony charges. Officers cleared with no further incident. April 19, 8:04 p.m.: Officers were dispatch to a fight call. Officers determined several minor assaults without injury may have occurred. The report is being forwarded to the prosecutor for review. April 20, 7:06 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a noise complaint in the 400 block of Allan Street. Officers arrived in the area and discovered a construction company doing fiber-optic work. Officers cleared but were called back as the noise issue was persistent. Officers spoke with the supervisor who advised the work was now done. April 21, 1:32 p.m.: A Blaine officer checked on an abandoned vehicle. The officer had the vehicle towed. April 22, 8:30 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers executed a search warrant at the station which was granted for a vehicle seized during a theft investigation. Officers located a variety of drug paraphernalia and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine. Charges have been forwarded to the prosecutor. April 23, 10:51 a.m.: Blaine officers were dispatched to a man on the Mitchell Avenue overpass who was allegedly throwing things onto I-5. Officers arrived and contacted the man who is known by law enforcement to have mental health concerns. Officers were unable to prove that he was throwing items over I-5. The man was arrested for consuming alcohol in a public place. April 23, 12:16 p.m.: Blaine officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Peace Portal Drive for a man causing a disturbance. The man was hitting cars and yelling at people. Officers located the man and arrested him for disorderly conduct and consuming alcohol in public. The man was cited and released as officers had to clear for a priority call. April 23, 1:47 p.m.: Officers were called to the intersection of 3rd Street and Boblett Street for an individual laying in the roadway. Dispatch advised aid was already en route. Officers arrived and made sure he was alright. The man walked home under his own volition. April 23, 5:25 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to conduct a welfare check on an individual who arrived at a local business and alleged that they were stopped at the border and that U.S. Customs took their vehicle and drew her blood. An officer investigated and learned it may have been a mental health issue. April 23, 8:04 p.m.: A business requested assistance with a person who was bothering their customers. The police arrived and contacted the business who just wanted the person to move along. The police contacted the person who requested a ride to the local mission because she had no place to go for the night. The police provided the person with a courtesy ride to the local mission where she could obtain food and a safe place to sleep.
Reports provided by Blaine Police Department
Weather Precipitation: During the period of April 20–26, 1.1 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2020 yearto-date precipitation is 17.9 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 67°F on April 20 with a low of 44°F on April 22. Average high was 61°F and average low was 47°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Tides May 1-7 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 1 Sa 2 Su 3
1:36 am
9.1
7:59 am
6.0
10:47 am
6.3
6:28 pm
0.5
2:20 am
9.2
8:47 am
5.0
12:51 pm
6.1
7:36 pm
1.0
2:58 am
9.4
9:25 am
3.8
2:35 pm
6.5
8:42 pm
1.7
Mo 4
3:32 am
9.5
10:05 am
2.3
3:57 pm
7.3
9:42 pm
2.4
Tu 5
4:06 am
9.5
10:45 am
0.8
5:09 pm
8.2
10:42 pm
3.3
We 6
4:38 am
9.6
11:27 am
-0.5
6:13 pm
9.0
11:38 pm
4.2
Th 7
5:12 am
9.5
12:09 pm
-1.6
7:13 pm
9.7
s Hadley Welch had a birthday parade at her house on April 24 for her ninth birthday. Her mother said Hadley was overjoyed with the thoughtfulness of her family and friends who drove by to give her a very special birthday. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Welch
April 30 - May 6, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
11
Young Reporters
The Northern Light newsroom assignments by students in the Blaine & Birch Bay area. In the April 16 issue of The Northern Light, we offered local kids the following newsroom assignment: What is life like for kids these days? While stuck at home, how do kids connect with friends, play sports and entertain themselves? This week, we would like young reporters to take a photo representing
“Life for Kids Right Now.” Please submit a one- or two-sentence caption to accompany your photo. Here are the winning submissions from Assignment #1. Congratulations to our winners! For details about our Young Reporters series, and to view the current assignment, turn to page 4.
s “No one’s allowed to go to the park because of the coronavirus. It makes me and all the other kids (like Claire Lindstrand, above) sad.”
Photo by Ryder Murdzia, 7 years old
s “These days, kids’ rooms have technology, phones, school work, art supplies, books, toys and stuff for physical education, music and science. But at least we get to do it while being comfortable.“
s “Everyone is getting more creative. Everyone I know has suddenly found a love for the arts, and I myself have found that I enjoy making temporary jewelry out of common weeds. The arts are coming alive again.” Photo by Megha Rana, 14 years old
Photo by Hadley Welch, 9 years old
WHAT’S OPEN Bow Wow & Woofs Offering Curbside Pickup! Call your order in & pay over the phone or order online at www.bowwowwoofs.com! Pick up at the store rear entrance. Just pop your Trunk & I will place your order. in your trunk with no human contact! www.bowwowwoofs.com
Peace Arch Real Estate Office is closed, but agents are working remotely to list and purchase homes. Virtual tours, e-signings, and wire transfers are available. Showings are possible by appointment only and with only 1 person and agent. www.peacearchrealestate.com
Law Offices of Roger Ellingson, PS We are still open working on wills, contracts, family law, business formation, and litigation. Potential clients are welcome to call us at 360/332-7000 - we can effectively meet your legal needs via telephone and videoconferencing. www.northwhatcomlaw.com
Blaine Bouquets
Blaine Bouquets
Our storefront is closed. Taking orders on our website and phone in. “No contact” deliveries or pick up curbside. You can order ‘’curbside”-speak through our front door. Open Mon-Fri 10 am to 2 ish. 360/332-6700. www.blainebouquets.net
Spoken Designs In this difficult season, we are still available to assist business owners with websites and marketing projects. Potential clients are welcome to call us at 360/603-0793. www.spokendesigns.com
Silver Reef Casino Resort We have temporarily suspended all operations. When the time is right to reopen, we will adhere to our stringent cleaning & disinfection efforts for everyone’s safety. We are accepting virtual appts for meetings/ weddings booking for future dates. www. silverreefcasino.com
D
ay ay ance to
Day-to-Day Dance Studio
We are offering all our classes virtually. Hours vary. See schedule at www.daytodaydance.com
Blaine Chamber of Commerce Our hearts go out to you, your families, and all of our communities during this uncertain time. While this is a challenging, scary situation for everyone, we know that it is especially difficult for those, like so many of you, who are working to build a new business or keep a small, local business afloat. Now and always, you are our greatest inspiration. If we can assist you in any way during this difficult time, please reach out to our program coordinator, Donna Raimey. www.blainechamber.com
For more listings and to add your business to the online service for free, visit:
www.thenorthernlight.com/whatsopen Fortiphi Insurance Our business is all about serving you. We know COVID-19 is impacting many of our valued clients and Fortiphi has a business continuity and technology strategy in place to allow us to continue to provide uninterrupted service to you during this time. You can call us at 360/332.7300 or email at info@fortiphi.com and our team is happy to assist new and existing clients. We’re so grateful to service your insurance, locally. Our best to you and yours doing this time! www.fortiphi.com
Washi Arts We are taking orders from our website www.washiarts.com for shipment or curbside pickup. www.washiarts.com
Dank of America Open 7-days a week, Safety is our highest priority! We have a hand wash station and hand sanitizer for our customers. Please visit our website DankofAmericaBlaine.com for further info on our precautions and specials. Call in ordering available. www.DankofAmericaBlaine.com
Launching Success Open to the public with a limit of 10 people in our store. Taking orders by phone, email, Facebook messenger and on our website. Offering free delivery and parking lot pickup. We will work with whatever works for you and your families! We’ve created learning kits at different price levels that you can customize for each kiddo in your life. Check them out on our website. www.launchingsuccess.com
Dairy Distributing, Inc. No contact, drivers wear masks and gloves; email orders preferred at dairytoyourdoorstep@gmail.com or call 360/734-3019. Check Facebook for products and pricing. www.facebook.com/DairyDist/
HomeSmart One Realty I am a Managing Broker at HomeSmart One Realty who lives and works in the Birch Bay/Blaine area. I am available, by appointment only, to assist you with the sale or purchase of properties anywhere within Whatcom County, Washington. Properties can be shown to clients, one at a time, while maintaining the required 6-ft social distancing measures and wearing the required gloves and face masks. Purchase contracts can be facilitated online through the AuthentiSign, secure document process. www.realtybyhart.com
In Bloom Homestead Mother’s Day is coming up and we are collecting preorders for Mother’s day bouquets on our website at www. inbloomhomestead. com. We continue to offer floral services and provide contactless delivery options to our customers. In addition to flowers, our handmade gift products are available for purchase through the website as well including soap, candles, massage oils, and more. www.inbloomhomestead.com
12
The Northern Light • April 30 - May 6, 2020
Online concert on May 8 will raise funds for local pet food drive By Jami Makan In early March, Birch Bay resident Samantha Syrnich decided to organize a food drive for dogs and cats, something she has done several times in the past. Since then, the food drive has made little progress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why she is now teaming up with a singer-songwriter to hold an online concert fundraiser for the food drive. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help feed local dogs and cats and support two local nonprofits, Rescued Hearts Northwest and
Whatcom Feline Alliance (WFA). “I have not received very many donations so far during this year’s pet food drive,” Syrnich said. “People had their minds on the pandemic, and dog and cat food was hard to find online for a little while. But now, we’ve been in this pandemic long enough that people will hopefully start to take notice and think about dogs and cats in need. I hope this fundraiser will kind of rev up the food drive.” The online concert fundraiser will take place on Friday, May 8 at 4 p.m. and will feature a performance by Tai Shan, a singer-song-
Home
writer who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Syrnich met Tai Shan at the Birch Bay Music Festival in 2016, which Syrnich helped organize. “Ever since then we’ve kept in touch,” Syrnich said. “She’s just a wonderful person.” The concert will be live-streamed on Facebook at facebook.com/taishanmusicpersonal. Syrnich will also stream the concert on her personal Facebook page, facebook.com/samantha.syrnich. During the concert, viewers will be able to click on links to donate. Those who wish to make a donation can also do so using PayPal
&
(paypal.me/taishanmusic) or Venmo (@taishanmusic). Donations of pet food can be dropped off to the Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street or Syrnich’s residence at 4667 Loft Lane in Birch Bay. Amazon purchases can also be shipped directly to either address. Syrnich hopes that local residents will donate pet food, toys, treats, puppy pads, litter and supplies. For dogs, she is specifically requesting Nutro, Victor and other high-quality brands of dog food. For cats, she is requesting dry and hard cat food, as well as pine pellet cat litter.
After the food drive concludes, Syrnich will load up her van with supplies and deliver them to WFA, Rescued Hearts Northwest and local pets in need. While volunteering through the local Facebook COVID-19 helpers group, she has discovered that many people are struggling to afford pet food. She hopes to turn her pet food drive into a year-round endeavor, so that people will always have a place to donate if they want to help local animals. “I just want to help as many animals as I can, so we’ll see how it goes,” she said.
Garden
A monthly special section in The Northern Light
Backyard garden nurtures teamwork for one Blaine family By Grace McCarthy Green beans, peppers, butternut squash and tomatoes are a few of over a dozen seedlings waiting to be harvested this summer from a Blaine family’s backyard garden. While the family works to teach two children the importance of caring for crops, they are also teaching them a les-
son on teamwork and reward. The idea for a home garden sprouted after Diane Major shifted roles from running Major Arts, a Blaine art business she and her husband Brian founded, to becoming a teacher for her two grandchildren, six and 10 years old, after Blaine Elementary School transitioned to online schooling on March 16.
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“I’m trying to keep them engaged. They need hands-on experience, they need a broad spectrum of learning and they also need to eat,” Diane Major said. “The garden truly fell into place.” Major, who hasn’t gardened at this scale in nearly 15 years, began researching how to start a garden two weeks ago with the children. “We started reading about gardens. We took out the notebooks and drew pictures,” Major said. “We talked about what we wanted and then we put the shovel to the ground and started doing the work.” The Major family measured the six-by-12 feet and four-by-12 feet gardens before ordering soil. Diane Major said she tried to keep the kids as involved as possible, but her husband helped with tasks the kids couldn’t do, like shopping for materials and constructing wooden frames for the raised beds. After about five days of work, the remaining step was to put a roof on the garden’s frame. The frame will trap heat, speeding the process of growing the produce, Major said.
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s Blaine’s Major family is looking forward to a steady harvest of produce this summer.
Photo courtesy of Diane Major
The children are learning how to execute a plan to work together for desired results, Major said. Every time the children visit Major’s home, which is almost every day, they always go to check on the garden’s progress, she said. “These plants are growing. They’ve been in the ground for a week and they’re already growing and the kids can see the progress before their eyes,” Major said. “It’s very rewarding for them to see that the little seedlings of carrots that we put in two weeks ago are popping up. They’re nurturing them.” Na Major, a fourth grade student, said her favorite part of the garden is playing with her family. “We get dirty and we laugh so
much,” Na said. “We spray each other with the hose. We especially spray our mother.” For Na, the best part of the process is planting the vegetables. She is especially excited about growing lettuce that she will use for a salad. Diane said Na’s mother will also use the produce and herbs to cook delicious Vietnamese recipes. Peas will be the first harvest in June, one of many harvests that Diane Major anticipates for the coming years. After seeing positive results from creating the garden, she hopes this activity will be sowed across Blaine by other families. “Keep the kids involved and laugh a lot,” she said. “Enjoy it because the children will follow.”
Hello Blaine Residents!
It’s spring cleaning time and we need your help!
Common complaints we receive this time of year relate to: • Overgrown grass • Plants growing over sidewalks • Windfall debris • Dumping of household items on sidewalks
Overgrown vegetation and illegal dumping can lead to fines. Please do your part to control vegetation and clean responsibly this spring and summer.