The Northern Light, June 25-Jul 1, 2020 by Point Roberts Press

June 25 - July 1, 2020

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IN THIS

ISSUE

County tourism board offers guidance, page 3

Al fresco dining on the plazas, page 6

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

Help clean the beaches after the 4th, page 8

Statewide mask mandate starts Friday B y G r a c e M c C a rt h y

s Blaine resident Aidan Button, l., and his fiancé, Canadian Sherri Brake, play a board game together at Peace Arch State Park on Thursday, June 18. They had visited each other at the park nearly every day until B.C. closed the provincial park later that day.

Photo by Kyra Planetz

Loved ones separated by B.C.’s Peace Arch Park closure By Kyra Planetz As the sun began to set at Peace Arch Park on June 18, dozens of American residents gathered with their Canadian friends and families to eat, play games or just chat. It was a somber yet heartfelt scene as loved ones clung to each remaining moment before saying a close goodbye for the foreseeable future. For many with loved ones across the border, the re-opening of Peace Arch Park in mid-May had been a godsend. With the border closure extended to July 21, meeting at the park allowed separated families, partners and friends to reunite. But amid safety and traffic concerns due to Covid-19, B.C. officials announced they would shut down the Canadian side of the park, effective June 18 at 8 p.m. The Canadian side, Peace Arch Provincial Park, had been overwhelmed with visitors since it re-opened on May 14, ac-

cording to a press release from the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. David Karn, a spokesperson for the ministry, said the average attendance at the park in peak months is 500 vehicles. On Sunday, June 14, the vehicle count was nearly 1,000, according to Karn. Visitors have been parking illegally in the Canadian parking lot and along access roads, as well as setting up enclosed tents in the park, adding to “physical distancing and surveillance concerns,” Karn said. But according to Blaine immigration attorney Len Saunders, the provincial government’s claims of overcrowding in the park weren’t true. Saunders, who has visited Peace Arch Park several times a week throughout the past month, said neither the park nor the Canadian parking lot were ever overflowing with visitors. “It was very well done, people were being mindful. There weren’t parties going

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on. Yes, you’d see some people having picnics and barbecues, but that’s what the park has been for, for many years,” Saunders said. (See Peace Arch, page 7)

INSIDE

A statewide mandate that requires people who are in public and cannot distance more than six feet to wear cloth face coverings will go into effect on Friday, June 26. The public health order, a legal requirement subject to a misdemeanor, was announced by governor Jay Inslee in a press conference on Tuesday, June 23. “As necessary economic activity increases and more people are out in their communities, it is imperative that we adopt further measures to protect us all,” Inslee said in the June 23 press conference. Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) secretary John Wiesman signed the order on June 23. According to the WSDH, a face covering is defined as fabric that covers both the mouth and nose. People who are exempt from wearing a face mask include those two-years-old or younger, people with disabilities that prevent them from comfortably wearing face coverings or communicating while wearing a mask, people with respiratory conditions and people who have been told by a medical, legal or behavioral health professional they are exempt, according to a WSDH release. People do not need to wear a mask when exercising outdoors with “plenty of space,” eating in public or while in the car. Face mask coverings help provide a barrier to prevent potential Covid-19 respiratory droplets from traveling through the air, according to the CDC. The mandatory face mask requirement comes after Yakima County was mandated to wear facial coverings as the county experiences the state’s second-highest number of Covid-19 cases at 6,435 cases, overwhelming hospital capacity and requiring the transport of patients outside the county. “This is something that we saw in New York, it is something we saw in Italy and it is something that we are seeing in Yakima County today,” Inslee said. “And we do not want to see that condition spread across the state of Washington.” As of June 22, Whatcom County had 521 cases of Covid-19 with 52 hospitalizations and 40 deaths. Of the 15,684 tests done in the county, 3.3 percent have been positive. Washington had 29,386 cases with 4,067 hospitalizations and 1,284 deaths.

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

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The Northern Light • June 25 - July 1, 2020

Virtual Hands Across the Border a success

Outdoor Pickleball Courts

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Christina Winkler, president of the International Peace Arch Association, during the virtual Hands Across the Border on June 14. More than 500 people attended the annual celebration of the Peace Arch. Photo by Joey Winkler

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June 25 - July 1, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism seeks to educate visitors during re-opening By Sandy Ward, Ceo, Bellingham W h at c o m C o u n t y T o u r i sm The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on local jobs. Small businesses, restaurants and lodging have been hit disproportionately hard. On May 26, the Bellingham Herald reported: “Recent unemployment numbers show tourism taking the biggest hit.” While every industry has experienced job losses in Whatcom County, the tourism industry shed 6,400 jobs in April compared to a year ago, and Whatcom County’s unemployment rate was higher than the state average. Although to many residents, tourism may not be immediately recognized as a major industry, in 2019 more than 3 million visitors to Whatcom County supported 7,443 jobs (in stores, restaurants, attractions, outdoor recreation, lodging and transportation), with a payroll of $244.9 million. In total, visitors spent $555 million in Whatcom County in 2019, an increase of 4.3 percent over the previous year, according to a study by Tourism Economics, a national travel research firm. With the U.S./Canada border closed and many festivals and events canceled through the summer months, Whatcom County, especially the border communities of Blaine, Point Roberts, Lynden and Sumas, continues to feel the financial loss of visitor revenue. When the timing is right, we must work together to win these visitors back for the survival of our businesses and the benefits tourism brings to residents of Whatcom County. Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism works every day to attract visitors to our entire county. Our efforts go far beyond just filling hotel rooms, restaurants and attractions. Every county must compete with every other county in Washington state for their

s Sandy Ward. share of the world’s attention, customers, ideas and investment. For our local businesses to compete, potential visitors need to be aware of our destination, have a positive impression and feel that keeping them safe and healthy in Whatcom County is our main objective so they will be comfortable visiting and experiencing our communities and meeting our local people. Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism is funded in large part through a portion of taxes collected on lodging revenues throughout the county. Since occupancy rates at hotels here are at record lows, this pool of funding has been dramatically reduced. Though we have taken extreme measures to reduce our expenses, we are also facing a massive budget shortfall for tourism promotion in 2021. During the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, we paused our advertising campaigns and posted a travel advisory that is often

updated several times a day to reflect the changing and often confusing landscape of regulations and safety measures. We have supported our local restaurants and businesses with posts and updated information on our website, which has seen 170,000 page-views since mid-March. During phase 2, and as we look forward to phase 3, our most important goal is to educate visitors and residents on how to share the responsibility of keeping our community safe by following Whatcom County Health Department’s guidelines. We have developed guidelines for safe visiting and, as part of our active participation with the Whatcom County Health Department’s Covid-19 Employer Support Taskforce, we will roll out a Safer Stronger Together Pledge that can be adopted by businesses, residents and visitors alike to keep Whatcom County safe as we move forward through the phased openings. We know it is crucially important that Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism survives this crisis because we will be among the most important drivers in the recovery of the local economy. We are responsible for programs promoting our county as an attractive travel destination and enhancing our public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through destination stewardship and brand management, we

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The Northern Light • June 25 - July 1, 2020

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. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Reporter & Copy Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Interns Kyra Planetz, Ian Haupt prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Devin Kellogg Sandy Ward The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXV, No 3 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: July 2 Ads due: June 26

Monthly flea market starts this Saturday

s Vendors and customers observing mask protocols at the Blaine Farmers Market on June 13. This year, the Blaine Farmers Market is adding a flea market on the last Saturday of every month, in addition to the regular farmers market. The Blaine Farmers Market opened for the season on Saturday, June 13, and goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

every Saturday at the G Street Plaza, at 601 Peace Portal Drive. This coming Saturday, June 27, will be the first flea market of the season. Vendor space is still available. To reserve a spot, notify the Blaine Chamber of

Photo by Donna Raimey

Commerce no later than Friday, June 26, by emailing info@blainechamber.com or calling 360/332-4544. Vendors get a 10-by10-foot space for $5. Booth set-up goes from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Learn more at blainechamber.com.

Letters The Editor: I am a common resident of Blaine. My 82nd birthday was on Sunday, so I have lived in several states and seen lots of emergencies. As a child, my sister married a guy who wanted to be a policeman. His motive? So he could drive fast and carry a gun. He also beat on my sister now and then. I did not like this guy. Years pass and I have seen a cop run into a burning house to save an old man, a policeman break some lake ice to rescue a dog, and videos of the police chasing a driver topping 100 mph and getting shot when he caught him. When my husband died in bed, the small-town detective showed up quickly with a volunteer to sit with me as the officer investigated the circumstances and apologized when he was required to take pictures. My five grown children are watching now and I know it is hard to know what to say to them and what they should say to their children. So I went to the Blaine police department to shake the hand of my local chief and took a $100 bill to donate to the fund for the children of fallen officers. The door was locked and a note on the door had a phone number to call the clerk if I had mail to deliver. I called. No way was the door going to be open. She said to mail the donation. The mail lady showed up at that time and the door opened and closed very quickly. That is what it has come to. Fear of police of residents, and fear of residents of police. One of the small towns where I lived in Arizona had a “coffee with a cop” monthly gathering at the local cafe where

we could complain, praise or ask any question. I didn’t realize at the time how important that was. I guess Blaine is too big of a city to ever do that. Bette Bach Fineman Blaine

This is only one reason why I will be voting to re-elect Rep. Van Werven to represent me in the 42nd District of Whatcom County and I encourage you to join me. Judy Criscuola Bellingham

The Editor: The Covid-19 pandemic continues to cause economic hardships for thousands of individuals, families, businesses and nonprofit groups in Washington state. While most of the focus has been on phases and the unemployment mess, we need to take a look at impacts one to two years from now. That’s why I support Representative Luanne Van Werven’s call for a special legislative session this month. It’s obvious that the ‘stay at home’ order and the widespread closure of businesses will dramatically reduce state revenue while unemployment checks and healthcare costs greatly increase state expenses. Priorities must be set and tough decisions need to be made. We need the legislature already in Olympia when the state releases its official revenue and caseload forecasts. As The Seattle Times said in its May 29 editorial, “Right-sizing the budget will be easier in June, before more than $1 billion in new spending starts with the fiscal year July 1st. Politically and practically, it’s harder to cut spending after it’s begun, and it’s inefficient to start programs that will be cut before long.” Our state’s coronavirus response can’t be a one-man show. We need our state legislature involved. I’m glad Rep. Van Werven is calling for a special session now and ready to make the tough decisions.

The Editor: Birch Bay is one of the most beloved visitor locations in the Northwest and we are so excited that new and returning visitors will be able to visit us this summer. Birch Bay is a natural wonder with numerous outdoor recreational activities to explore and gorgeous sunsets to enjoy. This summer, local businesses will be doing their part to keep our residents and visitors safe and we’re asking the public to please assist in this effort. If you plan on visiting Birch Bay, please follow all state and county guidelines to prevent and mitigate the spread of Covid-19. This is especially important during our busiest times for visitors such as weekends, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. Social distancing at public areas such as beaches, parks and restrooms may be more difficult during busier periods, so please take this into consideration before you visit, and plan accordingly. If everyone does their part to keep our community safe this summer, then we all will be able to continue to enjoy all the wonderful recreational amenities that Birch Bay has to offer. Community mitigation efforts to slow the spread of Covid-19 in Whatcom County and Washington state: (See Letters, page 5)

June 25 - July 1, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

Letters... From page 4

• Increase hand-washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizer • Improve respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette (wear a face mask) • Practice social distancing (greater than 6 feet) • Frequently clean and disinfect high touch and common surfaces • Gather and recreate in small groups of no more than five people Larger gatherings provide the opportunity for the virus to spread more easily, especially if physical distancing is not observed and face coverings are not utilized – it’s safest to stay home. Doralee Booth, secretary/ treasurer, Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce The Editor: To understand the consequences of leftist policies, all that is necessary is to read the opposite in everything they do. They want to defund the police. Police are the problem? The opposite of that – police are good people who put their lives on the line every day to protect the lives and improve the living conditions of all people and especially in minority communities.“Black Lives Matter” exists to help Black people? The opposite. “Black Lives Matter” as

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a political movement exists only to promote a leftist agenda. If they cared about all Black lives, they would do something about Black children killed in their own homes; shot by criminals who live in the same neighborhood. That they want to defund the police is itself proof that they are evil. The U.S. was founded on racism? The opposite. The U.S. made possible as the freest and least racist nation on earth the greatest opportunities for all people, regardless of race and at the cost of the lives of people of every color, including freed slaves who fought in the revolution and white and Black people who gave everything they had; including their lives, to stop the evil of slavery. All white people are privileged and racist? The opposite. Racism occurs in every nation and among people of every skin color. There is as much racism among Black people in the U.S. as there is among white people. The only real white privilege is the privilege of being assumed guilty of racism because of skin color with the result that, just because a person’s skin is white, they can lose their jobs for expressing what I have expressed in this editorial. People are defined by their skin color, their sex or their economic status? The opposite. People are defined only by their character as expressed in their actions.

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Kneel for the flag? The opposite. The flag represents the sacrifice of men and women of every color who made possible the privilege of living in the freest, most generous and least racist nation in history. I stand for that. Dan Rudolph Blaine The Editor: The front page article, “Is Whatcom on track for phase 3?” (June 18 – 24), seemingly saved the real news for the middle of page two: “On June 16, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center didn’t have any Covid-19 patients and hadn’t any for several days.” With light editing, it would have made a great first paragraph topic sentence, although “several days” begs for an actual number. Otherwise, the article was an informative compilation of county and state health department official comments, press releases, statistics, goals and projections. Paul Steere Blaine The Editor: To all our Blaine police, Whatcom County sheriff’s deputies, state police and border patrol officers, thank you for your service. The foolishness of some in our society who would propose replacing or defunding you prompted me to write. I hope citizens all over the country will do what I am doing

Newsstand Copies of The Northern Light are available at: Blaine Harbor Office Edaleen Dairy Nimbus Realty Dollar Store Cost Cutter Rite Aid Dank of America Pacific Building Center

Yorky’s on Blaine Rd. Bay Center Market Birch Bay Chamber GKT Gas Station Domino’s Custer Post Office Walgreens Ferndale Ferndale Lube

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in sending words of appreciation and support to their local law enforcement agencies for the work they do. It has been saddening to see what’s taken place around the country in response to the criminal act of a handful of bad officers. But defunding or disbanding the police is definitely not the answer. People can be fickle. Just a few years back we were hailing law enforcement officers as heroes, now some would shame them for the act of a few. As in any occupation, there are a few who bring disrepute on the vocation, but that doesn’t stop us from utilizing the services of doctors, lawyers, accountants and many others just because of a few bad apples in the ranks. The service you, and the other officers perform, is an invaluable one to the community and I want to thank you. I hope you will see that the officers in your agency are encouraged by this as well. Without the valuable service our law enforcement officials provide, we wouldn’t have a “society,” just a lawless fight for survival of the fittest or best armed or most aggressive. You are each appreciated. Larry Eide Birch Bay

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. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.

Thursday, June 25 • 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting Public Hearing – to Accept Public Testimony on the Grandis Pond PUD Modification; Boundary Line Adjustment; and Preliminary Plat Application. The public hearing will occur via Zoom, and the information is available on the City’s website. Monday, June 29 • 6:00pm – Special City Council Meeting Continued Public Hearing – 6-Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The public hearing will occur via Zoom, and the information is available on the City’s website. 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.

www.cityofblaine.com

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

REGULATIONS FOR

Fireworks in Blaine Lawful to discharge: July 4 between 10 am and midnight.

Except in these areas: • West Blaine: Area west of Shintaffer and all of Semiahmoo Spit. This includes all parks and beaches. • Blaine Harbor: All Port of Bellingham property plus water bodies north of Boblett and west of the railroad.

225 Marine Dr. • Blaine, WA 360 -332-1777 www.TheNorthernLight.com

• All public parks and public property in Blaine city limits excluding public streets outside West Blaine and Blaine Harbor areas.

Have a Safe and Sane July 4!

Thank you for supporting local journalism This week’s supporters: Herb & Sandy Beitel Connie & Bert Caldwell Eugene Carr Lawnie Collard Terri & L. Kevin Faulkner Geri Fox Norma Gomez-Vannelli Sabrina Gomez-Vannelli James & Joan Gregory Patricia Kaufmann Al and Cheryl Ludington Maureen Meikle Connie Serediuk Gillian Tennock Jay & Stacey Vermeulen

Here is what some people have written: “Best wishes to you all. Thanks for keeping on! Very moving letter from Blaine police chief Tanksley. Lots to think about.” - Gail & Tony Longo

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The Northern Light • June 25 - July 1, 2020

CITY OF BLAINE

UTILITY BILLING/AMI ADMINISTRATOR

Salary Range: $5,115 - $5,970 per month Plus Excellent Benefits.

Applications are being accepted for a full-time, Utility Billing/AMI Administrator in the Finance department. The Utility Billing/AMI Administrator works independently to perform and oversee an array of activities related to Utility Billing and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Interested persons should submit a cover letter, resume, qualifications checklist, supplemental questionnaire, City employment application, and any other materials listed on the job page via email to the City Clerk’s office. The job description, application, and directions on how to apply can be found on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine. wa.us/. Deadline for applying is 4:30pm, Friday, June 26, 2020. The City of Blaine is an equal opportunity employer.

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City council allows dining, retail in downtown plazas until October 1 On June 9, Blaine city manager Michael Jones issued an emergency order allowing businesses to use plaza space, with a special permit. Subsequently, Blaine City Council approved the order at its June 22 regular meeting. The order waives code limits on use of the H Street and G Street plazas in downtown Blaine, allowing restaurants and retail businesses to apply for a park special-use permit to set up dining or retail space. In a memo to city council, Jones said the park special-use permit “is fast and still allows some review and oversight.” Drayton Harbor Oyster Company is currently using part of the H Street plaza for dining. Under the order, plaza use isn’t

restricted to businesses next to the plazas. “A restaurant across the street could apply to do it and run food across, or theoretically put a barbecue out there and serve a specific menu,” Jones said. Retail business can also apply to use plaza space. Under the emergency order, the waiver would have been in place until December 31, but council members agreed that the term was too long and voted for it to expire on October 1. It could be extended at that point. In addition to the waiver, the city is pursuing other ideas to give businesses, and restaurants in particular, more outdoor space to help them operate with Covid-19 concerns and restrictions. The city is exploring using street space or parking strips

as outdoor dining space. So far, restaurant owners and managers have not expressed much interest in that, Jones said in a memo about the emergency order. City council members expressed a desire to find ways to give businesses more outdoor space as soon as possible. “The important thing is we have to have participation from the restaurants,” Jones said. “It doesn’t do us any good to close Peace Portal and not have the restaurants use it.” He added that closing Peace Portal Drive to traffic could have some adverse impacts for retailers, and that the city would have to find a balance if it did pursue closing Peace Portal Drive for outdoor dining.

State parks adds two free days By Ian Haupt

Member of the Month Nimbus Real Estate 225 G Street Blaine, WA 98230 (360) 778-1219 www.nimbusrealestate.com Number of agency staff: Four Number of years in business: Now in our tenth year of operation, Nimbus Real Estate started as Copac Real Estate in Ferndale, Washington. In August of 2019, we adopted a DBA - Nimbus Real Estate and moved our main office to Blaine.

The Nimbus team: Phill Esau, Karen Trudel and Mike Mulder

Description of business: Nimbus provides residential and commercial real estate as well as property management. We provide residential real estate as far south as Seattle. Mount Vernon is home to our 75 unit plat development. We believe that personal and financial success comes by surrounding yourself with intelligent, hardworking and good people. We also believe that success comes in the form of giving back to the community. 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!

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has moved two free days that were lost in April due to Covid-19 related closures to later in the year. On Sunday, September 13 and Saturday, October 10, visitors will not need a Discover Pass for day use visits to state parks by vehicle, according to a press release by Washington State Parks. Parking at state parks for day use typically costs $10 for a oneday permit or $30 for a Discover Pass, which provides daytime access for a year. Overnight visitors in state parks are charged fees for camping and other overnight accommodations, and day access is included in the overnight fee. The added free days replace the spring free day, April 11, and Earth Day, April 22. The first make up free day, September 13, will celebrate a national movement to get every girl scout into a state park – Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend. The second, October 10, recognizes World Mental Health Day, which supports the participation of state parks in the nationwide ParkRx

movement to help people access nature’s health benefits. The remaining 2020 state parks free days are: • Tuesday, August 25 (National Park Service Birthday) • Sunday, September 13 (Girls Scouts Love State Parks Day) • Saturday, September 26 (National Public Lands Day) • Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) • Friday, November 27 (Autumn Day) The free days apply only at state parks; a Discover Pass is still required on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources lands. The parks commission encourages visitors to engage in responsible recreation on free days and every other day to minimize the spread of Covid-19. Responsible recreation includes staying close to home, knowing what’s open before heading out, having a backup plan if a certain park is too crowded, following social distancing guidelines, packing out trash and bringing face coverings, hand sanitizer and other personal supplies.

June 25 - July 1, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

Cross border gatherings at park prohibited

Photos by Kyra Planetz

...Continued from page 1 For Blaine resident Aidan Button and his fiancé, Sherri Brake of Langley, B.C., the closure of Peace Arch Park is disappointing to say the least. The couple, who got engaged last year, are in the process of obtaining a K-1 visa for Brake to become a U.S. citizen upon their marriage. Like many cross-border couples, the two visited each other at a ditch on 0 Avenue along the border prior to the re-opening of the park. Since May, however, Button and Brake were able to meet at the park almost every day to picnic and play games. With the closure of the Canadian side of the park, the couple feels let down after just beginning to find hope, Brake said. The two plan to continue meeting, once again, at the 0 Avenue ditch. “We’re trying to make the most out of it but they’re giving us less and less to work with,” Button said. “It’s been discouraging because there’s no end in sight.” Though the border is set to re-open on July 21, Saunders believes it will likely be extended again, possibly into next year. As for Peace Arch Provincial Park, the B.C. government “will continue to work with [its] partners and stakeholders to monitor the situation and will re-open the park when it is determined to be safe to do so,” Karn said. On June 9, the Canadian gov-

ernment began allowing immediate family members separated by the border to enter Canada. Among the conditions of this exemption is a mandatory quarantine for at least 14 days upon arrival. Those who are eligible to enter Canada are required to present a quarantine plan, outlining where they will stay and how they will access essential services. Those who don’t follow their quarantine plan are subject to fines, jail time or can be banned from entering the country for one year. The U.S has not reciprocated the exemption. Even with the exemption, the mandatory quarantine still makes seeing family impossible, said B.C. resident Kielah Wood. Wood’s husband and one of their children live in Bellingham while Wood and their other child live in Abbotsford. The couple hasn’t lived on the same side of the border since getting married, but visit each other most weekends. What’s frustrating, Wood said, is that her husband cannot take enough time off of work to quarantine upon entering Canada. Additionally, Wood believes the exemption should be mutual because it would be easier for her to travel to the U.S. than her husband to travel into Canada. Though the land border is closed, air travel from Canada to the U.S. is not restricted. Any

Canadian may fly into the U.S. without having to quarantine upon arrival, with the exception of Hawaii. Wood said she considered flying to Washington state but was worried about exposing her young child to Covid-19 on the plane and in the airport. Living in separate countries,

Wood said she always knew their relationship would be difficult but never expected a pandemic to shut down the border. Wood said the hardest part is seeing how much her children miss each other but she hopes this experience can be a learning opportunity. “I think, if anything, it’s teach-

ing them that you do whatever it takes for your family to be together and overcome any obstacles,” Wood said. “I hate to give Covid-19 and the border closure any credit but it’s definitely true, ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’” she concluded.

$60,000

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Matching grants available to local businesses The Northern Light has set aside $60,000 in matching grant money to help local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. • Businesses can apply for up to $3,500 in grants to be used in advertising campaigns in June, July and August. • Preference given to locally owned and operated businesses. • Apply by going to www.TheNorthernLight.com/stimulus

When you don’t know where to turn...

because someone drinks too much... Al-Anon Family Groups can help. Learn more by attending a confidential meeting in your community.

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More people than ever before have turned to our newspaper and website for news and information. We believe this is the perfect time to do our part to lend a hand as our business community works to reopen.

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The Northern Light • June 25 - July 1, 2020

Volunteers needed for Birch Small local farms grow delivery Bay beach cleanup July 5 & 6 business during stay-at-home order The Birch Bay community is looking for help with its annual post-Fourth of July beach cleanup. This year, volunteers plan to pick up firework debris and other trash from the beach on Sunday, July 5. Since fireworks are legal until 11 p.m. on July 5, volunteers plan to return for another quick cleanup on Monday, July 6. “The reason we’ll clean on July 5 is so that the debris, which is basically poison, doesn’t get washed into the bay with the tide,” said Doralee Booth, Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce secretary and treasurer. The cleanup effort is a partnership by the Birch Bay Chamber, the Whatcom County Health Department and Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management, which funds the cleanup through its adopt-ablock program. Volunteers can pick up trash bags at the Birch Bay Chamber

of Commerce Visitor Center, at 7900 Birch Bay Drive on July 5. The chamber will also hand out masks and gloves, which are required for this year’s cleanup. Filled trash bags are to be placed in, or around, the garbage cans on Birch Bay Drive. A work crew from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office will collect the trash bags on Monday morning, starting at 8:45 a.m., Booth said. Volunteers typically collect about four tons of trash at the annual cleanup, Booth said. This year could be even bigger, as official Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks displays around the county are canceled due to Covid-19. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is asking volunteers to register at birchbaychamber. com/4th-of-july-beach-cleanup/. Collecting names of those involved helps the chamber get grant money for the cleanup.

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B y G r a c e M c C a rt h y Jonny Lane is the co-owner of Dandelion Organic Delivery, a Bellingham-based business that delivers weekly boxes of farm fresh food to homes in western Whatcom County. Lane said he’s seen demand at the company, which he and his wife, Maria Stavrakas, started in 2007, jump from around 300 customers per week to 700 customers per week from March to May. The company delivers a choice of six customizable bins weekly costing between $32 to $40. Their deliveries prioritize produce from local farms, but they substitute organic produce from outside the region when the local produce is limited during winter and spring. Current produce includes black plums, Swiss chard and radishes. To accommodate customer demand, Lane and his wife now pack farm fresh boxes three days a week, rather than one. “We’ve been packing more days, delivering more days, we’ve bought more delivery vans, hired more people,” Lane said. “There’s a lot that’s gone into it.” The company, which started serving Blaine a couple of years ago, is now delivering to about 100 customers in the Blaine area. The company does no-contact household deliveries in Ferndale, Blaine and Birch Bay every Wednesday morning. Doug Cross helps operate Spotted Owl Farm, a Blaine family farm that partners with Dandelion Organic Delivery. Cross said the farm that he runs with his wife, Diane Cross, has largely catered to restaurants like the Semiahmoo Resort but is shifting part of the farm’s focus on community-supported agriculture as Covid-19 changes customer demand in the restaurant industry. Cross said he was work-

Spotted Owl Farm, a 5-acre farm in Blaine, is shifting its focus from catering to increasing its community-supported agriculture program. Photo courtesy Doug Cross

ing to expand his produce to the community in June, when more produce ripens, including increasing his presence at the Blaine Farmers Market this summer. The five-acre farm specializes in tomatoes but also grows other produce like strawberries, hot peppers and herbs. “We try to branch out,” Cross said. “It’s very difficult to bring in one product to 40 different places as opposed to bringing 10-14 products to five or six different places.” Cross said local farms produce quality flavor unmatched by food found in big box stores. “Anything that has to travel hundreds of miles through California or Mexico, that stuff has no flavor,” Cross said. “Fresh tomatoes, vine-ripened off of our farm are amazing. There’s good flavors there instead of just water.” “I like to be able to walk amongst the fields and the crops and pick things straight off and know that there’s no chemicals on there and that nothing really needs to be rinsed off,” Cross said. “No one should have to worry about eating pesticides or eating herbicides because bugs and weeds can be controlled using other methods.”

Cross has also begun selling strawberries from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at his newly renovated farmstand at 4371 Sweet Road. “What we use the farmstand for is stuff that we haven’t sold to other customers but this year we should have enough of almost everything to have a really good variety out there,” Cross said. Home Farm, a 25-acre farm in Blaine, is also increasing its farmstand tenfold to include a large refrigeration section and extra shelving, said co-owner Bridgette DiMonda. The farmstand, open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 8020 Kickerville Road, offers items like cheese, nuts and coffee in its off-season and adds fruits and vegetables to the mix in mid-June. DiMonda said the best part of the farm is creating stronger ties with the community while nurturing them. “Our whole philosophy is getting people to come to us to experience farming, to learn about it,” DiMonda said. “We don’t sell to grocery stores, we don’t sell to farmers markets. We live on the farm. It’s like you’re coming to our house when you’re on the farm. We welcome everybody and say ‘come on out and learn about it.’”

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Mike Mulder drives Wildbird Charity’s new forklift with partners Phill Esau, l., and Karen Trudel. The forklift, donated by CHS Northwest, will make compiling meals much easier. The nonprofit started providing meals to kids about two years ago and has ramped up during the coronavirus pandemic.

Photo by Kyra Planetz

Home

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June 25 - July 1, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

A monthly special section in The Northern Light

Two seasonal halibut recipes from Semiahmoo Resort’s executive chef Halibut ceviche with citrus, mint and aji amarillo chilis

Devin Kellogg has been working at Semiahmoo Resort since April 2017. He is a Washington native with over 20 years of professional culinary experience.

Kellogg looks to incorporate his experiences with the bounty of the Pacific Northwest into fun approachable cuisine that highlights its beauty and abundance.

Pan seared local halibut with rhubarb compote and micro red sorrel

On a recent trip to Peru, I fell in love with Ceviche. With Asian, European and African immigrants over the years, the Peruvian cuisine has evolved into a culinary front runner. All these influences contribute to one of the freshest and most exciting food destinations to date. The “Leche de Tigre” sauce that is created by marinating the halibut quickly is prized all over Peru for its health benefits as well as its incredible flavor. Ingredients: 6 oz halibut filet, sliced very thin 1 aji amarillo chili ½ cup orange juice ½ cup lime juice 2 T. fish sauce 2 T. shallot, finely chopped 2 T. cilantro, finely chopped 2 T. mint, finely chopped 1 T. olive oil

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Spring time means the first of the season produce and the start of the halibut runs. Though it’s officially summer, it’s not too late for rhubarb and this recipe. I like a simple pan sear on my fish using a combination of butter and olive oil to give the halibut a nice caramelized crust. Being one of the first vegetables of spring makes rhubarb a great complement to early season halibut with a sweet and tart finish. Red sorrel adds a lemony herbal tang which ties everything together. Ingredients: 4 6-oz halibut filets 2 oz butter 2 oz olive oil Rhubarb compote: 2 T. olive oil 2 T. ginger – fresh, peeled and minced 1 T. garlic - minced 3 T. shallot - minced 12 oz Rhubarb - trimmed, cleaned and large diced 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 4 T. honey 1 Orange - zest and juice

1 pinch nutmeg - finely grated 1 pinch cardamom – finely ground 2 T. chives - fresh, minced 20-30 micro red sorrel leaves Preparation: For the rhubarb compote, heat up olive oil in a small sauce pot. Add ginger, garlic and shallots, sauté until translucent, 2-4 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients except the fresh chives. Turn down heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Start with a cold sauté pan over medium high heat with 2 T. of olive oil and 2 T. butter. Once the butter has just started to melt, add the halibut filets. Cook on high until the halibut develops a nice golden brown color. Carefully turn over the halibut and lower the heat to medium. Continue to cook until desired doneness is achieved. Serve with warm rhubarb compote and fresh sorrel for a nice tangy finish.

Preparation: To prepare the ceviche, simply slice the halibut as thinly as possible. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a mixing bowl and add the sliced halibut. Marinate anywhere from 3 to 30 minutes depending on your desired texture. For the garnishes, bake and cool a sweet potato. Slice and serve cold. If you can find cancha at a specialty store, it adds a great toasty crunch.

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The Northern Light • June 25 - July 1, 2020

Students celebrate the end of school on the beach

Ta-Da!

Payton Saunders Payton Saunders graduated with honors from the University of Washington, class of 2020, with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in law, societies and justice. Payton will be attending Texas Tech University School of Law this fall, pursuing a JD. She is a Blaine High School graduate, class of 2016.

Kids celebrated what would have been the last day of school on June 19, by flying kites on the beach at Birch Bay. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce gave out 300 free kites to kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help celebrate the beginning of summer.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer: CKimageart.com

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Martell Hesketh Martell Hesketh received a masters of public health from the University of Washington, class of 2020, with a concentration in community oriented public health practice. She graduated from Stanford University in 2015 with a degree in human biology, and from Blaine High School in 2011. Martell will be starting work at the Urban Indian Health Institute in Seattle.

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June 25 - July 1, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

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Legal NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Amador Jaimez Baldovinos and Josefina Gomez Baldovinos Probate No. 20-400273-37 Judge: Lee Grochmal. 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 Clerk of this Court. 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 (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of first publication: June 11, 2020. Personal Representative: Juan Baldovinos. Attorney for the Estate: KEITH A. BODE, WSBA #7791 314 Fifth Street, P.O. box 688, Lynden, WA 982640688, Tel. (360) 354-5021

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Real Estate

The Northern Light • June 25 - July 1, 2020

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO

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

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.

8217 Chehalis Road 9121 Pintail Loop 7714 Birch Bay Drive #402 5517 Maple Way MLS #1589430 $700,000 MLS #1579146 $449,000 MLS #1597528 $575,000 MLS #1617183 3117 Birch Bay Lynden Rd $698,000 Come home to a vacation. Come home to Small private gated community of Drayton Enjoy sunsets from this deluxe top floor Premier Southwest sun exposure greets $377,500 MLS #1609717

this remarkable “Weibe” built custom home w/features galore. Spectacular golf course & Mtn views. Glass railed sundeck & resort style private patio w/fountain, gardens & hot tub. Inside find magazine quality appointments, colors & creativity. From luxurious owner’s suite to gourmet kitchen no detail overlooked. Family/media room, oversize garage & loads of storage. In popular Birch Bay Village guard gated golf, pickleball, tennis & marina community. Pristine!

Mike Kent 360-527-8901

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

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

waterfront condo. This sunny west facing residence features 9ft ceilings, custom cabinets, slab granite counters, tile & wood flooring & open concept living area. Exceptional quality throughout this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with elevator access. Luxurious bathrooms include radiant heat tile flooring & jetted tub. A beautiful extra deck for entertaining & 1 assigned covered parking. Deeded beach access. Amazing ocean view...start living the dream!

Randy Weg 360-305-5704

you at this most precious waterfront property. First time on the market in 50 years. Summer cottage offers two bedrooms, one bath, open floor plan with the kitchen open to the Great room, and access to a spacious deck. Newer roof and architectural cedar shakes on the outside of the cottage, with coastal decor on display. Generous front and backyards. Hear and see the whales and sea lions from the property. Panoramic views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands.

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

Full complex with 4 living spaces: main house 950 sf; Mother-in-law suite 800 sf; apartment 650 sf and a full RV hookup (1 main bedroom per unit). This 10 acre parcel is two filed adjoining 5 acre tax parcels with beautiful ponds, wooded walking trails, garden areas and grassed in recreational areas! It features a shop with large parking areas. Recent remodeling has up-dated the interiors. Located a mile from I-5 interstate on the Birch Bay Lynden Rd for easy access.

Jeff Carrington 360-220-3224

XXX Holeman Ave MLS #1405680 $399,000

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

Ingrid Andaluz 360-961-0488

5358 Canvasback Road 9049 Shearwater Road 5385 Quail Run 9464 Odell Road 9598 Sherwood Drive 5571 Hillvue Road MLS #1576574 MLS #1613807 $1,100,000 $1,998,000 MLS #1604806 Spectacular, bespoke showhome at Semi- $675,000 MLS #1604802 $1,398,000 MLS #1446049 $245,000 MLS #1592153 Dramatic west facing WATERFRONT home $715,000

Beautiful Semiahmoo custom home on 9th Tee. Gourmet kitchen compliments open great room design w/fireplace & wine bar. Luxurious owners’ suite features heated marble flooring in en-suite, fireplace, dual vanity, walk-in shower, oversize walk-in closet w/built-ins. Also on main floor is 2nd master. New roof in 2013 & in 2018 a full high-end remodel was completed in designer colors & appointments. Sprinkler system & wired for automated mower leaving more time to enjoy amazing Semiahmoo.

Lisa Kent 360-594-8034

ahmoo Resort features captivating views of Drayton Harbor & coastal mountains. Timeless design, luxe details & fine craftsmanship. 5000+ sf of highly flexible living space will accommodate every need. 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: DraytonVista.com

Brenda Mills 360-319-0072

You’ve driven past & admired it for years: “THE” quintessential Blaine farmhouse, barn, guesthouse, studio, potting shed & potential equestrian area. Located on 4.8 acres & tucked away 250’ from the street with easy access to booming downtown Blaine, the waterfront, US/CAN border & I-5. Unbelievable care & detail have gone into restoring this 3-bedroom charmer. 4510 sq ft two story barn (with water) could easily house animals or... Guesthouse features 3/4 bath + kitchenette area.

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

Unrivaled modern masterpiece nestled between Vancouver & Seattle. Welcome to Blaine’s best kept secret - the exclusive gated Sherwood Dr. Estates! Stunning pivot door entry, 12’ motorized glass door/wall, suspended floating stairs, polished concrete floors - all tucked away on 5.76 park-like acres. Unparalleled in every way with all spaces planned & executed perfectly, this custom home is truly beyond compare. Minutes to the US/CAN border, 2 saltwater marinas & I-5 access.

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

EXCELLENT CHOICE!! One of the lowest priced built-on-site homes in Birch Bay - In a Neighborhood of mixed homes. Friendly neighbors all around this cozy cottage. Has very cute kitchen & rooms - all eclectic rustic wood interior w/wood beam ceiling; bright open office area; 2 bedrooms; large deck for your pleasure; Big Yard w/plenty of garden space for your enjoyment of nature. Looks Great! HAS NEW ROOF - GO SEE IT NOW!!!! -- Be SURE you make an appointment to see this GREAT HOME!!!

Paul Holtzheimer 360-303-4444

w/striking Bay/Islands/Mts & Sunset views. Inspired Architectural Design w/highest quality finishes/amenities. Easy main floor living. Spacious open floor plan. Chef’s dream kit, mstr bdrm retreat w/spa-like bthrm. Wine rm, MIL suite & more. Private shy acre w/lrg flat yards. Broad/level driveway w/no-step entry. Stairs to beach-scenic walks/seafood harvest/water sports. Gated community-paved trails, golf, marina, resort hotel/spa/eateries 1:45min/Seattle, 40min/ Van. BC.

Lucy Saldana 360-303-6838

www.windermere.com I’m always available to show you by private appointment all Residential, Commercial, Vacant Land & New Construction Properties!

What is your house worth...

Call Hugh :

360.371.5800 Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services!

Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker

Semiahmoo Marina Boat Slips Available!

Build your home here!

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • Vacation Properties WE DO • Residential Properties ! IT ALL • Commercial Properties Call Phill Esau Today!

Nimbus Property Management

20+ ACRES - $175,000 Homesite

on Kickerville with beautiful, meandering Terrell Creek.

Owner contract possible AT 20% DOWN, 6.5% 30 year Amortization. Some residential zoning, currently in open space. Great tax advantage.

www.CallHugh.com

360-594-8600 225 G Street, Suite 102

Downtown Blaine (Across from Hill’s Chevron)

www.NimbusRealEstate.com

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

Rentals - Residential BIRCH BAY VILLAGE lakefront home. 2-BR, 1-BA, 1200 SF, complete remodel. 2-car garage, plus large workshop. Available June 20. $2,000/mo. Call Linda 805-451-6979.

! D E T N RE

Rentals - Commercial

NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall

LEASE SPACES FOR:

Warehousing & Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Yard Storage for Vehicles Please Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates

360-332-2743

Email nelsbldg@msn.com

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FOR LEASE Retail/ Office Space

With Waterfront Views of Blaine Marina 800 - 1600 s.f. Prime ground floor office and retail space in The Northern Light Cannery-style building at Blaine Harbor.

For leasing info, contact Pat Grubb 360/332-1777

GO TO: TheNorthernLight.com/ newsletter

June 25 - July 1, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

Public hearing on six-year transportation Blaine city council plan extended due to faulty Zoom link recognizes “Juneteenth B O L Independence Day” y

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Blaine City Council encountered technical difficulties with the Zoom link for its June 22 regular meeting and decided to extend a public hearing on its sixyear transportation improvement program due to the problem. Zoom is an online program that Blaine and many other government agencies and businesses are using for conducting meetings during the Covid-19 pandemic. One link that the city distributed for online meeting attendees took people to the wrong online room. A city employee stayed in that room throughout the meeting and directed attendees to the correct meeting. However, with the delay and confusion, staff and council decided to hold open the public hearing for written comments and hold another public hearing on Zoom at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 29. Details will be posted on the city’s website. The six-year transportation improvement program prioritizes transportation projects and improvements throughout the city. It is updated annually as pursuant to state law. The program outlines current and potential

The Blaine City Council designated June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Independence Day at its June 22 council meeting, recognizing June 19,1865 as the day slavery legally came to an end in the United States. That date is nearly two-and-ahalf years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, council member Garth Baldwin pointed out at the meeting. EnPhase 2 of the Peace Portal Community Trail, completed in 2019, was a project prioritized in the city’s Transportation Improvement Program. Photo courtesy city of Blaine

transportation needs in the city and is required for the city to receive state and federal funding for transportation projects. The draft 2021-2026 plan includes Boblett Street corridor improvements, Bell Road grade separation and lane improvements, phase 3 of Peace Portal Community Trail, and many other projects. People can participate in the June 29 Zoom meeting either with a computer (including tablets and smartphones) or a telephone. Those on a computer will

have the opportunity to speak by “raising their hand” on Zoom. To do that, attendees must click the “participants” button on the bottom of the screen, which opens a window that has an option for clicking “raise hand.” More information on how to do that will be included in the meeting’s agenda, Jones said. For telephone attendees, city staff will call on each caller by the last four digits of their phone number and give them the opportunity to speak.

The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) is re-opening following its closure during phase 1 of Washington state’s four-phase Safe Start re-opening plan. Zumba and outdoor yoga are two classes that will resume along with use of the outdoor pickleball court. Classes will accommodate physical distancing guidelines with changes such as only five people or fewer per class – participants need to call in advance to reserve their spot. The outdoor pickleball court, which is open 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., should also be reserved on the website for 1.5-hour time slots. Heidi Holmes, BBBPRD2 program manager, said the district is taking precautions to follow state guidelines for the fitness classes. People are expected to wear a

Dining Guide

mask when entering the center and hand sanitizer is available in the gym and outdoor court. Participants don’t need to wear a mask during the fitness classes but a six-foot physical distancing space is required. Outdoor yoga at Blaine Marine Park will also start Saturday, July 11 at 9 a.m. and continue for a four-week series. Celine Mauger, a Zumba instructor with the district, will begin teaching a Zumba class on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at 9 a.m., starting Thursday, June 25. “I’m really happy that I’m going to feel the energy of people in person,” Mauger said. “I really miss seeing them smile. We carry each other.” Mauger said she will also continue teaching her Zumba classes online, which she taught during phase 1 of Covid-19, at celinem. zumba.com. The $3 recorded

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