The Northern Light, October 15-21, 2020 by Point Roberts Press

October 15 - 21, 2020

FREE

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

WSDA tries again to track invasive hornet, page 6

Thanks to generous donation CAP has a home base, page 7

Local “speed shooters” go to worlds, page 8

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

Vote early and Community Assistance Program gets a home other advice for the general election By Oliver Lazenby Ballots for the November 3 general election were mailed on October 14 and Whatcom County auditor Diana Bradrick advised voters to return their ballots quickly. Typically, about half of Whatcom County ballots are returned on election week, Bradrick said. That creates a flood of work for the election office, slowing the vote count. “The earlier we get them, the easier it is to spread the work out,” Bradrick said. “The more ballots we get early, the more ballots we’re going to have tallied on election night.” Voters who don’t get their ballot by Wednesday, October 21, should contact the auditor’s office to get a replacement. In Washington state, most voters return their ballot by mail or use ballot drop boxes. Voters who need audio and visual assistance or other reasonable accommodations may vote using the “accessible voting unit” in the auditor’s office starting October 14. The postal service recommends that people mail their ballot back by Tuesday, October 27 to make sure it’s postmarked by Election Day. After that, it would be better to use a drop box. Voting by mail doesn’t require a postage stamp. Though Bradrick has heard people question whether they should use the U.S. Postal Service for this election, she said she’s confident in the agency’s ability to deliver ballots. “It’s really important that people understand they can trust the postal service. I don’t know if they will, just because I said so, but really, they can trust the postal service and should feel they can use the postal service,” Bradrick said. Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman also said she expects USPS ballot delivery and return services to work without significant delay or interruption, as always. “In our decades-long experience with mail-in voting, we remain confident in our partnership with the U.S. Postal Service and its ability to continue delivering the same outstanding service to voters, the Office of the Secretary of State, and Washington’s 39 county election officials,” Wyman said in an August press release. The other option is to turn your ballot

s Dan DeMent, executive director for the Community Assistance Program, outside the former Freedom Community Church at 508 G Street. The church donated the building to CAP after it closed its doors. See the story on page 7. Photo by Oliver Lazenby

(See Ballots, page 2)

People for Sharon Shewmake

Group wins important FOIA ruling over CBP The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) won an important skirmish in its fight to obtain documents from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the January 2020 crackdown on travelers of Iranian backgrounds crossing into the U.S. at the Peace Arch port of entry. In an October 5 ruling, Judge Ricardo S. Martinez of the U.S. District Court Western District of Washington in Seattle ordered CBP to turn over documents that CAIR sought in a January 8 Freedom of Information Act request but had either not received or were redacted to the point of uselessness. Following the January 3 killing of Iranian General Qassim Suleimani in a U.S. drone strike, CBP Seattle Field Office’s tactical analytical unit issued a “high alert” stating “all persons (males and females) born after 1961 and born before 2001 with links (POB,

travel, citizenship)” to Palestine, Lebanon or Iran were to be vetted with extra questioning on their entry to the U.S. from B.C. Consequently, numerous U.S. citizens and resident green card holders of Iranian heritage were detained and held for hours and subjected to enhanced questioning. On January 5, CAIR issued a press release that suggested that CBP had issued a directive calling for detaining Iranian-Americans; an assertion that was quickly denied by the CBP. In a national news break, The Northern Light published on January 29 the CBP directive issued on January 3 that called for the detentions and contradicted the statements previously made by the agency. (Ed. note: The Northern Light and writers Patrick Grubb and Jami Makan were awarded two 1st place awards in various news categories for its coverage in the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s 2020 Better Newspaper Awards an-

Blaine’s Holiday Harbor Lights Fundraiser Let’s light up downtown Blaine this holiday season by celebrating our seaside location with nautical theme street pole ornament displays. Blaine Chamber of Commerce and Wildbird Charity are teaming up to accept (tax deductible) donations to purchase these light displays to decorate downtown this holiday season. For more info visit: blainechamber.com New Sponsors: Jen Freeman & Leah Crews @ Windermere Real Estate

nounced on October 9.) Following CBP’s failure to respond to CAIR’s request within statutory time requirements (20 days), the organization filed suit on February 12. (See CBP, page 3)

INSIDE

B y P a t G r u bb

Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Pets . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Coming Up . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

TheNorthernLight.com

ThisFLYERS Week’s

Rite Aid

The Northern Light • October 15 - 21, 2020

BAY BREEZE

R E S TA U R A N T & B A R

New Management New Chef New Menu

MONDAY SPECIAL

LUNCH SPECIAL

All-U-Can-Eat Fish ’n Chips (Regular or Cajun Style)

Noon - 4pm Every Day Burger, Fries & Soft Drink

$23

$10

CHECK OUT OUR NEW MENU ONLINE AT:

www.BayBreezeRestaurant.com Families Welcome! Open 12-9 pm Every Day

•

7829 Birch Bay Drive

•

360-922-7902

Ballots ... From page 1

in at one of 20 drop boxes around the county by 8 p.m. on November 3. Plan ahead to avoid lines, especially if you plan to drive to a drop box. Local drop box locations are: – The Blaine Library, at 610 3rd Street – North Whatcom Fire and Rescue station 63 in Birch Bay, at 4581 Birch Bay-Lynden Road – Custer Elementary School, at 7660 Custer School Road – The International Marketplace in Point Roberts, at 480 Tyee Drive Voters should already have their voters’ pamphlet, which includes Whatcom County general election candidates. There’s an online version at votewa.gov or at co.whatcom.wa.us/1732/current-election. Still time to register Though ballots are already out,

there’s still time to register to vote or change registration information. Bradrick encourages all voters to check their voter registration at votewa.gov. “People who only vote in presidential elections, they may have moved and their registration may have become inactive,” she said. Whatcom County residents must register to vote or change their address online or by mail by Monday, October 26. That can be done at votewa.gov. To register online you’ll need a current Washington state driver’s license or permit, or a state identification card. If you don’t have state ID, you can still register to vote in person. Those who miss that deadline can still register to vote or change their address in person at the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office at 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103, in Bellingham, until November 3. Anyone visiting the auditor’s office is required to wear a mask, stay six feet from others and

should expect long lines during election week. The auditor’s office will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, to allow people to register to vote or change their registration information. The only other time the office is open outside of its normal 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours is evening on Election Day, when it’s open until 8 p.m. Election security State law requires that two people be present any time ballot boxes are unlocked and emptied. In Whatcom County, that’s a team from the auditor’s office. Their activity is logged throughout the day so there’s a record of who handled the ballots. Tamper-evident seals are placed on drop boxes every time they’re opened so that election workers know if someone accessed the ballots without permission. Workers put the ballots in a sealed transportation box and bring them back to the office, where the seal is verified before its opened to process ballots. Ballot drop boxes are emptied at least once a day, Bradrick said. The auditor’s office monitors those boxes and if they’re getting a lot of use they’ll empty them multiple times a day. Some of the busiest boxes get emptied four or five times on Election Day, she said. In addition to daily checks by auditor’s office staff, Bradrick said plain clothes security guards will monitor heavily used boxes and roving security will check others. Her office is also alerting law enforcement and asking them to keep an eye on the boxes. Tracking results Preliminary results will be released online on election night, and both local and state auditor’s offices will release updated preliminary results daily after that. Elections are certified (officially verified by election offices) on November 24, 2020. Statewide election results can be tracked at the secretary of state’s election results page: bit.ly/2GQlQp9. Local results can be tracked at the county auditor’s website, at co.whatcom.wa.us/199/auditor. Click on “Elections” and then “Current Election” in the bar on the left side of the page. Learn more about local elections at the Whatcom County auditor’s website, or votewa.gov.

Get a $15 Gift Card to The Market or Bob’s When you spend $150 at Birch Bay Square Redeem at The Market or Bob’s. Simply show your receipts from participating retailers totaling $150 or more to The Market or Bob’s Burgers and get your gift card. While supplies last. Only receipts dated October 15th onward will be honored. $150 pre-tax amount is required to be eligible; One gift card per person through promotion period.

Anytime Fitness • Betty Be Good • Birch Bay Budz • Bow Wow & Woofs • Capstone Physical Therapy • Farmers Insurance • GH Bass & Co. • Jack in the Box L’eggs Hanes Bali Playtex • Mike’s Dollar Plus • Nail Masters • Northwest Veterinary Clinic • Subway • Van Heusen • Windermere Real Estate • Woods Coffee

October 15 - 21, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

CBP ... From page 1

Two months later, CBP released four documents and withheld 124 pages that were later released with exemptions and redactions following the conclusion of an investigation. It then moved to have the action dismissed. CAIR objected, saying CBP had failed to produce all of the documents requested and had wrongly applied exemptions to the materials that it had supplied. The judge ruled against CBP’s motion and granted, in part, CAIR’s motion for summary judgement. Martinez ordered CBP to search the emails of Adele Fasano, then-Seattle Field Office (SFO) director of field operations, the SFO assistant director and Mark Morgan, acting CBP commissioner in Washington, D.C,. and others and to report on the progress of the search by October 12. The judge also ruled that CAIR had demonstrated that the public interest lies in the release of the names of assistant directors and port directors playing a key role in the implementation of the policy, which touches on the civil rights of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. Accordingly, the exemption cited by CBP should not apply to the names of those individuals.

THRIFT STORE

acation

where you live!

Just Listed!

s The directive issued January 3 by CBP’s Seattle Field Office calling for the enhanced inspection of travelers with Iranian backgrounds. CBP has denied the existence of the directive. As well, changes to redactions must be accomplished within 30 days of the ruling and any other documents withheld must be turned over or the redactions removed unless another exemption is claimed. Since the controversy erupted

H IA

O O M

8980 Snowy Owl Lane • $650,000

in January, there has been a quiet turnover in management in the Seattle Field Office and the Blaine port of entry. Fasano has been transferred to planning and analysis in Washington, D.C. and was replaced by Brian Humphrey in the summer.

MLS #1664401

Exceptional floor plan in this single story home with sunny southern exposure. Wrap around deck with lots of landscaping creates a private oasis.

Kathy Stauffer (360) 815-4718 kstauffer@windermere.com • kathystauffer.com Managing Broker/Windermere-Whatcom

WINE TASTING EVENT

Friday, November 13 • 5-8:30 pm Wines for Thanksgiving pairing presented by Josh Silverman of Grape Expectations

FUN THURSDAYS AT THE VAULT!

October 15 at 7 pm TEST YOUR TRIVIA OF SPORTS! October 22 at 7 pm ROCKTOBER TRIVIA October 29 at 7 pm SPOOKY TRIVIA AND COSTUME CONTEST

Like us on Facebook and receive an additional

10% OFF NEW $ 1 Bins

Winter Hours: Tue - Sat • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Help Support Local Business Growth!

Wed & Thurs • 4-9 p.m. | Fri & Sat • 4-10 p.m. | Happy Hour 4-5 p.m.

4823 Alderson Rd. #106 Birch Bay (next to The C Shop)

360-392-0955

360-746-4466

With our additional outdoor space, we are now taking reservations

277 G Street • Downtown Blaine

For more information & current menu visit our website or call

www.TheVaultWine.com

HOLIDAYS AT SEMIAHMOO Leave the cooking to us

Make Packers Kitchen + Bar your home for the holidays. Join us for festive menus to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

9565 Semiahmoo Parkway Blaine, WA

Call 360.318.2090 to make a reservation.

More details at Semiahmoo.com

The Northern Light • October 15 - 21, 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 Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Reporter & Copy Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern 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 The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVI, No 18 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Oct. 22 Ads due: Oct. 16

The Editor: Recently, there has been expressed more concern for the elderly since the Covid-19 pandemic. It may be timely to establish a group to protest what other concerns this age group has. It could be referred to as ELM (Elderly Lives Matter). All members of this group have an existing condition – they were born. Most of the individuals would probably be considered “old geezers,” someone between old and dead. The following are some concerns: If receiving an enhanced flu shot is recommended, then why aren’t the shots readily available? A lot of these folks own and have lived in the same home for many years. What has become apparent for a number of these folks is they can’t afford to own the home because of the increased assessed value, living on a fixed income and hiring help for maintenance. If they sell and wish to move to a smaller home on a smaller lot, none appear to be available in Blaine. The need to travel some distance for medical issues becomes a problem. The loss of the ability to drive requires public transportation and for some, this is new and scary and requires a considerable amount of time. Friends help but they’re not always available. It is imperative the proposed medical facility is constructed in Blaine. An ELM protest march might be a first and unique. The distance would be no more than one block. Porta-potties would be in abundance. Aid vehicles would be required in order to hold the march. Some of the participants might have unique means of transportation. But, in all seriousness, Blaine has a large population of elders (and your mother taught you to respect your elders). An effort is required to see their concerns are serious and need to be addressed. Dennis M. Olason Blaine The Editor: I have been hearing political commercials for Alicia Rule and Sharon Shewmake on my Pandora station for the last couple of weeks. I kept hearing “paid for by New Direction PAC.” Being the curious person I am, I decided to look up this political action committee. This search led me to the Public Disclosure Commission website, you can do a web search and type ‘PDC plus any candidates first and last name’ to see how much money they have raised, and exactly who and where it is coming from. This was very eye opening. I highly recommend every voter do this. These two ladies who are running to represent Whatcom County have a lot of money coming from Seattle, Olympia and out of state – most of their donations are also from unions. Why? You will have to answer that for yourself, but some of these donors are the same big money groups that tried to push into our schools the alarming comprehensive sex education curriculum that many of us fought hard to get on the ballot, instead of having it just mandated for our local children. When I looked up the contributions of the other two ladies running to represent Whatcom County, Jennifer Sefzik, and Luanne Van Werven, I saw vastly more personal donations from real local people like you and I. Do yourself a favor and know where the money is coming from for who you think you want to vote for, and ask yourself if that money represents you and your family’s interests. Does their “new direction” line up with your values and what you want for Whatcom County? Shelly Button Blaine The Editor: Over the last weeks I have seen flyers and TV ads that make false and misleading

statements about Sharon Shewmake’s position on “defunding the police.” These ads say she is in favor of defunding. That is just not true. On September 16, Ms. Shewmake clearly stated her position. You can find her statement on her Facebook page. As the Position 2 State Representative in the 42nd Legislative District, Sharon has consistently voted for budgets that fund law enforcement and she will continue to do so. Yes, she is in favor of increasing mental health resources for those in mental health crises and that is an area where law enforcement wants and needs assistance. But, more than just being pro law enforcement, she has obtained funding for Whatcom County’s Crisis Stabilization Facility. It is very disappointing to see these flyers and ads that include lies and distortions coming from a PAC exclusively funded by the state Republican Party. We need differing ideas but in these times, some choose the low road. These kinds of lies, divisiveness and political dirty tricks are not what the citizens of Whatcom County deserve. Therefore, I am calling on Sharon’s opponent Jennifer Sefzik to publicly distance herself from these lies and dirty tricks, and clearly and unambiguously disavow the PAC, the flyers and ads. Such behavior is not appropriate. Sefzik knows better. We deserve better. Truth has become a rare commodity. Sharon Shewmake tells the truth. That makes her a valuable representative for all of this county’s residents. Let’s play fair. Sue Berkman Blaine The Editor: Are you aware that Friends of Libraries groups have their own national week of recognition and celebration? They do. And United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association will be coordinating the 15th annual National Friends of Libraries Week on October 18-24, 2020. What an appropriate time to extend a huge thank you to the Friends of the Blaine Library. Their help and support through the years has been instrumental in making our library a much loved and well-used hub of the community. Back in early March, The Blaine Friends were excited to see their sizeable investment in the hiring of the Johnston Architects/King Architecture team result in a beautifully designed library building for the Blaine community. Then the pandemic hit. While disappointing indeed that the project has been put on a temporary hold ever since, the Friends continue to work in the background, busily planning next steps. As we celebrate this group of individuals who have worked countless hours – some over the course of 10, 20 or amazingly, 30 plus years – would you please consider joining their team in support of our Blaine Library? Many of you have discovered the wealth of library resources for the first time during these latest months. Others have been awaiting our building reopening, anxious for access to many of the library’s critical services. Your help will be needed more than ever as we venture in to a recovery period and face a future library project. Please consider joining the Friends of the Blaine Library today, and have fun while sharing your skills and talents in promoting the value of the public library in your community. Debby Farmer Blaine The Editor: My Biden supporter friends are not fascists. Fascist believe in a powerful central government that assumes responsibility for all outcomes and results in a utopian society. Trump supporters believe in capitalism, individualism, reduction in government

control of our lives, and know life cannot be made perfect by politicians. Fascists are militaristic. Trump supporters appreciate that he brokered Middle East peace agreements and is the only president in 40 years to not start a new war. The Trump Doctrine would no longer have America involved in endless wars that kill thousands of Americans and incur enormous debt. Fascists suppress opposition. They tell you what words you can use, overturn elections, cancel the lives of dissenters, demand allegiance to their ideology, and attack people who wear clothing or hats that express opposition support. Trump supporters believe it is wrong to make people afraid to express their beliefs and know where the road to vilifying fellow citizens leads. Fascists governments disarm civilians, making them more vulnerable to oppression and easy targets for criminals. Trump supporters are for the right to bear arms. Fascists erase and re-write history. Trump supporters do not believe controversial statues should be destroyed because they provide an opportunity to learn from our history rather than repeat it. Fascists perpetrate genocide. Trump supporters are anti-genocide. They oppose their taxes going to fund Planned Parenthood, founded by racist eugenicist Margaret Sanger, with the majority of their abortion clinics in minority neighborhoods. Nazi fascists had Aryan privilege laws that rewarded people based on race. Trump supporters are against laws that give preference for race because America should be a meritocracy. I support Trump because he built a great economy and will do so again, supports law enforcement, is getting us out of endless wars, is brokering peace in the Middle East, enacted justice reform that helps minorities, will hold China accountable and has an America-first attitude. America is great and I do not want the Biden-Harris-AOCBernie coalition to fundamentally change it. I do not think my Biden supporter friends are fascists. I think they are good people who are uninformed or consumed with a blinding hatred for Trump. Dave Berry Birch Bay The Editor: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it/America 2020. Harris/Biden administration’s America? Public knowledge that Biden will be short term. Biden wanted a woman of color. Harris’ parents are from India and Jamaica. Isn’t it “racist” to choose by skin color? Harris openly supports open borders, thus creating sanctuary cities, like Seattle, while eliminating ICE. Entering the U.S. illegally is breaking the law. Sanctuary cities say it’s OK to break the law since ‘we’ll hide you and pay for your needs’ with taxpayer dollars. Harris supports the Minnesota Freedom Fund (MFF) to pay bail for those unable to pay. This sounds very philanthropic but the obvious fact is, any criminal who chooses to break the law should know you can be arrested and sent to jail. MFF says cash bail discriminates, is oppressive and targets folks who can’t afford bail. Once again, you break the law then there are consequences and one might be jail. Wouldn’t that fact alone be a deterrent? How many violent protesters got a “get out of bail free” card? Harris praises Black Lives Matter, a Marxist organization, and supports Planned Parenthood. Yes, Black lives matter, in fact, all lives matter. However; Planned Parenthood has more clinics in largely Black neighbor(See Letters, next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

October 15 - 21, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

hoods. Harris said the timing of an abortion is up to the woman, even if late term. Harris praises BLM as essential and BLM advocates defunding the police and eliminating the Drug Enforcement Administration. Harris said BLM protests are an essential component of evolution in our country, and a mark of a real democracy. Free education and free medical sounds utopian but we, the taxpayers, would fund it. Biden said “More taxes,” then “No, I meant no taxes.” Biden hasn’t been told what his plans are, so he can’t tell us his plans for America. Biden has said “No fossil fuel, no fracking” and then later recants and says he didn’t say it. All verifiable. Seems Democrat governors and mayors are OK with looting and riots, so what makes you think a Democratic president would be any different? Neither candidate is perfect, but I want President

The Editor: The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed serious inequities in our country and in our county. Our children have been going to school remotely, from their homes. That requires efficient, affordable high-speed internet. Whatcom County has fallen far behind in providing this.Adults have been working remotely from their homes. That requires efficient, affordable high-speed internet. Whatcom County has fallen far behind in providing this. Should people in Whatcom County have to drive to the library or sit outside at a café so they can access reliable internet? No. But that is what is happening. High-speed internet is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Christine Grant, who is running for a seat on the Whatcom County Public Utility District is passionate about this. She has worked with the util-

From previous

ities industry for years and she teaches energy policy at the Institute for Energy Studies at Western Washington University. She will bring this experience and knowledge to the PUD. As Christine Grant says, “Water, electricity and fast, affordable internet are building blocks for economic success.” Please vote for a change agent determined to make Whatcom County a national leader in providing clean, safe, affordable utilities for all people. Your ballot will not be complete until you vote for Christine Grant for the Whatcom County Public Utility District. The PUD may be the last position on the ballot, but it is definitely not the least. Helen Worley Blaine

We’re Celebrating!

National Friends of Libraries Week October 18-24, 2020

Help us in supporting our Blaine Library and join the Friends of the Blaine Library today.

Become a Member and Make a Difference! Ask a library staff member for an application.

Book

BLAINE LIBRARY

610 3 rd Street Paid for by Friends of Blaine Library 360.305.3637 talk/multimedia presentation

(See Letters, page 13)

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.

Monday, October 19 4:30pm – Special City Council Meeting Study Session – 2021 Budget

Thursday, October 22 6:00pm – Planning Commission

Let’s Keep Judge David Freeman on The Whatcom County Superior Court • Currently seated on the Whatcom County Superior Court • Winner of the Primary Election with 59.7% of vote • Supported by the full Whatcom Superior Court bench • Rated “Exceptionally-Well Qualified” by the Whatcom Bar Association • Endorsed by Whatcom County Democratic Party • Endorsed by Whatcom County Republican Party Endorsed by people you trust: Go to www.electjudgefreeman.com Judicial races are at the end of a long ballot, Please look for David E. Freeman and vote to retain him. Thanks. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Judge David E. Freeman, P. O. Box 6095, Bellingham, WA 98227

Blaine United Church of Christ "Where friendly people gather and become family"

Sunday Services 10:30 am esus

didn’t turn people away

Letters ...

Trump, who fights for America. Anne Freeman Blaine

Meeting

Monday, October 26 4:30pm – Study Session – Public Works 2021 Budgets 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Public Hearing – Proposed Property Tax Levy 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

SHOW YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORT! AD SIZES: 3” x 2” - $89 Personal Message Your LOGO here 100 Main St 332-0000

1.5” x 2” $69 Personal Message

VETERANS SALUTE

Your LOGO here 100 Main St 332-0000

Recognizing our local firefighters and law enforcement

Honoring our local veterans

1.5” x 1” - $49

Publishes October 22 Deadline: October 15

Publishes November 5 Deadline: October 29

FIRST RESPONDERS TRIBUTE

Your LOGO here 100 Main St 332-0000

Ad boxes shown are not actual size of ad.

Call Molly today at 360-332-1777 or email sales@thenorthernlight.com

Neither do we. (360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 Pastor Sandy Wisecarver

CITY OF BLAINE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BLAINE CITY COUNCIL Notice is hereby given that a public hearing for the 2021 revenue sources and proposed Property Tax Levy is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2020, at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held virtually. Information on how “attend” the City Council meeting will be included on the agenda. City Council meeting agendas are published the Friday before the City Council meeting. If you do not want to give testimony during the public hearing, please email your testimony to CityCouncil@cityofblaine. com. Please note that emails and letters sent to the entire Council are public record and they will be included on the City Council meeting agenda. All City Council meeting recordings are on the City’s website. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than seventy-two hours (72) hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

The Northern Light • October 15 - 21, 2020

WSDA attempts to track second Asian giant hornet By Grace McCarthy

Combination Meals Buy One, Get Second

1/2 PRICE!

with purchase of 2 drinks!

DINE IN OR TAKE OUT. Of equal or lesser value. Not valid with other offers. Lunch or Dinner. Exp. 10/29/2020

DINE IN OR TAKE OUT NOW OPEN 7 DAYS ORDER ONLINE! A WEEK FOR bit.ly/pasodelnorte LUNCH & DINNER! 758 Peace Portal Dr. • Downtown Blaine

360-332-4045

www.pasodelnorte.net

Using lessons learned from the first Asian giant hornet tracking attempt last week, researchers inched closer to success with a second attempt at tracking a live hornet on October 7. The attempt ultimately failed after researchers lost the radio signal but it was not without triumph, said Sven Spichiger, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) managing entomologist during an October 12 news conference. “Everything is progressing as much as possible,” Spichiger said. “I’m pretty hopeful we’ll have a nest and perform an eradication” Urgency comes as the hornets

The Immigration Law Firm •• U.S. U.S. green greencards cards/ /naturalization naturalization •• Work / investor visas Inadmissibility waivers • TN (NAFTA) work permits • Denied entry waivers U.S. Citizenship •• Removal hearingsclaims • NEXUS appeals

360-332-7100 360-332-7100

www.blaineimmigration.com• •435 435Martin MartinSt., St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine, www.blaineimmigration.com Blaine,WA WA

Leonard atLaw Law LeonardD.M. D.M.Saunders, Saunders, Attorney Attorney at

ALLEY AUTO INC 365 D Street • 360-332-7018

MON-FRI 8AM TO 5:30PM

enter the ‘slaughter’ phase, where the hornets can destroy an entire bee colony to feed their young. By the end of October, hornets will start mating and venture out to create new colonies by next spring. The live hornet was caught on October 5 at the same east Blaine location as the first tracking attempt, near Burk Road. Agency officials tried tracking the hornet the next day but had to start over on October 7 due to a technology malfunction on the tracking chip. Scientists waited until fog cleared after noon to ensure they could see the hornet as it took off. They tied a tracking device onto the hornet’s abdomen with dental floss, instead of glue, which didn’t dry fast enough during the first tracking attempt and rendered that hornet immobile. European counterparts, who use a similar device to track the Asian hornet, a different species, suggested the Washington scientists place the hornet on a higher surface for flight. The hornet launched off an apple tree and landed on a few nearby trees before landing near dense Himalayan blackberry bushes. The scientists then lost track of the hornet when it quickly flew into trees. Vikram Iyer, a Ph.D. student at the University of Washington, contacted WSDA early this year about adapting a bug camera he made for beetles to track the inWSDA officials made their T second attempt at tracking an Asian giant hornet on October 7. Scientists tracked the invasive species by tying a Bluetooth chip on the hornet with dental floss. t WSDA entomologist Chris Looney tracks the Asian giant hornet in east Blaine. WSDA officials eventually lost track of the hornet when it flew out of signal range. Photos courtesy of WSDA

We Install Quality NAPA Parts. We’re small, but we have it all! In stock, same day or next day service! Your one-stop shop for all your automotive needs!

We won’t be undersold on all truck, car and motorhome tires!

It’s Dark Out!

We Have Headlights & Wiper Blades for most cars!

FERNDALE LUBE

Locally owned by Blaine residents. 5585 Labounty Road • (360) 383-0205

NEW STORE HOURS!

OPEN: Mon.-Tues.-Fri 9-5:30 • Sat 8:30-4:30 • Closed Sun. Directions: Ferndale Main St. Exit 262, off I-5, West on Main St., Left on Labounty.

vasive hornet. The Bluetooth chip sends out a radio signal twice per second that allows people to track the chip through an app on their phone. The signal is directed about 30 feet from the radio tag in a forested area and up to a few hundred feet in a field, Iyer said. “This is the same sort of approach that’s used in traditional wildlife tracking for large animals but this is struck down to a really small size,” he said during the news conference. Staff were able to get an initial flight direction and talk to surrounding property owners who gave eyewitness sightings from the week prior and earlier in the summer, Spichiger said. In the next few weeks, the agency will receive new radio tags with distances that reach farther with a stronger signal, Spichiger said. The tags aren’t kept in stock because of their short shelf life, he added. The second tracking attempt came as the agency also received reports of two new sightings on October 9: A worker hornet trapped a mile south of the first Blaine sighting in December 2019 and a hornet trapped by Canadian authorities in Langley, B.C., just north of the border near the east Blaine sightings. The two U.S. hornet findings on October 5 and October 9 brings the total number of confirmed specimens in Whatcom County to 18.

Spichiger said he is confident the agency will eradicate the east Blaine nest before the end of the month, but is worried by the lack of sightings near the suspected Birch Bay nest. A third nest is probable, he said, especially after the October 9 hornet trapped within Blaine city limits. “We expected we’d see far worse than this and we’re really only focused on two or three areas in Whatcom County,” said Spichiger, who once feared the invasive species would have spread across western Washington by now. “But it looks like we’re concentrated in one area, which really gives us a fighting chance.” Once the east Blaine nest is located, WSDA will perform an early morning eradication. The agency staff will vacuum hundreds of hornets out of the underground nest and then inject a tube with carbon dioxide to kill any remaining. “We’re hurrying as much as we can but there’s a lot of ground for us to cover,” Spichiger said. “We will continue our efforts until we win.” To report an Asian giant hornet sighting, visit bit.ly/34akL4H. People without internet can also call the hotline, 800/4436684 but this will take longer for WSDA staff to respond due to a heavy call volume. Beekeepers with hives under attack are urged to call the emergency line, 360/902-1880. For more information, visit agr.wa.gov/hornets.

October 15 - 21, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

Thanks to donation, Community Assistance Program has a home

s Dan DeMent, executive director of the Community Assistance Program. Freedom Community Church donated its 4,000-square-foot building to CAP after the church closed this summer.

Photo by Oliver Lazenby

By Oliver Lazenby The Community Assistance Program (CAP) now has its own building, thanks to a generation donation from the Freedom Community Church. The space, a 4,000-square-foot former church at 508 G Street, will allow CAP to streamline its operations, executive director Dan DeMent said. CAP, an all-volunteer outreach program supported by local churches and donations, works to provide people in need in Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts with necessities for daily life. CAP currently operates an array of programs out of several churches and other locations throughout Blaine. “The plan is to consolidate our current activities,” DeMent said. “We basically function as a number of independent programs, and this would give us an opportunity to have it all in the same place.” The building will allow CAP to process donated clothing, bedding and other donations faster, allow it to keep more consistent hours and be more efficient with volunteer hours, and it may serve as a distribution location for Thanksgiving baskets and other programs in the future. For Freedom Community Church pastor David Riddle, it became evident earlier this year that the church had run its course. “It just became clear that we, as a church, had finished our race and that we were to put our strengths to other churches,” he said. Since the church and property was donated to Freedom Community Church eight years ago by Northwest Community Church after that church had “finished its race,” it made sense to Riddle to pass the property along to a worthy organization for free. He first thought about giving it to another church, but all the churches he knew of already had buildings. Riddle is a former CAP board member, so CAP was an obvious second choice. “The building was a gift to us and we consider it a privilege to pass that gift along,” he said. The church building has two stories with a chapel on the top floor and several spacious rooms below. It also has a parking lot that DeMent said should be big enough for CAP’s purposes. CAP needs a conditional use

permit from the city of Blaine before it can use the building for its many programs, since it’s in an area zoned for single-family homes, townhouses and duplexes. CAP’s services include community meals, food assistance, clothing assistance, holiday gift assistance, free financial literary courses and a crisis office that provides immediate help with utility bills, prescription needs, short-term emergency lodging and other pressing needs. Currently, those programs are spread throughout various locations in Blaine: The crisis office was at Christ Episcopal Church before the pandemic (it’s now

mobile); community meals were held at the Blaine Senior Center; volunteers processed clothing donations from a 320-square-foot modified shipping container at 500 C Street, next to the Blaine Food Bank; clothing, Thanksgiving baskets and holiday gifts have been distributed at the Cost Cutter shopping center. The organization outgrew its clothing bank long ago, DeMent said and CAP was working toward building a 1,200-squarefoot “CAP center” in its space next to the food bank. “We were just ready to file for permits and proceed on that when we got this offer,” he said. Though CAP started working toward finding its own space in 2018, the Covid-19 pandemic provided a fresh example of how owning a building could strengthen the organization. In March, CAP had to vacate its regular office due to a statewide closure of all Episcopal facilities. It had to close its clothing assistance program to the public that same month because social distancing isn’t possible in the storage container from which it operated. “Covid has been a great example of how forces out of our control dictate do much,” DeMent said. In 2019, CAP served 3,767 guests at its community meals, provided 230 families with Thanksgiving baskets, distribut-

ed 578 winter coats, and managed $59,208 in total donations, according to its annual report.

Learn more about the Community Assistance Program at blainecap.org.

The Northern Light • October 15 - 21, 2020

Local team competes in speed shooting world championships By Ian Haupt Erik Berkeley, 17, and Zane Coffey, 18, traveled to Talladega, Alabama, at the end of September for the World Speed Shooting Championship with a goal to shoot their personal bests. And the current and former Borderites did just that. Coined “drag racing with handguns,” “speed steel” shooting challenges competitors to hit five steel targets as fast as possible. “It’s just something that kind of stuck with me and I enjoyed right off the bat,” Zane said. Also called “action shooting” or “steel challenge,” the sport is divided into eight stages where the targets are placed in different formations and distances from the shooter, ranging from 21 feet to 105 feet. Competitors shoot each stage five times and add their top four times to get their aggregate score per stage. Then, each stage’s score is added together to determine the shooter’s overall score. The sport requires focus, precision and speed.

Zane placed sixth in the pistol classification and 15th in rifle, while Erik placed 12th and 22nd, respectively. Since the sport is based around time, Erik and Zane can measure their improvements every match. They said they both shot personal bests at the world championships. Erik hoped to shoot a 75 in the rifle but a torrential downpour during his stages caused his rifle to malfunction, and he said he got in his own head. “My mentality was not in the right place,” he said. “But overall I had a good match. I’m happy with how I shot.” Both the boys agreed that mentality is key when stepping up to the spot to shoot. “Before I shoot, I try to clear my mind,” Erik said. “I don’t think about anything besides that next shot. Just ‘don’t think about nothin.’ Streamline.” Zane said he enjoys this type of single-purpose focus. “The focus on the targets, and what I’m doing, is really enticing,” he said. “You don’t really

s Erik Berkeley shoots a practice stage as coach Jim Coffey times him at the Custer Sportsmen’s Club on September 15, 2020.

Photo by Ian Haupt

get that other places.” Zane said shooting well at the world championships made him realize he had a future in the sport. Seeing the high-level

professionals in action showed Zane the level of competition he is not at yet, he said. “But I know I could get there at some point if I just keep practicing.”

Jim Coffey, Zane’s father, found competitive shooting eight years ago after tearing his hamstring playing soccer. He introduced Zane to it when he was just 10

ADVICE FROM THE P Doniel Hagee, DPT, ATC, OCS Physical Therapist Capstone Physical Therapy

1733 H Street, Suite 400 Blaine, WA 98230 360-332-5111 www.capstonept.com

Q: Is running bad for my knees?

Q: Is now a good time to refinance?

A: Many people have the assumption that

A: Yes.

running is “bad for knees” and contributes to osteoarthritis. Running with good mechanics strengthens bones and joint cartilage to protect against osteoporosis and arthritis later in life. If you have incorrect running mechanics, limited range of motion or strength deficits these things can contribute to pain with running. These things should be addressed by a skilled physical therapist. Schedule a visit at Capstone Physical Therapy for an evaluation and running analysis.

Interest rates are very low, and they should remain that way through the end of the year. Talk to a lender to see if it makes sense to refinance while considering your current rate and situation. Taking equity out for improveLoren Adkins ments, consolidation of bills, or refinancing to Senior Real Estate improve the Rate and Term on a current balLoan Officer ance, can all make sense. Plenty of options exNMLS# 643779 ist, and the process is more streamlined than Office: (360) 647-4425 you might think. You may not even need an Cell: (360) 303-8599 loren.adkins@peoplesbank-wa.com appraisal.

825 Birch Bay Square Street, Suite 248 Blaine, WA 98230

360-366-5511

Blaine

Cordata

Lynden

Advice

from the

Ferndale

Barkley

PROS

You are the expert and you have the answers for our readers... Your Potential Clients This monthly feature provides you an opportunity to speak to the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community and answer some of their specific questions or some general questions from your business that almost every new client wants to know.

Bellingham Real Estate Loan Center • 3100 Woburn St. • Bellingham WA, 98226

only half of my home is damaged in a fire, but the Q: Ifundamaged portion has to be demolished, is it covered? A:

The answer is, maybe. Most unendorsed insurance policies will only cover the damage caused by the covered peril (i.e. fire, wind, falling object, etc) and not the portion of the structure that is left standing. However, you can purchase coverage for the undamaged portion, as well as other valuable coverages via the ordinance or law endorsement on your homeowners, or businessowners, policy. Ordinance or law is an extremely important, and relatively inexpensive, endorsement to add to your policy. In addition to coverage for the undamaged portion of the structure, the endorsement provides for increased demolition/debris hauling and reconstruction expenses associated with new building codes.

Christine Roubidoux

Your ad will be 5” wide x 4” tall, in full color with your photo and contact information plus your question and answer.

EXCLUSIVITY - Each business category is limited to one advertiser.

Here’s your opportunity to voice your expertise! To reserve space call 360-332-1777 Community Newspaper for Blaine & Birch Bay

Personal Lines Manager

Christine.Roubidoux@fortiphi.com

288 Martin St. Downtown Blaine (360) 332-7300 (604) 256-1384

www.fortiphi.com

October 15 - 21, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com years old. Since action shooting doesn’t involve as much physical movement, but still requires fast twitch muscles and allows for competition, Jim saw it as an enjoyable alternative. He didn’t have much experience with firearms before then; Jim was never a hunter and didn’t grow up around them, he said. “I kind of stumbled into competitive shooting,” Jim said. After a couple years of going to shooting competitions, Jim and Zane found Team Gotta at the Custer Sportsmen’s Club. Team Gotta is a program of Juniors Aim, a local shooting nonprofit organization. Eight years later, Jim is now the head coach and general manager of the team, which consists of nine athletes and four coaches. All team members are from Whatcom County except for one, who is from lower B.C. and has been separated from the team since the border closed to nonessential travel, Jim said. Zane, who graduated from the program this year along with another member, will be returning as an assistant coach. The team has had up to 20 athletes in the past and is currently looking for new members, Jim said. He said

fifth or sixth grade is the optimal time for kids to join the program. “That gives them the most time to achieve what they want by the time they are out of the program,” Jim said. Many kids also come out just to learn gun safety, Jim said, and that’s the first thing they’re taught. “We’ve had dozens and dozens of kids come out and go through the gun safety portion of [the program] and really have no interest in competing,” Jim said. “And we’re more than happy to teach the gun safety aspects and fundamentals of shooting.” Others are enticed by the competition side of the sport and hope to stay in the sport as long as possible, like Erik and Zane. Erik started shooting long range when he was 12 years old and after a year was introduced to speed shooting. He said he gave up long-range shooting this year because his schedule became too busy to shoot two disciplines. He also plays football and baseball for the Borderites. During baseball and football season, he leaves practice about 30 minutes early to head the range to shoot. “I figured it out, but there’s

s Zane Coffey shoots a practice stage as father and coach Jim Coffey times him at the Custer Sportsmen’s Club on September 15, 2020. Photo by Ian Haupt wins and losses,” Erik said. “Sometimes you have to miss defensive or offensive practices, or hitting, but it doesn’t really mess up my schedule too bad.” Zane focuses his time on shooting. Jim said Zane had a good demeanor and skill set for shooting at a young age. His first year on the team, he went to

PROS

nationals when he was 12 years old as an alternate. In the next six years, Jim said Zane and his teammates won at least one national title every year. But the sport is not all about competing. Jim said those into competitive shooting are like a big family and always there to help each other out, or just keep

published monthly on the 3rd Thursday of the month

Q: Should I change my portfolio

What Covid-19 tests are required in order to fly over and have immediate access to the Hawaiian Islands?

during a recession?

A: Theoretically, no you should not be changing your

A: Hawaii has been closed to tourists for many months and if you did go over you were required to be quarantined for 14 days without symptoms.

The Governor of Hawaii just opened up Hawaii for tourism again. However, you do need to have a COVID-19 test done within 72 hours of the arrival date.

1501 Cornwall Ave Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 474-3535

At check-in at the airport the airline may ask to see your negative COVID-19 test results.

Deka Wiebusch

If you are planning on visiting the beautiful islands of Hawaii be sure to call us and make an appointment for your COVID-19 test.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

CFP® AIF® CRPC®

Also, watch for our exciting news about the opening of our second location that is located right here in Birch Bay! More information coming soon. Grand Opening of the second location is in November!

portfolio during a recession. Optimally your portfolio would match your risk willingness and risk capacity within your financial plan to help you achieve your goals. Generally, we suggest that you revisit your plan at least annually to make sure you are on track and prepared for the next downturn. If you find that your tolerance for volatility has changed you should speak with your financial advisor. If you don’t have a financial advisor, consider working with one. The best time to have an investment plan in place is before recessions and volatile markets. Know what you are investing for and keep that goal in mind.

Skyline Advisors, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Skyline Advisors, Inc. unless a client service agreement is in place.

405 32nd Street, Suite 201, Bellingham (360) 671-1621 www.myskylineadvisor.com

md-wellness.com

Fall Home Maintenance Reminders

Q: Trade school can be expensive,

Fall is here and our weather is changing. Here are a few home maintenance reminders to help you prepare:

can the Guard help?

Yes! In the Washington Army National Guard you can choose from over 1600 credentials each year. These credentials can lead to high paying jobs quickly! Popular credentials the Guard can pay for include CompTIA CE, Commercial Pilot, Commercial Driver’s license/Trucking, Paramedic, PMP, Lean Six Sigma, Certified Personal Trainer, and more! The Guard can fund up to $4k per year to pay for your training costs, exams and books at the vendor of your choice. You can even train for multiple credentials at the same time! Check out cool.osd.mil/army to see a full list of eligible credentials. Paid education and training from a part-time career!

q q q q

SFC Rob Decker Recruiter 360-305-9478 FB/Instagram: sfc_decker 4184 Cordata Pkwy #101 Bellingham, WA 98226

1-800-GO-GUARD H nationalguard.com

each other company. “Every match I go to, I meet somebody new or see people from previous matches, who come up and say ‘hi’ to you and ‘good luck,’ and just talk about how you shot,” Erik said. “You can spend the whole day just talking to the same person you met at a match.”

A Special Section of

Q: I heard Hawaii is now open for tourists.

Dr. Ken Stiver MD Medical Director

Julia Mullenix 978 Peace Portal Drive Blaine, WA 98230

(360) 922-0102

q q q q q q

Check your furnace and change filters. Check your fireplace and chimney. Stock up on firewood. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Inspect water drainage system, including gutters, downspouts, and drains. Inspect trees for dead limbs and limbs near power lines and roofs. Trim trees and bushes. Plant bulbs and bring in flowerpots. Put away seasonal furniture. Test generator.

julia@peacearchrealestate.com

www.peacearchrealestate.com

The Northern Light • October 15 - 21, 2020

et P aparazzi

from The Northern Light readers!

s Alfie.

s Brayden Skinner’s dog, Buddy.

s Lois Zillmer’s Boston pug, Bumpa, and friend Annie.

s Cuddles, Mittens and Oreo.

s The Smith kids and their “Buddy.”

s Arleen Johansson’s dog, Paris Feldman.

Here are some of the many ways you can benefit from having a pet People have kept pets for centuries. Statistics from various sources indicate North Americans own millions of dogs, cats, birds, small mammals and reptiles. Their affable nature and loving looks are enough for many people to welcome pets into their homes, but the benefits of having a pet extend beyond their appearances and temperaments. Pets can help prevent loneliness. Loneliness affects people of all ages, but it is particularly problematic among seniors. Older adults who may be isolated

can benefit from having a pet around. According to a study published in Aging and Mental Health, older adults who owned pets were 36 percent less likely to say they were lonely compared to those who didn’t have an animal companion. Pets can save lives. Pets can be trained to perform various tasks around the house and in the community. Rescue animals assist in finding people after natural disasters. Medical alert pets can help people with debilitating illnesses and assist physically impaired people with

everyday tasks. Pets help lower allergy risks. Keeping pets around can reduce a child’s likelihood of developing allergies by as much as 33 percent, according to a study by pediatrician James E. Gern that was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. People exposed early on to animals tend to develop stronger immune systems overall. Pets provide socialization opportunities. A pet can be the common denominator for striking up new friendships and connecting with others. Through

walks around the neighborhood or being part of a pet obedience class or interest group, pets can help their owners expand their social circles. Pets can help combat stress. Talking to, or stroking, a pet can make stress easier to handle. A study from researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that, when conducting a stressful task, people experienced less stress when their pets were with them. Various other studies and data from the CDC have found having a pet around can lower blood

pressure, ease anxiety and may even help to lessen aches and pains. Pets provide unconditional love, which can be beneficial to someone facing depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Pets help teach responsibility. Taking care of a pet can help children and adults become more responsible. According to the American Pet Product Association’s 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey, 58 percent of pet owners say their pets help teach their kids to be responsible through routine care, exercise and feeding.

ADOPT A PET! We’re looking for good homes! To adopt one of us please call our Adoptions department at (360) 733-2080

Or visit us at 2172 Division St., Bellingham, WA 98226 Hi, I’m Momma!

Hi, I’m Ziggs!

Hi, I’m Komaji!

Hi, I’m Goofy!

View more about us at www.whatcomhumane.org

October 15 - 21, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

NEXT ISSUE: October 22 AD DEADLINE: Oct. 19

CLASSIFIEDS

MARKETPLACE Announcements YOUR MASK HEADQUARTERS

Computer

Electric

Computer

HOTLINE ELECTRIC

Repairs & Upgrades

- 3-ply disposable 50pk surgical masks, $16.99 - Airflow (adjustable) - Kids & Toddler - Face Shields - Cotton Trump - Fashion & Biden - KN95

• PCs • Windows • Wireless Setup • Home & Office Networking • New Computer Set-up • Spyware, Malware & Virus Removal

masks!

’s

Dollar$ Plus

Mike

RESPECT YOUR VETERANS

Birch Bay Square-Unit 116 • I-5, Exit 270

360-656-5201

8-23-18 replace wording...&quot;Now enrolling for Fall. Full-time and part-time preschool options.&quot; (last ad 39763.pdf).

We come to you!

NWcascades.com

Child Care

Blaine • Birch Bay • Semiahmoo

360-371-7277

MORE Smiles Learning Center OPEN: Mon-Fri 6am - 6pm

Now Enrolling 1 month - 12 years old

Construction

Full-time and part-time preschool options.

Call today! 360-332-7135

Since 1973

TWO BROTHERS

MASONRY

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

Service/Construction Residential - Commercial Industrial Licensed • Bonded • Insured HOTLIE*914J7

360-393-8246

Handyman 28-Years Experience

We Beat Any Price!

A-1 Handyman Plus • Remodel & Home Repairs • All Phases of Carpentry • Kitchen & Bathrooms • Doors & Windows • Decks & Porches • Drywall & Textures • Painting • Rot Repair We get it done! Lic #A1HanHp962MH

Ron 360-739-5097

Brick • Block • Stone

BRICK - BLOCK - STONE

ERICK WIENS

BARRY L. WIENS

Licensed & Bonded

WIENS Licensed &MATT Bonded www.twobrothersmasonry.com

CLEANING SPECIAL. 4 phone: (360) 332-6300 hours for $120 (1st time only). Professional cleaning, we do it all. 360-527-0555. www. marthascleaning.com.

(360) 332 - 6300 Lic #2BROTB1945DA

CASCAFL912J8

• Hardwood • Prefinished • Laminate

WINDOW CLEANING Interior & Exterior Licensed/Insured Experienced Call Wade 360-384-8888

InstallatIon & RefInIshIng

360-224-6466

Licensed • Bonded And InSured

COMPLETE REMODELS

Help Wanted TAILOR SEAMSTRESS required to sew pillows and drapes on contract basis. Experience with blind hemmer preferred. Phone 360-3123173.

Specializing in Renovations & New Construction

Auto

WHATCOM WHEELS

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

(360) 305-2592

completeremodels@yahoo.com www.completeremodels.net COMPLR*006PP

Integrity Contracting N.W. LLC N

NEW CARS

HINTON CHEVEROLET• BUICK

8139 Guide Meridian • Lynden, WA

360-354-2129

HintonMotors.com Celebrating 71 years of business with a tradition of trust since 1947. Your only locally owned and operated GM Dealer in Whatcom County with a non-commissioned sales staff.

AUTO GLASS

Louis Auto Glass

BELLINGHAM 1512 N State St. • 360-734-3840 LYNDEN 407 19th St. • 360-354-3232 LouisAutoGlass.com Since 1929, Louis Auto Glass has been the leading auto & residential glass company serving Northwest Washington. The Adelstein family has owned & operated the company for four generations. Quality workmanship & customer satisfaction has remained as strong as ever.

Get listed! 360-332-1777

Mark St. Germaine

Quality construction since 1987 Licensed & bonded W

360-746-4902

icnwllc@comcast.net 3 Year Guarantee on all work No Job Too Big or Small I Free Estimates New Construction • Remodeling • Siding Windows & Doors • Fencing • Drywall • Painting

25¢ for each additional word

Landscaping

Pro Lawn Care & Landscaping Commercial & Residential

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

360-595-3483

Pets

Plumbing

PA M P E R - Y O U R - P E T S with PetNanny Petsitting! Professionally petsitting since 2002. Licensed and insured. Former veterinary asst., CPR and First Aid certified. Numerous references. Call Gina at 360-631-1336.

FOR REAL NEWS

READ LOCAL

360-332-1777 sales@thenorthernlight.com Legal

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM, No. 20-2-00615-37. SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION. Green Truck Financial, LLC, Plaintiff, v. Edwin Calvin Torrence Jones. Edwin Calvin Torrence Jones, is hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the tenth (10) day of September, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Green Truck Financial, LLC, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff, at their office below stated; and in case of Edwin Calvin Torrence Jones’s, failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against Edwin Calvin Torrence Jones according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The purpose of this lawsuit is to obtain a judgment for Defendant’s breach of contract and for the collection of monies due and owing. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Andersson Cross Border Law Corp., R. Dallan Bunce, WSBA #47213, 1305 11th St. STE 304. Bellingham, WA 98225.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Roberta Lee Smith. Probate No. 20-4-0039437 Judge: David Freeman. 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: 10/1/2020. Personal Representative: David Schultz. Attorney for the Estate: KEITH A. BODE, WSBA #7791 314 Fifth Street, P.O. box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021

Let people know where your business is!

Get on the Map! Now taking ad reservations for the 2021 Blaine Birch Bay Map & Event Calendar!

Lawn Mowing • Yard Clean-Up Tree Trimming • Pruning Weeding • Roof Moss Removal Pressure Washing • Bark & Gravel Hedging & Hauling Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured

Lic # CCINTEGCN869DD

WE ACCEPT:

Delivered to every home PLUS, your ad appears ONLINE FOR FREE at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds in the 98230 zip code.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL TWO BROTHERS MASONRY

Cleaning

$16 for 15 words

Distribution Early 2021 Ad Deadline: January 25

d A d e t i Lim

S p a ce !

STATE OF WASHINGTON, WHATCOM COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, In Re the Matter of: JOAN DUCHENE (DOB: 12/24/35) A Vulnerable Adult (Protected Person), RICHARD DUCHENE (DOB: 12/31/71), Respondent (Restrained Person), NO. 20-2-00749-37. Summons by Publication (SMPB). The State of Washington to: RICHARD DUCHENE (Respondent). You Are Summoned to appear at a hearing on November 9, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., at Whatcom Superior Court, located at 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington, 98225. The date of the hearing is 60 days past the date of the first publication of this summons. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to respond to the petition that alleges that the respondent threatened or committed acts of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, or financial exploitation against the alleged vulnerable adult listed above. The petition requests relief that will restrain the respondent from further such threats or acts, from coming near or having any contact with the vulnerable adult, from transferring the vulnerable adult’s or the respondent’s property. It may also require an accounting of the alleged vulnerable adult’s property. If you fail to appear, the court may grant the relief requested in the petition and enter an order for protection that lasts up to five years. A copy of the petition, the temporary order for protection, if one has been entered against the respondent, the notice of hearing, and/or the notice to vulnerable adult has been filed with the clerk of this court. Dated August 12, 2020 Petitioner: If you wish to keep your residential addr confidential, you may list an alternate address for receiving legal documents. ANNIE HONRATH, WSBA #46789 Assistant Attorney General 2211 Rimland Avenue, Suite 325 Bellingham, WA 98226 Summons by Publication (SMPB) WPF VA-9.030 Mandatory (11/2011) - CR 4, RCW 74.34.120, .135, RCW 4.28.110 ATTORNEY GENERAL OF WASHINGTON Regional Services Division 2211 Rimland Drive, Suite 325 Bellingham, WA 98226 (360) 676-2037

Advertise in The Northern Light!

IT WORKS! GET STARTED. Call one of our Digital Marketing Specialists today! 360-332-1777

Limited ad space available. First come, first served.

www.thenorthernlight.com

or email: sales@thenorthernlight.com

More Real Estate Listings on page 12

To advertise call 360-332-1777

Classifieds are online at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds

The Northern Light • October 15 - 21, 2020

R E A L E S TAT E

Bay Properties

8045 BIRCH BAY DRIVE, BLAINE, WA 360-371-7252 BAYPROPERTIESNW.COM

Semiahmoo homeS, inc.

NW LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT A HIGHER LEVEL

8026 Kayak Way, Birch Bay Village $690,000

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY!

429 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine $788,000

VIEW! VIEW! VIEW!

Enjoy beautiful sunsets and views of the San Juan Islands from the spacious deck on each BIRCH BAY VILLAGE HOME! level of this 3162 SF 3BD, 2.5 BA Birch Bay Village home. Features include a completely finished main area, updated flooring throughout, new windows, upgraded kitchens, sauna, two fireplaces and an all season hot tub! Come and enjoy all that Birch Bay Village has to offer: golf course, marina, outdoor pool, tennis courts, playgrounds and miles of beach!

4720 Tidal Way 101K, Birch Bay MOVE IN READY!

GATEWAY ENTRANCE TO BLAINE!

Commercial/retail property welcoming border crossing traffic to booming downtown Blaine! Exquisitely remodeled retail/cafe offering views to harbor through picture windows & expanded covered sundeck. Premiere location on highest traffic corner for your business/office/cafe. 2,300+ SF retail/cafe space plus a deck and a 2,400+ SF basement for storage/ office/shop space.

The Tides... BRAND NEW! Birch Bay’s premier community of craftsman townhome SOLD! condos nestled on 11 acres above the bay. Beautiful & private units are 1,500 +/- SF, 3 BD, 2.5 BA, superbly finished w/quartz counters, rock gas fireplace, SS appliances, on-demand HW, quality fixtures, designer flooring & much more! Clubhouse, pool, & spa! Close to all Birch Bay offers. Secure your place in this wonderful beach community.

Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503

CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161

Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637 SEMIAHMOO’S BOUNDARY RIDGE!

7650 Birch Bay Drive #H3, #O5 & #S8, Bay Rim Starting at $267,900 WELCOME TO THE BEACH LIFE!

Each of these Bay Rim Condominiums features 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths! Enjoy all this condo development has to offer: an outdoor heated pool, a 2 minute walk to your own private beach and picnic area plus miles of beach for walking, beach combing and crabbing! Grab your beach buckets and come to enjoy all that Birch Bay has to offer!

L EW

4751 Birch Bay Lynden Road #167, Birch Bay • $158,400

ENJOY ALL THAT LATITUDE 49 HAS TO OFFER!

Fabulous 395 SF 1 BD, 1 BA, 180 day Park model with loft. The landscaped lot has been designed with low maintenance in mind and has room for 30 ft RV parking. Perfect for weekend, summer retreat or part time residence. Come and enjoy Latitude 49 with all of its amenities: pool, hot tub, exercise room, putting green and club house. This gated community is just minutes to the beach and Birch Bay with all of its cafes, restaurants, golfing and waterslides!

Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075

Jeremy Porter • (360) 306-1794

NG STI

of readers

frequently purchase products or services from ads seen in Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo

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

BEACH ACCESS!

PENDING!

3 LISTINGS!!!

80.7%

8361 Semiahmoo Drive, Birch Point • $1,680,000 WEST FACING WATERFRONT!

Flawless Masterpiece w/timeless design-no expense spared! Just shy of an acre, a private sanctuary offers 3,419 sq. ft & spectacular 139’ of waterfront w/views of Bay, Canada & San Juan Islands. NW Asian design delivers a rare opportunity to experience refined living at its best! Thoughtful details into the Chef’s kitchen, expansive great room and open floor plan all on one level. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets every evening while surrounded by the Feng Shui inspired landscape. YOU have arrived!

SPECTACULAR WATER VIEW HOME!

with our readers In these Popular Special Sections

23,600 people read

Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564

Heather Taylor • (425) 785-5771

T YAL O R “

Connect your Business

9099 Chickadee Way, Semiahmoo $795,000 Offering Pacific Northwest splendor! Located in Semiahmoo’s secure, gated Boundary Ridge neighborhood with private beach access and only minutes from marine, golf and recreational amenities. This 3153 SF remodeled/ updated quality finished 4 BD, 3 BA home offers ample living space! Move right in and enjoy all the Resort Semiahmoo has to offer!

N” ROO

Thinking of

The Northern Light every week!

Listing your property?

Health&Wellness First week of every month

Call Lisa for a

8284 Shintaffer Rd. • Blaine $749,000 MLS #1668032 • 3-BD, 3-BA, 2,150 Sq. Ft.

FREE

Remodeled Ocean view turn-key Beach Home with panoramic view. 82 feet of deeded private beach, and great sun exposure, on large 19,948 sq. ft. home site. 2150 sq. ft. with 650 sq. ft. unfinished workshop area at the garden level. Features 2 bedrooms, office/den, great room, kitchen, utility room, wall of windows and access to 600 sq. ft deck area with natural gas fireplace. 650 sq. ft Bedroom suite at the garden level includes kitchen, laundry and 3/4 bath. Enjoy new Birch Bay Berm!

8611 Great Horned Owl Ln. • Blaine $139,500 MLS # 1585810

Active Seniors

Market Analysis

Second week of every month

CALL ME...

Sunny, open, level, easily accessible homesite in Semiahmoo’s highly regarded “Royal Troon” neighborhood.

ADVICE

Lisa Sprague

FROM THE PROS

Owner/Agent

Location, Location!

360.815.6638

briansouthwick@gmail.com

Third week of every month

360-961-0838

see more pictures at www.briansouthwick.com

Pet Care

What is your house worth?

Third week of every month

callhugh.johnlscott.com/home-evaluation

Call Hugh :

360.371.5800 Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker

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

GRAND LIVING SPACE 5520 Canvasback Road, Semiahmoo, on 17th Fairway, 3490 SF of Grand Living Space, 3 en-suite bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage, formal dining, bay window. Living room large enough for grand piano.

CALL HUGH TO VIEW 360.371.5800

$739,000

www.CallHugh.com

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

Nimbus Property Management

360-594-8600 225 G Street, Suite 102

Downtown Blaine (Across from Hill’s Chevron)

www.NimbusRealEstate.com

Rentals - Residential

NELSON BUILDING

BIRCH BAY VILLAGE 3 BR, 1.5 BA, fenced yard, 1 car garage, shed deck, newly remodeled kitchen w/ SS appliances & granite, Views of Mt Baker and bay, central heat and air. Includes BBV dues. $2000/mo lease + deposit. N/S, pets with approval. 360-778-3218.

Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall

AllAllreal realestate/rentals estate/rentalsadvertisadvertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair ing in this Act newspaper Housing of 1968 isassubject amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any prefertoence, the Federal FairorHousing Act limitation discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap of 1968 status as amended, which makes familial or national origin, or anit illegal intention to make any such preference, limitation or disto advertise any or dis- accept any advertisement for real estate which crimination. Thispreference, newspaper limitation will not knowingly crimination is in violationbased of theonlaw.race, Our color, readersreligion, are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this sex, handicap, national orinewspaper are familial availablestatus on anorequal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD gin, or anatintention to make any such preftoll-free 1-800-877-0246. erence, 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.

HOME&GARDEN Last week of every month

Advertise Now! Call 360-332-1777 or email sales@thenorthernlight.com

Rentals - Commercial

3-BR, 2-BA HOME In secure, gated Birch Bay Village. Plus 2-car garage, gas, forced heat, like brand new. No pets, no smokers. $2,000/mo. Call 360-371-5800.

HOUSE NEEDED Responsible ARTress/Healer needs 3 BD house/finished barn in rural Whatcom. Guaranteed rent to $1450. Uncarpeted, mold/wifi-free. Katannya 360-809-3333

Statistics audited by the

925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

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

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.

For lease information, call 360/332-1777

October 15 - 21, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

OBITUARIES Eric Craig Urban

March 31, 1958–October 1, 2020

As of October 12, Whatcom County had a total of 1,474 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and 49 deaths, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Sixty-eight of those cases were diagnosed in the past week, with Lynden seeing the highest rate of new cases in the past two weeks. In total, 103 people have been hospitalized with the virus. The rate of new cases climbed through most of September but has declined since the end of the month. Washington state has had 94,775 confirmed Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, with 4,112 of those coming in the past week, and 2,211 with the virus have died as of October 12. Learn more at the Washington State Department of Health’s Covid-19 data dashboard.

Letters ... From page 5

The Editor: In Whatcom County, we are electing a judge for Position 2 on Superior Court. James Erb is the best qualified choice. In fact, he is well-rated by all the statewide and local bar associations, including Washington Women’s Lawyers and Veterans. They look at experience, integrity and judicial temperament. James Erb has shown those traits throughout his career in service for the people. Erb has prosecuted hundreds of serious crimes like rape, assault and child abuse. In family law for the Nooksack Tribe, he kept families together so that children could thrive. In civil matters, James has successfully represented local government on behalf of their taxpayers. James’ commitment to treating everyone in the court with dignity and respect means a lot to me. It’s reassuring that he is endorsed by state representative Sharon Shewmake, Superior Court Judge Deborra Garrett, who is retiring from this position, and by many current and past elected officials across the county. Erb will be a judge who inspires confidence. Please join me in marking your ballot for James Erb for Superior Court Judge, Position 2. He will serve us well. Ruth Higgins Blaine The Editor: The first election in which I voted was in 1968. I have voted in every election since. This presidential election is the most serious and important one in my lifetime. From the actions of President Donald Trump these past four years, I believe our democracy is at extreme risk. Donald Trump has tried to rig the election by attempting to have a foreign country, Ukraine, dig up dirt on his rival, Joe Biden. For

this attempt he was impeached, but not removed, because all Republican senators except one voted not to remove him. By this action, Republicans are complicit in the president’s cheating. President Trump tries to make our votes not count by falsely claiming absentee voting will be filled with fraud. There has not been any evidence that this will happen. The president publicly refuses to commit to accepting the results of the election if he loses. This is the action of an authoritarian. Be ready for weeks of chaos after the election. You will be receiving your ballots in a few days. Please consider if we are better off today than we were four years ago. With Trump’s failed response to the pandemic, the bad economy and the attacks on our election my response is a resounding ‘no.’ If you agree with me, please vote only for Democratic Party candidates since Republicans have been enablers for this lawless and disorderly president. Let your voice be heard by voting and vote early. Layne Boyce Blaine The Editor: Jennifer Sefzik, “The reports of Seattle’s death are greatly exaggerated and premature.” Mark Twain. From your website, it is clear you are running a negative campaign. And, are you running for Whatcom County or for Seattle? Your website highlights numerous negative references to Seattle: “Harmful” and “extreme” twice, “failing politics,” and “saving our state from extreme politics.”

Dining Guide

We would be better served by reading what your exact plans for Whatcom County are. Where lies your expertise? Where are your endorsements? Ms. Sefzik, you have fallen into the trap of baseless and childish name-calling. Many people are struggling to put food on the table, facing eviction from their homes or going bankrupt when they fall ill. What are you offering Whatcom County to help people and businesses to recover if you are elected? As people are struggling to keep their heads above water, we need to pull together and act, not fight the culture wars. In contrast, Sharon Shewmake is running a positive campaign for Whatcom County, without negative words or insults. In office, she has an impressive list of accomplishments and is actively working on concrete things to actually help the people in our area. Sharon’s state House and campaign websites mention specific programs already accomplished, in progress, and in the pipeline. These will have a big positive impact for people and businesses alike. Sharon has specifics behind each program. Rather than throwing out empty political slogans with no discernible plans, Sharon ensures we know what her plans are. Sharon acts on what Whatcom people care about: Small businesses, protection of farmers, affordable and accessible child care, health care and prescription costs, and high-speed internet for all. Sharon has a record of getting

On Thursday, October 1, Eric Craig Urban, 62, went home to our Heavenly Father from his place of residence in Birch Bay. Eric was born March 31, 1958 to Juanita and Theodore Urban in Sunnyside, Washington. He grew up as the third of four brothers. He graduated in 1976 from Kamiakian High School. Then attended trade school where he became a journeyman pipe fitter. After trade school he joined the Navy, as a Seabee and spent time abroad. After his time of service, he met the mother of his three children, Leanne, and spent the next 20 years residing in Clarkston, WA. During that time, he worked as a pipefitter in the steam tunnels of W.S.U. After retirement, he chose a life of traveling with his schnoodle Joey. He spent time in Palm Springs, CA and Birch Bay always stopping in the valley to see his grandbabies along the way. The joys of his life were camping, fishing, and his grandbabies. He also loved Honda Goldwings and taking long motorcycle rides with anyone who would join him. In his prime he enjoyed boxing. Eric is survived by his three children, Erica (Matt) Shamp, Chris (Toni) Urban, Katie (Scott) Nagle. His seven grandbabies meant the world to him, RaeLyn, Summer, Claire, Layla, Cooper, Waylon, and another on the way. He is also survived by his mother Juanita Mellom, brothers, Michael, Theodore, and Allen. He is preceded in death by his father, grandparents, stepfather, and dear friend Joe Cicrich. Services will be held in the spring of 2021. More information to follow as it becomes available. Please share fond memories with the family by mailing them to P.O. Box 452, Pomeroy, WA 99347. We will be creating a book of memories for the children and grandchildren.

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

Louis DIRECTORY ’ Family Owned and Operated Since 1929!

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

ouis’Auto & Residential Glass We Guarantee Your Safety

Spring Special!

Dinner on Us and90 a Can of Glass Cleaner Celebrating years!

with every windshield purchased and installed

Windshield Replacement

BELLINGHAMFree Pick up & Delivery Bellingham 1512 N. State St. • 360-734-3840

Rock Chip Repairs

LYNDEN

Free Loaner Cars

Lynden 407 19th

Vernon St. •Mt.360-354-3232

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

407 19th St.

1721 E. College Way

To Our Canadian Friends

Proud supporters of the Blaine Community! www.louisautoglass.com

Enjoy Huge Savings with U.S. Prices

Formerly 1st Propane of Whatcom County

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

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

360 332-3121

Fill your bottles - Easy RV access

2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine

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

(See Letters, page 15)

DRAYTON HARBOR OYSTERS Farm Fresh Oysters

Served Raw, Grilled, Fried, Stewed & other delicious Seafood Specialities

277 G Street • Downtown Blaine

360-392-0955

TheVaultWine.com

TheVaultWine

Local Craft Beers & Wine

360-656-5958 DraytonHarborOysters.com 685 Peace Portal Dr. • Downtown Blaine

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

The Northern Light • October 15 - 21, 2020

Games and Puzzles

Coming up Please wear masks and follow physical distancing guidelines.

tion visit the Thanksgiving Basket page on blainecap.org or call 360/383-8444. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

Winter Coat Distribution: Winter coats, hats, gloves and socks distributed throughout October. Preregistration required. Visit the coat page at blainecap.org for info, registration and and appointment or call 360-319-0269. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

Ongoing:

Vinyl Night and Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, October 15, The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s trivia theme: Sports. Music starts at 5 p.m., trivia at 7 p.m. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.

“Our Community” Acting and Playwriting Class: Starts October 17. Join Blaine Community Theatre’s new Zoom 8-week Zoom class. Ages 10–13 Mondays 6:30 p.m., Ages 14–17 Mondays 7:30 p.m., Ages 18 and older Thursdays 6–7 p.m. Info and registration at blainecommunitytheater.com. National Friends of the Libraries Week: October 18-24, Whatcom County Library System. Celebrate with the Friends of the Blaine Library! Join today. Ask for an application from library staff. Info: 360/305-3637. Third Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Serving eggs to order, biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, ham or sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Adults $7, kids 6 and under $3. Open to the public. All proceeds support the American Legion and our veterans. Masks and social distancing required. Info: 360/371-7311. Whatcom County Trip-Or-Treat: Friday, October 30, 3–7 p.m. Just like trick-or-treat, but in your car. Pull up to a location, stay in your vehicle and a volunteer will hand you a goody bag through your window. For more info and participating locations, visit whatcomtriportreat.com.

Crossword Answers at thenorthernlight.com

ACROSS

47. Belgian city

1. Battered corners: dog-__

49. “The Joy Luck Club” author

6. __ Mater: one’s school

50. Essence of “Aloha”

10. National capital

53. Suggestions

14. Frogs and toads order

57. One who overindulges

15. Bathrooms (French)

58. Expression

17. Praise

59. Maize dough

30. Part of the human body

19. Witch

60. Make into leather

31. Mortar trough

20. Consume

61. British noblemen

33. Greek island

21. Pork and lamb are two types

DOWN

35. Change pagination

22. Rocky peak

1. One of two or more people or things

36. Queens hip hop group

2. Small, deerlike water buffalo

39. A way to go on

23. Women’s undergarments 24. From end to end 26. Bed sheets 29. South Sudanese king 31. Dislike immensely 32. Diving seabird 34. Breathe noisily 35. Full of roots 37. Inside 38. Small island in a river 39. Tear into pieces 40. “CSI” actor George 41. Make less dense 43. Derogatory term for a country native

3. Part of a ladder 4. Unit of work 5. Patriotic women 6. Fragrant essential oil 7. Aggressive, uncouth man 8. One thousandth of an inch

25. Female condition prior to menstrual period 27. Founder of Sikhism 28. Sudanese swamp 29. He/she can help with your finances

37. Precursor to the EU 42. Slender marine fish 43. Georgetown’s mascot 44. Farm state 46. Military leader (abbr.) 47. Russian river 48. Teams’ best pitchers

9. Brisk and cheerful readiness 49. In a more positive way 10. Serving no practical purpose 50. Long French river 11. Prevent from going forward 51. Reactive structures in organic chemistry 12. Camera part 13. Former CIA

52. Distinctive practices

16. Colorless, odorless gas

53. Male gypsy

18. Long division of time

54. When you hope to get there

45. Pike and pickerel genus

22. Atomic #73

46. Important in respiration and other biochemical reactions (abbr.)

23. Make a bleating sound

55. Men’s fashion accessory

24. The kids love him

56. Journalist Tarbell

Thanksgiving Baskets: Tuesday, November 24. Free, ready-tocook turkey dinners available for pick-up for families in Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer who are experienceing financial difficulty. Pre-registration required by November 13. Info and registra-

Blaine Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine’s G Street Plaza. Local and fresh produce, crafts and goodies. Flea market on the last Saturday of the month. Info: blainechamber.com.

The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome. The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesdays 3–5 p.m. and Fridays 12–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763. Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: Thursdays, 1 p.m. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com. Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: First Wednesday, noon. Meeting ID on blainechamber.com. Blaine Library: 610 3rd Street. Curbside holds and pick up and returns. Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info 360/305-3600. Meals on Wheels & More: Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one fresh and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal. First come first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. Info: 360/933-1671. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Weather

Police Reports October 3, 1:25 p.m.: An elderly person called to report being financially taken advantage of by a cab driver. They said the cab driver asked for their banking information. The elderly person, not quite understanding, gave the information to them. An officer called the cab company, and after speaking to them, determined the elderly person may be having some confusion about the payment for the cab service.

Precipitation: During the period of October 5–11, 1.56 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2020 year-to-date precipitation is 27.4 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 69°F on October 5 with a low of 47°F on October 11. Average high was 63°F and average low was 52°F.

October 3, 7:31 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to a Blaine residence with water running out of the second story level. Officers arrived and learned the home has been vacant for some time and was believed to have recently been sold according to a neighbor. Officers could hear running water inside at various points throughout the home. An officer was able to turn off the water at the meter in hopes of lessening further water damage.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Tides

October 4, 4:30 p.m.: Blaine police officers were dispatched to assist U.S. Border Patrol and CBP agents who were helping an injured man. A man cut his arm on broken glass when he punched a glass door while intoxicated. Police convinced the intoxicated man into taking a ride in the ambulance to the emergency room. Blaine officers cleared without incident. October 5, 8:59 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a report of vandalism in the 200 block of Marine Drive. The complainant reported someone had tampered with a vessel in his care. Officers took a report to document the event. October 6, 2:36 a.m.: A person reported someone has been slashing his tires. The police took a report and questioned a possible suspect, but he denied having anything to do with the crime. The case is under investigation. October 6, 10:31 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a reported firearms violation at the Peace Arch Port of Entry. Officers were informed a convicted felon was discovered to be in possession of a firearm in Canada and this person was returned to the United States. The firearm was seized by the Canadian Border Services Agency. During the investigation, it was discovered the individual was not a convicted felon and the investigation was concluded. October 7, 2:34 a.m.: During routine patrols Blaine Police located a vehicle being driven on public roadways in violation of state title transfer laws. An officer conducted a traffic stop and arrested the driver for “failing to transfer title after sale.” The driver was cited and released with a mandatory court appearance date. October 7, 9:50 a.m.: A motel owner called police to report that two tenants had broken a television in a rented room. The suspect in the incident also threatened the motel owner if they called the police. Charges will be forwarded to the city of Blaine prosecutor’s office.

October 16–October 22 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME

HEIGHT

Fr 16

5:35 am 8.7 11:30 am 2.3

5:34 pm 9.6

Sa 17 12:07 am 0.3

6:37 am 9.3

6:06 pm 9.6

12:20 pm 3.3

Su 18 12:49 am -0.7

7:37 am 9.7

6:38 pm 9.5

1:10 pm 4.3

Mo 19 1:33 am -1.4

8:39 am 9.9

7:12 pm 9.2

2:04 pm 5.3

Tu 20

2:19 am -1.7

9:43 am 9.9

3:00 pm 6.2

7:46 pm 8.8

We 21 3:09 am -1.5 10:51 am 9.8

4:08 pm 6.7

8:24 pm 8.3

Th 22 4:03 am -1.0 12:01 pm 9.6

5:32 pm 6.9

9:10 pm 7.6

October 7, 10:46 a.m.: A woman called the police to report that a political sign was stolen from her front yard. The woman requested to file charges against the suspect if they could be located. Moments later, the sign was found a short distance away and returned. Charges were no longer requested by the victim. October 7, 6:33 p.m.: An officer was dispatched to a report of a vehicle with two occupants buying crab at the harbor. The officer contacted the vehicle and two occupants at the Blaine boat launch. They reported they were aware they could not buy crab on port property and were filling tubs with seawater before meeting up with clients off port property. The business owner was present and provided proper documentation issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. A port security officer contacted the officer and advised he had already spoken to the men and advised them of the rules.

Reports provided by Blaine Police Department

Linsey Pike, a Blaine Primary School teacher, playing a game with students waiting to be picked up from school. Courtesy photo

15 October 15 - 21, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

Letters ... From page 13

things done and has concrete plans, not nebulous ones, that will directly help the people of Whatcom recover from the results of the pandemic. Her list of numerous and varied endorsements are impressive, plus, she is an economist. Susan Pendleton Blaine The Editor: The article in last week’s edition of The Northern Light about Drayton Harbor Maritime’s (DHM) effort in totally restoring and rebuilding the 114-year-old former Bristol Bay sailboat was well written and informative. However, space was limited as to what could be included in the article about the sailboat project. Hopefully this letter will provide additional information to the interested reader. Besides earning its keep by catering to the corporate clientele from the Semiahmoo Resort, the NN 59 sailboat will also offer this unique experience to the locals that I am sure will enjoy this unique sailboat as much as they enjoy riding aboard the historic Plover. Visiting tourists, too, will be offered a unique, immersive sailing experience discovering perhaps a glimpse of what it may have been like sailing and fishing on one of these iconic salmon boats over a hundred years ago. Earnings from these activities will subsidize DHM’s Community Sailing Program, offering youth and interested adults instruction

in traditional sailing. The U.S. Coast Guard will require the sailboat to have auxiliary power when carrying passengers for hire. The plan is to install auxiliary electric propulsion. This mode will allow the NN 59 to offer silent harbor tours and excursions out on Drayton Harbor, which I can imagine will be a big hit. There is more information but space is limited. Captain Richard C. Sturgill, Diamond NN 59 restoration project manager Blaine The Editor: My analysis and opinion on the upcoming U.S. election may offend some, encourage others, confuse a few. I’ve spent my career collecting, analyzing, and disseminating predictive intelligence to senior U.S. decision makers. The stakes were high, bad intelligence costs lives. Personal bias was unacceptable – objectivity, accuracy, timely information essential. Newsflash – Donald Trump did not win the Presidency in 2016 because he was a nice guy. Both political parties despised him; he wasn’t “presidential,” spoke plainly, and offended many by his style. Media labeled him a racist and a fascist. Regardless, Trump won by a sizable electoral margin. With the exception of a few very populous counties in New York and Los Angeles, he was supported by most of the nation geographically and popularly. Why? Americans were tired of the Washington and media elite who lost touch with people. They were tired of lying politicians calling their opponents liars, of global

corporations shipping jobs overseas to authoritarian regimes, making illegal immigration easier than legal immigration, and fighting wars that we would not win. Americans were tired of a justice system that favored the rich ruling class but crushed the most vulnerable, tired of being told that police are bad but you can’t defend yourself, or that the color of your skin makes you racist. They were tired of tech moguls selling their data like modern day slave traders, and fed up with a corporate media complex shaping minds like play-dough for profit. The political spin aside, racists don’t create opportunity zones for minorities and increase minority support from 8 percent to 25 percent to 30 percent in polls. Fascists don’t deregulate, or allow decentralized authority. Inslee locked down Washington, not Trump. Cuomo caused the unnecessary death of elderly with Covid-19 policy, not Trump. Americans are tired of being told how to think, what to believe, that violent protest is good but going to church is bad. America pushed back in 2016. They hired Donald Trump – not because he was a nice guy, but because he fights for America. I predicted his victory in 2016. It will be bigger in 2020. James McKinney Blaine

Senior Health Specialists Our services are FREE…Your peace of mind is priceless!

• • • • •

Stacie Tennyson

Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Supplements Prescription Drug Plans Vision & Dental Travel Health Plans

Medicare Open Enrollment now thru Dec. 7

Washington Health Insurance Professionals, LLC 360-220-1800 Info@wahip.net

Evelyne L. Hendricks BA, LHT

Transformational Hypnotherapy creating rapid change for personal growth

360.739.5606 evelynehendricks@gmail.com

Whole Pilates

Pilates s e improv r e ev y body

of Birch Bay

Authentic Classical Pilates Editor’s note: More letters from writers outside of Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer are posted online at thenorthernlight.com

Private training in studio or online Contact colleen@wholepilates.com

We’re in this together VOTE Alicia Rule Currently serves on Blaine City Council. Co-Founded Blaine Downtown Alliance to help preserve and grow small businesses. Will push for help for restaurants, retail stores, and offices to create safe work environments, and for them to have the resources they need, like P-P-E.

Paid for by Vote Alicia Rule (D) PO Box 444, Blaine, WA 98230

The Northern Light • October 15 - 21, 2020

We never stop. Caring. Wearing. Protecting.

WINNING IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK!

SilverReefCasino.com • I-5 Exit 260 Management reserves all rights. Visit Reef Rewards for details.

The Northern Light, October 15-21, 2020

Articles inside

Letters

Tides

Pets