The Northern Light: November 25-December 2, 2020 by Point Roberts Press

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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020

HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Border closure extended, page 3

B&O revenue helps city’s 2021 budget

NWFR approves property tax levy, page 10

Family-run board game booms, page 15

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

Volunteers prep annual Thanksgiving baskets

B y P a t G r u bb

(See Budget, page 6)

s Community Assistance Program volunteers helped prepare the yearly Thanksgiving baskets to be distributed to local families on November 24 in the Cost Cutter parking lot. Co-director Shirley Tobian said the baskets would feed about 950 adults and nearly 500 children. Baskets contain turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and other traditional food itmes. Photo by Grace McCarthy

School district grapples with health guideline By Grace McCarthy The Whatcom County Health Department has revised its recommendations on phasing students into middle and high schools on November 18, leaving the Blaine school district scrambling as sixth and ninth graders are scheduled to return Monday. In a letter to county superintendents, Whatcom County health officer Dr. Greg Stern recommended the county’s seven school districts pause adding older students to the buildings, unless they are special needs students or struggling in online classes. Elementary schools are exempt from this pause. “Transmission of virus by the older students is similar to adults and their class schedules are not conducive to limiting the number of other students and teachers

with which they have contact,” the letter reads. “Elementary school students can be grouped in small cohorts and limit their number of staff and student contacts, and they are less efficient in transmitting infection than older children and adults.” Blaine Elementary School phased in its remaining students, fourth and fifth grade, on November 23. Currently, 325 students are in district buildings per week but Granger said this number is fluctuating as more parents opt for fully remote learning as Covid-19 cases rise. About 20 percent of students with the option are in online-only classes, he said. The most recent letter to superintendents changes the advice given in October 12 and August 31 letters that encouraged schools to take a cautious, phased approach to in-person learning. Dr. Stern wrote that the county’s growing Covid-19 cases, which are

in the state Department of Health’s moderate category for school activity, could eventually rise to levels high enough to reduce (See Schools, page 6)

INSIDE

Higher than expected revenue from the city of Blaine’s Business and Occupation (B&O) tax has provided much-needed relief to city finances and the 2021 budget. City finance director Jeff Lazenby briefed council members at their regular bi-monthly meeting on Monday night telling them he now expected a budgeted increase from $65,000 to $200,000 and attributed the increase to council’s recent decision to re-implement late fees on B&O delinquencies. Lazenby said “one large outlier” had paid up and he was working with another company to get them caught up as well. So far this year the city has collected $197,000 in B&O taxes for just three quarters, city manager Michael Jones pointed out. As a result, the proposed city budget now projects revenue of $6,792,000 with $6,761,000 in expenditures for 2021. The budget will be presented to council for final action on December 14. There have been no public comments on the budget through the city website and no comments were received during the public hearing held at Monday’s meeting. One positive result of the unexpected revenue gain is that the city will be able to provide a cost of living allowance (COLA) of 2.25 percent for members of the non-union Blaine City Light bargaining unit. Jones told council that during collective bargaining negotiations with the unit, he had essentially told them the city could only afford a 1 percent increase due to projected revenue. He asked council to consider upping the COLA pointing out that the employees had been cooperative and shown understanding of the city’s plight. The COLA percentage is also close to what other bargaining units receive from the city, Jones said. The increase from 1 to 2.25 percent would cost the city less than $1,500. Councilmember Mary Lou Steward said, “If we can afford to pay them that little amount of money, then we should.” Council voted six for, with Garth Baldwin abstaining, saying he thought doing so was “excessive and arbitrary.” In other business, council approved its legislative agenda for 2021. The six items are those priorities and funding requests it

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

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Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

U.S./Canada border closure extended until December 21 By Grace McCarthy The U.S./Canada border closure will once again be extended by another month, Bill Blair, Canada’s minister of public safety, announced in a November 19 tweet. The border will stay closed to non-essential land travel until December 21. The announcement comes two

days before the closure to non-essential land travel was set to expire November 21. “Our decisions will continue to be based on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe,” Blair wrote in the tweet. This is the eight monthly extension since the initial border closure on March 21 to contain

the spread of Covid-19 between both countries. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced the border closure in a November 20 tweet. The U.S. had 11,650,817 confirmed cases of Covid-19, according to November 20 CDC data. The increase of Covid-19 cases in the U.S. over the past seven

days, 185,095, is 70 percent of Canada’s total 315,751 confirmed cases during the pandemic, according to CDC and Canadian government data. The U.S. has a rate of 3,521 confirmed cases per 100,000 people, 76 percent higher than Canada’s rate of 840 cases per 100,000, according to the latest data from CDC and Canadian government.

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Our Gift to You! Shop Birch Bay Square and get a $15 Gift Card! Spend $150 at participating Birch Bay Square retailers and get a $15 gift card to The Market or Bob’s. To redeem, simply show your receipts totaling $150 or more pretax to The Market or Bob’s Burgers & Brew and get your gift card. Receipts must be dated 10/15/20 or later. While supplies last. One gift card per person through promotion period.

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The Northern Light • Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

Wind storm topples trees at Thousand Trails

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com 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 Contributors In This Issue Rhiannon Allen, Doug Dahl The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVI, No 24 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Dec. 3 Ads due: Nov. 30

s The wind storm on November 17 knocked over numerous trees at Birch Bay RV campground Thousand Trails.

Photo by Jayne Johnson

Letters The Editor: Are you a high school student looking to explore different career opportunities? If so, join Blaine high school and Yes Whatcom/Whatcom Business Alliance’s Virtual Career Fair on Friday, December 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The fair will showcase several job opportunities in six different career industry clusters (manufacturing/construction, health services, agriculture/food and natural resources, finance/business management, transportation/distribution and logistics, law enforcement/military/security). Under the Youth Engagement Initiative umbrella, YES Whatcom campaign was created to raise awareness on different career options, hands-on learning experiences, paid internships and apprenticeship programs that are available at Whatcom County organizations. The Youth Engagement Initiative envisions a more dynamic economy with opportunities and clear pathways for local youth and families to find livable wage jobs in local businesses and industries. The mission is to work in partnership with employers, educators and like-minded organizations to create synergies that advance youth employment and career opportunities in Whatcom County. As part of the Blaine High School and Beyond Plan, high school juniors and seniors will be able to participate in two career clusters breakouts of their interest during this virtual event. Students will have the opportunity for Q&A via live chat during their sessions. Join as they present career opportunities and build bridges between the future workforce and Whatcom County employ-

ers. Check out yeswhatcom.com for more information. There will be prizes and gifts awaiting. William McKinney Blaine The Editor: I’ll make it short and sweet. With the extreme Covid-19 restrictions put into place by governor Jay Inslee, it shouldn’t be a hard decision come time for the next election. Neil Parsons Blaine The Editor: The curbside pickup service at The Market at Birch Bay is a top-notch community service. It has undoubtedly enhanced the lives of many high-risk, mostly senior citizens. It has cemented my loyalty to this local market, as I suspect it has for many others. Particular kudos to Pam and Camille, but thanks also to the many others behind the scenes who assemble my eclectic grocery order about every 10 days and greet me at the appointed time with smiles behind those masks, and assurances that they weren’t out of coffee ice cream this week. Tips go to support the Blaine Food Bank, so my personal tip is to support them with the dollars you save because the market’s pickup service is free. Thanks, market folks. This is community spirit at its best. Marthe Williams Blaine Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

The Editor: Thanksgiving day ... T’was Thanksgiving Day and the family all gathered, to feast on a bird that had just been de-feathered, and stuffed with bread cubes and other nice things, then tied up securely with two little strings. We buttered its bum, then we buttered its breast, slid it safe in the oven, then we sat down to rest … It smelled so delicious I hardly could wait, to sit down to dinner and heap up my plate! Now from the back door came a bang and a crash … Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash. The neighbor’s Great Dane a larcenous beast, was getting away with the hub of our feast! He jumped o’er the back fence, took the alley to street, he ran like a cheetah on puppy dog feet. T’was pointless to chase him, He was simply too fast, he smoothly ran off with our sumptuous repast. I re-entered the kitchen and with tears in my eyes, said, “I guess we’ll be feasting on turkey pot pies …” Marjory Newton and Ernie Rodrigues Blaine

Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

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Blaine Chamber of Commerce

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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.

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Thursday, November 26 6pm – Planning Commission Meeting *CANCELLED*

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Thursday, December 10 9am – Park and Cemetery Board

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Thursday, December 10 6pm – Planning Commission Meeting

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

THE CITY OF BLAINE IS CURRENTLY SEEKING MEMBERS FOR THE FOLLOWING BOARD, COMMITTEE, OR COMMISSION:

· Planning Commission (FOUR OPEN POSITIONS) · Park and Cemetery Board (ONE OPEN POSITION) · Public Works Advisory Committee

Monday, December 14 6:00pm – City Council Meeting All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.

Wed - Sat • 4-9 p.m. | Kitchen closes at 8:30 | Happy Hour 4-5 p.m. Closed Wed & Thur, November 25 & 26 • Open Fri & Sat 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine

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“Having moved from Alaska to beautiful Birch Bay just over a year ago, we have really appreciated getting The Northern Light newspaper. We had a lot to learn about our new home and your publication has helped us immensely.” -Belinda Sessions

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The Northern Light • Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020

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would like the state legislature to approve in the coming year: • A reallocation of funds for the Bell Road/Peace Portal Drive project to allow construction of an atgrade, signalized intersection (instead of a grade separation), and $1.1 million more to complete the project. • $1.0 million to supplement $700,000 from the city on a downtown revitalization project.

A Bellingham man died after being hit while walking on Birch Bay-Lynden Road in Custer on November 19. Monte L. Nieuwendorp, 60,

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Council also approved a request from Mike Mulder of Nimbus Properties, LLC for a six-month extension on a feasibility study to build out 665 Peace Portal Drive. Mulder had purchased the property from the city subject to a clause allowing for a 6 percent rebate on the purchase price upon submittal of a complete building permit within six months. In his request to the city, the developer cited the impact of Covid-19, including the loss of a 5-year lease from a prospective tenant for his building at 442 Peace

Portal, the imminent opening of The Rustic Fork Italian restaurant in that space, offering grocery store space at 648 Peace Portal for the farmer’s market as well as hiring engineers, architects and others involved in the feasibility study at a cost of $25,000 to date. Staff recommended approval of the extension pointing out it was unlikely that construction would occur sooner if the property was put back on the market. Council voted 6-1, Baldwin opposed. He gave no reason for voting against the extension.

Pedestrian killed in Birch Bay-Lynden Road accident

Counseling and Personal Coaching

• • • • •

• $3.1 million for Marine Drive reconstruction. • Support for local transportation funding options, specifically including an option for a second “penny per gallon” tax for border communities. • Funding from RCO aquatic lands enhancement program for the city’s Marine Park beach reconstruction project. • Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) flexibility to allow the use of REET funds for maintenance of capital facilities during recovery from the Covid-19.

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was walking in the eastbound travel lane near Percie Road when an eastbound green 2001 Honda Odyssey, struck him around 8:13 p.m., according to

a Washington State Patrol press release. Nieuwendorp was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle’s occupants, both Blaine residents in their

60s, were uninjured, according to the release. According to the WSP, neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to be involved.

Schools ...

plied to a survey he sent asking if the district should introduce sixth and ninth grades to campus on November 30. Thirty-one percent, or 40 members, said yes, while 65 percent, or 84 members said no, he said. Persse also read part of the August 20 Memorandum of Understanding, where the district promised the union it would follow health department recommendations. Board vice president Laura McKinney expressed opposition to the guidance, saying she felt the health department was not looking at the comprehensive picture and parents weren’t given a large enough voice in the decision. “As a parent I will tell you we’re letting them down, we’re failing the kids because we’re caught up in bureaucracy and being too afraid to stand up for what we know is right,” McKinney said during the meeting, later adding, “When I’m called to account, I’d much rather be accounting for violating the health department order than accounting for having lost one of our kids to suicide.

That’s where my mind is.” Other board members, including president Charles Gibson and member Dougal Thomas, also shared frustration with hearing contradictory guidance for schools. Granger said he’d been in constant communication with the health department since November 18, working to find a way to allow the older students to return to the building with compromises like keeping students in cohorts or rotating teachers in classrooms. Granger disputed the letter that said school districts and private schools have the ultimate decision if they accept the health department’s recommendation. Board members decided to hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. on November 24 to consult with the district’s attorney to get legal clarity on gray area such as differentiating between an order, mandate and recommendation. Granger said families would know if sixth and ninth graders would start November 30 after the meeting. The article will be updated on thenorthernlight.com.

From page 1

in-person learning only to students furthest from educational justice. This includes students with learning disabilities, those experiencing homelessness and young learners, according to state Department of Health guidelines. During the November 23 school district meeting, Granger advocated having the district follow the health department’s recommendation and, depending on Covid-19 cases after Thanksgiving, consider phasing in the older students December 7. He cited the district being both an educator and employer that needed to uphold its promise to protect teachers and staff. Blaine Education Association (BEA) president Dan Persse said 130 of 148 BEA members had re-

Member of the Month Blaine Community Theater www.blainecommuntytheater.com

Number of volunteers: About 7 core volunteers handle year-round management, up to 30 during a production. How long in business: The theater was originally created in 1999, but went dark for a period in 2010. It was revived into its current incarnation in 2018.

Blaine lit up for the November 19 Seahawks game.

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Description of business: A non-profit organization dedicated to providing performance art entertainment, opportunities, and education to people in the northwest corner of Whatcom County. We put on theatrical shows of all volunteer casts and crews, offer occasional classes and workshops on theater arts, and sometimes offer up entertainment support to events put on by other businesses and organizations. Future goals: Short-term, we are just desperate for this Covid business to be over so we can be allowed to put on shows again! Long-term, we are looking to be able to secure our own building and performance space so that we can offer more shows and classes. Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.

This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!

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Home By Rhiannon Allen Looking for the perfect holiday gift for a gardener? Look no further, there is a gift that can be used right away, without waiting for spring – a soil test kit. While I am an advocate of using professional soil tests for crops, a handy little home kit provides good information about your soil, teaches you some basics of soil chemistry, is much more accessible than the pages of chemical analysis yielded by a professional test, and is a great way to interest older children in chemistry or soil science. It’s sort of a friendly ‘better get to know your soil’ kit. I’m thinking of the Rapitest Soil Test Kit, produced by Luster Leaf Products. It’s available at most hardware stores and garden centers, as well as online. To use the kit to test four key chemical properties of soil, you place a specified small amount of soil and water (or soil solution) into each of four vials, add a chemical that reacts with a color change and compare results to a color chart. Replacement capsules of chemicals can be direct-ordered from Luster Leaf by downloading

an order form and mailing it in. That’s right – the good old USPS snail mail way. The first property the kit assesses is pH, an inverse measure of the concentration of free hydrogen ions in the soil. Why does that matter? Hydrogen ions combine with other elements to form acids. Plant roots cannot absorb minerals and nutriments unless they are dissolved, and acids dissolve these and make them available for absorption. Of course, too much acid, and the roots could be exposed to toxic levels. If there’s too alkalinity, then the plant will be malnourished. So, the most important key for soil, after soil texture, is pH because everything else – including the absorption of the other nutriments tested – will depend on these two soil characteristics. For the pH part of the Rapitest, a few minutes after you add the chemical reagent to the appropriate amount of soil and water, the water will turn some shade between yellow (acid) and green (alkaline). The color is compared to a chart that yields the measured pH of the soil. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, lower numbers

Garden

Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

A monthly special section in The Northern Light

are acidic (sour, as in vinegar), and higher numbers are alkaline (base or sweet as in baking soda, not candy). Generally, rainy climes have acidic soil because rain is naturally slightly acidic and also washes away some elements like calcium that make a soil alkaline, leaving a lot of free hydrogen ions knocking around. Fortunately, this is an ideal range for most plants, allowing them to absorb nutriments in the soil. But not all plants evolved in slightly acid soil like ours, and you might need to research the needs of plants you want to grow. We have no native lawn-type grasses like creeping red fescue because most evolved in grassland prairie soils that are more neutral. The same is true of members of the onion family. Our slightly acid topsoil is going to be mildly toxic to such plants. In order to have a lush lawn and great onion crops, then, you should move the pH of your soil toward a more neutral 7. The fastest way to do that is to add lime, which is why you often see packages of lime alongside grass seed in garden centers. Make sure that you follow directions and

don’t overdo it. I once spilled baking soda on my lawn. It instantly killed the acid-loving moss in the lawn, but it also killed the grass. It took a lot of rain to return the soil to the neutral pH that grass loves. A slower but less finicky way is to add wood ashes to the compost you use for neutral-loving plants. Conversely, some ornamental shrubs like rhododendrons, fruit shrubs like blueberries, and several common crops grow best in a moderately acidic soil because they have specific needs for dissolved minerals that are more Installation & Refinishing available in acidic soil. For these plants, you might need to acidify your soil. If you Over 20 years experience need immediate results, like we did for an ailing cucumber bed Licensed • Bonded • Insured this summer, you can order aluFree minum sulfate to add to Cordless the soil. Lift CASCAFL912J8 A better but slower solution is to prepare your beds with generous amounts of coarse compost, which releases carbon dioxide as it decomposes, in turn forming a weak acid. Remember that healthy soil will have both the appropriate texture UPLIFTING UPGRADE and pH before you even consider Free Cordless Lift what fertilizers are needed.

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The Northern Light • Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020

Mt. Baker Ski Area opens with deep snow and Covid-19 By Oliver Lazenby

With snow starting to stack up in the mountains, the Mt. Baker Ski Area opened to season pass holders on November 20 and 21, and to everyone else on November 22. The ski area was reporting 49 inches of snow at the Heather Meadows base area on opening day and 60 inches at Pan Dome, and the forecast called for more snow through the weekend and early this week. The ski area started in full operation, with all the lifts running, services at both base areas and all

three lodges open. But those services are different this year. Lodges are only open for quick grab-and-go food items and for restroom use, and ski area personnel will monitor capacity in the lodges and restrooms, operations manager Gwyn Howat said in a November 19 video on the ski area’s website. The lodges have one-way entrances into the grab-and-go areas and people will flow through the lodges in one direction. The lodge will not be serving beer. The ski

area also has new, portable outdoor restroom units at each lodge and parking lot. The ski area’s retail shop will be operating at 25 percent capacity, and for now, Mt. Baker Ski Area is not offering rental equipment or ski lessons. To get in the lift line, skiers and snowboarders are to group up by the party they traveled to the mountain with. Singles skiers can be loaded two to a four-person chairlift, sitting at far ends of the lift. People are required to wear masks in line and on the lift. The ski area announced earlier that both season pass holders and people purchasing lift tickets may need to make reservations to ski. In the November 19 video, Howat said that the ski area didn’t anticipate

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The Northern Light • Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020

Local restaurants are providing Covid-19 friendly outdoor dining options

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Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

NEXT ISSUE: Dec. 3

CLASSIFIEDS

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Legal NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, for Whatcom County, the Estate of James Howard Doucette. Probate no. 20-4-00572-37. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as administrating 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 administrating 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. First publication: 11/19/2020. Administrator: Mary Doucette. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264, Tel. 360-354-5021

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: LAWNIE MARIE COLLARD, Deceased. No. 204-00562-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent's probate and nonprobate assets. Notice of First Publication: Nov. 19, 2020 Personal Representative: Kaela-Marie F. Cammidge Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

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The Northern Light • Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE Now is an amazing time to sell!

ING

5937 Normar Place • $1,395,000

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

ING

Simply stunning in every way: the ocean + White Rock city views, the 9464 Odell Road • $675,000 thoughtfully executed remodel with a keen eye on all the details, the oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to have a pool overlooking your medium bank The quintessential Blaine farmhouse, barn, guesthouse, studio, waterfront estate, welcome to 5937 Normar Place! Imagine starting & ending potting shed & potential equestrian area. Located on 4.8 acres & tucked your day from the luxurious main floor owner suite with away 250’ from the street with easy access to booming downtown the city nightlights sparkling across the water, privately Blaine, the waterfront, US/CAN border & I-5. Unbelievable care & detail have gone into restoring this 3-BD charmer. Guesthouse tucked away from the rest of the bedrooms. MLS features 3/4 bath + kitchenette area. MLS# 1604802 #1687712

NW LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT A HIGHER LEVEL

8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270

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callhugh.johnlscott.com/home-evaluation

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GRAND LIVING SPACE

MOVE IN READY!

PENDED IN JUST 2 HOURS!

1326 4th Street #3, Blaine • $349,900 FABULOUS SUNSET VIEW!

South west view to Drayton Harbor/Semiahmoo and conveniently located short walk to downtown, this updated Garden Townhouse 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit with gas fireplace, detached garage, private court yard with ground floor enclosed sunroom and main (2nd floor) entertainment deck offers that highly sought after Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

The Tides... BRAND NEW! Birch Bay’s premier community of 2 UNITS PENDING townhome NEW UNITS COMING SOON! craftsman 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

Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637

WATERFRONT!

NEW PRICE!

PENDING!

7806 Birch Bay Drive #302, Jacob’s Landing • $278,900

8361 Semiahmoo Drive, Semiahmoo • $1,680,000

124 Polo Park Drive, Sudden Valley $399,900

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!

This 900 SF 2 BD, 1.5 BA unit is nestled in the quiet setting of beautifully landscaped grounds. Enjoy the back deck for quiet morning coffee or private dinners and the front deck for basking in the sunshine. Features of this condo include wood floors, wall to wall carpet and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy as your primary residence or weekend get-away! A rare find - don’t miss out on making this your new home!

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!

Holiday gift ready to GO! Absolutely pristine-offers high quality finish work. Hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, wainscoting, and more! Spacious main floor office w/ French doors. Cozy up to fireplace in living room. Kitchen w/ granite counters, tile floors & backsplash, upgraded cabinets, fixtures, & lighting. Master suite w/Jacuzzi, shower-custom tile surround. Shelter in place with home brewers set up in garage or enjoy the serene outdoor fire pit and freshly painted cedar deck! Perfection found.

Jeremy Porter • (360) 306-1794

Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075

SPECTACULAR WATER VIEW HOME!

8371 Goldenbook Way • $385,000

4720 Tidal Way, Birch Bay

CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161

9099 Chickadee Way, Semiahmoo $780,000

ING

Lovely 3 BD/2 BA NO STEPS rambler with all the 'must have' features on your list: popular open concept design, s/s appliances, quartz counters, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, owner suite w/ walk in closet + ensuite, fenced yard with shed, 2 car attached garage + RV parking. Fantastic sought after Anderson Park location, just minutes to the beaches of Birch Bay! Easy I-5 & US/CAN border access. Don't miss out on the historically low interest rates, this one checks all the boxes! MLS #1679151

Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker

BIRCH BAY VILLAGE VIEW HOME!

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Visit us at: www.JenAndLeah.com

8026 Kayak Way, Birch Bay Village $690,000 Enjoy beautiful sunsets and views of the San Juan Islands from the spacious deck on each 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!

ING

2665 Glenmore St., Ferndale • $415,000

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

Semiahmoo homeS, inc.

Charming Contemporary 3 BD/2 BA Pacific Highlands home features slab granite counters, stainless steel appliances, 9ft ceilings throughout, tile & hardwood flooring + cozy natural gas fireplace. Owner's suite with walk in closet + jetted tub in private bathroom. The yard is fully fenced & ready for entertaining on the patio with INCREDIBLE views! Fantastic location in a cul-de-sac near neighborhood park, tennis courts, walking paths & walking distance of Cascadia Elementary School! MLS #1673805

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

Bay Properties

VIEW! VIEW! VIEW!

REAL ESTATE

DESIRABLE UPPER END UNIT AT JACOB’S LANDING!

BEACH ACCESS!

Heather Taylor • (425) 785-5771

SUDDEN VALLEY PERFECTION!

Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564

5520 Canvasback Road, Semiahmoo • $739,000 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

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Advertise in The Northern Light!

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

8146 Skeena Way • Blaine $125,000 MLS # 1594328

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!

Developer could be your General contractor. Birch Bay Village Rare Pond home site with plan work done, ready to build. ADA compliant, one level home / no steps, 14 ft ceilings living rm, 9 ft. rest of the home. Coffered ceilings in master with en-suite. Exposed beams in living, dining and kitchen. 8 ft. doors. Interior trim vertical grain Douglas fir. Hardy siding and shingles. Double sided natural gas fireplace raised hearth surround finished in slate. Many upgrades to mention 24/7 security. Location, Location!

360.815.6638

4415 Castlerock Dr.

in the gated Greens at Loomis Trail & golf course. Room to spare! Elegant 5-BR, 4.5-BA home. 5,000SF. Oversized 3-car garage.

$980,000. Contact Lorne Lentz 360-684-2082 Lorne@LorneLentz.com

briansouthwick@gmail.com

see more pictures at www.briansouthwick.com

Rentals - Commercial

Thinking of

Listing your property? Call Lisa for a

FREE

Market Analysis

NELSON BUILDING Warehousing-Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall

CALL ME...

Up to 5,000 sq. ft. Available December 1st

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Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates

Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838

360-305-0286

Email nelsbldg@msn.com

360-332-1777 / sales@thenorthernlight.com Allreal real estate/rentals estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair All advertisHousing Actnewspaper of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, ing in this is subject limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap familial tostatus the or Federal Housing Act to make any such preference, limitation or nationalFair origin, or an intention of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of theany law. preference, Our readers arelimitation hereby informed to advertise or dis-that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on based an equal on opportunity basis. Toreligion, complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800crimination race, color, 877-0246. sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

With Waterfront Views of Blaine Harbor

925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

LEASE SPACES FOR:

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FOR LEASE Retail/ Office Space

800 - 1600 s.f. Prime ground floor office and retail space in The Northern Light Cannery-style building at Blaine Harbor. For leasing info, contact Pat Grubb

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Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

Rules of the Road: Can you break the law to avoid a crash? By Doug Dahl Question: Okay, here’s a hypothetical scenario: I’m driving down a road with a double-yellow center line, when a kid chasing a ball runs into the street and my only way to avoid him is by going into the other lane. Obviously I swerve to avoid the kid, but is it legal to break the law to avoid a crash? Answer: Back in 1984, the Ghostbusters responded to paranormal events in their Ectomobile, a 1959 Cadillac ambulance conversion, modified for busting ghosts. The moment they got their first call the Ectomobile rolled out of the converted firehouse, siren whining and blue lights flashing. And even though the siren is only allowed on authorized emergency vehicles and the blue lights are limited to law enforcement vehicles, that’s not what got the Ghostbusters in trouble. Maybe the police in Ghostbusters didn’t take action on the blue lights and siren because they were grateful that these paranormal scientists were ridding the city of ghosts. Maybe they didn’t take action because it’s a fictional movie. My point is the police could have issued the Ghostbusters a ticket, but they didn’t.

With most traffic laws, the police can exercise discretion in choosing when to enforce the law. As an example, I don’t know anyone who’s received a speeding ticket for driving 1 mph over the speed limit. The law states that “no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed in excess of such maximum limits,” but police consistently choose not to enforce 1 mph speed violations. The laws aren’t suspended in the moments leading up to a potential crash, but when considering enforcement, police look at the totality of the circumstances. If you take legitimate action to avoid a crash, and that action includes something that is a violation of the law (like driving over the curb or crossing a double-yellow line) and your action prevents a crash, an officer is under no obligation to take enforcement action. While there’s no overarching statute that gives drivers permission to break laws to avoid a crash, there are a couple that seem to permit it in narrowly defined situations. When passing a slow-moving vehicle on a two-lane road, you’re allowed to briefly exceed the speed limit as necessary to pass safely. And the section of laws about pedestrians states that, “Notwithstanding the foregoing

O B I T U A RY

provisions of this chapter every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian,” which is kind of like saying that avoiding a crash with a pedestrian is more important than all the other rules of that road at that moment. Even if it’s not stated blatantly, these two laws get at the core purpose of traffic laws: Keeping people safe on the roads. We have speed limits because faster speeds increase the frequency and severity of a crash. But if briefly speeding makes passing safer, the law is okay with it. We have double-yellow center lines to warn us that it’s an unsafe place to pass, but if you cross them to avoid hitting the hypothetical kid chasing a ball, you’ve achieved the fundamental goal of traffic law. And no, nothing I’ve written here gives you permission to attach blue lights and a siren to your old Cadillac and run around the city trying to capture ghosts. But if there ever comes a time when we need that service, I know who to call. The theme song has been stuck in my head since the ’80s. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

Margaret Eileen Hull (Peggy) July 19, 1938–November 18, 2020

Margaret Eileen Hull (Peggy), age 82, of Port Orchard passed away November 18, 2020. She was born July 19, 1938 in Mount Vernon, Washington to mother Agnes Stephanson Tibbits and father Frank Tibbits. Peggy grew up in Queen Anne (Seattle), and later moved to Blaine where she graduated from Blaine High School in May 1956. In 1971 Peggy married Edward Hull in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Peggy and Ed have been married for 48 years, and lived in Montana, Utah, Alaska, Idaho, and Washington. She graduated summa cum laude from Westminster College in 1979 (Salt Lake City) with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Shortly after she became a Certified Public Accountant. Peggy moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1983 with her family, and worked as the vice president of Alaska Pacific Mortgage Company. Additionally, she worked as a CPA at Key Bank, Wonder Bread Bakery, Community Mental Health, and operated a small business. Peggy loved skiing, bird watching, fishing, snowshoeing, hiking, her two Scottie dogs, wildlife, her family and working on stained glass art. Peggy always prioritized her family and provided support in many ways when needed. She is survived by her husband Edward; sister Frances Tibbits; sons Brian (Rita) Johnson and David Hull; grandchildren Daniel, Rachal, Erica, Justin, Linsey and Lacey; multiple greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Kathleen; and daughters Vicki and Michelle Johnson. There will not be a service at this time. A celebration of life will be planned for summer 2021. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon https://cascadesraptorcenter.org/donate/.

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North Whatcom Fire and Rescue approves 1 percent property levy increase By Oliver Lazenby North Whatcom Fire and Rescue commissioners voted unanimously at a November 17 special meeting to increase its property tax levy by 1 percent for 2021. The district’s previous year levy amount was $6,279,186, and the 1 percent increase will allow it to levy an additional $62,792 next year. That one percent increase does not necessarily apply to individual property tax statements, which could increase by more or less than 1 percent depending on how individual properties change in

value relative to other properties in the taxing district. To raise the levy amount, the district had to first adopt a resolution of “substantial need” to justify the increase. Commissioners cited pandemic-related expenses, including additional staffing and equipment as the reason for “substantial need.” “I know that we have been reimbursed a little bit of that money, but it certainly hasn’t covered the increases we have experienced during the pandemic,” commissioner Bruce Ansell said. No one spoke during a public hearing on the levy lift before the

vote. If taxing districts don’t increase their levy in a given year, they can “bank” that capacity and raise it in following years. For example, that means that if North Whatcom Fire and Rescue did not raise its levy lid by 1 percent this year, it could raise it by 2 percent next year. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue provides fire protection and emergency medical services to more than 25,000 citizens in northwest Whatcom County. Blaine is the largest city in its district. Learn more at nwfrs.net.

WCLS closes to the public November 23 Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) closed its buildings to the public on November 23, exactly three weeks after opening for in-person services for the first time since March. Curbside pickup, drive-up WiFi and book drop offs will continue at the 10 library branches in the county, including the Blaine library at 610 3rd Street,

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according to a WCLS November 23 press release. The decision to halt modified in-person services came after the Whatcom County Health Department advised WCLS closing the buildings would help slow the spread of Covid-19, the release states. Library items can be reserved at wcls.org and picked up at the

two Library Express locations, at 5205 Northwest Drive in Ferndale and in Point Roberts. Blaine Library curbside pickup is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. For information, visit wcls.org/info or call the library at 360/305-3637.

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The Northern Light • Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020

Coming up

Police Reports November 14, 1:26 a.m.: The Blaine police responded to a possible prowler. A citizen’s dogs were barking at something in the backyard. He let the dogs out, and they ran to the back of the yard. He heard something that sounded like someone jumping over his fence but did not see anything. Blaine officers canvased the area and found a ripped open garbage bag in the neighbor’s yard. The officers determined it was an animal in the yard. November 14, 12:39 p.m.: While on a related traffic stop, officers located suspected drug and drug paraphernalia inside of the vehicle. The individual was arrested, cited and released with a mandatory court date. November 14, 3:14 p.m.: Officers responded to a local business for an individual who was refusing to wear a mask and was confrontational with employees. An officer arrived and trespassed the individual per the manager’s request. November 15, 5:14 p.m.: Blaine police assisted a Canadian citizen with a missing person report when her boyfriend failed to meet her at Peace Arch Park at a designated time. It was discovered that the man had accidentally entered Canada and had been detained for several hours by local authorities.

November 16, 1:03 p.m.: A woman called police reporting trespassers on her property. Officers arrived and contacted a construction crew that had been hired by the woman. The workers said they were awaiting payment and would like to retrieve their tools from her property. The woman allowed the work crew to gather some of their tools. The workers advised several of their tools were missing. The woman denied any knowledge of the missing tools and claimed to have paid the crew several thousand dollars for work that was not done. Police advised both parties that the matter was civil and would need to be taken to small claims court. November 19, 8:00 a.m.: Officers were called for an individual who provided their personal information to a person claiming to be with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Officers obtained the suspect’s information. The victim stated they called SSA and reported to them. The officer also provided them with the FBI IC3.gov website for further assistance. November 19, 3:55 p.m.: While on a walk, a family located a cell phone on the ground. The cell phone was placed in the Blaine Police Department front office while an attempt was made to locate the owner via Facebook.

November 19, 6:33 p.m.: A Blaine officer responded to an ongoing neighbor dispute. A citizen believed his neighbor backed her vehicle into his car when parking. He did not witness the incident. He went and confronted her about the incident, but she did not want to talk to him. He told the police he did not want to file a police report about the accident. He just wanted to make a report about her not wanting to talk to him about it. She called the police to report her neighbor was harassing her. She said she did not hit his vehicle. Police determined no crime occurred. November 20, 9:25 a.m.: Officers responded to the 500 block of 11th Street for a report of harassing phone calls. Officers arrived and determined the individual has been receiving harassing phone calls suspected to be her ex-husband. Most recently, several pizzas were delivered to her house that she did not order. Officers explained how to obtain an anti-harassment order, and the individual is going to follow up with their cell phone company in an attempt to obtain the numbers from the blocked calls. Officers cleared with no further incident.

Report by Blaine Police Department.

Crossword

ACROSS

1. Opposite of west 5. __ Caesar, comedian 8. Helps little firms 11. A way to censor 13. Expresses atomic and molecular weights 14. Chalcedony 15. Type of sword 16. A corporation’s first offer to sell stock to the public 17. Attired 18. A sequence of winding turns 20. Pal 21. Expresses pleasure 22. Amendable 25. Clear 30. A way to cut off 31. Indigenous Thai person 32. Pale brownish yellow color 33. Aquatic plants genus 38. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! 41. Merchants 43. Fix a chair 45. Throws into disorganization

48. Famed German composer 49. Keyboard key 50. Oral polio vaccine developer 55. Partner to pain 56. Where golfers start 57. Jenny __: weight loss program 59. Sailing dinghy 60. Suffix that forms adjectives 61. Speeds at which music is played 62. Body part 63. Fall back 64. Ancient Greek sophist DOWN

1. One point south of due east 2. Wings 3. One point south of southeast 4. The shirts on our backs 5. One who works on the seas 6. Select jury

7. Small intestines parts 8. Plant of the heath family 9. Extrasolar planet 10. Creates more of 12. Before 14. Forms over a cut 19. Runs down 23. Exercise regimen __-bo 24. Unkeyed 25. Principle underlying the universe 26. Corpuscle count (abbr.) 27. Residue 28. Company that rings receipts 29. Rugged mountain range 34. Commercials 35. NY footballer 36. They __ 37. Soviet Socialist Republic 39. Poked holes in the ground 40. Pitchers 41. Your 42. Diana __, singer 44. Important document for inventors 45. Bangladesh capital 46. Fluid that flows in the veins of Greek gods 47. Famed daguerreotype photographer 48. Where military personnel work 51. Play a role 52. La __ Tar Pits, Hollywood 53. Unstressed-stressed 54. Type of palm tree 58. Judo garments ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Tides November 27-December 3 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 27 4:17 am 7.4

9:00 am 5.3

2:46 pm 9.0

9:59 pm 0.6

Sa 28 5:05 am 8.1

9:50 am 5.9

3:10 pm 8.9 10:27 pm 0.0

Su 29 5:49 am 8.8 10:38 am 6.3

3:34 pm 8.8 10:57 pm -0.5

Mo 30 6:29 am 9.2 11:24 am 6.7

Holiday Gift Assistance: Families living in the Blaine School District who have limited financial resources can now register for the Community Assistance Program’s Community Toy Store. For more info and to register, visit blainecap.org or call 360-820-6631. Registration deadline is November 29. Community Toy Store Gift Drive: Through Friday, December 4. Collecting brand new toys for kids. Drop off at the Blaine Starbucks, Pacific Building Center, and The Bridge Community Hope Center in Birch Bay or order online through our Amazon and Launching Success Learning Store wish lists. $25 gift cards for teens needed as well with drop off at Banner Bank in Blaine. Monetary donations may be made though website. For more info, visit blainecap.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 3, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Mythology. Info: thevaultwine.com. Birch Bay Chamber Virtual Annual General Meeting: Wednesday, December 2, 2 p.m. Join us for a quick review of 2020, and update from the current board of directors and executive director, plus nominate and elect new board members. Registration info on birchbaychamber.com or email director@birchbaychamber.com. BHS Virtual Job Fair: Saturday, December 4, 10–11:30 a.m. Blaine High School juniors and seniors are invited to learn career opportunities in six industry clusters including manufacturing/construction, health services, agriculture/food and natural resources, finance/business management, transportation/distribution and logistics, law enforcement/military/security. Sponsored by Whatcom Business Alliance and YES Whatcom. For info, email: whitney@ whatcombusinessalliance.com. Holiday Open House: Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5, 10–3 p.m., Home Farm 8020 Kickerville Road. Gifts, baked goods and more! Reserve your shopping time to keep Covid compliant at homefarm.farm. Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village: Friday and Saturday, December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 5–8 p.m., Pioneer Village 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Stroll around the cabins, see the lights, hear music, see costumed volunteers, mail letters to Santa. Info: ferndalechamber.com. Third Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, December 20, 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. Ongoing: Blaine’s Holiday Market By The Sea: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sundays 12–4 p.m. inside 648 Peace Portal Drive. Local crafts, art, décor and goodies. Info: blainechamber.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. 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: Third Thursdays, 1 p.m. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com. Coffee With The Contractor Virtual Meetings: Fourth Thursdays, 8 a.m. Learn the progress of the Birch Bay berm project with members of Granite Construction, Whatcom County Public Works and the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: First Wednesday, noon. Meeting ID on blainechamber.com. Blaine Library: 610 3rd Street. Closed to in-branch visits. Curbside holds and pick up, Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info 360/305-3637. 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.

3:58 pm 8.7 11:29 pm -0.8

Tu 1 7:09 am 9.6 12:10 pm 7.0

Please wear masks and follow physical distancing guidelines.

4:22 pm 8.5

We 2 12:01 am -1.0

7:49 am 9.8

12:58 pm 7.3

4:46 pm 8.3

Th 3 12:35 am -1.1

8:33 am 9.9

5:08 pm 8.0

1:50 pm 7.4

Weather Precipitation: During the period of November 16 to 22, 1.93 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2020 year-to-date precipitation is 35 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 60°F on November 17 with a low of 38°F on November 21. Average high was 50°F and average low was 42°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Sheriff’s Reports November 17, 8:53 a.m.: Private impound on Lora Lane. November 17, 9:00 a.m.: Private impound on Breeze Loop. November 17, 11:27 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Burk Road. November 18, 2:34 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Fawn Crescent Road. November 18, 4:15 p.m.: Follow up on Mayfair Place. November 19, 10:34 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Drayton Harbor Road. November 19, 2:08 p.m.: Security check on Koehn Road. November 19, 2:52 p.m.: Assist citizen on Valentine Lane. November 19, 8:03 p.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay Drive. November 19, 8:54 p.m.: Mental on Portal Way and Birch Bay-Lynden Rd. November 19, 9:37 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Hillvue Road. November 20, 7:11 a.m.: Whatcomm Record on Birch Bay Drive. November 21, 11:48 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Harbor Drive. November 21, 11:50 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on Harborview Drive. November 21, 1:23 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Drayton Harbor Road. Reports provided by WSCO

Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com

Family-run board game company sees big sales increases this year

Tom, Grant and Penny Dalgliesh of Columbia Games. The Blaine-run business started nearly 50 years ago in 1972, and is now experiencing a high demand because of the pandemic. Photo by Ian Haupt

By Ian Haupt In the almost 50 years the Dalgliesh family has run a board game business, they say they haven’t seen sales as good as they are right now. “We’ve been doing better this year than ever before,” said Tom Dalgliesh, founder of Columbia Games. He said it’s obvious – people have more time. Tom suggested board games often help people through hard times. Two of the most popular board games in history – Monopoly and Scrabble – were released during the Great Depression. Tom runs Columbia Games with his son Grant, and wife Penny. Originally from Vancouver, B.C., the Dalglieshes moved to Blaine to reduce shipping costs to their American customer base. Grant said U.S. buyers make up 70 percent of their sales. Tom made his first game as a history student at Simon Fraser University where he was a member of the chess club. “So, I thought, ‘Why not come up with some games that are historical?’” he said. Quebec 1759, the first game he and other chess club members created in 1972, was based on a battle of the same name between the British and French. It was a pivotal win for the British in the Seven Years’ War. What was noteworthy about this first game was its simplistic, strategic style, Tom said. It was the first “block game” they created, which Grant said has become their niche. Essentially, the games consist of a board with a map, dice and plastic blocks with stickers on them. “We are able to do more with less,” Grant said about the block games. “Depending on what stickers we put on the blocks, the game could be anything.”

The stickers recreate the fogof-war because players cannot see the strength of their opponent’s pieces. They have more than 30 different formal games using this game genre. From Ancient Rome to the American Civil War to mythical lands, the Dalglieshes have games set in many different historical periods and fantasy worlds. Their current work in progress, Rommel in the Desert, is a third edition strategic block wargame based on a World War II battle in North Africa between the Germans and the British and named after German general Erwin Rommel. “It plays historically, except either side can win,” Tom said. “We tweaked the history a little bit so that both sides could win. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be much point to it.” They have also turned some of their board games into computer games, Grant said. Through a PC gaming platform called Steam, four Columbia Games can be bought and played digitally. The Dalglieshes have also made their own role-playing games. In the early 1980s, after the growing popularity of Dungeons and Dragons, Tom created his own world, called Hârn. “If you don’t put the hat there, and read it in German, it means ‘piss,’” Grant said with a smile. The HârnWorld fantasy role-playing game, which the Dalglieshes have developed and enhanced over the years with more than 150 supplements, is a detailed, medieval fantasy campaign with original plot lines and background stories, according to the Columbia Games website. These supplements may come in the form of new maps or box sets. Columbia Games uses Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform focused on creativity, to get funding for the games it produces. The

company currently has 17 games on its Kickstarter website, bit. ly/33cjdGb, that the Dalglieshes will produce once people show enough interest, or back the product. They have 14 games on the crowdfunding website that have received enough funding to be created and are available for order. Cities of Hârn is a HârnWorld update released in August that received 1,160 backers who pledged a total of $75,383. A new, deluxe version of a Columbia Games classic, Hammer of Scots, which is also available digitally, received 560 backers for a total of $63,725. Two to three years after their release, games usually sell five times the initial kickstarter backing, Grant said. New releases account for about 30 percent of Columbia Games revenue, he said, with the remaining 70 percent coming from fans discovering games and updates after the initial release. The Dalglieshes are now developing High Colonies, a futuristic, science fiction role-playing game that they call “hard sci-fi” as opposed to “space opera,” which Grant said involves “lots of aliens and laser guns.”

In the soon-to-be-released game, set in 2238, Earth is a wasteland and the 20 million people who survived the apocalypse are living in space colonies on Mars and other places throughout the galaxy. While many of the colonies are composed of nations, like the U.S., Russia and China, other colonies are corporate, run by companies such as Amazon. Like all role-playing games, High Colonies has a story background that creates a world for players to enter and allows them to be whoever they want. “You take on the role of a character, and then you live within that environment,” Grant said. “The more engaged you get in it, the more fun it becomes.” He said High Colonies and HârnWorld are targeted as role-playing games for adults because of their complexity and depth. For both games, they have created a detailed history for each of the worlds they are set in that provides players with a great understanding for the environment they are in. For High Colonies, Grant said he took the time to locate the planets in relation to one another

as they would be in 2238 and figured out how long it would take to travel to each planet. They’ve also devised an economy with texts indicating which planets have a shortage or surplus of resources and then created trade routes between planets, he said. HârnWorld even has its own astronomy with constellations and zodiac signs. The Dalglieshes continue to release more background information and data four times per year for HârnWorld to add to the game’s intricacy, which Grant said they hope to do with High Colonies if it gets the same amount of support. “It’s filling in the details,” he said. “This High Colonies is a new thing that’s coming out, and it’s beginning really in terms of how much we’ll do, we’ll have to see. We’ll see how well it does, we’ll see if we can get a following that’s as loyal and as passionate as we have for the Hârn role-playing. If we do, we’ll be off to the races because this stuff depends on the passion of fans to really thrive.” For more information, visit columbiagames.com.

A map, texts and other materials for the creating and playing of Columbia Games role-playing games, HârnWorld and High Colonies. Photo by Ian Haupt

The Northern Light • Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, 2020

City approves noise ordinance for nighttime bulkhead removal By Grace McCarthy Blaine City Council unanimously approved a temporary

noise ordinance waiver for nighttime bulkhead repair at Blaine Harbor during a November 19 special meeting.

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Council voted to authorize city manager Michael Jones to approve the temporary noise ordinance waiver that allows the Port to work outside normal city construction hours, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays, according to the ordinance. The Port of Bellingham started installing a new steel sheet pile bulkhead the night of the meeting, November 19, and continued November 20. There will be no work during the week of Thanksgiving but construction will re-

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sume five days a week starting November 30 and is expected to end December 23, said Greg Nicoll, Port of Bellingham senior project manager, during the special city council meeting. Construction will take eight hours per night centered around low tide, which is between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. in the winter, according to Port documents. “We have an existing timber bulkhead that’s been in place for upward of 50 years,” Nicoll said. “It’s starting to effectively fall into the water so we’re in a fair-

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ly urgent need to replace that bulkhead.” The construction, officially known as the Blaine Harbor Bulkhead Repair and Replacement Project, includes demolition, pile installation, repairs and replacements to the Boundary Fish, Walsh and Sawtooth piers, said Stacie Pratschner, city of Blaine community development director, during the meeting. Nicoll compared noise from construction at 281 McMillan Avenue to a loud electronic toothbrush that will measure 85 to 100 decibels. “We anticipate the noise would be down around 55 decibels when it reaches residential areas, which would be slightly more than noise from I-5 traffic,” Nicoll said. The Port sent the request to the city on November 16 after waiting for permits on the state and federal level. The Port is bound by an in-water work window of August 1 to February 15, Nicoll said. After being asked by council if waiting until next August was a possibility, Nicoll said it would be dangerous to wait nine months for the repairs, as well as it creating a high cost impact for the Port. Even with more favorable tides in August, the Port wouldn’t have been able to complete construction during work hours, he added.

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