Tides

January 9, 12:15 p.m.: A Blaine resident contacted police to report he had been threatened while retrieving his mail in the 1200 block of Garfield Avenue. The man was trying to tell a vehicle to slow down when he witnessed it speeding. The suspect slammed on the breaks exiting the car. The suspect rushed over to the man threatening to fight him and his teenage son. After a brief verbal altercation, the suspect fled off in his vehicle southbound. The investigation is ongoing. January 9, 6:26 p.m.: Officers responded to a report of someone yelling for help. Officers determined it was children playing. No further action was taken. January 9, 10:54 p.m.: While on routine patrol, an officer observed a vehicle exit I-5 and drive through the stop sign at the intersection with Peace Portal Drive. The officer conducted a traffic stop and discovered the driver was driving with a suspended driver’s license. The individual was arrested, cited and released with a mandatory court date. January 10, 7:14 a.m.: While on routine patrol, an officer checked the US Post Office and found a person inside who had previously been trespassed. The man had also been previously arrested within the week for the same violation. The officer arrested the man a second time, cited and released him with a subsequent court date. January 10, 10:06 a.m.: A police officer was on routine patrol when they stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The police officer determined the driver’s status in the state of Washington was suspended in the 3rd degree. The driver was arrested and given a criminal citation for driving while license suspended in the 3rd degree and then released. The driver had a licensed driver come and pick up the vehicle. January 10, 1:39 p.m.: An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding. The driver was found to be driving while their license was suspended. The driver was arrested, cited and released. The passenger was also arrested, cited and released for allowing an unauthorized person to drive their vehicle. They were both issued mandatory court hearings. January 10, 1:37 p.m.: An unknown person reported a person was in a residence in the city of Blaine who had a warrant for his arrest. The police checked the residence and the person with the warrant answered the door. Police arrested the person for the warrant and transported him to Whatcom County Jail. January 11, 1:08 a.m.: An officer on patrol discovered damage to a business’s property. There are no suspects for the property damage. Police are waiting for an estimate from the business. January 11, 7:30 a.m.: An officer was dispatched to a collision in the 5600 block of Semiahmoo Parkway. A driver lost control and slid off the roadway into a bank of trees. The driver was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries. The vehicle was towed and appears to be a total loss. January 11, 8:20 a.m.: A parent reported their child was accidentally left on a school bus after all the other kids were dropped off at school. The child was not injured during their time on the bus. The police investigated the incident and determined at this time no crime was committed. The incident is being handled by the school administration.

Report by Blaine Police Department.

CrOssWOrd

ACROSS 1. Composed 5. Lesotho currency 9. Ethnic group associated with Hungarians 11. Gains knowledge of 13. Gradual destruction 15. Purchase 16. Pharaoh of lower Egypt 17. Where you’re going 19. The 6th letter of the Greek alphabet 21. Fishing net 22. Midway between south and southeast 23. A way to sort 25. C C C 26. Popular sports podcast (abbr.) 27. Discount 29. Consumes tobacco 31. A way to run 33. Popular musical awards show 34. Pertains to the male sexual organ 36. Supplements with difficulty 38. Green veggie

tides

39. Deep-bodied freshwater fish 41. Holy fire 43. Usually has a lid 44. Being of use or service 46. Have a yen for 48. Unknowingness 52. Dry white wine drink 53. Unwinds 54. Traveling by sea 56. Outdoor entertaining areas 57. Stringed instruments 58. __ Redgrave, actress 59. Moves earth

DOWN 1. Progressive decay of a bone or tooth 2. Burrowing rodents 3. French/Belgian river 4. A professional cleaner 5. A Russian river 6. Kiln 7. True statements 8. Most private 9. French city 10. Masses of fish eggs 11. Apart from others 12. Monetary unit of Samoa 14. Nanosecond 15. Film 18. Men’s fashion accessories 20. Flowering shrub 24. North Carolina university 26. Former monetary unit of Spain 28. Foodies 30. New Zealand parrot 32. Makes very happy 34. A payment required for not fulfilling a contract 35. Emerald Isle 37. The act of terminating someone’s employment 38. Gland in some mammals 40. Commoner 42. Large animals 43. Belch 45. Employee stock ownership plan 47. Work units 49. Wagon 50. Nerve fiber 51. Proclaimed 55. Japanese delicacy

DATE

January 22-29 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT

Fr 22 1:57 am

11:26 am

Sa 23 3:25 am

11:58 am

Su 24 4:21 am

12:38 pm Mo 25 4:59 am

1:22 pm

Tu 26 5:33 am

2:08 pm We 27 6:03 am

Th 28 2:56 pm 6:33 am

3:44 pm 6.38 5:02 am

8.90 7:23 pm

7.23 6:20 am

8.79 8:05 pm

8.04 7:50 am

8.73 8:45 pm

8.72 9:04 am

8.70

9:25 pm 9.27 10:04 am

8.69 10:05 pm 9.68 10:56 am

8.67 10:43 pm 9.98 11:40 am

8.61 11:21 pm 6.03

1.60

6.92

0.84

7.46

0.14

7.66

-0.51

7.65

-1.06

7.48

-1.45

7.19

-1.63

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of January 11 to 17, 1.8 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2021 year-to-date precipitation 4.5 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 56.9°F on January 15 with a low of 37.3°F on January 14. Average high was 51.8°F and average low was 42.4°F.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Coming up

Please wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

Native Plant Sale: Now through March 1. Order online at whatcomcd. org/plant-sale. Pre-scheduled drive through pick up March 13 and 14 at the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, 3057 E Bakerview Road, Bellingham. Sponsored by the Whatcom Conservation District.

New Relics Art Exhibit: Tuesday–Saturday, through January 30, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham. New Relics presents works created in our modern era but with a nod to traditional themes and techniques featuring work from Richard Bulman, Nikole Dixon and Jessica Molnar. Info: alliedarts.org.

Origins and Evolutions: Five Generations Exhibit: Beginning January 26, Tuesday–Thursdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and by appointment. A new exhibition featuring the art of four members of the Anderson/Syre family. Gallery Syre, 465 W. Stuart Road, Bellingham. Info: davidsyreart.com.

Virtual Family Trivia Night: Saturday, January 30, 6:30 p.m. Are you smarter than a librarian? Free meet-and-greet family trivia night. Individuals and teams up to four are welcome. Info and registration: wcls.libcal. com/event/7433265. Sponsored by Friends of Birch Bay Library and BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation.

Blaine Chamber February Meeting: Wednesday, February 3, 8 a.m. on Zoom. New time for this month. Speaker: Blaine school district superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger. Zoom information on blainechamber.com.

Jackson Road Bridge Replacement Virtual Open House: Wednesday, February 3, 6–8 p.m. Help redesign Birch Bay’s Jackson Road bridge replacement. Meeting link will be posted on whatcomcounty.us/3529/Jackson-Road-Bridge-Replacement-Project.

Valentine’s Weekend Wine Pairing: The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro. Take and heat six courses paired with six wines and online tasting information. Reserve by February 5 at 360/392-0955.

Ongoing:

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 Library: 610 3rd Street. Closed 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: 360/9331671.

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

sheriff’s repOrts

January 12, 2:52 a.m.: Domestic verbal in progress on Harborview Road. January 12, 9:02 a.m.: Refer to other agency in progress on Quinault Road. January 12, 12:10 p.m.: Traffic stop on Arnie and Blaine roads. January 12, 12:15 p.m.: Traffic stop on Seashell and Abalone ways. January 12, 12:15 p.m.: Traffic stop on Jackson Road and Key Street. January 12, 12:19 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances in progress on Highland Road. January 12, 1:17 p.m.: Property found in progress on Hillvue Road. January 12, 3:46 p.m.: Theft cold call on H Street Road. January 12, 5:28 p.m.: Motor vehicle blocking in progress on Loomis Trail and Bob Hall roads, Custer. January 12, 6:44 p.m.: Motor vehicle non-blocking and no injury in progress on Birch Bay and Harborview roads. January 12, 6:55 p.m.: Hit and run in progress on Birch Bay and Harborview roads. January 13, 1:40 a.m.: Traffic hazard in progress on Sunset Street. January 13, 6:49 a.m.: Vehicle prowl cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. January 13, 6:57 a.m.: Watch for in progress on Birch Bay and Alderson roads. January 13, 8:04 a.m.: Suspicious person in progress on Blaine Road. January 13, 9:14 a.m.: Burglary cold call in progress on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. January 13, 4:31 p.m.: Traffic hazard in progress on White and Loomis Trail roads. January 15, 3:30 a.m.: Prowler in progress on Loomis Trail Road. January 15, 3:07 p.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

Nearly year after outbreak, Stafholt receives first vaccine doses

B y G race M c c art H y

Nearly a year after Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt experienced a deadly Covid-19 outbreak in its Blaine nursing home, residents and staff rejoiced at the sight of their first vaccinations on January 19.

“We’re moving to the anniversary of March and we remember that month really well,” said Tatiana Koreski, Stafholt’s infection control nurse. “We don’t want to repeat it again.”

The outbreak entered the nursing home on C Street not long after the first confirmed virus cases began to appear in Whatcom County, and by the end of April, had infected 17 residents and six staff members, resulting in one resident’s death, The Northern Light previously reported.

For Koreski, the outbreak was symbolized by shutting two heavy doors that the Whatcom County Health Department instructed the nursing home to use to seal off a newly constructed Covid-19 unit. In one way, Koreski felt relieved they had control on the virus that people were scrambling to understand, but in another way, Koreski felt the reality sink in they were living through a pandemic.

“It all comes back to me with all the challenges and trials of living through the outbreak,” she said. “But we pulled through.”

Memories like watching a resident who wasn’t expected to survive the virus get vaccinated Tuesday brought tears to Koreski and other staff members’ eyes, she said.

The nursing home received the Pfizer vaccine from Walgreens, which is distributing the vaccine under the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program.

Pharmacists started the clinic in mid-morning and finished by mid-afternoon. The providers had to thaw vaccine vials every half hour to ensure they were the right temperature, Koreski said. Stafholt residents went in one by one to receive the vaccination and pharmacists went to residents’ rooms who were unable to go to the vaccination room, she said.

Cayla Bullard, a certified nursing assistant at Stafholt, described the vaccinations as exciting. Over the past 10 months, Bullard said she’s strengthened her relationship with residents, who are unable to meet inside with family and friends, with activities like making cards. She looks forward to when they can be reunited with loved ones.

Stafholt resident Jerry Bladies, 84, said his vaccination went well and was only required to answer a few questions before he received the vaccine in his arm.

“I thought it was a necessary thing to do to help myself and the people around me because you always wear your mask but sometimes you forget to do it,” Blaides said.

Blaides said he’s passed his pandemic days by talking to a staff member who will sit in a lawn chair six feet outside his bedroom window, but longs for going on walks with his wife, Grace, and visiting the Blaine Food Bank, where he said he was manager for 17 years.

The second dose is set for Tuesday, February 9, and a third clinic for those who couldn’t attend the first clinic is set for March. Koreski said the nursing home will follow the same Covid-19 guidelines, including not allowing friends and family into the facility, until more of the general public is vaccinated.

Koreski said she’ll never forget receiving a letter from the health department officially clearing the nursing home as Covid-19 free s Stafholt infection control nurse Tatiana Koreski getting vaccinated. Photo courtesy Tatiana Koreski

in late May, and the freedom of letting residents out of the heavy double doors. No resident has had Covid-19 after the outbreak.

“As a country we promised to protect our vulnerable,” Koreski said. “Finally, we are, by bringing them the vaccine.”

s Stafholt resident Catherine Wilson getting vaccinated. Photo courtesy Tatiana Koreski

Proudly Serving Local Communities & Businesses for 36 Years! Your connection to a family of publications serving the Pacific Northwest Community Adventure Travel Weddings

July 2018 www.AllPointBulletin.com FREE ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID IN THIS ISSUE Whatcom The folks who brought back the 4th of July Take the Garden Tour, page 15 Here comes the 100th Concert Celebration, page 11 Get ready for the 4th of July, page 17 Permit No. 14 Point Roberts, WA 98281 Postal Patron Local36 County Council mandates curbside pickup YEARS

B y M eg O ls O n 1 Whatcom County Council has approved changes to county code that will eliminate exemptions to mandatory garbage pickup in Point Roberts. At their June 5 meeting, council heard from an almost evenly split 15 community members on the proposal, which would establish a mandatory minimum service level of a 32-gallon can of garbage to be picked up twice-monthly and billed through the property tax roll. Opponents of the proposal cited a number of reasons for their opposition, primarily that the minimum service level was too high. “This exceeds the needs of 80 July 27 - August 2, 2017 Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay FREE percent of those surveyed (in a 2016 on- HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer PRSRT STD IN THIS ISSUE s Back in 1976, a group of civic-minded people got together to plan a 4th of July celebration, the first since 1916. On June 20, they had a reunion at Ruby White’s house. See story, page 16. Standing, from l.: Fred DeHaan, Rosy Negron, Carla Scherer, Pauli DeHaan, George Scherer, Pat Jorgensen, Doreen Peltier. Seated: Norma Peltier, Ruby White, Kris Manning. Photo by Shelley Damewood line survey sponsored by the county solid waste division) who self-haul or use tags,” Kimberly Butts said. Ken Calder, also opposed to the changes, submitted a petition signed by 364 seaU. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230 A visitor’s guide to Blaine and Birch Bay, page 7 Turn your ballots in by August 1, page 5 What you should know about gardening in August, page 9 sonal and full-time residents asking that Unity Care NW decides against renewing clinic contract council delay the decision until September to allow a recently formed solid waste subcommittee of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to continue to Birch Bay Sand Sculpture contest draws a crowdCity council considers ways to spur local economy look at the issue. Those in favor of the change as well as county staff pointed out that PRCAC had been pondering the garbage collection B y M eg O ls O n Cites client base and “increasing community turmoil” erts hospital district on June 26 that Unity Care NW would end its contract to provide services on the Point as of December 31, 2018, but would provide services on a according to Unity Care. The number of people being served at the Point Roberts Clinic, as well as the number of visits, have been declining, acB y S tefanie D O nahue for over two years, held numerous public meetings, sponsored an online survey and and P at g ru BB month-to-month basis if needed until June 30, 2019 and help with a possible transicording to the resolution. The number of visits per year shrank from 1176 to 1033 sent out a mailer. Unity Care NW is done with the Point tion to an alternative service provider. between 2015 and 2017, which is de“There have been numerous opportunities for people to put in their two cents’ Are impact fees the key to revitalizing downtown and incentivizing Roberts clinic. Citing declining use, a disproportionate According to the June 25 resolution, the Point Roberts Clinic does not fit with (See Hospital, page 8) growth in Blaine? worth,” Arthur Reber said. “This process administrative burden and “communi- the other clinics Unity Care NW operhas been very thorough and collaborative,” said taxpayers’ association president Mark Robbins. Chamber of commerce president Dee Gough said her association also supported the proposal, agreeing that mandaThe question was at the heart of an hour-long discussion between Blaine City Council and city staff at a special meeting held July 24. Not yet ready to make a decision, council voted unanimously during a separate meeting that evety turmoil,” the board of directors of the non-profit health care provider voted at its June 25 meeting to discontinue the contract to operate the Point Roberts Clinic. Notice was delivered to the Point Robates in Ferndale and Bellingham, which it described as “patient centered medical homes.” Close to half of the visits to the Point Roberts clinic are for urgent care, and not for primary medical care, Online allpointbulletin.com facebook.com/allpointbulletin tory trash pickup was the obvious solution to the perennial problem of dumping garbage on the roadsides. ning to request that city staff draft a proposal based on four types of impact fees and incentive programs – the council Arts and music fest makes a comeback Classifieds Inside ........................................ 20 Jeff Hegedus with the Whatcom County Health Department said by establishing a mandatory minimum service level for all will either approve, deny or modify the proposal in a few months. Impact fees are one-time charges that B y M eg O ls O n running three weekends in August. Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is partnering with Coming Up ...................................... Garden ............................................. 19 15 developed properties, as determined by counties, cities and towns impose on de- “The Point Roberts Arts and Music the foundation, offering a location, plan- Library ............................................ 18 which properties have a water connection, velopers. The funds are used to extend Festival is back on the water,” says Arts ning assistance and funds for this year’s Obituaries ........................................ 22 it would lead to vendor stability because public services to support growth. In Foundation founder and festival organizer event. “We decided to make it longer so Opinion .............................................. 4 more users would support the system. Washington state, impact fees can be used Craig Jacks. more people can enjoy it,” said tavern Seniors ............................................ 18 on public streets, roads, publicly-owned parks, open space, recreation facilities, (See Garbage, page 7) After being put on the shelf for a year, the festival will be back for its 23rd year, manager Allison Calder. The first weekend (See Arts & Music, page 14) Tides ................................................ 10 school facilities and fire protection facilPoint Roberts July 4 Happy Birthday USA s Droves of sand sculptors took part in the Birch Bay Sand Sculpture contest July 22-23. More photos on page 15. Photo by Chuck Kinzer ities. Impact fees and other development incentives have already been written into the Blaine’s comprehensive plan, which details how to accommodate growth over the BEGIN THE DAY AT THE Community Center 1437 Gulf Rd. Pancake Breakfast 7:15-11:15 am PREP benefit Flag Raising Ceremony 11:30 am featuring PR Winds PARADE STARTS AT 12 NOON along Gulf Rd. from Marine Dr. to Tyee Dr. AFTER PARADE FAMILY ACTIVITIES: H Breakwaters Bar & Grill at Point Roberts Marina. H Kiniski’s Reef Tavern next 20 years. “These are things we’ve been looking at for a while,” said community development director Michael Jones. “The comprehensive plan and what you’ve already adopt- child will be turned away on the basis of a not being able to pay for lunch, includSchool district publishes policy against “lunch shaming” B y O liver l azen B y FIREWORKS: POINT ROBERTS MARINA AT 10:30 PM ed recognizes the idea that there has to be zero or negative balance account.” ing anything from stamping kids’ hands enough financial capacity of the city to con- In some school districts, if a stu- Those guidelines aren’t new, but they’re as a reminder to bring money, to denying tinue to do its job and provide the services dent doesn’t have lunch, they don’t in writing for the first time in response to them a lunch tray. and things that it needs to do while taking eat. In others, they get a cheese sand- new U.S. Department of Agriculture reg- Blaine’s guidelines say students won’t this into consideration.” wich to eat in front of their classmates ulations that require school districts to get turned away at the lunch counter, even

The city has already started developing who are toting trays of corndogs, baked communicate, in writing, what they’ll do if they already have a negative balance a revised impact fee ordinance out of a re- beans, fruit and vegetables. when students can’t pay for lunch. on their account. Instead, they’ll either quest from the state legislature for all cit- For the most part, that’s not the case at The new federal rules are aimed at end- get a regular meal and some more debt Blaine schools. The district’s guidelines for ing “lunch shaming,” a term for a variety (See Fees, page 2) dealing with unpaid lunch debt state, “No of practices that single students out for (See Lunch, page 6)

Tall ship Lady Washington sets sail for annual maritime festival

B y S tefanie D O nahue

In just a matter of days, tall ship Lady Washington will appear in Drayton Harbor – the vessel is a full-scale replica of the first American ship to touch land on the west coast of North America in 1788.

Lady Washington typically pairs with the Hawaiian Chieftain for trips along the coast, but crews had to leave the steel-clad Hawaiian vessel moored in Port Townsend for routine repair, said operations director with Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, Caitlin Stanton. Grays Harbor Historical Seaport organizes trips along the west coast to educate the public about maritime history and traditions.

Crews maneuvering Lady Washington through the Pacific’s brisk waters are set to make a stop in Blaine from August 3 to 6 during Drayton Harbor Days, offering a slew of local cruise excursions and tours. Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Vessel Tours: The tours are offered throughout Lady Washington’s stay in Blaine. Stanton said they offer the public

(See Tall Ship, page 3)

BENEFIT CONCERT SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 TICKETS: $45 THE PAPERBOYS

INSIDE

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Youth missionaries provide free household help to county residents

B y G race M c c art H y

Missionaries are providing community members with household help – from raking leaves to cleaning garages –at no expense.

About 30 missionaries have helped over 130 people since they first started offering free service to Whatcom County in mid-October, said Keaton Steck, a church member with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Steck said the young missionaries’ main purpose is to spread the word of Christ but the pandemic has limited their ability to interact with people so they began posting in local Facebook groups, such as buy/sell/trade pages, every week to offer service.

“We found, through service, we can share some light in these hard times,” he said. “We understand that Covid-19 has hit everyone in different ways. If we offer some free help to people, it can truly lighten their burdens and help them to be a little happier during these hard times.”

Over 250 missionaries in this region of the Pacific Northwest are doing similar tasks, Steck said.

The missionaries are not doing indoor work at this time, but Steck said their service could extend indoors if pandemic restrictions ease. The group also can’t use power tools or climb ladders for safety, but he said any other outdoor task is fair game.

The missionaries won’t force their teachings upon people, s From l; Rhett Mitchell, Keaton Steck, Ethan LeFevre and Sean May doing yard work.

Steck said, and are still grateful to help relieve burden from community members with differing religious beliefs.

For Steck, moments with community members stand out the most, like the time when an elderly woman texted him that she cried after several missionaries helped her rake leaves.

“It’s truly a remarkable thing that is happening,” he said. “When you do the service in person for those people and see the joy on their faces, it’s a really great experience.”

Kerry Heaps learned about the missionaries’ work through Facebook in November and thought the offer was too good to be true. But after a quick phone call, Heaps scheduled the missionaries to rake his leaves, which he was unable to do after having a double knee replacement.

Raking leaves took two missionaries five hours, Heaps said, after he provided rakes, shovels and leaf bags for them.

“They got the job completely done,” he said. “There wasn’t a leaf on the ground.”

Heaps said he had impeccable experience with the missionaries.

“It was nothing short of a miracle to have them come out,” he

Photo courtesy Keaton Steck

said. “Especially for seniors and people with disabilities, they were great.”

Service projects will continue as pandemic restrictions are reduced, but Steck said the missionaries will focus more on sharing their religious message.

“You learn to love these people,” he said. “You hear their stories. It’s incredible the friendships you build.”

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