The Northern Light: March 11-17, 2021 by Point Roberts Press

FREE

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

March 11 - 17, 2021

HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Daylight saving time is March 14

Projected vaccine timeline announced for Washington

Local real estate in the pandemic, page 5

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

Capital gains tax passes Senate, page 13

Wings Over Water goes virtual this year

By Grace McCarthy Governor Jay Inslee announced March 4 a projected Covid-19 vaccine timeline that includes expanding to essential workers on March 22, with others planned to follow in April. Phase 1b Tier 2, which includes essential workers in congregate settings and people over 16 who are pregnant or have a disability that makes them high risk for the virus, could start as soon as March 22. Essential workers include those working in fishing boats, agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit, corrections facilities, first responders and people working in congregate living settings. People 50 and older with two or more underlying conditions can tentatively expect to be vaccinated beginning April 12, the governor also announced. By April 26, people 16 and older with two or more underlying conditions will be eligible. People experiencing homelessness can also be vaccinated April 26, as well as people living in congregate living facilities such as jails and group homes for people with disabilities. “These dates, of course, have to be tentative and expanding eligibility will depend on supply and our progress vaccinating earlier groups,” Inslee said during a media conference. “I am thrilled at the progress our federal government is making, in combination with these manufacturers to increase supplies.” Inslee announced March 2 that effective immediately teachers and other childcare workers would be added to current eligible group for vaccinations. The governor’s announcement came after President Joe Biden directed all educators have at least one dose by the end of March. Remaining healthcare workers, people 65 and older, and people over 50 living in multigenerational households are already being vaccinated in Washington. The state also reached its goal of vacci(See Timeline, page 3)

s Black oystercatchers are just some of the birds that frequent the Blaine area. Learn more about Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival on page 15. Photo by Eric Ellingson

County’s mass vaccination site to start this weekend By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County is just days away from opening its first mass vaccination site on Saturday, March 13, and vaccination scheduling is underway in anticipation for the site’s launch at Bellingham Technical College (BTC). Once vaccine supply increases, organizers predict the site could vaccinate 5,000 people weekly. “As this site ramps up, we will be able to greatly expand vaccine access for eligible people in Whatcom County,” said Shanon Hardie, co-chair of the Community Vac-

cination Center Steering Committee and Unity Care NW chief operating officer, in a media release. “We feel honored to help our community and we’re eager to start getting shots in arms.” Organizers held a trial clinic on March 6 that vaccinated over 240 healthcare workers who work in the homes of vulnerable residents and people over 65 without internet access, Whatcom County Health Department director Erika Lautenbach said during a March 8 Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole meeting. “It felt very celebratory when I was

there,” Lautenbach said. “It was exciting to see the change and the shift, and the ability for us to reach about 240 people on Saturday.” The March 13 vaccinations will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to the media release. “We have been hesitant to go full scale with this, for even a full day, because there’s just not been the supply yet,” Lautenbach said. “We don’t want to divert supply from our healthcare providers that are trying to get their patients and others vaccinated.” The vaccination site is in partnership (See Clinic, page 3)

By Conor Wilson While living in Seattle’s houseboat community on Lake Union, inspiration struck Blaine author Jessica Stone as she watched one of her neighbors replace a plastic drum that kept the house floating. “Do you think a body would fit in one of those?” she asked. The question turned into Stone’s newest novel, “Blood on a Blue Moon: A Sheaffer Blue Mystery,” which will be released Wednesday, March 17 by Bellingham pub-

lishing company Sidekick Press. The novel tells the story of Sheaffer Blue, an insurance investigator, who teams up with a Seattle police department detective to investigate corrupt politicians, big money and murder. The duo – polar opposites – are forced together after a fire in Seattle’s houseboat community leads to the death of an elderly woman. “Sheaffer is intelligent, but a lazy, bad girl,” Stone said. “She doesn’t really want to work hard, but gets mixed up in this mystery and a romance along the way.”

The book’s manuscript was awarded first in category at the 2018 Murder and Mayhem Book Awards and given the 2019 Best Mystery Award from Black Magnolia Books. “Blood on a Blue Moon” is Stone’s fourth book, and second work of fiction. Although no bodies are hidden in a plastic drum in the book, Stone said watching her neighbor gave her the idea for a murder mystery set in the houseboat community. She said the idea lay dormant until a (See Author, page 6)

Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

INSIDE

Blaine author pens new mystery novel set in Seattle

TheNorthernLight.com TheNorthernLight

@TNLreporter

This Week’s FLYER

@TheNorthernLightNews

Rite Aid

The Northern Light • March 11 - 17, 2021

NORTHWEST BIRDING FESTIVAL

FUN FOR KIDS! Saturday, March 20 11am-2pm Blaine Marine Park

Birch Bay Chamber

Bird View Shelter

200 Marine Drive Bird Puppet for Racing Art Project

Semiahmoo Spit 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway Ornitherapy Challenge & Bird Seed Cakes

March 19-21, 2021 Featured Artists:

7900 Birch Bay Drive Bird Scavenger Hunt & Bird Count Cards

RAINBOW ORCA DESIGN

Featuring Live Webinars by:

BP Heron Center

7290 Birch Bay Drive Make a Bird Feeder Kit & Window Clings

Paul Bannick (Keynote) Richard Crossley l Holly Merker l Joe Meche l Susan Cottrell l North Cascades Audubon l The Salish Sea School

Be Inspired Join Us!

l l

Virtual Storytime with Marie

Fri. Mar. 19th 10:15am

A task force on public health and the U.S./Canada border is taking submissions on the personal impacts the border closure has had on residents. The submissions will be used to develop recommendations for easing border restrictions. The Wilson Center, a D.C.based independent research think tank, created the task force last November to examine when and how to ease restrictions for non-essential travel at the border. The task force intends to publish a report at the end of March following the one-year anniversary of the border closure. The written submissions will be considered for inclusion in the report. Task force members meet virtually with various stakeholders to understand the challenges of health screening and border security, as well as the impact border restrictions have on communities, public health and economic recovery. On March 18, the Wilson Center will be holding a webinar to reflect on the one-year anniversary of the border closure from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. ET. To register, go to wilsoncenter.org/events. To submit a letter or ask questions, email christopher.sands@ wilsoncenter.org and canada@ wilsoncenter.org. For more information on the task force, visit bit.ly/3qkQurk.

Northwest Birding Festival

Birch Bay Visitor Center

Birch Bay State Park

Cannery Lodge

Task force looking for impact of border closure

L A U T T VIR VEN E

Wings Over Water

PHOTO BY ERIC ELLINGSON

Sat. Mar. 20th 6:30pm l

Marie Guenette with Whatcom County Library System will engage kids of all ages with a fun activity and story about birds. SPONSORED BY:

Improve your Bird ID Benefit from Ornitherapy Become an eBird-er Learn and get into Nature!

FREE REGISTRATION ONLINE AT:

WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com

Info: WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com

SHOP, EAT AND READ LOCAL IN THE

NOW OPEN!

(across from Big Al’s, near Peace Arch Park)

WEEKLY SPECIALS • Snacks • Soda • Deli Sandwiches • Beer & Wine • Spirits • Cigarettes • Lotto • Gifts • Novelty

• EBT • UHaul Dealer • Drive Thru Coffee & Espresso • Indian/Fijian Groceries

Tisdale Wine

3 for

$10

Bud & Bud Light or Coors & Coors Light

Busch & Busch Light or Miller High Life

6 pk,12oz cans

$4.99

$4.49

Budweiser 18pk

$15.99

Canada U.S.A. Peace Arch Park

Open Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat & Sun 8am-8pm

183 C Street (across from Big Al’s, near Peace Arch Park) Locally Owned • 360-389-5804

rine

Dr.

C St. D St.

4th St.

KAVA & Indian & Fijian Groceries

Big Al’s

Including High End Wines & Spirits

Dr.

For every customer. THRU 3/14/21.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Peace Portal

FREE Loaf of Bread or Coffee

B St.

3rd St.

Grand Opening SPECIAL!

2nd St.

E St. F St.

acation

March 11 - 17, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Recent two-week case rates and cumulative counts

O M H

where you live!

Last updated: 03/09/2021

Blaine Rate: 165 Count: 413

Lynden Rate: 425 Nooksack Valley Count: Rate: 524 Count: 674 1140 Ferndale Meridian Rate: 251 Rate: 149 Mt. Baker Count: 1358 Count: 368 Rate: 272 Count: 379 Bellingham Rate: 96 Count: 2418

s The rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks, from February 21 to March 6. The count is the cumulative cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic.

By Grace McCarthy As of March 8, Whatcom County has had a total of 6,858 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and 159 probable cases (7,017 total cases), according to Washington State Department of Health (DOH) data. The number of deaths remains at 83 and the percent of deaths per total confirmed cases is 1.2 percent. Four school districts rose in case rates, while two dropped and one remained the same. Nooksack Valley school district area had the highest rate of new cases in the past two weeks, with 524 confirmed cases per 100,000 people followed by Lynden (425), Mount Baker (272), Ferndale (251), Blaine (165), Meridian (149), and Bellingham (96). Bellingham’s case rate is the first time a county school district has been double digits since the start of the year. The county expects 2,370 first doses and 2,600 second doses this week, according to health department data published March 9. Last week, the county received 12,630 first doses, making this week’s shipment less than 20 percent of last weeks. The county also received 1,900 second doses last week, 73 percent of what’s expected this week. Of the total first doses, the county expects 1,200 of them to be the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which only needs one dose to be fully effective. However, the number of this week’s first doses does not include the number of vaccines given to vaccine providers through the Long-term Care Pharmacy Partnership, the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership or Indian Health Service because those numbers weren’t provided to the health department by press time. The number of last week’s first doses does not include the number of vaccines given to providers through the Long-term Care Pharmacy Partnership and Indian Health Service.

About 8.9 percent of county residents are fully vaccinated and 18.4 percent have received at least one shot, according to the health department. The health department reports that 41,569 county residents have received their first shot and 20,128 are fully vaccinated. Erika Lautenbach, Whatcom County Health Department director, said during a March 8 Whatcom County Council meeting that 20,000 seniors in the county still need be vaccinated. Statewide, 2,065,762 vaccine doses have been administered, with 388,975 doses administered in the past week. About 751,127 people in Washington have received two doses of the vaccine and 1,308,248 have received one dose. In the past seven days, the state has averaged administering 45,380 vaccines daily, surpassing its goal to vaccinate 45,000 people daily. Washington state has had 326,404 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic and 19,999 probable cases (probable cases come from an antigen test). In all, 5,077 people in Washington with the virus have died as

Timeline ... From page 1

nating an average of 45,000 people per day over the past week. The state department of health (DOH) announced March 5 that an average of 45,221 doses given per day, exceeding the daily vaccination goal set in January. On March 8, DOH reported 2 million vaccine doses had been given in Washington, less than a month after the millionth dose was given February 12. To sign up for Phase Finder, which will notify Washington residents when they’re eligible for the vaccine, visit bit.ly/38aVQPB. CDC information on defining underlying conditions is available at bit.ly/3efcIsC.

of March 8 and 19,692 have been hospitalized. The county health department will host a vaccine town hall to update residents on vaccine efforts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 18 on Whatcom County’s YouTube channel, WhatcomCountyGov, at bit.ly/3tanRij.

Clinic ... From page 1

with the Whatcom County Health Department, Whatcom Unified Command, Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College (WCC), Unity Care NW, Family Care Network, PeaceHealth, SeaMar and Hoagland Pharmacy. BTC and WCC students will administer the vaccine, along with healthcare workers and volunteers, according to the media release. The vaccination site began taking appointments at 9 a.m. on March 10. Appointments opened online at prepmod.doh.wa.gov and people without internet, email or who need a translator can call 360/778-6075. BTC is located at 3028 Lindbergh Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, visit whatcomcounty.us/covidvaccine and click on the community vaccination center icon in the top right corner. Call the Washington State Department of Health’s Covid-19 hotline, which also had Spanish translators, at 1-800/525-0127 or 888/856-5816 for additional help finding a vaccine provider and scheduling an appointment.

SHOP, EAT AND READ LOCAL

8775 Clubhouse Point Dr. • $1,490,000 MLS #1714883

Premier 18th green location at Clubhouse Point showcases this custom built 3-BD, 3-BA, 5,027 sq. ft. townhome with excellent finishes.

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

Tax Planning & Preparation U.S. & Canadian Individual & Business Michèle-Marie Cloutier, CPA, CGA 372 H St. • Blaine, WA 98230

360-332-4971

Just minutes from the U.S./Canadian Border Crossing - Exit 276 (Blaine City Center)

www.uscanadacpas.com

VISION TAX*

U.S. & Canadian Personal Tax Compliance & Consulting Services Emily Lo, CPA - CGA (Canada), CPA (Washington State) Tel: (604) 495-0075 (Vancouver, BC) Email: emily@visiontax.ca Website: www.visiontax.ca Emily Lo is a cross-border tax accountant with 10+ years of experience in providing U.S. & Canadian tax services. Our firm ensures timely filing of your tax & information returns & provides cross-border tax consultation & tax saving strategies. *denotes Professional Corporation

St. Patricks Day Special Wednesday, March 17

Housemade Corned Beef with Cabbage, Carrots & Potatoes $20 Available Dine in, To Go or Take & Heat FEATURED PAIRING Solanine by Atwood Ales (Potato Stout) Order early to ensure availability

Live Entertainment in our Event Space! Friday, March 12 • 7 pm • Live Music by Adrian Clark Friday, March 19 • 7 pm • Live Music by Trio Sueno Friday, March 26 • 7 pm • Live Music by Alex Kelsh

Open Wednesday-Saturday 4-9 pm 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine www.TheVaultWine.com 360-392-0955 Follow us on log& log

The Northern Light • March 11 - 17, 2021

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Conor Wilson 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 Doug Dahl, Mike Kent, Sharon Ann Maas The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVI, No 38 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Mar. 18 Ads due: Mar. 12

Girl scouts gift BHS teachers with cookies

s With the help of a $250 grant, local girl scouts were able to hand out over 50 boxes of cookies to Blaine High School teachers and staff to thank them for their hard work this year. From l; Juniper Shea, 11th grade; Ariana Townson, 11th grade; and Hailey Karuza, 12th grade, of Girl Scout Troop 42579, said they received a Hershey Heartwarming Project Action grant last February aimed to help youth add more kindness to their communities. Photo by Trina Karuza

Letters The Editor: This is for the car guy Doug Dahl. Recently, I purchased a 2019 Subaru. It is the first automatic transmission in my life (I’m 75). After three weeks, my right hand still gravitates to the shift handle and my left leg has gotten shorter by 1/2 inch due to lack of use with a clutch. The dash console has so many colors, displays, and warning sounds that it makes me feel as though I am back in the ’60s. I do like the backup screen so I can see what it is that I have slammed into without having to get out of the car to look. I told a neighbor that in making an offer in price to the salesman I said, “This is the closest this retired teacher will ever get to a BMW.” She laughed and said that what I have is a BAW (bells and whistles). Richard Mollette Custer The Editor: School teaches to the intellect and leaves out the heart. Every child comes into this world created with their own natural gifts

and talents, what it is they love to do that stems from the heart. But school has become a drudgery with an overload of too much detailed learning, too much testing and way too much homework. High school seniors can have up to seven hours of classwork and three hours of homework, looking at a computer screen for 10 hours a day. It is no longer a quality education because the quantity of information students are expected to learn is off the charts. When we are stressed the brain releases different chemicals that doesn’t allow it to focus properly or think clearly. Because of this fact, school undermines its own objectives because of all the stress it creates making it even harder for students to process the information they are expected to learn. It is tragic students are made to feel their worth is based on their grades, and so much pressure to get good grades so they can go on to college. The U.S. now has $1.7 trillion in student loan debt. Fouryear graduates can’t get jobs in their majors so they take minimum wage jobs and

owe $100,000 in student loans. “Kids Under Pressure” on NBC Nightly News reported “Most students feel a crushing burden from pandemic learning from the massive work load.” Some Blaine schools have only one counselor overseeing as many as 400 students. This is a tragedy in itself. It reveals a blatant disregard on the part of the schools for their lack of prioritizing the importance of our children’s emotional well-being and mental health. Surveys have revealed students have had suicidal thoughts because they were under so much stress and feel hopeless. Those numbers have gone up. Parents, teachers and school administrators … take notice. I am sure you will agree that no amount of education is worth losing a child’s life. Cindy Kisska Birch Bay Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Get out and enjoy a free day at a state park March 19 By Conor Wilson Washington state residents will be allowed free day access to state parks on Friday, March 19, in celebration of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission’s 108th birthday. Vehicle access to state parks usually requires a Discover Pass, which costs $10 for the day or $30 for the year. On free days, visitors can enter any state park without a pass. Free access only applies to state parks;

a Discover Pass will still be required on lands managed by the state department of fish and wildlife and the department of natural resources. Free days also do not apply to overnight camping or sno-parks, which require their own pass. This is the third of 12 free days in 2021, with the next happening Saturday, April 3. Here are the remaining free days in 2021: • Saturday, April 3 (Springtime Day) • Thursday, April 11 (Earth Day) • Saturday, June 5 (National Trails Day) • Saturday, June 12 (National Get Out-

doors Day) • Sunday, June 13 (Free Fishing Day) • Wednesday, August 25 (National Park Service Birthday) • Saturday, September 25 (National Public Lands Day) • Thursday, November 11 (Veterans Day) • Friday, November 26 (Autumn Day) The parks commission manages over 100 state parks, including Birch Bay State Park, that make up 120,000 acres of land in the state.

March 11 - 17, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Local real estate: An unexpected pandemic side effect By Mike Kent As we cross the anniversary of Covid-19 being declared a national emergency, we in the real estate industry cannot believe what has evolved in the residential home market. In Blaine, especially, the impact of a near total shut down between closing of businesses and more significantly the closing of the border caused realtors and their clients to question whether 2020 would be both a health and financial disaster. The first few weeks were reminiscent of 9/11 when real estate came to a standstill and the border was closed for a short period of time. But much like a replay of 9/11, homes overnight became more than just shelter, quickly evolving into a sanctuary that provided a sense of security in an uncertain time. Within a month, smaller communities offering what some see as a better quality of life than urban cores became highly sought after by those seeking a better place to work, raise a family or retire. Whether it was commerce disruption; threats to safety from protests morphing into riots in downtown Seattle, Portland and other West Coast cities; or the rising tax burden of states like

California; an exodus began very quickly and continued to escalate through the summer and fall of 2020. Initially, Bellingham got the attention of the new out-of-area buyers causing prices to jump nearly 1 percent a month. While Birch Bay and Blaine saw more modest gains, the wave was most certainly headed our way. Once Bellingham’s inventory of available houses started drying up and competing offers creating buyer fatigue became the norm, Blaine and Birch Bay became the next best … or perhaps better option. Fast forward to 2021 and we are now seeing multiple offers, declining inventory and more and more digital nomads (those who can now work from home indefinitely from anywhere) stake their claim in Blaine and Birch Bay as prices are closing in on Bellingham’s numbers. The likelihood that prices will continue to rise in our community through 2021 and beyond depends on a few key factors: Low interest rates, low inventory and relatively low prices compared to other areas that drive prices. A sudden shift in any of these categories could slow the market faster than it took off in 2020, but the federal government is not

likely to tinker too much with rates through 2021. Building permits, while up, are still well below market demand and the cost of construction will keep rising. The literal backbone of houses is lumber, where prices have risen 170 percent since April of 2020, adding an average $24,000 to a new home, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Add the implementation of new energy codes and other building material costs and a more accurate number is a $40,000-$50,000 add to a typical home. Remember, we are squeezed by the border, the Georgia Strait and mountains. Unlike the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, we can’t just create sprawling home developments as needed. Also, one day (and hopefully by summer), Canadians will return, and vacation homes will be on their shopping list once again, along with cheap milk, gas and other goods. California will still have high taxes driving people our direction and former urbanites will not be anxious to go back to the 10th floor, traffic and the trappings of big city life, especially if they no longer have to in order to make a living. So, a few words of advice, if you’re thinking about selling …

s Windermere Real Estate realtor Mike Kent. don’t! While some of my real estate colleagues who are scrambling for listings may cringe at that suggestion, you as a seller are living in a great investment that is increasing in value well ahead of inflation each day. If you do need to sell, there has literally never been a better time, just make sure you have a place to land when your home gets a great offer within 24 hours of listing. In the meantime, we need more housing opportunities like Grandis Pond in Blaine and other sizable developments to prevent housing prices from going so high that the last round of Bor-

In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday ... By Sharon Ann Maas, Blaine It doesn’t seem nice, it doesn’t seem right, To toss out these words without a good fight! Words that were written for young and the old Words that have had over 600 million sold! The Dr. they say is no doctor at all, But a man who shared talent for those short and tall. And not just in English or Spanish or German But 20 more languages for Susie and Herman! His very first book about Mulberry Street Had little minds dancing-and likely some feet! In the year of my birth came the Cat in the Hat I still have that book if you can imagine that! As a child he experienced direct prejudice But turned life around and wrote about fish! He lived through world wars and all that that brings, Yet he penned out some words that made us all sing! He thrilled us all with anapestic tetrameter, Long before we knew of tweets and of tweeters. He helped us to learn the nature of reading, With some rhyming, rhythm and a little repeating. I believe it quite true, if we look hard enough We will find in most anyone things to rebuff. Do we know what resides in

the heart of each man Without even asking ‘what was your true plan’? The books are like parables, told much like Jesus With drawings and story lines clever and facetious. But who truly knows what he held in his heart When penned all these stories that made us feel smart? “Be who you are and say what you feel” Made us feel special and shout out a squeal! “A person’s a person ... no matter how small” Was always a favorite ... not being so tall! Again I must ask, is this a path that we wish? To be judged and stepped on and feel ourselves squish. But if we look to the heart of each human we see And look for the good, I think we might be A healthier nation, a happy one too If we just learn to listen to Mike, Bill and Sue. Let’s set aside meanness, say no to harsh words And strive to be kind ... unlike Mayzie the bird! I know I’m not perfect, I fail every day But listen now and hear what I say: If we look for the down side, which might not be there, Are we really doing what is good, right and fair? To say: “Here’s what you meant by the drawing I see” Is not really helping to which I must plea, Give others a chance, let their

voices be heard, Don’t judge a book by a cat, fish or bird! We all are unique, we aren’t all the same We have different colors and all our own name It needs to be said we don’t all agree But give some respect be it he, she or me! You want me to hear what you have to say Be mindful of others and give them their day. As a mom and a teacher I’m proud to admit I rather enjoyed me some Dr. Seuss wit! I’ll keep on sharing those books that I can

File photo

derite grads cannot afford to live here. Mike Kent is a realtor with Windermere Real Estate. Every Saturday at 10 a.m., he hosts the weekly “Radio Real Estate” program on 790 KGMI.

CITY OF BLAINE Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.

Thursday, March 11 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting

And know they were written by a talented man Oh how I wish I had an ounce of hisbad. knack My Please add "4:00pm To throw words and pictures – Civil Service Commission together like that. Meeting" on the 11th. Also, In closing, please allow me to "Thursday, add one moreMarch thought25" should forThank our nation bePray bold. you! for that which was fought Our freedoms our liberties our choices and more Mountains, and oceans and beauty galore! Get down on your knees and ask the good Lord To guard and protect us with His mighty sword. Happy Birthday to my friend (who I met through his books) Dr. Seuss

4:00pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting

6:00pm – Planning Commission

Meeting Planning Commission Study Session: Zoning Text Amendment

Monday, March 22 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Thursday, March 25

6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Thursday, April 8 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting

6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

www.cityofblaine.com

Thank you for supporting local journalism. “Happy to support The Northern Light, which has been a great help to us since moving to Blaine in late 2019.” -Barbara Adams “We always look forward to NEWSPAPER THURSDAY! Thanks!” -Linda & Jerry Johnson

This week’s supporters: Larry Hartman • Jerry and Linda Johnson • Norman and Rosemary Meyers • Thomas Johnson Barbara and Paul Adams • Linda Walker • Rebecca Chao • Rhiannon Allen • Wayne Ray

You can also contribute online at thenorthernlight.com

Please Support This Newspaper

$24

(or whatever you can)

Name: Email: Address: City: State: Zip:

Community Newspaper for Blaine & Birch Bay

MAIL TO: The Northern Light, 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230

360/332-1777

The Northern Light • March 11 - 17, 2021

Author ... From page 1

s Author Jessica Stone. Courtesy photo

few years ago. Stone said the book took her over a year to write, longer than her first novel, due to the amount of plotting and red herrings required in writing a mystery. The book is the first in a series of novels featuring Sheaffer Blue. Stone’s first novel, “The Last Outrageous Women,” inspired by her mother’s group of friends in Florida was published in 2017. “My mother belonged to this little group of elderly ladies that called themselves the outrageous women,” Stone said. “My mother goes, ‘It’s really sad that there used to be 15 of us and now there’s only six’ and I stupidly said, ‘Would it be weird to be the last outrageous woman?’” Prior to that, Stone wrote two nonfiction books, “Doggy on Deck” and “How to Retire on a Boat,” that pulled on her expe-

riences sailing around the globe with her border collie and Siamese cat, traveling up and down the Americas, across the Pacific Ocean and around Oceania. Stone said she first became interested in sailing after not making tenure as a marketing professor at San Diego State University. “I didn’t get tenure, which for a professor it’s like getting stabbed in the heart,” Stone said. “I was really bummed out and a friend gets a globe out and said, ‘We’re going to spin this and wherever it lands you’re going to go.’” Stone said her finger landed on the Caribbean and she spent the next year on a boat with her pets island hopping. “On the plane back, after a year of doing that, I told myself I was going to figure out a way to buy my own boat and sail around the world,” she said. “It all kind of

happened by accident.” Stone said, of all the places she has traveled, her favorite is Barra De Navidad, a small village in Mexico only accessible through extremely rough waters. Although much of her early writing focused on sailing and traveling, Stone said she has always been a writer, and cannot remember a time when she was not writing. With her new book, Stone said her main goal is to entertain. “I hope people read the book, laugh and get carried away with the story and the mystery,” she said. “I hope they like Sheaffer, and get to be her friend, even though she’s a bit of a dead weight.” The 270-page book will be available online, including at sidekickpress.com, and at Village Books, located in Bellingham

s “Blood on a Blue Moon: A Sheaffer Blue Mystery.” Courtesy image and Lynden. An online launch event for the book is scheduled Thursday, April 1 through Village Books. For a free ticket, visit bit. ly/stonelaunch.

Whatcom County Covid-19 vaccine and testing roundup By Grace McCarthy PeaceHealth PeaceHealth spokesperson Hilary Andrade said PeaceHealth still hasn’t received the number of vaccines its requested from the state. This week, the state notified PeaceHealth that it would receive one-third of the first-dose Pfizer allocations it received the previous week and a few hundred second doses of Moderna. “Every week is a different scenario,” she said. James Bochsler, vice president and medical director of PeaceHealth Medical Group, Northwest, said in an email that PeaceHealth has the ability to vaccinate 1,000 people per day. PeaceHealth requests vaccines from the state every Monday, to be used for the following week. By mid-week, the state tells the provider the number of vaccines it is expected to receive but the allotment is not official until the

end of the week, Bochsler said. Andrade said PeaceHealth is not expected to administer any Johnson and Johnson vaccine because they have the capability to administer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine. “Though we do not expect to administer the Johnson and Johnson vaccine immediately, we are preparing operationally to do so if needed in the future,” Andrade wrote in an email. PeaceHealth will start a self-scheduling tool later this month, according to a PeaceHealth statement. PeaceHealth also scheduled 500 vaccine appointments last week for eligible farmworkers and laborers, with several hundred more appointments to be scheduled this week, Andrade said. Spanish, Russian, Punjabi and Mandarin translators helped people during the vaccine clinic. Blaine teachers and staff start vaccinations

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

360-332-7100 360-332-7100

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

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

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

MON-FRI 8AM TO 5:30PM

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

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

Blaine school district teachers and staff started receiving vaccinations within 24 hours of Inslee saying all childcare workers were eligible for vaccinations, superintendent Christopher Granger said. Granger said teachers and staff are getting vaccinated individually and through group vaccinations from about four vaccine providers, including PeaceHealth and Hoagland Pharmacy in Bellingham. Granger said the school district isn’t keeping track of the percentage of vaccinated employees because collecting employee health information could be considered a HIPAA violation. Vaccinations are still optional for public school employees and Granger said, adding that he doesn’t anticipate the state changing that decision. Blaine’s DHS sector vaccinates over 700 personnel About 720 Blaine Department of Homeland Security personnel – including homeland security, office of field operations and homeland security investigators – have been vaccinated, CBP spokesperson Jason Givens said in an email. The employees were vaccinated in a large-scale vaccine clinic at the Peace Arch port

s Over 200 people were vaccinated at the pilot mass vaccine clinic on March 6. Courtesy Whatcom County Health Department of entry on March 5 and at a previous vaccine event, Givens said. Vaccinations were administered by CBP, border patrol and special response EMTs with guidance from CBP chief medical officer Dr. David Tarantino. CBP officers and border patrol agents are eligible for vaccinations under the CDC’s phase 1a and phase 1b categories, Givens said. State will not consider delaying second dose DOH said in an email to The Northern Light that it will not consider delaying a second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, similar to what B.C. and the U.K. have done to vaccinate a

greater number of people quicker. “There are no plans to change our framework at this time,” said DOH spokesperson Shelby Anderson. “We will continue to look to the CDC for guidance.” Anderson said the state still recommends the Pfizer second dose be given 21 days after the first shot and the Moderna second dose given 28 days after its first dose. If getting a second dose is not possible at that time, both vaccines can be scheduled for their second dose up to 42 days after the first dose. Second doses can still be given after this time (See Vaccine, page 13)

Utility moratorium extended until July 31 for electric, natural gas By Ian Haupt Electric and natural gas customers struggling to pay their bills due to the economic impacts of the pandemic have until July 31 before worrying disconnections will restart. On February 23, the state Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) extended protections for electric and natural gas customers until July 31, according to a media release. This order only includes privately held utilities, not publicly held water and sewer districts. Governor Jay Inslee issued an order last April that prevented energy, water and telecommuni-

cation companies from disconnecting customers for nonpayment that was slated to expire April 30. The state has five investor-owned utilities: Puget Sound Energy, PacifiCorp, Avista, Northwest Natural Gas and Cascade Natural Gas. UTC, the state regulatory agency, will also continue to waive late fees and deposits through January 27, 2022, according to the release. As of December, almost 277,000 residential electric and natural gas customers across the state have past due balances totaling $79.1 million, which was a 65 percent increase from 2019. During 2020, investor-owned

utilities dispersed assistance funds to more than 91,000 – a 31 percent increase from 2019 – low-income customers and customers who lost income due to the pandemic. To aid struggling customers, the commission also required utilities to set up new assistance programs specifically for those unable to pay because of the impacts of the pandemic. Customers who need help should reach out to their companies to ask about these programs and for other payment plan options. The UTC will hold a meeting in May to review utility preparedness to serve low-income customers and impacts of the pandemic.

March 11 - 17, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Sports Borderites come up short for wins as sports season progresses

s Junior Gabe Cranford, #24, tries to fend off the Bellingham defense in the Borderites’ 30-19 loss at home March 15 against Bellingham High School.

By Ian Haupt The Borderites came up short for wins this past week as all fall sports continued competition in the WIAA’s adjusted fall season. Football The Borderites fell to Bellingham last Friday 30-19 at home. It was Bellingham’s first win of the season. Junior Gabe Cranford scored the Borderites first touchdown

of the game late in the second quarter, making the score 24-6 at halftime. Junior Peyton Dixon scored shortly after the half to put the Borderites within two touchdowns from the lead. But it was not to be, the Red Raiders responded quickly, putting the game out of reach for the Borderites. Junior Seth Zuch scored Blaine’s third and final touchdown of the game. Senior Will McKinney led the

s Senior Myrthe Scheepens, #10, goes up for a spike in the Borderites’ three-set home loss. Photo by Janell Kortlever

Borderites defensively with 7.5 tackles, two tackles for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble. The Borderites are scheduled to play Nooksack Valley at home Thursday, March 11, at 7 p.m. The team then travels to Anacortes Tuesday, March 16. Girls Soccer After their first win of the season against Mount Baker, the Borderites were kept scoreless in their following games. Girls soccer lost to Anacortes 3-0 at home March 3 and fell to Sehome 5-0 in Bellingham March 6. The Borderites were scheduled to travel to Lynden March 10. The team is also scheduled to host Lynden Christian Saturday, March 13, at 2 p.m. and travel to Sedro-Woolley on Tuesday, March 16. Cross Country The boys and girls cross country teams raced Lynden Christian in a dual meet March 3. Freshman Cameron Saunders led the boys

team, taking fourth place with a time of 21:47 in the 5,000-meter race. Senior Abby Higgins took fifth in the girls varsity race with a time of 28:03. Both teams were scheduled to take on Nooksack Valley and Mount Baker March 10 in a threeschool race held at the Deming Logging Show event space. Volleyball The Borderites lost three matches in straight sets this past week on the back of their second win of the season against Mount Baker, and first straight set win. Girls volleyball hosted Burlington-Edison March 4 and Anacortes March 8. The team traveled to Mount Vernon March 6. The Borderites lost all matches 3-0. The team were scheduled to travel to Sehome March 10. The Borderites will also travel to Sedro-Woolley Monday, March 15, and host Lynden on Wednesday, March 17, at 7 p.m.

Photo by Janell Kortlever

Combination Meals Buy One, Get Second

1/2 PRICE!

with purchase of 2 drinks!

TAKE OUT. Of equal or lesser value. Not valid with other offers. Lunch or Dinner. Exp. 3/25/2021

TAKE OUT, HEA NEW TED OU DELIVERY & DININGT! SIDE DINE IN thru Viking Food

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

360-332-4045

www.pasodelnorte.net

Fix a Leak EPA

WaterSense

Leaks Can Run, But they Can’t Hide! SPONSORED BY: BIRCH BAY WATER SEWER DISTRICT

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.

• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)

• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

The Northern Light • March 11 - 17, 2021

Active S eniors It costs how much? Evaluating seniors’ biggest expenses New parents may not be able to visualize that one day their largest expenditures won’t be centralized around providing necessities for their children. Adults go through many years of paying for diapers, toys, clothing, food and education for their children. Yet, when the children have flown the coop, spending patterns change, and even more changes await come retirement.

According to a 2020 survey from the financial services firm Edward Jones, 68 percent of workers soon to retire said they had no idea how much they should be setting aside for expenses, particularly health care and long-term care. Professionals approaching retirement would be wise to analyze the Consumer Price Index - Elderly (CPI-E). It is a good

We're Thinking of You & We Miss You!

reference to estimate which future expenses will cost the most after retirement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics looks at consumer spending and uses various data to determine the rate of inflation in key areas that apply to older adults starting at age 62. Individuals may be surprised to learn about where they’ll be spending the bulk of their money when they get older. Here’s a look at some key categories. • Housing: According to data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, in 2017, the most recent year for which data is available, housing accounted for

Stay Safe, Be Healthy Wash Your Hands & Wear a Mask!

roughly 49 percent of all spending for seniors. Focus should be centered on lowering those costs when a fixed income is imminent. The possibilities include paying off a mortgage; downsizing a home to have a lower rent or mortgage payment; refinancing a home to a fixed-rate loan so that costs are predictable; and taking on a tenant to offset costs. • Food: The cost of food will not change dramatically, but it can eat into your budget. Even though food costs may decline when there’s only two mouths to feed, food and beverage spending may go up due to more lei-

Whole Pilates of Birch Bay

“Stay Healthy With

Whole Pilates” Schedule your lesson today

973-865-2764

Blaine Senior Center • 763 G Street, Blaine • 360-332-8040

Home & Away... Help is on the way!

W/P

FR GIFEE T

URC

150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

HAS

MobileHelp is the premiere Medical Alert System that provides emergency coverage inside your home and throughout the USA.

To get Life Saving Information and a FREE BROCHURE, call MobileHelp today! • No equipment to buy.

• Sign up in minutes. Activation is simple.

sure time and dining out. Utilize senior discounts by shopping on days when stores offer percentages off purchases. Save money on restaurant spending by eating out at lunch instead of dinner, splitting plates or skipping appetizers. • Healthcare: Experts warn that while many expenses decline in retirement, health care spending increases. According to Fidelity, the average 65-year-old couple retiring in 2020 in the United States needed roughly $295,000 just to cover their retirement health care expenses. Those with family histories of severe illnesses or those with preexisting conditions will need even more. It’s also important to realize that roughly half of the population will need long-term care at some point, offers The Motley Fool, and that requires advanced budgeting as well. Many people find that Medicare supplement plans can bridge the gap in expenses that government-run plans will not cover. Saving through a health savings account (HSA) when employed also can create extra cash on hand for retirement expenses. Understanding which retirement expenses will be high can help people plan better for the future.

N W SIG E NOWEER D

ENJOYING A NEW SHOWER IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK

• No long term contract. Optional Fall Button™ with Automatic Fall Detect ■ ■

Comfortable and lightweight Signals for help even when you can’t press your button*

Call for a FREE Brochure!

1-360-685-8367 $

Get your free Emergency Key Holder when you purchase a MobileHelp service plan.

MobileHelp Exclusive Offer

FREE Emergency Key Holder

Offer valid while supplies last.

29 95

VALU

*Service availability and access/coverage on the AT&T network is not available everywhere and at all times. Fall Button™ does not detect 100% of falls. If able, users should always push their help button when they need assistance. Fall Button™ is not intended to replace a caregiver for users dealing with serious health issues. Current GPS location may not always be available in every situation. MobileHelp is a registered trademark and Fall Button is a trademark of MobileHelp. Patented technology. MobileHelp is an FDA registered company. MHP-06631A

FREE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION CALL TODAY

newshowerdeal.com/nrthrn | 877-277-1287 *Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchase. Minimum spend amount applies. Financing subject to third party credit approval. Some financing options cannot be combined with other offers and may require minimum monthly payments. All offers subject to change prior to purchase. See AmericanStandardShowers.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY: 55431H;NYC:HIC 2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.

March 11 - 17, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Helping aging adults adapt to technology Children, adolescents and young adults likely cannot imagine a life without modern technology. Technology may have pervaded every part of life in the 21st century, but it wasn’t so long ago that phones were still attached to walls and people had to watch their favorite shows and films exclusively on televisions instead of having the option to watch them on devices like smartphones and tablets. The transition to life in the age of technology went smoothly for most segments of the population, but some aging adults have had a more difficult time making the adjustment. That difficulty was apparent throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, when public health agencies like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged aging adults to limit interactions with people outside their homes. Such recommendations forced many seniors to communicate with their fami-

lies exclusively over the phone or via video conferencing apps like Zoom. If seniors have had a hard time adapting to technology, their families can try these strategies to make that transition go more smoothly. • Go over product manuals with seniors. The senior caregiving experts at Home Care Assistance note that older adults are less likely to learn through experimentation than they are by reading instructions in the manual. When helping seniors learn to use new devices, go over the owner’s manual with them as you set up the device. Mark important pages in the manual so seniors know where to go for quick answers if they experience any issues logging in or using certain apps. • Look for senior-specific devices and guidebooks. Seniors make up an enormous segment of the population, and tech companies have long since recognized that there’s a market for products de-

signed specifically for aging men and women. When shopping for devices for seniors, look for those that have been designed to help them overcome issues that have proven problematic for aging adults in the past. Devices that feature touchscreens with large menus, easily accessible navigation tools and simplified features can help seniors as they learn to use new technology that they’re not used to navigating. • Be patient. Some seniors are excited by the prospect of learning to use new technology, while others may be hesitant. Patience is essential when working with an aging loved one who’s intimidated by technology. Take the time to explain apps and features and don’t take it for granted that seniors will know how to use a device or recognize what a device can do. Today’s seniors may not have grown up with technology at their fingertips, but they can still learn to use devices to their advantage.

Affordable health screenings coming April 5 Residents living in Blaine can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. American Legion Peace Arch Post 86 will host this community event on Monday, April 5, 2021. The site is located at 4580 Legion Drive in Blaine. Screenings can check for: • The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for heart disease, stroke and overall vascular health. • HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels • Diabetes risk • Bone density as a risk for possible osteoporosis • Kidney and thyroid function and more Screenings are affordable, con-

venient and accessible for wheelchairs and those with trouble walking. Free parking is also available. Packages start at $149, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk

factors. Also, ask about the Wellness Gold Membership Program, which allows customers to get all the screenings they need now and paying $19.95 a month. Call 877/237-1287 or visit the Life Line website at lifelinescreening. com. Pre-registration is required.

Register at: oppco.org/shiba or call: 360-788-2725 Presentation by your local Whatcom County SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors): Opportunity Council 1419 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham WA 98225

A little Extra Care with a lot more Peace of Mind. Call 360-354-5985 905 Aaron Dr. • Lynden, WA • www.lyndenmanor.com

DISCOUNT

MONUMENTS & URNS 1118 W. Smith Rd.

CascadeMonuments.com

$50 OFF

Flats

Headstones

Urns

CASCADE MONUMENTS (360)

383-9146

Your Connection to Community Aging & Disability Resources for:

• Caregiver Support • Legal Options • Long-Term Care • Prescription • Medicare/ • In-Home Care Assistance Medicaid • Medical/Dental L Information and Assistance L L Confidential and Free of Charge L Supporting the independence, dignity, and health of community members of northwestern Washington

600 Lakeway Dr. Suite 100 • Bellingham, WA 98225

360-738-2500

Save up to $4,000 on any of the following:

K.K., Solstice Resident

Save up to $4,000 • Rent Rent Rent •• Moving expenses Moving expenses •• New furniture • New furniture

*Some conditions apply; call for details.

1313 E. Maple St., Ste 208 Bellingham www.NathanMcAllisterLaw.com

Join us online via Zoom:

Thurs., Feb. 11, 9:30 am - 10:30 am Thurs., Mar. 3, 10 am - 11 am Thurs., Mar. 18, 12 pm - 1 pm

NORTHWEST REGIONAL COUNCIL

ATTORNEY AT LAW, PS

360-734-0338

Learn about getting help to pay for Medicare & other cost-savings programs.

Cascade Monuments

NATHAN L. McALLISTER

Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate & Family Law

Medicare cost-savings webinar

*Some conditions apply; call for details Solstice Senior Living at BELLINGHAM Solstice Senior Living at BELLINGHAM 2818 Old Fairhaven Pkwy., Bellingham, WA 98225 2818 Old Fairhaven Pkwy., Bellingham, WA 98225 360-671-6060 360-671-6060 SolsticeSeniorLIvingBellingham.com SolsticeSeniorLivingBellingham.com

on any of the following:

Providing exceptional senior care & services

Call Today for more than 60 years in Whatcom County for Details! Newly Remodeled and Spacious Private Suites,

360-671-6060

TV, Wi-Fi, Phone All Major Insurances Accepted • MDCR / MDCD Post-Acute Rehab / Skilled Nursing Edema Management / Wound Care

456 ‘C’ Street, Blaine 98230 • 360-332-8733 www.good-sam.com/stafholt

The Northern Light • March 11 - 17, 2021

Your six-word Covid-19 memoirs Supposedly, Ernest Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in just six words. His response? “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.” It turns out that Hemingway’s role has never been confirmed. Nevertheless, it’s a great example of what some people call “flash fiction.” Larry Smith, founder of Smith Magazine, has taken the concept and, calling it “six-word memoirs,” promotes it as a way to spur creativity and encourage people to express themselves. Instead of fiction, we asked our readers in September to tell us, in just six words, about their life and experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. To our surprise, we received letters from around the world of people expressing what the past year has meant for them. In honor of the one-year anniversary since Whatcom County declared a public health emergency on March 10, 2020, we decided to publish the well over 100 memoirs we received. She smiled, turned around, and cried. Xinyi Mei, Hangzhou, China

Venice Beach, California Eat stinky food all you want Miyo Yamauchi, L.A.

Pain has made me an optimist. TQ Sims, New Orleans

Zoom creates limited yet boundless world Miyo Yamauchi, L.A.

It’s like a caged-at-home. Francine Kyla Poblares, no address “The Plague”, Tale turned to Reality. Christine Makiling, no location Echoes of laughter, now in wails Resha Mae Mabao, Philippines Quarantined in house. Use mask. Coronavirus Nathaniel Pinaga, Dasmariñas, Philippines Everything’s changed even worse than before. Shaina joy Villegas, Batangas, Philippines Virus spreads, Lockdown, Loneliness devours me Steve Villa, Quezon City, Philippines

Back to the hometown. Send help. Lyssa Mandel, Norwalk Finally got to know myself more. Vaibhav Hassija, Melbourne My cottage Forbidden Since Covid Heartbroken Jana Walker, Ladner, B.C.

He died. Now it doesn’t matter. Melissa Meyer, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Stress renders me bootless and pant-less. Maggie Maize. no address

More time with 45-year bride Mark Simard, Blaine

Love my family a lot, but ... Melanie May, Bellingham

Then thriving. Now disease. Reboot. Survive. Lynne Shelton, Blaine

Neighborhood walks seeing teddybears in windows Debbie Earl, no address

Making the best of the situation Lola Vankirk, no address

No family reunion this year. Heartbroken. Jeanne Halsey, Blaine Psychotherapist I am. Please send help. Stephanie McDonald, Blaine Worst time ever to declare bisexuality Pasha Marlowe, North Yarmouth, Maine

Following science. Showing empathy. Staying home. Jael Komac, Ferndale

Roads empty hidden behind uncertain questions Keith Matson, Vancouver

Gardening, crafting, reading, volunteering, appreciating life. Jael Komac, Ferndale My sweet pets make quarantine bearable. Jennifer Plombon, Blaine

No Fun No School No Friends Katie Matson, Vancouver

Crazy times love hope inspiration kindness Kris Lankhaar, Blaine

My house, my island, my security Patrocinio Calay, Cabuyao, Philippines

I’ve played a lot of golf! Timothy Howe, Blaine

Trapped inside: A house, a brain. Morgan Fechter, Boston

Another game of Wii bowling, dear? Ross Anderson, Birch Bay

Losing all identities behind the mask. Man-yi Lee, Vancouver

Boardrooms met and discussed social distancing. Alka Jain, India

According to the internet, you’re wrong! Eric Persuand, NYC

Not worried, I’ve lived life already. Rex Allison, Blaine

A plague on all our houses. Amy Pokras, Oak Park, Illinois

Are you still watching? Continue watching. Narkunas, Birch Bay

How smooth the dream Before whiplash Molly Messana Ambler, PA

Covid fear. Masks appear. Stay safe L. Shelton, Blaine

Border closed!? But ... but ... my packages!!! Adam Kennedy, Ladner, B.C.

Hi. It’s me. Your friend, remember? Omer Tennenhaus, no location

Finally met the writer in me Vaibhav Hassija, Melbourne

Gardening is my prime pandemic project. Teresa Verde, Blaine

Bible up, pray up, trust up. Delores Carter, Blaine Covid disappear. You ruined my summer. Debbie Drorbaugh, Blaine Wearing a mask is not socialism. Jeff Sterling, Birch Bay Non-huggers: “Six feet, eh? No problem!” Kelly Tuski, Blaine

Broken hearted, steadfast in the chaos. Melissa McCall, Blaine Cooperation, outreach, vaccines, immunizing, defeats ... it! Silva Gore, Blaine Lost my job. And my mother-inlaw. Laura Sherret, St. Thomas, Ontario Schools closed, so much to learn. Connie Taylor, Blaine I wheeze, infected with pandemic loneliness. Jonathan Watson, Davao City, Philippines So, what is the big deal? Diana C. Horan, Blaine Looking out my window ... nature survives. Maggie Blackburn, Blaine

Even the fresh horses are dead. Jennifer Shneiderman, L.A.

Less is worth more, division included. Jamie Gerity, Birch Bay

Discarded mask. Discarded life. Discarded heart. Terry Malik, No address

Border closed. Cannot work. Am broke. Elizabeth Gaines, Blaine

Retiring 2021. Moving to Blaine, Washington! Nancy Braun, McMinnville, Oregon

Wash my hands, face and groceries. Laura Spaeth, New York

“Connection problems” pretty much covers it. Riley Sweeney, Lynden

I survived quarantine, with my ex. Laura Swan, Saturna, B.C.

She hates it when I say “irrevocably.” Emerson Dameron,

Enjoy life, it’s short, choose happiness. Allison Luna, Blaine

Had to deal with stupid people. Steve Bawn, Blaine Maybe tomorrow I will try again. Veronica DeGolier, Blaine

Isolated masked breathless fright long enduring Kathy Ernst, no address Discovery, awareness, contemplation, awakening, adaptation, life. M Lynn Morenz, no address My grandkids are missing school terribly! Robin Gray, no address Different ways of showing we care Debbie Jo Johnson Earl, no address Frequent phone visits, know friends better. Donna Robbins, Bellingham Shock, fear, depression, prayer, acceptance, hope Marta Gutierrez Farlin, Blaine Thank God he is in control Kathy Workentin Richardson, no address Friends, family, day by day, embrace Nancy Mayfield Boat, Birch Bay Rather weird in every crazy way! Lonnie Moore, no address Less is worth more, division included. Jamie Gerity, Bellingham NEWS equals Now Entertainment Will Suffice. Charlotte Benn Sessions, Blaine Trying to keep head above water! Angie Deming Czesak,no address Lack of leadership makes me sad Rex Broward, no address How does mask wearing equal socialism? Jeff Sterling, Birch Bay Steamed up glasses, mumbled, jumbled words Sandra Anderberg, no address Thank God I live in America Roy Anderberg, no address Will you just shut up ... please! Heidi Hutchins, Birch Bay Bored? Not possible. Read and learn. Enjoy nature, go outside, lucky you. Too much complaining, not enough gratitude. Diana C. Horan, Blaine

Spontaneous smile; silly sweet so savory. Mary Jane Thompson, Blaine Covid, spring came but no flowers. Grandkids in Canada are still waiting. Unmasked still shop in Lynden Safeway. Jim Brunner, Blaine Masks. My emotions you cannot see. Covid-19. Hospital. You will die alone Covid threatens. Paralyzing society. Covid looms. You treat me like I’m diseased. Schooling. Not optional. For all children Can you imagine? Giving you hugs. Susan Thorpe, Blaine Relax and enjoy blessings are instore Karen Bacon, Blaine Ten years to start. Puzzle finished. Ross Anderson, Birch Bay Flying airplanes much s afer than walking Bette Fineman, Blaine I pay taxes let me in. Anonymous, Canada Loneliness and desperation in hope. Jeanette Graham, Union This pandemic is fake news Rudy Ambrose, Blaine Nothing changed. At all. Lame. Jodi Hobbs, Birch Bay Spread Love: Don’t mask your feelings. Debra Ferguson, Point Roberts Worst time ever to declare bisexuality Pasha Marlowe, North Yarmouth, Maine A plague on all our houses. Amy Pokras, Oak Park, Illinois Lost my job. And my mother-in-law. Laura Sherret, St. Thomas, Ontario We’re never going to survive unless ... Renee Coe, Point Roberts

March 11 - 17, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

NEXT ISSUE: March 18 AD DEADLINE: March 15

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Announcements

Child Care

OPEN EVERYDAY 9 to 6pm, SUNDAY 9 to 5pm YOUR

’s

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

MASK HQ

Now Enrolling 1 month - 12 years old

KN95 - 5 for $10 50 pk, 3 ply surgical - $9.99 Kids & Toddler Face Shields & More!

360-656-5201

Since 1973

MASONRY

RESIDENTIAL

Auto

NEW CARS

COMMERCIAL

Brick • Block • Stone BARRY L. WIENS

BRICK - BLOCK - STONE

HINTON

Licensed & Bonded

(360) 332 - 6300

8139 Guide Meridian • Lynden, WA

Lic #2BROTB1945DA

360-354-2129

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

COMPLETE REMODELS

AUTO GLASS

Louis Auto Glass

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

Boats

FOR SALE 29’ Spencer Sloop. Yanmar diesel engine. Lots of new updates. Price negotiable. OBO.

Call Jim at:

360-945-5555

(360) 305-2592

Heating/Air

COMPLR*006PP

Clean Air Comfort Systems

completeremodels@yahoo.com www.completeremodels.net

Integrity Contracting N.W. LLC N

Mark St. Germaine

Quality construction since 1987 Licensed & bonded W

360-746-4902

icnwllc@comcast.net 3 Year Guarantee on all work No Job Too Big or Small Free Estimates

I New Construction • Remodeling • Siding Windows & Doors • Fencing • Drywall • Painting Lic # CCINTEGCN869DD

Computer

Computer Repairs & Upgrades

• PCs, Windows • Wireless Setup • Home & Office Networking • Spyware, Malware & Virus Removal

NWcascades.com Blaine • Birch Bay • Semiahmoo

360-371-7277

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

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

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

360-398-9400

CleanAirComfortSystems.com Lic.#CLEANAC851MG

Landscaping 20% DISCOUNT! for all firsttime services. Winter clean-up, yard care, flower beds, berry removal, shrub/hedge trimming, beauty bark, fruit tree pruning, limbing up trees, gravel, power washing, gutter cleaning. 360820-0446.

• Landscaping • Pavers • Junk Removal • Mini Excavations FREE ESTIMATES

360-220-3634

ELITE LANDSCAPE

EliteLandscapeExcavation.com *ELITELM817BB

HOTLIE*914J7

360-296-4824

Plumbing

360-393-8246

Help Wanted DISHWASHER & LINECOOK CJ’s and Black Forest restaurants in Blaine and Birch Bay seeking kitchen help/dishwasher. Available immediately. Call between 11am-12pm. 360-746-8775

How Does the Cancellation Process Work?

We are able to help most timeshare owners that contact us. You could be one phone call away from complete peace of mind. Get your free information kit and see if you qualify:

877-711-7379

when you get a CNG approved furnace, boiler or Tankless Water Heater. CALL NOW 24/7

HOTLINE ELECTRIC Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Many people believe their timeshares cannot be canceled, but they often can be. Our founder and CEO, Chuck McDowell, has successfully fought in federal court for the right to help timeshare owners — like you — out of their “binding” agreements. Whether you were misled or pressured, you may have an easy exit.

$400-$1350

Electric

HotlineElectric.net

We Cancel Timeshares for You

in combined rebates

& MINI-EXCAVATION LLC Lawn Mowing • Mulch • Excavation Power Washing • Gravel & Driveway Work Tree Pruning & More!

Service/Construction Residential - Commercial Industrial

Financial

• Our Resolution Department then works quickly to have your timeshare and related fees permanently terminated.

Specializing in Renovations & New Construction Kitchens & Baths • Custom & Spec Homes Decks, Garages & Additions

sales@thenorthernlight.com

• If we see that the circumstances of your agreement qualify you to exit the timeshare, you’ll be assigned a specialist to walk you through gathering documentation.

www.twobrothersmasonry.com

CHEVEROLET•BUICK

360-332-1777

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

• Start with a FREE consultation to discuss your needs.

BARRY L.MATT WIENS WIENS

Licensed & Bonded

ERICK WIENS phone: (360) 332-6300

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

A-1 Handyman Plus

Ron 360-739-5097

Construction

28-Years Experience

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL TWO BROTHERS MASONRY

RESPECT YOUR VETERANS

8115 Birch Bay Square-Unit 116 • I-5, Exit 270

WE ACCEPT:

We Beat Any Price!

TWO BROTHERS

Call today! 360-332-7135

Dollar$ Plus

Mike

25¢ for each additional word

Handyman

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

Full-time and part-time preschool options.

$16 for 15 words

FIND IT

IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Legal NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM, IN RE THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM WAYNE STUURMANS PROBATE NO: 21-4-00149-37 JUDGE: DAVID E. FREEMAN. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of first publication: 3/11/2021. Personal Representative: Harry Stuurmans. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 314 5th Street, P.O. box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021

80.7%

of our readers frequently purchase products or services from ads seen in

Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo

Call or email to advertise: 360-332-1777 or sales@thenorthernlight.com Find RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS on page 12

The Northern Light • March 11 - 17, 2021

Real Estate

Bay Properties Semiahmoo homeS, inc.

NW LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT A HIGHER LEVEL

8026 Kayak Way, Birch Bay Village $680,000

4751 Birch Bay Lynden Road, Latitude 49 $209,000

BIRCH BAY VILLAGE VIEW HOME!

Enjoy beautiful sunsets and views of the San Juan NOW PENDING! 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!

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

WELCOME TO THE BEACH LIFE!

Only minutes to the beach, PRICE REDUCED! this 2014 doublewide manufactured home, in excellent condition and on a low maintenance 180 day lot in Latitude 49, offers Birch Bay recreational living. This 2 BD, 2 BA home features an open floor plan with 1188 SF of living space, ample parking, a spacious storage shed and comes fully furnished. Just waiting for you to move in! Enjoy all Latitude 49 has to offer: pool, club houses, exercise room, playground and more!

Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503

CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161

4751 Birch Bay Lynden Road #2, Birch Bay $199,500 This 1 BD, 1 BA home has been seriously upgraded and remodeled! The main living area is 384 +/- SF with a 132 +/- SF front porch that has an enclosed addition on the porch which could be used as a second bedroom! There is a nice garden shed which will have a washer / dryer hook up. This 180 day property is close to all amenities at Latitude 49: pool, hot tub, putting green, exercise room, playground and clubhouse. Minutes to I-5 and the US/CND border.

TI S I L EW

NOW PENDING!

8071 Makah Road, Birch Bay Village $1,145,000 VIEW! VIEW! VIEW!

Stunning 3 BD, 2.5 BS 3513 SF custom home on a highly sought after street in Birch Bay Village! First time on the market, this JWR design showcases views of Birch Bay, Mt. Baker and the Twin Sisters!

Heather Taylor • (425) 785-5771

Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075

MOVE IN READY!

The Tides... BRAND NEW! Birch Bay’s premier community of craftsman NOW PENDING! townhome condos nestled on 11 acres above the bay. This beautiful & private unit is 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.

Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637

5455 Tsawwassen Loop $1,325,000

LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM THE BEACH...

LATITUDE 49!

4720 Tidal Way #103K, Birch Bay $339,500

TOES IN THE SAND! Rare opportunity for 60 feet of JUST LISTED in Birch Bay Village. NO BANK BEACH FRONT waterfront Unbelievable views of Mt. Baker, Twin Sisters and Birch Bay from every angle. Step right out to the beach for endless days of enjoyment. The main floor of this 2582 SF home offers 3 BD and 3 BA with great open living for entertaining. Loft space has 2 “flex” rooms, perfect for office, gym, media and more. Complete re-build in 2012 so just bring your bags and relax. Chef’s kitchen, dry bar, hot tub and trex decking on the patio all make for the perfect gathering spot. Added features include invisible fence, irrigation, extra deep garage for storage. Highly desirable!s

Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564

Listing your property? Call Lisa for a

FREE

MLS # 1732008

LIKE NEW! Built in 2005, but if you went in the home today you would think it was just completed. 3258

square feet mostly turn-key home. Every room in the home is spacious. 3 bedroom, 2 full baths, dining room, great room, family room, nook, sauna, granite counter tops throughout, Cedar siding, covered patio & deck, infloor radiant heat including the 3 car garage. Enjoy amenities; 24/7 security, private marina and more!

CALL ME...

Lisa Sprague

Semiahmoo Marina Boat slips: C-33, 40’ Slip for $46,500 ! DING C-24, 44’ Slip for $52,500 PEN 20+ acres on Kickerville Road $179,000

D! 2040 Ponderosa Ct, Bellingham, L O S 3 bedrooms, 2 baths $419,000 Call Hugh : 360.371.5800 Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services! Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker

www.CallHugh.com

NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

LEASE SPACES FOR:

Brand New Construction in Blaine 4BR, 2.5BA, 1649 s.f., duplex. 624 E. St. $2,400/mo. Call Linda 360-808-3838 BUY IT FROM THE CLASSIFIEDS!

ADVICE

FROM THE PROS Third week of every month

Pet Care

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

HOME&GARDEN Last week of every month

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

IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Rentals - Commercial

Rentals - Residential

FOR RENT

360-961-0838

RENT IT

Health&Wellness

Third week of every month

360.815.6638

see more pictures at www.briansouthwick.com

Advertise your business in these Popular Special Sections

Second week of every month

Owner/Agent

briansouthwick@gmail.com

YOUR BUSINESS WITH OUR READERS

Active Seniors

Market Analysis

Location, Location!

CONNECT

First week of every month

Thinking of

5550 Salish Road Birch Bay Village $839,000

00 ad 6 , 3 2 le re Light! n p peo orther N The

Warehousing-Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Vehicle Storage Yards Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates

360-305-0286

Email nelsbldg@msn.com

FOR LEASE

Retail/Office Space

With Waterfront Views of Blaine Harbor

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

360/332-1777

March 11 - 17, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Capital gains tax narrowly passes Senate By Patric Haerle A tax on capital gains, the sale of assets like stocks and bonds, passed the Senate by a single vote March 6. The bill was first amended to remove the emergency clause, meaning the issue is likely to appear on the ballot later this year. The bill in its current form imposes a 7 percent tax on the sale of assets, like stocks and bonds, when exceeding $250,000 in capital gains for a year. Exempt from the tax is all real estate, assets held in a retirement account, livestock, timber and the sale of a family-owned small business that grosses less than $10 million a year. The first $350 million of capital gains tax revenues each year are deposited into a state education account. The remainder is deposited into a new taxpayer relief account. Sponsors have said the tax will raise $500 million a year, but detractors have said it is too volatile to rely on consistently. There were several hours of

Vaccine ... From page 6

but research is limited on the vaccine’s effectiveness. A spokesperson for the Whatcom County Health Department also said in an email that the county health department can’t permit vaccine providers to delay the second dose and that all enrolled providers must follow the CDC’s vaccine guidelines. Dr. Anthony Fauci told The Washington Post in a March 1 article titled “Fauci: U.S. must stick with two-shot strategy for Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna vaccines” that the U.S. did not have plans to change its scheduling for the two vaccines. The CDC updated its guidelines on March 8 to allow fully vaccinated individuals to gather indoors with others who have been fully vaccinated without wearing a mask. Saturday Covid-19 testing ends in Lynden The Covid-19 test site at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden has stopped operating on Saturdays, according to a Whatcom County Health Department announcement. “Since the Covid-19 testing site in Bellingham opened, usage of the testing site in Lynden has dropped,” said Cindy Hollinsworth, the health department’s communicable disease manager, in a media release. “By reducing staffing needs at the Lynden testing site, we can reassign staff to bolster other parts of our Covid-19 response, including vaccination efforts.” The Lynden testing site will be open four days per week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The Bellingham airport testing location, which opened in late February, is open seven days per week. There are 14 healthcare providers in Whatcom County that

passionate debate leading up to the bill’s passage. Republicans argued the bill is an income tax in disguise, which is unconstitutional in Washington. Democrat proponents countered that it was an excise tax, also touting the necessity of making the tax system in Washington more equitable by having the highest earners pay a larger tax share. Several Republicans said if Democrats want a fairer tax system, they should decrease taxes on those making less rather than increasing taxes on those making more. The bill was eventually passed 25-24 after more than a dozen unsuccessful Republican amendments. Four Democrat Senators broke rank and voted against the tax, causing the thin margin. Senators Tim Sheldon (D-Potlatch), Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver), Steve Hobbs (D-Lake Stevens) and Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah), voted no. Sheldon said he views calling this an excise tax a “parsing of words.” offer Covid-19 testing, according to the health department website. The health department’s website provides information on who can get tested by each provider, if an appointment is needed, provider

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

“The honest way, in my opinion, to propose an income tax is with a constitutional amendment. That would take a twothirds vote of both houses of the legislature, and then a majority vote of the citizens,” Sheldon said. “Moving this farther ahead takes us closer to a crisis of credibility of the legislature. Are we listening?” If the bill is signed into law both sides acknowledge it will almost certainly be challenged in court. Democrats hope the bill is specific enough to be called an excise tax, or that the courts reverse the 1933 Washington Supreme Court ruling that labeled an income tax unconstitutional. State Republicans hope the tax is seen as an income tax and unconstitutional. If implemented, the first state capital gains tax returns are due in 2023.

DIRECTORY

Counseling and Personal Coaching Transformational Hypnotherapy co-creating rapid change for personal growth 2011 Large Business of the Year

Louis’

Louis Auto Glass Evelyne L. Hendricks BA, LHT 360.739.5606 evelynehendricks@gmail.com

Family Owned and Operated Since 1929! The Only Validated Auto Glass Company in Whatcom & Skagit Counties.

ouis’Auto & Residential Glass We Guarantee Your Safety

Spring Special!

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

with every windshield purchased and installed

Windshield Replacement

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

Rock Chip Repairs

LYNDEN

Free Loaner Cars

Lynden 407 19th

Vernon St. •Mt.360-354-3232

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

407 19th St.

1721 E. College Way

To Our Canadian Friends

The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website managed by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org. contact information and additional information people seeking testing should know. For more information on Covid-19 testing in Whatcom County, visit bit.ly/3t73GlH.

RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES

Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts FEBRUARY 2021 LOCATION

SALE PRICE

UPPER END HOUSES $600,000 AND ABOVE: New building (no additional info avail.) 624 E Street, Blaine

$745,000

DESCRIPTION

1-story house with 1,512 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 408 SF attached garage, 240 SF enclosed porch, 336 SF patio, built in 1960, 100 feet waterfront; marine view, .30 acres land.

723 Walters Lane, Point Roberts

$799,000

1-story house with 1,568 SF, 1,229 SF basement, 3 BD, 2 BA, 575 SF attached garage, 160 SF deck, 160 SF patio, built in 2017, .20 acres land.

4735 S. Golf Course Drive, Blaine

$625,000

1-story house with 1,634 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 504 SF attached garage, 152 SF patio, built in 2020, .20 acres land.

8638 Blue Grouse Way, Blaine

$630,000

2-story house with 2,400 SF, 4 BD, 3 BA, 598 SF built-in garage, 154 SF patio, built in 2019; marine and territorial view, .30 acres land.

5622 Salish Road, Blaine

$680,000

1668 Kingsley Avenue, Blaine

$800,000

9.70 acres wooded residential land.

Benson Road, Point Roberts

$305,000

1.90 acres waterfront land with old brick building; marine views.

8206 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine

$472,500

2-story duplex with 3,164 SF, 646 SF basement, 6 BD, 6 BA, 912 SF built-in garage, 494 SF deck; marine view, .12 acres land. LAND:

1437 McKenzie Way, Point Roberts

$200,000

5523 Whitehorn Way, Blaine

$215,000

1.01 acres residential lot. 5158 Heronswood Drive, Blaine

$200,000

4.99 acres wooded residential land. .25 acres residential lot; partial marine view.

MikeKent.com Sponsored by:

I-5 Exit 270 at Birch Bay Square 360-527-8901 • mike@mikekent.com

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

Enjoy Huge Savings with U.S. Prices

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

Formerly 1st Propane of Whatcom County Keep Full Service • Budget Payment Plan • Tank Installation & Rental Modern Equipment • Safety Checks • Locally Owned & Operated

360 332-3121

Fill your bottles - Easy RV access

2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine

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

EATING LOCAL

Dining Guide

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

Steak

277 G Street • Downtown Blaine

360-392-0955

TheVaultWine.com

TheVaultWine

Open with outdoor fully covered and heated, well spaced seating for up to 34 guests! Take Out & Curbside Pick-Up Online Reservations Available info@therusticforkeatery.com

442 PEACE PORTAL DRIVE • 360-332-4346 WWW.THERUSTICFORKEATERY.cOM

House

638 Peace Portal Dr. Downtown Blaine 360-306-8342

7829 Birch Bay Drive Birch Bay

360-922-7902

www.BayBreezeRestaurant.com

The Northern Light • March 11 - 17, 2021

Sheriff’s Reports February 28, 12:18 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-blocking/ non-injury on Blaine and Bay roads. February 28, 3:52 a.m.: Threat on Loomis Trail Road, Custer. February 28, 8:32 a.m.: Senile subject on Valley View Road, Custer. February 28, 10:38 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Sandcastle Drive. February 28, 10:56 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Fir Way. February 28, 1:17 p.m.: Suspicious person on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. February 28, 4:05 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Valley View Road, Custer. February 28, 8:09 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Helweg Lane and Point Whitehorn Road. March 1, 2:49 a.m.: Alarm audible on Loomis Trail Road, Custer. March 1, 9:05 a.m.: Trespass cold call on Fir Street. March 1, 8:59 a.m.: Theft cold call on Beachcomber Drive. March 1, 4:35 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Salish Road.

March 1, 6:19 p.m.: Missing person cold call on Birch Bay Drive. March 1, 7:10 p.m.: Traffic Hazard on Birch Bay Drive and Morrison Avenue. March 2, 10:10 a.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive. March 2, 11:03 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Fir Way. March 2, 12:35 p.m.: Missing person in progress on Loomis Trail Lane. March 2, 12:50 p.m.: Runaway cold call on H Street. March 2, 11:17 a.m.: Property lost cold call on Harborview Road. March 2, 7:19 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking in Plaza Park Drive and Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 3, 5:37 a.m.: Traffic hazard on West Road and Peace Portal Drive. March 3, 9:30 a.m.: Theft cold call on Anderson Road. March 3, 12:50 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Delta Line Road. March 3, 1:31 p.m.: Theft cold call on Halibut Drive.

March 4, 1:22 a.m.: Trespass in progress on Loomis Trail Road, Custer. March 4, 4 p.m.: Theft in progress on Seashell Way. March 4, 5:48 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. March 5, 2:21 a.m.: Domestic order violence on Harborview Road. March 5, 2:25 p.m.: Animal problem on Petticote Lane. March 5, 2:58 p.m.: Missing child on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 6, 4:34 a.m.: Prowler on Birch Bay Road. March 6, 3:55 p.m.: Civil standby on Alderson Road. March 6, 6:19 p.m.: Hit and run on Birch Bay Road. Suspect arrested, DUI. March 7, 2:18 p.m.: Mental in progress on Seaview Road. March 8, 1:54 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Square Street. March 8, 10:17 p.m.: Traffic signal/sign on Sterling Avenue and Alderson Road. March 9, 9:53 a.m.: Impound private on Birch Bay Road.

45. Animal embryos 48. Fertility god 49. Medical patients’ choice (abbr.) 50. Type of sword 55. Competition 56. Bird of the cuckoo family 57. Afflicted in mind or body 59. Engineering organization 60. Beverage receptacle 61. Spiritual leader 62. Doctor of Education 63. Where golfers begin 64. Impudence DOWN 1. Vietnamese offensive 2. Fast mammal 3. Oh goodness! 4. The back of one’s neck 5. One who lives in another’s property 6. Involve deeply 7. Alfalfa 8. Tropical tree resin 9. Sudden fear 10. Jewish religious

month 12. Veterans battleground 14. Musical symbol 19. German river 23. Paddle 24. Lizard 25. Shock treatment 26. The common gibbon 27. Brew 28. Usually has a lid 29. Lenses in optical instruments 34. Time zone in Samoa (abbr.) 35. Wrinkled dog: Shar __ 36. Denotes equal 37. TV network for children 39. Take the value away from 40. Female graduates 41. Don’t know when yet 42. “__ tú”: Spanish song 44. “Seinfeld” character 45. Bleated 46. Entwined 47. Away from wind 48. Soft creamy

Please wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. Origins and Evolutions: Five Generations Exhibit: Tuesday–Thursdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. and by appointment. A new exhibition featuring the art of four members o the Anderson/Syre family. Gallery Syre, 465 W. Stuart Road, Bellingham. Info: davidsyreart.com. Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival: March 5–27. Celebrating the various diverse cultures that populate our area through fine art, craft, song, dance, storytelling and other creative endeavors. Exhibitions at Allied Arts, 1418 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham with performances and workshops via social media. Info: alliedarts.org. Supercharging Your Snapshots (Virtual): Saturday, March 3, 2-3:30 p.m. Learn how to take your camera from automatic to manual and explore the settings and options available from smartphones to DSLRs. $5 suggested donation. Registration and info on other classes and exhibits visit whatcommuseum.org. Live Music at the Vault: Friday, March 12, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Adrian Clark. Info: thevaultwine.com. Haynie Opry: Saturday, March 13, Haynie Grange, 3344 Haynie Road, Custer. Join Matt Audette and the Circle of Friends band for a gospel matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets $5 for matinee, $10 evening show at the door. Info: 360/366-3321. Live Music at the Vault: Friday, March 19, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Trio Sueño. Info: thevaultwine.com. Outdoor Birding Adventures for Kids: Saturday, March 20, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Kids of all ages get outside and experience some ornitherapy. Kids visit four stations located at Marine Park, Semiahmoo Spit, Birch Bay Visitor Center and Birch Bay State Park for activity bags. Part of Wings Over Water Birding Festival. Sponsored by the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation. Info: www.wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. Wings Over Water Virtual Northwest Birding Festival: March 19–21. Live webinars, video bird walks, kids’ activities and more to enhance your outdoor experience and love of birding. Info: wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

Crossword ACROSS 1. Now and __ 5. Israeli city __ Aviv 8. Indicates near 11. Minneapolis suburb 13. Large Australian flightless bird 14. Fine-grained earth 15. Plant genus that includes water caltrop 16. Peacock network 17. TV writer Dunham 18. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues 20. They __ 21. Muslim ruler title 22. Position given in respect of 25. Explaining further 30. Measuring instrument 31. Romanian monetary unit 32. Council of __, l545-1563 33. Savory jelly made with meat stock 38. Journalist Tarbell 41. Most suspenseful 43. Festivity

Coming up

white cheese 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. They resist authority (slang) 58. Speak ill of ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Tides HEIGHT

TIME

HEIGHT

Fr 12 5:32 am 9.4 11:19 am 4.6

4:25 pm 7.9 11:04 pm 0.4

Sa 13 5:58 am 9.3 11:53 am 3.9

5:17 pm 8.0 11:42 pm 1.1

Su 14 7:22 am 9.1

1:25 pm 3.2

7:07 pm 7.9

Mo 15 1:16 am 2.0

7:42 am 8.9

1:57 pm 2.7

7:55 pm 7.9

Tu 16 1:50 am 2.9

8:02 am 8.7

2:29 pm 2.2

8:45 pm 7.8

We 17 2:24 am 3.8

8:22 am 8.5

3:03 pm 1.9

9:39 pm 7.7

Th 18 3:00 am 4.8

8:42 am 8.2

Boys & Girls Club After School Care: Monday–Thursday until 5 p.m. Serving students in grades 1–6 at Blaine schools. Registration required weekly. Info: parentportal.whatcomclubs.org or contact the Club at 360/332-3008. 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 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.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W TIME

Ongoing:

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.

March 12-18 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

DATE

Live Music at the Vault: Friday, March 26, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Alex Kelsh. Info: thevaultwine.com.

3:41 pm 1.7 10:39 pm 7.6

Weather Precipitation: During the period of March 1 to 7, 0.41 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2021 yearto-date precipitation 9.67 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 60°F on March 3 and 4 with a low of 34°F on March 4. Average high was 49°F and average low was 43°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

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 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: New dates, beginning week of February 1, Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one hot and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. Entertaining and educational. Have fun speaking, learn to overcome fears. Info: Call Pete 360/933-1671 or visit 590628.toastmastersclubs.org. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Police Reports February 28, 8:58 a.m.: Information report on H Street. February 28, 10:59 a.m.: Domestic dispute (no assault) on 14th Street. February 28, 12 p.m.: Assist other agency on C Street. February 28, 1:39 p.m.: Trespass on F Street. February 28, 3:26 p.m.: Information report on Mitchell Avenue. March 1, 1:13 p.m.: Child lost and found on Cherry Street. March 2, 11:50 a.m.: Alarm, false reporting, on Turnstone Lane. March 2, 1:51 p.m.: Violation of a court order on 2nd Street. March 3, 5:40 a.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Dodd Street. March 3, 5:21 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on I-5 southbound. March 3, 9:39 p.m.: Malicious mischief on Peace Portal Drive. March 4, 11:46 a.m.: Child lost and found on F Street.

March 11 - 17, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival goes virtual

s Sardis Raptor Center volunteer Caitlin Villaroman presents Wanagi, an American bald eagle at the Ferndale animal rehabilitation center. Wanagi will be part of Hunters of the Sky live raptor presentation on Sunday, March 21. Photo by Debbie Harger

By Grace McCarthy The 19th annual Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival will begin Friday, March 19, in a virtual format. The annual festival spotlights migratory birds that pass through the Blaine area on the Pacific Flyway from Alaska to Patagonia. “It seems like I’m excited about something every day that’s different,” said festival coordinator Debbie Harger. “I’m excited for some of the live video events but I’m also excited about the pre-recorded videos because I

think it highlights our area so beautifully.” Harger said festival volunteers decided to make the event virtual in August to play it safe after last year’s festival was canceled because of the pandemic. “This will be our 19th festival and we wanted to keep the festival in people’s eyes,” she said. This year’s festival will include live webinars, video bird walks and virtual activities for kids. The virtual format has allowed people to participate from across the U.S., and from as far as Ireland, Macedonia and India,

Harger said. Wildlife author and photographer Paul Bannick will feature a new keynote presentation, “The Great Gray and Snowy Owl, comparative visual natural histories” that will dive into the similarities and differences of the two owls, using research from new books he’s written. Bannick’s work has been featured in The New York Times and NBC Nightly News. The festival will begin Friday morning, March 19, with a virtual welcome that will provide an overview of the festival and involve prize drawings. The first

s A male northern pintail.

s Whimbrels are shoreline birds that frequent the Blaine area during the spring. Photo by Joe Meche

day will also consist of children’s story time with the Whatcom County Library System; a bird walk of Semiahmoo Spit from North Cascades Audubon Society’s (NCAS) Paul Woodcock and Phil Calise; and the Salish Sea School’s presentation on the endangered tufted puffin. The day will end with a happy hour with a recipe to make the festival’s new signature cocktail, Birds of a Feather. At the happy hour, featured artists Megan Bloom and Wendy Bloom of Bellingham-based Rainbow Orca Designs will present their artwork

Photo by Joe Meche

s A great blue heron flying along the water.

s A barred owl.

and its connection to nature. The second day, Saturday, March 20, will include the festival’s only non-virtual event – a socially distant children’s activity hosted by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Festival attendees will also be able to listen to bird guide author Richard Crossley’s presentation on the Crossley Bird ID Method; learn about the benefits of ornitherapy from Holly Merker, who says birdwatching helped her beat cancer; attend a guided bird walk of Birch Bay State Park from NCAS’ Woodcock and Pam Borso; participate in a NCAS presentation on identifying common backyard birds and then tune into the keynote presentation. The festival will end Sunday, March 21, with a presentation on using citizen science to help bird conservation; a bird walk of Blaine Harbor by local bird watcher Joe Meche; Sardis Raptor Center’s Hunters of the Sky live raptor presentation; and will wrap up with a presentation from NCAS’ Borso and Woodcock on identifying Salish Sea birds and their environmental threats. “We want attendees to be inspired and get outside,” Harger said. “We want them to learn something about the birds we have here locally.” The festival is free to attend, but donations are encouraged to help the festival continue in future years. People who register for the festival will be able to watch event videos after they air, except for the keynote event, through Thursday, March 25. To view the festival’s schedule and event times, visit bit.ly/3eeQZky and to register, visit bit.ly/3qp2J6i. Once registered, festival participants will have access to the events’ links.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer/Ckimageart.com

The Northern Light • March 11 - 17, 2021

WINNING IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE AVAILABLE DAILY IN MARCH $12.95 Sliced corned beef with stewed green cabbage and boiled red potatoes.

I-5 Exit 260 SilverReefCasino.com (866) 383-0777

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

Community

Adventure

Travel

waterside. CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL

July 2018

IN THIS

ISSUE

www.AllPointBulletin.com

Here comes the 100th Concert Celebration, page 11

FREE

ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 14

Get ready for the 4th of July, page 17

Take the Garden Tour, page 15

Weddings

FREE

Discover the best of Coastal Washington and British Columbia

Point Roberts, WA 98281 Postal Patron Local

Whatcom The folks who brought back the 4th of July County Council mandates curbside pickup

YEARS

By Meg OlsOn

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 FREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay July 27 - August 2, 2017 too high. “This exceeds the needs of 80 percent of those surveyed (in a 2016 onHHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer PRSRT STD line survey sponsored by the county solid U. S. Postage PAID waste division) who self-haul or use tags,” IN THIS Permit NO. 87 Kimberly Butts said. Blaine, WA 98230 Ken Calder, also opposed to the chang- 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 es, submitted a petition signed by 364 sea- Scherer, Pat Jorgensen, Doreen Peltier. Seated: Norma Peltier, Ruby White, Kris Manning. Photo by Shelley Damewood sonal and full-time residents asking that council delay the decision until September to allow a recently formed solid waste subcommittee of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to continue to look at the issue. Cites client base and “increasing erts hospital district on June 26 that Unity according to Unity Care. Those in favor of the change as well as Care NW would end its contract to proThe number of people being served at community turmoil” county staff pointed out that PRCAC had vide services on the Point as of December the Point Roberts Clinic, as well as the been pondering the garbage collection B y M e g O l s O n 31, 2018, but would provide services on a number of visits, have been declining, acfor over two years, held numerous public a n d P a t g r u B B month-to-month basis if needed until June cording to the resolution. The number of meetings, sponsored an online survey and 30, 2019 and help with a possible transi- visits per year shrank from 1176 to 1033 B y S t e fa n i e D O n a h u e sent out a mailer. Unity Care NW is done with the Point tion to an alternative service provider. between 2015 and 2017, which is deAre impact fees the key to revital“There have been numerous opportuni- Roberts clinic. According to the June 25 resolution, the (See Hospital, page 8) izing downtown and incentivizing ties for people to put in their two cents’ Citing declining use, a disproportionate Point Roberts Clinic does not fit with growth in Blaine? worth,” Arthur Reber said. “This process administrative burden and “communi- the other clinics Unity Care NW operThe question was at the hearthas of been an very thorough and collaborative,” ty turmoil,” the board of directors of the ates in Ferndale and Bellingham, which hour-long discussion between Blaine City said taxpayers’ association president Mark non-profit health care provider voted at its it described as “patient centered mediCouncil and city staff at a special meetRobbins. Chamber of commerce president June 25 meeting to discontinue the con- cal homes.” Close to half of the visits to allpointbulletin.com ing held July 24. Not yet ready to make Dee Gough said her association also sup- tract to operate the Point Roberts Clinic. the Point Roberts clinic are for urgent facebook.com/allpointbulletin a decision, council voted unanimousported Notice was delivered to the Point Rob- care, and not for primary medical care, ly during a separate meeting that eve-the proposal, agreeing that mandatrash pickup was the obvious solution ning to request that city staff drafttory a proto the posal based on four types of impact feesperennial problem of dumping garon the roadsides. and incentive programs – the bage council Classifieds ........................................ 20 Hegedus with the Whatcom County will either approve, deny or modifyJeff the Coming Up ...................................... 19 Health Department said by establishing a B y M e g O l s O n running three weekends in August. proposal in a few months. Garden ............................................. 15 mandatory minimum service level for all Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is partnering with Impact fees are one-time charges that Library ............................................ 18 properties, as determined by “The Point Roberts Arts and Music the foundation, offering a location, plancounties, cities and towns imposedeveloped on deObituaries ........................................ 22 velopers. The funds are used to which extendproperties have a water connection, Festival is back on the water,” says Arts ning assistance and funds for this year’s it would public services to support growth. In lead to vendor stability because Foundation founder and festival organizer event. “We decided to make it longer so Opinion .............................................. 4 more more people can enjoy it,” said tavern Washington state, impact fees can be usedusers would support the system. Craig Jacks. Seniors ............................................ 18 After being put on the shelf for a year, manager Allison Calder. The first weekend on public streets, roads, publicly-owned Tides ................................................ 10 parks, open space, recreation facilities, (See Garbage, page 7) the festival will be back for its 23rd year, (See Arts & Music, page 14) school facilities and fire protection facilities. Impact fees and other development incentives have already been written into 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 the Blaine’s comprehensive plan, which details how to accommodate growth over the next 20 years. AFTER PARADE FAMILY ACTIVITIES: BEGIN THE DAY AT THE “These are things we’ve been looking at H Breakwaters Bar & Grill Community Center 1437 Gulf Rd. for a while,” said community development STARTS AT 12 NOON along POINT ROBERTS MARINA at Point Roberts Marina. director Michael Jones. “The comprehen-Pancake Breakfast 7:15-11:15 am PREP benefit Gulf Rd. from Marine Dr. to Tyee Dr. AT 10:30 PM Flag Raising Ceremony 11:30 am featuring PR Winds child will H to Kiniski’s Tavern sive plan and what you’ve already adoptbe turned away on the basis of a not being able pay forReef lunch, includBy Oliver lazenBy 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 conIn some school districts, if a stuThose 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. Blaine’s guidelines say students won’t and things that it needs to do while taking eat. In others, they get a cheese sand- new U.S. Department of Agriculture regthis 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 on their account. Instead, they’ll either a revised impact fee ordinance out of a re- beans, fruit and vegetables. when students can’t pay for lunch. quest from the state legislature for all citFor 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)

ISSUE

Turn your ballots in by August 1, page 5

City council considers ways to spur local economy

A visitor’s guide to Blaine and Birch Bay, page 7

What you should know about gardening in August, page 9

YEARS

Birch Bay Sand Sculpture crowd clinic contract Unity Care NWcontest decidesdraws againstarenewing

Online Inside

Arts and music fest makes a comeback

Point Roberts July 4 Happy Birthday USA PARADE

School district publishes policy against “lunch shaming”

Tall ship Lady Washington sets sail for annual maritime festival B y S t e fa n i e D O n a h u e 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

INSIDE

TheNorthernLight.com

(See Tall Ship, page 3) TheNorthernLight

BENEFIT CONCERT SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 TICKETS: $45

THE PAPERBOYS

Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . 11-12 Letters . . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

@TNLreporter

YEARS

@PointRobertsPress

CELEBRATE 5 YEARS AT THE JANSEN ART CENTER 321 Front Street Lynden, WA 98264

2019 - 2020

FIREWORKS:

Regional Maps

2020

WINNER OF

31 AWARDS The Northern Light

360-354-3600 jansenartcenter.org

2019 - 2020

Blaine & Birch Bay

MAP W A S H I N G T O N

Greater Ferndale

Mt. Baker WASHINGTON

MAP

WASHINGTON

MAP 2018

Proudly Created & Brought To You By Point Roberts Press, Inc. LOCAL • INDEPENDENT

Hiking near Artist Point. Photo by Oliver Lazenby

Mount Baker

e perience MAGAZINE

www.MountBakerExperience.com

225 Marine Dr., Suite 200, Blaine, WA • 360.332.1777 • sales@pointrobertspress.com A special publication of The Northern Light Newspaper

“BLIGH ISLAND” DOCKSIDE AT BLAINE H MARBOR ARINA

www.thenorthernlight.com A special publication of

Community Newspaper of Blaine & Birch Bay

www.TheNorthernLight.com

A special publication of