May 27 - June 2, 2021
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IN THIS
ISSUE
Who filed for the August primary election, page 5
No layoffs planned at school district, page 6
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Loads of Love sees greater demand, page 15
Kids learn bike safety in Birch Bay U.S./Canada border to reopen June 22 B y P a t G r u bb
(See Border, page 5)
s The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2), Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Whatcom Smart Trips and Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted a “Confidence Skills Course” at the parks and rec activity center on May 21. Children learned everything from how to pump tires to breaking safely. See more photos on page 16. Photo courtesy BBBPRD2
County council tables no-shooting zone vote By Grace McCarthy After nearly an hour-and-a-half contentious public hearing and rigid council debate, Whatcom County Council voted 5-2 to table discussion on the Drayton Harbor no-shooting zone for two weeks. The decision, opposed by councilmembers Todd Donovan and Carol Frazey, followed councilmembers’ debate that included extending the current 300-foot buffer zone, which doesn’t allow shooting within 300 feet of the shoreline, to 1,000 feet. County councilmembers also voted 6-1,
with Frazey opposed, for a two-week voting hold on the proposed Dearborn no-shooting zone, near Drayton Harbor and Dakota Creek. Five people spoke during a shorter public hearing on the Dearborn, while 10 spoke during the Drayton Harbor public hearing. In July 2019, Blaine City Council unanimously voted on a proclamation asking county council to adopt a no-shooting zone ordinance in Drayton Harbor. After several county council meetings and many discussions, headway on a decision halted as local jurisdictions faced the pandemic.
Blaine’s Fourth of July is back for 2021 festivities By Grace McCarthy Fourth of July festivities will take over downtown Blaine on July 4, albeit a few annual mainstays will be scaled back or missing due to the pandemic. Carroll Solomon, a director on Blaine Chamber of Commerce board who helps organize the event with the city of Blaine, said the celebrations will start at 12 p.m. with the annual street fair. About 30-40 vendors will take over one block on G Street and fill the parking lot behind Black
Forest Steakhouse, at 638 Peace Portal Drive. Solomon said event coordinators hope to keep the festival to a few thousand people in the community this year, instead of drawing the 10,000 people seen in previous years. “We don’t want too many people to come,” Solomon said. “We want to keep it manageable.” All street fair vendors will be local this year, selling everything from food to crafts such as jewelry and toys. Solomon is ac-
cepting vendor applications, but space is limited so people interested are encouraged to email Solomon at cjsolomon07@ comcast.net. The one block of G Street will be the only road closed, Solomon said. Peace Portal Drive will remain open because it’s a state highway, which requires a threemonth notice to close, she said. No parade will travel through the downtown streets, Solomon said, in part be(See 4th of July, page 2)
Blaine city manager Michael Jones asked county council to continue pursuing the no-shooting ordinance in February, but enough time had passed that it needed to be reintroduced to county council again. A separate, but similar, area called Dearborn was also introduced as a proposed no-shooting zone during the March 16 Whatcom County Council meeting. The debate centers around permitting waterfowl hunting in the area, which has a season that lasts from October to the end (See Harbor, page 7)
INSIDE
While there has been no official word, a highly placed source in the Blaine port of entry told local immigration attorney Len Saunders on May 25 that the U.S. intends to unilaterally open the land border without restrictions between the U.S. and Canada on June 22. Another ranking CBP officer also confirmed the news independently. It appears to be common scuttlebutt among regular line officers both in the CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The current border closure order was extended on May 20 until June 21. The border was closed to non-essential traffic on March 20, 2020. At the same time, the U.S. also suspended biometrics processing at e-SAFE ports of entry for non-essential travel and has extended the suspension each month in coordination with the border closure. Biometric processing requires individuals who are submitting electronic immigration files to go to designated ports of entry for photographs and fingerprints. On Tuesday, May 25, local immigration attorneys were notified that biometric processing had resumed, effective immediately. Saunders declined to identify his first source publicly but said, “He has been highly reliable in the past and is in a position to know.” Saunders said the second source is equally reliable. There have been inchoate rumors circulating the last few days in government circles regarding upcoming changes to border restrictions but nothing definite. If accurate, the U.S. move will place significant pressure on Canada to consider relaxing border restrictions at a time when provincial governments are still locking down their residents. Travel from one part of B.C. to another is still prohibited as is inter-provincial movement. Still, with Canadians eager to return to travel to their cabins in the U.S. or to vacation destinations, the Canadian government will be hard-pressed to deal with returning resi-
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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The Northern Light • May 27 - June 2, 2021
County transportation survey open until May 30 Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) is asking the public for its opinion in a survey regarding the county’s 20-year transportation plan. The survey will be open until Sunday, May 30. WCOG estimates more than 60,000 people will move to Whatcom County within the next two decades. “The transportation plan will
discuss and document our region’s goals and priorities for future transportation investments as our population grows,” the media release states. The transportation plan, last updated in 2017, is set to be adopted again in 2022, according to the WCOG website. To participate in the survey, also available in Spanish, visit wcog.org/survey. s Fireworks will light up the sky at Blaine Marine Park this Fourth of July. A street fair, live music and other festivities will ring in Independence Day in downtown Blaine. File photo
4th of July ... From page 1 www.nmtamale.com “Be Prepared to Unwrap Goodness!” 360-389-8841
cause of not being able to close the road and trying to attract a smaller crowd. “We had to skip the things we knew would attract too many people, but wanted to still appeal to the locals,” Solomon said. Blaine Library, at 610 3rd Street, will also host its biannual book sale in the library parking lot, except the book sale will only be one day instead of three. Hours are not yet set for the book sale, Solomon said. There will be no car show which often packs more than 250 cars on Martin Street, because it was too late to organize. There also won’t be a pancake breakfast at the Blaine Senior Center, Solomon said.
The kid area will be modified to have one-on-one activities since most children aren’t vaccinated, Solomon said. Activities are still tentative, but could include games such as bean bag toss, lawn darts and a downtown scavenger hunt with prizes. Local musicians are invited to play in the G Street Plaza from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Right now, the 133d Army National Guard Band is scheduled to play rock music at 1 p.m. and then traditional patriotic music at 9 p.m. leading up to the fireworks. Solomon said the city of Blaine has expressed interest in buskers performing at the plaza for free from the midafternoon until the patriotic music starts at 9 p.m. Until governor Jay Inlsee’s recent announcement on opening the state by June 30, Solomon said the only event planned for
the Fourth of July was fireworks, which will shoot off at 10 p.m. in Blaine Marine Park. Everyone who attends Blaine’s Fourth of July is strongly encouraged to wear a mask and social distance, Solomon said. “At a festival like this, you’ll brush by other people but we’ll do the best we can,” she said. Solomon said she’s most excited for the annual street fair. “It’s a great relief,” she said of the Fourth of July celebrations. “We get a lot of phone calls at the visitor center about things that aren’t happening. I’m just so happy to be able to tell people that, ‘yes, there is something going on this year.’” Street fair vendors and musicians interested in playing music at the G Street Plaza can email Carroll Solomon at cjsolomon07@comcast.net.
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May 27 - June 2, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
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Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Recent two-week case rates, cumulative counts and vaccinations By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County has had a total of 8,920 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and 366 probable cases (9,286 total cases), according to May 24 Washington state Department of Health (DOH) data. Three people died from Covid-19 in the past week, which brought the county’s death toll to 98. The percent of deaths per total confirmed cases is 1.1 percent. Every school district decreased in Covid-19 case rates except for Mount Baker. Blaine school district decreased from 210 cases per 100,000 people last week to 148 cases per 100,000. The school district had 10 confirmed Covid-19 cases since last week. The county should receive at least 1,870 vaccine doses this week, although this number is not final and is likely to increase. Last week, Whatcom County received 10,730 vaccine doses. About 42.3 percent of county residents are fully vaccinated and 50.6 percent have received at least one vaccine dose, according to the department. The department reports 96,421 county residents are fully vaccinated and 115,471 residents have received their first shot. Statewide, 6,749,266 vaccine
Blaine Vaccination: 52 Case rate: 148 Case count: 589
Ferndale Vaccination: 41.6 Case rate: 185 Case count: 1761
Lynden Vaccination: 37.4 Case rate: 613 Case count: 1553 Meridian Vaccination: 48.2 Case rate: 390 Case count: 488
Nooksack Valley Vaccination: 32.2 Case rate: 208 Case count: 794
Bellingham Vaccination: 60.8 Case rate: 106 Case count: 3131
s The case rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks. Case count is the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Vaccination is the percentage of the population that has had at least one vaccine shot. Rates were updated May 22. doses have been administered. About 40.75 percent of people in Washington are fully vaccinated and 48.9 percent have received one dose. Public spaces in the state can reopen to full capacity before June 30 if 70 percent of people 16 and older are fully vaccinated. Right now, 50.78 percent of people 16 and older are fully vaccinated.
Washington state has had 396,713 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic and 33,702 probable cases (probable cases come from an antigen test). In all, 5,722 people in Washington with the virus have died as of May 24 and 23,835 have been hospitalized. For more Whatcom County information, visit whatcomcoun-
BHS student wins state medical competition By Nolan Baker For Blaine High School science teacher Elli Weeks, getting a bag of pins in the mail for students in her Future Health Professionals Club (HOSA) is a regular occurrence. Every year, after her students participate in verbal, written and hands-on competitions against students around the state, she passes out commemorative pins to anyone who joined the club. This year, among the pins that Weeks always finds, was a single gold medal. “It didn’t say anything on it or anything,” Weeks said. “So I emailed HOSA and I was like, ‘Hey I got a medal, wasn’t sure what this was for.’ And then they sent me an email back saying, ‘Claar French, First Place, Medical Terminology.’” The medal in that bag was awarded to whoever placed first in the medical terminology portion of the Washington state HOSA competition, a massive, exhaustive written test on medical vocabulary given to some of the brightest scientific minds in the state. Claar French, a 17-year-old junior from Blaine High School, earned the award in April after competing in the virtual event. But she didn’t know she won until a few weeks later. “I didn’t think that anything had happened because it had been a while since the competi(See Medical, page 10)
Mt. Baker Vaccination: 32.7 Case rate: 177 Case count: 489
ty.us/covidvaccine and whatcomcounty.us/coviddata. State information is available at bit.
ly/3r2URJj. Vaccine locations can be found at bit.ly/3nZiMqr. For CDC data, visit bit.ly/39Kt4qh.
Registration for Summer Dance is Open! June 21-24 • 9AM-12PM Ballet Tales Camp (Ages 5-9) June 28-July 1 • 9AM-12PM Hip Hop Camp + Breakdance 101 (Ages 5-9) July 5-8 • 12PM-3PM Contemporary/Improv Camp (Ages 12+) July 12-15 • 12PM-3PM Contemporary/Improv Camp (Ages 8-11) Summer Weekly Classes: July 5-31
Fun Times at The Vault May 27 • 7 pm • General Knowledge Trivia
May 28 • 7 pm • Live Music Garrett Hendricks (First Time at The Vault) s Blaine High School junior Claar French, 17, poses with her gold medal from the HOSA Medical Terminology competition.
Photo by Nolan Baker
June 3 • 7 pm • Greek Mythology Trivia with Toga Costume Contest June 4 • 7 pm • Live Music with Lefty & the Right Hand Band June 10 • 7 pm • General Knowledge Trivia June 11 • 7 pm • Live Music with The Song Wranglers
& NOTARY 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98230 Joyce B. Vanderpol
MY PRE SALE 261 CHERRY ST.
360.319.0730 jvandrealty@openaccess.org
June 17 • 7 pm • Game of Thrones/Lord of the Rings Trivia with Costume Contest June 18 • 7 pm • Live Music with Adrian Clark June 24 • 7 pm • General Knowledge Trivia June 25 • 7 p.m. • Live Music with Trio Sueño
"I am still in the real estate business, having started that challenge 35 years ago when a Purchase and Sale Agreement consisted of only two pages! Now, that number can be as many as 20 to 25 pages! Since then, I have added a Notary Service to my endeavors, one aspect of which is to meet Canadian owners in Peace Arch Park (who cannot come into the US due to COVID-19) whereby I am authorized to notarize their legal documents. This is only allowed in a certain area of the park, albeit!. Spanning these many years, I have learned the requirements for building a new house and am now completing my TENTH one. Needless to say, not only do I know about the fundamentals of selling real estate, I also have gained insight into learning the requirements of house building, which in itself has been quite an education and has allowed me to pass that knowledge indirectly onto my clients."
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Open Wednesday-Saturday 4-9 pm 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine www.TheVaultWine.com 360-392-0955 Follow us on log& log
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The Northern Light • May 27 - June 2, 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 Interns Nolan Baker, Sienna Boucher 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 The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVI, No 49 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: June 3 Ads due: May 28
Zoom-a-Thon to fundraise for BHS arts and jazz
s Blaine High School will host an arts and jazz Zoom-a-Thon Wednesday, June 2, from 7 to 9 p.m. The webinar will run similar to a late-night talk show, with choir, band and drama performances and art features intermingled between the MC’s interviews with Blaine celebrities and supporters of the arts. Participants can also donate to the Blaine Fine Arts association with an easy click. The Zoom link will be posted the evening of June 2 on blainesd.org. This piece by ninth grader Allena De Soto from 2020 is called “Whirl of Color.” Art by BHS student Allena De Soto
Border closure extended again, expires June 21 By Grace McCarthy The U.S./Canada border will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least June 21, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in a May 20 tweet. The federal government announced the 14th extension a day before the border closure expired. Both DHS and Canadian’s prime minister of public safety Bill Blair announced the extension in May 20 tweets. A DHS spokesperson tweeted a statement similar to previous border extension announcements, which included that essential trade and travelers may still pass through the land borders and the governments, including Mexico, are working to ease restrictions as conditions improve. No additional details when or what reopening the border could look like. The U.S. has fully vaccinated more of its population than Canada. At the time of the border extension, the latest data from Canada showed 3.3 percent of people in Canada were fully vaccinated and 38.8 percent had received at least one vaccine dose. However, health officials in Canada are recommending longer intervals be-
tween vaccine doses to allow more people to receive their first dose, according to the Immunize B.C. website, run by the province’s government. In the U.S., 38.1 percent of people were fully vaccinated and 48.2 percent of people had received one dose, according to the CDC. In B.C., 2.1 percent of people had received at least one dose and 39.8 percent of people had at least one dose. At the time of the border extension, 38.2 percent of people in Washington were fully vaccinated and 47.5 had at least one dose. During a May 18 press conference, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said Canada was expected to receive 4.5 million vaccine doses that week, more than any other weekly vaccine shipment the county had received. People 18 and older could start signing up for vaccine appointments May 18, he added. “In regards to the Canada/U.S. border, we continue to work very closely with U.S. authorities and Canadian experts on how we can move forward in a way that is safe for Canadians,” Trudeau said. “We’re all eager to get back to normal but we know that before we get back to normal, cases
need to be under control and over 75 percent of people need to be vaccinated for us to start loosening things in Canada. We’ll see what framework we apply to ensure we’re keeping Canadians safe, even as we look to eventually change the restrictions and the posture at the border.” For more information on border restrictions, visit the government of Canada’s website at bit.ly/3fD1oW1.
Letters The Editor: This thought is for your Memorial Day publication of The Northern Light. It is the thought that counts. Those who disrespect our flag have never been handed a folded one. Earl Erickson Blaine Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Virtual meeting info: bbbparkandrec.org/board-meetings/
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info and virtual meeting login: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/2CiMKnk.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info and virtual meeting link: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 1 p.m. Info: nwfrs.net.
May 27 - June 2, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
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Here’s who filed for Whatcom County offices up for election By Grace McCarthy The August primaries are shaping up to be a competitive election as several candidates are vying for sought-after seats in Blaine City Council and Whatcom County Council. Filing week started May 17 and wrapped up May 21 with 157 candidates running for 99 offices, including Blaine City Council, Whatcom County Council, Blaine school board, Port of Bellingham, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) and Fire Protection District 21, also known as Northwest Fire and Rescue. Not all seats were in as demand as others, forcing the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office to create a three-day filing period on May 26 through Friday, May 28 for offices where no candidate filed. Blaine City Council Four seats are up on Blaine City Council. Kerena Higgins and Calvin Armerding are running for the Ward 1 Position 2 seat currently held by mayor Bonnie Onyon, who will not be running again for city council. Mike Hill is challenging Sukhwant Gill for the at-large position. Blaine City Council unanimously appointed Gill to the atlarge position in February. Three Blaine residents are currently competing for the Ward 2 Position 4 seat currently held by Charlie Hawkins. Colin Hawkins is in the race for his father’s seat, along with Steven Tojek and Rhyan Lopez.. Jennifer Plombon and Barbara Sturdivant will challenge incumbent Eric Davidson for the Ward 3 Position 6 seat. Blaine school board Erika Creydt and Bob Feaster will run for the Blaine school board district 3 position, current-
ly held by Joan Lotze, who did not file to run again. Rocky Butler is challenging incumbent Laura McKinney for Blaine school board’s district 5 position. Northwest Fire and Rescue Incumbent John Crawford is running unopposed for the NWFR commissioner position 1. Kimberly Calman-McMurray is running unopposed for the NWFR commissioner position 5. Birch Bay Water and Sewer District Pedro Nieto is challenging incumbent Jeff Benner for the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District commissioner position 1. Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 Jesse Creydt and David Halme are running for the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) commissioner position 1. Incumbent Sheli Moore is running unopposed for BBBPRD2 commissioner position 2 and incumbent Billy Brown is running unopposed for BBBPRD2 commissioner position 4. Port of Bellingham John Huntley is challenging incumbent Michael Shepard for the Port of Bellingham district 1 position. Kelly Krieger and Austin Chapin are challenging incumbent Ken Bell for the district 2 position. Blaine and Birch Bay are represented by the district 3 position, which is not up for a vote this election. Whatcom County Council Four Whatcom County residents are running for the Whatcom County Council at-large position A: Incumbent Barry Buchanan, Kamal Bhachu, Misty Flowers and Bob Burr. Sumas mayor Kyle Christensen filed to run for the position but is no longer in the race.
Romanian nationals arrested after crossing border in Blaine U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested six Romanian nationals who allegedly attempted to enter the U.S. illegally last week. During the afternoon of May 18, Blaine border patrol agents detected a group of individuals illegally entering the U.S. between the ports of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol spokesperson Jason Givens told The Northern Light in an email. A vehicle
picked up the six individuals in Whatcom County before border patrol agents stopped it and arrested the individuals inside, Givens said. “Border security is national security! Excellent work by Blaine border patrol agents who arrested a group of Romanian nationals attempting to illegally enter the US,” chief patrol agent David S. BeMiller tweeted May 20.
Border ...
ity of Point Roberts residents to access the mainland for non-essential purposes. It will, however, allow Canadians who own cabins in Birch Bay, Point Roberts and other areas to enter the U.S. to access them. As well, once they are here, they will be able to take advantage of Covid-19 vaccinations available through the various service providers. At time of press, calls seeking information from CBP, CBSA and U.S. federal politicians had not been returned.
From page 1
dents who don’t want to undergo 14-day quarantines as currently required. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had recently said the border would not be opened until 75 percent of Canadians had received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Absent a similar move from the Canadian government, the U.S. decision will not affect the abil-
Three Bellingham residents are running for the district 1 seat: Kaylee Galloway, Eddy Ury and Jeremiah Ramsey. Rud Browne, who currently represents district 1, is not running for re-election. Bellingham resident Kelley O’Connor is challenging councilmember Todd Donovan for the district 2 seat. Councilmember Tyler Byrd is being challenged for the district 3 seat by Kathy Sabel, Fred Rinard and Rebecca Lewis. The auditor’s office also received resolutions from several fire districts in the county, including Northwest Fire and Rescue, for a $1.45 per $1,000 property tax levy. The auditor’s office will mail ballots July 14 for the August 3 primary election, according to its website. The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office needs to receive voter registration and address changes by July 26, which can be submitted either online or by mail. However, county residents can still register to vote and change their address if they go to the auditor’s office by 8 p.m. on August 3, according to the auditor’s office. The Whatcom County Au-
ditor’s Office is located at 311 Grand Avenue, suite 103, in Bellingham and can help people register to vote, update voter registration or get a replacement ballot. For more information on the upcoming elections, visit the auditor’s website at whatcomcounty.us/1574/elections. To see which candidates filed, visit bit.ly/2Tg0wzj.
BLAINE’S
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BY THE SEA Saturday 9 am-2 pm
Featuring LOCAL VENDORS selling HANDCRAFTED MERCHANDISE
pring S has Sprung at at Birch Bay
A Whale of a Place to Order!
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thecshop.com Open Fri, Sat, Sun • 1-8pm 4825 Alderson Rd • Birch Bay
Vendor Space Available Call 360-332-4544
CITY OF BLAINE
G Street Plaza
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.
DOWNTOWN BLAINE
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
Thursday, May 27 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, May 31 City Offices Closed – Memorial Day
360-332-7100 360-332-7100
Tuesday, June 8 8:00am – Blaine Tourism
www.blaineimmigration.com• •435 435Martin MartinSt., St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine, www.blaineimmigration.com Blaine,WA WA
Advisory Committee Meeting
Leonard atLaw Law LeonardD.M. D.M.Saunders, Saunders, Attorney Attorney at
Thursday, June 10 9:00am – Park and
CITY OF BLAINE Continued Electrical Work
Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting.
Crews will continue improvements on the electrical system in central Blaine through June 30. Public Works will notify affected residents three days prior to an outage with door hangers providing information on when the outage will occur and the duration of the outage.
Monday, June 14 6:00pm – City Council Meeting All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.
For more information, please call 360.332.8820 or visit our website at www.cityofblaine.com.
Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
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6
The Northern Light • May 27 - June 2, 2021
Sports Boys and girls basketball kick off the winter sports season By Ian Haupt While high school sports have looked anything but normal this year, basketball and wrestling in June might take the cake. The Borderites’ adjusted winter sports schedule started last week with boys and girls basketball playing multiple games. Wrestling was scheduled to start this week. Boys basketball After a slow start to their season with a 93-46 loss away to
Lynden Christian, the Borderites have an undefeated record at home with three straight wins. The boys beat Nooksack Valley 68-55, Sedro-Woolley 61-36 and Bellingham 78-71. Both the Sedro-Woolley and Bellingham game can be seen – along with the junior varsity games – on the Borderites Live YouTube page at bit.ly/3quNaL3. Home games will be live streamed. The Borderites travel to Oak Harbor Thursday, May 27, and
Squalicum Monday, May 31. Then they are back at home with a game against Meridian High School Wednesday, June 2. Girls basketball The Borderites hosted Lynden Christian for their first game of the season May 18, losing 6316. They then had three games on the road against Nooksack Valley, Sedro-Woolley and Bellingham. The girls lost 68-18 to Nooksack and 40-33 to Bellingham, but with strong defense and
outscoring Sedro-Woolley in the final minutes, were able to pick up their first win of the season against the Cubs. Hailey Pike led the Lady Borderites with 14 points while freshman Alia Ball contributed three big baskets to solidify the 36-24 victory. The girls were scheduled to play Oak Harbor at home May 26 and will host Squalicum Tuesday, June 1. Then they travel to Meridian Thursday, June 3. Wrestling
Boys wrestling was scheduled to begin competition this week with an in-conference match at Burlington-Edison May 25. The Borderites will travel to Anacortes Thursday, May 27, and Mount Baker Wednesday, June 2. The girls team began competition last week with an in-conference match at Squalicum May 18. On Monday, they hosted conference competition while their next match is Friday, May 28, in Oak Harbor.
Blaine school district reconsiders proposed staff reductions By Ian Haupt The Blaine school district will be keeping four positions next school year that administrators considered removing due to possible budget cuts. Superintendent Christopher Granger said after the May 15 deadline, when state law requires the district to notify
any affected staff, the district had found work for those staff members who could have been affected by the reduction in force. The Blaine school board passed a measure during its March 22 meeting that would allow Granger to cut four special education positions for the 2021-22 school year. The staff reduction would
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accommodate for a drop in enrollment that could reduce the district’s funding next year. In the following board meeting April 26, Blaine Education Association (BEA) president Dan Persse asked the school board to reconsider during the public comment section. Persse, speaking on behalf of BEA, said the district’s funding reserves were substantial enough to keep the positions. “Please don’t consider this,” Persse said. “Especially when we have such a high reserve.” The reduction plan was introduced after Amber Porter, the district’s executive director of finance and operations, previously advised the board that the district had to plan for possible budget cuts. Because the district’s enrollment is down by an average of 75 students this year, Porter said apportionment for next year was “up in the air.” The board then passed a resolution in the same meeting that directed Granger to submit a re-
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duced education plan that would include staff reductions. A plan was brought back to the board and passed in the following meeting with the four special education positions suggested. In the April 26 board meeting, Persse said he was concerned for students and staff if the positions were removed. He said a reduction in force “causes uncertainty and fear among staff especially our new staff who have voiced concern to me in confidence that they feel they could be next.” Persse said enrollment decreases are temporary and that students will come back when instruction is back in the classroom full time, which the district is planning for next year. According to the resolution, a staff position in the learning assistance program and three from special education were considered for reduction. The resolution sites state funding reduction, enrollment and case load as reasoning for the reductions. The last time the district faced potential reductions in staff, Persse said, there was concern the district’s reserves would dip below 6 percent – the district’s target minimum. But once the reserve projection increased above 6 percent, former superintendent Robert Spanjer reversed the potential staff reductions. Prior to April tax collections, Porter said the budget reserve was around 11 percent because of certain state relief funding and fewer expenses this year related to the pandemic. But she said it could decrease sharply if the district received less funding next year and had students back in the building five days a week. But the four reductions in staff were only a possibility if
the district decided next year’s state funding, which was under review by administrators, was insufficient. Following the May 15 deadline, Granger said staff reductions would not be necessary as the district expects sufficient apportionment for next year. “I don’t foresee any financial issues next year if the school returns to full capacity,” Porter said. While apportionment will be based on current enrollment, which Porter said they hope increases, the district will utilize federal stimulus money if apportionment is not sufficient. Porter also said the district will exceed its minimum target reserve of 6 percent by the end of the school year. To add on to Persse’s concerns, the school district also recently added two administrative positions, which he said was backwards thinking. “We need educators that are working directly with students,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense why you would cut this population group. I think it’s unfortunate.” Granger said adding administrative roles was a necessary decision to improve the evaluation process of teachers and help principals discipline students. “They’re grounded in what do our students need to be successful,” Granger said. “If we want principals to do more work with teachers to improve the outcome of teachers, we have to put more administrators in the game.” When asked how the district’s relationship was with BEA following the decision to reconsider the staff reductions, Granger said the district has a great working relationship with all of its labor unions. “We are always working with our labor unions,” he said.
How long in business: 11 years Description of the business: TouchStone Health is a local place to turn to get more support and behavioral health counseling during hard times and when facing life’s heartbreaks. How the business started: TouchStone began as Dr. Erika Creydt’s private practice and continually grew. Her phone kept ringing with the community wanting more access to mental health services. Together Erika and executive director Jesse Creydt have worked to increase awareness and accessibility in the community ever since. “We will continue to do everything we can to help our neighbors, especially now as we have all been impacted by Covid-19 and everything that is changing because of it.” Future goals: Help strengthen individuals, families and to continue to be a touchstone for our community. Everyone can benefit from more connection when facing life’s struggles. Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.
This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!
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s A kayaker paddling into Drayton Harbor on May 25.
Harbor ... From page 1
of January. Residents have voiced concerns to Blaine officials of gunfire close to residential and recreational areas. Blaine city councilmember Mary Lou Steward kicked off the Drayton Harbor public hearing in support of the no-shooting ordinance, citing numerous complaints and concerns surrounding public safety in a growing area. Blaine mayor Bonnie Onyon and a Drayton Harbor resident also shared similar sentiments. Tyler Bahrenburg, a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) police sergeant, said WDFW is unaware of any calls on practices of unsafe hunting practices or injuries in Drayton Harbor. Bahrenburg also asked council to consider lack of public access to sea duck hunting in Washington and throughout the U.S. “It’s a sport that our public loves and I would hate to see it diminish,” he said. During the separate Dearborn public hearing, Bahrenburg clarified to council that WDFW can’t enforce county code. WDFW officer Ryan Valentine said in the 18 years he’s worked in Whatcom County for WDFW, the agency in charge of fielding concerns, he has not responded to any public safety issues concerning hunting in Drayton Harbor. Valentine said the hunting occurs farther in the water with shot guns that only reach a couple hundred yards. “It’s unfortunate that people are scared when they hear a shotgun blast, but the safety issue that is being purported is simply not there from what I’ve seen in the 18 years’ of patrolling that area vigilantly,” he said. Valentine said the no-shooting zone in Wiser Lake, an argument for those supporting a Drayton Harbor shooting ban, was created as a game reserve for migratory waterfowl. Tino Villaluz, a representative for the Swinomish Indian Tribe’s hunting and wildlife department and a Whatcom County resident,
spoke against the proposed ordinance. “The city of Blaine is taking an empathetic view of this perceived public safety threat,” Villaluz said. “We don’t have a perception on injustice as tribal people, we have a reality. And that reality is ever present and constantly constricting our life ways. You’re systemically taking away our rights.” Villaluz said he asked to have more than three minutes to address council because he was representing a sovereign nation, which he argued should not be categorized as the general public. Frank Bob, a Lummi Nation member and a Lummi Nation resource and policy representative, said his family has lived in the surrounding area, including Semiahmoo Village, since time immemorial, but they were removed from their homes when the city of Blaine was built. “I used to hunt deer and elk here, where the golf course in now, and on Birch Point, where the condominiums are right now, and now the city of Blaine wants to take the waterfowl hunting away from our people,” Bob said. “We will not tolerate that. Lummi will challenge the decision as long as we need to.” Bob Harriman, with Borderline Bassin’ Contenders hunting and fishing club, said he believes hunters practice safe shooting through hunting restrictions and WDFW laws. “It’s the town that grew outward into the county, not the county that grew into the city,” Harriman said. Following the Drayton Harbor public hearing, councilmember Tyler Byrd voiced many concerns on the proposed ordinance, including concerns on county code. The no-shooting zone only applies in the water, meaning someone could shoot a shotgun near homes on the shoreline, Byrd said. “If you’re worried about guns, wouldn’t you want to go out and create a no-shooting zone on land, where the houses and the people actually are?” Byrd asked council. Ben Elenbaas said he didn’t want to ban something just because neighbors were annoyed.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Byrd said the city of Blaine could annex the area and create a no-shooting zone, but until then, he doesn’t see a need for county council to address the issue. “It’s incredibly important that we look at the data and base our decisions off the data, and not how we feel about something or a political belief about something or a fear about what might happen,” Byrd said. “If we go down that route, we’ll end up banning everything in the world.” Byrd expressed interest in pushing discussion for two weeks so councilmembers could gather stakeholders to discuss a 1,000-foot buffer as a compromise, which councilmember Rud Browne had previously proposed in 2019 with no interest from the parties. “Councilmember Browne said he brought the two parties to-
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The Northern Light • May 27 - June 2, 2021
&
Garden
A monthly special section in The Northern Light
Exterior lighting can add perfect ambiance to a property
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The value of the right lighting in a home is undeniable. Lighting can instantly transform a room and create the ambiance homeowners are looking to establish. Though it might be mostly seen as a way to create mood inside a home, lighting also can do much for lawns and gardens. Backyards have come a long way over the last several decades. Once reserved as play areas for children and stomping grounds for the family dog, backyards have become oases for homeowners and their families. Outdoor living areas are wildly popular, and no such area is complete
without exterior lighting. In fact, a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders found that 85 percent of home buyers want exterior lighting, making it the second most desired outdoor feature (patios topped that list). Exterior lighting can have a dramatic effect on landscaping, and estimates from the online financial resource Kiplinger.com suggest such lighting is inexpensive, with installation averaging roughly $67 per fixture. When installing exterior lighting around their landscapes, homeowners can keep various
File photo
tips in mind to create a relaxing, awe-inspiring mood on their properties at night. • Consider uplights. Uplights are installed in the ground and direct light up at a tree, focusing on its trunk or canopy. This creates a dramatic effect that makes it possible to enjoy majestic trees at night just like you might when spending time in the yard during the day. • Focus on trees. Many homeowners already have exterior lighting lining their walkways and patios, but focusing on trees can create an entirely different look. Though it’s possible to in-
stall exterior tree lighting on your own, landscaping professionals with lighting experience know which fixtures will pair most effectively with the trees around your property and how to arrange them for maximum effect. • Opt for warm light. Warm white light creates an inviting feel around the property. The exterior lighting experts at Utah Lights acknowledge that choice of lighting is up to homeowners but also note that, in situations with lower levels of ambient light, such as in exterior lights around a property, people typically prefer warmer light. That’s because
warm light tends to be easier on the eyes and directs attention to the features of the landscape, which is many homeowners’ goal when installing exterior lighting in their yards. • Utilize a timer. Modern exterior lighting timers make it easier than ever to control the lights outside a home. Many such timers even adjust for the changing seasons and the shifting hours of daylight. That means homeowners shouldn’t have to tinker with the timer once it’s set. Exterior lighting can add significant appeal to a property without breaking the bank.
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Common complaints we receive this time of year relate to: • Overgrown grass • Plants growing over sidewalks • Windfall debris • Dumping of household items on sidewalks
Overgrown vegetation and illegal dumping can lead to fines. Please do your part to control vegetation and clean responsibly this spring and summer.
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tio furniture materials. Patio fabrics Check the cleaning instructions of outdoor fabrics, as there might be specific instructions on the tags. In some cases, fabric may be removed and washed in a washing machine on a gentle setting. A solution of dish soap and warm water also is a gentle way to clean outdoor fabrics. Once items are clean, HGTV advises applying a water-repellent fabric protector to minimize staining and maintenance. Strip or sand Wood furniture may need specialized care. If stains cannot be removed with a mild cleanser, hard woods like teak can be surface-sanded to restore their original look. Pressure washers can often do more harm than good to patio furniture, so it’s best to look for an alternative way to clean them. Usually a bit of elbow grease and a cleanser is all that’s needed.
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Once the days begin to grow a little bit longer and the numbers on the thermometer creep a tad higher, outdoor entertaining season is right around the corner. Homeowners may be anxious to once again return to the comforts of their backyards. However, their patio furniture may not be ready for lounging just yet. Some simple cleaning strategies make it easy to brighten outdoor furniture made of metal, glass, wood, and plastic. Before homeowners know it, their backyards will be ready for outdoor entertaining season. Proper storage Storing outdoor furniture during the colder months of the year is a great way to protect items from the elements. This may involve careful shrink-wrapping and keeping items outdoors, or by moving furniture indoors to a shed or garage. Cleaning the furniture one last time before storing it also can be handy. Remove stuck-on debris Inspect furniture and be prepared to remove any stuck-on debris, such as bird droppings, sticky food residue or even cobwebs and insect nests. Be sure to use a cleaning tool that is safe for the material you are cleaning. Test an inconspicuous area of the furniture first to ensure your tools don’t damage the furniture. For example, many scrub brushes can scratch glass or aluminum. Make an effective cleanser Clean stains off of furniture with a versatile cleanser. A mild cleaner can be made by mixing 1⁄2 cup baking soda with 1 gallon of warm water, according to the experts at Better Homes & Gardens. Regular dishwashing detergent also can be mixed with water, as it has a mild bleaching agent. This cleanser can be used on plastic resin furniture or metal furniture, which are popular pa-
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The Northern Light • May 27 - June 2, 2021
BHS senior signs to play baseball with Kansas college
Whatcom County Council extends Cherry Point permitting moratorium By Ian Haupt
s BHS senior Hunter Conn-Beck signed to play baseball with Ottawa University April 30. Courtesy photo
By Grace McCarthy Blaine High School senior Hunter Conn-Beck, 18, recently signed to play baseball with Ottawa University, a 600-student Baptist college in Kansas. “Baseball has allowed me to challenge myself,” Conn-Beck said. “It teaches me lessons to persevere through tougher times.” Conn-Beck began playing baseball at 6 years old, inspired by a family dedicated to the game – his dad, a die-hard Yankees fan; mom, a softball player; and older brother, a former first baseman for the Borderites. In his younger years, Conn-Beck played on a Nooksack Boys and Girls Club team before he moved to Blaine and began playing on Blaine Middle School’s team in seventh grade. He played as a middle infielder on BHS’ C team freshman year and JV team sophomore year. But just as Conn-Beck was gaining momentum and eying college ball, the pandemic hit last March and stripped him of his junior year season. He didn’t play senior year. “There was a lesson to be learned that there’s going to be a door opening soon and someone out there is going to give me another opportunity when I just had one taken away,” he said. Conn-Beck invested his time in summer ball, which he played at City Baseball Academy, a youth baseball club in Seattle, and through one-on-one practices with a private coach four times per week.
Harbor ... From page 7
gether and asked them if they wanted this 1,000-foot buffer. Everyone said no and the city council of Blaine is asking us to do [the no-shooting zone], but no, we’re going to make our own little rules here. Who are we representing here? I’m against this,” Frazey said with a headshake. Elenbaas opposed the 1,000foot buffer, saying it would create a safety issue by crowding hunters.
Jake Phillips, Conn-Beck’s City Baseball Academy coach who worked with Conn-Beck last summer, said the budding collegiate athlete was always supportive of his teammates and gave his best effort. “He always had a positive attitude and always worked his tail off to do better,” Phillips said. The work paid off and this spring, Ottawa University, about an hour outside of Kansas City, reached out to Conn-Beck as a potential recruit. Conn-Beck visited the campus April 18-21, where he met the coaches and did a workout with the team, before being given seven days to commit. The school also offered Conn-Beck a $15,000 scholarship. “It felt like home,” he said. Conn-Beck’s mom and coach Jeremy Hirschkorn, who owns Jett Movement Academy in Bellingham, where Conn-Beck signed, were at the signing on April 30. “It was very overwhelming but very exciting for him because he’s worked really long and hard for everything,” La Donna Conn, Conn-Beck’s mother, said. “I am his biggest fan. I have worked long and hard to make sure he’s gotten to every practice and every game.” Conn-Beck, set to play summer baseball with City Baseball Academy, said he’s most looking forward to the experience of college baseball and the challenge it will bring. “It’s been my dream to play college baseball and then hopefully soon one day get to play Major League Baseball,” he said. Jones told county council after the public hearing that the city did not support a 1,000-foot buffer because city limits extend more than 1,000 feet into the harbor in some areas. “In a number of cases, that would be the city basically allowing shooting within the city, which we disallow completely across the board in the city,” Jones said. “That would be inconsistent with the request city council has received from the majority of the citizens they have heard from, so it would be an untenable political situation.”
Whatcom County Council approved a six-month ban on accepting and processing applications and permits for facilities to store and increase the shipment of unrefined fossil fuels at Cherry Point. The interim moratorium, which is the eleventh of its kind since September 2016 and council says likely the last, allows the planning commission to rework regulations on the industry and manufacturing facilities in the urban growth area. During their May 18 meeting, councilmembers voted 5-2
Medical ... From page 3
tion,” Claar admitted. “I thought that none of us had won anything, so it was just really surprising.” Claar finally found out about her win when an email from Weeks popped up on her phone in the middle of class, nearly two weeks after the competition. But by the end of the next day of class, after Weeks had made sure to say congratulations on the morning announcements, Claar was being showered in praise from students and teachers alike. “We’ve never made it past
in favor of the moratorium with councilmembers Ben Elenbaas and Kathy Kershner opposed. The commission has used the moratorium to work with a stakeholder group made up of various business agents and labor union representatives to propose amendments for the comprehensive plan, according to the ordinance. The recommendations will then be presented to council for a vote. Many county councilmembers thanked the stakeholder group – many of whom spoke during the meeting and asked council to refrain from making any more changes to the amendments – for
their time and work on the committee. “This is how democracy is supposed to work,” councilmember Barry Buchanan said. “We’re supposed to engage our community, engage the people that are most affected, and work out solutions.” Kershner clarified to some speakers that council was not in fact voting on the amendments but the extension of the moratorium. “This is a moratorium that’s been in place for a number of years that we’re extending one more time,” she said. The last six-month ban was approved by council in its November 24, 2020, meeting.
round one,” Weeks said of Blaine’s track record in these annual competitions. “I just tell the kids, ‘We’re just here for fun. If we don’t win, it doesn’t matter.’ And then she got first place.” Claar says that she has always had an interest in science, but it was her time taking Running Start classes at the local community college that helped her prepare for this year’s competition. “What really helped me was I took a medical terminology class at Whatcom Community College for a quarter,” Claar said. “So I think that helped me to prepare a lot.” Claar said that she hopes to at-
tend dental school and become an orthodontist, and currently has a list of 50 potential universities to which she wants to apply. Claar’s mother, Kristin French, attempted to explain the enormous list. “She says 50-plus, it’s long, but she is,” before she can say anything else, Claar finishes her sentence. “Trying to narrow it down,” she said. When asked what her top choice was, Claar ponders for a moment. “Oh, probably Stanford, if I had to pick,” she said.
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ALICE BODIEN LARSEN, Deceased. No. 214-00107-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: May 19, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: May 20, 2021 Name of Personal Representative: JEAN DARA LARSEN HILDEBRAND Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED May 19, 2021. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative JEAN DARA LARSEN HILDEBRAND www.averyelderlaw.com
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: CAROLYN JEAN CALMAN, Deceased. No. 21-4-00401-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan P. Jones The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors May 19, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: May 20, 2021 Name of Personal Representative: DEBRA MARLENE LUND Attorney for Personal Representative: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED May 19, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative DEBRA MARLENE LUND www.averyelderlaw.com
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: MARY SHEILA HYATT, Deceased. No. 21-4-00379-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Judge Evan Jones The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: May 19, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: May 20, 2021 Name of Personal Representative: JEAN ADAMS Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED May 19, 2021. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative JEAN ADAMS www.averyelderlaw.com
NOTICE OF HEARING IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF KING, JUVENILE DEPARTMENT IN RE THE DEPENDENCY OF: JERIKO RAYNE TAYLOR, DOB: 07/04/2012. NO: 21-7-00249-2 KNT. TO: * Mother, Kristine Danielle Syfers; Father, Joshua Ryan Taylor, and/ or anyone claiming parental/paternal rights or interest in the child and to All Whom It May Concern: On April 15, 2021, a petition for Termination was filed in the above entitled Court, pursuant to RCW 13.34.080 and/ or RCW 26.33.310 regarding the above named child, whose parents are *. [FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CALL 253-372-5738, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.] Said Petition will be heard on July 8, 2021, at the hour of 8:30 a.m., at Regional Justice Center Courthouse, Rm 1-L, 401 4th Ave North, Kent, WA 98032. Appearance at this hearing is required and may be in person or by telephone. Parties may appear by telephone by calling 206263-8114 and using the following PIN number to join the call: for Kent cases – 1216606#, before a judge of the above entitled court, at which time you are directed to appear and answer the said petition or the petition will be granted and action will be taken by the court such as shall appear to be for the welfare of the said child. DATED this 10th day of May, 2021. BARBARA MINER KING COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CLERK BY: KAB, Deputy Clerk
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: MARIAN RUTH ALLARD, Deceased. No. 21-4-00354-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: May 6, 2021 Personal Representative: Deborah Allard Riehl Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677
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The Northern Light • May 27 - June 2, 2021
Real Estate
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO
For the health & safety of our clients, Windermere Real Estate is pleased to follow the State of Washington’s mandate to not hold Open Houses. We are, however, available to show you your dream home by virtual tour or private appointment. Please call your Realtor for assistance.
Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square St. #101, Blaine, WA I-5 Exit 270 • 360.371.5100 F E A T U R E D L I S T I N G S - B I R C H B AY
5774 Salish Road 8370 Harborview Rd #11 6885 Holeman Avenue 4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd #286 5550 Salish Road 8061 Niska Road MLS #1779472 $259,900 MLS #1725056 $240,000 MLS #1734392 $799,500 $329,000 MLS #1778530 $525,000 MLS #1735916 $145,000 MLS #1778855 Fresh off $30K remodel, welcome to highly Check out the pictures of this modern re-
Spectacular north facing waterfront view lot on Point Whitehorn. Situated amongst upscale homes, lot overlooks Birch Bay & Canadian mountains. Site features waterfront access to enjoy clamming, crabbing, beach combing, kayaking, & everything Birch Bay has to offer. Build your dream home & take advantage of the gentle slope with daylight basement to capitalize on beautiful view and great evening sunsets. These lots are getting harder to find, buy now and build later.
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563 or Matt Berry 360-389-0104
Built in 2005, but looks just completed. 3258 sq ft mostly turn-key. Every room is spacious. 3 bed, 2 full baths, dining rm, great rm, family rm, sauna, granite counter tops throughout, Cedar siding, composition rm, covered patio & deck, 5 zone in-floor radiant heat including 3-car garage. Kitchen: maple cabinets, slate backsplash, ss appliances. Main level: Great rm, kitchen, dining rm, 2 guest beds & full guest bath, deck. Garden Level: family rm, master bed with en-suite, utility rm, patio. Birch Bay Village.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
B I R C H B AY
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
LISTINGS - BLAINE
8243 W Chilliwack Road 9718 Vista Terrace MLS #1773173 $400,000 MLS #1750338 $389,000
Potential, Potential, Potential. Located on a quiet rd. next to one of Birch Bay Villages green belts. Vaulted Ceilings, cozy fire place, Lots of natural finishes, has a loft for a 3rd bedroom, office, hobby room.. Birch Bay village amenities include 24hr security, salt water marina, many access points to Birch Bay beaches, private golf course, parks, community pool, sports courts, clubhouse, several playgrounds and miles of low speed limit roads great for walking or bike riding. Home needs updating and a few repairs. Bring your tool box and build some equity.
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
Great location, 180 day lot, well cared for 2005 top of the line Breckenridge Park Model. Vaulted ceilings, oak cabinets, bright & sunny interior, lots of natural light, all furniture stays, truly turn key purchase. A must see! Lot is fenced with storage shed & would make great weekender or 6-month living. Enjoy all that Latitude 49 has to offer; pool, pickleball, clubhouse, exercise room, security gate, yet minutes to Birch Bay for great walks along the waterside berm. Won’t last long, minutes to I-5 & CDN border.
Chance to update 3 bed/1.5 bath no steps RAMBLER + earn instant sweat equity! Ideal project home for handy homeowner who wants to customize + get into the market at an affordable price point. Nearly impossible to find 14’x25’ shop + stick built home in this price range with flexibility of no HOA neighborhood. Large private corner lot, s/s appliances, 1 wood burning stove + 1 gas insert. High speed Comcast internet available + near schools, downtown Blaine, waterfront & border. Connected to City of Blaine sewer in April 2021, no need for septic.
Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
Bay + mountain view Birch Bay Village home, welcome to Niska Road! Open concept floor plan features kitchen with S/S appliances + granite counters, vaulted ceilings, skylights, hardwood & laminate flooring. Primary suite includes ensuite bath with large tub & walk in closet. 400 sq ft deck wrap around. Attached 2-car garage, room for RV/boat parking + storage/potting shed. Birch Bay Village amenities include marina, beaches, golf course, outdoor pool, tennis courts, clubhouse & 24hr security gate.
Leah Crews 360-305-4747
sought after Birch Bay Village community! Recent upgrades include brand new natural gas furnace, easy care laminate flooring, bathroom vanities & kitchen refresh. Spacious private yard + property provides room to park multiple vehicles. Unrivaled amenities include marina, beaches, golf course, outdoor pool, tennis courts, clubhouse, 24/ hr security gate. Enjoy all Birch Bay has to offer. Stand alone homes in this price range hard to find, don’t miss your chance to own this home for less than going rental rates.
Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
modeled cottage in the 55+ community of Birch Bay Retirement Inc. Purchase includes home & 1/18th share in Birch Bay Retirement Inc, an 18 home development with common areas, includes RV parking. May be least expensive place to live in Birch Bay per month. Dues of $120.00/month, include expenses for all expenses. Great location with perfect sun exposure & enjoy benefits of completely remodeled property creating a Beach Cottage with modern outbuilding. EnToo many upgrades to mention. See it today.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - S E M I A H M O O
9426 Turnstone Lane #30 9085 Chickadee Way MLS #1770394 $920,000 MLS #1774579 $1,120,000
Better than new Semiahmoo Shore Sunrise home w/spectacular views. Large meadow between home & Harbor view. Tucked behind an entry gate, miles of trails & endless beaches. Features top of line finishes & appliances. Smart home includes features like heated main bath floor, remote controlled gas fireplace, wifi garage door control & more. Private patio with sunrise views over Mt. Baker & Drayton Harbor. Near 4-Star Semiahmoo Resort, have a spa day then dine at one of the award-winning restaurants.
Greg Flint 360-220-0551
Well maintained & recently remodeled single story home. Efficient use of space! Remodel added 2 car garage. Turn-key home. Built & remodeled by Dykstra--a Whatcom County legend for detailed craftsmanship. Charming architectural integrity with vaulted ceiling, high windows & walls of windows on view side. Tucked inside unique Boundary Ridge location--private cul-de-sac--neighboring lots landscaped to park like perfection. No condo dues or shared walls. Move in ready--no improvements needed.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
9146 Turnstone Lane #25 MLS #1747981 $1,250,000
Rare opportunity in Semiahmoo Shore development. Exceptional quality, rarely used, immaculately maintained, packed with fea8733 Semiahmoo Drive tures including under floor heating, vaulted MLS #1758411 ceilings, & smart home features. Saltwater $179,000 Beautiful northwest facing lot with pan- views from front & back. Elegant fireplace. oramic views of the sound, islands, and Expanded patio. Views of Drayton Harbor Canada. Relatively easy construction oppor- & Mt Baker. Beaches on both sides. Walktunity located in a neighborhood with quality able location with parks, paths, restaurants, homes. Septic on lot, water and power in the Semiahmoo Resort & Marina within steps. street. View today as this will not last long. Minutes from Birch Bay, Blaine, Bellingham. Buyer to review all information. Matt Berry 360-389-0104 &
Matt Berry 360-389-0104
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
www.windermere.com Rentals - Commercial
8866 Cormorant Ct.
$1,400,000 4 bed, 3.5 bath • 4,584 Sq. Ft. Grand entry welcomes you into this luxury home located on Semiahmoo’s 17th fairway. Main floor: living room with 2 sided fireplace & views of fairway; formal dining area; kitchen with beautiful cabinetry, slab granite counters & island; large master suite; office, guest bath & laundry room. Upstairs: 3 beds 1.75 baths; bonus room; casual sitting/study area. Large covered, heated patio has fireplace, barbecue & views of golf course. 3 car garage. Fully encased windows & high-end painted trim. Buyer has first right of refusal on adjacent lot. CALL HUGH TO VIEW, 360.371.5800
Call Hugh : 360.371.5800 Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services! Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker
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Rentals - Rooms FURNISHED ROOMS incl. amenities, NS, pet friendly starts at $600/mo. + deposit, references required, willing to credit for yard work. 360-332-3449.
All All real real estate/rentals estate/rentalsadvertising advertisin this newspaper is subject to the ing in this newspaper is subject Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as to the Federal Fair Housing amended, which makes it illegal toAct anyamended, preference, which limitationmakes or discriminaofadvertise 1968 as it illegal based onany race,preference, color, religion, sex, handicap totionadvertise limitation or disfamilial status or national origin, or an intention crimination on race,limitation color, religion, to make any based such preference, or discrimination. This familial newspaper will or notnational knowinglyorisex, handicap, status accept advertisement for realany estate gin, or any an intention to make suchwhich prefis in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby erence, limitation or advertised discrimination. This informed that all dwellings in this newsnewspaper will not accept any paper are available on anknowingly equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free advertisement for real estate which is inatvi1-800-877-0246.
olation 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.
NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
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Warehousing-Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Vehicle Storage Yards Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates
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Retail/ Office Space
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.
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May 27 - June 2, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Oertel’s life celebrated with BHS ’53 grads
13
OBITUARIES Wesley Hackman
May 6, 1951 – May 17, 2021
s Blaine High School class of 1953 graduates attended a memorial service at Blaine Cemetery for Richard “Wayne” Oertel, the son of the owner of Oertel’s Market that was located at the foot of H Street. Wayne Oertel died in 2019 but his service was postponded to May 21 because of the pandemic. Courtesy photo
Road Rules: How to drive on I-5 By Doug Dahl Question: My question is about driving on limited-access freeways such as I-5. I try to drive as consistently as possible. On a three lane freeway, my understanding is the left lane is for passing, and the other two lanes are general purpose, which I’ve always understood to mean one lane isn’t supposed to be faster than the other. Typically I’ll drive in the center lane. The right lane usually goes slower but not always. Is there a legal requirement that says if I’m in the center lane with others passing me on the right, I must move to the right? If not, is it a courtesy I’m not aware of? Answer: First off, I appreciate your intention to both do the law-abiding thing and the courteous thing. I think sometimes we overlook how driving courtesy can make the world a better place. And I can understand how you’ve reached the conclusion that the left lane is for passing and the other lanes are “general purpose”, despite that not actually being correct. The Revised Code of Washington has a law titled, “Keep right except when passing, etc.” Subsection four of the law states, “It is a traffic infraction to drive continuously in the left lane of a multilane roadway when it impedes the flow of other traffic.” Based on that subsection, it’d be reasonable to reach your conclusion. Not entirely right, but reasonable. If we look further into the law, in subsection two we find: “Upon all roads having two or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, all vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic . . .” It follows with a list four exceptions: • Passing another vehicle; • Traveling at a speed greater than traffic flow (This is not permission to speed); • Moving left to allow traffic to
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The angels called Wesley home on May 17, 2021 after a five year battle with cancer. Wesley spent his days living the dream. Born May 6, 1951 to Waldo and Pearl Hackman of Rapid City, South Dakota. Wesley was the youngest of three children. Wesley met his sweetheart, Dianne, while working for her father at the local go-kart track. They wed on June 13, 1969. Throughout 52 years of marriage, they raised two daughters together, Sherry Andersen and Kristy Hackman of North Bend, and four grandchildren: Ryan, Anthony, Sam, and Chelsea. Wesley enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. When he wasn’t puttering around in the garage, you would find him at the golf course or off-roading in Yuma, Arizona. Wes’s family will miss his laughter, hugs, and his famous pancakes. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his memory to Good Samaritan Society-Stafholt. A celebration of life will be held on June 3 from 1-3 p.m. at 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road Blaine, WA 98230.
Deloris Arlene (Hagen) Swobody August 27, 1937 – May 24, 2021
Deloris Arlene (Hagen) Swobody of Birch Bay, age 83, passed on from this world in the early hours of May 24, 2021 at St. Joseph Hospital. Wife of Donald Thomas Swobody, they shared sixty years of marriage before Don’s passing in early 2017. Born August 27, 1937 to John and Clara Hagen in Swift County Minnesota. The third of five children. She attended Ferndale High School, where she met her future husband and graduated in 1955. Don and Deloris were married in September 1956 and had four children, 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Deloris was preceded in death by her parents John and Clara; husband Donald; siblings Marilyn Gott, Curtis Hagen and Anna Plaster; son John Olaf Swobody; and nephew Nicholas Andres. She is survived by her daughter Rebecca (Terry) Cleverly of Birch Bay, sons Donald T. Swobody Jr. of Marysville, WA and Eric (Lori) Swobody of Surprise, AZ; daughter-in-law Annette Swobody of Marysville, WA; brother Ray (Pat) Hagen of Kennewick, WA; sister-in-law Margie Andres of Ferndale, WA; brother-in-law John Rice of Oklahoma City, OK; nephews Steve Andres and Tony and Greg Gott, as well as her many grandchildren. Graveside service to be held at Moles Greenacres Cemetery. June 2, 2021 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the VFW Auxiliary.
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Service to be Saturday, June 5, at 1 p.m. in the Outdoor Pavilion at Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Dr, Blaine, WA 98230. For more, visit www.molesfarewelltributes.com.
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14
The Northern Light • May 27 - June 2, 2021
Sheriff’s Reports May 13, 10:24 a.m.: Subject stop on Birch Bay Drive and Alderson Road. May 14, 3:57 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay Drive and Harborview Road. May 14, 5:56 p.m.: Civil standby on Dory Court. May 14, 7:41 p.m.: Traffic stop on Harborview Road. Driver arrested for DUI. May 14, 9:37 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Sole Drive. May 15, 9:10 a.m.: Juvenile problem on Crest Drive. May 15, 10:01 a.m.: Theft cold call on Leeside Drive. May 15, 2:38 p.m.: Domestic physical on Sunrise and Badger Road, Custer. May 16, 1:53 a.m.: Hit and run on Portal Way and Faris Road, Custer. May 16, 12:37 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Forsberg Road. May 16, 4:54 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. May 17, 8:49 a.m.: Noise cold call on Kickerville Road. May 18, 5:25 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Beach Way Drive and Cedar Street. May 18, 3:18 p.m.: Missing child on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. May 18, 4:30 p.m.: Property recovered on Portal Way. May 18, 9 p.m.: Domestic ver-
bal on Seafair Drive. May 19, 4:12 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Fir Way. May 19, 4:53 p.m.: Threat cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. May 19, 5:05 p.m.: Hit and run on Delta Line Road, Custer. May 20, 5:41 p.m.: Suspicious
Police Reports May 15, 12:35 p.m.: Violation of a protection order on Baldwin Place. May 15, 8:22 a.m.: Welfare check on 11th Street. May 15, 5:30 p.m.: Suspended driving arrest on Marine Drive. May 15, 6:51 p.m.: Harassing phone call on 4th Street. May 15, 8:23 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on H Street. May 16, 11 a.m.: Juvenile problem on 9th Street. May 16, 11:16 a.m.: Auto collision on H Street. May 16, 11:34 a.m.: Assist fire department on Marine Drive. May 16, 2:19 p.m.: Parking violation on B Street. May 16, 5 p.m.: Ride along on H Street. May 16, 5:27 p.m.: Stolen property seen on F Street. May 16, 5:41 p.m.: Juvenile problem on 12th Street.
Crossword ACROSS 1. “Sleepless In Seattle” actress Ryan 4. One of Santa’s reindeer 10. Before the present 11. Type of butter 12. Location of White House 14. Motion 15. Tree part 16. Regions around the North Pole 18. Fits on a boat’s gunwale 22. Discuss after it’s happened 23. Milk substitute for coffee 24. Describes one who believes in supreme being 26. Equally 27. Famed director Forman 28. Popular apartment style 30. British School 31. Advanced degree 34. Order of architecture 36. Investment account (abbr.) 37. Snakelike fishes
circumstances on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. May 21, 10:02 a.m.: Sex crime, not rape, on Yellow Fin Court. May 21, 3:40 p.m.: Civil problem on Custer Road. May 22, 3:38 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Kickerville Road.
39. Children’s tale bear 40. Norse personification of old age 41. Atomic #58 42. Moving your head 48. 1878 Kentucky Derby winner 50. Frankfurter 51. Small, seedless raisin 52. Device in papermaking machine 53. Go 54. Open payment initiative (abbr.) 55. “Westworld” actor Harris 56. Saturated with salt 58. Marry 59. Report on 60. Midway between north and northeast DOWN 1. Rays 2. Self-centered person 3. One you look after 4. Prosecutor 5. Portion 6. Speaks ill of 7. Formal system for
computer programs 8. To make angry 9. Rural delivery 12. Group of languages 13. Large First Nations group 17. Circulating life force in Chinese philosophy 19. Excludes 20. Body cavity of a metazoan 21. Swedish monetary unit 25. Works with 29. Partner to “to” 31. Rewards (archaic) 32. One of Caroline Islands 33. Type of alcohol 35. Eat a lot 38. Nuns 41. Dog 43. Become more serious 44. Choose 45. Newspapers use it 46. World’s longest river 47. Commanded to go faster 49. Cabs 56. Mr. T’s “A-Team”
May 16, 11:12 p.m.: Attempted suicide on Garfield Avenue. May 17, 11 a.m.: Verbal domestic on Harrison Avenue. May 18, 12:02 a.m.: Juvenile runaway on G Street. May 18, 8:14 a.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Boblett Street. May 18, 4:14 p.m.: Civil case on H Street. May 19, 10:58 a.m.: Found property on Marine Drive. May 19, 9:05 p.m.: Welfare check on a neighbor on Bayview Avenue. May 19, 9:18 p.m.: Assault, domestic violence, arrest on G Street. May 20, 6:37 p.m.: Attended death investigation on Semiahmoo Parkway. May 21, 12:28 p.m.: Welfare check on Runge Avenue. May 21, 1:41 a.m.: Security check on Harrison Avenue. Report by Blaine Police Department.
character 57. Document signed (abbr.) ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Tides May 28 – June 3 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE
TIME
HEIGHT
TIME
HEIGHT
Fr 28 1:34 am 7.0
5:54 am 9.2
1:33 pm -3.4
9:23 pm 10.7
Sa 29 2:36 am 7.2
6:38 am 8.7
2:21 pm -3.0 10:19 pm 10.6
Su 30 3:48 am 7.1
7:24 am 8.0
3:11 pm -2.2 11:11 pm 10.3
Coming up Please wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, May 27, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, May 28, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Garrett Hendricks. Info: thevaultwine.com. Q & A Panel with Beach Naturalists: Tuesday, June 1, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Live beach event with a Q&A panel where you can ask our experts any questions you have regarding beach critters, the intertidal zone, and anything else that comes up for you as you explore the beach. Submit photos of species you want help identifying, our beach naturalists might be able to help! For more information and registration: tinyurl.com/WTPinfopage. Sponsored by the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve. Blaine School District Virtual Arts & Jazz Zoom-a-thon: Wednesday, June 2, 7–9 p.m. Join a Zoom webinar in the style of a late night talk show with lively emcees, features from the Blaine High School choir, band, drama and visual arts, interviews from Blaine celebrities, supporters of the arts, and of course the opportunity to donate to the Blaine Fine Arts Association with an easy click. Zoom link will by posted on blainesd. org. Sponsored by the Blaine Fine Arts Association. Seeds of Culture: The Portraits and Stories of Native American Women: Thursday, June 3, 7 p.m., Mt. Baker Theater, 104 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham. Melding powerful storytelling with video, photography and song, Matika Wilbur, expands on her experiences photographing Native American women from across the hundreds of sovereign nations she visited over nearly a decade. Free. Registration: mountbakertheatre.com/ online/article/seedsofculture. Sponsored by Whatcom Museum. Blaine High School Class of 2021 Drive-by “Parade”: Sunday, June 6, 2 p.m., Mitchell Avenue between the I-5 overpass and Alder Street. Come drive by the seniors in their caps and gowns to honor their graduation. Decorate your car, wave a sign, and show the students how much their community appreciates them. Blaine School District Community Q & A: Monday, June 7, 6 p.m. The community is invited to ask Blaine School District superintendent, Dr. Christophe Granger questions. Zoom link on blainesd.org. RE Sources Environmental Heroes Awards Celebration and Fundraiser: Wednesday, June 9, 5:30 p.m. Virtual celebration honoring 13-year-old Blaine resident London Fletcher, Darrell Hillaire and Much Ruth Holder plus keynote speaker Rep. Debra Lekanoff and Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest. Info and registration: re-sources.org/Heroes2021. Proceeds support Re Sources’ critical programs and projects. Watershed Watchers: Day at the Beach: Saturday, June 12, noon–3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park. Low tides, free parking, guided naturalist beach walks, and free popsicles. Sponsored by Whatcom Conservation District and BBWARM. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org/get- involved/ Watershed-Watchers. Haynie Opry: Saturday, June 12, Haynie Grange, 3344 Haynie Road, Custer. Join Matt Audette and the Circle of Friends band for an old-time gospel music matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening show with musical guests Al and Carol Linde at 7 p.m. Tickets at the door $5 for matinee, $10 evening show. Info: 360/366-3321. Drive-in Movie at Birch Bay Waterslides: Friday, June 18, gates open at 8 p.m., movie starts around 9:30 p.m., Birch Bay Waterslides, 4874 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Drive-in movie-style, showing Angry Birds 2. Cost $20 per car. Purchase tickets at birchbaychamber.com. Ongoing: 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 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.
8:18 am 7.2
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.
Tu 1 12:01 am 10.0
6:34 am 5.8
9:32 am 6.2
4:53 pm 0.1
Blaine’s Market by the Sea: Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., G Street Plaza. Featuring high quality arts and crafts vendors selling handcrafted merchandise. Info: cjsolomon07@comcast.net.
We 2 12:45 am 9.8
7:46 am 4.8
11:14 am 5.5
5:47 pm 1.4
Th 3 1:25 am 9.5
8:36 am 3.7
6:41 pm 2.6
Mo 31 5:08 am 6.6
4:01 pm -1.1
1:08 pm 5.3
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: Third Thursdays, 1 p.m. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com. Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: First Wednesday, noon. Meeting ID on blainechamber.com. June meeting canceled. Blaine Library: 610 3rd Street. Open to in-branch visits, Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 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. Blaine Friends of the Library Bookstore is now open during in-branch open hours. Also, some of their inventory is now available on the online Friends of the Library Bookstore at wcls.org/friendsbooks. Meals on Wheels: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–12 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. Alaska Packers Association Museum: Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Masks required Info: draytonharbormaritime.com. 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 email him at pcorcorran@gmail.com for the Zoom link. Movie Nights: Fridays, 8:15 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing family friendly movies. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Free popcorn. Masks and social distancing required. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
May 27 - June 2, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
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Loads of Love sees high demand through pandemic B y S i e nn a B o u c h e r Loads of Love, a laundry program that pays for community members’ laundry, has seen more demand since the start of the pandemic. Christ Episcopal Church started the program in 2017, which runs the first and third Monday of each month at The Washhouse laundromat in downtown Blaine. “The number of people coming in for laundry has increased every year, but this last year it really increased a lot,” said Susan Thompson, who helps run the program through Christ Episcopal Church. Compared to 2019, 2020 had a 25 percent increase in people getting help with laundry, while the price of laundry jumped by 44 percent, according to a Loads of Love year-end report. Once the pandemic hit, Thompson said Loads of Love suddenly saw an increase in demand. “[Laundry] can end up being around $50 to $60 in cash per month, which can be hard for some people to pull,” said Bruce Smith, who often volunteers for Loads of Love. A family can receive up to three large and three medium loads, while an individual can receive up to one large load and two medium loads, Thompson said. Joyce Gurneck, a Blaine resident who uses the program, has also noticed Loads of Love becoming increasingly popular since last spring. “Sometimes we get here at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. even though it doesn’t start until 5 p.m. because we want to make sure we can do our laundry,” Gurneck said. While Covid-19 has increased
s Loads of Love volunteers set up outside of The Washhouse laundromat at 715 3rd Street in downtown Blaine to provide free laundry for Photo by Sienna Boucher community members the first and third Monday of every month. the demand, it has also meant volunteers now help people outside, rather than in the laundromat. This has caused Loads of Love to cancel the program during bad weather, impacting those who rely on the program. “We used to have people who were volunteers and would walk around and talk to people doing laundry to see how they’re doing and if they need help. We don’t do that anymore because it’s all outside,” Thompson said. Loads of Love also provided sandwiches, coffee and cookies for people using the service but has since had to stop. “We understand why those things can’t be provided anymore, but we used to sit in here and eat,” Gurneck said. “It was a nice dinner for us. It was a nice and warm environment.”
Aside from halting food services, the pandemic has also put limitations on ways Christ Episcopal Church can raise money for Loads of Love. Thompson and Smith also both said they would like to get more volunteers to be able to cover laundry for the whole month, rather than twice a month. Despite increasing demand without enough volunteers, Loads of Love still continues to go above and beyond helping people. “If it were not for this program, I would not be able to afford doing laundry for my family twice a month,” Gurneck said. Gurneck comes from a large family, for all of whom she does the laundry. This proved to be a struggle for Gurneck after both she and her mother were diag-
nosed with cancer. Gurneck had 15 tumors removed in March 2020 and is now in remission. For a long time after her surgery, Gurneck felt very weak and her 88-year-old mom also was having a hard time. “I couldn’t lift heavy things for almost a full year,” she said. “While we were sick, [the volunteers] would come out and help us carry our laundry.” Gurneck said the pandemic has impacted both of them financially and mentally. In remission, Gurneck was unable to work and her daughter got laid off. “My daughter could barely get through the phones to get on unemployment. It took her months and months to get through,” Gurneck said. (See Laundry, page 16)
$6 OFF any order of $30 or more! Not valid with any other offers. Lunch or Dinner. Exp. 6/10/2021
DINE IN
NEW HEATED OUTSID D IN ING! E &
TAKE OUT DELIVERY 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
Affected by the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic?
Energy Assistance Available Schedule NOW! Call (360) 255-2192 or schedule online anytime: tinyurl.com/OC-Energy-Assistance Scheduling line hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-12pm & 1-4pm Monthly Income Limits (1mo/3mo/12mo lookback options)
All appointments are scheduled as phone appointments due to pandemic.
FAQs:
Do I need to be behind on my bill or in disconnect status? No! Do I have to have a loss of income? No! Does everyone in my household need to be a citizen or legal resident? No, we have multiple programs to serve your household. Can credit be used for future months? Yes! Can assistance help set me up for a warm winter? Yes! Can I apply even if I recently got a new job? Yes! What else can you do at my appointment? Referrals to Home Repair Loan Program, Weatherization, Furnace Repair, and more! Are the wait times on the phone terrible? Eh...sometimes! Try scheduling online or calling later in the week. Am I taking away an appointment from someone in need? No, we have additional funding to serve the community.
We look forward to talking with you!
16
The Northern Light • May 27 - June 2, 2021
Kids learn bike safety at Birch Bay event
s Joyce Gurneck, l., sits with her mom in The Washhouse as they wait for their laundry. Photo by Sienna Boucher
Laundry ... From page 15
Along with free laundry loads, Loads of Love also supplies free detergent and dryer sheets for people, which Gurneck said has helped her afford other essentials, like cleaning supplies and toilet paper. Loads of Love is still able to provide holiday food baskets, and gave 12 baskets to families this Easter, Smith said. “That’s a big help, especially this year. This year was a really hard year,” Gurneck said. “With-
out that, we wouldn’t have been able to celebrate those holidays.” Gurneck isn’t the only one who has seen the difference Loads of Love has made in her life. “I’ve had numerous people thank us with tears in their eyes. They are just so grateful we are making this available to them,” Thompson said. People who would like to volunteer or learn more about Loads of Love can contact Susan Thompson at christchurchblaine@gmail.com. Loads of Love is held monthly on the first and third Thursday at The Washhouse, 715 3rd Street in Blaine.
s Local law enforcement officers and other community leaders taught children how to safely ride their bicycles just in time for bike rides to friends’ houses this summer. Photos courtesy BBBPRD2
Road Rules ... From page 13
merge (An example of driving courtesy); • Preparing for a left turn (There aren’t too many left turns on the freeway, but I’ll explain why this is in the law in a bit). If everyone follows the rule and the exceptions, it will result in a freeway that’s mostly sorted fastest lane on the left to slowest lane on the right. Admittedly, there’s a bit of a judgment call here. With fluctuating vehicle speeds it might be tough to know for sure
which lane to pick, and frequent lane changes are themselves a risk factor in driving. Plus, there’s the law about following too closely. If moving into the right lane would result in tailgating the car in front of you or putting the driver behind you in that position, stick with the lane you’re in, at least until you have a safer opportunity to change lanes. To those of you who encounter a slower driver in the left or middle lane, yes, you can pass them on the right. In most driving situations it’s illegal, but the law does provide two scenarios when you can legally pass on the right. One
of those is when a road has two or more lanes in the same direction. While the original question was about freeways, the law doesn’t specify that this rule is just about limited-access highways; it applies to all multilane roads. In that context, the exception about preparing for a left turn makes more sense. And while the “keep right” rule is in effect for all multilane roads, on roads with traffic signals and intersections every block, how it actually plays out in real life is a little less predictable. Sometimes driving is tricky, so let’s be nice to each other.
