July 29 - August 4, 2021
FREE
Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
WSDA looking to set traps on properties, page 2
Council votes on Cherry Point, page 3
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
U.S. border patrol chief visits Blaine, page 7
Rollback Weekend takes over Birch Bay Blaine Community Theater to make dramatic return B y E m i l y F ee k
(See Theater, page 5)
s Rollback Weekend and the 38th annual sand sculpture competition were a success in Birch Bay last weekend. See more photos on Photo by Chuck Kinzer/CKimageart.com page 15.
Family Care Network to move forward on facility By Grace McCarthy Family Care Network (FCN) is getting the ball rolling on its Blaine location now that the property is purchased, but questions remain on the future medical facility’s timeline. After a few delays, FCN purchased the property from the city of Blaine on June 30. The purchase and sale agreement was signed in October 2019 but the closing date was delayed as FCN focused on operating its 15 other medical facilities in Whatcom and Skagit counties during the
pandemic. “We are excited to have acquired the land and we are looking forward to progressing through the next steps,” FCN president and CEO Dr. Rodney Anderson said. “If it weren’t for Covid-19, we would probably have a building built and be working there now.” Blaine City Council voted in January to amend the purchase and sale agreement to extend the feasibility period until May 28. Rodney said he deeply appreciated the support of the Blaine community and Blaine City Council for going above and
Unemployment claims return to pre-pandemic levels By Ian Haupt Since the beginning of the year, claims for unemployment insurance have trended down in Whatcom County and Washington state. But only until this summer, as the state’s economy reopens, have they returned to levels seen before the pandemic. Anneliese Vance-Sherman, Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD) regional labor economist, said looking at continued unemployment benefits gives a better idea of the labor market recovery and
how many people are returning to work. According to ESD, Whatcom County has fewer than 8,000 people on continued unemployment benefits, while at the peak of the three-month pandemic-induced recession last year, the county had a total 22,880 people on unemployment benefits. A similar rebound has been seen statewide as well, Vance-Sherman said. “Whatcom County has been following the statewide pattern very closely,” she said. The state’s unemployment rate last month was 5.2 percent, according to the ESD’s
monthly labor market review. The county’s unemployment rate was 5.4 percent, when it was 11.5 percent a year before. Initial claims, which show the number of layoffs happening in the market, have dipped as well. During the week of July 11 to July 17, 122 initial claims were filed in the county and 191 were filed the week before. The second week in June was the only week to record fewer claims since February 2020. (See Claims, page 13)
beyond in providing FCN with extensions as it focused on the pandemic. Blaine city manager Michael Jones said the city is anxiously awaiting FCN’s construction of the facility. “This was a long process that was greatly complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic. I appreciate the perseverance of Family Care Network and city council for seeing this through,” Jones said. “It’s going to be a great addition and service for the community.” (See Clinic, page 3)
INSIDE
After a year of inactivity, the Blaine Community Theater (BCT) will return to the stage for their third “Pirates of Penzance” water balloon show. The water balloon show will be held at Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2’s Pirate Daze event Saturday, August 7. The show has no set time – instead, actors will perform the show three to four times between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. depending on when they can perform without interfering with other events. BCT will perform next to the playground at Blaine Marine Park. Pirate Daze runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blaine Marine Park and the Birch Bay tide flats across from the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library location at 7968 Birch Bay Drive. BCT president and director Mikael McDonald described the show as the perfect event to return to the stage. While “Pirates of Penzance” is traditionally a three-hour opera, BCT will perform an abridged version with a run time of 25-30 minutes, McDonald said. BCT will sell water balloons for 25 cents each, five for a dollar or also sold by the bucket. Because the theater encourages the audience to throw water balloons at performers, there is little choreography and loose stage direction. What’s more important is being able to adapt, trust the other performers and have fun, McDonald said. “There’s a certain chaos element with a show like this that’s really fun and keeps you on your toes as a performer,” McDonald said. BCT vice president Dana Ruhl, who also plays a pirate, agreed the show is a blast for performers and audience alike, especially after the year of theatrical inactivity. “Everybody that was at our rehearsal Sunday evening was talking about how good it is to get back into it and get our feet wet,” Ruhl said. “No pun intended.”
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
TheNorthernLight
@TNLreporter
@TheNorthernLightNews
TheNorthernLight.com
ThisFLYERS Week’s
Rite Aid Life Line Screening
2
The Northern Light • July 29 - August 4, 2021
WSDA is looking for people to set hornet traps in east Blaine, Birch Bay
WWW.BIRCHBAY.COM s The Washington State Department of Agriculture is looking for people living in the green 1-by-1 kilometer squares who are willing to have agency staff set Asian giant hornet traps on their properties. Image courtesy WSDA
EXPLORE CONNECT LIVE HERE
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is looking for Whatcom County residents to allow Asian giant hornet traps on their property in areas that aren’t being fully monitored, including east Blaine and Birch Bay. The state agency has created a grid broken into 1-by-1 kilometer squares. Each square is labeled with the number of traps set in each area, but some critical areas for detecting hornets are without traps. Areas in the Blaine area that need more trapping include H Street west of Guide Meridian Road, Birch Point Road in Birch Bay, Grandview Road, just east of Blaine Road, and near Custer. People unsure if they live in an area needing traps can send WSDA their address, WSDA spokesperson Karla Salp said. “WSDA will only put the traps up if they’re needed, so it doesn’t hurt to let WSDA know,” she said. If people allow WSDA staff onto their property, they can expect staff wearing orange WSDA vests and carrying identification
Billy Brown REALTOR
360-220-7175 billybrown@windermere.com
Tonya Wahl REALTOR
541-707-0196 tonyawahl@windermere.com
Is your workout UPLIFTING?
Whole Pilates
By Grace McCarthy
of Birch Bay
Authentic Classical Pilates Private training in studio or online Contact colleen.wenrich@gmail.com
to come every one to two weeks. Staff will try to place the traps at the edge of properties, away from houses. The traps will take about 5-10 minutes to check, unless a hornet is found. “As long as [staff] have the initial permission, they won’t bother people every time they stop by,” Salp said. “They will try to be as unintrusive as possible.” People can also set their own traps and log the trap information on WSDA’s website at bit.ly/3y5MwYw so the agency knows the area is being monitored. Traps are made from 2-liter plastic bottles that contain an orange juice and rice cooking wine mixture or a brown sugar and water mixture. People setting their own traps should remove them every week to strain the liquid, inspect for Asian giant hornets and refill them. Unlike last year, trappers only need to report what they believe could be an Asian giant hornet. Other Whatcom County areas needing more traps include the Bellingham area, Everson and Sumas. WSDA is especially looking
We now offer... AUTOMOBILE DETAILING Detail to include:
• Exterior wash & dry • Steam clean seats • Steam clean & degrease engine bay • Steam clean wheel wells/trims • Removal of road tar & pitch • Exterior hand wax • Compound, polish & buff • Interior vacuum
• Clean door jambs, seams & hinges • Steam clean & extract carpets • Clean interior/exterior glass • Wipe & polish dashboard • Ultraprotection on vinyl/leather • Tire dressing • Bumper & rubber dressing • Air freshener
Full Car or Truck Detail Starting at
249
$
+tax
some exclusions apply
We offer pick up & delivery service
Gift certificates available
360.739.8233 to schedule
6885 Guide Meridian, Lynden www.ChadChambersAutos.com
AUTO SALES & D E TA I L I N G
Office Phone:
360.392.8703
$6 OFF any order of $30 or more! Not valid with any other offers. Lunch or Dinner. Exp. 8/12/2021
DINE IN
PATIO DINING!
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
for people to set traps in the area north of Lynden, Salp said. Salp also said it would be helpful for people to set traps in Point Roberts, which doesn’t have any public or WSDA traps because of the agency’s challenges of crossing the U.S./Canada border. Anyone can still set traps, even if there are other people living near them who have set traps, Salp said. WSDA began setting traps in Whatcom County in the spring, when hornet queens emerge from the winter, and asked the public to start setting traps for worker hornets July 1. Trapping lasts until the end of November. Of WSDA’s 712 traps, 680 are in Whatcom County. The public has set 573 traps primarily in western Washington and 135 traps are set by cooperator organizations such as boy scout troops and public works departments, Salp said. The Asian giant hornet is the world’s largest hornet, measuring 1.5-2 inches. The orange-andblack striped insect with large, almond-shaped eyes is invasive to North America. It was first detected in Whatcom County and B.C. in 2019, and the first nest in the U.S. was eradicated in east Blaine last October. The state agency is putting special focus on hunting the hornets in Whatcom County because of the nest found near Delta Line Road in east Blaine last year. No hornets, which are typically seen from late spring until November, have been found in Whatcom County yet this year. It will take three years of no catches for an area to be declared eradicated of the invasive species, Salp said. Whatcom County residents can contact WSDA about the traps by emailing Cassie Cichorz at ccichorz@agr.wa.gov with their contact information and address. Instructions for making homemade traps can be found on the WSDA website at bit.ly/3h9QnfA.
July 29 - August 4, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
BLAINE’S
Whatcom County Council prohibits building of new refineries, shipping facilities in Cherry Point Whatcom County Council unanimously passed permanent land-use policies in its July 27 meeting that prohibit the construction of new fossil fuel refineries, coal plants and shipping facilities in the Cherry Point industrial zone.
The adopted amendments to the county Comprehensive Plan will also subject upgrade projects for existing refineries and terminals to a more rigorous environmental review and permitting processes. Ferndale’s Cherry Point is
t e k r a Mj
home to two of Washington’s five oil refineries. The approved amendments to the Comprehensive Plan have been in and out of council for nearly two years and subject to multiple revisions before their adoption Tuesday.
BY THE SEA Saturday 9 am-2 pm
WATCH US MAKE CANDY!
OPEN DAILY
at Birch Bay “A Whale of a Place to Go!”
FLEA MARKET DAY July 31 • $15/space Sign up at
info@blainechamber.com
Featuring LOCAL VENDORS selling HANDCRAFTED MERCHANDISE Vendor Space Available Call 360-332-4544
CANDY SHOP 11 am - 9 pm
4825 Alderson Rd www.thecshop.com Birch Bay Public Market
G Street Plaza DOWNTOWN BLAINE
Saturday & Sundays
Beach Shack Gifts
Mon - Thu 1-8
s The future Family Care Network facility is expected to be built between SR-543 and Grant Avenue in the Gateway parcel. Photo by Grace McCarthy
Clinic ... From page 1
Although the purchase is a signed deal, Covid-19 is still affecting Family Care Network’s timeline to build the clinic, FCN spokesperson Michele Anderson said in an email to The Northern Light. The clinic’s timeline will be shared as more information is available. “We do not have a timeline yet,” Michele said. “As an organization, we are still actively dealing with Covid-19, which occupies a significant amount of our internal resources.” The medical facility is highly anticipated in Blaine, as the city was left without a medical provider during the pandemic when the previous provider closed in April 2020. About two years ago, FCN became interested in securing a new clinic in the Gateway parcel, where the former airport
property once was. FCN purchased the 2.5-acre property for $337,590, according to the agreement. FCN expects the facility to be 5,000 to 8,000 square feet and include primary care for all ages, as well as lab services. Use of telemedicine during the pandemic has changed FCN’s idea of what the facility might look like as it plans for a clinic to be used by the community in decades to come, Rodney said. FCN’s next steps will be to finalize a site plan and design, hire a general contractor and develop a construction timeline. The clinic will open with about four medical providers, with anticipation of adding additional providers in the following years. FCN already serves about 8,000 patients in the Blaine area, but Michele said the future clinic could serve up to 10,000 or more. The highly anticipated clinic couldn’t come a day sooner for
some Blaine residents. Blaine city councilmember Garth Baldwin said he’s heard from a couple of older residents who were concerned when the clinic was in question, but were extremely pleased the facility was going through. Baldwin, who drives to Ferndale for a provider who accepts his insurance, remembers a time growing up when his family would walk to their doctor in Blaine. “A community requires having those folks immediately available if you get hurt,” Baldwin said. “It’s a basic need like having a grocery store.” In the meantime, FCN locations in Ferndale and Bellingham are accepting new patients. “We’re coming out of Covid and getting our feet replanted,” Rodney said. “We’re committed to the idea of having a presence in the community.”
8020 Kickerville Rd, Blaine/Birch Bay
COMMUNITY FARM STAND Open Daily 8am – 7pm | Year-Round
Specializing In Local Products! Snacks – Gifts – Cheese – Eggs – Veggies – Fruit Meat – Ice Cream – Fresh Flowers + More
FARM NOW OPEN DAILY BLUEBERRIES & VEGGIES TOURS, PICNIC & ANIMALS
Check our website for hours & details
UPICK FLOWERS NOW OPEN!
Sunflowers & Zinnias www.HomeFarm.farm IG @homefarmfamily FB @HomeFarmBirchBay
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT ‘THE FORK?
OPEN TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY 4PM-9PM • FRIDAY & SATURDAY NOON-10PM • SUNDAY NOON-9PM • CLOSED MONDAY THURSDAY OPEN AT 4PM Beverage savings from 4pm - 5:30pm
FRIDAY OPEN AT NOON COME IN FOR LUNCH! SANDWICHES • SALADS PAStA • PIZZA
MARK WILLIAMS & THOMAS SANDBLOM
Beverage savings from 4pm - 5:30pm
80’s AFTER 8PM!
80’s AFTER 8PM!
Ask server for more info.
Ask server for more info.
80’s tunes and half price appetizers.
CLOSE AT 9PM
COME IN FOR LUNCH! SANDWICHES • SALADS PAStA • PIZZA
Beverage savings from 4pm - 5:30pm
TONIGHT - JULY 29th
ON STAGE FROM 6:30pm - 8:30pm
SATURDAY OPEN AT NOON
80’s tunes and half price appetizers.
CLOSE AT 10PM
CLOSE AT 10PM
SUNDAY OPEN AT NOON
TUESDAY OPEN AT 4PM
COME IN FOR LUNCH! SANDWICHES • SALADS PAStA • PIZZA Beverage savings from 4pm - 5:30pm LET US COOK SUNDAY FAMILY DINNER After a weekend of yard work, sports, or day at the park. Don’t turn the oven on - come on in for dinner on the patio with the entire family!
CLOSE AT 9PM
WEDNESDAY OPEN AT 4PM Beverage savings from 4pm - 5:30pm
Beverage savings from 4pm - 5:30pm TUESDaY, WEDNESDAY, & THURSDAY Every week through August dinein one of these nights and enter for four waterslide day passes. A new draw every Thursday night!
CLOSE AT 9PM
3
TONIGHT - AUG 4th MICHAEL BONDS
“Country cover tunes and original songs” ON STAGE FROM 6:30pm - 8:30pm
CLOSE AT 9PM
COME IN TONIGHT FOR DINNER! All our pasta sauces are made in-house and every pasta dish made fresh when you order. Start with one of our handmade appetizers, or a fresh salad to start or for main. Fresh pizza dough made daily - choose one of ours or build your own. Don’t forget to save room for dessert - all housemade by our baker. Selections of beer and wine to end the night right!
442 PEACE PORTAL DRIVE, BLAINE, WA. • TAKE-OUT: 360-332-4346 • WWW.THERUSTICFORKEATERY.COM • DELIVERY: ORDERVIKINGFOOD.COM
4
The Northern Light • July 29 - August 4, 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
Voting in the primary ends Tuesday, August 3
s Don’t forget voting in the primary election closes Tuesday, August 3. Primary ballots need to be mailed and postmarked by August 3 or placed in a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. August 3. Drop boxes are located at Blaine Library, Custer Elementary School and the North Whatcom Fire and Rescue parking lot at 4581 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. The auditor’s office will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Monday, August 2 and from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day on Tuesday, August 3. Photo by Grace McCarthy
Letters
Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Emily Feek 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 XXVII, No 7 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Aug. 5 Ads due: July 30
The Editor: My fiancé recently had a cardiac arrest for reasons unknown and we have to continue to do tests, and he is currently in the ICU, but with officers Jon Landis and Katelyn Weaver being there, may very well have given him the best chance of survival to come back to normal. This is going to be a long road ahead, but if he hadn’t been there, I know what would have happened and it’s hard to take in. Then he came by the house to inform me and was just there as emotional support. This is what a small town is. I just wanted to give credit to where it’s due. Sylvana Tipton Blaine The Editor: We are writing to encourage the folks of Whatcom County to vote for Kamal Bhachu for the position of council member at-large. We have known Kamal for several years and have always been impressed by his willingness to learn and to listen attentively and respectfully to all viewpoints. He is a conscientious, thoughtful man who is not prone to quick decisions, but takes
time to thoughtfully consider all sides of an issue. He is not overly partisan, so we feel he would represent the majority of our citizens well. His experience as an immigrant, and his varied educational and work experiences, from construction work to automotive to nursing, would provide a unique aspect to the decisions being made that affect all citizens of our county. We believe he deeply cares for people, for families working to provide for their households, and for our concerns in keeping this corner of the U.S. a wonderful place to live and thrive. We both have a sincere interest in this place we call home. Leslie’s great-grandparents settled in Blaine in 1890 and she’s taught for the Blaine school district since 1986. Charlie is a lieutenant for a local fire district and has been employed as a firefighter/EMT since 2004. We both agree that Mr. Bhachu has our full confidence. Please cast your vote for our friend Kamal! Leslie and Charlie Drury Blaine The Editor: The New York Times reported on U.S. lower life expectancy. “It’s hard to imagine
a more alarming sign of a society’s well-being than an inability to keep its citizens alive. While some of the reasons are mysterious, others are fairly clear. American society has become far more unequal than it used to be, and the recent increases in mortality are concentrated among work(See Letters, page 5) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Corrections In the July 22 issue of The Northern Light, in an article titled “Canada to open border to U.S. travelers August 9, while U.S. nixes reciprocation,” the article incorrectly stated the length of time needed to take a Covid-19 test. A test is required within 72 hours of entering into Canada. The online article has also been updated to clarify only fully vaccinated U.S. travelers are allowed into the country for non-essential travel, therefore only unvaccinated Canadian travelers need to receive a day 8 Covid-19 test. We regret the errors.
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.
July 29 - August 4, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
5
Blaine Community Theater to return with a splash at Pirate Daze
CITY OF BLAINE Due to Governor Inslee’s proclamation in response to COVID-19, this City Council meeting will be conducted in-person and 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.
Wednesday, August 4 9:00am – Ad Hoc Arts Commission Meeting
Monday, August 9 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 10 8:00am – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting
s The cast for the upcoming August 7 performance of “Pirates of Penzance” rehearses in Blaine Marine Park.
Photo by Mikael McDon-
ald
Theater ... From page 1
The show has a 16-person cast including new and returning actors. BCT drew a broad range of actors this year, ranging from high school students to actors in their 60s, Ruhl said. Skyler Jones will perform in “Pirates of Penzance” as Frederic,
Letters ... From page 4
ing-class Americans, especially those without a four-year college degree.” Our country should be acknowledging the hardships, depression and suicide – beyond unjust real estate opportunities, banking, education, medical care and rural disenfranchisement by lack of infrastructure. Did you know that small towns cannot even get a Dollar Store because the franchise requires a sewer system and not a septic system in some areas? (While private business can practice its own guidelines, this is just an example of systemic issues most of us know nothing about.) There are so many issues that our Congress could be looking at as bipartisan issues. It is about time that citizen voters count for more than votes and constituency means more than party politics. We the People means everyone; not Ours the Party. It is time for a functional Congress. Donna Starr Blaine The Editor: Please support and vote for Barb For Blaine. We have known Barb for many years: she is a caring person and friend. Barb worked as a nurse while raising her family, completing a masters degree in business at the same time. She later expanded her medical background by working at Amgen, a biotech company, conducting clinical trials in oncology.
a boy indentured to pirates due to a clerical error, for the third time. He’s excited both for the return to live theater and for the ridiculous nature of the production. Jones has previously performed in shows in Bellingham as well as BCT’s Halloween performance of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” “I’m not here to perform perfectly. I’m here to have fun on stage and get hit by water bal-
loons,” Jones said. “You get to a point where you realize, this isn’t high art. This is a community event, and I love it because it’s audience and actor interaction.” BCT hopes its Pirate Daze performance will mark an ongoing return to the stage. The BCT board is trying to determine what availability for performance spaces like the Blaine High School black box theater will look like
for a potential show in the fall, McDonald said. A Halloween show might be in the cards if BCT can secure a performance and rehearsal space, McDonald said. For more information and future updates on BCT’s productions, visit the BCT Facebook page at bit.ly/3i1I3Aq or email the theater at blainecommunitytheater@gmail.com.
With her wide experience Barbara Sturdivant will be a great addition to Blaine City Council. Barb is committed to encouraging new business opportunities in Blaine and ensuring a safe place for young families to live. Lisel Silk and Jan Atchity Blaine
who we are. When someone commits a crime, they are the criminal and need to be dealt with. For the radical left in the state legislature to create laws that devastate our communities is beyond comprehension. The rationale is ludicrous. Lowering standards to enforce policing does not do anything to protect our communities. This will encourage and promote more crime and resistance. The criminals and thugs will figure this out in 30 seconds and take full advantage of the radical laws. When people are arrested and have multiple arrests and re-released back on the streets in minutes is mind-boggling. Those who support this activity are not only complicit but incorrigible. Elections matter. The election coming up is the first step in sup-
porting our law enforcement and first responders. Find out who is using “we speak” and vote them out. Obviously, the current legislatures do not support law enforcement, nor your safety. Ray Pelletti Blaine
The Editor: The current political climate in Washington state and throughout America has erupted into the rights of the criminal and surpass the rights of the communities to protect and defend themselves. Knowing the vision of our leaders in law enforcement being to protect and uphold the law has always been to benefit the communities they serve. We in Whatcom County have been fortunate to have those in law enforcement of the upmost character and professionalism. The recent changes in the laws enacted by the state legislature to put those who commit crimes, and who need medical help, ahead of those who need to defend our communities, is no longer for the benefit of the communities, but to destroy them. Look at Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Minneapolis. Sheer destruction and fueled by the politicians there. A summer of love in Seattle is hideous when thugs destroy and occupy a police precinct and are applauded by the city council and the mayor. When support is for domestic Marxist terrorist organizations to fly under the cloak of peaceful protesting when rioting and committing terrorism is asinine. We need to quit apologizing for
Thursday, August 12 9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, August 23 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
for REAL news
READ LOCAL
The Immigration Law Firm •• U.S. U.S. green greencards cards/ /naturalization naturalization •• Work / investor visas Inadmissibility waivers TN (NAFTA) work permits •• Denied entry waivers U.S. Citizenship •• Removal hearingsclaims • NEXUS appeals
360-332-7100 360-332-7100
www.blaineimmigration.com• •435 435Martin MartinSt., St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine, www.blaineimmigration.com Blaine,WA WA
Leonard atLaw Law LeonardD.M. D.M.Saunders, Saunders, Attorney Attorney at
Thank you for supporting
local journalism. This week’s supporters: Paul Petersen • Bernard Oldman • Elaine Cohoe • Susan Braach
You can also contribute online at thenorthernlight.com
Please Support This Newspaper
$24
(or whatever you can)
Name: Email: Address: City: State: Zip:
Community Newspaper for Blaine & Birch Bay
MAIL TO: The Northern Light, 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
l
360/332-1777
6
The Northern Light • July 29 - August 4, 2021
Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district: Recent two-week case rates, cumulative counts and vaccinations By Grace McCarthy The Delta variant has not been detected in Whatcom County since the first case was reported July 7, but the Washington State Department of Health is warning about its spread as Covid-19 cases increase in the state. Governor Jay Inslee announced July 28 the state will follow CDC guidance recommending people wear a mask indoors when Covid-19 may be transmitted more easily. Whatcom County has had a total of 10,256 confirmed and probable cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to July 26 DOH data. The county had two deaths in the past week, increasing the death toll to 108. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital is treating seven people with confirmed Covid-19 cases, a three-person increase from last week, according to PeaceHealth. Covid-19 case rates increased in every school district, with Nooksack Valley’s case rate tripling and Meridian’s doubling. Blaine school district increased from 100 to 121 cases per 100,000 people last week. The school district has had 15 confirmed cases
since last week. The increase in Covid-19 cases in Whatcom County comes as cases increase across the state, according to DOH, which is concerned vaccination rates are not keeping up with the virus as Delta spreads. The state’s Covid-19 transmission increased significantly near the end of June. On July 2, the number of new people that a Covid-19 case would transmit to was 1.46. DOH said a number above one signals the virus is spreading faster. It’s hard to estimate how much of an increase the virus is spreading due to uncertainty in the estimate, but the number would need to be below one for a while to make cases decline, DOH said in a press release. DOH data shows the Delta variant made up 58 percent of Covid-19 cases tested in genetic sequencing June 20-July 3. DOH projected 92 percent of cases by mid-July could be caused by the Delta variant, according to the July 27 press release. In June, about 18 percent of confirmed molecular Covid-19 cases were tested for their genetic sequence. As of July 25, 55.5 percent of all county residents are fully vac-
Lynden Blaine Nooksack Valley Vaccination: 45% Vaccination: 60% Vaccination: 40% Case rate: 92 Case rate: 121 Case rate: 104 New cases: 16 New cases: 15 New cases: 12 Ferndale Vaccination: 56% Meridian Case rate: 137 Vaccination: 57% Case rate: 44 New cases: 37 New cases: 5
Mt. Baker Vaccination: 40% Case rate: 99 New cases: 11
Bellingham Vaccination: 69% Case rate: 53 New cases: 39
s The case rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks. New cases are the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the last week. Vaccination is the percentage of the population that has had at least one vaccine shot. Rates were updated July 24. cinated and 5.2 percent are either waiting for their second dose or received their last vaccine dose less than two weeks ago, according to the department. The department reports 126,533 county residents are fully vaccinated and 11,810 are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated. Statewide, 8,105,754 vaccine
doses have been administered. Right now, 52.3 percent of the state’s total population is fully vaccinated and 61.4 percent of people eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine are fully vaccinated. Washington state has had 470,333 confirmed and probable cases since the start of the pandemic (the 40,230 probable cases
came from an antigen test). In all, 6,056 people in Washington with the virus have died (41 in the last week) and 26,566 have been hospitalized (301 in the last week). For more Whatcom County information, visit whatcomcounty. us/covidvaccine and whatcomcounty.us/coviddata.
City sends cease and desist letter to local landscaper By Ian Haupt The city of Blaine sent a cease and desist letter to a local landscaper for pulling weeds, trimming bushes and laying mulch on city property without the city’s permission. Blaine resident Mike Andes, local owner of Augusta Lawn
Care Services, was sent a cease and desist letter July 8 from a city attorney after posting two different videos on YouTube June 18 and June 23 of him doing unauthorized landscaping around the Blaine city sign on SR-543. The letter asked Andes to halt all work on city property and remove the posted videos or the
city would take legal action. Andes then posted a response video July 9 titled, “Legal action against me – for doing free community service” that received nearly 80,000 views. The city has since entered into negotiations with Augusta Lawn Care for future work, Blaine city manager Michael Jones said.
Member of the Month The Vault Wine Bar & Bistro 277 G Street Blaine, WA 98230 360-392-0955 www.TheVaultWine.com Number of employees: Ten. How long in business: Four years. Description of the business: Seasonal and locally sourced bistro with extensive wine list, craft cocktails, event space, live music, wine dinners/education events, wine tastings, and wine club. How the business started: The Vault started as a vehicle to showcase Washington/PNW wine, and expanded to include wine offerings with west coast emphasis, and ultimately global wine offerings, scratch kitchen, 290+ bottle wine list, 1000 square foot deck, event space, and full kitchen staff. Future goals: To continue to pursue seasonal and hyper locally sourced ingredients in support of our scratch food kitchen while continuing to improve and expand on our extensive wine list, and craft cocktail program. Continue to expand upon our fine offerings of regional, west coast, and world sourced wines, beers, and spirits as a complement to our evolving food menu. With an expansion of the staff, we hope to offer more wine, beer and spirits paired events, continue to support our guests in hosting their own events in our event space, and offer dinner and dancing in the event space in the fall and winter. 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!
The cease and desist letter was sent after the city received a complaint, with a link to one of his YouTube videos, from a resident about Andes using pesticides or herbicides on the property, Jones said. It’s unclear whether any harmful chemicals were used. Andes said it was Blaine business owner Mike Hill’s idea to clean up the town signs before the Fourth of July and in preparation for the long-expected reopening of the border. Hill, owner of Hill’s Chevron on Peace Portal Drive, has mowed unkempt lawns and cleaned blackberry bushes around Blaine for several years. He said he has mowed railroad, government and city property across town without getting a permit or approval. Hill and Andes came to an agreement that Augusta Lawn Care would clean up the city signs. Jones said he was still unsure whether any state laws were violated. If the job was purely a
volunteer effort, he said it would certainly lower the severity of the possible violation. He said volunteer policies could’ve been broken and the fact that free work was being done on city property raises questions for the city’s unions. “We greatly appreciate volunteer efforts, but all we ask is that those who wish to do so contact the city first,” Jones said. Andes still has two signs with landscaping left to do on Marine Drive and Peace Portal Drive, north and south of downtown. Those are scheduled for early August and will be done in coordination with the city, Jones said.
Get your business
BUZZ’N! In The Northern Light
Call 360-332-1777
ALLEY AUTO INC 365 D Street • 360-332-7018
MON-FRI 8AM TO 5PM
We Install Quality NAPA Parts. We’re small, but we have it all! In stock, same day or next day service! Your one-stop shop for all your automotive needs!
We won’t be undersold on all truck, car and motorhome tires!
July 29 - August 4, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
7
Local youth speed shooters place at national championships By Ian Haupt A local youth shooting team placed third, fourth and fifth in different divisions at the 2021 Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) National Championships in Ohio.
Team Gotta sent 11 shooters ranging from sixth to 12th grade. Coach and team manager Jim Coffey said five of the kids had not been to nationals before. They all competed in the intermediate division, made up of sixth through eighth graders, and
took fifth in the rimfire pistol. “It was a good experience for them,” Coffey said. “Overall, they performed really well.” Action shooting or speed shooting is a firearm sport divided into eight stages where targets are placed in different formations
and distances from the shooter, ranging from 21 to 105 feet. Competitors shoot each stage five times and add their top four times to get their aggregate score per stage. Then, each stage score is added together to determine the shooter’s overall score. The sport requires focus, precision and speed. Team Gotta is a program of Juniors Aim, a local shooting nonprofit organization, and shoots at the Custer Sportsmen’s Club.
At nationals, the team’s senior division shooters, ninth through 12th, took fourth in the rimfire pistol and third in the rimfire pistol optic. Coffey said the competition was filled with mixed emotions, as many shooters were pleased with their individual performances but had hoped for a better overall team result. “They out performed expectations, but the competition has gotten faster,” he said.
s Team Gotta, a local youth shooting team made up of sixth through 12th graders, placed third, fourth and fifth in different divisions at the 2021 Scholastic Action Shooting Program National Championship in Ohio. Courtesy photo Jim Coffey
U.S. border patrol chief visits Blaine By Grace McCarthy The U.S. Border Patrol Blaine sector received a visit from U.S. border patrol chief Rodney Scott from July 19-20. Scott became border patrol’s 24th border chief in February 2020, a position in which he is in charge of more than 20,000 border patrol agents and staff along
the U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico borders, and coastal territories. “It was a pleasure to host chief Scott here in Blaine Sector,” Blaine’s chief patrol agent David S. BeMiller said in a statement to The Northern Light. “His leadership and enthusiasm in our mission is profound. We are proud that chief Scott found the time in his busy schedule to pay us a
s From l; Blaine chief patrol agent David S. BeMiller, U.S. border patrol chief Rodney Scott and Blaine’s deputy chief patrol agent Kenneth Courtesy photo Blanchard in front of Peace Arch.
Canadian border officers vote to strike Over 8,500 Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) workers have voted in favor of a strike after going without a contract for over three years. Strike action could begin as early as August 6, just three days before Canada opens up its borders for fully vaccinated Americans and permanent residents. “Our members at CBSA have been on the front lines throughout the pandemic, and many have contracted COVID-19 while working,” said Chris Aylward, Public Service Alliance of Canada national president. “They’ve kept our borders safe, screened travelers entering Canada, and ensured the rapid
clearance of vaccine shipments. Now it’s time for the government to step up for them the way they’ve stepped up for Canadians.” The union warns that the labor dispute could cause major disruption at border crossings for both travelers and commercial traffic. However, a CBSA spokesperson said 90 percent of frontline border officers have been declared “essential” and will stay on the job. Still, workers can employ a “work to rule” strategy whereby they enforce all applicable rules such as sending people inside to pay duties on purchases normally overlooked or other actions that would snarl the border.
visit.” During his two-day tour, Scott led question and answer musters at the Bellingham and Blaine stations; conducted a Blaine sector town hall meeting; did an ATV tour of the Sumas border patrol area; took a Blaine tour on the CBP Air and Marine Operations Black Hawk helicopter; and went on a boat tour from Blaine Harbor to Point Roberts, where he toured the Point by vehicle, according to a Blaine sector border patrol spokesperson. BeMiller and Blaine’s new deputy chief patrol agent Kenneth Blanchard accompanied Scott during his visit.
Please Join Us For A
Celebration Of Life In Loving Memory Of
Marian Leer Saturday, July 31, 2021 At 11 am Northwood Chapel 580 C Street Blaine, WA 92830
EFFECTIVE Health Care Providers want what is best for our patients. That is why we hope you will join us by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. - Gurpreet Dhillon, Director of Home Care Services, PeaceHealth
this is
our shot
WHATCOM
VaccinateWhatcom.org
8
Home
The Northern Light • July 29 - August 4, 2021
&
Garden
A monthly special section in The Northern Light
Downtown Blaine house being built with green features By Grace McCarthy On a warm, July day in Blaine, Sterling Builders’ Phil Dyer and Slav Pakhnyuk are hard at work at 1286 Garfield Avenue. The duo supervise site contractors as they race against the clock for their sustainable home to be ready for an open house a month out. Sterling Builders’ two-man team prides itself on building energy efficient homes through Built Green certification. The program is made to create homes that are cost efficient, reduce energy and water use, and create healthier living through low-toxic paint and good indoor air quality, according to the Built Green website.
• Hardwood • Prefinished • LVP/Laminate Installation & Refinishing
360-224-6466
Over 20 years experience Licensed • Bonded • Insured CASCAFL912J8
According to Dyer and Pakhnyuk, the easiest way to improve energy efficiency is sealing surfaces where energy can escape, whether that is through windows or light fixtures. All connection points, where plywood meets another piece of plywood, is taped so no energy escapes through small surfaces. “Every seam is a weak spot,” Pakhnyuk said. “Every door jam, window jam – everything is taped so there is a continuous air barrier and there’s never a break.” Taping the baseboards eliminates cold air coming through the floors as hot air rises, Pakhnyuk said. Dyer recommends people looking for quick, energy efficient upgrades with the biggest impact to start with windows. All of the windows in the Garfield house are triple-pane, instead of double-pane. Although more expensive, triple-pane windows will save money on energy payments over time. Dyer and Pakhnyuk said the best thing someone can do in a home that is already built is to seal any penetration they see along the building’s envelope, which is the physical separator of the building’s interior and exterior. Because most people purchase a home without knowing its condition, Dyer recommends homeowners hire an inspector to look at the insulation and air sealing. “Movement of air negates the effectiveness, so even if you have an insulated wall but there’s air going through it, that insulation loses all of its value,” Pakhnyuk said.
Hello Blaine Residents!
It’s spring cleaning time and we need your help!
Common complaints we receive this time of year relate to: • Overgrown grass • Plants growing over sidewalks • Windfall debris • Dumping of household items on sidewalks
s Sterling Builders expects construction for its energy efficient home at 1286 Garfield Avenue to be finished in the next month. The home has triple-pane windows and taped connection points, among other features, to make it more energy efficient. Photo by Grace McCarthy The team also installed sloped window sills in the Garfield house that will flow any water intrusion away from the house. “In the long run, we’re building structures that last a lot longer than everything else. The things will be hidden but basically the framing of the windowsill is sloped, so when it leaks, and maybe it will in 100 years, it’ll all flow out,” Pakhnyuk said. Other energy efficient features the house includes are adding more windows on the sunniest side of the home to catch passive solar, Dyer said. The builders also ask electricians to drill an individual hole for each wire on the house’s perimeter and focus on precision, making sure every light fixture is calculated to an
eighth of an inch. The energy efficient house at Garfield Avenue is their second home in Blaine, with the other situated just two doors down, albeit a smaller home. Dyer, who has built 56 homes in the county, is looking to include more downtown Blaine homes in his repertoire. “I like working in Blaine,” Dyer said. “Blaine government wants you here doing stuff and they welcome your business.” The Built Green certification is a Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties program. The program used to involve Whatcom County, but disbanded after little interest from builders in the county, Dyer said. The program certifies houses on
a point system going from three to five stars, and then having an emerald star as the highest certification after a five-star home. The new Garfield Avenue home, which is not on the market yet, will be four stars after an inspector verifies Sterling Builders has met over 400 requirements. “If large builders can do something a little bit cheaper, save $50, and then they can multiply that if they’re building one hundred houses,” Dyer said. “To them it’s a pure economic situation. For us, it’s what we could do that’s really energy efficient and helps the planet.” For more information on Sterling Builders, visit phildyer.com or call Phil Dyer at 360/739-9900.
Overgrown vegetation and illegal dumping can lead to fines. Please do your part to control vegetation and clean responsibly this spring and summer.
SPRING SAVINGS IN BLOOM SPRING SAVINGS IN BLOOM
Free Free Upgrade Upgrade to to Cordless Cordless Lift Lift on Gorgeous Graber Pleated, Natural, Roller, onSolar, Gorgeous Pleated, Natural, Roller, FrescoGraber Roman, and Fabric Shades* Solar, Fresco Roman, and Fabric Shades* ® ®
Visit our showroom! 410 W Bakerview Rd. Ste 101 Bellingham • (360) 738-8175 www.LorrainesWindowCoverings.com
Valid April 22 – June 8, 2021 Valid April 22 – June 8, 2021
s Sterling Builder owner Phil Dyer looks through the checklist of energy efficient features needed to create Photo by Grace McCarthy a four-star Built Green home.
Plus, cordless lift comes standard—every day—with Graber Cellular Shades. Plus, cordless lift comes standard—every day—with Graber Cellular Shades. *Fabric shades include looped Roman, classic flat Roman, and seamless Roman styles only. Offer applies cordless lift systems as of 4/22/21. commercial orders. *Fabric shadestoinclude looped Roman,available classic flat Roman, andExcludes seamless Roman styles only. Offer applies to cordless lift systems available as of 4/22/21. Excludes commercial orders. (03/21) 21-192855 (03/21) 21-192855
Home
July 29 - August 4, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
&Garden
9
Creating the best home office for working remotely Although a growing number of businesses are reopening their in-person office spaces, many are maintaining remote workforces or implementing hybrid schedules. While the shift signals steps toward more traditional, familiar work environments, it also presents some challenges. If your temporary remote work schedule is headed for a more permanent status, or if you’ll be straddling both worlds indefinitely, it may be time to make some changes to ensure your home office is up to the task. Do Your Research Before making any significant purchases, do some digging to learn all you can about the devices and equipment you’re considering, especially if you’re planning to create an efficient setup using smart technology. While many devices work well together, that’s not always the case. You should also be aware of the controls and how you’ll manage smart functions; choose the setup that’s most intuitive for you and fits best with your workflow. Identify Unique Requirements A successful home office needs to reflect the needs of your particular job, so you may need special equipment or tools specific to your role. For example, 63 percent of desk-based workers said having to collaborate with colleagues virtually is either a challenge or major barrier to working remotely, with 24 percent saying it is a major barrier, according to a survey by HP. If your job typically relies heavily on collaboration, you’ll probably need a video conference setup. Another common challenge: access to a printer. More than one-fourth of desk-based workers ranked having access to the office printer among the top three things they miss about the in-office experience. If your home office isn’t already equipped with a printer or you need to upgrade, you may be wondering where to start. Convenience is more important than everything else in a home printer, according to survey participants. You may also agree with
the 52 percent of remote workers who indicated that if they were considering buying a new home printer in the future, it must be easy to use, and a simple set-up process was a leading demand. Start Small Establishing a well-equipped home office takes time and money. Identify the equipment and essentials you need to get started then create a wish list with other items you can add over time. As you’re setting priorities, remember it can pay to invest in quality products from the get-go. If you have to make repairs, upgrade or replace equipment, you may actually spend more in the long run. Get a Strong Network At the office, you probably had an IT department responsible for
keeping your network up and running. At home, you may still have some level of tech support, but your home connectivity is likely your own concern. A good network starts with a quality router. You’ll also want to shop for an internet provider with the best speeds at a rate you can afford. Just be conscious of any restrictions on volume or speed that could hinder your ability to do your job. Keep Security in Mind Smart devices collect a lot of information and because much of the technology is still so new, it’s relatively vulnerable to hackers. Get familiar with privacy settings
Even-Numbered Addresses
YES
NO
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Now through Sept. 15
Odd-Numbered Addresses
YES
NO
Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Saturday
SPONSORED BY
on all your devices and adjust accordingly so you’re not divulging proprietary data or other information that could be used inappropriately. Tips for Finding the Right Printer Features: A basic printer simply prints documents, but if you need to also copy, scan and fax, there are many all-in-one models that offer those capabilities, as well. Inkjet vs. Laser: If you normally print text with few images, opt for a laser printer. If your work involves a lot of graphics and photos, an inkjet printer may be a better choice.
Supplies: Depending on how much you print, you may go through a lot of ink, and the cost can add up. Comparison shop to find the best ink prices, which brands offer features like recycling for used cartridges and whether you can access a subscription to ensure you never run out of ink or paper before a big deadline. Cord Connections: Some printers require a wired connection to your computer while others can connect to your computer using Wi-Fi. Aside from personal preference, your decision may hinge on the space you have available.
Weekly Water Usage Trend 30 MILLIONS OF GALLONS USED
Water Wisely Schedule
Photo courtesy Family Features
25 20
Historical Avg. 19 million gallons/week
isely w r e t a use w Please
15 10 5 JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
10
The Northern Light • July 29 - August 4, 2021
Birch Bay author self publishes 3 books in 3 years B y E m i l y F ee k
s Birch Bay author Michael Rostron self-published three books in three years through Village Books. Courtesy photo
Our local businesses would really appreciate you sharing what your shopping plans are over the next year. Please take a few minutes to start and complete the online shopping survey at
www.pulsepoll.com Everyone completing the survey will be entered into a contest to Win
$5,000 as our way of saying
THANK YOU!
Publishing a book a year is Birch Bay author Michael Rostron’s goal. So far, he’s been able to accomplish that, starting with his self-published novel “Cape Decision” in 2019. Rostron has always been a creative type. Literature and music were two of the most important things in his family growing up. “There was always money if I wanted a guitar, even if there was nothing to sit on,” Rostron recalled. “There wasn’t anything in the living room except a stereo and a piano – that’s how important music and literature were in our family.” Two of the three books were published during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The Kabul Conscript,” a prequel to “Cape Decision,” was published in February 2020, while his latest work, a family member’s memoirs Rostron edited called “The Roving Fitzgeralds,” was published in April. Publishing during the pandemic wasn’t ideal. Rostron was unable to hold any in-person events through Village Books to promote his work, though he held a virtual event in October 2020 for “The Kabul Conscript,” where another author, Jay Fitzgerald, interviewed him about the novel. Rostron worked with Village Books’ publishing division to produce his books. Village Books allows authors to self-publish while providing support with all of the legal paperwork required to publish a book, publishing director Rachel Johnson said. Whether the books have a local interest, like Rostron’s, is often a consideration when taking on writers. Johnson described Rostron as enthusiastic and dedicated to
ATTENTION! YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO
SIGNIFICANT COMPENSATION If you have taken the heartburn drug Zantac and have been diagnosed with CANCER you may qualify for compensation. In April of 2020, the FDA announced a
SAFETY RECALL of all ZANTAC heartburn and generic RANITIDINE drugs requiring these to be immediately withdrawn from sale, nationwide.
Call today to see if you qualify for compensation:
1 (855) 247-6119 for a FREE Case Evaluation
Certain States may consider this an attorney advertisement for legal services paid for by a non-attorney spokesperson. Consumer Attention (“We” or “Us” or “Consumer Attention”) is a consumer marketing group generating marketing materials and mediums for the benefit of consumers and lawyers or is instructed by lawyers to market their services. We are not a law firm. Any medical or health decisions are important, and you should always consult a medical professional before altering usage of any pharmaceutical or product. We make no representation as to quality of the legal services to be performed being directly or indirectly greater than the quality of the legal services performed by other lawyers whatsoever or howsoever. Do not rely on any information herein as legal advice of any nature. Choice of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon an advertisement. By contacting Us, you consent to receive calls, text messages, or prerecorded messages from Consumer Attention or its clients, service providers or affiliates via automated technology. You understand that you are not required to enter into this agreement as a condition of any service. By contacting Us, you expressly agree to receive a call back by different legal service providers and related services, even if you are on the “Do Not Call” registry. We are not affiliated with or responsible for the representations or services provided by the lawyers or companies with which you are matched. We reserve the right to disclose your personally identifiable information, as required, to comply with the law, applicable regulations, governmental and quasi-governmental requests, judicial proceedings, court orders or subpoenas, to enforce our legal notices or other agreements, or to protect our rights, property or safety or the rights, or to protect the property or safety of our users or others (e.g., to a consumer reporting agency for fraud protection etc.), and to ensure the security of our network and services. Information obtained is utilized solely to improve and enhance the quality of consumerattention.com and related mediums. Information submitted to consumerattention.com in some instances may be shared or sold to a third-party service provider and consumerattention.com will not share or sell information submitted to us to any third party unless consent is authorized by you. © 2020 Consumer Attention. All Rights Reserved.
his art. His books have sold well, and he’s a relatively well-known figure in the Bellingham writing community, she said. “He did a reading here once that was really cool,” Johnson said. “He had voice actors read different parts of his book, so it had this really cool theatrical feel to it, which totally encompasses what Mike is like.” Rostron’s work is grounded in reality and rooted in the places he’s been both in the Pacific Northwest and abroad. “Cape Decision” is set in Alaska, where he and his wife lived for 25 years, and some of the depictions of sailing are based on his own experience as a sailor, Rostron said. His website, mikerostron.com, includes accounts of some of his sailing exploits, including the time he built a boat in the ’90s. “The Kabul Conscript,” set in Kabul, Afghanistan, also relied on the time Rostron spent in Kabul in the summer of 1973 as a Peace Corps trainee. The narrative is entirely fictional, but the characters are thrown into the midst of the 1973 coup by Mohammed Daoud Khan, who overthrew the country’s monarchy to create a republic. When Rostron isn’t sure about a detail, he’ll go down a researching rabbit hole to find answers. In one case, he spent hours looking into when rock music was first introduced to Afghanistan, leading to a small but accurate detail: A Filipino band playing rock music at a hotel the main characters visited. His latest book, “The Roving Fitzgeralds,” is an edited version of his great-grandfather Roy Madison Fitzgerald’s memoirs detailing his time spent as a stage coach driver in Yellowstone National Park. The memoirs fell into his lap after his sister found them in storage, Rostron said. “It was every writer’s dream,” Rostron said. “Literally, I got a call from my sister one day, and she said, ‘Mike, I just found a box of papers.’ It had been in storage for 40 years.” The memoirs were handwritten in clear, legible cursive, so Rostron edited and fact-checked the content. He also sent the memoirs to former Yellowstone National Park historian Lee Whittlesey for evaluation and additional information. Whittlesey hadn’t seen any other firsthand accounts of Yellowstone stage coach drivers, Rostron said. What’s next? A follow up to “Cape Decision,” Rostron says. While the novel didn’t have a cliffhanger ending, Rostron has had readers inquire about what happened after the final page. In addition to the in-progress sequel, Rostron is managing three other projects. When he gets stuck on one project, he works on another until the ideas flow again. Rostron is looking forward to having an in-person event for “The Roving Fitzgeralds” in the coming months. For more information about upcoming events, check the Village Books website at villagebooks.com.
s “Cape Decision.”
s “The Kabul Conscript.”
“The Roving Fitzgeralds.”
for REAL news
READ LOCAL
July 29 - August 4, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
11
NEXT ISSUE: August 5 AD DEADLINE: August 2
CLASSIFIEDS
MARKETPLACE Announcements
Computer
OPEN EVERYDAY 9 to 6pm, SUNDAY 9 to 5pm
Improve Your Skills
Excel Spreadsheets
YOUR MASK HQ!
Microsoft Office Specialist Accountant - Consultant
KN95 • Surgical • Face Shields • Kids
SUMMER IS HERE!
360-224-7916
Picnic Supplies • Beach Toys Decor • Hats & More!
Computer
’s
Dollar$ Plus
Mike
Repairs & Upgrades
RESPECT YOUR VETERANS
8115 Birch Bay Square-Unit 116 • I-5, Exit 270
360-656-5201
$16 for 15 words 25¢ for each additional word
Delivered to every home in the 98230 zip code. Plus Newstands in: Bellingham • Ferndale Custer • Birch Bay Semiahmoo • Blaine
360-332-1777 sales@thenorthernlight.com
Garage Sales
Legal
GIANT KITCHENWARE WAREHOUSE SALE Saturday, July 31 • 9am-5pm 5410 BARRETT ROAD UNIT B-104 FERNDALE, WA 98248
ABANDONED VEHICLE
NWcascades.com
Meridian Towing
360-371-7277
Cash, Checks, Mastercard & Visa Accepted
Viewing at 8 am • Auction at 9 am
Construction
Dave’s Water Service
O wner r etiring
Water Truck and Business FOR SALE.
Call 360-380-5918
We come to you!
Auctions
AUCTION NOTICE
Blaine • Birch Bay • Semiahmoo
DATE: Thurs., Aug. 5 & Fri., Aug. 6 AUCTION ADDRESS:
Since 1973
925 Boblett St. Blaine, WA 98230
www.Meridian-Towing.com M-F 8-5 OR call 360-746-9100 • RESIDENTIAL
MASONRY COMMERCIAL
Published July 29, 2021
Auto
TWO BROTHERS
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL TWO BROTHERS MASONRY
Brick • Block • Stone
BRICK - BLOCK - STONE
BARRY L.MATT WIENS WIENS
NEW CARS
www.twobrothersmasonry.com
(360) 332 - 6300
HINTON
Lic #2BROTB1945DA
CHEVEROLET•BUICK
360-354-2129
HintonMotors.com Celebrating 71 years of business with a tradition of trust since 1947. Your only locally owned and operated GM Dealer in Whatcom County with a non-commissioned sales staff.
AUTO GLASS
Louis Auto Glass
BELLINGHAM 1512 N State St. • 360-734-3840 LYNDEN 407 19th St. • 360-354-3232 LouisAutoGlass.com Since 1929, Louis Auto Glass has been the leading auto & residential glass company serving Northwest Washington. The Adelstein family has owned & operated the company for four generations. Quality workmanship & customer satisfaction has remained as strong as ever.
Child Care MORE Smiles Learning Center For kids 1 month - 12 years old
OPEN: Mon-Fri 6am - 6pm
Now Enrolling Infants Full-time & part-time preschool options.
Call today! 360-332-7135
Cleaning
WINDOW CLEANING Interior & Exterior Licensed/Insured Experienced Call Wade 360-384-8888
CLEANING SPECIAL. 4 hours for $120 (1st time only). Professional cleaning, we do it all. 360-527-0555. www. marthascleaning.com.
COMPLETE REMODELS
Specializing in Renovations & New Construction Kitchens & Baths • Custom & Spec Homes Decks, Garages & Additions
Help Wanted PART TIME WORK Do you have a full time life but want a little extra income? Part time evening work in Blaine. For more information go to: washroomwizard.com/workwith-us/
(360) 305-2592
completeremodels@yahoo.com www.completeremodels.net
Legal
Clean Air Comfort Systems
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter of PETITIONER, AMANDA HAMEL AND RESPONDENT, RODEL M. PASAOA, PRESUMED FATHER No. 21-3-00161-37. SUMMONS SERVED BY PUBLICATION To: RODEL M. PASAOA: Petitioner has started a court case by filing a petition. The name of the Petition is Petition for a parenting plan, residential schedule and/or child support. You must respond in writing if you want the court to consider your side. Deadline! Your Response must be filed and served within 60 days of the date this Summons is published which is July 1, 2021. If you do not file and serve your Response or a Notice of Appearance by the deadline: No one has to notify you about other hearings in this case, and The court may approve the requests in the Petition without hearing your side (called a default judgment). Follow these steps: 1. Read the Petition and any other documents that were filed at court with this Summons. Those documents explain what the other party is asking for. 2. Fill out a Response on this form: FL Parentage 332, Response to Petition for Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support You can get the Response form and other forms you may need at: * The Washington State Courts’ website: www.courts.wa.gov/forms * Washington LawHelp: www.washing tonlawhelp.org, or * The Superior Court Clerk’s office or county law library (for a fee). 3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the person who filed this Summons at the address below, and to any other parties. You may use certified mail with return receipt requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5. 4. File your original Response with the court clerk at this address: Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301 Bellingham, WA 98225 5. Lawyer not required: It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one. This Summons is issued according to Rule 4.1 of the Superior Court Civil Rules of the state of Washington.
in combined rebates
Licensed & Bonded
Licensed & Bonded
Heating/Air
$400-$1350
BARRY L. WIENS
ERICK WIENS phone: (360) 332-6300
8139 Guide Meridian • Lynden, WA
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.
when you get a CNG approved furnace, boiler or Tankless Water Heater. CALL NOW 24/7
360-398-9400
CleanAirComfortSystems.com Lic.#CLEANAC851MG
Landscaping
COMPLR*006PP
Integrity Contracting N.W. LLC N
Mark St. Germaine
Quality construction since 1987 Licensed & bonded W
C
360-746-4902
icnwllc@comcast.net 3 Year Guarantee on all work No Job Too Big or Small I Free Estimates New Construction • Remodeling • Siding Windows & Doors • Fencing • Drywall • Painting Lic # CCINTEGCN869DD
Electric
HOTLINE ELECTRIC Service/Construction Residential - Commercial Industrial Licensed • Bonded • Insured
HotlineElectric.net
HOTLIE*914J7
360-393-8246
Garage Sales HUGE MULTI-FAMILY-SALE! Saturday, July 31 from 8-4 at the Ferndale Grain warehouse, 5744 3rd Ave., Ferndale. 50+ tables over-filled with treasures! Proceeds go 100% to help families in poverty locally & abroad. You don't want to miss this!
Handyman
456 C STREET BLAINE, WA 98230 360-332-8733
SIGN ON BONUSES AVAILABLE
NOW HIRING NURSING STAFF RN AND LPN – FULL TIME $10,000 PART TIME $6,000 PRN - $4,000 CNA – FULL TIME $5,000 PART TIME $3,000 PRN $2,000 CALL TODAY OR GO TO WWW.GOOD-SAM.JOBS
• Landscaping • Property Clean-ups • Junk Removal • Mini Excavations FREE ESTIMATES
360-220-3634
ELITE LANDSCAPE
& MINI-EXCAVATION LLC Lawn Mowing • Mulch • Excavation Power Washing • Gravel & Driveway Work Tree Pruning & More!
360-296-4824
EliteLandscapeExcavation.com *ELITELM817BB YARD CLEAN-UP flower beds, berry removal, shrub/hedge trimming, beauty bark, gravel, power washing, gutter cleaning, hauling. 360-820-0446. Licensed & Insured. www.abclandscape.com
CITY OF BLAINE
JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN Salary: $8,183 per month plus benefits Application Deadline: 4:30pm on July 16, 2021 Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/
The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
u]
PLUS, your ad appears ONLINE FOR FREE at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds
Huge sample sale includes our brand new exclusive non-stick, dishwasher safe cast iron and carbon steel cookware; including skillets, griddles, grills pans, dutch ovens, saucepans and much more! Also stainless steel & forged aluminum cookware. Other kitchenware including stove top popcorn poppers, mix bowls, strainers, choppers, mandolins & lots of BBQ accessories.
• PCs • Windows • Wireless Setup • Home & Office Networking • New Computer Set-up • Spyware, Malware & Virus Removal
WE ACCEPT:
Dated: June 23, 2021. Casie C. Rodenberger, WSBA# 54348 Attorney for Petitioner Mailing address: PO Box 1258 Service address: 289 H Street, Suite A Blaine, WA 98231
BLAINE – BIRCH BAY PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT #2
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Transportation Consulting Firms BLAINE-BIRCH BAY MULTI-MODAL CONNECTIVITY PLANNING PROJECT:
Right-Of-Way Improvement Planning and Prioritization
The Birch Bay Area used to be a seasonal tourist destination with the population swelling in the summers. It has now become an area where the majority of the population are year-round residents. The resulting years of development has created many residential communities that have sidewalk networks within, but there is no safe multimodal network to connect the residential communities and their residents together. There are some improved ROW sections along the length of the residential developments on the road, which then leaves our nonmotorized travelers separated from traffic with only a painted line on one side and a deep ditch one misstep away on the other side. This creates real safety issues and has resulted in this area being labeled car dependent. Our goal is to create a safe connection network for the non-motorized travelers between the communities of Blaine and Birch Bay. The Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) is requesting proposals from qualified transportation consulting firms or urban planning consultants to conduct a planning study to identify, prioritize and implement feasible concepts to create and connect needed safe active transportation networks along the roads within the district boundaries for multimodal traffic. Projects will be within the existing right-ofway (ROW) of county and state roads. Strategies identified will improve safe active transportation access to public transit and local destinations. Robust active transportation networks will improve the quality and comfort of active transportation travel for residents and visitors to multiple area parks, and cyclists from nearby Surrey, BC. The selected consulting firm will perform the tasks described in this request to develop a Blaine-Birch Bay Multi-Modal Connectivity Prioritization Report that prioritizes all the different ROW sections that are currently unimproved within our district boundaries for future improvements. The ROW areas to be included in the report will involve the ROW areas needing improvement outside the city limits of Blaine, in the Birch Bay area of our district. The report will also need to include feasible and possibly creative implementation concepts to make the suggested improvements and the amount of suggested materials needed for all improvements. BBBPRD2 plans to use this report to apply for a capital improvement grant to complete the planned and prioritized improvements. For the complete Request For Proposal please contact info@bbbprd2. com and all questions regarding this RFP should be directed in writing via email to: Sheli Moore, Commissioner at smoore@bbbprd2.com
MORE LEGALS on Page 12 Plumbing
Storage
M & D Storage 10x10 Units Available Secure Facility • 24hr Access 360-398-1568 • 548 Beard Road, Lynden Off Guide Meridian (btw King Tut & Pole roads)
12
The Northern Light • July 29 - August 4, 2021
Retail/ Office Space
FOR LEASE With Waterfront Views of Blaine Harbor
800 - 1600 s.f. Prime ground floor office and retail space in The Northern Light Cannery-style building at Blaine Harbor.
For leasing info, contact Pat Grubb
360/332-1777 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.
Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: NICOLE RENE HURTUBISE, Deceased. No. 21-4-00569-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Judge Evan Jones The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator 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 Administrator or the Administrator’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 Administrator 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: July 21, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: July 22, 2021 Name of Administrator: JULIE HURTUBISE Attorney for Administrators: 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: July 21, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator JULIE HURTUBISE www.averyelderlaw.com
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Dianne Mulligan, Deceased.) NO. 214-00558-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Evan P. Jones 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: July 22, 2021 Personal Representative: Jillene Mulligan 519 East 3rd Street Sumas, WA 98295 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21-4-00558-37
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: NINA I. MORAVEC, Deceased. No. 21-4-0054437. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator 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 Administrator or the Administrator’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 Administrator 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: July 13, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: July 15, 2021 Name of Administrator: TREVER MORAVEC Attorney for Administrators: 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 July 13, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator TREVER MORAVEC www.averyelderlaw.com
Real Estate
Bay Properties Semiahmoo homeS, inc.
NW LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT A HIGHER LEVEL
XXXX East Smith Road, Bellingham
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - 3.13 ACRES READY FOR YOUR DREAM HOME!
Property already has a 3 bedroom Glendon Biofilter septic system installed, an existing SOLD! “groomed” road, a power vault close to the property plus a brand new steel bridge installed over a nice stream flowing to Anderson Creek! This is a great property that is just minutes from Bellingham!
CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161
7806 Birch Bay Drive #103, Birch Bay $449,000 LISTED & PENDED IN 1 WEEK!
JACOB’S LANDING WATERVIEW CONDOMINIUM!
Fabulous Garden Unit fully renovated with Bay views! Located at Jacob’s Landing in heart of Birch Bay, unobstructed views of water & magical sunsets. Features of this 880 SF 2 BD, 1 BA updated unit include granite countertops, ss steel appliances, new floors, kitchen cabinets & much more. Newer water heater installed. Come & enjoy all Birch Bay has to offer: clamming, crabbing, kayaking & beach walks. Amenities include clubhouse with indoor heated pool, hot tub, racquet ball & tennis courts plus a games room. This unit comes partially furnished.
Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075
8045 BIRCH BAY DRIVE, BLAINE, WA 360-371-7252 BAYPROPERTIESNW.COM
4751 Birch Bay Lynden Road #279, Birch Bay $225,000
MINUTES TO THE BEACHES OF BIRCH BAY!
NEW LISTING - 365 DAY Highly sought after 365 day lot with a fully furnished LATITUDE 49! park model in Birch Bay’s Latitude 49 Resort Park. Conveniently located minutes from beach, this 1 BD, 1 BA park model with a low maintenance yard, 100 SF powered shed and covered porch/ deck is the ideal Birch Bay get away. Less than 150 yards to Latitude 49 amenities including pool, hot tub, putting green, exercise room, playground, & clubhouses.
Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503
5835 Semiahmoo Drive, Birch Point $1,050,000 WWW.THERIDGEATSEMIAHMOO.COM
Rare west facing marine view estate property encompassing 11.33 acres overlooking bays, mountains, & islands, located on Birch Point plateau high above these pristine NW waters. Beautifully forested, relatively level with a slight slope eastward and ready to build dream home offering privacy and exclusivity. Located an hour to Vancouver, BC and under two hours to Seattle. In addition to natural beauty - a mile from Semiahmoo with its Inn, golf course, & 300 slip marina. Property could potentially be divided offering two separate estate size properties.
LUMMI ISLAND VIEW! VIEW! VIEW! ACREAGE W/ VIEW & Exceptional opportunity on LumBEACH ACCESS! mi Island! Stunning 180 degree views facing West to Rosario Strait, San Juan Islands, & South to Guemes Island, Anacortes & beyond. Over 10 acres, property is ready for dream home & offers tranquility surrounded by nature & breathtaking panoramic views! Offering private beach access: fishing, kayaking, boating - all at your doorstep! Cleared & ready to break ground with ADDITIONAL parcels also available to create the ultimate estate for privacy. Very few properties provide this view. Short ferry ride from Ferndale and easy drive to Bellingham!
Heather Taylor • (425) 785-5771
9027 Shearwater Road, Semiahmoo $790,000 VIEW, VIEW, VIEW!
•
RARE FIND!
Only true West facing waterfront vacant land available within Boundary Ridge at Semiahmoo. 1.08 acre lot located on highly sought after street, all utilities underground. Next to community beach access stairs on dead end street for ultimate privacy. Build dream retreat & enjoy incredible sunsets, beach lifestyle & all community has to offer. Views to the North of B.C., West to Strait of Georgia & beyond, South towards San Juan Islands. Unique opportunity & can’t be duplicated with high bank lot. Semiahmoo offers private marina, beaches, top rated golf & country club, tennis, pools.
Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564
O SAT PEN H URD OUS AY 1 E 2-2
MLS # 1808249
Advertise Here! Call 360-332-1777
2015 PARK MODEL Timber Ridge 40L park model. 1 BD, step down loft, cathedral ceiling. 11'x35'. Furnished. $49,000. Parked at Birch Bay RV Resort. Email rozannemcbride@gmail. com.
2 beds, 1 baths, 1,160 square feet
Very cute Cottage by the sea. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, carport 1160 sq. ft. Roof one year old with new interior paint and carpet. One bedroom has newer laminate flooring. You will feel charmed by this solid block home with family room addition that opens up to a very spacious fenced back yard. Great location to the center of Birch Bay. Living room and family room. Propane forced air heat, wood stove, utility room. Fenced backyard with some storage. Enjoy all Birch Bay amenities including the new Berm project. Minutes from the beach, berm and water slides. See it soon!
FREE
Home Warranty when you list or buy with me!
Jodie MATHIS REAL ESTATE AGENT
BLAINE–BIRCH BAY PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT #2
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL CIVIL ENGINEER: PARKING LOT, TRAILHEAD DEVELOPMENT AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
California Creek Estuary Park Project
Background/Introduction The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District #2 (BBBPRD) is working to develop a park at the confluence of California Creek and Drayton Harbor. Twenty-four acres of land will be protected and managed by BBBPRD as the Park. Along with preservation and restoration, BBBPRD will build an interpretive trail loop, an educational kiosk, a larger pedestrian trail system, and a kayak launch to access California Creek and Drayton Harbor by boat. Wetlands will be avoided to every extent possible, and mitigation will be executed for any impacts identified. The BBBPRD is requesting proposals from qualified civil engineer firms or individuals to help develop and finalize the plans for a new trailhead and parking lot for approximately 50 cars as well as a separate two car pull-out. The parking lot will be located at 4677 Drayton Harbor Road, Blaine, which was previously a residential lot with a house, outbuildings and a driveway. The two-car pull out will be located on 4656 Drayton Harbor Road and will use the existing driveway approach. The pullout will be used to access the kayak launch that will be located on the California Creek Estuary and will need to be large enough for two cars to park and exit. Additional project features include a volunteer host site, public restroom (20’x30’), trail to a kiosk and from the kiosk to the kayak launch and Interpretive trail and one or two picnic shelters. Along with finalized on-site plans, the engineer will also develop a stormwater management design and a stormwater design report. Description of Services – Scope and Deliverables The civil engineer will work with BBBPRD to revise and finalize a site plan that meets Whatcom County parking code requirements while minimizing impact on surrounding wetlands, buffers and trees. The site plan will include a grading plan and details, temporary erosion and sedimentation control plan with details. The engineer will also determine which BMP will be used for stormwater management, develop a stormwater design, and produce a stormwater design report. The LID - BMP will be designed in accordance with the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (Ecology Manual) and will follow the Whatcom County Development standards for the Drayton Harbor Special District. For the full RFP with site maps please contact the main office at info@bbbprd2.com or call, (360) 656-6416.
8677 Harbor Drive
3 bed, 2 full baths 2 car garage Shop, above ground pool, hot tub, fireplace. In remarkable condition. New roof, community park, with Boat Launch.
Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637
2395 West Shore Drive, Lummi Island $2,700,000
4970 Morgan Drive, Blaine • $399,500 •
11.33 ACRE ESTATE PROPERTY W/VIEW!
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: July 15, 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
$340,000
Call Hugh : 360.371.5800 Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services! Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker
www.CallHugh.com
Thinking of
Listing your property? Call Lisa for a
FREE
Market Analysis CALL ME...
Lisa Sprague Owner/Agent
360-961-0838
Rentals - Commercial
NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
LEASE SPACES FOR:
Warehousing-Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Vehicle Storage Yards Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall COMING AVAILABLE 4550 Sq. Ft.
Call: 360-305-0286 Email nelsbldg@msn.com
Location, Location!
360.815.6638
briansouthwick@gmail.com
see more pictures at www.briansouthwick.com
360-850-5467 jodiemathis@nwhomes.net nwhomes.net
List it Here! Call 360-332-1777
July 29 - August 4, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Road Rules: Regulation, or lack thereof, of expired tabs and mufflers By Doug Dahl Question 1: I have noticed that a lot of cars have expired tabs. Is that not being enforced anymore? What is the current fine for not having current tabs displayed? Question 2: Why are the police not enforcing a muffler regulation? I hear muffler-free cars all days sounding off; have things changed? Answer: What do expired tabs and loud exhausts have in common? It sounds like the setup for a joke, doesn’t it? I wish I had a good punchline for you. While I’m thinking of one, here’s a summary of the law for both violations: Expired tabs: “Failure to renew an expired registration before operating a vehicle on the public highways of this state is a traffic infraction.” If you were to get a ticket for expired tabs, you’d be looking at a $136 fine for tabs expired less than two months, or $228 if they’ve been expired longer. Mufflers: Every vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler in good working order, and no person shall modify the exhaust system in a manner that will increase the noise above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle. I haven’t thought of a punchline yet, but here are two things
Claims ... From page 1
In the first week of 2021, the ESD saw 854 claims filed in the county, while the most claims filed in one week was 6,292 in the week ending March 28, 2020. Statewide, the numbers trend similarly. In the week of July 17, 5,061 claims were filed in the state, similar to the week before. The state hasn’t seen such low numbers since February 2020. Throughout the pandemic, the ESD has seen a correlation between restrictions and claims filed. Claims hit record numbers in Washington when the state shutdown over a year ago, with one week in March 2020 totaling over 180,000 claims. Claims slowly decreased into the summer, but always remained at least twice the number filed in the corresponding weeks of the prior year. In the fall, claims increased following governor Jay Inslee’s announcement of tighter restrictions, but since the state fully reopened June 30, initial claims are back to normal. “By that metric, we’re doing well,” Vance-Sherman said. “But when talking about initial claims, we’re talking about layoffs.” From June 2020 to June 2021, the state gained an estimated 197,000 jobs, according to the review. The private sector gained 181,600, while the public sector gained an estimated 15,400 jobs. While the state may be reopened and the data shows the job mar-
13
O B I T U A RY
they have in common: they both are violations of traffic law, and neither are factors in traffic crashes. I’m not suggesting that complying with these laws isn’t important; I want our roads, sidewalks and bike lanes funded, and I don’t want loud mufflers disturbing my neighborhood. But you asked a traffic safety guy, and I wouldn’t be honest if I said that all laws have equal weight and deserve similar levels of enforcement. As to wondering if these laws aren’t being enforced, I believe that they are, but maybe not as frequently as you’re hoping for. I recently had a conversation with a deputy about traffic enforcement, and he commented that while he was more than willing to take action on speeders and distracted drivers, he didn’t get too interested in enforcing expired tabs until they were past their expiration date by at least several months. Is that slacking on the job? Not at all. It’s prioritizing your work. Here’s what I mean by that: The top high-risk behaviors that lead to fatal crashes are impairment, speeding, distraction and lack of seatbelt use. The road users most at risk are young drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and bike riders. When law enforcement agencies look at the data, it’s pretty clear which behaviors need
enforcement attention and which road users are most vulnerable. Across the state, police regularly conduct high visibility emphasis patrols focusing on these high risk behaviors. As far as I know, we’ve never had an emphasis patrol for expired tabs or loud mufflers. I know that some officers make it their goal to get an impaired driver off the road before the end of their shift. Some focus on speed enforcement or distracted driving in high-crash areas. And while they’re doing this, they encounter drivers with expired tabs, loud mufflers or other traffic violations that they weren’t out looking for but now have the opportunity to enforce, either with a ticket or some driver education, as may be appropriate. Essentially, good traffic enforcement involves looking at the data and going where it leads. The focus, then, is on high-risk driving behaviors and the small percentage of drivers that cause a disproportionate number of crashes. And what do expired tabs and loud mufflers have in common? They’re both loud, except for the tabs. Hey, I’m a traffic nerd, not a comedian. It’s the best I could do. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
ket is rebounding, Vance-Sherman warned there are still a lot of unknowns. “I’m waiting for the October report, which will really show how well we’ve recovered,” she said. Vance-Sherman said childcare is a big issue for former workers
considering returning to their jobs. With school expected to return to normal in the fall, more people may return to work full-time. By then, the market will be more stable and predictable, she said in a phone interview that the distant cries of child briefly interrupted.
John Choulochas
December 1, 1932–July 24, 2021 John Choulochas passed away on July 24, 2021, in Bellingham, at the age of 88. He was born in Chester Twp., MI, on December 1, 1932, and grew up in Lansing, MI. After high school he joined the Air Force, serving for four years, stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Upon his return he married Marilyn Emmons and they had one child, Tom. After his divorce, he returned to school, attending Michigan State University, where he met his wife, Carol. John continued his studies, graduating in 1965 with a degree in Anthropology. Grad school followed but John soon left to pursue a career in the automotive industry. John and Carol had two sons, Jason and Justin, and the family followed John from Michigan to Ohio, Nebraska, Massachusetts and back to Michigan as John’s automotive career progressed. John completed his tenure with General Motors Corp. as the National College Coordinator, creating partnerships with numerous colleges throughout the U.S. After retirement in 1998, John and Carol moved to Blaine. In retirement John was active in his community, serving on the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, chairing the Blaine Pacific Arts Association, serving as president of the Semiahmoo Men’s Club, participating in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and working closely with the USCPAA, a local organization dedicated to honoring the history of the Peace Arch. John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol; son Jason, his wife Margaret, and their children, Nick and Natalie, all of Costa Mesa, CA; son Justin and his husband Kazuki of Tokyo; son Tom (Sue) Lazaroff, their children, Laurie (Scott) Johnson and Scott (Stephanie) Lazaroff; and five great-grandchildren, Lansing, MI. The family would like to thank the staff at Silverado, Bellingham for their outstanding care and compassion for the past three years. Memorials may be made to Dementia Support Northwest.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
DIRECTORY
Counseling and Personal Coaching Transformational Hypnotherapy co-creating rapid change for personal growth
Evelyne L. Hendricks BA, LHT 360.739.5606 evelynehendricks@gmail.com
O B I T U A RY Teresa Marie Smyth Teresa Marie Smyth, age 67 of Ferndale, WA, passed away July 19, 2021 in Bellingham, WA. Arrangements are pending, www. sigsfuneralservices.com
2011 Large Business of the Year
“A Clea n Home is a Healthy Home!”
Louis Auto Glass Family Owned Operated Since 1929! CALL NANCY ATand360-371-5168
Louis’
CARPET • RUGS •Validated UPHOLSTERY • TILE The Only Auto Glass Serving Blaine, Birch BayCompany & Semiahmoo since 1973 in Whatcom & Skagit
ouis’Auto & Residential Glass Counties.
We Guarantee Your Safety
Dining Guide
Spring Special!
Dinner on Us and90 a Can of Glass Cleaner Celebrating years!
with every windshield purchased and installed
COVERED/HEATED PATIO DINING DINING ROOM • TAPROOM Viking Foods Delivery, Online Take-Out Ordering, Table Reservations all at: WWW.THERUSTICFORKEATERY.COM
Windshield Replacement
BELLINGHAMFree Pick up & Delivery Bellingham 1512 N. State St. • 360-734-3840
LYNDEN
Free Loaner Cars
Lynden 407 19th
Vernon St. •Mt.360-354-3232
(360) 734-3840 (360) 354-3232 (360) 424-9759 www.LouisAutoGlass.com 1512 N. State St.
442 PEACE PORTAL DRIVE • 360-332-4346
Rock Chip Repairs
407 19th St.
1721 E. College Way
OPEN LUNCH/DINNER TUESDAY-SUNDAY 11:30am-8:30pm To Our Canadian Friends
Proud supporters of the Blaine Community! www.louisautoglass.com
Enjoy Huge Savings with U.S. Prices
Formerly 1st Propane of Whatcom County
Must present ad for special. Not valid with any other offers. Expires June 30, 2014.
Great Authentic Mexican Food 758 Peace Portal • Blaine 360-332-4045
277 G Street • Downtown Blaine
360-392-0955
TheVaultWine.com
TheVaultWine
Keep Full Service • Budget Payment Plan • Tank Installation & Rental Modern Equipment • Safety Checks • Locally Owned & Operated
360 332-3121
Fill your bottles - Easy RV access
2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine
14
The Northern Light • July 29 - August 4, 2021
Sheriff’s Reports July 17, 9:05 p.m.: Party in progress on Beachcomber Drive. July 17, 9:08 p.m.: Extra patrol on Creasey and Custer School roads, Custer. July 17, 9:08 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Harborview Road. July 18, 4:56 a.m.: Shots on Valley View Road. July 18, 12:27 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Alder Way. July 18, 2:17 p.m.: Fight on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. July 18, 3:44 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Morrison Avenue. July 18, 8:11 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Alderson Road. July 19, 11:36 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Sunrise and Burk roads. July 19, 9:28 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Petticote Lane. July 19, 9:51 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Portal Way. July 20, 3 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point Road. July 21, 12:09 p.m.: Missing person on Crocket Road. July 21, 8:14 p.m.: Domestic physical on Portal Way, Custer. Suspect arrested for second degree assault. July 22, 5:56 a.m.: Civil problem on Loomis Trail Road. July 22, 9:03 p.m.: Burglary on Bay Road. July 22, 9:48 p.m.: Shots fired on Gemini Street.
July 23, 7:26 a.m.: Death investigation on Loomis Trail Road, Custer. July 23, 11:49 a.m.: Trouble with subject on Birch Bay Drive. July 23, 11:50 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on Birch Bay Drive. July 24, 1:28 a.m.: Fight on Steller Lane, Custer. July 24, 2:28 a.m.: Juvenile problem on Custer School Road, Custer. July 24, 7:42 a.m.: Civil problem on Loomis Trail Road. July 24, 9:03 a.m.: Barking dog on Petticote Lane. July 24, 12:12 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Coquitlam Drive. July 24, 1:45 p.m.: Death investigation on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. July 24, 7:19 p.m.: Domestic physical on Wooldridge Avenue.
July 17, 9 a.m.: Abandoned vehicle impounded on 4th Street. July 17, 2:35 p.m.: Private property auto collision on 8th Street. July 17, 5:01 p.m.: Found property on Marine Drive. July 18, 10 a.m.: Information report on 99th Street. July 18, 10:29 p.m.: Warrant arrest on H Street. July 19, 2:24 a.m.: Warrant
Finland 45. Small spherical structures in cells 48. Pouches 49. Reached 50. Investment account 51. Oft-repeated slogan DOWN 1. Nuclear undersea weapon 2. Helps the skin 3. Evergreen coniferous trees 4. Relieve of employment 5. A way to drench 6. Journalist Tarbell 7. __ and Venzetti 8. Alcoholic liquor 9. An athlete who plays for pay 10. Where to get drinks 11. Japanese art form 12. Baseball great Satchel 14. Winged angelic beings 17. One point south of due east
18. Group of islands in Polynesia 20. A place to play: __ center 23. Masses of gray matter in the brain 24. Belgian city (alt. sp.) 25. Millilitre 26. Beloved Will Ferrell film 29. Railway above ground 30. Satisfaction 31. Aggregate of molecules 32. Type of barometer 35. Type of college teacher (abbr.) 36. Long periods of time 38. Native people of Nebraska and S. Dakota 40. Deliver 41. Thin, narrow piece of wood 42. Modern Israel founder 43. Small NY college 44. Pounds per square inch 45. Veterans battl-
Coming up Live Music at The Rustic Fork: Thursday, July 29, 6 p.m., The Rustic Fork Eatery, 442 Peace Portal Drive. Featuring Mark Williams and Thomas Sandblom. Info: therusticforkeatery.com. Birch Bay Berm Community Conversation: Thursday, July 29, 6:30 p.m. Join the second community conversation regarding the newly completed promenade. We will be joined by the newly formed berm task force and Roland Middleton from Whatcom Public Works. Register at birchbaychamber.com. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, July 29, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: General knowledge hosted by Alan. Info: thevaultwine.com. Splash Days: Friday, July 30, 12:30–2:30 p.m., 3rd and Martin streets. Blaine Public Works will shut down a section of 3rd Street to open up fire hydrants and attach sprinklers for a street party that will help kids beat the heat! The Sugar Shack ice cream truck will be on-site for tasty summer snacks and the BBBPRD2 will be serving up hot dogs and chips. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, July 30, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: The Unknowns. Info: thevaultwine.com. Dive-in Movie at Birch Bay Waterslides: Friday, July 30, 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 Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Cost $20 per car. Purchase tickets at birchbaychamber.com. Flea Market Day at Blaine Market by the Sea: Saturday, July 31, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Blaine G Street Plaza. Email info@blainechamber.com to sign up. Spaces $15, Kids under 16 and non-profit are free.
Police Reports
Crossword ACROSS 1. Nature expedition 7. Take the energy from 10. Bungled 12. Young salmon 13. Botanical gardens 14. Source of chocolate 15. Country singer LeAnn 16. Yokel 17. Unit of energy 18. Plant of the lily family 19. Tusked wild pig 21. Form of “to be” 22. Formerly 27. Letter of the Greek alphabet 28. Former First Lady 33. News organization 34. Shining brightly and intermittently 36. Brew 37. Teams’ best pitchers 38. Edible fruit 39. Pitching stat 40. __ or bust 41. Baby product manufacturer 44. Monetary unit of
July 24, 9:57 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on West Road underpass and northbound I-5. July 25, 2:23 a.m.: Music on Harborview Road. July 25, 11:02 a.m.: Juvenile problem on Fawn Crescent Road. July 25, 1:43 p.m.: Civil problem on Peace Park Drive, Custer. July 25, 5:05 p.m.: Theft on Maple Crest Avenue. July 25, 6:40 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. July 25, 7:45 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Birch Bay Drive. July 25, 10:32 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Sagebrush Lane and Goldenbrook Way. July 26, 5:49 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on Harborview Road. July 26, 8:22 a.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Drive.
arrest on D Street. July 19, 9:28 p.m.: Found property on Marine Drive. July 19, 10:02 p.m.: Traffic stop on Peace Portal Drive. July 20, 5:32 p.m.: Theft report on Peace Portal Drive. July 20, 9:05 p.m.: Threats report on D Street.
Native Plant Walk: Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m., BP Heron Center. Come learn the insights and benefits of Native Plants. Learn about the insects and birds that they support while taking a nice stroll on the trails in Birch Bay State Park. Info: fobbsp.org.
Report by Blaine Police Department.
Family Beach Walk: Friday, August 6, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Birch Bay State Park. Free. Meet at the Heron Center or look for volunteers in green vests on the beach. Info: fobbsp.org.
ground 46. Hollywood talent agency (abbr.) 47. Popular kids’ channel ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
July 30 – Aug 5 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Summer food program: Blaine school district will have no charge meals available for all students up to 18 years of age, or 21 if enrolled in a program and not graduated. Meals are to be picked up on Wednesdays between 1 and 5:30 through the summer. Visit our Food Services page for more information.
TIME
HEIGHT
TIME
HEIGHT
4:21 pm 3.4 11:11 pm 9.0
5:03 pm 4.7 11:39 pm 8.7
Su 1 7:14 am 1.9
2:30 pm 6.3
5:55 pm 5.8
Mo 2 12:07 am 8.5
8:02 am 1.3
4:02 pm 7.0
7:09 pm 6.6
Tu 3 12:39 am 8.4
8:46 am 0.7
5:02 pm 7.7
8:35 pm 7.1
We 1:21 am 8.3
9:30 am 0.1
9:51 pm 7.3
5:44 pm 8.3
Th 5 2:07 am 8.2 10:10 am -0.4
6:18 pm 8.8 10:51 pm 7.2
Family Beach Walk: Saturday, August 7, noon–2 p.m., Birch Bay State Park. Free. Meet at the Heron Center or look for volunteers in green vests on the beach. Info: fobbsp.org.
Ongoing:
Sa 31 6:24 am 2.6 12:36 pm 5.9
Pirate Daze: Saturday, August 7, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Two locations Blaine Marine Park and Birch Bay Vogt Library plus treasure stations around Blaine and Birch Bay. Free. Kids have a swashbuckling good time of family fun and games. Hosted by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Tides Fr 30 5:34 am 3.3 10:58 am 5.9
Blaine Chamber of Commerce Luncheon: Wednesday, August 4, noon, Paso del Norte, 758 Peace Portal Drive. Speaker: Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley. RSVP: info@blainechamber.com.
Affordable Health Screenings: Tuesday, August 10, Life Impact Church, 1733 H Street #260. Learn about your risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Preregistration required at 877/237-1287 or lifeline screening.com.
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE
BHS Class of 1981 Reunion: Saturday, July 31, 4 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Alumni from 1979, 1980, 1982 and 1983 welcome. Mini golf and go karts at 4 p.m., food truck at 6 p.m., music with Jacob Crane and the Austin Walter Band, David Swartos and Tim Walter.
Weather Precipitation: During the period of July 19 – 25, no precipitation was recorded. The 2021 year-to-date precipitation is 14.1 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 85°F on July 24 with a low of 53°F on July 22. Average high was 69°F and average low was 64°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
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. CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The CAP Clothing Bank will reopen in our new location in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484. 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. 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. Friends of Birch Bay Library Board of Directors Meetings: Second Monday, 6:30 p.m. All who are vaccinated are welcome to attend in person. Non-vaccinated or those with limited mobility are asked to request Zoom access. Info: FOBBLsecretary@gmail.com. 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 Cannery Museum: Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Masks required Info: 360/371-3558. 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.
July 29 - August 4, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
15
Rollback Weekend brought all of the fun to Birch Bay last weekend Rollback Weekend and the 38th annual sand sculpture competition brought crowds to Birch Bay July 23-25. People shuffled
through Birch Bay Drive attending the old-fashioned car show on July 25 and the weekend-long sand castle contest July 24-25.
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the events each year, also hosted a drive-in movie showing of La Bamba and
a golf cart and bicycle poker run. An Elvis impersonator also performed at the future Birch Bay Vogt Community Library.
View the sand sculpture competition winners on the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce website at bit.ly/2VlMjC4.
Photos by Chuck Kinzer/CKimageart.com
16
The Northern Light • July 29 - August 4, 2021