December 9 - 15, 2021
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Man pleads guilty in deadly I-5 crash, page 5
Cross-border traffic ticks up
CBP detects fake credentials, page 6
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Blaine and Birch Bay road updates, page 13
Holiday Harbor Lights brightens downtown
By Grace McCarthy
(See Canadians, page 3)
s Blaine residents celebrate the annual Holiday Harbor Lights festival and Christmas tree lighting December 4. The fun-filled day started with Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2’s Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash and ended with a festive evening of hot cocoa, caroling, a horse-drawn carriage, Santa Claus coming to town and more. View photos on page 10. Photo by Ruth Lauman
Board to consider a revised redistricting plan By Ian Haupt The Blaine school board will vote on a new redistricting plan during its regular meeting at noon Tuesday, December 14 that has Birch Bay community members “fantastically pleased.” In a special meeting December 7, the school board discussed a second draft for districting boundaries after Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce secretary Doralee Booth and Friends of Birch Bay State Park board member Pat Jerns voiced their concerns over Birch Bay’s lack of representa-
tion in the unincorporated, 10,115-person area. The new plan was drafted after superintendent Christopher Granger worked with Booth, Jerns and other Birch Bay community members to address their concerns in the redistricting process. The proposed plan would give Birch Bay two of its own districts, Blaine two of its own and one split amongst them. It will also leave board president and representative for director district 4 Charles Gibson without a district. The first proposed plan kept all board members in their respective districts but
Scientists see positive results from European green crab trapping in Drayton Harbor By Grace McCarthy Scientists are hailing this year a success for European green crab removal in Drayton Harbor, but say they need to keep up the work to manage the invasive species’ numbers. A team of scientists from Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife; Northwest Straits Commission and University of Washington’s Washington Sea
Grant started closely monitoring local waters after discovering European green crabs in Drayton Harbor in 2019. The invasive species is known for its damaging effects on native habitat and species such as shellfish, native crabs and eelgrass. The crabs were found late in the 2019 trapping season, which runs late spring until mid-October, causing scientists to quickly consider Drayton Harbor one of the most concerning locations along Washington’s
inland shorelines. This year, scientists added a trapping site at the mouth of Dakota Creek after catching an inordinate number of crabs there near the end of 2020. The scientists caught 43 crabs there this year, the most of any other trapping site, said Allie Simpson, ecosystem project coordinator at Northwest Straits Commission. The other traps (See Crabs, page 4)
also stretched the district boundaries long and thin across the school district, which as Booth said, did not give the Birch Bay community “a sense of place.” According to 2020 U.S. Census data, 58 percent of children – persons under 18 years of age – in the school district reside in Birch Bay, and 80 percent of children under 5 years of age reside in Birch Bay. Through 2021 tax contributions, Birch Bay residents also contribute 36 percent of the school district’s funding, while Blaine con(See School, page 2)
INSIDE
Traffic at the Peace Arch border crossing, vehicles with B.C. license plates filling up at gas stations and parcels being retrieved are signs of returning normalcy to Blaine in the past week. But businesses reliant on Canadian customers say they’re unsure what the future holds as the number of Canadian travelers remains lower than before the border closed to nonessential traffic in March 2020. Brant Baron, owner of Mail Boxes International, said he was delighted to see packages that waited over 1.5 years on his store’s shelves to be taken home. “It’s all somewhat of a blur,” he said. “It’s like being reunited with an old friend or family member.” Baron said last week was the first time the parcel store has had more packages leaving the store than being delivered since the border closed to nonessential travel March 2020, thanks to the Canadian government’s decision to drop the Covid-19 test requirement on November 30 for fully vaccinated Canadians traveling into the U.S. for fewer than 72 hours. Numbers still aren’t near where they would be during a typical holiday season, but Baron said this is OK for right now. Baron said he’s only added back Saturday hours and still closes his store early on weekdays because he has been unable to find staff. “You have the tension of wanting to do everything to help your members get their packages out the door with the reality that we won’t be able to stretch our workers,” he said of employees currently working 50-60-hour weeks. Although there’s been a dramatic increase in packages picked up, Baron said there’s still a lot of trepidation as to whether the U.S./Canada border will remain open with the new Omicron variant and people are still adjusting to using the ArriveCAN app needed to cross the border. “We still have a long way to go until we get the volume back up,” Baron said. “And
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The Northern Light • December 9 - 15, 2021
s The most recently proposed Blaine school district board of directors redistricting map would have Point Roberts and downtown Blaine (yellow) as district 1, east and south of downtown Blaine (green) as district 2, Birch Bay Village and north Birch Bay (orange) as district 3, south and east Birch Bay (purple) as district 4, and Semiahmoo and south Blaine (red) as district 5. Map courtesy Blaine school district
School ... From page 1
Pacific Arts Arts Market Market Pacific THREE WEEKENDS WEEKENDS IN IN THREE DECEMBER DECEMBER Friday -- Sunday Sunday 10am 10am to to 6pm 6pm Friday
See the Museum decked out with more than a dozen themed holiday trees! Thursdays - Sundays through Jan. 2, Noon - 5 PM Make origami trees Sat., Dec. 11 and festive paper wreaths on Sat., Dec. 18, Noon - 4 PM Admission is by donation. Proceeds benefit programs & exhibitions.
Old City Hall | 121 Prospect St. www.whatcommuseum.org
Dec.3-5, 7-9, 10-12, 14-16, & &&22-23 22-23 Dec. 17-19 Dec. 7-9, 14-16, Locally crafted by Northwest artisans! Locally crafted by Northwest artisans!
Jewelry • Illustrations • Knitting • Soap Jewelry • Illustrations • Knitting • Soap Photography • Crochet • Metal Works Photography • Crochet •• Glass MetalEtching Works Pottery • Woodworking Pottery • Woodworking • Glass Etching and much more! and much more! MASKS REQUIRED.
Sunset Square
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Between andEl ElGitano Gitano BetweenJoAnn JoAnn Fabrics Fabrics and 1125 E. Sunset Drive 1125Take E. Sunset Drive, Suite 115 1125 E.255 Sunset Drive exit in Bellingham Takeexit exit255 255 in Bellingham Bellingham Take
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Only certified service animals allowed within all the fenced areas (Pioneer Village), per City Municipal Code 12.26.010 C. 3.
tributes about 24 percent. Birch Bay community member Kathy Berg has been critical of redistricting in the past. She alleges the board has been gerrymandering since 2000 – manipulating the district boundaries to favor current board members and Blaine residents. But with the new proposed plan, she said the board is finally following the law. “We’re fantastically pleased,” she said. Boundaries in the first proposed plan were drawn so as to include all board members in their respective districts. Washington state law does not say district boundaries have to be drawn to include the current board member, but board members also cannot be removed from office by redistricting. If the second plan, which draws Gibson outside of his district, is approved, he would finish out his term on the board, acting as the district 4 director, then someone from within the new district 4 boundaries would take his seat in the next election. Gibson’s term expires in December 2023. “I’m a (See School, page 3)
December 9 - 15, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Canadians ... From page 1
who knows if it ever will.” Kelle Hagen, co-owner of Hagen’s of Blaine, has had similar experiences with her parcel store on Peace Portal Drive. Instead of a line out the door as she expected, it’s been a trickle of customers to pick up over 10,000 packages. “It’s been busier than we’ve seen it in the past two years, however it’s not as busy as we expected,” she said. “People have a lot of packages here and we still have a lot to get rid of.” The store was able to hire back a few of its former employees fulltime to help with approximately 100 customers they’re helping a day, but is unable to expand hours and open on the weekend. Eventually, the store will need to create a deadline for packages that aren’t collected, Hagen said. According to the Cascade Gateway Data, passenger vehicles traveling into the U.S. from the Peace Arch port of entry went from about 1,500 to 2,500
daily after November 8, when the U.S. border opened to fully vaccinated Canadians but they were still required to have a negative Covid-19 test to return. That number has increased to over 4,000 vehicles crossing the border daily since November 30. So far, Friday, December 3 had the most travelers with 10,754 passenger vehicles crossing into Whatcom County. Gury Gill, owner of the D Street Shell gas station, said he’s starting to see a lot of regular customers return, but it’s nowhere near how it used to be. “We’re starting to see a little boost but nothing close to 2019 yet,” he said. “Maybe people slowly will start feeling comfortable coming.” Canadians are mostly coming down for fuel, Gill said, whose gas station also sells milk and offers a small parcel holding service. Previously, the gas station sold 100-200 gallons of milk per day, now it’s about 10 gallons. The gas station is selling triple the amount of gas it did during the border closure at about 1,500
s Traffic backed up at the Peace Arch border crossing on December 3.
s Kelle Hagen, Hagen’s of Blaine co-owner, welcomes Canadian customers returning to pick up their packages on December 7. Photo by Grace McCarthy gallons per day now, he said, but in normal times that would have been 7,000 gallons daily. Like Baron, Gill said he believes the ArriveCAN app, which can take a few minutes to fill out, is causing hesitation for some trav-
SHOP, EAT AND READ LOCAL
elers. Gill also hopes Covid-19 variants won’t back track border restrictions. “It’s about time,” Gill said. “Whatcom County, especially Blaine, relies on Canadian business so it felt good we were able to finally see Canadian traffic. I think everyone was happy that business finally picked up.” Laurie Trautman, director of Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute, said travel into and out of Whatcom County since November 30 was 40 percent of the same week in 2019, while that week in 2020 was only 5 percent of 2019 traffic.
“It signals that Whatcom County is still a draw for Canadian shoppers,” Trautman said. “I think most people are eager to get back to the stores they haven’t accessed.” Trautman said she isn’t sure yet if the 40-percent increase is a good or bad sign, but expects it will take a while for Canadian traffic to return to pre-pandemic levels, just as traffic took a while to resume normally after the border briefly closed during 9/11. “It’s not been easy, but we’ve made it this far so hopefully the worst is over,” Hagen said. “Knock on wood.”
Photo by Grace McCarthy
School ...
From page 2 man without a country,” Gibson joked. Booth said in the meeting that the new plan gives Birch Bay more opportunity for representation on the board and now it’s the community’s civic duty to take it – by finding candidates for those seats. “We’re going to try our best to get representation on the school board,” she said. At the end of the meeting, board and community members voiced their appreciation for Granger’s work in the process. “I told Dr. Granger that if he could make this happen for Birch Bay because some of the school advocates and leadership in Birch Bay have been wanting this map to be changed for a good number of years, I told him he would be a hero,” Booth said. “So he’s our hero tonight. It’s not going to be short-lived either. It’s a big deal to our community, and we’re very, very pleased.”
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Take & Heat Entrées Are Back! $14 per meal
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All Wines to go are 10% Off and 15% Off for Wine Club Members
Wine Also Makes a Wonderful Holiday Gift!
Open Wed & Thur 4-9, Fri & Sat 4-10 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine www.TheVaultWine.com
360-392-0955
Reservations Recommended • Walk-ins Welcome
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The Northern Light • December 9 - 15, 2021
The Northern L ght Covid-19 in Whatcom County, The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777
by school district boundaries:
Recent two-week case rates, cumulative counts and vaccinations Blaine Vaccination: 71% Case rate: 180 New cases: 34
Ferndale Vaccination: 67% Case rate: 281 New cases: 100
Lynden Vaccination: 56% Case rate: 288 New cases: 62
Nooksack Valley Vaccination: 52% Case rate: 227 New cases: 26
Meridian Vaccination: 65% Case rate: 223 New cases: 25
Mount Baker Vaccination: 47% Case rate: 212 New cases: 34
Bellingham Vaccination: 79% Case rate: 113 New cases: 128
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 December 4.
Letters The Editor: On behalf of the Blaine Booster Club, we would like to thank the staff of The Northern Light for your contribution to the Hall of Fame. Without your support we would not be able to share the history of Blaine High School athletics. Blaine Booster Club The Editor: I miss the big red bows on the wreaths along the streets. It doesn’t look as cheerful as it did in the past. Clare Nurre Blaine The Editor: Treasures Unknown thrift store 8101 Blaine Road is accepting new toys in our drop box in store for kids affected by the floods. We have also opened up our espresso drive through Essential Espresso seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and half the coffee proceeds go to the flood victims. We also have Santa for pics at our store Friday and Saturday 4-7
Crabs ... From page 1
p.m. Through December 17-21 Santa will be available for pictures 4-7 p.m. Pictures with pets are welcome, and there will be free hot cocoa. We wanted to notify the community of our support efforts on helping the best we can to make sure nobody goes without this Christmas. Jessica Cardinale Birch Bay Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Correction In an article in the December 2 issue of The Northern Light titled “Final results are in for Whatcom County’s November election,” the current North Whatcom Fire and Rescue levy rate was incorrect. The current levy rate is $1.15 per $1,000. We regret the error.
monitored daily were at the old Cherry Street pier, where 21 crabs were found, and the mouth of California Creek, where five were found, she said. “A lot of results from 2021 are really promising in terms of the efficacy of trapping efforts the past two years,” said Emily Grason, program manager of Washington Sea Grant’s crab team, adding Drayton Harbor remains a hot spot for the crabs. Scientists also conducted a grid survey of Drayton Harbor in late August where they set 1,000 traps in one week, as well as two assessments of Birch Bay to find whether they were missing areas they needed to trap, Simpson said. Crabs were found where scientists expected. In total, 146 crabs were caught in 2021, a 42 percent decrease from the 253 crabs caught in 2020. Grason said three to four crabs were caught for every 100 traps set, with 5,400 traps set this year. “It underscores how many traps you have to set, even if they’re in hotspots,” she said. (See Crabs, page 5)
Vol XXVII, No 26 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Civic Meetings Next issue: Dec. 16 Ads due: Dec. 10
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: Rescheduled to Tuesday, October 19 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
December 9 - 15, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Crabs ... From page 4
Last year, more crabs were caught in fewer traps, with about eight crabs per 100 traps, Grason said. During the Drayton Harbor surveying, the crew started using shrimp traps which yielded so much success, they later switched to using them at their main sites – 54 out of the 71 crabs found at core sites were caught by the shrimp traps this year, Simpson said. “It was really eye opening for us to realize that this type of trap was working incredibly well for this area,” she said. “It’s a process to go through and see what works best in different areas.” The sheer number of juvenile crabs, which indicate if the crab population is growing in the area, was another good sign for scientists. This year, they only found four juveniles in creek mouths. Simpson said scientists would
like to gain access to private properties upstream of Dakota Creek to confirm there are no crabs upstream, where juvenile crabs were found in 2020. Meanwhile, the Lummi Indian Business Council recently declared a disaster after over 70,000 European green crabs were found in a sea pond on the Lummi Reservation, which Grason said shows the crab population’s explosion when not monitored. “Our really intense trapping efforts are paying off. Our numbers are much lower than they were last year. We trapped even more this year and we’ve really targeted areas where we see crabs,” Simpson said. “It’s obvious in the numbers and it’s obvious when you’re trapping for a few weeks and don’t find anything. It shows how important it is to get on the ground, mobilize and get a plan in place. Hopefully next year we will see fewer and fewer crabs.” Dakota Creek landowners can contact Allie Simpson at simpson@nwstraits.org.
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Timmons runs for state representative By Grace McCarthy Joe Timmons, of Bellingham, announced he will run as a Democrat for the 42nd Legislative District Position 2 seat. “I love this community and the government,” Timmons said on why he decided to run. “I think I can really help this community out in Olympia.” Timmons is running for the seat currently held by Rep. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), who announced she will run for state Senate. Timmons is the northwest Washington regional representative for the governor’s office, where he liaisons Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island and Snohomish county communities to the governor’s office. Before that, Timmons was the assistant director of Government Rela-
s Joe Timmons.
Courtesy photo
tions at Western Washington University and a policy analyst for Sound Transit. Timmons is
also a Bellingham Food Bank board member and has served on a Bellingham neighborhood advisory commission and the city’s community development advisory board. Timmons said his top priorities include education, affordable housing, and helping small businesses and workers come out of the pandemic. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Washington University and received his master of public administration from the University of Washington. “I would welcome the opportunity to meet folks across the district. I think listening is so important for elected officials,” he said. “You can’t serve the community without understanding what the wants and needs are.”
Man pleads guilty to vehicular homicide in I-5 crash that killed Blaine resident CITY OF BLAINE
B y G r a c e M c C a r t h y documents. The driver of the A Pierce County man pled guilty to vehicular homicide in an I-5 crash that killed a Blaine resident in July 2020. Gary Vernon Johnson, 76, pled guilty to one count of vehicular homicide in Whatcom County Superior Court November 23. On July 1, 2020, Johnson was driving intoxicated, which resulted in a head-on collision that killed his brother in the passenger seat, David Bruce Johnson of Blaine, according to court documents. David Johnson was pronounced dead on the scene. Gary Johnson was driving a silver Lexus when he struck a maroon Toyota Camry sedan near Slater Road in Ferndale. Johnson admitted to drinking at least five beers and taking medication before the crash, according to court
Toyota Camry, 18-year-old Ilia Castrejon of Ferndale, was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham. Gary Johnson was also transported to the hospital, sustaining a broken sternum and facial injuries before being transported to Whatcom County Jail. He was later released on a $50,000 bail July 4, 2020. The prosecuting attorney will recommend to the judge that Johnson serve 7.5 years in Department of Corrections community custody, according to Johnson’s plea deal. Johnson is set to be sentenced January 21, 2022.
SHOP, EAT AND READ LOCAL
CITY OF BLAINE
ENGINEERING TECH III Salary Range: $5,243 - $6,119 per month plus benefits. (2021 wages; 2022 wages will be determined by new CBA) The Engineering Technician III provides a wide variety of technical support to the public and Public Works Department, both in the office and the field, such as plan review, document processing (i.e. developer review), document archival, data collection, and inspection services for both developer and public projects. They utilize GIS tools to support technical analysis of facilities and property within the scope of department needs, assists with preparation of a wide variety of engineering designs, while also assisting the public by providing information regarding engineering practice and policy.
Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/857/Engineering-Technician-III First review deadline is December 31, 2021 at 4:30 PM. The position is open until filled. The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call-in number or location may change.
CITY OF BLAINE
MAINTENANCE WORKERS – UTILITIES
Thursday, December 9 9:00am – Park and
Salary Range: $4,316 to $5,229 per month plus benefits. (2021 wages; 2022 wages will be determined by new CBA)
Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
Applications are being accepted for two (2) Maintenance Workers with the City’s Public Works Department. These positions require a high level of personal integrity while providing fast, friendly, and effective customer service.
Monday, December 13 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 14 8:00am – Blaine Tourism
The Maintenance Worker performs regular and recurring public works routine maintenance, installation and repair work on City utilities including water system, stormwater, wastewater, and other related services as assigned. This position utilizes authorized equipment and facilities to accomplish the work. Individuals assigned to this classification are expected to be competent in their skill area and perform proficiently and independently those assignments of a regular and recurring nature.
Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 23 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
Friday, December 24 City Offices Closed – Christmas Day Observed
Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/827/Maintenance-Worker-Utilities
Contact information for staff & Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.
First review deadline: December 17, 2021, at 4:30pm; Open Until Filled.
Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
www.cityofblaine.com
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The Northern Light • December 9 - 15, 2021
Blaine CBP agents intercept woman using sister’s passport, vaccine card By Ian Haupt Using biometric technology, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) intercepted an unvaccinated woman crossing into the U.S. from Canada November 26 using her sister’s U.S. passport and Covid-19 vaccination card, according to a December 3 CBP news release. A CBP officer detected a facial mismatch while processing the woman in the bus terminal at the Pacific Highway port of entry,
according to CBP. Upon further investigation, the woman admitted to using her sister’s credentials to cross the border because she had not yet been vaccinated. “The addition of facial biometric technology and the vigilance of our CBP officers prevented the entry of someone suspected of fraudulently using another individual’s passport and COVID-19 vaccination card to cross international borders,” said Brian Humphrey, field operations director at CBP’s Seat-
tle Field Office. “This advanced biometric technology, combined with skilled CBP officers, provides travelers with a secure, efficient and touchless arrival process that strengthens border security.” CBP’s facial biometric technology program, Simplified Arrival, provides travelers with a secure, touchless travel experience while fulfilling a longstanding Congressional mandate to biometrically record the entry and exit of non-U.S. citizens, the re-
lease said. It compares facial data when travelers have already been required to verify their identity by presenting travel documents. According to the release, the process only takes a few seconds and is more than 98 percent accurate. U.S. travelers and foreign nationals can opt out of the biometric process by notifying a CBP officer as they approach the primary inspection point and use alternative processes for admission into the U.S.
Photo comparisons of U.S. citizens are deleted within 12 hours, while most foreign nationals’ photo comparisons are stored in a U.S. Department of Homeland Security system, according to CBP. CBP has used facial comparisons on more than 113 million travelers since it started using the system in September 2018, which has prevented 1,100 people from illegally entering into the U.S, according to the release.
Point Roberts couple die from carbon monoxide poisoning B y P a t G r u bb Gail Amundsen and Murray Church, longtime residents of Point Roberts, were discovered dead in their home on Calder Drive on Thanksgiving Day evening. The presumptive cause of death was declared by Whatcom County medical examiner Gary Goldfogel, MD, to be asphyxia by inhalation of incomplete products of hydrocarbon combustion or, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Murray Church was 67 and Gail Amundsen was 61. The couple were discovered by two family friends after being contacted by the couple’s children who had not heard from them since November 21. The friends went to the couple’s house which was locked and in darkness. Receiving no response to their knocks, one of the friends climbed a ladder to access the second floor and could see Church in bed. Amundsen was later found in the adjoining
bathroom. According to Whatcom County chief deputy sheriff Kevin Hester, it is believed that the deaths took place sometime after the 21st and “occurred in the middle of the night or early morning as suggested by their attire and locations.” After the discovery, the two friends called 911 shortly after 7 p.m. and the fire department arrived soon thereafter. According to fire chief Christopher Carleton, two firefighters attempted to enter but turned back after their monitors registered dangerous levels of CO in the house. The ground floor registered 1300 ppm while the basement level was later determined to be 1800 ppm. The U.S. standard for CO levels is a maximum of 35 ppm for a 1-hour exposure (not to be exceeded more than once a year) and a maximum of 9 ppm for an 8-hour exposure, again just once a year. Exposure at the levels found in the residence would
lead to a loss of consciousness in less than an hour. As CO is colorless, odorless and tasteless, it is especially dangerous to individuals who are asleep. Two firefighters wearing self-contained breathing apparatus subsequently entered the house to perform a search and to begin airing it out. The initial investigation was then turned over to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). According to Hester, their role in the investigation is now complete as the deaths were ruled accidental and not the result of any criminal activity. It is not known if other agencies are investigating the deaths. If so, it would be either the county planning and development department, the state department of Labor and Industries, or “if the family pursues an independent investigation or lawsuit,” said Hester. Newly constructed, the couple had only moved into the house on August 9. According to the fire chief and WCSO, while the
Symptoms of CO poisoning Red blood cells pick up carbon monoxide (CO) molecules faster than oxygen, starving your brain and body of the oxygen it requires. Symptoms of CO poisoning Common initial symptoms are headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, confusion, and nausea. Low-level carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are like other illnesses, such as the flu. The following could be a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning:
Symptoms go away when you leave your home and come back when you return. Everyone in the home has similar symptoms at the same time. Breathing in high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death. People who are sleeping can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before ever knowing they are being exposed to the gas. Source: Washington State Department of Health
house had fire detectors, no CO monitors or alarms were found. Since 2011, all newly constructed homes in Washington state must have CO alarms installed adjacent to all bedrooms and on all floors. According to Hester, the source of the CO is believed
to be the furnace/boiler system that powered the radiant heating. There were no other sources of potential CO located in the residence. The couple are survived by their two children, Hailey and Dawson, both in their 20s.
Whatcom County Council December 7 meeting roundup 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
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By Ian Haupt The latest news from the December 7 Whatcom County Council meeting. Birch Bay Visitor Center funding Whatcom County Council granted the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce $110,000 to pay for the operations of the Birch Bay Visitor Center for 2022. Council voted 7-0 to authorize funds. According to the memorandum, funding will come out of the county’s Convention Center Fund as recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Last year the chamber was granted $100,000. Chamber event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti said the majority of the funding will go toward the chamber’s three major events; Rollback Weekend, the Sand Sculpture Competition and Discover Birch Bay Days. “Hopefully, next year [those events] won’t be as scaled down as they’ve been recently,” he said. Due to the pandemic, Rollback Weekend and the Sand
Sculpture Competition coincided with each other this year. The chamber puts on other events as well, like the recent, successful first-time trick-or-treat on the berm affair. Sanguinetti said in order to get the funding the chamber has to put on three big two-day events each year. The rest of the chamber’s funding comes from donors and sponsorships, which he said the chamber could not get by without. NW Annex Redevelopment Fund Whatcom County Council voted 7-0 to establish the Northwest Annex Redevelopment Fund, which will be used to account for revenues and expenditures related to replacing the Northwest Annex building at the corner of Northwest Drive and Smith Road, according to the memorandum. The initial project budget is $5.1 million. According to the memorandum, the multi-year project gets its funding for its first phase from the county’s Real Estate Excise Tax I Fund, the Public Utilities Improvement Fund,
and the sale of the Baker Creek and Forest Street buildings. “The existing Northwest Annex facility is over 100 years old and in dire need of replacing,” the memorandum states. Birch Bay library Whatcom County Council voted 6-0-1 to request that the Whatcom County Auditor include the question of establishing a Birch Bay Library Capital Facility Area to finance a new library facility in Birch Bay. It will be on the ballot in the February 2022 special election. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue paramedic reimbursement Whatcom County Council voted 5-1-1, with councilmember Ben Elenbaas opposed and councilmember Tyler Byrd absent, to reimburse North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) in the amount of $120,275 for the wages and benefits of a paramedic student. Council approved budget authority for a 2022 paramedic training class, according to the memorandum, and students (See County, page 13)
December 9 - 15, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Sports Winter sports begin; boys basketball plays first home game
Worship This
Christmas H o l i d ay Season!
Z ion L utheran C hurch
Z ion L utheran C hurch A caring, country congregation north of Ferndale
Grandview and Bay Rds.of Ferndale A between caring, country congregation north between Grandview and Bay Rds.
“Carols by Candlelight”
“Carols by Candlelight” Wednesday, Dec. 15th at 6:00 PM Wednesday, Dec. 15th at 6:00 PM
Christmas Eve Worship
Christmas Eve Worship Friday, Dec. 24th at 5:00 PM Friday, Dec. 24th at 5:00 PM
Masking & distancing in place at church events
Masking & distancing in place at church events
7215 Valley View • 360-366-5567 7215 Valley View Rd Rd • 360-366-5567
www.zionlutheranwhatcom.org www.zionlutheranwhatcom.org
s Matthew Russ goes up for a layup in the Borderites 70-53 win over Archbishop Murphy on December 2.
s Jaxon Kortlever tries to recover possession of the basketball in Blaine’s season-opening win. Photo by Janell Kortlever
Photo by Janell Kortlever
By Ian Haupt With winter sports starting last week, boys basketball opened the season with a win and a loss on the road while girls basketball were forced to cancel their first three games due to a Covid-19 positive case on the team. Boys basketball The Borderites won their opening game of the season last Thursday, beating Archbishop Murphy 70-53 on the road. The boys then traveled to Sehome Monday, where they lost 75-53. Blaine play their home-open-
er against Burlington-Edison Thursday, December 9. They will then host Lake Stevens Saturday, December 11 and Bellingham Wednesday, December 15. All games are at 7:15 p.m. Girls basketball The Lady Borderites were forced to cancel their first three games of the season due to a positive Covid-19 case within their ranks. They will start their season on the road against Burlington-Edison Friday, December 10 at 7:15 p.m. The girls will then travel to Lummi Nation Saturday, December 11 to play at 2 p.m.
Celebrate Christmas Christmas Eve 8 pm in-person
Grace Lutheran Church 702 G St.
blainegracelutheran.com
The Blaine United Church of Christ Invites you to join us for s Lucas Smith tries to snag the rebound in the Borderites 75-53 loss to Sehome December 6. Photo by Janell Kortlever
One trusted resource for all information regarding Whatcom County Flood Relief:
WhatcomStrong.com Use our online Resource Center to connect to the help you need or can provide. Sign up to volunteer where help is needed most. Donate to help our neighbors.
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Christmas Eve Services • Friday, December 24 7 pm In-person or on Zoom. Carols and Communion. Zoom info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87471530698? pwd=OU5xaWQxVWtsOWo5SzZHdEdZQ2lvUT09 Meeting ID: 874 7153 0698 Passcode: 134347 Dial by your location +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
11:45 In-person. Meditation. Blaine United Church of Christ • Pastor Sandy Wisecarver 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 • (360) 332-6906
Healing for Our World A Christmas Gathering with Josiah Aho
Pioneer Pavilion Event Center Friday, Dec. 17, 6pm - 8pm 2007 Cherry St, Ferndale Join us and sing along with your favorite Christmas Hymns. Free Snacks and Coffee Have a Christmas Favorite? Text Josiah at 360-366-3574 and he might sing it! Presented by www.endtimemessagetabernacle.com Service Times: Sunday 10:30AM & 5PM, Wednesday 7:30PM at 2007 Cherry St. Ferndale • 360-815-5025
7
8
The Northern Light • December 9 - 15, 2021
Active S eniors
Blaine residents reflect on WWII 80 years after the U.S. entered the war By Nilesh Shukla Eighty years ago, the U.S. entered WWII on December 11, 1941, more than two years after WWII started when Germany invaded Poland. A WWII long barrel anti-aircraft gun next to the Blaine police department reminds us of sacrifices our heroes made. I walk by the memorial every day on my evening walks, near my friend chaplain Joe Zaccaria’s office, The Gathering Place. The gun, now decommissioned and pointing to the sky, inspires us every day to be patriots and serve the nation. It also stokes a host of diverse memories to those who pass by. For Joe, it brings up memories of his mom and dad. His dad was in the U.S. Marine Corps, who fought in Germany and won many medals, however,
upon return ended up suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In those days, no one knew about PTSD. However, the brunt was borne by his family, especially by Joe’s mom, Josephine. The rage of Joe’s dad, compounded by uncontrolled drinking, led to beating and abuse every day. Joe, just a small child, hid behind doors of cabinets frightened by his dad’s shouts and the sight of his leather belt and fists. Joe said he thinks PTSD should be called post-traumatic stress illness because disorder is misleading as it indicates blame on soldiers rather than the war. Our veterans suffered such an illness mostly due to experience during the war that rendered them unable to live as they previously had and needed medical assistance. I’m reminded of my family as
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s The long-barrel, anti-aircraft gun at the Veterans Memorial in Blaine.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
the British. There are more parallels between the U.S. and India than what meets the eye. Just like the U.S., Japan also invaded India; Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and India at Kohima on April 4, 1944. I remember my mother, Urmila, telling me about my granddad, a doctor with the colonial British government. Many Indian doctors were sent to the frontlines; he too was expecting to be shipped off. It was therefore important for him to assess how many days away was his conscription. Listening to British or U.S. radio only gave one-sided news, so he also listened to German and Japanese radio to make a judgement. But being a British state employee, he had to do it secretly because it was a treason to listen to enemy broadcasts. Joe was an amateur radio operator and I, too, had installed low-power transmitters for paging hospital staff. We were naturally excited to share stories of shortwave radio of the agegone-by. Crackling reception of the broadcast would fade or gain with the weather. Powered on the bank of car batteries, radios were connected to horizontal wire antennas tied between bamboo poles. In the end, we won WWII
but victory was heavily on the backs of the U.S. and India. The U.S. had contributed 2 million soldiers and equipment, while India contributed 2.5 million soldiers and materials to win the war for Britain. U.S. soldiers were mostly sent to frontlines of Europe and Pacific territories, and the Indians were deployed on war fronts in Africa, Italy, West Asia, Burma and Malaya. A large quantity of the explosives, bombs, mortars, grenades and bullets came from 41 ordnance factories in India. Besides explosives, India supplied huge quantities of coal, tents, canvas, leather shoes, timber and grain. Surely every family has experienced WWII in one way or another and made sacrifices. The anti-aircraft gun memorial of Blaine brings alive many memories. This war memorial also lists many brave men from Blaine on its honor rolls. With the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay, WWII ended September 2, 1945.
well and what they faced during WWII. My aunt had to sail from her home in Mumbai to Mombasa in constant fear while sleeping on boxes of bombs aboard an explosive-laden ship. And how India suffered from acute shortages, from what the world now knows as the man-made famine of Bengal. Millions died of hunger despite a bumper harvest. When the bureaucrats wrote to Winston Churchill not to take away all of the crops Indian farmers produced to Europe, he snapped back that Gandhi was still alive. Rationing of food, clothes and fuel was ruthless. Even match sticks were not available. Brutal character of colonial powers is not new to the U.S. The Boston Tea Party was not for nothing. Not just tea, but American colonists had to buy even paltry things like soap from British monopolies. Just as the U.S., India too was once colonized by
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Nilesh Shukla is a 70-year-old Blaine resident who has worked at an atomic research center in India and with multinationals on advanced scientific and industrial equipment. He has written books on cultural subjects and management.
Q: Why is proper nutrition
important as we get older?
A: Eating
well is important for seniors because nutritional needs change. Adequate nutrition is necessary for health, quality of life and vitality. Unfortunately, many seniors are not eating as well as they should, which can lead to poor nutrition or malnutrition, easily being mistaken as a disease or illness. Our bodies change as we get older and Executive Chef David Climer many age-related conditions — such as dental Culinary Services Director or gastrointestinal conditions can influence the performance of our body which then influences 2818 Old Fairhaven Parkway our eating, nutritional intake and overall health. Bellingham, WA 98225 Malnutrition is due to under nutrition, 360-671-6060 nutrient deficiencies or imbalances and is seen in varying degrees in the elderly, along with vitamin deficiencies. Symptoms to watch for are; loss of appetite, general malaise or lack of overall interest and wellness. Adequate nutrition and proper intake of vitamins and minerals will help keep seniors healthier and feeling more vibrant!
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December 9 - 15, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
9
Longterm solutions to avoid aches and pains will protect your joints Periodic aches and pains can affect anyone. Individuals who are physically active and even those who live largely sedentary lifestyles may experience pain from time to time. In fact, many professional and amateur athletes experience relatively minor, short-term injuries at one point or another, and rest is often the best remedy to overcome such obstacles. Though minor tweaks may be somewhat normal, long-term issues like persistent joint pain should not be written off as par for the course. It can be tempting to write joint pain off as a concern only serious athletes need to worry about. Terms like “tennis elbow” and “runner’s knee”
can give less physically active individuals a false impression of joint pain and what causes it. The Mayo Clinic notes that lack of exercise can contribute to pain and stiffness in the joints. That’s because exercise strengthens the muscles and tissues that surround the joints. That added strength puts less stress on the joints. In recognition of the threat posed by chronic joint pain, the Arthritis Foundation recommends individuals take various steps to protect their joints over the long haul. • Focus less on fashion in regard to footwear. High heels may be the epitome of glamorous footwear, but women who routinely
wear high heels will pay a steep price. The AF notes that heels put added stress on the knees and increases risk for osteoporosis. Experts believe that three-inch heels are seven times more stressful on feet than one-inch heels. But women aren’t the only ones whose footwear fashion sense could be hurting their joints. Men also must pay attention to what they’re putting on their feet. For example, sandals without a back strap force toes to overgrip the edge of the sandal, putting needless strain on each foot and potentially causing issues with the toes. • Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Joint stiffness and strain can de-
velop when individuals spend lengthy periods of time sitting or standing. The AF recommends taking a break to stand up or sit down every 30 minutes. Professionals who sit at a desk all day may want to switch to height-adjustable desks that make it easy for them to transition from sitting to standing and still get their work done. • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight causes a ripple effect that impacts the entire body, including the joints. The AF notes that researchers have determined that losing 11 pounds can reduce risk for osteoarthritis of the knee by 50 percent. On the flip side, each extra pound an individual carries puts four times the stress
on his or her knees. Exercising to lose weight can provide the added benefit of preventing joint stiffness. • Opt for low-impact activities. Low-impact activities like cycling and swimming are easier on the joints than fitness classes that involve high-intensity dancing and kickboxing. In addition, when choosing between a treadmill and elliptical machine, the Mayo Clinic notes that ellipticals are generally considered low-impact machines that are less stressful on the knees, hips and back than running on a treadmill or even outdoors. Various strategies can help individuals maintain healthy, painfree joints over the long haul.
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s A Blaine Senior Center patron exercising with the center’s gym equipment.
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The Northern Light • December 9 - 15, 2021
Blaine’s Holiday Harbor Lights Celebration December 4, 2021
Photo by Louise Mugar
Photo by Louise Mugar
Photo by Carella Clark
Photo by Ruth Lauman
Photo by Molly Ernst
Photo by Ruth Lauman
Photo by Ruth Lauman
Photo by Ruth Lauman
Photo by Louise Mugar
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December 9 - 15, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
NEXT ISSUE: Dec. 15
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: VALERIE HARDING, Deceased. No. 21-4-00971-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Judge Lee Grochmal 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: November 29, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: December 2, 2021 Name of Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL 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: November 29, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com
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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Clarence J. Reed, Deceased. NO. 21 4 00895 37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Robert E. Olson 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: November 25, 2021 Personal Representative: Beverly Reed 2285 Rusty Lane Bellingham, WA 98229 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 00895 37
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: MARJAN GERDINA EICHER, Deceased. No. 21-4-00990-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: December 1, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: December 9, 2021 Name of Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: December 1, 2021. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. Attorney for Personal Representative CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com
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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON KING COUNTY In re the Estate of: Daniel Louis Warner and Jane Eileen Warner, Deceased. NO. 21-4-08078-6 SEA. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The Administrator named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedents 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 probate 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 decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: December 9, 2021 Administrator: Mary Alice Kipp Benson Attorney for the Administrator: Nicholas Pleasants Address for Mailing or Service: 2300 130th Ave NE Ste A-101, Bellevue, WA 98005 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: King County Superior Court Case No. 21-4-08078-6 SEA IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: FRANK MELVIN EICHER, Deceased. No. 21-4-00994-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee P. Grochmal The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: December 1, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: December 9, 2021 Name of Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: December 1, 2021. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. Attorney for Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com
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12
The Northern Light • December 9 - 15, 2021
Real Estate
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO
Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100 8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270, Blaine
F E A T U R E D L I S T I N G S - B I R C H B AY
4823 Alderson Rd #105 MLS #1812705 $130,000
Ideally located, affordable commercial space in the heart of Birch Bay. 15 min drive from I-5 & 2-minute walk from the beach, this is a perfect spot for a medical, dental, retail or office space. This unit is a finished with ADA Bathroom, finished waiting room/office in the store front, located in a high-end building with residential condos and townhouses above. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy and build your business Buyer to verify all information. Dues are $257 per month and cover water, sewer, and garbage.
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - B L A I N E
5563 Salish Lane
MLS #1861097 $515,000 Can’t choose between golf course, bay, or mountain view? You can have it all with this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, ranch packed with upgrades and improvements. New appliances and water heater, natural gas plumbed from street, fresh paint in and out, landscaping, and much more. Spacious deck and open floor plan is great for entertaining. Numerous mature fruit trees and ample garden space outside. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over Birch Bay from atop Hole 7. Peaceful, parklike setting in Birch Bay Village grants access to boat launch, marina, golf course, beaches.
Matt Berry 360-389-0104
8403 Kickerville Road
4255 West Road
MLS #1837127 $149,000 Wooded almost 1 acre lot just outside city limits. Included in price, Completed and approved Department of Natural Resource assessment, septic design and permit, comprehensive wetlands mitigation plan, storm water design, surveyed, electrical and city water lines available and in the street, all the questions answered. Possible to get building permit this year and get started building your new home.
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - B L A I N E
4416 Sweet Rd
MLS #1854843 $835,000 Nearly impossible to find now or duplicate in the future...close to town 5.11 enchanting park-like acres with 1,984 sq ft rambler + 32’x20’ timber-built horse barn. Owned by same family for 29+ years, rare opportunity. This no stairs 4 bedroom + den/office charmer features light & bright mid-century modern vibe, wood burning fireplace & 2 car garage. Fantastic rear patio leads directly to 3 acres of mature trees. Stellar location minutes to downtown Blaine, schools, shopping & waterfront. Accessed from two driveways + loads of parking for vehicles, boats & RVs. Easy CAN border & I-5 access + high speed internet available!
Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
For the health & safety of our clients, Windermere Real Estate is pleased to follow the State of Washington’s mandate to not hold Open Houses. We are, however, available to show you your dream home by virtual tour or private appointment. Please call your Realtor for assistance.
14th Street
MLS #1864373 $139,000 Investor Alert! Commercially zoned lot within Blaine city limits and close to the US/Canadian border. Lot is 30,056 +/- square feet and zoned for a mix of commercial, office and light industrial uses. Located next to the truck border crossing and close to schools, gas stations and grocery stores. Buyers to do their due diligence and verify all information prior to purchase.
Amy Bremer 360-961-0620
MLS #1829414 $1,150,000 Equestrian waterfront dream home or sprawling 6.2 acre estate residence w/multiple use possibilities. Quiet & beautiful rural setting minutes to I-5 & services. Completely & artfully remodeled w/slab granite surfaces & artisan quality tile work. Fabulous kitchen & Spa quality Luxurious main bath. Dramatic vaulted family room w/fireplace. Incredible sunny South facing deck with pool. 4+ Big bedrooms. High & dry barn includes tack room, custom saddle racks, 12X12 stalls ea. w/removable walls, mats. & H2O. Fully vinyl fenced w/ outdoor riding arena.
Mike Kent 360-815-3898
F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - S E M I A H M O O
5681 Sanderling Way, #6M
MLS #1864276 $699,500 One of a kind--St. Andrews Cottage at Semiahmoo perfectly situated off 14th fairway. Recently updated-comfortable elegance makes this original Mithun designed condominium a real find in today’s real estate market. Ideal location featuring protected fairway view & sunshine of western exposure. Wrap around deck with easy access off great room, dining room & kitchen is ultimate in outdoor living. Murphy bed & built-in shelving systems transitions open loft to guest room/private office or craft room. Just painted, expanded laundry room, updated kitchen, main floor den & private, oversized guest suite.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
8815 Oertel Drive
MLS #1867952 $2,950,000 All-brick Chicago themed residence is once in a lifetime home in beautiful Semiahmoo. Stunning views 5488 Puffin Place of Semiahmoo bay & Canada. Access to beach right MLS #1698438 $300,000 in backyard. Deck & patio by the water. The opportuHome site #20. Over 1/2-acre, 23958 sq. ft. Water nities are endless with this property. You could rent and Mountain view home site in Drayton Hillside on the back part of the house with its own separate enPuffin Place a gated community. Bring your plans and trance. Or you could keep it all to yourself. The main ambition and enjoy this most peaceful setting, and all kitchen features a walk-in pantry, commercial refrigthe amenities the Semiahmoo community has to offer. erator, double oven, commercial dishwasher, huge Marina, Golf and Country Club, Heath Club, Spa, 200 island, rolling library ladder, & your own built in coffee room Inn at Semiahmoo, restaurants, tennis, pools, machine. Awesome extras include a movie theater, barber shop, sewing room, telephone booth, & more. pickle ball and so much more.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
Hunter Crim 360-927-2217
4368 Castlrock Drive
MLS #1841177 $749,000 Newer single-story home, set on 12th fairway of Loomis Trail Golf Course, brings unobstructed & expansive views of Mt. Baker, golf course, & overall abundance of PNW beauty. Meticulously maintained & surrounded by wildlife enhanced preserve. Elegantly framed with large, gracious windows, high ceilings & -well-thought-out design. Great room has coffered ceilings, mood lighting & ceiling fan. Spacious, Chef friendly sunlit kitchen with open dining welcomes to back deck. Inviting covered front porch. Spa master-excellent tile work, Birch hardwood floors, hot water circulation pump, Crown molding & skylights.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
www.windermere.com Legal NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Jelle “Jim” Zylstra. Probate No. 21-401003-37. Judge: Evan 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 Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of first publication: 12/9/21. Personal Representative: Kenneth Zylstra. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 314 5th Street, P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021
FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estate of JOHN PETER BLAIR, Deceased. No. 21-4-00751-37 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the deceased JOHN PETER BLAIR must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided by RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s Attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim, and filing the original of the claim with the Court in which the probated proceedings have commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative 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 this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 or 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate and nonprobate assets of the Decedent. DATE OF FILING NOTICE TO CREDITORS WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT: November 22, 2021 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: December 2, 2021 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: MICHAEL PHILLIP MAYNARD ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA #16655 ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Mark W. Stowe, Attorney Stowe Law PLLC 276 Boundary Bay Rd, P.O. Box 129, Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone: (360) 945-0337 Email: stowelawpllc@outlook.com DATED this 22th day of November 2021. STOWE LAW PLLC: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655, Attorney for Personal Representative
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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.
Rentals - Commercial
NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
LEASE SPACES FOR:
Warehousing-Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Vehicle Storage Yards Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall
Rentals - Rooms FURNISHED ROOMS in historic home, incl. amenities, NS, pet friendly starts at $600/ mo. + deposit, references required. 360-332-3449.
Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates
Call: 360-305-0286 Email nelsbldg@msn.com
380 s.f.
2nd floor office space in The Northern Light Cannery-style building on Blaine Harbor. Views of marina. Fiber optic internet. Utilities included. For leasing info, contact Pat Grubb at 360/332-1777 or email pgrubb@mac.com
December 9 - 15, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
County ... From page 6
recommended from the Bellingham Fire Department, Fire Protection District #7 and NWFR could participate in the course through EMS Levy funding. Affordable childcare facility Whatcom County Council voted 6-0-1 to enter into a $1 million contract with the Opportunity Council, which will develop a 5,000 square foot childcare space at the Laurel and Forest streets project site in Bellingham. According to the memorandum, the newly-constructed space will include three class-
rooms and the capacity to provide childcare services for up to 65 children. The American Rescue Plan Act provides the funding for the project. Affordable housing facility Whatcom County Council voted 6-0-1 to grant the Opportunity Council $3 million to develop 56 one-bedroom apartments at the Laurel and Forest streets project site in Bellingham to be used as affordable housing. The units will be offered to low-income individuals and families living in Whatcom County, according to the memorandum. The American Rescue Plan Act provides the funding for the project.
Alderson Road golf cart zone hearing Whatcom County Council voted 6-0-1 to introduce an ordinance to establish a 25 mph speed limit on Alderson Road from East Loft Lane to Gemini Street in Birch Bay. This would effectively extend the golf cart zone on Alderson Road to Gemini Street, which leads to the Birch Bay Activity Center and Bay Horizon Park, according to the memorandum. Ordinance 2018-023, which created the golf cart zone, states “all county roads posted 25 mph or less that lead to, and are contiguous with Birch Bay Drive.”
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL Blaine and Birch Bay road updates
DIRECTORY
Birch Bay-Lynden Road Birch Bay-Lynden Road remains closed near Ham Road since the mid-November flood washed out a 40-foot section of the road after a culvert for California Creek failed, according to the Whatcom County public works department. County crews are working on an emergency culvert replacement and expect to do permanent repairs later. The road should reopen by the end of 2021 or early January 2022 once emergency culvert repairs are finished. Drayton Harbor Road Drayton Harbor Road closed at Shintaffer Road after county crews found the shoreline slope eroding toward the beach. Waves had undercut the bank and heavy rainfall triggered a slide failure, according to public works. A geotechnical engineer is examining the safety of the slope and the county hopes to open the road to single-lane traffic once safe. Final repairs would be the next step, but the county considers this road repair a low priority compared to others in Whatcom County. Other major road repairs in the county include Slater Road and Marine Drive, Mosquito Lake Road, South Pass Road, Goshen Road, Beach Avenue on Lummi Island, Silver Lake Road and North Fork Road Peace Portal Drive The city of Blaine closed Peace Portal Drive between 3rd and 4th streets after a 20-foot-wide-by-4feet-deep sinkhole was found on the side of the road December 5. “While it is unfortunate that these closures cause delays, backups and inconveniences, the closures are essential for public safety,” the county public works statement read. “Repairs are planned or already underway to reopen roads as soon as possible.”
Counseling and Personal Coaching Transformational Hypnotherapy co-creating rapid change for personal growth
Evelyne L. Hendricks BA, LHT 360.739.5606 evelynehendricks@gmail.com
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LOCAL
Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts NOVEMBER 2021
DESCRIPTION
HIGHER END HOUSES: $750,000 & ABOVE: 1-story house with 2,258 SF, 1,652 SF basement, 4 BD, 3 BA, 834 SF attached garage, 1,652 SF patio, 596 SF deck, built in 2008; marine and territorial views, .47 acres land.
1-story house with 1,570 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 400 SF attached garage, 490 SF deck, built in 1970 remodeled in 2013; marine and territorial views, .26 acres land.
$1,125,000
8130 Comox Road, Blaine
$900,000
1-story house with 2,357 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 696 SF attached 5405 Quail Run, $1,025,000 Blaine garage, 796 SF deck, built in 2005, .32 acres land. 1-story house with 2,633 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 778 SF attached garage, 340 SF patio, built in 1995; marine and territorial view, .36 acres land.
5345 Canvasback Road, Blaine
$919,500
1-story house with 1,836 SF, 3 BD, 2 BA, 650 SF attached garage, 650 SF patio, 424 SF deck, outbuildings, built in 1968, 32.62 acres wooded land.
3451 Haynie Road, Blaine
$885,800
2-story house with 3,363 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 696 SF attached garage, 1,002 SF deck, built in 2016, .36 acres land.
8648 Ashbury Court, Blaine
$940,000
1-story house with 2,713 SF, 2,713 SF basement, 3 BD, 2 BA, 740 SF balcony, 510 SF patio, 718 SF attached garage, built in 1996, beach access; marine and territorial views, .67 acres land.
5913 Normar Place, Blaine
$1,330,000
2-story house with 3,685 SF, 3 BD, 4 BA, 652 SF attached garage, 826 SF patio, built in 1997; territorial views, .36 acres land.
5429 Canvasback Road, Blaine
$1,150,000
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES: 2-story warehouse with 10,208 SF, 1,552 SF mezzanine office, built in 1965, 6.44 acres land. Gas station and mini mart with 1,786 SF, 80,000 gallon tanks, built in 1983 and 1995, .81 acres land.
1300 and 1400 Boblett Street, $1,000,000 Blaine 1307 Boblett Street, Blaine
$1,000,000
Gas station and mini mart with 2,160 SF, 22,000 4520 Drayton $1,000,000 gallon tanks, built in 1955 and 1995. Includes old Harbor Road house with 990 SF built in 1953, 2.00 acres land. and 8839 Blaine Road, Blaine Mixed use commercial building with 18,240 SF, 1,403 loading dock, 2.28 acres land. Mobile Home Park with 164 spaces, 2,887 SF club, 4,800 SF utility building, built in 1979 and 1989, 23.37 acres land.
1649 Boblett Street, Blaine
$6,600,000
4672 Birch Bay $8,125,000 Lynden Road, Blaine
LAND: Tyee Road, Point Roberts $375,000 6.82 acres commercial land.
LYNDEN
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1721 E. College Way
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LOCATION
1-story house with 2,496 SF, 4 BD, 2 BA, 720 SF 5745 Nakat Way, $1,000,000 Blaine attached garage, 781 SF patio, built in 1992; marine and territorial views, .38 acres land.
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2.69 acres commercial land.
Marine Drive, Point Roberts
$409,000
4.85 acres residential land.
Benson Road, Point Roberts
$230,000
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Portion 24.81 acres residential and other use land. Shore Pine Place, $660,000 Blaine Portion 24.81 acres residential and other use land. 144.13 acres forest land. Portion 24.81 acres residential and other use land.
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$960,000
Portion 24.81 acres residential and other use land. Sandlewood Ln $1,285,000 & Shore Pine Pl, Blaine Residential lot in Drayton Reach .24 acres residential lot; marine and territorial view.
1314 Leighton Street, Blaine
$235,000
8066 Niska Road, Blaine
$210,000
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14
The Northern Light • December 9 - 15, 2021
Sheriff’s Reports Nov. 21, 4:55 p.m.: Threat on Portal Way. Nov. 21, 5:42 p.m.: Watch for on Blaine and Alderson roads. Nov. 21, 8:48 p.m.: Senile subject on Iverson Lane, Custer. Nov. 22, 12:46 a.m.: Watch for on Kickerville Road. Nov. 22, 2:26 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Surf Place. Nov. 22, 2:48 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Surf Place. Nov. 22, 9:38 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Nov. 22, 10:21 a.m.: Follow up on Dory Court. Nov. 22, 11:05 a.m.: Follow up on Tsawwassen Loop. Nov. 22, 12:55 p.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay-Lynden and Stein roads, Custer. Nov. 22, 2:02 p.m.: Assist agency on Helweg Road. Nov. 22, 3:08 p.m.: Welfare check on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Nov. 22, 3:22 p.m.: Domestic order violence on Anderson Road. Nov. 22, 3:30 p.m.: Follow up on H Street Road. Nov. 22, 3:53 p.m.: Assist citizen on Legion Drive. Nov. 22, 9:50 p.m.: Domestic physical on Birch Terrace Drive, Custer. Nov. 23, 3:40 a.m.: Watch for on Jackson and Grandview roads. Nov. 23, 7:57 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Iverson Lane,
Custer. Nov. 23, 8:39 a.m.: Behavioral health on Harborview Road. Nov. 23, 9:49 a.m.: Description not available on Iverson Lane, Custer. Nov. 23, 11:38 a.m.: Whatcomm record on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Nov. 23, 11:39 a.m.: Watch for on Normar Place. Nov. 23, 2:38 p.m.: Watch for
Police Reports Nov. 27, 2:26 a.m.: Noise complaint on 4th Street. Nov. 27, 8:22 a.m.: Parking problem/vehicle impound on 3rd Street. Nov. 27, 9:41 a.m.: Residential alarm on Shearwater Road. Nov. 27, 2 p.m.: Assist agency on Salish Road. Nov. 28, 11:50 a.m.: Auto collision on D Street. Nov. 28, 7:06 p.m.: Construction problem on C Street. Nov. 28, 8:36 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Peace Portal Drive. Nov. 29, 10:59 a.m.: Traffic collision on Peace Portal Drive. Nov. 29, 12:32 p.m.: Information report on H Street. Nov. 29, 3:19 p.m.: Welfare check on 8th Street. Nov. 30, 8:59 a.m.: Collision on
Crossword
ACROSS 1. Requests 5. Calendar month 8. Invests in little enterprises 12. Bird sound 14. S. American plant cultivated for tubers 15. Car 16. Bullfighter 18. Hill (Celtic) 19. Strong criticism 20. Detector 21. When you hope to get there 22. Having the skill to do something 23. Legendary MLB broadcaster 26. Vulcanite 30. C. Asian mountain range 31. In a way, healed 32. Midway between east and southeast 33. Small appendages of insects 34. __ Greene, “Bonanza” actor 39. A place to bathe 42. Postal worker accessory 44. Classical music
on Drayton Harbor and Harborview roads. Nov. 23, 3:40 p.m.: Civil problem on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 23, 4:20 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Harborview Road. Nov. 23, 6:20 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. Nov. 23, 6:50 p.m.: Behavioral health issue on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
46. A way of wrecking 47. Terminator 49. You eat three a day 50. Pointed end of a pen 51. NATO official (abbr.) 56. Genus of clams 57. Boxing’s “G.O.A.T.” 58. A colorless, odorless gas used as fuel 59. Covered thinly with gold paint 60. Bachelor of Laws 61. Red fluorescent dye 62. Engineering group 63. Female sibling 64. Adjacent DOWN 1. What a thespian does 2. Footwear 3. Adjust spacing between 4. Witnesses 5. Who shows excessive fondness 6. Distinct form of a plant
7. National capital 8. Hunting expedition 9. Related to medulla oblongata 10. European country 11. Cola 13. Excluded from use or mention 17. Speak 24. Bloodshot 25. Make better 26. Keyboard key 27. Type of degree 28. Paddle 29. Peacock network 35. Not young 36. Baseball stat 37. One’s grandmother 38. Breakfast food 40. Bathroom features 41. Disease-causing bacterium 42. NY ballplayer 43. Got up 44. Prophet 45. Part of the mouth 47. Unnatural 48. Acronym for brain science study 49. Three are famous 52. Languages spoken in Patagonia
Coming up Toy Donations For Flood Victims: Through December 22. Drop off at Treasures Unknown, 8101 Blaine Road. Accepting new toys for Whatcom County children affected by the recent flooding. Also donating 50 percent of proceeds from espresso sales to flood victims. Info: 643-6787. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 9, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: General knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Recycling Event: Friday, December 10, 12–4 p.m., Living Pantry, 684 Peace Portal Drive. Learn how to dispose of hard-to-recycle items though Ridwell. Sign up at the event and get one month free service and they will collect one bag of plastic film free. Info: ridwell.com/pickup-categories/ pORNeVPQ. Living Pantry is also asking for donations of rubber bands and old greeting cards or postcards. Family Movie Night: Friday, December 10, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center 7511 Gemini Street. Free. Bring a chair and watch a family-friendly holiday movie. Free popcorn. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
I-5 southbound. Nov. 30, 9:46 a.m.: Auto collision on Boblett Street. Nov. 29, 9 p.m.: Malicious mischief on Boblett Street. Dec. 1, 12:03 a.m.: Theft on Boblett Street. Dec. 1, 9:24 a.m.: Civil issue on D Street. Dec. 1, 6:22 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on E Street. Dec. 1, 6:47 p.m.: Vehicle impounded for parking violation on Ludwick Avenue. Dec. 2, 6 a.m.: Shoplift complaint on H Street. Dec. 2, 7:15 a.m.: Trespass complaint on Boblett Street. Dec. 2, 3:08 p.m.: Criminal impersonation on Georgia Street. Dec. 3, 12:02 a.m.: Fire investigation on Boblett Street. Report by Blaine Police Department.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, December 10, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Trio Sueño. Info: thevaultwine.com.
53. Freedom from difficulty 54. Widely used OS 55. Many people pay it
Blaine Community Theater Presents “LUX Radio Theater Miracle on 34th Street”: Saturday, December 18, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Admission by donation. Contact blainecommunitytheater@gmail.com with questions.
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Tides 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W TIME
HEIGHT
TIME
HEIGHT
Fr 10 3:25 am 0.0 11:15 am 10.3
6:04 pm 5.2
9:40 pm 6.0
Sa 11 4:17 am 1.4 11:55 am 10.0
7:04 pm 4.0 11:36 pm 5.6
Su 12 5:13 am 2.8 12:31 pm 9.8
7:50 pm 2.8
Mo 13 1:32 am 5.9
6:13 am 4.2
1:03 pm 9.6
8:26 pm 1.8
Tu 14 3:02 am 6.7
7:17 am 5.3
1:31 pm 9.4
9:00 pm 0.9
We 15 4:10 am 7.5
8:19 am 6.1
1:57 pm 9.2
9:30 pm 0.2
Th 16 5:02 am 8.3
9:19 am 6.8
Children’s Pancake Breakfast With Santa: Saturday, December 11, 9 a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Free breakfast for children under 12, includes a visit with Santa and a gift. Adult breakfast by donation. Info: 371-7311. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 16, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Christmas movies plus ugly sweater contest. Info: thevaultwine.com. Recycling Event: Friday, December 17, 12–4 p.m., Living Pantry Bellingham location, 2400 Yew Street. Learn how to dispose of hard-to-recycle items though Ridwell. Sign up at the event and get one month free service and they will collect one bag of plastic film free. Info: ridwell.com/pickup-categories/pORNeVPQ. Living Pantry is also asking for donations of rubber bands and old greeting cards or postcards. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, December 17, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: D’Vas. Info: thevaultwine.com. 7 Elements Wellness Spa Open House: December 17–19, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m., 7714 Birch Bay Drive. Spa tours, specials, shopping and refreshments. Info: 7elements.life.
Third Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, December 19, 9 a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Serving eggs to order, biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, ham or sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Adults $9, kids 4–7 $4, ages 3 and under are free. Open to the public. Please wear a mask until seated at your table. All proceeds support the American Legion and our veterans. Info: 371-7311. Christmas Church Services: See ads on page 7.
December 10-16 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
DATE
Jingle Bell Run: Saturday, December 11, 8 a.m., Bellingham High School. Events include a holiday-themed kids’ fun run with the elves, 5K run/walk, dog trot (walkers only) and one-mile walk encourages participants to dress in festive costumes and get out and get moving as well as raise awareness and funds to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation. Info: jbr.org/Bellingham.
2:25 pm 9.1 10:02 pm -0.4
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, 1.7 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2021 yearto-date precipitation is 31.1 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 60°F on Nov. 29 with a low of 30°F on Dec. 5. Average high was 54°F and average low was 37°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Trivia at The Vault: December 30, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Pop culture. Info: thevaultwine.com. Ring of Fire and Hope: Friday, December 31, 7 p.m., Birch Bay waterfront. Pick up a free flare starting at 1 p.m. at Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive or bring one of your own (without a spike). At 7 p.m. light your flare along the Birch Bay waterfront. Info: birchbaychamber. com. New Year’s at The Vault: Friday, December 31, 8 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring live music by JP Falcon Grady and Friends. Info: thevaultwine.com. Polar Bear Plunge: Saturday, January in front of Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Costume contest at 11 a.m., the plunge at noon sharp. Register in advance online or starting at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Info and registration: birchbaychamber.com. Ongoing Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com. The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome. CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located 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 Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m, The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763. 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. 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. Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Meetings: Mondays 6:30–8 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. A support group for parents of adult children dealing with addiction, but open to anyone (18 or older) seeking to learn a better way to help an addicted love one. Evidence-based, structured curriculum and offer peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
December 9 - 15, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
15
7 Elements brings physical therapy and upcoming spa to Birch Bay
Combination Meals Buy One, Get Second
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s Natalie Johnson, owner of 7 Elements Physical Therapy and the upcoming 7 Elements Wellness Spa. Photo by Grace McCarthy
360-332-4045
www.pasodelnorte.net
ter care of ourselves so we can achieve the seven elements of wellness?”
s 7 Elements Physical Therapy is located in the Birch Bay Family Medicine building, at 8097 Harborview Road. Photo by Grace McCarthy
Happy Holidays from...
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2677 Bell Road, Blaine, WA, 98230 (360) 332-5335 • www.PacificBuilding.com
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A new physical therapy clinic in the Birch Bay Family Medicine building is helping clients find the healthiest version of themselves, while the company has plans to open a wellness spa later this month. Operating on its slogan, “active life, healthy body, peaceful mind,” 7 Elements Physical Therapy, which opened in June, provides orthopedic treatment for people experiencing skeletal discomfort. “We want to empower people. We want them to know that just because you’ve hit a certain age doesn’t mean that you can’t do these things anymore,” said Natalie Johnson, the clinic’s owner and sole physical therapist. “The more we can keep you active and moving, the healthier and stressfree you’ll be.” Johnson aims to help people have healthy bodies without medication or surgery, according to the clinic’s website. The seven elements the clinic focuses on are physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, occupational and environmental needs. Physical therapy helps everyone from student athletes to people who want to pick up their grandchildren without pain, she said. Johnson, a Birch Bay resident, had been working at Bellingham Physical Therapy when the owner of COAST Physical Therapy, where Johnson’s clinic is now, retired and asked her if she was interested in taking over the space. Johnson has worked as a physical therapist since 2004 and holds a master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Queensland in Australia and biomechanics from the University of Otago in New Zealand. The clinic offers a free, 15-minute over-the-phone consultation, as well as a free 30-minute body diagnostic for a physical therapist to locate areas causing discomfort. The clinic is an out-of-network provider so it does not accept any insurance, but the clinic will provide an invoice on the physical therapy services provided to clients’ insurances if they have outof-network coverage. Johnson offers 60-90 minute sessions at $220 per session without copay or deductible fees added on. Because the clinic is an out-ofnetwork provider, patients don’t need to wait for a doctor’s referral or insurance authorization. Johnson also spends the entire session with her patients, which she said helps her get to the crux of what’s causing the pain. “The healthcare system in the U.S. feels a bit broken. It’s not really patient-focused and patient-centric,” Johnson said. “It’s about how many patients you can see in a day and more and more paperwork required by insurance companies is taking time away from seeing patients. That’s just not a good way to go.” Johnson is also bringing a wellness spa to Birch Bay, slated to open Friday, December 17 in the Grand Bay Resort, 7714 Birch Bay Drive. 7 Elements Wellness Spa will offer clientele water therapy,
massages, nail, esthetician and acupuncture services. The spa will also have retail space with a skincare line by Handmade La Conner as well as local soaps and candles. The spa will be the only place north of Seattle to offer Watsu therapy, where clients float in 97-degree water while going through a range of motions to increase relaxation, similar to Tai Chi, Johnson said. To celebrate its opening, the spa is hosting an open house from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, December 17 through Sunday, December 19. The open house will include spa tours, light refreshments and staff will be available to answer questions. The physical therapy clinic is located at 8097 Harborview Road, Ste. B, in the Birch Bay Family Medicine building. Those interested in 7 Elements Physical Therapy Service may call 360/371-3888 or visit 7elements.life. “It all came out of a holistic approach to wellness,” she said. “What can we do to take bet-
• Automotive • Housewares • Fish & Wildlife Licenses • Computer Paint Matching
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16
The Northern Light • December 9 - 15, 2021
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We’ve Got That CHRISTMAS DINNER CHEF CARVED NEW YORK STRIP LOIN
CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25 11AM - CLOSE • $28.95 Slow roasted New York strip loin with mushroom demi-glace, roasted Yukon gold potatoes with herb butter, and vegetable medley. Served with a dinner roll and choice of soup or salad. With peppermint cheesecake for dessert.
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